The stadium's vibrant energy, still buzzing from Neji's decisive victory, began to subtly shift. A hush fell over the crowd, a palpable sense of apprehension replacing the earlier excitement. Spectators exchanged nervous glances, their voices dropping to hushed whispers. The next match was about to begin, and the air crackled with a different kind of tension.
Shikamaru Nara, his posture slouched and his expression a mask of reluctant resignation, shuffled into the arena. His eyes, usually half-closed in a state of perpetual boredom, were wide with a genuine dread. He sighed, a long, drawn-out exhalation that seemed to encapsulate his entire philosophy of "troublesome."
Shikamaru : 'This is such a drag. Why did I have to get matched up with him? He's like a walking thunderstorm. So much trouble. I should have just stayed home and napped.'
A ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd as Sasuke Uchiha entered the arena. His movements were fluid and confident, but with a noticeable calmness that hadn't been present before. He carried an aura of controlled power, his eyes sharp and focused, yet with a playful glint that hinted at a hidden amusement.
Sasuke then take a look at his Stats, happy to see his extraordinary growth.
Training with kakashi really paid off well.
(Name : Sasuke Uchiha)
(Age : 13)
(Chakra Reserves : 8300/8300
[Chunin])
(Chakra Control : 40%)
(Ninjutsu : Proficient)
(Genjutsu : Intermediate)
(Taijutsu : Proficient)
(Shurikenjutsu : Adept)
(Sharingan : 36/50 [Level 2])
"START", said Hayate Gekko loud and clear without coughing.
Sasuke began to activate his Chidori, the crackling energy forming in his right hand. But unlike the wild, untamed energy of his earlier days, this Chidori was formed with a controlled, almost theatrical flourish. But chirping of birds sound still surround the stadium nonetheless.
A small grin played on his lips, as if he were performing a magic trick.
The crowd reacted with a mix of awe and curious amusement. Some gasped at the raw power of the Chidori, while others chuckled at Sasuke's almost playful demeanor.
Before Sasuke could make any move, Shikamaru raised his hands in surrender, his eyes wide with small terror. "Oh, who is me!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with theatrical despair. "To face the mighty Sasuke! My delicate sensibilities cannot handle such raw power! I forfeit! I surrender! Please, have mercy on my troublesome soul!"
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of laughter, confusion, and disappointment. Some spectators grumbled about wasting their bets, while others found Shikamaru's exaggerated surrender hilariously entertaining.
"What a waste!" one man grumbled, throwing his betting slip to the ground. "I bet on Shikamaru!"
"He didn't even try!" a woman laughed, shaking her head. "That was the most dramatic surrender I've ever seen."
Shikamaru thought 'He's… different. He's still terrifying, though. That Chidori… and I remember what he did to those two Sound genins. And that rain ninja in Preliminaries. No way I'm dealing with that. Plus, he's like, happy now? That's way more creepy. I made the right choice. No trouble, just sleep later.'
Sasuke, his grin widening, deactivated his Chidori with a flourish. He gave a small, playful bow to Shikamaru, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, a wise decision, my friend," he said, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. "To challenge me would be…quite the ordeal, wouldn't you agree?"
He then exited the arena with a calm, measured pace, a slight grin still lingering on his face.
Hayate Gekko, his expression a mix of amusement and professional composure, stepped forward. "Shikamaru Nara forfeits. The victor is Sasuke Uchiha." His voice carried a hint of amusement.
Shikamaru watched Sasuke leave the arena, a thoughtful expression on his face.
'A playful bow? A chuckle? Was that really Sasuke? The same cold, stoic kid who barely spoke a word back in the academy? He's… different. Almost… happy. It's weird. Troublesome, even. I wonder what changed him. But… he's still terrifyingly powerful. I made the right choice.'
Shikamaru's thoughtful gaze lingering on Sasuke's retreating figure.