Matsu: (Smiling and admiring his teammate's work) "Momonosuke, your control of the wind is truly amazing. There's nothing that can stop us now!"
Momonosuke: (Focused but smiling) "Thanks. But we can't let our guard down. Other teams are strong too and willing to do whatever it takes to advance."
As the Kirigakure team moved forward confidently, the other competitors struggled to dodge the powerful whirlwind. Chaos reigned on the battlefield, with ninjas from different villages trying to find a way to overcome the obstacle created by Momonosuke.
A couple of Konoha ninjas, visibly overwhelmed by the force of the whirlwind, decided to face Matsu Hoshigaki and Sao Temuri in close combat. Their determination was palpable, as they were unwilling to give up without a fight for their amulets.
Konoha Ninja 1: (Intensely) "We can't let this Kirigakure team take the victory so easily!"
Konoha Ninja 2: (With a determined expression) "There's no turning back! Let's show them what it means to fight with everything we've got!"
The two Konoha ninjas charged in with great energy, using fire jutsus and close combat techniques. Matsu Hoshigaki and Sao Temuri prepared for the confrontation.
Matsu Hoshigaki and Sao Temuri from Kirigakure faced the two Konoha ninjas in a relatively clear area, while the whirlwind continued to swirl in the background. Both teams were sweaty and exhausted, but the Konoha ninjas were clearly at a disadvantage.
Konoha Ninja 1: (Looking at Matsu Hoshigaki) "Don't underestimate our abilities! We're not done yet!"
Konoha Ninja 2: (Getting into a combat stance) "Let's give it our all!"
Matsu Hoshigaki and Sao Temuri exchanged understanding glances and nodded. They knew that their opponents were desperate, and the key was to stay calm and leverage their technical superiority.
The Konoha ninjas attacked in unison. Konoha Ninja 1 threw a quick punch at Matsu, while Konoha Ninja 2 attempted a spinning kick at Sao Temuri. However, the attacks were easily anticipated and blocked.
Matsu: (Deflecting the punch with a slight lean and countering with a direct hit to the abdomen) "Too slow!"
Sao Temuri: (Dodge the kick with an agile leap to the side, responding with a series of rapid strikes that disoriented his opponent) "That's how it's done!"
The two Konoha ninjas tried to regain their rhythm, but the movements of Matsu Hoshigaki and Sao Temuri were flawless. Matsu Hoshigaki unleashed a series of kicks and punches with such precision and speed that it looked almost like a coordinated dance. Sao Temuri, on his part, executed quick and fluid movements, dodging and countering with a ease that left his opponents breathless.
Matsu: (With a Taijutsu technique that left his opponent gasping for air) "This is the end for you!"
Sao Temuri: (Taking advantage of the distraction and landing a precise strike to the side of Konoha Ninja 2, knocking him down immediately) "That's it!"
With the two Konoha ninjas defeated, Matsu Hoshigaki and Sao Temuri took a brief moment to catch their breath and adjust their gear. Their superiority in Taijutsu was evident.
As Momonosuke collected the two amulets from the fallen ninjas, he said, "With this, we have the first 7 amulets; now we just need 14 more."
Katahara, with a surprised smile, watched the events unfolding in the Valley of Death.
Katahara: (With a surprised smile) "Ara, ara... That kid from the sand that Suna brought is really impressive. Each village is showing its own pedigree. Suna with this kid of metallic sand, Iwa with the daughter of that dwarf, Konoha with the princess, and Kiri with my own son."
Katahara's comment provoked an immediate reaction among the Jonin of Iwagakure present. Their annoyance was evident, and they were about to respond firmly.
Iwa Jonin: (With disdain, addressing Katahara) "There's no need to belittle others with comments like that."
The tension in the air intensified, and Kurotsuchi, the Jonin from Suna, intervened with a conciliatory tone.
Suna Jonin: (With a diplomatic smile) "Each village is showcasing its best shinobis. It's an honor to see the level of skill everyone is presenting. Instead of comparisons, we should focus on recognizing the effort and bravery of these young ones."
Katahara: (With a challenging look) "I didn't say anything wrong. In the end, all these young ones will find themselves on the battlefield in a few years, right? Or am I mistaken, Great Hokage?" (Looking toward Hiruzen with a smile that heightened the tension in the room, subtly hinting at the onset of a new war in the future.)
Hiruzen Sarutobi: (Calmly, unshaken) "With Kirigakure as the trading hub of the East, a conflict would be nothing we couldn't handle, Fifth Elder... Peace and mutual respect must be our priority, even amidst competition."
The atmosphere in the tower was thick with tension, but Hiruzen's comment helped cool things down. The present Jonin exchanged glances, aware that the Hokage was determined to keep the situation under control and prevent Katahara's words from triggering unnecessary conflicts. Meanwhile, the delegations returned to watch the competition, each reflecting on the uncertain future looming on the horizon.
In the Valley of Death, the chaos of the competition continued as ninjas engaged in increasingly intense battles. Amidst the fights and clashes, a notable figure emerged from the air. It was Sukumo Hatake, known for his white hair and short sword, whose presence intimidated everyone present. With a determined look, Sukumo headed straight toward Rotsuchi, the talented ninja from Iwagakure.
Sukumo Hatake: (Drawing his sword with deadly precision) "Rotsuchi, get ready!"
In the Valley of Death, the confrontation between Sukumo Hatake and Rotsuchi continued with palpable intensity. The rock spears shot by Rotsuchi raced toward Sukumo, but the white-haired shinobi skillfully dodged, his short sword precisely cutting through the closest projectiles.
Rotsuchi: (Frowning as she sends more rock spears) "Don't underestimate my ability, Sukumo!"
Sukumo Hatake: (Smiling confidently while dodging) "I never do. But you'll have to do something more to catch me."
As the spears multiplied, Sukumo used his agility to move with impressive speed. His short sword seemed to dance in his hands, intercepting any attack that tried to breach his defense. Every movement of Sukumo was calculated to leverage his speed and precision.
From their position in the nearby tree branches, the Kirigakure team watched the fight with great interest.
Momonosuke: (With an analytical look) "Impressive... The reports didn't lie. Rotsuchi is Iwa's crown jewel; she truly lives up to her reputation."
Matsu: (Focused on the fight) "Yes, and Sukumo is not falling behind. Both are showcasing exceptional skills."
Sao Temuri: (Watching intently) "The way Sukumo moves and responds is incredible. Rotsuchi is also demonstrating great control over her earth jutsu. This is going to be a tough battle."
As the fight progressed, Rotsuchi decided to change tactics. She used her earth jutsu to raise rock walls that interrupted the flow of the battle and blocked Sukumo's line of sight. This gave her the opportunity to launch surprise attacks from different angles.
Rotsuchi: (From behind a rock wall) "I'm not going to let you escape so easily!"
Sukumo was forced to adapt to Rotsuchi's new tactic, using his speed to maneuver around the rock walls and look for an opening. The battle turned into a game of strategy and skill, with both combatants trying to outsmart each other.