The arena in the village of Iwagakure crackled with an electric tension, as though the very earth beneath it held its breath. Carved from the rugged stone that defined the village, the arena's surface was a testament to the village's indomitable spirit. Jagged, yet polished, it bore the marks of countless battles and echoed with the resonance of untamed power.
The stands encircling the arena were abuzz with the gathered villagers, their voices an excited hum that reverberated off the rock walls. They leaned forward eagerly, their eyes fixed on the center of the arena where the battle was set to unfold. Whispers flitted through the crowd like wind over the crags, rumors and speculations mingling with hushed conversations.
There were few officials present, as this fight wasn't registered, with only the Tsuchikage in attendance. The old man still retained some black hair and eyebrows, but it was clear that his back was giving him trouble. He moved with a noticeable slowness. It was evident that he must have been under the influence of some substance during his battle with Madara, given his current state.
Aoto approached him. "Aoto-kun, I apologize for my student causing this disturbance. I hope you don't mind," Onoki said as he neared Aoto.
"It's alright. For me, this is merely a business arrangement, and it's also an opportunity to witness the great shinobi of Iwagakure," Aoto replied. Onoki nodded, but one could sense he was deeply contemplative. He appreciated Deidara's initiative in starting the fight and drawing them to the arena.
However, he wasn't fond of how Aoto had presented himself, asserting that Konoha was weak and they were primarily businessmen. He couldn't shake the feeling that if Konoha emerged victorious, it might tarnish his reputation and that of Iwagakure. Yet, he couldn't help but believe that it was highly unlikely. The only shinobi he was familiar with here was Guy, a formidable force. He'd only heard rumors about Guy's father, and if the pattern held, his son would be equally formidable, if not more so. But the others were a mystery to him. Still, he had confidence in his student and his shinobi. They wouldn't be defeated by just anyone. And he had done research on them before too as Aoto was now known in Konoha as an inventor and an entrepreneur.
After a brief conversation with Onoki, Aoto excused himself, with the Tsuchikage assuring him that they would discuss business matters in detail after the "lessons."
On one side of the arena stood Guy from Konoha, a figure exuding boundless energy and unwavering determination. Clad in his vibrant green jumpsuit, he emanated an aura of indomitable spirit. On the opposing side loomed a shadowy figure, an S-class jonin of Iwagakure, their identity concealed by a mask. As the two warriors assumed their positions, the arena seemed to hold its breath once more, anticipation palpable in the air.
"You are our esteemed guests from Iwagakure, and guests deserve a warm welcome," the masked shinobi remarked with a touch of sarcasm.
"In that case, as I, Might Guy, the Green Beast of Konoha, extend my heartfelt gratitude for the welcome," Guy responded genuinely. However, the Iwagakure shinobi took it as a provocation, and with that, the clash commenced.
Guy's movements blurred with speed, his Leaf Whirlwind generating slicing gusts of wind. He twirled around his adversary, launching lightning-fast kicks, each strike honed with pinpoint accuracy. The audience gasped in awe at the sheer velocity and power on display.
The Iwagakure jonin countered with unyielding determination, employing their Stone Fist technique to deliver bone-crushing blows. They moved with a measured grace, each strike an exercise in controlled might. The ground quivered beneath their feet, as if the very earth itself bolstered their strength.
"The Gate of Opening: Open."
"The Gate of Healing: Open."
"The Gate of Life: Open."
A verdant hue enveloped Guy's form, and suddenly, he accelerated to a degree that even the spectators couldn't track his movements.
"What?" The shinobi swiftly erected an earth wall before him, anticipating Guy's vanishing act. He wasn't sure of the technique Guy employed, but it seemed to involve some form of bodily enhancement, so he needed to shield himself.
Little did he know, the rock barrier wouldn't be enough to save him. The last thing he recalled was the stone wall before him being punched, followed by a powerful kick to his abdomen, likely fracturing a rib or two.
What followed next was he losing consciousness and Guy stopping the use of the Inner gates. He looked a bit exhausted but he was fine. He looked back at the team and smiled while putting a thumbs up sign. His teeth reflecting the sun rays falling on him.
"Interesting.. He opens the chakra channels that allows him to have higher strength momentarily. Human body is fascinating." Kisuke said.
"It's like the bankai of Kenpachi but that is the extreme version, I believe." Aoto said.
"Who is Kenpachi?" Shikuro, who was on the side, asked.
"Someone you don't want to mess with." Ken replied but didn't explain further. Next it was the time for Corazon. Aoto felt awkward when Corazon left for the arena. It was such an awkward situation. They were here for business and now they were fighting.
Aoto had given the green light because if they won, which they knew they would, it would give them a head start in the business deal that was coming up. He was sure that Iwagakure had done research on them and they were genuinely businessmen.
Tsuchikage allowed this to happen, probably because how they had lost the 3rd Great Ninja war and it still stung him.
"Corazon, give your best." Aoto said. Corazon Slowly got up and entered the arena. What faced him was another shinobi who was of jonin class. The arena around was buzzing in cheers. The previous loss didn't seem to faze them at all and got behind their own fellow village-man.
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