"Great job, Minato!" Jiraiya's enthusiastic cheer reverberated through the audience stand.
Namikaze Minato had employed a clever combination of the Body Replacement Technique followed by the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, which was an A-level ninjutsu. This skill allowed him to create multiple clones of a single shuriken, making it a powerful and destructive attack.
Namikaze Minato's talent was undeniable, and even Tsunade had to acknowledge his exceptional skills. She admired the young ninja's prowess.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, couldn't help but smile at the sight of Namikaze Minato's impressive display. He was pleased to witness the growth of Konoha's future generation.
However, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a touch of resentment for the outcome of the battle. "It's such a waste that Minato is not my student."
On the other hand, Tsunade was silently concerned about Ye Chen's well-being. Namikaze Minato's abilities were beyond impressive, and it was apparent that he was no ordinary student.
The spectators at the arena were left in awe of the intense duel they had just witnessed. The seamless transitions between the Body Technique, Body Flicker Technique, Body Replacement Technique, and the A-level ninjutsu Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique had captivated their attention.
This battle was a true textbook example of ninja combat.
Ye Chen found himself surrounded by a multitude of shuriken, launched from all directions. He chose not to use the "shave" technique to evade them, as it did not align with his fighting style. He believed that overwhelming power could overcome any technique, no matter how fancy.
With one arm shaped like a fist, Ye Chen covered about half of it with armed color. He clenched his fist tightly, and his muscles swelled, while white vapor enveloped his arm. This phenomenon occurred when Armament Haki was applied to its full potential, and it was referred to as Armament Haki Hardening.
His entire body displayed a faint red hue, indicating the immense pressure he was exerting.
"Level 3! Armed Color: Iron Fist!"
Ye Chen roared as he unleashed a punch with nearly his full strength. The resulting explosion created a shockwave reminiscent of thunder in the sky.
A deafening boom resounded, and the air ruptured as an invisible force surged out of Ye Chen's fist. The shuriken suspended in the air suddenly stopped, their surfaces cracking and shattering before being forcefully blown away like leaves in a tempest.
The audience was silenced by the unexpected turn of events. A-level ninjutsu, the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, had been obliterated with a single punch? Could a student from the Ninja School really achieve such a feat?
Namikaze Minato was equally stunned, his eyes lost in disbelief. "Impossible."
However, an impassive voice interrupted his thoughts. "It's not impossible."
"Shave!"
In an instant, Ye Chen teleported to Namikaze Minato's side, a kunai pressed against his neck.
Having employed the Body Flicker Technique, Body Replacement Technique, and an A-level ninjutsu consecutively, Namikaze Minato had depleted much of his chakra. Even if he could escape with the Body Flicker Technique, it would not serve him well in the long run.
Namikaze Minato sighed, a bitter smile forming on his face. "I concede."
The audience erupted into cheers, and the entire arena buzzed with excitement.
"Ye Chen!"
Teacher Chūnin quickly announced the result. "The winner of the ninja competition is Ye Chen!"
Ye Chen remained composed and collected, ignoring Namikaze Minato as he walked off the arena alone.
Kushina, along with a group of younger students, rushed over to celebrate Ye Chen's victory.
"You're amazing, Ye Chen!" Kushina praised, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Yeah, Boss, you're the best! We all look up to you!" one of the younger boys exclaimed, his admiration evident in his eyes.
"Boss? What's with the name?" Ye Chen couldn't help but chuckle.
Yet, as he gazed at Kushina, who blushed in response, and the group of children cheering for him, even someone as reserved as Ye Chen couldn't help but break into a gentle smile.
Meanwhile, on the suspended audience stand, the atmosphere took on a different tone.
"This kid is truly exceptional. There's no need for him to remain at the Ninja School; it would be a waste of his time. Joining my ROOT is the best choice for him."
A man with spiky hair arrived at the entrance of the arena, his tone commanding and unyielding.
Seeing the newcomer, even the Sannin's expressions shifted. Sarutobi Hiruzen's face changed notably as he questioned, "Danzo, what are you implying?"