Dangdang! The two fighters in the arena clashed fiercely without any intention of showing mercy or holding back. The kunai and tanto aimed for critical positions, and one mistake could leave indelible wounds. This kind of intense battle stunned even the typically indifferent Uchiha Yoruki, as well as the Genin and students like Minato.
Uchiha Yoruki, who had always been bold, swallowed subconsciously and said, "They're really fighting like this, and the examiner isn't stopping them?"
Mikoto, standing nearby, said in a heavy voice, "Those two know each other's level, which is why they're fighting this way. But there's no need to go this far, right?" She couldn't understand it either; it was the first time she had seen such a life-or-death battle.
"Whether it's the two of them or the examiner, it's all out of respect. Holding back or stopping them would trample on their dignity," Minato said, his expression complicated. The battle was incredibly fierce, and even he couldn't confidently say he could cope and win. He realized that compared to their struggles, his previous battles seemed like child's play.
The fierce battle continued, and gradually, the movements of the two began to slow. It became evident that Ao was struggling more than Nawaki. In terms of physique, Ao was naturally at a disadvantage. Due to the exhaustion of physical strength, Ao finally showed a flaw. Nawaki's tanto struck his wrist, knocking the kunai to the ground. Even so, Ao didn't give up. Nawaki threw his sword aside, and the two began to fight with Taijutsu.
Bang bang bang! The difference in Taijutsu skills between them was not significant, but every time Ao was hit, his movements became more sluggish. There was still a physical gap. Eventually, Ao was exhausted and limp on the ground, while Nawaki, though still standing, was panting heavily.
After such a fierce battle, everyone in the stands was dumbfounded. The two looked at each other and then laughed. Ao smiled bitterly and said, "As expected of the number one in our year. I still can't beat you."
Nawaki smiled and said, "You worked hard; you almost had me. I don't want to lose. Hokage can't lose."
"Hah," Sarutobi Ao spat. Nawaki often talked about his dream of becoming Hokage back in school, and Ao's ears were almost callused from hearing it.
"Why, don't you accept it? Get up and fight again?" Nawaki said provocatively, but he didn't have the strength to continue.
Ao, naturally not one to back down, said, "Of course I don't accept it, but today, you won." He slowly put his hand on his forehead and used his remaining chakra to erase the chakra mark himself. "Rather than being erased by you, I might as well do it myself. That would be too shameful," Ao said.
"You bastard," Nawaki cursed with a smile.
After Ao erased the chakra mark, several people surrounded the two fighters. Minato came to Nawaki first, bending down to support him. "Thank you, Minato," Nawaki said, while Ao's teammates helped him up.
"It's nothing," Minato replied, smiling at Nawaki. "Senior Nawaki, this battle was really exciting. You and Sarutobi Ao-senpai are really strong!"
Nawaki smiled lightly and said, "Actually, I really want to fight you, but it's just my bad luck that I ran into Ao. He's very troublesome."
"That's my luck; I can't beat you," Minato laughed.
Nawaki looked at Minato and said, "Don't pretend to be weak in front of me. With the level of those two people, it's impossible for them to get here.
The reason they succeeded is probably related to you." He didn't mean to target Akasaka Yu and the others, but with their level, they would have been easily eliminated in the previous trials. "I met those three Genin you encountered while saving them. I heard that you and that little girl named Kushina gave me a hard lesson. I'd like to see if your speed is what they said."
Minato was speechless, realizing that Nawaki already knew about his actions in the death forest, making him a little embarrassed.
Nawaki spoke in a low voice, only loud enough for Minato to hear. The others around were still wondering what they were whispering about. Seeing Minato's reaction, Nawaki patted him on the shoulder and glanced at the indifferent figure on the second floor.
"But that kid named Uchiha Yoruki is also a tricky guy. I heard his name mentioned by the Uchiha patriarch, and I met two unlucky guys defeated by him. They were also Genin."
Minato's eyes narrowed slightly. Uchiha Yoruki was indeed strong, having defeated two Genin simultaneously.
"The two of you have deep grievances. Didn't you defeat him a year ago? His eyes are on you today. I'm afraid you'll face a hard battle," Nawaki observed keenly.
Minato nodded. Uchiha Yoruki was indeed a difficult opponent. "But I still look forward to your fight. If I have time, I'd also like to fight you," Nawaki said, and everyone returned to the stands.
A fierce battle had come to an end, and the battlefield suffered considerable damage from Nawaki's earth release ninjutsu. Sakumo stood in the field and then announced, "Seventh match, Kushina Uzumaki vs. Yamanaka Inoichi."
"Finally, it's my turn!" Kushina had been eager to fight for a long time and jumped into the field directly. Her opponent, however, was not as enthusiastic. Kushina's gaze immediately turned to a yellow-haired boy on the second floor. "Inoichi, hurry up and fight me," she called out.
The yellow-haired boy's expression was extremely tangled at the moment, and Kushina's impatience grew. But then, he said something that surprised everyone. "Examiner, can I give up on this battle?"
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