Minato Namikaze observed Chiba and Kayami Hyuga as they descended the stairs to the arena. Determination blazed in Chiba's eyes, while Kayami's gaze smoldered with anger and killing intent.
'Does this kid already know?' Minato pondered, his brow furrowing.
A commotion erupted in the stands. "Lord Shinsuke, what brings you here?" An ordinary villager scrambled to his feet, offering his seat. Others nearby followed suit, creating a small pocket of respect around the approaching figure.
Shinsuke Hyuga, clad in simple attire, nodded graciously. His snow-white eyes—the hallmark of Konoha's most noble clan—scanned the arena. "I apologize for the disturbance," he said, accepting a seat without pretense.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. "It's Lord Shinsuke!" "What an honor!" "I heard he's the strongest Jounin in the Hyuga clan." "Of course he'd come—Lady Yukina and Master Kayami are both competing!"
Across the arena, the Third Hokage conferred quietly with his former students. "Shinsuke's presence changes things," he murmured, signaling to an attendant. "ANBU..."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" The ninja vanished, reappearing moments later with two masked ANBU who took up silent positions behind Shinsuke.
"Kayami Hyuga and Chiba Taki—both taijutsu prodigies," the Third Hokage mused. "This should be interesting."
Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade nodded in agreement, their gazes fixed on the combatants below.
In the competitors' area, Yukina wrung her hands. "Chiba..."
Hirohiko placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He'll be fine. Let's watch."
Minato raised his hand, his voice carrying across the suddenly hushed arena. "Second round, sixth match: Kayami Hyuga versus Chiba Taki. Begin!"
The two genin locked eyes, Kayami's Byakugan already activated. Chiba assumed a defensive stance while Kayami settled into the Gentle Fist posture.
Chiba's mind raced. 'The Gentle Fist is the real threat. One hit, and I'm at a disadvantage. I can't hide my strength anymore—I have to end this quickly!'
With that decision made, Chiba began to open the Eight Gates.
"First Gate: Gate of Opening, open! Second Gate: Gate of Healing, open! Third Gate: Gate of Life, open!"
A wisp of green chakra escaped from Chiba's shoulders. Kayami's eyes widened fractionally. 'His Tenketsu... they're abnormally open. How?'
Chiba leaped backward, his hands flashing through seals. Kayami tensed, preparing for a ninjutsu assault.
"Water Release: Water Bomb Technique!" Chiba shouted. Five fist-sized water bombs hurtled toward Kayami.
Minato's eyes widened. 'Those hand seals... faster than when he fought Kakashi. Only 1.5 seconds?'
Kayami sneered, effortlessly evading the water bombs. As the last projectile passed, he sensed movement behind him. He spun, palm thrust aimed at Chiba's surprise attack.
'Is that all?' Kayami thought triumphantly.
But Chiba had anticipated this. "Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!" he cried, slamming his palms to the ground. A barrier of earth erupted between them.
Kayami's strike cracked the wall, but before he could press his advantage, Chiba attacked from the side with a vicious Leaf Whirlwind kick.
The two genin exchanged a flurry of blows, each seeking an opening. Chiba's taijutsu was impressive, but Kayami's Byakugan gave him the edge.
"You brat!" Kayami snarled, catching Chiba's foot. "I'll cripple you first!"
But as he prepared to crush Chiba's ankle, a sharp crack drew his attention. The earth wall was collapsing—and a fist was bursting through directly at his face!
'It was all a setup!' Kayami realized, too late to dodge.
Chiba grinned fiercely. 'Fly away, Kayami Hyuga!'
But Kayami wasn't finished. As the punch neared, he began to spin. A blue, dome-like barrier materialized around him, repelling Chiba's attack.
The crowd gasped as the two genin were thrown apart, the match far from over.