Pakura didn't hesitate as she casually caught the kunai Sakura had thrown and returned it with pinpoint accuracy.
The kunai pierced Sakura's substitute with a loud thud, causing the wooden stake to collapse to the ground.
From the stands, Naruto shouted worriedly, "Sakura!"
Might Guy reassured him, though his face remained serious, "Don't worry, that was just a substitution jutsu."
Despite his calm words, Might Guy's expression reflected unease. This level of technique was too basic against an opponent with Pakura's caliber, someone clearly operating well above the rank of genin.
As Might Guy finished speaking, the smoke cleared, revealing the wooden stake that had replaced Sakura. She herself had taken cover and flanked Pakura, kunai in hand, aiming to strike from behind. "This is my chance!" she thought.
"How amazing!" Naruto exclaimed from the stands, hopeful for Sakura's success.
Unfortunately, being hopeful for Sakura often didn't last long. As she approached, Pakura turned swiftly, effortlessly deflecting her attack, and slapped Sakura to the ground with a single, graceful motion.
The arena fell silent as Pakura stood calmly, making no move to continue. Meanwhile, Sakura's head buzzed from the impact. Her face began to swell visibly, and it took her a moment to realize what had happened.
From the stands, Naruto's voice rang out again, "Come on, Sakura!"
"This idiot..." Sakura thought bitterly as tears welled up in her eyes. Despite the humiliation, she couldn't bring herself to give up in front of Naruto's encouragement. She stood again, shakily gripping her kunai.
Her resolve didn't change her fate. Pakura slapped her down several more times, each time with calculated ease, before stepping back and leaving Sakura sprawled on the ground.
Nearby, Toss was the only member of the original Sound Ninja trio still present, standing with Orochimaru, who remained disguised and observing quietly.
"He's such an unpredictable guy," Orochimaru murmured as his eyes lingered on Kirito. "But after the preliminaries, I suspect things will get interesting. I just hope that old man Sarutobi doesn't fall too quickly to him. That would ruin all the fun."
With a bored glance at Sakura's futile struggle, Orochimaru lost interest. Forming a series of hand seals, he disappeared into a whirlwind of leaves, leaving Toss to watch in silence.
In the end, Pakura admitted defeat, handing the match to Sakura. However, her reasoning infuriated Konoha's genin—she admitted defeat because she claimed she was "tired of fighting" after spending most of the match slapping Sakura around.
"She's humiliating us," Shikamaru muttered, glaring at Pakura as she returned to the viewing platform.
The preliminaries continued:
Hinata Hyuga vs. Neji Hyuga
Hinata stunned the crowd with a show of pure Byakugan skill and a refined Gentle Fist technique, fighting her cousin Neji to a near standstill. However, Neji ultimately claimed victory by narrowly exploiting his superior stamina and experience.
Temari vs. Tenten
Temari dominated the match, much like in the original story.
Gaara vs. Rock Lee
Gaara's clash with Rock Lee was just as awe-inspiring as ever. Despite Lee's incredible speed and mastery of the Eight Gates, Gaara's sand proved too formidable. The match ended with Rock Lee gravely injured, but his determination left a deep impression on everyone.
Toss vs. Choji Akimichi
Even with his injuries, Toss managed to overpower Choji with sheer strength, securing his victory.
By the end of the preliminaries, twelve genin advanced to the final round. The atmosphere was tense, with the notable absence of many jonin from the arena, including Kakashi, Might Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi.
Far from the central tower, Kirito, Uchiha Itachi, and Pakura stood before Might Guy, Asuma Sarutobi, and Morino Ibiki. The three Konoha jonin had intercepted them at the edge of the Forest of Death.
"You've underestimated me, old man Sarutobi," Kirito said with a smirk, addressing the absent Third Hokage. "I gave you time to prepare, and this is the best you could send? Are you so afraid that you won't even face me yourself?"
Kirito's Observation Haki detected the hidden presences of Kakashi and Gekkō Hayate nearby. Though he pretended not to notice, his smile widened. "Still relying on ambush tactics, I see," he thought.
"Fujiwara Kirito!" Asuma growled, gripping his serrated chakra blades tightly. His face was contorted with fury as he stepped forward. "Today, I'll settle everything. You've gone too far. You've betrayed Konoha, and you've brought shame upon my family!"
Kirito untied the bandages from his face, revealing his flawless features and his signature black robe adorned with red clouds. Beside him, Itachi and Pakura followed suit, revealing matching Akatsuki cloaks, their faces obscured by straw hats.
Morino Ibiki frowned. "So, this is Fujiwara Kirito. He's just as young as the rumors say... but it's a shame. Such potential wasted on betrayal."
"You talk too much," Kirito said, his hand resting on his Zanpakutō. He waved dismissively at Itachi and Pakura. "Go on. Leave these three to me."
Uchiha Itachi and Pakura exchanged glances before vanishing in a blur, moving past the Konoha jonin without a second thought.
Ibiki hesitated. "Asuma, do we pursue them?"
Asuma didn't answer. His focus was locked on Kirito, his anger palpable as he prepared to fight the man who had destroyed his family.
(End of this chapter)
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