[Final Scores]
[1. Hiryu Suguru - 21 pts.]
[2. Hattori Daisuke - 14 pts.]
[3. Hyuga Ryoko - 14 pts.]
[4. Kimura Yoshi - 14 pts.]
[5. Tsukamoto Kaori - 13 pts.]
[6. Tanji Kazuhiro - 13 pts.]
[7. Makino Shigure - 12 pts.]
[8. Nakahara Asami - 7 pts.]
Looking at the scores, Suguru nodded. In comparison, the seven other genins, as well as the audience, were all shocked.
It was a score of 21, which meant he won every match. Yet when they looked at him, he wasn't even wounded!
Although his clothes had various cuts from Shigure's sandstorm, not even a scratch could be seen on his skin!
Furthermore, he didn't seem tired at all. His ferocious display of Taijutsu had wowed the crowd time and time again. Many of the present shinobi had even started to take notes as Suguru's fights were backed with theories and strategies.
He never overwhelmed his foes with sheer power — something that people instinctively realized.
Instead, he beat everyone in a perfectly systematic manner. He applied pressure on his opponent's weaknesses and exploited every possible opening. Even deliberate openings were turned into actual openings within just a few moves.
Suguru even won by sacrificing his advantages several times in a row!
Quite frankly, Suguru had already passed the Chuunin Exams. All eight shinobi present had been deemed as chuunin-level, both in strength and strategy.
Their promotions were already within reach.
However, Sunagakure still planned to hold one more competition between the top four genin.
"You will be fighting against each other, all at the same time." The Suna-nin referee lazily said. "Please step forward, the four of you. The rest may head to the stands."
A puzzled look appeared on Suguru's face. Although he didn't want to boast, he already proved to everyone that he was capable enough to be called a chuunin.
Why was there a need for another fight?
"I know what you are all thinking," The referee spoke after seeing their faces.
Before everyone's eyes, the referee gestured to the Wind Daimyo sitting in the stands.
A scroll was thrown over, carving a parabolic arc through the air. It was unfurling as it fell.
The referee then caught the unfurled scroll in his hands. He began to read.
"As per the Lord Daimyo's visit, the chuunin that wins the battle royale will get to make a single request within the Lord Daimyo's capabilities. This may range from jutsus and special weapons to trading rights and gemstones."
Suguru's eyes shone when he heard this. So, they were offering a reward in exchange for some entertainment.
How privileged, no?
Suguru chuckled and decided to do his best.
As for what request he would make...
"Hehe,"
The remaining three genin felt a chill run through their spines.
***
The four got into position, each standing in their own corner of the arena. They glanced at each other.
Suddenly, Suguru felt something off.
"Begin!"
The referee's signal.
"Ah," Suguru's realization came quickly.
Hyuga Ryoko, Hattori Daisuke, Kimura Yoshi... All three went straight after him. Their attacks began to manifest.
'Earth Style: Entrapping Dome Jutsu!'
'Earth Style: Porcupine Coffin!'
'Eight Trigrams Sixteen Palms!'
Seeing the incoming attacks, Suguru smiled. He built up chakra and vanished in the blink of an eye.
He flickered into the air and put together several hand signs.
[Rat » Horse » Ox » Dog » Horse » Monkey » Boar » Dog » Tiger]
'Now that my chakra has tripled, I can finally let this one loose. It may not be as grand as Madara's, but it should be good enough.'
Suguru inhaled a deep breath. A sphere of chakra formed inside his mouth.
'Fire Style: Hellfire Annihilation,'
The upgraded version of Hellfire Artillery.
Suguru thus spat out a blazing comet. Condensed fire chakra spun around in a sphere, waiting to be unleashed. A long trail of flames lagged behind it.
Ryoko, Daisuke, and Yoshi looked upon the flames in horror.
The wind whistled as it fell. Daisuke and Yoshi hurriedly put up a shield. The jounin, Hyuga Kyou, appeared in front of his fellow Hyuga while rushing to make a few hand seals.
And then—
—Boom!
A hollow sphere of flames expanded, engulfing the entire arena and a little more. The surrounding shinobi had to defend themselves, and the civilians hurriedly retreated.
"Beautiful," Suguru marveled at his creation.
From that jutsu alone, Suguru claimed victory.
It was not a jutsu that a genin should've been able to do. Moreover, it was a jutsu that no one had ever seen before.
Suguru was an absolute menace.
***
The shock from seeing an unknown and highly destructive jutsu stunned the audience. Rasa, who had been watching as the Kazekage, felt that Konohagakure was growing to become a threat once more.
With such a youthful candidate, a new powerhouse was sure to bloom.
Rasa's eyes flashed with a cold gleam.
"Prepare an Anbu squad."
His commands were swiftly executed.
***
An Iwagakure jounin looked upon the remnants of the jutsu with worry. With how proficient Konohagakure's shinobi were at Fire Release, it was highly likely that this jutsu could spread.
If it did, then Konoha's combat power would skyrocket. It had already been waning due to the Uchiha Incident. However, Konoha was rapidly recuperating.
The same reactions were occurring to the Amegakure and Kusagakure shinobis. They all took note of the jutsu and its characteristics, unaware of its true nature under Suguru's control.
Secretly, they sent messages back to their respective villages.
***
In comparison to Rasa's fear and the grim expressions of the jounin from the different villages, the Wind Daimyo was instead delighted at the beautiful fire show. He called for the genin responsible. Perhaps, if he gave a suitable reward, the shinobi in question would be more inclined to become a part of his legions to work with his Samurai.
Suguru arrived, still dressed in the clothes he wore to the exams. The various cuts on his clothes were a testament to the harsh fights he had gone through.
Seeing such a youth made the Daimyo nod his head in approval. He was right to have outsourced missions to Konoha.
It was only right that he rewarded a shinobi from there. It would also ease the recent tensions he had with the Fire Daimyo.
"As per my promise, I will grant you a single request. What is it that you seek, boy?"
Suguru raised his head. On his face was a small, kind smile.
Then, he opened his mouth to make the request.
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