After Hyuk's match, Team 7 gathered around him, with Naruto grinning and giving him a thumbs-up. "That was awesome, Hyuk! You totally beat Shikamaru!"
Sasuke, while stoic, gave a subtle nod of approval. He wasn't one for words, but he acknowledged strength when he saw it. Sakura, on the other hand, had a proud smile on her face.
Kurenai approached with a soft expression, her eyes lingering on Hyuk with a hint of something more. She reached up and gently touched his face, her fingers tracing his jawline seductively. "Good job out there, Hyuk," she said in a low voice. "Don't let the rumors get to you. People will talk, but we know who you really are."
Hyuk smirked, completely unbothered. "They can say whatever they want. Not that I care."
Kurenai's touch lingered for a moment longer before she pulled away, though a hint of concern remained in her eyes. She glanced at Sakura before turning back to Hyuk with a brief smile. Sakura noticed the unusual interaction but dismissed it, focusing on her upcoming match.
---
The Match: Sakura vs. Ino
Hayate stood in the center of the arena once again. "Next match: Sakura Haruno versus Ino Yamanaka."
Sakura took a deep breath, stepping forward with newfound confidence. Her training with Kurenai had sharpened her abilities. She wasn't the same girl who had once relied solely on her book smarts. Ino, with a determined gaze, also stepped forward, knowing this match was more than just a battle—it was a test of their rivalry and friendship.
The two kunoichi faced each other, both ready to give it their all.
"Begin!"
Without hesitation, Ino threw several kunai toward Sakura, testing her reaction. Sakura swiftly dodged, weaving through the attack with ease. She had trained hard for this, and it showed.
Ino smirked. "Not bad, Forehead. But you'll have to do better than that."
Sakura narrowed her eyes. "I will."
Ino charged, aiming for close combat. The two exchanged blows, their fists meeting with precision. It was a battle of both physical strength and skill. Ino, always a sharp tactician, quickly found herself impressed by Sakura's new speed and precision.
"You've improved, Sakura. But so have I!" Ino said as she pulled back, making a familiar hand sign.
"Mind Transfer Jutsu!" Ino launched her signature technique, her mind racing toward Sakura to take control. But just as Ino's jutsu approached, Sakura formed a quick hand sign, her eyes glowing with intensity.
"Genjutsu: Flower Petal Illusion!"
Suddenly, the arena was filled with a swirl of flower petals. Ino's mind transfer was intercepted, and she was forced out of her technique, disoriented by the swirling illusion around her.
"What?!" Ino gasped, looking around in confusion. "Genjutsu?!"
Sakura smirked. "Thanks to Kurenai-sensei, I've learned a few tricks of my own."
Using the moment of distraction, Sakura dashed forward, landing a solid punch to Ino's midsection. Ino stumbled back, winded, but quickly recovered, her eyes sharp.
"Not bad, Sakura. But I won't let you win so easily!" Ino growled, forming hand seals again, determined to finish the match on her terms.
But Sakura had already made her move. She wasn't just physically stronger—she was smarter. With her genjutsu disrupting Ino's concentration, she closed the distance again, this time using the element of surprise. As Ino prepared to strike, Sakura's hand shot forward, gripping her wrist and pulling her off balance.
A swift leg sweep sent Ino crashing to the ground.
Hayate's voice echoed in the arena. "Winner: Sakura Haruno."
---
The crowd murmured in surprise. Many hadn't expected Sakura to win, but her growth was undeniable. Ino lay on the ground for a moment, staring at the sky before letting out a tired laugh. "Guess you really did get stronger, Sakura."
Sakura smiled, extending her hand to help Ino up. "I couldn't have done it without you pushing me all these years."
Ino took her hand, the rivalry between them still strong, but with a newfound respect.
From the sidelines, Kurenai watched with a proud smile on her face. Sakura had come so far, and she couldn't help but feel that Hyuk's quiet confidence had helped her student grow.
As Sakura rejoined her team, Naruto cheered loudly. "That was awesome, Sakura-chan! You totally beat Ino!"
Sasuke remained silent, though his eyes betrayed a small glint of acknowledgment.
Hyuk, standing off to the side, gave Sakura a brief nod of approval. Though he didn't show it, he was quietly pleased with her progress as well.