Time dragged on, and an hour slipped by before anyone realized it.
Victory and defeat had already claimed a few, and things were heating up.
Temari from the Sand Village had decimated Tenten in what could only be described as a landslide victory. It wasn't close. With her expert fan techniques, Temari overwhelmed Tenten from the start, showcasing the raw power of the Sand's Genin and leaving murmurs of awe rippling through the crowd.
Choji's match was hardly better—brutal and unlucky. He'd injured his opponent, but the effort left him with serious injuries himself, resulting in a total loss. Still, Chōji's spirit shone, even if his endurance didn't quite match.
Then, it was the turn of childhood rivals:Sakura and Ino. Personal, intense, and a complete brawl, their fight showcased raw, old-fashioned combat without the fancy jutsus. Sakura narrowly took the win, and the sight of them slugging it out in pure, hand-to-hand rivalry was oddly fascinating. Gojo, reclining in the stands, watched with his usual casual smirk, amused as ever by a good old-fashioned brawl.
When Naruto's time came, he was ready. Facing Kiba Inuzuka, Naruto went full throttle, pouring every ounce of his Hokage-dreaming heart into the fight. Shadow Clones and Rasengans flashed in all directions, surprising even Hiruzen, who raised an eyebrow at Naruto's audacity.
"Did Gojo really also teach him the Rasengan?" muttered one of the Jonin. "Isn't that an elite move?"
And, one by one, Team 7 had claimed victories.
Now, the next match was about to begin.
"Neji Hyūga versus Hinata Hyūga."
A murmur swept through the audience. This was the real deal—a faceoff between the heirs of the Hyūga clan. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the two young Hyūgas took the stage.
Hinata's nervousness was clear as day. She was shaking. Despite the gap in their skill level, though, she didn't back down, her stance resolute.
Neji's face twisted in a cold smirk. "Hinata-sama," he sneered, his voice laced with disdain, "you're suited to a life sheltered in the main family, far away from the arena. This is your fate—to lose to me."
The resentment in his voice was as sharp as his gaze. Though he was hailed as a genius, the curse of the branch family kept Neji bound. And to him, Hinata represented everything he despised about his destiny—weakness, privilege, and the bloodline that he believed chained him forever.
But Hinata's expression showed only a quiet resolve. "Neji… I won't give up," she whispered, her voice soft but steady.
His face darkened. "You're fated to fail. Why bother trying?"
He moved faster than a flash, striking Hinata in the abdomen with a brutal blow. She flew back, landing with a sickening thud, and blood trickled from her mouth. The audience went silent, Jonin and Genin alike transfixed.
Kiba, fists clenched in frustration, couldn't keep quiet. "Hinata! What are you doing? Finish this guy already!"
Naruto joined in, shouting as though his voice alone could push her forward. "Hinata! Show that jerk who's boss!"
Shino Aburame , as calm as ever, shook his head. "The gap is too wide. She doesn't stand a chance."
Kiba shot him an annoyed look. "Hey, encouragement here, Shino!"
Meanwhile, Gojo was observing it all, still reclining in the stands with a lollipop in his mouth. "What a noisy bunch of brats," he muttered, amused.
Kurenai, biting her lip, murmured, "She's come so far. If only she could find her confidence…"
Gojo shot her a sideways look. "Red, drop the dramatics—she's about to be a pancake."
Kurenai scowled at him, though she knew he wasn't exactly wrong. Hinata was getting pounded, and the match was clearly pushing her limits.
"Can't you help her if things get ugly?" Kurenai asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Gojo looked at her with his usual lazy grin. "For the right price. Like a three-layer chocolate cake. With raspberries."
Kurenai flushed in exasperation. "Be serious, Gojo!"
"I am serious," he said, shrugging. "Saving your students comes at a premium, you know?"
Back in the ring, Hinata, despite her bruises and bleeding, staggered to her feet. She raised her fists, her eyes still blazing with determination.
Neji let out an annoyed scoff. "You're weak. Why are you getting up?"
"Because…" Hinata said, breath heavy, "it's what I choose. It's not fate."
Neji's irritation flared into rage. He lunged forward, aiming a final, decisive blow at his cousin.
The arena fell silent. Everyone leaned forward, holding their breath, wondering if Hinata could hold her own or if Neji's unrelenting anger would crush her.
Gojo, still relaxed and munching his lollipop, quirked an eyebrow. "Kid's got issues," he mused with a smirk. "But I've gotta hand it to Hinata—she's got guts. Let's see who crumbles first."
With every eye glued to the ring, the battle teetered on the edge.