Chapter 46: Take it for Granted
Kiba's eyes widened slightly, reflecting Hyuga Yutaka's attack.
Fast and accurate!
He judged Hyuga Yutaka's attack in this way. With one palm strike, Yutaka knocked Akira Yamada unconscious, without even needing to hit his tenketsu points.
The opponent was too weak to force Yutaka to reveal his full strength.
Another judgment of Kiba's.
From this palm alone, Kiba could tell Hyuga Yutaka's Gentle Fist technique was far superior to Yukina's.
It's not difficult to dodge that palm, but I don't know where the second and third strikes will come from...
During his intense training with Uzumaki Kushina, Kiba had developed a level of combat prediction, allowing him to avoid her powerful attacks. He had learned to anticipate her moves, predicting five to seven of her ten attacks accurately.
However, this kind of prediction relied on familiarity with the opponent. Daily training gave Kiba a deep understanding of Kushina's fighting style, but he didn't know Hyuga Yutaka at all. Dodging would depend on his reaction time. Predicting Yutaka's moves was nearly impossible, making it easy to be caught off guard.
The Gentle Fist technique's acupressure effects could seal his chakra points, putting Kiba at a disadvantage. He didn't have a trump card to reverse the situation instantly.
Moreover, this match between himself and Yutaka was less a competition and more a life-and-death struggle.
I need to be very careful!
Hyuga Yutaka looked at Akira Yamada's unconscious form. The ninjas in the audience didn't react; their faces showed they took this outcome for granted. Defeating Akira Yamada with one blow was expected.
From this, Yutaka's strength was clear.
Yutaka slowly raised his head, meeting Kiba's eyes before walking up the stairs silently, not waiting for the Chunin test proctor's announcement.
It no longer needed to be announced.
A landslide victory for Hyuga Yutaka!
"The third round, the winner, Hyuga Yutaka!" The Chunin test proctor announced dutifully.
"Hyuga Yutaka, I've heard about him for a long time. It's a pity the opponent was too weak, otherwise, it would have been a wonderful duel," Orochimaru smiled, looking at Yutaka.
"Well, he's also a well-known genius in the village," Jiraiya agreed. "This time, he's the strongest Chunin candidate."
"Yes." This time, Tsunade didn't take out any scrolls to record, as if Hyuga Yutaka's strength no longer needed to be documented.
Undoubtedly, the Sannin held the highest evaluation of Hyuga Yutaka, far surpassing Hyuga Yukina.
On the second floor, Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato had a conversation.
"This Hyuga Yutaka is not likable, but his strength cannot be ignored. I fear he is the strongest here," Uzumaki Kushina evaluated.
Although Akira Yamada was just an ordinary child, he had considerable talent. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been approved by the Third Hokage to take the exam. All the ninjas present, even if not geniuses, were outstanding.
Uzumaki Kushina didn't think Akira Yamada's strength was weak; he had the potential to become a Chunin. Hyuga Yutaka stunned him with a single palm, showing his exceptional strength.
Namikaze Minato looked faintly surprised.
Hyuga Yutaka is faster and more precise than before! His progress is rapid!
"Kushina, seeing this and that bet, do you still plan to continue?" Namikaze Minato asked, knowing Kushina might force Kiba to fight Hyuga Yutaka because of the bet.
Minato could tell from Kiba's battle against Kakashi that Kiba wasn't a match for Hyuga Yutaka. Even with Kiba's rapid progress, bridging the gap between him and Yutaka would be difficult.
Forcing Kiba to face Yutaka might bring a devastating blow to his future growth!
"Of course we must continue!" Uzumaki Kushina's eyes fell on Namikaze Minato.
Minato sighed. "I don't think this bet is necessary. If you value your disciples so much, I can fulfill that condition for you. Let's waive the bet."
Kushina... Please, just accept this.
Namikaze Minato knew his lover's character. She never asked for anything from him. Even if she objected to something, if he insisted, she would support it silently. She was a virtuous woman, but exceptionally strong and persistent in certain things.
Fight for what you want! Instead of receiving favors for nothing! This was one of the reasons he loved her deeply, but now, it distressed him.
"Minato, don't underestimate my disciple. Don't underestimate Kiba!" Seeing Hyuga Yutaka's strength, Uzumaki Kushina had no doubt about Kiba and firmly believed in his victory.
Minato sighed inwardly but didn't continue.
I need to find a way to make Kushina give up the bet.
As Uzumaki Kushina saw Minato remain silent, the Chunin test proctor's voice interrupted.
"The next match, the opponent..."
Their attention turned to the rolling screen.
Taki Kiba!
The first name froze.
Seeing this name, Uzumaki Kushina stopped talking.
Is Kiba going to fight?
She thought.
Kiba looked at the first name, feeling a pat on his shoulder from Hirohiko. "Ninja bag."
Kiba looked down, and Hirohiko had already handed over the ninja bag.
"Thank you," Kiba said, taking it.
The second name froze.
Maito Gai!
Seeing this name, Kiba tightened his grip on the ninja bag.
Gai?
The opponent is Gai!
I didn't see him in the queue earlier!
Lost in thought again, huh?
Kiba felt a bit helpless but also excited.
Maito Gai, the name, is special for many Naruto fans.
And now, I'm actually taking the Chunin Exam with him! We're fighting each other!
"The fourth match, Taki Kiba against Maito Gai!" The Chunin test proctor announced the battle.
Kiba felt a rush of excitement and anticipation as he prepared for the upcoming match.