Shikamaru, seated among the spectators, shook his head and spoke in a low voice, "It's not the Sharingan."
The others around him turned toward him in confusion.
"Although the Sharingan is capable of copying techniques, replicating the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist is something else entirely. Gentle Fist isn't just about watching movements; it requires an intricate understanding of the body's chakra network and precise control, something that only the Hyuga's Byakugan provides."
Shikamaru paused thoughtfully before adding, "Besides, if he were an Uchiha, why would he come to Konoha to take the Chūnin Exams? That'd be asking for trouble."
Unbeknownst to him, he was closer to the truth than he realized.
Meanwhile, Gaara observed the match with arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I knew it. He won't lose." His confidence in Satoru was absolute.
Temari, standing nearby, was less composed. "How does someone learn another person's secret technique mid-fight? That's not just talent—it's unnatural."
"It's terrifying," Kankuro muttered. "If this guy can instantly learn techniques that take decades to master, he's going to be the most hated ninja in the world. No one would want to face someone like that."
On the field, Hyuga Neji stood stiffly, still cradling his injured arm. His mind churned as he tried to reconcile what he had just witnessed. "It can't be," he murmured, his Byakugan narrowing as he stared at Satoru. "How did you learn Gentle Fist? Did you… steal it?"
Satoru tilted his head slightly, his calm demeanor untouched by Neji's accusations. "I already told you—I learned it from fighting you."
Neji's fists clenched. "Impossible!" His voice was sharp, tinged with disbelief. "Even if you somehow mimicked the movements, Gentle Fist requires Byakugan to precisely manipulate chakra. It's not a skill that an outsider can just… pick up."
Satoru sighed, his pale blue eyes glinting with amusement. "You Hyuga sure put a lot of faith in your eyes. But I don't need a Byakugan to see chakra."
Neji activated his Byakugan again, focusing on Satoru's bandaged eyes. To his shock, he didn't detect the slightest trace of a Byakugan. Yet Satoru's movements and precision were undeniable.
From the audience, Hyuga Hiashi observed the scene with a deep frown. "This boy… doesn't have the Byakugan," he muttered to himself, his voice laced with disbelief. "But how?"
Tenten leaned forward, whispering to Shikamaru. "Could he be a hidden member of the Hyuga clan?"
"No," Shikamaru replied firmly. "If he were, the Hyuga elders would've already reacted. Besides…" He trailed off, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Besides what?" Tenten pressed.
"His movements," Shikamaru explained. "When Satoru used Rotation, it wasn't just any version of the technique—it was Neji's. Perfectly executed, down to the rhythm and angles. It's as if he mirrored Neji entirely."
On the field, Neji steadied himself and advanced. "I won't lose to you," he said, his voice resolute. Despite his doubts, he forced himself to focus. Whatever Satoru's secret, this battle isn't over yet.
Satoru's lips curved into a faint smile. "Ready for round two?"
Neji launched into a flurry of attacks, each strike precise and deadly. The audience watched with bated breath as the two clashed, but Satoru remained calm, dodging with effortless precision.
Then, without warning, Satoru's chakra flared, and he spun sharply. A dome of energy exploded outward, throwing Neji back. The crowd gasped in unison.
"Rotation?!" Neji hit the ground, staring up at Satoru in stunned disbelief. His mind reeled. How did he do it?
The audience erupted into murmurs.
"This is unreal," Temari muttered. "How is he doing this without the Byakugan?"
Kakashi, watching from the stands, furrowed his brow. "He must have studied Neji's movements during the fight. His ability to analyze and replicate techniques in real-time… it's beyond anything I've seen before."
Might Guy, standing nearby, looked deeply concerned. "This is devastating for Neji. His pride as a genius is being torn apart. To have someone replicate his hard-earned techniques so easily…"
"It's a harsh reality for any ninja," Kakashi replied. "The world is vast, and there's always someone stronger or more talented."
Guy clenched his fists, then forced himself to smile. "But maybe this will be good for him. After all, it's meeting lifelong rivals that pushes us to grow, right?"
Kakashi sighed, covering his face with his hand. "Not everyone wants a rival, Guy."
In the Kage balcony, the Third Hokage observed Satoru with a somber expression. "A genius beyond anything we've seen," he murmured, his tone tinged with unease. "Even among the Uchiha, there were none like him. What's his origin?"
Beside him, Orochimaru, disguised as the Kazekage, suppressed a smirk. "A truly exceptional talent," he purred, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. "He's even more fascinating than I imagined. Such potential…"
The Third Hokage shot him a wary glance. "Do you regret what happened to the Uchiha?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a sly smile. "Regret? Oh, sensei, I never regret anything. But it's a shame, isn't it? Such talent, wasted."
The air between them grew heavy, the unspoken tension palpable.
Back in the arena, the proctor Genma stepped forward, raising his arm. "The match is over! The winner: Satoru!"
Satoru stretched lazily, adjusting the bandages over his eyes as he turned to leave. But before he could, Neji's voice stopped him.
"Wait."
Satoru glanced back, raising an eyebrow. Neji approached slowly, his expression unreadable.
"Did you… really learn it during our fight?" Neji asked quietly, his tone devoid of its earlier arrogance. For the first time, doubt and curiosity mingled in his voice.
Satoru paused, tilting his head. "Didn't I already say so?"
Neji's gaze lowered, his mind racing. If he, an ordinary ninja, could break the limits of bloodlines… does that mean fate isn't absolute? Could I… break free too?
A flicker of something new appeared in Neji's eyes—not anger, but hope.