All of Kazama's attacks were infused with the scorching damage of his strange flames. As a result, Kuroya's body was covered in burn wounds. The medical team nearby rushed to his aid, barely managing to save his life.
This was only because Kazama had held back, not intending to kill him. After all, he had already taken down Kurumoku Ichiro earlier. If he kept killing in Kumogakure, it might jeopardize his plan to absorb the power of the Nibi (Two-Tails). No village would tolerate an outsider running rampant and slaughtering their people.
Seeing Kazama's performance, the Yondaime Raikage (Fourth Raikage) was quietly impressed. "This Kazama is something else. To think he blocked a shuriken infused with Raiton (Lightning Release) with just his body! He's got shades of the Sandaime Raikage's (Third Raikage) style!"
"Lord Yondaime, you're giving this kid too much credit," one of his men replied. "How could he possibly compare to the Sandaime Raikage's incredible defense? The Sandaime could withstand a full-powered strike from the Hachibi (Eight-Tails)! This Kazama is nowhere near that level."
What they didn't know was that Kazama, now imbued with the power of Volcanic Stone Flame, could easily block a Tailed Beast's full-force attack without a scratch. The Sandaime Raikage's body, though tough, had been damaged by his own power. Kazama's body? Not even he could harm it.
"Who's Kazama's next opponent?" someone asked.
"It's our Kumogakure prodigy, Darui! That Konoha kid's going down against our genius!"
"Let's hope so," the Raikage muttered. He had always held Darui in high regard, but after witnessing Kazama's display, he suddenly felt that even Darui might not be a match. Kazama's terrifying defense alone was beyond anything Darui could muster.
Without even a moment to rest, Kazama faced his next opponent. If he could defeat this one, he'd finally get to face Yugito Nii, the Nibi's Jinchuriki (human host). According to the rules, Kazama was supposed to have a few hours to recover, but the Chunin Exam officials from Kumogakure deliberately made things difficult, denying him any break. They wanted to ensure his defeat.
But their scheme played right into Kazama's hands. He was eager to move on to the next fight and face Yugito sooner. Besides, with his infinite chakra physique, he could fight for a year straight without tiring.
"Sanada Kazama versus Darui! Let the match begin!"
"Darui, huh?" Kazama thought, eyeing the dark-skinned, white-haired ninja stepping onto the stage. "Darui's the future Godaime Raikage (Fifth Raikage). I never thought I'd get to spar with him today. If I recall, he inherited the Sandaime Raikage's Black Lightning and wields the Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limit) Storm Release. Perfect. Before I absorb the Nibi's power, I'll take your Storm Release first!"
"Ugh, what a drag," Darui said, rubbing his neck as he casually strolled up. "Sorry, but I've gotta win this one. I'm carrying the title of Kumogakure's genius, so I can't lose to you."
Kazama smirked. "First time I've heard someone call themselves a genius. Don't you feel embarrassed saying that?"
With a chuckle, he nodded at Darui. "Alright, bring it on!"
As the match began, Darui struck first. He unleashed a Suiton (Water Release) technique, followed by a Raiton (Lightning Release) to electrify the water, creating a wide-area attack.
"Kazama's done for!" the crowd below jeered. "That's Darui's signature combo!"
"This Konoha punk thought he could act tough after beating Kuroya. He's delusional if he thinks he can stand up to our genius Darui!"
"Big Bro Darui, crush this Konoha ninja!"
Hearing their taunts, Kazama grinned. Time to shut them up again.