Neji shook his head firmly, then looked at Hikaru expectantly.
"Master Hikaru, please name these three ninja tools!"
Hikaru felt a little embarrassed under Neji's fiery gaze.
(Isn't this a bit too much...?)
It was his first time encountering someone who admired him this much—unconditionally, fanatically.
How could he refuse Neji's request now? The kid was looking at him like a puppy waiting to be praised. If he turned him down now, wouldn't that just break his heart?
"This first one can be used with one hand, so... let's call it a pistol."
"This second one has much longer range than the pistol. Its official name is a sniper rifle, but people usually just call it a sniper."
"And this third one... let's call it artillery."
Neji's eyes sparkled with resolve, as if he was about to join a sacred sect.
"Thank you, Master Hikaru, for naming these three ninja tools!"
"Each name perfectly matches its characteristics. You're truly worthy of being called Master Hikaru!"
Faced with Neji's sincere admiration, Hikaru felt even more awkward. This little fanboy was honestly kind of embarrassing…
After chatting a bit more, Hikaru ended the meeting and left the artillery, the most powerful weapon, with Neji.
Once Neji left, Hikaru slumped down on the sofa, smiling awkwardly.
"This kid... really makes me feel awkward…"
Tsunade had been watching from the sidelines with amusement and now climbed into Hikaru's lap.
"What~?" she teased, her tone playful.
"That kid adores you. Isn't that something to be proud of?"
"What the hell did you do to the Hyūga brat? It's even more intense than one of Danzō's brainwashing sessions."
"At this rate, he's going to build you a shrine."
Hikaru waved his hands in defeat.
"No clue! I've never even spoken to him before. Today's the first time we've ever talked. I really don't get it…"
Then, it struck him.
He remembered that meeting with Hiashi to discuss the alliance between the Uchiha and the Hyūga.
"Wait… didn't Danzō abduct him and drag him into Root? And I did destroy Root…"
Tsunade tilted her head thoughtfully, then nodded.
"Ah, makes sense. Maybe Hiashi told him everything. If he thinks you saved him from Root and Danzō, then yeah… he'd see you like a god."
"Oh, right. You're leaving this big iron chunk here. What are you planning to do with it?"
"There aren't many people in Konoha who can handle something like that. Even if their chakra is strong enough, only the Hyūga can really use their Byakugan to assist with aiming. Got any new ideas?"
Hikaru bent his right hand slightly and gave her thigh a firm squeeze, earning a sharp yelp from Tsunade.
"Stop messing around! I'm being serious!"
Hikaru let go with a smirk.
"It's really just a matter of power source. Neji and the others definitely can't figure that out, but Orochimaru's good with this kind of thing—and so is Kabuto. After the Chūnin Exams, I'll hand it to them. They should be able to improve the cannon's power system."
Tsunade nodded. No doubt, this kind of tech would be Orochimaru's obsession. Kabuto would probably stay up all night helping him, especially once he saw its destructive potential.
If any village or even someone like Obito dared attack Konoha in the future… then they'd respond with full-scale artillery bombardment. Rain down hell from all angles. Make the word Konoha send chills down the spines of the entire ninja world.
The halftime break passed quickly.
Several Earth Release–proficient ninjas from the Commerce Department had already repaired the arena. To avoid a repeat of the destructive battle between Gaara and Shino, Yamato took two military pills and used a series of Wood Release jutsu to strengthen the underground foundation of the arena.
Not only would this prevent collapse, it would also allow contestants to use Earth-style movement freely during battle—and any future repairs would be much easier.
Still, Yamato was suffering.
He was supposed to be the Vice Minister of Commerce… but in reality, he was starting to feel more like Konoha's construction foreman.
Meanwhile, the audience had returned to their seats, snacks and drinks in hand, eagerly awaiting the next round.
Then, the announcer stepped onto the stage and raised his mic again:
"Twenty minutes have passed! Now, we continue with the final stage of the Chūnin Exams—the one-on-one battle royale you've all been waiting for!"
"Today's show is brought to you by our exclusive sponsor, the Red Queen herself—Commerce Minister Yuhi Kurenai!"
"Two extraordinary fighters are about to take the stage!"
"From the Konoha side: a ninja who knows no ninjutsu, only taijutsu—but with a firm belief in the power of the body! He fights to prove that hard work alone can make a great ninja—Rock Lee!"
"And from Sunagakure: another taijutsu-only warrior! Though born in the land of wind and sand, for ten years he's never given up. Today, he stands to clear his name with nothing but fists and willpower—Sand #1!"
"Let's welcome our two warriors—two men whose bodies and fists carry the pride of every hardworking ninja!"
At that moment, from either side of the arena, two figures flashed through the entrance tunnels—one in dark green, the other in a dust-colored cloak.
They landed in the ring with practiced grace.
Their fluid movement, intense focus, and synchronized energy instantly reignited the crowd's excitement!
That 20-minute intermission had been torture for the audience. Every second of waiting only amplified their anticipation.
Now, the arrival of these two warriors brought something more than excitement—it brought inspiration.
Their stories resonated deeply.
They weren't born geniuses.
They didn't rely on flashy jutsu.
They were reminders that pure effort, endurance, and taijutsu could be enough.
And in that moment, the entire arena dared to ask the question:
"Is it really possible… to become a ninja with only taijutsu?"
The answer was coming—right here, right now—delivered with fists, blood, and determination.
How far can the human body go?
What are the limits of taijutsu?
They were about to find out.
(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و
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