The stadium trembled with excitement as the third round of the Chunin Exams officially began. The crowd roared, the energy almost tangible, and the smell of sweat and anticipation filled the air.
A hush fell over the stands as the first match was announced: Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga.
Sasuke was nowhere to be seen. Rumors swirled through the crowd—some saying he had training to finish, others suspecting arrogance—but for now, the spotlight was entirely on Naruto.
"Step onto the field," the announcer boomed. "The match begins now!"
Naruto stepped forward, fists clenched, his heart pounding with a mix of fear, determination, and raw willpower. Across the field, Neji's Byakugan glowed, scanning every chakra point in Naruto's body with inhuman precision.
"You can't win," Neji said coldly. "Your chakra flow is weak. You are bound by fate."
Naruto's jaw tightened. "I don't care about fate!" he shouted. "I'll prove it! I'll never lose!"
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The Fight Begins
Neji struck first, opening the battle with lightning-quick Gentle Fist techniques, targeting Naruto's chakra points. The boy's movements were sloppy at first, his attempts to dodge leaving him exposed to precise attacks.
Chakra blocked! Naruto gasped as he realized several of his points were paralyzed. Neji's clan technique had taken effect. If I can't move my chakra… I'm finished…
But Naruto refused to give up. His strong willpower flared, and the chakra of the Nine-Tails within him surged uncontrollably. His body glowed with an orange aura as he recovered his strength, moving faster and with more power than before.
"Never give up! I won't lose!" Naruto shouted, dodging Neji's strikes with renewed speed.
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Neji's Rotation Defense
Neji activated his signature Rotation Technique, spinning his body rapidly, creating a shield of chakra around him. Any attack that struck the barrier was deflected, leaving Naruto struggling to find an opening.
I have to break through… I can't just attack from the front… Naruto thought. Sweat dripped from his brow as he searched for a weak point.
Neji's eyes glowed with the cold precision of the Hyuga clan. "No matter what you do, you cannot win."
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Naruto's Final Surprise Attack
Naruto gritted his teeth, his body trembling with exertion. Drawing on the Nine-Tails' chakra, he disappeared from view, slipping underground and moving beneath the battlefield silently.
And using a clone as a divergent to confuse neji who even after having byakugan couldn't see a figure in the earth beneath him.
He won't expect this…
In one swift motion, Naruto burst from the earth directly beneath Neji, striking upward with a powerful punch aimed at the lower jaw. The force sent Neji flying backward, crashing against the ground with a thunderous impact.
The crowd gasped. The arena fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting into cheers.
Naruto landed, panting heavily, chakra still glowing faintly around him. He clenched his fists, chest heaving, and stared at Neji, who struggled to rise.
The referee's hand shot up. "Naruto Uzumaki wins!"
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Aftermath
Neji lay on the ground, stunned, his pride bruised more than his body. Naruto stood victorious, not through brute strength alone, but through sheer willpower and determination, combined with the uncontrollable power of the Nine-Tails.
Kirito, watching from the shadows of the stands, noted every detail: the timing, the openings, the use of chakra in combination with unconventional tactics. Impressive. He's raw, but his instincts are strong… and the Nine-Tails chakra gives him a power even Neji can't predict.
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Kirito leaned back in the shadows, analyzing, calculating, and preparing. Observation is the key. Every victory has its lesson… and I will learn them all.
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