Preliminary Results! The Ten Finalists Revealed

Shinki curled his lip. "It's not like you went easy on me last time."

His feud with Kankuro began the moment that guy arrogantly entered the village.

It's time to put an end to this!

"Don't be so smug. I'll teach you a lesson with my Crows!"

Kankuro shouted in annoyance.

After saying that, Kankuro formed hand seals!

Almost simultaneously, Shinki threw out the Flying Thunder God Kunai!

The Kunai instantly flew in front of Kankuro!

Shinki formed Rasengan with one hand and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to quickly teleport next to the Kunai, pressing the Rasengan towards Kankuro's chest!

"Buzz!!"

The violent Chakra struck Kankuro's chest, slamming him directly to the ground!

However, under the effect of the Rasengan Shinki, Kankuro's clothes were torn, revealing his body underneath.

It was only then that Shinki realized that Kankuro's body didn't have human-like skin inside, but rather a piece of wood like a puppet!

Something's not right!

This isn't Kankuro at all!!

Shinki had a sudden inspiration and quickly retreated!

Kankuro, who had been knocked to the ground, finally revealed his true form: Kankuro's puppet, "Crow"!

After witnessing Kankuro's Hiding Technique hand, the entire audience erupted in uproar!

Just then, the bandages on the bundle that the Crow had been carrying on its back suddenly came undone with a "whoosh!" and Kankuro's true form broke free, still holding a sharp Kunai in his hand!

"It's a pity your Flying Thunder God Technique was too fast, otherwise this Kunai hit you and you would have lost," Kankuro said with some regret after appearing.

Shinki narrowed his eyes slightly. "You're quite clever, using a puppet to disguise yourself while your real body hides in the bag that was supposed to contain the puppet, planning a sneak attack, right?"

This is not because the plan failed.

Kankuro sighed.

Shinki possesses the Flying Thunder God Technique, but he missed that opportunity just now.

It will be difficult to catch that kid again.

That was your only chance to win. Now that you've been exposed, you have no chance at all.

Shinki shrugged.

It must be admitted that Kankuro, as Puppeteer, is indeed quite skilled.

There aren't many bristles on the brush.

ヽ( ￣д￣;)ノ

After saying that, Shinki Body Flicker Technique next to Kankuro, Kunai against the guy's throat!

I surrender.

Kankuro wore a helpless expression.

When Shinki attacked the Crow with Rasengan, he had already used the Flying Thunder God Formula.

Kankuro is a Puppeteer, but his Taijutsu are a weakness; he would be in trouble if he were caught in close combat.

In particular, Shinki is a Taijutsu fighter!

"He lost as expected. That Red-Haired Kid is ridiculously strong," Temari said from the stands.

"He's practically the strongest person in this exam; none of you can beat him except me."

Gaara stood with his arms crossed, his expression icy.

Not far from Gaara, Naruto excitedly pumped his fist. "That was awesome! Shinki won the battle with overwhelming power!"

"The Flying Thunder God Technique is truly powerful; it always catches us off guard," Sasuke said.

Gekko Hayate, who had been observing from the sidelines as the chief examiner, exclaimed after witnessing Shinki's performance, "No matter when I see the Flying Thunder God, I'm always awestruck."

"Has anyone finally taken up the mantle of the Yellow Flash of yesteryear?"

The outcome of the first battle is already decided.

After winning the battle, Shinki did not rush to leave.

He wanted to see how the contestants performed next in order to prepare for the Finals a month later.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated!

The second match after Shinki was between Shino Aburame and Amegakure Ninja.

Shino Aburame was playing with insects, stood still and barely moved, using the insects to scare her opponent into admitting defeat.

Shinki once again witnessed the incredible inclusiveness of Ninjas; some not only manipulated puppets, but others even played with insects.

There are also people like Kiba Inuzuka who play with dogs.

Next up is Rock Lee vs. Gaara.

Although Rock Lee's Taijutsu is weaker than Shinki's, he is still considered one of the best among Genin of the same level.

After opening the Fifth Gate of his Eight Gates, he possesses power and speed that are beyond the reach of ordinary Genin!

Such an ability would allow him to quickly end a battle against almost any Genin.

However, Rock Lee found himself in a tough battle against Gaara.

Gaara can manipulate sand, has a layer of sand armor covering his body, which is practically Absolute Defense, able to protect against attacks from all directions.

Although Rock Lee has broken through this defense before, Gaara is no pushover...

In the end, Rock Lee narrowly lost this battle.

Because Rock Lee refused to admit defeat, Gaara used sand to crush Lee's left leg, causing a comminuted fracture!

Finally, Teacher Kai appeared and took Rock Lee away.

"With injuries like that, will Mushroom Head ever be able to become Ninja again?" Naruto said regretfully after witnessing Rock Lee's battle with Gaara.

Although Rock Lee challenged Shinki upon their first meeting, which made him unlikable.

But his unwavering Ninja Way, his never-give-up spirit, and the "burning youth" that he kept talking about with Guy-sensei moved everyone present!

"Who knows? Let's go see him after the match," Shinki said.

After several more matches, it was Sasuke's turn to play.

Sasuke's opponent is a Ninja from Kabuto Yakushi's team.

Because of the Sealing Jutsu of the Shinki, the Cursed Seal had little effect on Sasuke, and he could still freely use Ninjutsu and the Sharingan.

After several rounds, Sasuke successfully won the victory.

Later, Neji will fight Hinata.

Choji and a certain Amegakure.

Shikamaru and...

The ninth match: Naruto versus Kiba Inuzuka!

At first, Kiba Inuzuka was somewhat relieved when he saw that his opponent was Naruto.

After all, this kid was known as the worst Dead Last in the Ninja Academy.

Meeting him was like winning a spot in the Finals.

But soon, Naruto proved his growth with his strength.

After a fierce battle, Kiba Inuzuka was defeated.

"Naruto, you win. You've really improved a lot."

After losing the game, Ya said sincerely.

Even though Naruto's face was bruised and swollen, he still stood tall with his chest out.

(◍ ´꒳` ◍)

After shaking hands with Kiba, Naruto said, "I'm striving to become Hokage!"

Finally, the dust settled on the ten battles.

The winners who will advance to the Finals are:

Shinki, Gaara, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Shikamaru Nara, Neji Hyuga, Temari, Shino, Tenten, and a certain Amegakure Ninja.

Of the ten Finals, seven were from Konoha.

Gekko Hayate nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, everyone, see you in a month."

"I hope you won't disappoint me then."

There is a one-month gap between the preliminary rounds and the next Finals.

The three from Shinki planned to use this month to improve their strength.

So, the three of Shinki went to find Kakashi.

Upon seeing the three, Kakashi immediately guessed their purpose and felt a headache coming on.

"This is such a hassle..."

"My Ninjutsu is more suitable for Sasuke, who possesses the Sharingan."

"As for Naruto, I've found you a new mentor."

Seeing that Sasuke and Naruto had already been assigned tasks, Shinki hurriedly pointed to himself. "What about me, Kakashi-sensei?!"

Kakashi: "You..."