A Sudden Turn for the Worse

Asuma, serving as referee, did not even enter the arena. From the stands, he directly announced the start of the match between the two Hokage candidates, whose hostility was palpable.

The Barrier Team, meanwhile, consciously activated the "Four Violet Flames Formation" as soon as the match began.

Having learned from the previous match, the Barrier Team understood that battles between Hokage candidates were in no way comparable to the usual Chunin Exams.

Even if the Hokage candidates taking part were extremely restrained, they could still inadvertently cause earth-shattering trouble. The Barrier Team did not dare let down their guard in the slightest. Otherwise, the bill delivered to their department the next day would not be for venue repairs, but for rebuilding the entire arena.

In the arena.

As the "Four Violet Flames Formation" slowly rose, Kakashi continuously pulled kunai engraved with the "Flying Thunder God Formula" from his Ninja Tool Pouch and tossed them in every direction. There were dozens of them.

Fugaku's scarlet Three Tomoe Sharingan shifted within his eye sockets, silently recording the positions of the Flying Thunder God kunai Kakashi had placed.

He was not surprised by Kakashi's actions at all.

As ninja from the same village, they had carefully studied one another before the match. Both sides had a rough idea of what tactics the other would employ.

After placing the Flying Thunder God kunai, Kakashi warned, "I'm making my move!"

"You sure talk a lot of nonsense!"

Fugaku snorted coldly.

Whoosh...

Kakashi's expression darkened, and then he vanished from where he stood.

Soon, a rapid series of metallic clashes rang out across the arena.

In the VIP lounge.

Jiraiya wore a grave expression as he watched Kakashi use the "Flying Thunder God Technique" to fiercely assault Uchiha Fugaku.

Fugaku's performance was just like Hyuga Kagami's