Drip, drip...
As everyone busied themselves repairing the barrier and leveling the grounds, the rain clouds that had gathered overhead for so long finally could no longer hold back the rain. Amid flashes of lightning flickering within the clouds, a light rain began to fall.
A hazy curtain of rain quickly enveloped the entire venue.
Before long, the Medical Corps, Sealing Team, and Barrier Team left in succession, and the fifth match of the Chunin Exams officially began.
The two contestants in the fifth match were Suigetsu of Kirigakure and Temari of Sunagakure.
Because of the rain, Suigetsu, who excelled at Water Release ninjutsu, held every advantage. After an intense exchange, he ultimately defeated Temari with the Forbidden Technique of the Hozuki Clan.
This battle had also been a clash far beyond the level of Genin. The various applications of Water Release and Wind Release ninjutsu had left the spectators dazzled.
However, after the nearly mythical spectacle of the Mangekyō Sharingan's "Susanoo" in the previous match, this battle failed to stir any enthusiasm among the audience in the stands and ended to a lukewarm response.
After five matches, it was already noon.
As the chief referee, Itachi announced an intermission, with the final contests to continue in the afternoon.
After all, the contestants were somewhat exhausted after the fierce first round of battles, and the venue needed further maintenance as well.
Inside Konoha Hospital.
After conducting a thorough examination of Sasuke, Tsunade told Fugaku, Mikoto, Itachi, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and the rest of Sasuke's family and teachers gathered around, "Don't worry. He's fine. That Kirin showed considerable restraint. The wounds look severe, but none of them struck any vital areas!"
Looking at Sasuke, who still lay unconscious on the hospital bed, Mikoto asked worriedly, "Then why is Sasuke still unconscious?"