Jounin Exam Part 2

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In the arena, Naraku and Kai were swaying back and forth, while Kakashi stood on the side, his Sharingan activated, watching the spectacle.

The Third Hokage was annoyed. "Kakashi, do you have any idea how short your chakra is? You have your Sharingan on—why don't you jump into the fight already? Otherwise you'll have to be helped out again, and anyone watching will think you're that weak!"

So the Third turned to the lower ground and said, "Kakashi, stop watching and get in there, or we'll run out of time."

"This kid always likes to hide his skill in front of me. You two go together and see just how strong he really is."

Hearing the Third's order, Kakashi darted forward and stood beside Kai, saying, "Sorry, I don't want to interrupt your fight, but as the Third said, this is a Jonin exam. Let's see if Naraku has what it takes to bear the Jonin title. As for your steel‑fist versus soft‑fist duel, we'll settle that another day. Be warned, Naraku—we're going all‑out now!"

Watching the two prepare to go all‑out, Naraku sneered, glancing at the remaining third‑full chakra on the side, and thought, "Damn old Third Hokage, always scheming to gauge my strength. Fine, since you're so curious, I'll give you a full display today!"

After attaining high spiritual pressure and Jonin‑level power, Naraku had never really fought anyone. As for his previous Genin squad, they were average, and Naraku never gave his all.

But Kai and Kakashi standing before him were undeniably top‑tier opponents—the elite among Jonin—so fighting them would let Naraku gauge his true strength.

Naraku slipped his left hand behind to grasp the sheath of his Zanpakutō, then drew the blade slowly from his back with his right hand; at last, the long sword sang from its sheath, its aura sharp.

Following the principle of "always keep a reserve," and to hide his ability to summon weapons out of thin air, Naraku usually carries his weapons on his back, ready to surprise opponents when the moment comes.

With the long sword in hand, Naraku's presence shifted.

If the earlier Naraku, like his fist style, gave off a steady vibe, now he's sharp and flamboyant—anyone with a fragile mind would likely break down before him.

"Well then, seniors, I'm going all‑out as well. Please don't hold back; I want to know exactly how strong I am now."

With those words, Naraku lunged at the two, brandishing his Zanpakutō.

In response, Kakashi and Kai each produced a kunai, while the other somehow produced a nunchaku.

Kakashi was the first to parry Naruku's long sword; Kai flashed to Naruku's side, swinging his nunchaku at him.

"Bakudō No.8 – Repel"

Facing Kai's move, Naruku didn't dodge; he knew that after years of teamwork, Kakashi and Kai's coordination meant that if he retreated, he'd be subjected to their relentless assault.

So he activated Bakudō No.8 on his left hand, forming a shield, while his right hand kept the long sword to clash with Kakashi.

"Bang… clack…"

While parrying with Kakashi, Naruku sensed something off; looking back, he saw the shield on his left hand had begun to crack after the impact.

"Tch… damn it… Bakudō No.8's level is too low, and since it's a cast‑less version, it can only block a single strike from a powerhouse like Kai!"

"Bakudō No.9 – Collapse Wheel"

With no time to think, Kai's attack came again; on the brink, Naruku unleashed a Collapse Wheel, a yellow rope extending from his fingertips, tightly binding the unsuspecting Kai.

Can't find the title; try searching the author, maybe it's just renamed!

"What? What kind of ninjutsu is this?"

The suddenly bound Kai looked extremely surprised, but without hesitation he gathered his full strength, thrusting his arms outward; veins bulged on his forehead as he forcefully tore the rope apart.

"Snap…"

The rope formed by Bakudō, unable to hold for more than three seconds at Kai's side, snapped piece by piece, each fragment turning into spiritual particles that vanished into the air.

Watching this, Naruku clenched his teeth—damn, low‑level Bakudō was useless against this guy.

Naruku swung his blade back, cleaving Kakashi, then used a flash step to distance himself from the two.

Since I can't profit from close‑quarters combat, I'll switch to ranged. I'll wear you down with distance skills. Kakashi, you're infamous for lacking chakra; I bet you'll only manage a few techniques before you run dry. Once you're out, I'll unleash Kai's kite. A mage at range versus a warrior without healing—I'll drain him to death!

"Hadō No.32 – Sakura Flash"

Another cast‑less Hadō erupted from Naruku's hand, a sakura‑colored shockwave spreading toward Kakashi and Kai.

"Kai, danger! Get behind me!"

Kakashi shouted to Kai while quickly forming hand signs: "Earth Release – Earth Flow Wall"

An earth wall rose, shielding Kakashi and Kai, while the Sakura Flash brushed against it, slashing off chunks of the wall.

Seeing them hide behind the wall, Naruku thought, "Great opportunity!"

"Hadō No.54 – Waste Flame"

Without time to chant, another cast‑less Hadō formed instantly; though its power was reduced, there was no time to worry about that.

Hadō No.54 is one of the highest‑numbered Hadō Naruku has mastered, producing flames that incinerate the target, akin to Itachi's Amaterasu.

If given a chance later, Naruku would like to compare which is stronger—Amaterasu's flames or his own Waste Flame.

A massive, disc‑shaped blaze formed in Naruku's hand; he hurled it at Kakashi and Kai. The fire grew larger in the air before crashing onto the earth wall.

The two behind the wall tried to peek out, but a huge blaze surged toward them, forcing them to retreat again.

When the flame met the wall, it didn't explode as they'd imagined; instead it spread like liquid, coating the wall, which then dissolved before their eyes at a visible speed.

"Kakashi, what kind of flame is that? Why is it so strange?" Kai asked, puzzled.

"I don't know—I've never seen this flame either. Whatever it is, stay clear of it. It's dangerous, move back…"

Before Kakashi could finish, the earth wall began to crumble under the flame's assault, flaming debris scattering, and the two hurried to dodge.

"Now's my chance, senior Kai—you were careless!"

At that moment, Naruku's voice rang out from behind Kai!

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