The Split-Second Knockout

As Sasuke Uchiha stepped into the arena, the crowd around them erupted into a commotion.

"Uchiha Sasuke again? Wasn't he injured by the Grass ninja just two days ago?"

"Heh, this should be good!"

"I wonder if we'll get to see the Uchiha Clan's Mangekyō Sharingan abilities this time!"

Though Sasuke had already lost to Darui of the Cloud and Shinji Kotera of the Grass, the name "Mangekyō Uchiha" still carried weight. He drew attention wherever he went, and the moment he entered the arena, everyone's eyes turned to him.

Even the prodigies in the crowd, like Gaara, Kurotsuchi, and Ringo Ameyuri, were drawn to the match.

Kurotsuchi asked the Sand ninja beside her, "Who do you think will win?"

Temari said, "Probably Sasuke Uchiha, right? He's a Mangekyō Uchiha, after all. There's no way he could lose to some nobody from the Grass."

Kankuro chimed in, "Yeah, I think Sasuke Uchiha will win, too! What do you think, Gaara?"

"I don't know."

Gaara shook his head.

Most of the spectators thought Sasuke would win, too. Many Konoha villagers had seen Karin's hundred-meter-tall Perfect Susanoo, so when they had to choose between an obscure Grass ninja and Sasuke, who possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, they were naturally more inclined to believe in Sasuke!

Kakashi had also hurried to the hospital upon hearing the news, landing on the rooftop.

After nodding respectfully to Tsunade, who was some distance away, Kakashi looked toward the arena. When he saw Sasuke had entered the match again, his expression immediately darkened.

His Mangekyō Sharingan's power was depleted, his Cursed Seal had been sealed, and he was still injured. Sasuke was in no condition to accept a challenge.

Sasuke stepped into the arena with his Sharingan already activated.

Ever since losing to Shinji Kotera of Kusagakure, he