Bang!
Beneath the evening glow, Sasuke and Yakumo collided in front of the entire school, the impact landing with a dull thud.
With that clash, Sasuke's challenge to Yakumo officially began.
Both sides opened with hand-to-hand combat. Yakumo in particular seemed eager to test the results of her recent Taijutsu training.
Thud, thud, thud.
Before long, the two were locked in a dazzling exchange of attacks and defenses.
In the classroom.
Shinji leaned by the window, watching the fierce battle on the training ground.
Like him, quite a few people had stayed in the classroom instead of going outside, where they had a better view from above.
Nearby, Tenten muttered, "Don't you think this is strange? Sasuke just lost to Kimimaro. Shouldn't he challenge Kimimaro first? Why is he suddenly challenging the even stronger Yakumo?"
"Yeah, it is strange!" Rock Lee said.
Haku turned to Shinji. "Shinji, do you know why?"
Shinji shook his head.
Tenten looked to Neji. "What do you think, Neji?"
Neji had activated his Byakugan and was focused intently on the training ground. His expression was grave as he said, "Something's off about Sasuke today!"
Tenten nodded repeatedly. "Right? I thought so too. Those dark circles make him look like he hasn't slept in days!"
"That's not what I mean." Neji shook his head, then continued in a low voice, "The Chakra inside him seems to have changed somehow. It feels different from before!"
Karin, who had been quiet until now, was also watching Sasuke.
She sensed that the Yin Release Chakra the leader had delivered yesterday was very similar to the Chakra Sasuke had now.
On the training ground.
Shikamaru pursed his lips. "Those two are monsters..."
Choji munched on a snack as he asked, "Shikamaru, do you think Sasuke can win today?"
"By rights,