Seeing everyone clear the way, Sasuke stood in the middle of the hollow, rolling his wrists as he confidently said to Karin, "My code name is 'E' only because I joined the organization later than you. So if I win this challenge, I want your code name!"
Karin froze, not expecting Sasuke to make that demand.
The others' expressions changed, too.
If Sasuke could change his code name by winning a challenge, then clearly they could do the same.
Noticing Karin's hesitation, Sasuke said, "What, are you afraid?"
"Fine!"
Karin nodded.
At last, she understood what it felt like to be challenged. At last, she didn't have to hide in a corner of the Ninja Academy playground, quietly watching geniuses like Sasuke challenge one another.
I've become the center of everyone's attention, instead of a lowly spectator!
The thought began to linger in her mind.
With Karin's agreement, Sasuke's fighting spirit blazed.
He knew 'B' was formidable, but he believed in himself. If other Uchiha could do it, so could he!
More importantly, if he wanted to defeat Itachi Uchiha someday, then 'B'—the organization's Mangekyō Sharingan-wielding Uchiha—was undoubtedly the ideal opponent to measure himself against.
The atmosphere in the hollow grew tense.
Whoosh.
Sasuke made the first move, lunging at Karin.
Karin's Taijutsu had never been particularly strong, and now she'd lost the Rinnegan's aid in reading her opponent's movements. She didn't foolishly engage Sasuke, a Taijutsu specialist, at close range. Instead, she immediately activated Wood Release.
Rustle, rustle.
In an instant, countless vines surged up from the ground, flooding toward Sasuke from every direction.
"What!?"
Sasuke's expression froze. He stopped in his tracks, leaped into the air, and formed Hand Seals. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
The flames roared, but they couldn't stop the sea of trees from advancing.