Kiba Inuzuka stopped hesitating and abruptly used Beast Mimicry Ninjutsu: Four Legs Technique. In an instant, he transformed into a ferocious beast-like shadow and charged at Naruto with a fearsome, overwhelming force. His sharp claws and fangs traced cold flashes through the air, aiming straight for Naruto's vital points.
Yet faced with the sudden, ferocious attack, Naruto remained remarkably composed. With his hands casually tucked into his pockets and amusement in his eyes beneath his sunglasses, he leaped and spun lightly, dodging Kiba Inuzuka's fierce attacks with perfect timing every time.
His movements were casual and graceful, like a lively dance, and Kiba Inuzuka's attacks did nothing to throw him off.
Watching from the platform, Kurenai was dumbstruck. She could tell Naruto wasn't dodging by luck; he had precisely read the paths of Kiba Inuzuka's attacks. It was clear that Naruto had completely seen through them.
But seeing through an attack and dodging it with precision were two different things. Kurenai doubted that even she could evade Kiba Inuzuka's attacks so precisely. Naruto's only a Genin who just graduated from the Ninja Academy, and I'm an elite Jonin of Konoha!
She glanced at Kakashi, who still looked calm, as if everything had gone exactly as he expected. Kurenai marveled to herself, You've been hiding your strength well, Kakashi.
When Sakura saw Naruto effortlessly dodge the attacks, a smug smile tugged at her lips.
She knew how strong Naruto was, but even so, she couldn't help feeling happy at how well he was doing.
Ino, on the other hand, had known nothing about Naruto's strength. When she saw him handle Kiba Inuzuka's fierce attacks so easily, admiration shone in her eyes.
She kept her gaze fixed on Naruto, and each time he successfully dodged an attack, her affection for him grew stronger.
"Naruto, you're so cool!" Ino couldn't help cheering under her breath. Her face took on a lovestruck expression as she became completely absorbed in the way Naruto fought.
Sakura wasn't about to be outdone. She shouted, "Naruto, you're amazing!"
Temari stood in the stands, her gaze fixed on Naruto in the arena.
This was her second time seeing Naruto, but now, as Sakura and Ino cheered one after another, a blush crept onto her face. Their enthusiastic cheers nearly drew her into joining them.
But just as she was about to speak, she noticed Gaara and Kankuro beside her.
Gaara wore a serious expression, his gaze sharp as he watched every detail of the match. Kankuro, meanwhile, looked disdainful, a cold smile on his lips.
Seeing them, Temari quickly reined in her feelings and composed herself. As a representative of Sunagakure, cheering for Naruto would have been entirely out of place.
So she took a deep breath, refocused on the match, and silently rooted for Naruto.
Hinata stood in a corner of the stands, watching Naruto in the arena with a tender, steadfast gaze. Her hands were clasped tightly together, her fingertips faintly pale, betraying her nervous anticipation. Unlike the exuberant Sakura and Ino nearby, Hinata's support for Naruto was quiet and restrained.
Blushing, she lowered her eyes as if afraid someone might notice how stirred she felt. But her heart pounded like a drum, every beat urging Naruto on.
Keep going, Naruto-kun! I'll always be here to support you. Hinata repeated the words silently to herself. Determination and tenderness shone in her eyes, as though she could send that strength across to Naruto in the arena.
Sasuke stood in the stands. Seeing Naruto casually dodge Kiba Inuzuka's attacks as if he were playing with him, he frowned and then shouted, "Naruto, finish this already. Stop wasting time playing around with him."
Down in the arena, Kiba Inuzuka was already frustrated by Naruto's dodging. Now, hearing Sasuke look down on him like that, he flared up in anger. His hair bristled as he roared, "Naruto! All you do is dodge. Do you have the guts to fight me head-on?"
Beneath his sunglasses, Naruto's eyes curved into crescents. He had initially wanted to end the fight quickly, but seeing the brat Kiba Inuzuka act so arrogantly, he didn't mind playing with him a little longer.
However, after hearing Sasuke's words, Naruto decided to end their little game.
Naruto suddenly accelerated. His figure streaked across the arena like lightning, closing in on Kiba Inuzuka in an instant.
Watching from the platform, Kakashi's eyes narrowed sharply. He immediately realized Naruto was about to get serious.
Kakashi vanished in an instant and charged toward the arena, ready to rescue Kiba Inuzuka.
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