Eye Technique Clash Stuns the Crowd

At the critical moment, Aburame Shimbi intervened in time, stopping Mei's attack.

His figure flickered, appearing between Iripo and Mei, an invisible force separating the two.

"This match is to be decided with restraint, Mei. You've gone too far." Aburame Shimbi's tone was stern, his gaze deep as he watched Mei.

Mei put away her Kunai, snorting coldly without a word.

She was somewhat unconvinced inside, but facing the reprimand of an elder, she dared not argue.

Iripo took a deep breath, calming his emotions.

Though he had lost, he wasn't discouraged; instead, it ignited his fighting spirit even more.

He knew the gap between himself and Mei was still vast, and he needed to train harder to catch up to her pace.

The surrounding spectators buzzed with discussion, all shaken by this brilliant duel.

The Uchiha and Hyuga Clans were both prestigious families in Konoha, so the clash between their descendants naturally drew much attention.

"I can't believe Mei awakened the Sharingan—it's incredible!"

"Yeah, and she can even use Fire Release, the Uchiha Clan's signature jutsu!"

"Looks like the Uchiha Clan has another genius on their hands!"

Everyone heaped praise on Mei's talent, believing she would become a pillar of Konoha's future.

Aburame Shimbi looked at Mei, knowing her talent was immense, but also worried that her overly cold and proud nature might lead her astray.

He decided to report this matter to the Hokage after all the matches were over, letting him decide.

"Next match, continue!" Aburame Shimbi announced.

Though Hyuga Iripo had lost, his performance earned the respect of the crowd.

He hadn't awakened the Byakugan, but his taijutsu and Gentle Fist were outstanding, and his willpower was remarkably tenacious.

Mei stood on the platform, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding crowd.

"Hmph, the Hyuga Clan, nothing special," Mei thought to herself.

Though Iripo was somewhat unwilling, he also recognized the gap between himself and Mei.

He didn't let it discourage him; instead, it strengthened his resolve.

He believed that as long as he kept striving, he would one day surpass Mei.

Just then, Mei suddenly sensed a powerful surge of Chakra. She jerked her head up, looking toward the spectator stands.

There, a person in a black cloak was quietly watching her, a strange light flickering in their eyes.

"Who is that?" Mei's heart jolted, a sense of unease washing over her.

Haotian sat in the viewing stands, watching Mei's performance on the field with keen interest.

Her movements were swift, her Shuriken moving as if alive, cutting through the air with a sharp whistle, precisely striking Hyuga Iripo.

Haotian could feel the powerful Chakra within Mei, as well as the crimson Three-Tomoe in her pupils—a power only attainable after awakening the Sharingan.

He marveled inwardly, the Sharingan truly was a mysterious power.

He also pondered what could give rise to such a dojutsu—was it merely bloodline inheritance?

His gaze toward Uchiha Mei carried a hint of probing curiosity.

On the field, Iripo lay on the ground. Though he struggled to stand, he ultimately collapsed to his knees, powerless.

He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his flesh, blood seeping out, yet he felt no pain.

He couldn't accept this outcome—his Hyuga Clan had actually lost to the Uchiha Clan.

Mei retrieved her Shuriken, lightly dusted off her hands, and slowly walked over to Iripo, looking down at him.

Her tone was gentle, but every word cut deep: "The Hyuga Clan, nothing special after all. Your Byakugan is useless before me."

Iripo gritted his teeth, glaring at Mei in fury, but unable to retort.

Mei just smiled faintly, turned, and walked off the arena. Her gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Haotian. The corner of her mouth lifted slightly, her eyes carrying a hint of provocation and curiosity.

She slowly began walking toward Haotian, each step confident and steady, the air around them growing tense.

The subsequent matches, however, were as dull as chewing wax, utterly uninteresting.

The contestants moved like clumsy ducks, their actions sluggish, their techniques mediocre, completely lacking the brilliance of the earlier duel between Mei and Iripo.

In the spectator stands, people whispered among themselves, their once-high spirits gradually sinking.

"Is this the future of our Konoha?" an older ninja sighed quietly, his tone full of worry. "With this level, how can we face ninja from other villages?"

Another ninja shook his head, his face filled with concern. "Alas, it seems Konoha's strength has greatly declined."

Even some of Konoha's higher-ups began to frown, watching the unaccomplished youths on the field with deep disappointment.