"The fourth match: Uzumaki Kushina versus Lingdou."
The preliminary exam proctor glanced at the Big Screen and called out the competitors' names.
"It's my turn. Watch me shine."
Kushina leaped confidently down from the Viewing Stand and landed steadily in the center of the arena.
Her opponent came down as well. It was the Suna Ninja she'd clashed with before.
Back then, Lingdou and another Suna Ninja, Qingzi, had ganged up on Kushina, but she'd dealt with both of them by herself.
Now he was facing Kushina one-on-one, with no one else to help him. Naturally, he stood no chance.
However, Lingdou showed no intention of giving up. Instead, he took the initiative and taunted Kushina.
"This time, I won't lose to you again!"
Although he'd lost to Kushina last time, he'd also learned about her abilities.
In an era when combat power hadn't yet spiraled out of control, information was a major factor in a ninja battle.
Kushina remained confident all the same.
"If I beat you once, I can beat you again!"
Confidence was a good thing.
However, when the proctor announced the start of the match, Kushina was astonished to find that Lingdou had no intention of fighting her at close range.
He kept his distance, launching long-range attacks with Tool Throwing and Wind Style Ninjutsu.
Kushina had been staying by Uzumaki Mito's side lately, mostly studying various Sealing Techniques.
After all, she could become the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki at any moment.
So apart from the ninjutsu she'd learned at the Ninja Academy, she really didn't have any long-range attack techniques.
The only technique she could use for long-range attacks was Adamantine Sealing Chains, and she still hadn't mastered it.
For a while, Kushina found herself at a disadvantage.
On the Viewing Stand, Mikoto couldn't help worrying.