Konoha.
The venue for the third round of the Joint Chunin Exam.
Since neither the Kazekage nor the Raikage had arrived, only Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared on the high platform.
As for Toroi, Baki, and the others, they could only stand on the lower level.
When the time was right, the proctor in charge of the exam announced that it was officially beginning.
"First match: Namikaze Minato versus Motoi. All participants other than these two, please return to the Viewing Stand."
Everyone else, including Qingshui, left the arena, leaving only Minato and Motoi facing each other.
"Go, Minato! You're the best!"
Mukai Yuki and Sasaki Ayami were cheering Minato on.
"Begin!"
At the proctor's command, Motoi moved first. Kunai in hand, he charged at Minato at incredible speed.
The first to strike had the advantage.
Unfortunately, the gap in strength between him and Minato was too great.
Clang!
Minato easily blocked Motoi's attack with the kunai in one hand. At the same time, he gathered Chakra in his other hand and formed a Rasengan.
"What?!"
The Rasengan made its first appearance before the crowd. It shocked not only Motoi, but also the Ninja who had come to watch.
The value of Ninjutsu without Hand Seals was something only those in the know could appreciate.
"A self-developed technique—and it should be A-Rank."
On the high platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi was just as surprised as he watched.
With the eye of a "Professor of Ninjutsu," he saw through the Rasengan's principles at a glance.
But he had no idea who had developed it.
Feeling the deadly threat emanating from the Rasengan, Motoi hurriedly tried to retreat and dodge.
But Minato wasn't about to give him the chance.
He immediately pursued him and slammed the Rasengan into him.
Thud!
Even though Motoi had managed to