"Next match: Konoha's Namikaze Minato versus Sunagakure's Sasori!"
"Minato—"
Several Konoha Genin in the stands wore worried expressions.
Among their generation, Namikaze Minato was widely recognized as the strongest—a peerless genius.
But after witnessing Pakura's terrifying strength, they had lost confidence in Konoha's ability to save face in the first round.
Minato smiled warmly at his teammates, reassuring them.
Sasori still wore his usual expressionless face, his eyes as calm as a stagnant pool, revealing nothing.
"Begin!"
The moment Umino Ikkaku's voice fell, Minato moved!
He didn't form any hand seals or make a single probing move. Leaning forward slightly, he shot off like an arrow loosed from its bow. In the next instant, he became a golden blur, closing the distance to Sasori at a speed nearly impossible to follow with the naked eye!
So fast!
What incredible Body Flicker!
The two Kage in the stands narrowed their eyes slightly.
Another genius!
"Body Flicker? To be this fast at his age... Sarutobi, your Konoha geniuses really do keep appearing one after another." It was impossible to tell whether the Third Kazekage's voice held admiration or something else.
Sarutobi Hiruzen merely smiled without answering.
On the field, Sasori reacted to Minato's sudden charge with astonishing speed. He didn't even retreat; only his wide sleeves stirred slightly.
Poof! Four puppets appeared, taking up positions in front of, behind, and to either side of Sasori. His fingers twitched, and two of them immediately charged forward with blades in hand.
"Four puppets... As far as I know, an ordinary puppeteer only needs to control one puppet well enough to become a Chunin. Your village's Genin may not be much worse than ours, after all!" the Third praised cheerfully.
The Third Kazekage fell silent.
Only Ōnoki was left fuming, his face dark and flushed