Sincerity Moves the Heart

The second match: Uchiha Sasuke vs. Haku.

"Perfect. We can finish the battle we left unfinished in the Land of Waves—"

Sasuke stared at Haku across from him, filled with fighting spirit.

Back then, after Naruto Uzumaki defeated Zabuza, Haku had no desire to fight and surrendered outright, which Sasuke had found deeply regrettable.

Haku said troubledly, "Actually, I wanted to forfeit right away—but seeing how you look, Sasuke, I figured you definitely wouldn't be happy about that."

Sasuke's face darkened. "I'm already unhappy with you right now. Can't you fight me properly, like a man?"

Haku said apologetically, "Sorry, I—"

"Haku, don't apologize!"

Zabuza stood in the spectator stands with the Kubikiribōchō over his shoulder. He glared displeasedly at Sasuke on the arena. "Uchiha brat, what do you mean by that? Are you trying to bully Haku?"

Sasuke glanced at Zabuza, then at Haku's blissful smile, and his expression stiffened.

You two—

Fine. As long as you're happy.

Sasuke tugged at the corner of his mouth, utterly speechless.

"Contestants, get ready—then, begin!"

At Gekko Hayate's command, Sasuke charged forward, instantly appearing before Haku and kicking upward.

An ice wall rose before Haku.

Bang! The ice wall shattered, and Haku had already vanished from Sasuke's sight, reappearing in one corner of the arena.

"You should be careful now, Sasuke—"

"I don't need your reminder. Focus on the fight!"

As they spoke, frigid mist spread across the arena, and the two began their battle.

"Why can't I sense the Curse Mark anymore—"

Watching the battle from the shadows, Orochimaru muttered quietly, his snake-like eyes filled with confusion.

In the spectator stands.

—

Tenten's eyes widened. "Rock Lee, wasn't that just now—"

"That's right, it was the Shadow Leaf Dance!"

Rock Lee wore a bitter expression. "Is this what a genius is?