Chidori VS Rasengan

The next day.

The semifinals began as scheduled.

On the high platform, the two Kage were still flanked by the high-ranking officials of their respective villages.

However, Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato both seemed somewhat lost in thought.

Namikaze Minato was pondering the Flying Thunder God and the Rasengan; he was eager to practice the Rasengan thoroughly, combine it with his own techniques, and quickly boost his combat prowess.

But unfortunately, this was not Konoha, but Sunagakure.

The combination of Flying Thunder God and Rasengan was truly ill-suited for practice in Sunagakure, and at this moment, Namikaze Minato's desire to return to his village had reached its peak.

When Jiraiya returned to his quarters yesterday, he had bought balloons and was currently practicing the Rasengan; even now, he was contemplating the techniques of the Rasengan.

The most relaxed of them all was Tsunade, who was essentially treating her visit to Sunagakure as a vacation.

Though, given the scenery of Sunagakure, there wasn't much to tour anyway.

On the Sunagakure side, the Third Kazekage did not look very pleased.

His greatest trump card, Karura, was out of the running, and the other two candidates were no match for Akiyama Shun and Kakashi. What followed would be a showcase for the geniuses of Konoha.

And it was happening on his own turf in Sunagakure!

In contrast to the Third Kazekage, Sarutobi Hiruzen wore his signature, ever-present smile.

Ever since the Chunin Exams began, good news had been pouring in.

Not only were Akiyama Shun and Kakashi performing well, but Namikaze Minato had also learned a new, high-damage ninjutsu.

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the Third Kazekage and suddenly remarked, "It seems the next matches will be our two Konoha geniuses facing off against Sunagakure's two geniuses. It makes one wonder who will take the championship."

Hearing this, the Third Kazekage's mouth twitched, and his voice dropped low: "Then let us wait and see."

Amidst the hidden agendas of the two Kage, the matches began.

Kakashi and Akiyama Shun were both fighting opponents from Sunagakure. While their opponents were not weak—likely having already passed the assessment to become Chunin—they were simply outclassed by Akiyama Shun and Kakashi.

Within just a few rounds, both had decisively finished their fights.

Time was abundant today, so the match schedule was spread out.

There were only two semifinal matches in the morning. Once the finalists were determined, there was an entire lunch break, allowing the two competitors to rest fully before the afternoon finals.

During the break, many spectators remained in the stands, continuing to discuss the upcoming finals.

It couldn't be helped; this was arguably the most anticipated match in years.

One was Kakashi, who had shattered the absolute defense, and the other was Akiyama Shun, who had crushed every opponent he faced.

Of course, the main driver was curiosity.

Since Kakashi had already fought Karura, they could roughly estimate his strength.

But Akiyama Shun was different; he had won every battle so far with overwhelming ease, making it impossible to gauge his true level of power!

"Who do you think will win?"

"Need you ask? It has to be Kakashi. He even defeated Karura."

"I have a feeling it's Akiyama Shun. He hides his strength quite deeply; he might be holding something back."

"I think it's Akiyama Shun too. I often see him with Jiraiya or Tsunade, two of the Sannin. He's likely their student, right? That must mean he's even stronger!"

"Kakashi is the son of the White Fang of Konoha, you know. That argument doesn't hold water."

"..."

Amidst the heated discussions of the crowd.

Time quickly reached 1:00 PM.

The time for the finals had arrived!

Neither Akiyama Shun nor Kakashi was late; they stood on the dueling arena right on time.

Neither showed any unnecessary expression, simply standing there in silence, staring at one another.

Everyone in the stands fell quiet, eyes locked on the two figures in the arena.

On the high platform.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes held a hint of anticipation, eager to see what other surprises Akiyama Shun might have in store.

The Third Kazekage did not believe this fight was worth watching.

He had seen internal village matches—even internal team matches—many times before. Most were just for show, a bit of light sparring, followed by one party voluntarily conceding.

If it were an internal Sunagakure match, he could accept it, but a Konoha civil war was, in his view, a waste of time. He would have preferred they just tell him the script and announce the champion.

However, to the Third Kazekage's surprise, the very second the referee announced "Begin!"

"Chidori!"

"Rasengan!"

A sharp, piercing shriek and a low, thunderous roar erupted simultaneously!

In an instant, violent lightning hissed and crackled in Kakashi's palm, while a swirling sphere of chakra whistled and coalesced in Akiyama Shun's hand.

The moment Kakashi saw the Rasengan, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, though he quickly returned to his usual composure.

Having known Akiyama Shun for so long, he had long been mentally prepared for the boy's talent.

It seemed there was nothing strange about him pulling out yet another self-created, hand-seal-less ninjutsu.

Their gazes collided in mid-air.

The next instant, they both lowered their centers of gravity, causing the ground beneath their feet to crack, and like two arrows released from a bow, they charged violently toward one another!

Mid-sprint, the electric light of the Chidori and the vortex of the Rasengan surged, the blue-white lightning and the rotating chakra in their palms aimed straight at each other's chests!

Lightning flashed, and air currents roared.

Thunder and storm collided head-on in the center of the arena!

"BOOM!"

A blinding white light exploded at the point of impact!

Immediately following, a violent blast accompanied by a deafening roar swept across the field, sending both Akiyama Shun and Kakashi flying backward from the irresistible shockwave!

The raging aftermath did not cease; it transformed into an invisible tidal wave, sweeping outward and engulfing the entire spectator stand. The audience closest to the arena felt a massive force slam into their chests, causing them to stagger backward involuntarily, their hair whipped into the air and their clothes flapping violently.

Some instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes, yet they could not block the scorching white light piercing through their fingers; the entire arena seemed to tremble in that moment!

Yet, even affected by the shockwave, the spectators felt no discomfort; instead, their blood began to boil, and the long-suppressed cheers from the stands erupted like a volcanic eruption.

"Hahaha! This is amazing! I told you this fight would be the highlight!"

"What kind of ninjutsu is that? To actually clash with the Chidori and not fall behind!?"

"Another self-created ninjutsu?"

"Who was it that said these two were just putting on a show and it wouldn't be worth watching? Come out!"

"Seeing two self-created ninjutsu collide at the Chunin Exams—witnessing this scene is enough to brag about for a lifetime!"

"Go, Akiyama Shun!"

"Go, Kakashi!"

Before the cheers of the audience had even faded, Akiyama Shun and Kakashi had already twisted their bodies in mid-air, quickly adjusting their positions.

"Thud."

Both landed on the wall simultaneously, snapped their heads up, and their gazes locked once more in the air.