Shinmoku released Lightning Release: Spider Web.
The Lightning Release chakra drained away, and Tenten's body went limp. It was as if her bones had been pulled out, and she toppled backward, landing flat on the ground with a slap.
"Winner, Uchiha Shinmoku!"
After Gekko Hayate made the announcement, Shinmoku held out his hand.
Tenten's cheeks were red, partly because of the jutsu Shinmoku had just described, and partly because of the bold words she'd said earlier.
"That was so embarrassing."
As she spoke, she took Shinmoku's hand and got to her feet with his help.
"I'll beat you next time~"
Shinmoku spread his hands and sauntered over to the competitors' seats.
"Is it over?"
Kakashi appeared out of nowhere and asked.
"It's over." Guy's expression was grave.
"How did it go?"
"My beloved student lost."
"I see... Actually, I'm more curious about Shinmoku."
"!" Guy answered indignantly, "He only used the most basic jutsu. Apart from Water Release, Lightning Release, and solid fundamentals, we learned nothing about him!"
"Three chakra natures and the Sharingan? You'd think some Jonin had shown up."
"I'm sorry, Guy-sensei." Tenten walked over, looking ashamed. "You put in all that effort training me for nothing."
"Don't be. It's my duty as your teacher. Let's watch the next match."
Two names appeared on the screen.
"Gaara vs. Dosu!"
Dosu was the hunchbacked bandage-wrapped man leading the Sound Ninja. He looked intimidating, but got defeated in five seconds without even showing what he could do.
Next up was Sakura vs. Ino. The girls pulled each other's hair. It was quite a sight, and the match ended with both of them knocking each other out and getting eliminated.
Shikamaru vs. Kin, the Sound Ninja girl. Shikamaru won.
Temari vs. Choji Akimichi. Choji used Human Bullet Tank, but Temari's fan turned him into a top. In the end, he made himself dizzy.
Naruto vs. Inuzuka Kiba. Naruto won.
Neji vs. Hinata. Hinata was badly injured.
Shino Aburame vs. Misumi Tsurugi. Misumi was the last member of Kabuto's team. His ability was to soften his joints, allowing him to use constricting moves like a python... But Shino Aburame controlled insects, making Misumi an easy target.
Kankuro vs. Zaku. Kankuro won.
Twenty-two contestants had competed in ten matches. Only one match remained...
"Uchiha Kanna vs. Rock Lee!"
"Ahhhhh!" Rock Lee clenched his fists. "It's finally my turn!"
"Both contestants, take your positions."
Rock Lee leaped into the arena. The moment he looked up, Kanna was already standing across from him.
"When did she...?"
"Begin!"
At the announcement, Lee immediately shifted his gaze, avoiding Kanna's eyes.
Tenten smiled from the stands, thinking, Lee trained with me. He's really strong, so he might still have a chance of winning.
Kanna flung a Shuriken straight toward Lee's heart.
I can see it!
Lee quickly dodged to the right, the corners of his mouth lifting. Just as he was about to smile, he heard a faint whistle through the air.
He quickly leaned backward, but the Shuriken still grazed his cheek.
A third Shuriken followed close behind. Forced to bend backward, he dodged the strike with a backbend.
At the same time, Kanna formed Hand Seals: Water Release: Heavenly Weeping.
Using the three Shuriken, she had tested the extent of Rock Lee's field of vision. He hadn't managed to ignore her gaze; he'd simply moved his eyes away, a crude solution.
The rushing water condensed into Senbon and shot toward Rock Lee one needle at a time, like rifle bullets.
Lee tried to close in on Kanna and use Taijutsu, but he wasn't fast enough. He also had to dodge the water Senbon as he moved, and soon his body was covered in bloody scratches.
After another exchange, Lee rolled backward awkwardly and leaped onto the tip of the statue's finger at the edge of the arena, where it formed the Seal of the Ram.
"Lee—" Guy shouted. "Take them off!"
"But, Guy-sensei," Lee replied, saluting, "you said I could only take them off when I had to protect many important people."
"It's fine. I give you permission."
"Yes!"
Lee removed the weights from his legs, then stood and stretched out his arms.
"Boom—"
It really was more impressive in person.
"Kakashi, isn't that a bit much?" Kakashi silently lifted his forehead protector.
"I'm coming!" Lee shouted. The next moment, only a blur remained in the arena.
So fast.
Kanna activated her Sharingan in an instant. Lee's fist was already right in front of her.
She dodged sideways, but a hook came at her. She raised her arm to block it. After a thud, Kanna staggered several steps back, her arm numb and a red mark on her fair forearm.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
One rising whirlwind followed another.
Kanna narrowly dodged, and Lee planted his hands on the ground and followed up with an upward kick—the preparatory move for Shadow Leaf Dance.
Water Release: Water Clone.
The Water Clone burst apart, splashing water all over the ground.
"So fast!"
The spectators couldn't help exclaiming. Lee's movements were quick, and Kanna formed her Hand Seals just as quickly.
The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes. "Those are the Second Hokage's Hand Seals."
"The Second Hokage?" Anko asked in surprise. "Why would he pass that jutsu down to an Uchiha?"
"He once had an Uchiha under his command, named Kagami. Perhaps that's where it was passed down from."
In the arena, Kanna drew a Kunai.
She had already adjusted to Rock Lee's speed. Now she needed to test his field of vision in close combat.
Chakra covered her hands, increasing her strength, and Kanna met him head-on.
The two exchanged blows, putting on a Taijutsu spectacle for the crowd.
Youth!!!!
After blocking another one of Lee's hooks with her left arm, Kanna's gaze sharpened. She reversed her grip on the Kunai and slashed at his throat.
When Lee was forced to retreat, Kanna hooked her index finger through the Kunai's ring and swung it forward.
As Lee pulled away, the cold gleam cut his chin.
Then Kanna flung the Kunai away and took a step back.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique."
She exhaled chakra, and Water Release took the shape of a dragon. The water dragon opened its jaws and charged straight at Lee.
"Third Gate..."
"Water Release: Water Prison Technique!"
Just as Lee was about to activate the Eight Inner Gates and the water dragon was about to hit him, Kanna appeared and used Water Prison Technique.
The water dragon and the puddles on the ground condensed together into a sphere of water, trapping Lee inside.
"Glug glug glug—"
"Demonic Illusion: Ignis Fatuus."
Inside the water prison, Lee's mind was drawn into a world of illusion.
Subjected to torment of both mind and body, Lee soon passed out.
"The match is over. Uchiha Kanna wins."
At Gekko Hayate's announcement, Kanna released her jutsu.
With a thud, Rock Lee collapsed onto the floor.
"Lee—"
Lee was carried out on a stretcher for treatment, and Guy followed him.
With that, the preliminary matches for the third round of the Chunin Ninja Exams came to an end.
The successful contestants gradually returned to the center of the arena. Kanna gazed in Shinmoku's direction, looking a little lost in thought.
"What's wrong?" Shinmoku asked.
"What do you think?" Kanna asked in return.
"Not bad."
"Really not bad?"
"Do you really want to hear?"