The sky was thick with dark clouds, as if foreshadowing the coming storm. Sunlight struggled to pierce the heavy cloud cover, only to be mercilessly swallowed before it reached the ground, leaving behind a gloomy, oppressive darkness. The air was charged with energy on the verge of bursting, and tension quietly spread into every corner.
The towering stands surrounding the arena were packed with layer upon layer of spectators. Their gazes were like countless searchlights, fixed on the open battlefield at the center. The crowd's whispers gradually faded, replaced by a silence so profound it was almost audible. Everyone was waiting for the fierce confrontation about to unfold.
The wind began to grow restless, howling along the edge of the arena and stirring up dust and dead leaves as if playing an overture for the battle to come. Trees swayed in the gusts, their rustling leaves mingling with the occasional rumble of thunder in the distance to create a tense symphony.
The ninjas gradually appeared at the edge of the field, their expressions solemn and their gazes unwavering. Liuxia stood among them, his figure especially striking in the dim light. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, sensing the moisture in the air and the aura of the battle to come.
It seemed as if the surroundings themselves were preparing for the battle. The sky, the earth, the wind—even the spectators' heartbeats—all froze in that moment, awaiting the instant that would set the fight in motion.
At the center of the arena, Liuxia stood with a confident smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. His voice rang out clearly and firmly across the entire field. "I won't hold back in this fight. Nawaki, you're a good friend of mine, but here, we're only opponents. Give it everything you've got and show me your true strength. If you don't want to spend months in the hospital, then fight with everything you have—as if you're trying to kill me."
Determination gleamed in Nawaki's eyes as he replied, "Xiao Xia, I've known how strong you are since we were kids. Your talent really is greater than mine. Whether it's how quickly you learn or your fighting skills, you've always left me in the dust. But today, I'll show you how much I've grown over the years. I'm not the little kid you need to worry about anymore. I've become a capable ninja!"
Hyuga Hiashi's voice was calm, yet full of strength. "Your abilities are certainly impressive, Liuxia. But the Gentle Fist of the Hyuga Clan has been honed over generations. It isn't famous for nothing. In this fight, you'll experience its power firsthand."
A flash of anger crossed Ai's eyes. "I'll show you what happens when you underestimate a Kumogakure ninja. You're fast, and your Space-Time Ninjutsu is impressive. But my Lightning Release is just as swift. I won't lose to you. Let's see who's the fastest man in this contest of speed and strength."
Rasa clenched his fists, his fighting spirit soaring. "Enough talk. Let's fight! My last defeat was just a stepping stone on my path to growth. Today, I'll prove with my strength that Sunagakure's ninjas are not to be underestimated."
A trace of admiration flashed in Liuxia's eyes as he flourished his sword. "Good. I've been looking forward to this. Nawaki, Hyuga Hiashi, Ai, Rasa—you're all worthy opponents. Today, let's show everyone what we can do and let them witness our growth and glory."
Nawaki drew a deep breath, ready to fight. "Come on, Liuxia. Today, I'll show you all the effort I've put in and how much I've grown."
Hyuga Hiashi activated his Byakugan and took the classic Gentle Fist stance to face his opponent. "Let's begin."
Lightning flickered around Ai. "My Lightning Release is ready. Let's settle this fight once and for all."
Magnet Release: Gold Dust swirled around Rasa. "I can't wait. Let's make this battle the brightest star in the sky today!"
At the referee's signal, this historic battle officially began.
Nawaki's opening attack heralded the start of the battle. He used the Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique, which had been refined by his Second Hokage granduncle, Tobirama Senju. The technique was renowned for requiring few hand seals while packing tremendous power. Under Nawaki's control, water swirled around him and coalesced into a mighty dragon. Carrying the force of a thunderclap, it roared as it charged toward Liuxia.
Faced with the surging water dragon, Liuxia didn't dodge or retreat. His gaze was resolute and fearless as he drew the Crimson Blood Sword, ready to meet Nawaki's attack head-on. In the previous fight, he had displayed astonishing speed. Today, he would show the Ninja World that his ability to withstand attacks head-on was just as formidable.
"Dragon Slayer!" Liuxia shouted, his voice brimming with strength and resolve.
Every spectator in the arena was stunned by Liuxia's move. They had never seen anyone try to meet a ninjutsu like the Water Dragon Bullet with a weapon. But what happened next left them even more astonished, their jaws nearly dropping to the floor.
"What? How is that possible?!" the spectators cried.
"That water dragon!" someone screamed.
"It's been split in two!" another spectator exclaimed, scarcely able to believe their eyes.
The Crimson Blood Sword flashed with a cold gleam, living up to its name. The water dragon formed by Nawaki's Water Dragon Bullet Technique had been cleaved in half by Liuxia's sword. The massive dragon had no chance to resist. It broke into two streams of water that fell to the ground, then turned into a fine rain that pattered around Liuxia, making him look even more dashing and invincible.
Liuxia stood in the fine rain, water dripping slowly from the Crimson Blood Sword. His figure seemed all the more resolute and heroic against the rainfall. The scene was etched deeply into every spectator's heart, an image they would never forget.
While the spectators marveled at Liuxia's courage, Ai and the other ninjas didn't lose themselves in the spectacle before them. As trained ninjas, they knew a battle wouldn't stop just because one side had made a dazzling move. They had to seize every opportunity.
Hyuga Hiashi had already activated his Byakugan. His unique eyes missed no detail as they tracked Liuxia's every move. As the young head of the Hyuga Main House, he knew a fair amount about the Flying Thunder God Technique. This Space-Time Ninjutsu was powerful, but it required a medium to work. Even the Second Hokage had needed marked kunai when using this unusual technique.
In the previous battle, Liuxia hadn't used any kunai, but he had made plenty of close-range contact with Kitsuchi. Hyuga Hiashi knew that those moments must have been when Liuxia had placed Flying Thunder God Marks on Kitsuchi. But under the scrutiny of the Byakugan, Liuxia wouldn't get another chance to apply a mark without being noticed.
Though Ai and Rasa were from other villages and didn't know the specifics of the Flying Thunder God Technique, they had watched Kitsuchi's fight, and their team leaders had warned them to be wary of Space-Time Ninjutsu. Determination flashed in Ai's eyes. He knew he couldn't let Liuxia dictate the pace of the fight. Rasa clenched his fists, ready to use Magnet Release to restrain Liuxia with Gold Dust.
"Everyone, stay alert. Don't give him a chance to place any marks!" Hyuga Hiashi called to the other ninjas, his Byakugan sweeping over every corner of the battlefield like a searchlight.
Ai and Rasa nodded to show they understood. They began circling Liuxia, searching for the best moment to strike. Lightning Release chakra flowed through Ai's body, ready to unleash a powerful lightning attack at any moment. Rasa controlled the Gold Dust with Magnet Release, forming an impregnable defensive net.
Liuxia felt the pressure coming from every direction. He knew the fight ahead would be difficult. But there was no fear in his eyes, only anticipation for the challenge to come. He gripped the Crimson Blood Sword tightly, ready to face a combined attack from Ai, Rasa, and Hyuga Hiashi.
Nawaki called to Rasa, "Restrict Xiao Xia's speed! Don't give his swordsmanship room to shine!"
Rasa immediately understood what Nawaki meant. After forming the hand seal for [Hitsuji], he summoned a wave of Gold Dust in an instant. The Gold Dust then turned into countless fine needles as Nawaki rapidly formed hand seals as well.
"Water Release: Heavenly Weeping!"
"Magnet Release: Gold Dust Rain!"
Nawaki's Water Release: Heavenly Weeping sent needles of water spraying from his mouth. They weren't gentle raindrops; they became countless sharp needles that tore through the air at astonishing speed, aimed straight at Liuxia's vital points. The sunlight glinted coldly off them, as if every needle could decide the outcome of the fight.
Rasa's Magnet Release: Gold Dust Rain was even more spectacular. The fine Gold Dust needles he summoned were like a golden meteor shower blanketing the entire battlefield. Every needle carried tremendous penetrating power, enough to make even the strongest defense seem fragile.
Under the double assault, Hyuga Hiashi's Byakugan cut through the battle's every detail, searching for the perfect moment to attack. Ai was like lightning lying in wait, ready to unleash his Lightning Release at any moment.
The spectators' hearts leaped into their throats, their worry for Liuxia plain on their faces. Someone began murmuring, "Liuxia's getting too cocky. He's definitely going to get himself in trouble this time."
But at that tense moment, a clear, resolute voice cut through the murmuring. "That's nonsense! Big Brother Liuxia will definitely win!" It was Kushina. Now that she was finally on vacation, she had made a special trip to cheer her brother on.
Hearing his little sister's voice, warmth welled up inside Liuxia. He waved to her in the stands, then turned to face the incoming double ninjutsu attack. Not a trace of panic showed on his face; he looked completely composed.
Kushina saw her brother Liuxia wave to her even in the middle of the fight. Overcome with excitement, she instantly turned into a blushing, steam-spewing mess and threw herself into Grandma Mito's arms. Her heart raced as if it might leap out of her chest, and her body trembled slightly with nervousness and excitement.
Grandma Mito felt Kushina's excitement and gently stroked the little girl's head, soothing her softly. Even while nestled in her arms, Kushina kept one eye fixed on Liuxia's fight. Grandma Mito found it a little amusing, but she also felt a touch of warmth.
Grandma Mito said softly, "Kushina, just look how amazing your brother is. He'll be fine."
Kushina nodded in Grandma Mito's arms, her voice trembling with nerves. "Grandma Mito, Big Brother is... he's really amazing!"
Kushina kept her eyes fixed on the arena, her gaze full of admiration and trust in her brother. She knew that no matter how difficult the battle became, Liuxia wouldn't give up easily. He was her brother, her hero.
Above them, dark clouds churned as if playing an overture for the battle to come. At the center of the battlefield, Liuxia faced the threat of the double ambush. Rather than meet it head-on with his sword, he decided to counter it cleverly with Water Release Ninjutsu.
His hands formed seals as quickly as a mirage as he used the Water Release: Water Formation Wall, refined by the Second Hokage. Chakra gathered inside him like a slumbering dragon, waiting to be unleashed. Liuxia opened his mouth and exhaled a torrent of water from deep in his throat. It rapidly gathered in the air, forming a spinning wall of water.
The wall spun around Liuxia at astonishing speed, creating an impregnable defense. Its rotation was like a natural whirlpool, powerful and relentless, blocking every incoming attack. None could pierce the solid barrier of water.
But with his Byakugan, Hyuga Hiashi saw every detail of the battlefield. His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, penetrated the shifting water wall and revealed Liuxia's true position.
"He's not inside the Water Formation Wall! Look out, he's in the sky! Nawaki!" Hyuga Hiashi's warning rang like an alarm, urgent as he called out to Nawaki.
Startled, Nawaki immediately looked up, trying to spot Liuxia. Rasa also sensed the change in the situation and began adjusting his tactics, preparing to deal with an attack from above.
Ai braced himself on the ground. Lightning Release chakra coursed through his body like a thunderbolt ready to strike, poised to deal Liuxia a fatal blow when he landed. The tension on the battlefield deepened as every ninja searched for the key to victory.
The spectators held their breath, their gazes following the ninjas' movements as anticipation and curiosity filled their hearts. In Grandma Mito's arms, Kushina also peered up at the sky, anxiously searching for her brother.
Liuxia descended like an unstoppable storm, his Strength of a Hundred Fist carrying enough force to destroy everything. The defenses of Rasa and Nawaki crumpled before him like thin paper. The water wall shattered in an instant, and even the Gold Dust net couldn't withstand the ferocious force. As the fist bore down on them, the two ninjas' eyes flashed with helplessness and resolve.
At that critical moment, Ai, the ninja from Kumogakure, had already prepared to move as soon as Hyuga Hiashi called out his warning. Lightning Release chakra coursed through his whole body like an electric current, making his hair stand on end. His body became a blue bolt of lightning as he cut through the air at astonishing speed and reached Rasa and Nawaki.
Ai's Lightning Release Ninjutsu gave him unparalleled speed, allowing him to leap into action at a crucial moment and support his teammates. When Liuxia's Strength of a Hundred Fist finally came down, Ai stepped in and took the blow with his own body. But even Ai, with his strength and endurance, couldn't fully withstand Liuxia's monstrous power.
The tremendous impact drove Ai's legs deep into the earth, and disbelief spread across his face. "What a freak. He's fast, and he hits that hard, too," Ai blurted. His voice held both admiration for Liuxia's strength and resignation at his own predicament.
Though Ai had voiced his amazement at Liuxia's power, his movements didn't hesitate for a moment. In the ninja world, hesitation often meant defeat. He swiftly swung his hand back and unleashed his Lightning Release Ninjutsu—Lightning Oppression Horizontal Chop. His hand blade, charged with lightning, slashed toward Liuxia with astonishing speed and a razor-sharp edge. If it landed, even Liuxia would struggle to deal with it.
Liuxia reacted just as quickly. He held his sword in a reverse grip and precisely blocked Ai's hand blade. Sword and hand blade met, throwing off dazzling sparks. But the fight wasn't over. Before Liuxia could even catch his breath, a gust of wind from a palm strike rushed toward him and ruffled his bangs.
It was Hyuga Hiashi. Using the keen insight of his Byakugan, he had pinpointed Liuxia's position and unleashed the Hyuga Clan's secret technique, Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. The move was as fast as lightning, each sharp strike carrying tremendous force and aimed at Liuxia's vital points.
Facing the combined assault of Ai and Hyuga Hiashi, Liuxia displayed his battle sense and experience in the nick of time. He moved quickly and decisively, planting one foot against Ai and using the recoil to spring backward like an arrow from a bow, slipping neatly out of the fight. The maneuver showed off not only his extraordinary Taijutsu, but also his ability to keep his composure in a crisis.
The fight didn't stop there. Nawaki and Rasa seized the opportunity, quickly regained their footing, and prepared to attack again. Nawaki drew a deep breath, rapidly formed hand seals, and unleashed a powerful ninjutsu. "Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!" A powerful stream of water burst from his mouth, gathering swiftly in the air and forming a lifelike water dragon that roared toward Liuxia.
At the same time, Rasa wasn't about to be outdone. He formed hand seals and used his Magnet Release Ninjutsu. "Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken!" He thrust both hands forward, and countless grains of Gold Dust swiftly formed into shuriken under his control. Then they rained down on Liuxia. Driven by magnetism, the shuriken were incredibly fast and covered a wide area, posing a tremendous threat.
In midair, facing attacks from two directions, Liuxia showed no fear. His eyes were calm and resolute. He knew this was the moment that would test his reflexes and command of ninjutsu.
In the air, Liuxia quickly adjusted his posture, ready to meet the incoming attacks. His hands began forming seals just as rapidly, preparing to unleash a counterattack.
The spectators watched this series of attacks and defenses, their hearts rising and falling with the rhythm of the fight. Every attack and defense was full of suspense and uncertainty, leaving them unable to look away. In Grandma Mito's arms, Kushina watched the battlefield anxiously, her little hands clenched tight as she worried for her brother.
In midair, facing the combined attack from Nawaki and Rasa, Liuxia showed his composure and ingenuity. In the ever-changing battle, he quickly formed a seal with his left hand while torrents of water coiled around the Crimson Blood Sword. It was an original technique that combined Water Release Ninjutsu with swordsmanship.
"Flowing Water Does Not Contend!"
Liuxia gave a soft shout, his voice carrying a calm strength. The water moved with the sword, tracing elegant arcs through the air until it formed an enormous yin-yang Taiji symbol. The symbol was more than a means of defense; it also held a profound philosophy: using softness to overcome hardness, and stillness to control movement.
The water dragon from the Water Dragon Jutsu and the attack from Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken were both firmly blocked by the yin-yang Taiji symbol. Water and swordlight intertwined, forming an almost perfect defensive barrier that dissolved every attack. The water dragon and Gold Dust shuriken began to spin as the water currents carried them along. Liuxia's sword dance was fluid and natural, as if he had become one with the water around him.
The spectators were captivated by the astonishing sight. They marveled not only at Liuxia's incredible speed and strength, but also at his extraordinary talent for innovating and applying ninjutsu. In Grandma Mito's arms, Kushina watched her brother handle himself so gracefully in the air, tears of pride and excitement shining in her eyes.
On the arena floor, Liuxia's "Flowing Water Does Not Contend" astonished the spectators and drew the intense attention of the powerful ninjas present. Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and representatives from the other ninja villages were visibly shocked and intrigued by the technique.
The head of the Hyuga Clan was especially interested. His clan was famous throughout the Ninja World for its Gentle Fist. The Gentle Fist was renowned for striking pressure points and controlling the opponent's chakra flow. Though Liuxia's move differed in form, its underlying principles had much in common. His flowing water didn't merely neutralize attacks; in a gentle yet powerful way, it turned the force of the assault to his advantage.
He watched Liuxia closely, admiration and curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He wondered, This technique's fluidity and power of redirection resemble the philosophy of our Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist. But how does he do it? Combining water and swordsmanship, with a defense and counterattack that are almost flawless... It's truly difficult to fathom.
"Turn your own techniques against you!"
Not only had Liuxia neutralized the incoming attacks, he had also harnessed the Taiji symbol's spinning force to guide and transform the energy of the water dragon and Gold Dust shuriken, preparing to counter with his opponents' own moves.
The tip of Liuxia's sword quivered ever so slightly. Each tremor precisely struck a weak point in the water dragon or Gold Dust shuriken, turning their attacks from mere assaults into weapons guided by his swordsmanship. Water swirled around Liuxia, forming a massive vortex, while the Gold Dust shuriken gradually changed direction as the current carried them along.
Under Liuxia's control, the water dragon from the Water Dragon Jutsu seemed tamed. Its charge was guided by his swordsmanship and redirected toward Nawaki and Rasa. The countless Gold Dust shuriken from Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken also lost their edge beneath Liuxia's blade, transformed by the spinning currents into weapons for his counterattack.
Nawaki and Rasa were startled. They hadn't expected Liuxia not only to neutralize their attacks, but also to use them so skillfully. The two reacted quickly, trying to regain control of the situation, but Liuxia's counterattack had already begun.
Faced with Liuxia's thunderous counterattack, Nawaki and Rasa were both struck with astonishment, as if sensing the prelude to the heavens and earth collapsing. Their ninjutsu just barely held off Liuxia's onslaught, but the force of the impact still sent their blood and qi churning, as if their innards were caught in a raging tide. They staggered back several steps, each one as heavy as a mountain, as though even the earth trembled beneath their feet.
Just as Ai and Hyuga Hiashi were preparing to rush in and help, their vision was suddenly swallowed by pitch-black darkness, as if an endless night had closed over them. Then an unseen attack struck, silent yet everywhere, catching them off guard. Nawaki and Rasa faced the same predicament, their eyes full of terror and confusion as they tried to understand the power behind the sudden darkness.
"Damn, it's a genjutsu. Bringer-of-Darkness Technique!"
The next moment, the four of them seemed caught in a raging storm. Attacks crashed over them like waves in a tempest, one after another, mercilessly battering them. Unable to use their eyes to follow Liuxia's every move, they were at a huge disadvantage. Hyuga Hiashi, who was accustomed to relying on his Byakugan to see everything, felt especially helpless, as if he had lost his second pair of eyes.
We have to find another way! Hyuga Hiashi cried out inwardly. His Byakugan was useless in these conditions, but he couldn't give up. He began trying to make up for his lost sight with his other senses, listening for each sweep of a blade and feeling every shift in the air.
Rasa, Ai, and Nawaki faced the same predicament. Their ninjutsu couldn't reach its full potential in the confusion. But they didn't give up. Instead, they began coordinating more closely, relying on their unspoken understanding and silent communication to anticipate Liuxia's attacks.
On the battlefield, Hyuga Hiashi could fight no longer. After a fierce impact, he fell like a tree snapped by a storm. Rasa and Nawaki were also gravely injured, their bodies marked by the battle. Every breath brought pain, but defiance still shone in their eyes.
Only Ai was still barely holding on, thanks to his Lightning Release Armor. Electricity flickered over his body as Lightning Release energy coursed through his armor, giving him additional defense and strength. Determination blazed in Ai's eyes. He knew he couldn't fall. He was his teammates' last hope.
I won't let you down! Ai told himself. Every strike was filled with strength and resolve. The Lightning Release Armor not only protected him, but also let him counterattack more fiercely. Every blow came with a roar of thunder, like the wrath of a god.
Liuxia's assault continued like a raging storm, every swing of his sword carrying enough force to destroy everything in its path. Yet against Ai, he faced an unprecedented challenge. The Lightning Release Armor gave Ai not only an impregnable defense, but also astonishing counterattacking power.
A trace of surprise flashed in Liuxia's eyes. He hadn't expected Ai to display such strength and resolve in such dire circumstances. "Not bad, Ai. Among the younger generation, you should be the strongest after me." Admiration filled Liuxia's voice, but then his tone shifted. "But the truth is, as long as you're facing me, you won't see any hope of winning!"
As Liuxia finished speaking, a tremendous power began to gather in his hand. It was the technique he was most proud of—the Rasengan. The sphere of chakra spun in his palm, gradually taking shape and rotating at high speed, brimming with immense destructive power, as if it could tear space apart.
Ai felt the pressure coming from Liuxia, but he didn't retreat. His eyes shone with determination, and the lightning on his Lightning Release Armor blazed even more fiercely. "I won't give up. Whatever the outcome, I'll fight to the end!" His voice rang with resolve and courage.
Ai closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting his senses reach beyond the limits of sight. Relying on instinct and his subtle awareness of the battlefield's air currents, he searched for Liuxia's position. Liuxia made no attempt to conceal his presence. He stood like an insurmountable mountain, quietly waiting for Ai's challenge, as though saying, "Come on. Show me your true strength."
Ai knew this was the final moment, the decisive chance to show everything he could do. The pressure he felt was greater than ever, but an unyielding fire burned within him. If I don't use that move now, there really won't be any hope! he told himself. Lightning gathered around his body as he prepared to unleash his ultimate technique.
A serious look flashed across Liuxia's eyes. He could feel the fierce aura radiating from Ai. Ai was ready to give this fight everything he had, and Liuxia was equally prepared to meet the challenge. The tip of his sword quivered slightly, each tremor concealing unfathomable power as he waited for their final showdown.
Electricity flickered over Ai's Lightning Release Armor, and thunder roared. His body seemed to merge with the lightning, becoming its very incarnation. Ai suddenly vanished from the battlefield, turning into a bolt of lightning as he charged toward Liuxia with blinding speed. His right hand thrust forward like a bolt of electricity, able to pierce any defense. Accompanied by the roar of thunder, it aimed straight for Liuxia's vital points. This move, "Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite," was the ultimate expression of Ai's combat prowess, combining incredible speed and penetrating power.
A look of resolve flashed in Liuxia's eyes. His body burst into motion with astonishing speed, and the Rasengan in his hand spun like a star, surging toward Ai with devastating power. It spun faster and faster, its tremendous suction twisting the surrounding air into a small storm.
An equally unyielding fire burned in Ai's eyes. His "Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite" was ready, his hands seeming to transform into blades of lightning as he met Liuxia's challenge. His figure streaked across the battlefield like a bolt of lightning, matching Liuxia's speed. The two collided in midair, shouting each other's names with voices full of fighting spirit and determination.
"Ai!" Liuxia's voice rang like thunder, brimming with strength and confidence.
"Liuxia!" Ai's reply was just as resolute, filled with an unyielding will.
At last, in that instant, the two powerful techniques met in the sky above the battlefield like stars destined to collide. The clash of Rasengan and Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite was a collision of heaven and earth, a fusion of thunder and lightning, a dance between life and death. The Rasengan's spinning force swallowed the surrounding air like a black hole, while Ai's lightning roared like the wrath of a god, shaking the very ground.
The moment they collided, an invisible force rocked the entire battlefield. A tremendous explosion boomed like the roar of a god, and light burst in every direction like countless suns rising at once, illuminating the whole sky. The shock wave swept across the land like a tsunami, flattening everything around it. Even the air was torn apart by the force, forming ripples visible to the naked eye.
The spectators witnessed the clash, their hearts nearly leaping from their chests. Shock, fear, and disbelief mingled on their faces. Some covered their mouths, unable to believe their eyes. Others stared wide-eyed, as though trying to etch the spectacular sight into their memories forever. Still others couldn't help screaming, their voices full of awe at the battle.
"This... this is a miracle!" one spectator said in a trembling voice, tears of excitement shining in his eyes. "I've never seen a fight like this... They... are they really human?" another spectator stammered, his voice filled with awe.
The aftermath slowly faded, and the noise of the battlefield ebbed like a receding tide, leaving behind a wrecked training ground and Liuxia, still standing tall. Even after such an intense battle, he looked as dashing and charming as ever, like an undying beacon on the battlefield, lighting the road to victory.
Ai could barely remain standing, but his body had reached its limit. His legs trembled, and every breath came with extraordinary difficulty, as if he were silently wrestling with death. His face was covered in sweat and exhaustion, but his eyes remained firm. They held his yearning for victory, his promise to his teammates, and his devotion to the way of the ninja.
When Liuxia's Rasengan had clashed with Ai's Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite, Yuhi Shinku, the referee for this match, had rushed onto the field. He darted across the battlefield, moving quickly and decisively. Forming hand seals, he used his Earth Release Ninjutsu—Earth Style Wall. The earth seemed to answer his will as the ground churned and a sturdy earthen wall rose up, safely shielding the gravely injured Nawaki and Rasa, along with the unconscious Hyuga Hiashi.
Seeing this, the Third Hokage went down to the field himself. His eyes were full of admiration and concern for the young ninjas. He directed the medical ninjas to rush forward and carry the injured away for treatment, ensuring they received immediate help. Then the Third Hokage loudly announced that Liuxia had won the Chunin Ninja Exams. His voice echoed over the training ground, and the entire crowd erupted into cheers!
"Liuxia! Liuxia!" The spectators' cheers rose and fell in waves as they offered their warmest congratulations to the newly crowned champion. Liuxia seemed to grow even taller amid the applause. He was not only the victor of the battle, but a hero in everyone's eyes.
In that moment, all the exhaustion, pain, and challenges seemed insignificant. Liuxia had proven himself with his strength and courage, winning everyone's respect and affection. The battle had tested not only his abilities, but also tempered his will and spirit.
As the afterglow of the setting sun fell across the training ground, the fierce battle finally came to a perfect end. Liuxia's name would be recorded in history and passed down as a legend.
Before you continue