The overcast sky seemed to portend an approaching storm. The sunlight struggled to pierce the thick clouds, only to be ruthlessly swallowed as it neared the ground, leaving behind a stifling gloom. The air was thick with the energy of an imminent eruption, and a tense atmosphere spread quietly into every corner.
Around the arena, the towering stands were packed with layer upon layer of spectators, their gazes like countless searchlights focused on the empty battlefield in the center. The whispers among the crowd gradually faded, replaced by a silence so profound it was almost audible; everyone was waiting for the fierce duel about to unfold.
The wind began to grow restless, howling at the edges of the arena and whipping up dust and withered leaves, as if playing an overture for the coming battle. The trees swayed in the gale, rustling in a tense symphony that intertwined with the occasional rumble of thunder in the distance.
The figures of the ninja gradually appeared at the edge of the arena, their expressions solemn and their eyes resolute. Liuxia stood among them, his silhouette standing out sharply in the dim light. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, sensing the moisture in the air and the scent of the impending fight.
The surrounding environment seemed to be preparing for this battle; the sky, the earth, the wind, and even the heartbeats of the spectators all froze in this moment, waiting for the instant that would trigger the clash.
In the center of the arena, Liuxia stood with a confident smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His voice was clear and firm, carrying across the entire field: "I truly won't hold back in this fight. Nawaki, you are my good friend, but here, we are merely opponents. Bring out your full strength and let me see your true power. If you don't want to spend months in the hospital, you had better give it your all as if you intend to kill me."
A resolute light flickered in Nawaki's eyes as he replied: "Liuxia, I've known how strong you are since we were kids. Your talent is indeed above mine; whether it's learning speed or combat technique, you leave me in the dust. But today, I will show you how much I've grown over these years. I am no longer the child who needs you to worry about him; I am a qualified ninja now!"
Hiashi Hyuga's voice was calm yet filled with power: "Your strength is indeed awe-inspiring, Liuxia. But the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist, honed over generations, is not a name without merit. In this battle, you will experience its might firsthand."
A spark of anger flashed in Ai's eyes: "I will make you know the consequences of looking down on a ninja of Kumogakure. Your speed is fast, and your space-time ninjutsu is impressive. But my Lightning Release is equally swift and fierce; it will not lose to you. Let us see who is the fastest man in this contest of speed and power."
Rasa clenched his fists, his aura surging: "No need for words, let us fight! My previous defeat was merely a stepping stone on my path of growth. Today, I will use my strength to prove that the ninja of Sunagakure are not to be underestimated."
A hint of appreciation flashed in Liuxia's eyes as he flourished his sword: "Very well, I have long looked forward to this. Nawaki, Hiashi Hyuga, Ai, Rasa—each of you is a worthy opponent. Today, let us display our full strength in this battle and let everyone witness our growth and glory."
Nawaki took a deep breath, preparing for battle: "Come, Liuxia. Today, I will show you all of my hard work and growth."
Hiashi Hyuga activated his Byakugan, assuming the classic defensive stance of the Gentle Fist: "Let us begin."
Lightning flickered around Ai's body: "My Lightning Release is ready; let us decide the victor in this battle."
Rasa had his Magnet Release: Gold Dust swirling around him: "I can't wait any longer. Let our battle be the brightest star of the day!"
With the referee's command, this historic duel officially began.
Nawaki's offensive served as the curtain-raiser for the battle; he unleashed the Water Dragon Jutsu, a technique improved by his grand-uncle, Tobirama. This jutsu was renowned for requiring few hand seals while possessing immense power. Under Nawaki's control, the water swirled around his body, coalescing into a ferocious water dragon that roared toward Liuxia with the force of a thunderbolt.
Facing the surging water dragon, Liuxia did not choose to dodge or retreat. His eyes revealed a sense of resolve and courage as he drew his Crimson Blood Sword, preparing to meet Nawaki's attack head-on. In the previous match, Liuxia had displayed astonishing speed, but today, he wanted the ninja world to know that his ability to withstand a frontal assault was not to be underestimated either.
"Dragon Slayer!" Liuxia shouted, his voice filled with power and determination.
Every spectator in the arena was stunned into silence by Liuxia's actions. They had never seen anyone attempt to block a jutsu like the Water Dragon with a weapon. But the scene that followed left their jaws hanging even lower.
"What, how is that possible?!" the spectators exclaimed in succession.
"That water dragon!" someone screamed.
"It was split in two!" another spectator could hardly believe his eyes.
Liuxia's Crimson Blood Sword flashed with a cold light, truly living up to its name. The water dragon formed by Nawaki's Water Dragon Jutsu was cleaved in half by Liuxia's single strike. The massive dragon had no resistance under the blade, transforming into two streams of water that fell, eventually turning into a fine drizzle that landed around Liuxia, adding to his dashing and invincible aura.
Liuxia stood amidst the drizzle, water dripping slowly from his Crimson Blood Sword; his figure appeared even more resolute and heroic in the rain. This scene was deeply etched into the hearts of every spectator, becoming an indelible image in their memories.
While the audience marveled at Liuxia's heroic performance, Ai and the other ninja did not lose themselves in the spectacle. As well-trained ninja, they knew the battle would not stop for a moment of glory; they had to seize every opportunity.
Hiashi Hyuga had already opened his Byakugan, those unique eyes missing no detail as they locked onto Liuxia's every move. As the young head of the Hyuga main branch, he had a certain understanding of the Flying Thunder God Technique. Although this space-time ninjutsu was powerful, it required a medium to function. Even the Second Hokage had to rely on kunai marked with his seal when using this peculiar technique.
In the previous match, although Liuxia had not used kunai, he had made contact with Kitsuchi many times during close-quarters combat. Hiashi knew for certain that those must have been the moments when Liuxia had placed the Flying Thunder God seal on Kitsuchi. But under the insight of his Byakugan, Liuxia would not have another chance to place a seal unnoticed.
Although Ai and Rasa were from other villages and did not fully understand the specifics of the Flying Thunder God Technique, they had watched the match against Kitsuchi, and their elite team leaders had warned them to be wary of space-time ninjutsu. A flicker of resolve crossed Ai's eyes; he knew he could not let Liuxia control the tempo of the battle. Rasa clenched his fists, ready to unleash his Magnet Release at any moment to restrict Liuxia's movements with gold dust.
"Everyone, take note—do not give him any chance to place a seal!" Hiashi Hyuga's voice rang out to the other ninja, his Byakugan acting like a searchlight, illuminating every corner of the battlefield.
Ai and Rasa nodded in understanding. They began to move around Liuxia, searching for the optimal moment to strike. Ai's Lightning Release chakra circulated within his body, ready to unleash a powerful electrical attack at any time. Rasa used his Magnet Release to control the gold dust, forming an impenetrable defensive net.
Liuxia felt the pressure from all sides and knew a difficult battle lay ahead. Yet, there was no fear in his eyes, only a craving for the challenge to come. He gripped his Crimson Blood Sword tightly, preparing to meet the joint assault from Ai, Rasa, and Hiashi Hyuga.
Nawaki said to Rasa: "Restrict Liuxia's speed! Don't let his swordsmanship have room to play!"
Rasa understood Nawaki's intent instantly. After performing the [Ram] hand seal, he summoned gold dust like a tidal wave, which then transformed into countless fine needles. Nawaki also performed hand seals rapidly.
"Water Release: Heavenly Weeping!"
"Magnet Release: Gold Dust Rain!"
Nawaki's Water Release: Heavenly Weeping, the water needles spat from his mouth, were not gentle raindrops but countless sharp needles that pierced the air at astonishing speeds, aimed directly at Liuxia's vitals. These water needles shimmered with a cold light under the sun, as if each one could decide life or death.
Rasa's Magnet Release: Gold Dust Rain was even more spectacular; the gold dust needles he summoned were like a golden meteor shower covering the entire battlefield, each needle imbued with powerful piercing force, enough to make even the sturdiest defense seem fragile.
Under the dual assault, Hiashi Hyuga's Byakugan acted like a sharp blade, discerning every detail of the battlefield and searching for the best moment to strike. Meanwhile, Ai lay in wait like dormant lightning, ready to unleash his Lightning Release power at any moment.
The spectators' hearts were in their throats, their worry for Liuxia written on their faces. Some began to whisper: "Liuxia is being too arrogant; he's definitely going to crash and burn this time."
However, at this tense moment, a firm and crisp voice cut through the discussion: "Nonsense! Big Brother Liuxia will definitely win!" It was Kushina; having finally gotten time off, she had come to the arena today specifically to cheer for her brother.
Hearing his sister's voice, a warm current surged through Liuxia's heart. He waved at his sister in the stands, then turned back to face the incoming dual-assault ninjutsu, his face showing not a hint of panic, displaying complete composure.
Witnessing her brother Liuxia waving at her even in the midst of battle, Kushina was so overwhelmed with excitement that she immediately turned into a "steam girl," her face flushing red as she buried herself in the arms of Grandma Mito beside her. Her heart beat so fast it felt as if it might jump out of her chest, and her body trembled slightly from the tension and excitement.
Grandma Mito felt Kushina's excitement and gently stroked the little girl's head, comforting her softly. Seeing that even in her arms, Kushina didn't forget to keep one eye fixed on Liuxia's battle, she couldn't help but find it amusing while also feeling a touch of warmth.
Grandma Mito said softly: "Kushina, look at how amazing your brother is; he will definitely be fine."
Kushina nodded in Grandma Mito's arms, her voice trembling slightly from the tension: "Grandma Mito, Brother... he really is so amazing!"
Kushina's eyes remained fixed on the arena, her gaze filled with adoration and trust for her brother. She knew that no matter how difficult the battle, Liuxia would not give up easily, because he was her brother, her hero.
In the sky, dark clouds rolled, as if playing an overture for the coming battle. Liuxia stood in the center of the battlefield, facing the threat of the dual-assault ninjutsu. He did not choose a head-on sword duel, but instead decided to use Water Release ninjutsu to respond skillfully.
His hands moved like phantoms, forming seals rapidly to unleash the Water Release: Water Wall, improved by the Second Hokage. Chakra gathered within his body like a hidden dragon, waiting for the moment of release. Liuxia opened his mouth and spat out a torrent of water like a waterfall; this water condensed rapidly in the air, forming a rotating wall of water.
This layer of water wall rotated around Liuxia at an astonishing speed, forming an impeccable defensive system. The rotation of the water wall was like a whirlpool in nature, powerful and forceful, blocking all incoming attacks and preventing them from piercing through this solid barrier of flowing water.
However, Hiashi Hyuga relied on his Byakugan to discern every detail of the battlefield. His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, pierced through the mist of the Water Wall and pinpointed Liuxia's true movements.
"He isn't inside the Water Wall! Watch out, he's in the air! Nawaki!" Hiashi's voice rang out like an alarm, warning Nawaki with a tone of urgent intensity.
Startled by the warning, Nawaki immediately looked up, trying to catch a glimpse of Liuxia. At the same time, Rasa sensed the shift in the situation and began to readjust his tactics, preparing to counter an attack from above.
Ai stood ready on the ground, his Lightning Release chakra circulating within him like a coiled thunderbolt, poised to deliver a fatal blow the moment Liuxia descended. The atmosphere of the entire battlefield grew taut, every ninja searching for the key to victory.
The spectators held their breath, their eyes tracking the movements of the ninjas, filled with anticipation and curiosity for the outcome of the battle. Tucked in Mito's arms, Kushina peeked out with one eye, watching the sky nervously as she searched for her brother.
Liuxia's figure was like an unstoppable storm, his Strength of a Hundred Fist carrying the power to crush everything in its path. Rasa and Nawaki's defenses were like fragile paper before him; the water wall shattered in an instant, and the gold dust protective net could not withstand that violent force. As the fist bore down on them, a flicker of helplessness and resolve flashed in the two ninjas' eyes.
At this critical juncture, Ai, the ninja from Kumogakure, had already prepared himself the moment Hiashi called out. His Lightning Release chakra surged through his body like an electric current, causing his hair to stand on end. He transformed into a blue bolt of lightning, tearing through the air with astonishing speed to reach Rasa and Nawaki's side.
Ai's lightning ninjutsu granted him unparalleled speed, allowing him to step in at the crucial moment to support his teammates. As Liuxia's Strength of a Hundred Fist finally descended, Ai threw himself forward, taking the blow head-on with his own body. Yet, even with Ai's strength and endurance, it was difficult to fully withstand Liuxia's raw power.
Ai's legs sank deep into the earth under the immense impact, an expression of disbelief crossing his face. "What a freak. Fast, and with such immense strength." Ai couldn't help but mutter, his voice reflecting both an acknowledgment of Liuxia's prowess and frustration at his own predicament.
Despite his verbal surprise at Liuxia's strength, Ai's movements remained without a hint of hesitation. In the world of ninjas, hesitation often meant defeat. Ai quickly countered with his lightning ninjutsu—the Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite. His hand-blade, crackling with electrical power, slashed toward Liuxia with terrifying speed and razor-sharp precision; had it connected, even Liuxia would have struggled to handle it.
Liuxia's reaction was equally swift. He held his Crimson Blood Sword in a reverse grip, accurately blocking Ai's hand-blade. Sparks erupted where the sword and hand-blade met. However, the battle did not end there; before Liuxia could even catch his breath, he felt a gust of wind against his face, ruffling his bangs.
It was Hiashi Hyuga. Utilizing the insight of his Byakugan, he had captured Liuxia's position and unleashed the Hyuga clan's secret technique—Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. The strikes were fast as lightning, the palm winds fierce, each blow carrying immense power aimed directly at Liuxia's vitals.
Faced with the combined assault of Ai and Hiashi, Liuxia displayed his combat wisdom and experience in the nick of time. His movements were swift and decisive; he stepped off Ai's body, using the recoil to propel himself backward like an arrow released from a bow, skillfully disengaging from the fray. This move not only showcased his extraordinary taijutsu but also his calm, composed mindset under pressure.
However, the battle did not cease. Seizing the opportunity, Nawaki and Rasa quickly adjusted their states, preparing to launch another attack. Nawaki took a deep breath, his hands forming seals in a blur as he unleashed his powerful ninjutsu: "Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!" A powerful torrent of water erupted from his mouth, rapidly condensing in the air to form a lifelike water dragon that roared as it charged toward Liuxia.
Meanwhile, Rasa was not to be outdone. He formed his own seals, unleashing his Magnet Release: "Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken!" Pushing his hands forward, he controlled countless grains of gold dust to rapidly condense into the shape of shuriken, which then rained down upon Liuxia like a storm. Driven by magnetic force, these shuriken were incredibly fast and wide-reaching, posing a massive threat to Liuxia.
Suspended in the air and facing attacks from two directions, Liuxia's eyes held no fear, only calm and determination. He knew this was the moment to test his reflexes and mastery of ninjutsu.
In mid-air, Liuxia quickly adjusted his posture, preparing to meet the incoming assault. His hands began to form seals rapidly, ready to unleash his counter-ninjutsu.
The spectators witnessed this rapid succession of offense and defense, their hearts rising and falling with the rhythm of the battle. Every attack and defense was filled with suspense and variables, leaving them unable to look away. In Mito's arms, Kushina watched the battlefield nervously, her small hands clenched tight as she worried for her brother.
In the air, facing the combined assault of Nawaki and Rasa, Liuxia displayed his composure and creativity. In the fleeting, ever-changing combat, his left hand quickly formed a seal while his Crimson Blood Sword became enveloped in a massive volume of water—a unique technique he had devised by combining water ninjutsu with swordsmanship.
"Flowing Water Does Not Contend!"
Liuxia spoke softly, his voice revealing a calm, underlying power. The water moved with the momentum of his blade, tracing graceful arcs in the air until it formed a massive Yin-Yang Taiji diagram. This diagram was not merely a defensive measure; it held profound philosophical meaning—using softness to overcome hardness, and stillness to control motion.
The water dragon from the Water Dragon Jutsu and the attack from the Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken were both firmly blocked by the Yin-Yang Taiji diagram. Water and sword light intertwined to form a nearly perfect defensive barrier, neutralizing all attacks; the water dragon and the gold dust shuriken were caught in the flow, forced into a spin. Liuxia's sword dance was fluid and natural, as if he had merged with the surrounding water.
The spectators were deeply captivated by this stunning scene, marveling not only at Liuxia's astonishing speed and strength but also at his extraordinary talent for innovating and applying ninjutsu. In Mito's arms, seeing her brother respond with such elegance in the air, Kushina's eyes shimmered with proud, excited tears.
On the field, Liuxia's "Flowing Water Does Not Contend" not only stunned the audience but also drew intense attention from the powerful ninjas present. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and representatives from other ninja villages all displayed clear shock and interest in the technique.
In particular, the head of the Hyuga clan was famous for his clan's Gentle Fist. Gentle Fist was renowned for striking pressure points and controlling an opponent's chakra flow, and while Liuxia's technique differed in form, it shared a similar essence. Liuxia's water did not just neutralize the attack; it converted the momentum into his own advantage in a soft yet powerful way.
He stared intently at Liuxia's movements, his eyes gleaming with admiration and curiosity. He thought to himself, "The fluidity and transformative power of this move share a philosophy with our Hyuga Gentle Fist, but how did he achieve it? The combination of water and swordsmanship, along with this nearly perfect defense and counter-attack, is truly unfathomable."
"Using the opponent's own path to return their own strike!"
He had not only neutralized the incoming assault but, by utilizing the rotational force of the Taiji diagram, he had guided and transformed the energy of the water dragon and gold dust shuriken, preparing to counter-attack with his opponents' own techniques.
Liuxia's sword tip trembled slightly, each vibration precisely striking the weaknesses of the water dragon and the gold dust shuriken, turning their momentum from simple attacks into tools governed by his swordplay. The water began to swirl around Liuxia, forming a massive vortex, while the gold dust shuriken, carried by the current, gradually shifted their trajectory.
Under Liuxia's control, the water dragon of the Water Dragon Jutsu seemed tamed; its momentum was guided by his swordplay, turning instead to strike at Nawaki and Rasa. The countless grains of gold dust from the Magnet Release: Gold Dust Shuriken also lost their edge under Liuxia's blade, becoming weapons for his counter-attack as they spun within the water.
Seeing this, Nawaki and Rasa were startled. They had not expected Liuxia to not only neutralize their attacks but to utilize them so skillfully. Both quickly reacted, attempting to regain control of the situation, but Liuxia's counter-attack had already arrived.
Facing Liuxia's thunderous counter-strike, a sense of shock swept through Nawaki and Rasa, as if it were a premonition of the sky collapsing and the earth splitting. Although their ninjutsu barely managed to withstand Liuxia's onslaught, the sheer impact still left them feeling a surge of blood, as if their internal organs were churning. Their bodies were forced back several steps, each step heavy as a mountain, as if the very earth beneath them were trembling.
Just as Ai and Hiashi prepared to step in to provide support, their vision was suddenly shrouded in absolute darkness, as if swallowed by an endless night. Then, an invisible attack struck—silent and formless, yet omnipresent, catching them completely off guard. Nawaki and Rasa faced the same predicament, their eyes filled with terror and confusion, unaware of what power this sudden darkness was.
"Damn it, it's a genjutsu. Bringer of Darkness Technique!"
The next moment, the four of them felt as if they were caught in a violent storm, the attacks hitting them like relentless waves, one after another. Under such fierce pressure, they could not rely on their eyes to observe Liuxia's every move, which undoubtedly brought them immense trouble. Hiashi, in particular, who was accustomed to relying on his Byakugan to see through everything, felt an unprecedented sense of powerlessness, as if he had lost his second pair of eyes.
"We must find another way!" Hiashi shouted inwardly, his heart filled with anxiety. His Byakugan was useless in this environment, but he could not give up. He began to attempt to compensate for his lack of vision with his other senses, listening for the whistle of every sword stroke and feeling the fluctuation of every air current.
Rasa, Ai, and Nawaki felt the same dilemma; their ninjutsu was difficult to utilize effectively in such chaos. Yet, they did not give up, instead beginning to coordinate more closely, using their mutual tacit understanding and non-verbal communication to predict Liuxia's attacks.
On the battlefield, Hiashi was no longer able to fight, his figure collapsing after a fierce impact like a tree snapped by a gale. Rasa and Nawaki were also severely wounded, their bodies covered in the marks of battle, every breath accompanied by agonizing pain, yet their eyes still shimmered with an unyielding light.
Only Ai, relying on his Lightning Release Armor, was still struggling to hold on. Electricity crackled across his body, the power of the lightning flowing through his armor to provide him with extra defense and strength. A flame of determination burned in Ai's eyes; he knew he could not fall, for he was his comrades' last hope.
"I won't let you down!" Ai chanted in his heart, every strike filled with power and resolve. The Lightning Release Armor not only protected him but also allowed him to counter-attack more fiercely. Every strike was accompanied by the roar of thunder, as if it were the rage of a god.
Liuxia's onslaught was like a relentless storm, each swing of his sword carrying the power to destroy everything. Yet, facing Ai, he felt a challenge unlike any he had faced before. Ai's Lightning Release Armor not only provided him with an impenetrable defense but also granted him astonishing counter-attacking ability.
A flicker of surprise crossed Liuxia's eyes; he had not expected Ai to be able to display such immense power and resolve in such adversity. "Very good, Ai. Among the younger generation, besides me, you must be the strongest." Liuxia's voice carried a hint of admiration, but then his tone shifted. "But the fact remains that before me, you cannot see any hope of winning!"
As Liuxia's words fell, a powerful force began to condense in his hand—it was his most prized technique: the Rasengan. The Rasengan spun in his palm, gradually forming a high-speed rotating sphere of chakra that contained immense destructive power, as if it could tear through space itself.
Ai felt the pressure from Liuxia, but he did not retreat. A firm light shone in his eyes, and the electricity on his Lightning Release Armor grew more intense. "I won't give up. No matter the result, I will fight to the end!" Ai's voice was filled with resolve and courage.
Ai closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting his senses transcend the limitations of vision. Relying on his intuition and the subtle perception of the battlefield's air currents, he searched for Liuxia's position. Liuxia did not hide his presence; he stood like an insurmountable mountain, quietly awaiting Ai's challenge, as if saying, "Come, let me see your true power."
Ai knew this was the final moment to decide the outcome, the critical moment to display his full strength. He felt unprecedented pressure, but beneath that pressure, an unyielding flame burned in his heart. "If I don't use that move now, there really will be no hope left!" Ai thought to himself, his body beginning to gather the power of lightning, preparing to launch his ultimate skill.
A flicker of seriousness crossed Liuxia's eyes; he could feel the intense aura radiating from Ai. He knew Ai was prepared to go all out, and he was equally ready to meet the challenge. Liuxia's sword tip trembled slightly, each vibration containing unfathomable power, awaiting the final showdown with Ai.
On Ai's Lightning Release Armor, electricity crackled and thunder roared; his body seemed to merge with the lightning, becoming its very incarnation. Ai's figure suddenly vanished from the battlefield, transforming into a bolt of lightning, charging toward Liuxia with lightning speed. His right hand, a piercing strike like an electric shock, could penetrate any defense; accompanied by the roar of thunder, it aimed directly for Liuxia's vitals. This move, "Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite," with its astonishing speed and piercing power, was the ultimate expression of Ai's art of combat.
A look of resolve shone in Liuxia's eyes. His body erupted with astonishing speed in an instant, the Rasengan in his hand like a rotating star, carrying destructive power as he charged toward Ai. The Rasengan's rotation grew faster and faster, the surrounding air twisted by its powerful suction, forming a small storm.
Ai's eyes also burned with unyielding flames. His "Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite" was ready, his hands having transformed into blades of lightning, prepared to meet Liuxia's challenge. His figure streaked across the battlefield like lightning, matching Liuxia's speed. The two met in mid-air, shouting each other's names, their voices filled with fighting spirit and determination.
"Ai!" Liuxia's voice was like thunder, brimming with power and confidence.
"Liuxia!" Ai's response was equally firm, his voice revealing an unyielding will.
Finally, in that split second, two powerful ninjutsu collided above the battlefield like stars of destiny. The duel between the Rasengan and the Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite felt like a clash between heaven and earth, a fusion of thunder and lightning, a dance of life and death. The rotational force of the Rasengan swallowed the surrounding air like a black hole, while the lightning power of Ai roared like a god, shaking every inch of the earth.
The moment they collided, the entire battlefield was rocked by an invisible force. A massive explosion, sounding like the roar of a deity, echoed through the heavens. Light radiated in all directions, as if countless suns had risen at once, illuminating the entire horizon. The shockwave from the blast swept outward like a tsunami, leveling everything in its path; even the air was torn apart by this power, forming ripples visible to the naked eye.
The spectators witnessed this scene, their hearts nearly leaping from their chests, their faces a mixture of shock, fear, and disbelief. Some covered their mouths, unable to believe their eyes; others stared wide-eyed, as if trying to etch this spectacular sight into their memories forever; still others could not help but scream, their voices filled with awe for the battle unfolding before them.
"This... this is nothing short of a miracle!" one spectator said with a trembling voice, tears of excitement glistening in their eyes. "I have never seen a battle like this... are they... are they truly human?" another spectator stammered, their voice filled with reverence.
The aftermath slowly dissipated, and the clamor of the battlefield receded like the tide, leaving behind a devastated training ground and the still-standing figure of Liuxia. Even after such a fierce battle, he remained handsome and charming, like an inextinguishable lighthouse on the battlefield, illuminating the path to victory.
Although Ai was barely standing, his body had reached its limit. His legs trembled, and every breath seemed agonizingly difficult, as if he were engaged in a silent struggle with death itself. His face was covered in exhaustion and sweat, yet his gaze remained firm—a reflection of his desire for victory, his promise to his comrades, and his steadfast adherence to the ninja way.
When Liuxia's Rasengan had clashed with Ai's Hell Stab: Four-Finger Nukite earlier, Yuhi Shinku, acting as the referee, had quickly entered the fray. His figure darted across the battlefield with swift and decisive movements. He formed hand seals, unleashing his Earth Release ninjutsu—Earth Style Wall. At his command, the earth seemed to respond to his will; the ground surged, raising a sturdy wall of earth to safely shield Nawaki and Rasa, who were heavily injured and unable to resist, as well as the unconscious Hiashi Hyuga.
Seeing this, the Third Hokage stepped down from his seat, his eyes filled with appreciation and concern for the young ninjas. He arranged for medical ninjas to move in quickly, taking the injured to receive treatment and ensuring they received timely aid. Subsequently, the Third Hokage announced in a loud voice that the champion of this Chunin Exams was Liuxia. His voice echoed over the training ground, and the entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers!
"Liuxia! Liuxia!" The cheers of the spectators rose and fell, offering their warmest congratulations to the newly crowned champion. Amidst the applause, Liuxia's figure seemed even taller; he was not only the victor of this battle but a hero in the hearts of all.
In this moment, all fatigue, pain, and challenges became insignificant. Liuxia had proven himself with his strength and courage, winning the respect and adoration of everyone. This battle was not only a test of his personal ability but a tempering of his will and spirit.
As the afterglow of the setting sun spilled across the training ground, this intense battle finally came to a perfect conclusion. And the name of Liuxia would be recorded in history, becoming a legend passed down to future generations.