On the outskirts of Konoha lay a vast stretch of grassland.
Under the dim setting sun, the roar of the waterfall was especially loud.
Yet compared to the rushing water, the massive collisions that occasionally rang out nearby were even more eye-catching.
Across the expansive field, two dark figures chased and crossed paths with one another.
"Fire Release, Fire Bullet!"
With hand seals formed and chakra flowing through his body, Sasuke Uchiha spat out three blazing fireballs in succession, sending them hurtling toward Naruto.
The fireballs roared like artillery shells, their sound ringing clearly through the peaceful surroundings.
Naruto calmly dodged the fireballs. Then, during an opening in his evasions, he formed hand seals as well. "Wind Release, Wind Scythe Jutsu!"
The nearly invisible Wind Release transformed the gale into life-reaping blades, slipping through the gaps between the fireballs and slicing toward Sasuke Uchiha.
But unsurprisingly, Naruto's jutsu was also easily evaded by Sasuke Uchiha.
By now, Sasuke no longer carried the arrogance and disdain he had shown when first accepting the challenge.
At the start of the battle, once he had witnessed Naruto's speed and ninjutsu, he had long since cast those emotions aside and begun taking the fight seriously.
"Wind Release, Great Breakthrough!"
A fierce gale rose around Naruto and swept toward Sasuke Uchiha.
Its momentum tore up many blades of wild grass that had not rooted themselves deeply in the soil.
Carried by that gale, the grass itself possessed a slight killing power.
Without hesitation, Sasuke Uchiha nimbly retreated beyond the jutsu's range. As he ran and evaded Naruto's pursuit, he considered how he should counterattack.
Naruto's chakra was far more abundant than he had imagined.
Farther away, Ryosuke and Hinata stood silently atop a massive tree, their Byakugan activated as they watched the battle from above.