"So that's it. The real effect is petrification, right?"
Realization dawned on Sasuke, and he looked at his wound again.
Neji had deliberately injected only a little natural energy just now, rather than enough to trigger the effect.
Of course, it wasn't because he couldn't do it. He had held back on purpose. If it really worked as he said, a hit to Sasuke's head would have finished him completely. Once he was petrified, there would be no remedy.
As things stood, his arm was theoretically already beyond saving.
This move was even nastier than blocking chakra points!
"Fine. I'll treat my right arm as lost."
Sasuke gave a look of understanding, then relaxed his right arm completely, letting it hang limp as he took a stance with his left hand alone. "After all, I've studied senjutsu too. No matter how much you injected, I'd have noticed something was wrong immediately.
"So even in a real fight, I'd probably choose to sever my arm as quickly as possible to keep my whole body from turning to stone. Your move would cost me this arm at most."
"That's true. Fair point. But taking out your right arm is enough."
Neji nodded and took his stance as well.
Clearly, their fight wasn't over.
Meanwhile, Karin was utterly bewildered in the spectator stands. Sasuke had seemed certain to win a moment ago, so how had he suddenly ended up apparently badly injured?
She hurriedly turned to her dear personal commentator, Hinata.
"Look over there."
After examining the area with her Byakugan, Hinata pointed to a spot a short distance behind Neji.
"Why is there a hole there... ah! That's where they first clashed!"
Karin adjusted her glasses and squinted along Hinata's pointing finger, finally spotting the place she meant.
"The instant Rotation clashed