"Neji Hyuga conceded?"
"Why? He had the upper hand the whole time!"
After announcing his surrender, Neji said nothing more. Looking utterly unconcerned, he was already helping his opponent toward the lounge.
At that moment, not only were the spectators bewildered, even the two referees exchanged confused looks.
Still, they were professional commentators... no, they were Konoha's Special Jōnin, after all. Naturally, they realized Sasuke must have done something at the very last moment.
"First Round, Sasuke Uchiha wins!"
As Genma Shiranui's voice echoed around the arena, an uproar erupted in the Viewing Stand. Someone asked doubtfully, "Was that match fixed?"
"No idea. I couldn't make sense of it either. The guy with the Byakugan had the advantage, right...? Were they saving face for the Uchiha?"
"Idiot, Sasuke Uchiha is the only one left in the Uchiha Clan. What face is there to save?"
But before those suspicions could spread, a commanding female voice suddenly rang out from the Viewing Stand, followed by applause as she took the lead. "Well fought! Just what I'd expect from Sasuke Uchiha. What a brilliant Comeback from the Brink!"
For a moment, quite a few people froze. The applause seemed to be coming from the dignitaries' Viewing Stand nearby.
Then veteran Jonin like Hyuga Hiashi began clapping too, leaving everyone else even more bewildered.
Did we miss something? Huh, even the Chunin are applauding now?
Seeing this, those in the crowd who hadn't understood finally joined in the applause.
That made sense. Just because they couldn't understand it didn't mean these experts couldn't either. It really must have been Sasuke Uchiha's victory.
Besides, both ninja's performances in that match had truly opened their eyes!
As applause and cheers rang out, Kazahana Koyuki, who had led the cheering, let out a long breath and returned