"What on earth..."
The Third Hokage turned to Karatachi Yagura, feigning confusion. "What your village's Taki Metsu just demonstrated..."
"It was merely his clan's secret technique, a very powerful Substitution Technique. Of course, he also left because of its side effects. I'm afraid I can't disclose the specifics."
Karatachi Yagura spoke expressionlessly. Naturally, every word was a lie, since he had no idea what was happening with Kakuzu either.
"Really? A secret Jutsu that lets a mortally wounded ninja move freely? The world truly is full of wonders."
Orochimaru chuckled, then cast an intrigued glance at Kakashi behind the Third before looking away. "But how should we rule on this [match]? Even if it was a secret technique, he has [left the arena], hasn't he?"
"It doesn't matter. Since he left the competition grounds, count it as his loss. I have no objections."
Karatachi Yagura looked at Orochimaru and answered with utter indifference.
Kakashi naturally turned his gaze toward the Mizukage as well.
After all, the Mizukage's words amounted to a concession. The referee had intervened before Taki Metsu left, so even declaring Taki Metsu the winner would have been perfectly justifiable.
"Continue the competition. We're merely [one person short]. It's inconsequential. The [main event] is still to come. After all, it's your most outstanding child's turn, Lord Kazekage."
Karatachi Yagura ignored their gazes and spoke calmly.
Down in the arena, Genma Shiranui and Gekko Hayate exchanged looks after receiving the three Kage's instructions.
We're continuing even after that?
"Ahem. In the third round, as Taki Metsu of Kirigakure has left the arena, Rock Lee of Konoha wins. We will now proceed to the fourth round. Both contestants, please enter the arena."
"Hey, hey, hey! That guy was already dead, wasn't he? What is going on?"
Hearing the referee's announcement,