Back at the Chunin Ninja Exams in Konoha.
The match had already ended.
"Hinata Hyuga! Hinata Hyuga!"
"Hinata! Hinata!"
The cheers from the spectator stands made it clear who had won.
Over in Sunagakure's section...
Baki watched the outcome, his brow twitching. That had been far too easy.
His student had lost far too quickly.
It was nothing like he had imagined. He had expected an evenly matched duel, a chance to show off their abilities.
Who could have imagined a few Taijutsu combinations would end it outright? And the gap between them was clearly anything but small.
Looking at the purple bruises on his student's shoulders and arms, he could tell that the Gentle Fist strikes had inflicted internal injuries.
"She's pretty strong."
Temari's mouth fell open in shock at the sight.
Baki said nothing, merely turning to look at the viewing platform.
Hiruzen Sarutobi happened to look over as well, an inscrutable smile on his face.
The two nodded at each other.
Only then did Baki breathe a sigh of relief. An old fox indeed. Even without his involvement, the other man would probably have arranged for one or two stooges to enter the matches.
Back in the arena...
Hinata Hyuga withdrew her hands, brought her fist and palm together, and extended them in front of her.
"Thank you for the match."
Kankuro gritted his teeth, looking from his wrecked puppet to the completely unscathed Hinata Hyuga.
"I lost."
The outcome had been expected all along, but the sheer ease of her victory truly caught everyone off guard.
Their mouths fell open as they looked at Hinata Hyuga in the arena.
Having just finished exchanging looks with Baki, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his gaze back to the arena, shock showing on his face as well.
He, too, was a