The instant the battle began, Genichi Sawano displayed astonishing speed and strength. He charged at Shikamaru like a wild beast, every punch whistling through the air as though he meant to tear the scrawny boy to pieces.
But Shikamaru seemed to anticipate his every move, always slipping effortlessly out of the way at the last moment. Not only that, he was deliberately steering his opponent along a particular path.
"Shadow Imitation Technique!"
When Genichi Sawano pursued him to a certain spot, Shikamaru's shadow suddenly stretched out and joined his opponent's. Genichi Sawano instantly lost control of his body, forced to follow Shikamaru's every movement.
"What?! What kind of ninjutsu is this?!" Genichi Sawano discovered in horror that he could no longer move on his own.
"A secret ninjutsu of the Nara Clan," Shikamaru explained calmly. "My shadow controls your body now. If I killed myself, you'd die along with me. Of course, I wouldn't do that. Too much trouble."
He slowly walked toward the wall, forcing the captive Genichi Sawano to move with him. When Shikamaru set his back against the wall, Genichi Sawano was forced to slam into the wall opposite him.
"Now my shadow will gradually tighten until it crushes your neck," Shikamaru said flatly, as though discussing the weather. "It's a pain, but it's the quickest way to settle this. Of course, you can also surrender."
Genichi Sawano felt the pressure on his neck, and fear finally overcame his pride.
"I... I surrender!" he shouted.
"Wise choice." Shikamaru released his ninjutsu. "It's better for everyone this way."
It was another bloodless victory, yet it revealed a terrifying degree of tactical intelligence. Everyone present saw the seemingly lazy boy in a new light.
The big screen continued cycling, and the lineup for the eighth match soon appeared.
Match