Over in the Dragon Release Village section, Karin jumped up excitedly. "He won! Sasuke won!"
A flicker of approval crossed Kimimaro's eyes. "Good tactics."
Haku smiled. "Sasuke-kun has grown a lot."
Jūgo nodded. "Yeah."
Itachi quietly watched his younger brother's back in the arena and gave a slight nod as well.
In the arena, Sasuke dispelled his Lightning Release and slowly withdrew his hand.
Neji lowered his head to look at the wound on his chest, then looked up at Sasuke. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke.
"Why did you hold back?"
If Sasuke had driven that last strike in with all his strength, Neji would undoubtedly have died.
Sasuke wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said calmly,
"The Uchiha owe the Hyūga three lives. Two remain."
Neji froze, not understanding what he meant, but then a complicated smile appeared on his face.
"Sasuke Uchiha... I'll remember you."
He held out his hand.
Sasuke looked at it, then held out his own.
Their two bloodstained hands clasped together.
Applause slowly rose from the stands, scattered at first, then enthusiastic, until it resounded throughout the arena.
There was no loser in this battle.
Neji Hyuga had demonstrated the Hyuga Clan's strength and legacy following its reforms.
Sasuke Uchiha had declared to the entire shinobi world-the Uchiha had not yet perished!
In the VIP seats, Tsunade slowly sat back down, her eyes filled with mixed feelings. Sasuke Uchiha... twelve years old. Although he could not match Uchiha Itachi, who had awakened his Mangekyō at twelve, his strength was already close to that of a jōnin.
The Dragon Release Village's training truly was frightening.
Behind her, Jiraiya watched the two boys in the arena, his heart likewise filled with conflicting feelings.
In the center of the arena,