"That was close..."
Before Naruto could catch his breath, Haku appeared in front of him and struck with his palm!
Biting cold radiated from his palm!
Naruto hurriedly raised his arm to block, but the instant their arms touched, a layer of frost spread over his arm!
"Oh no!"
He hastily retreated, forcefully shattering the ice on his arm, but he was already a beat too slow. Haku's next strike had arrived.
A palm struck Naruto's chest, and cold penetrated his body!
"Ugh..."
Naruto spat out a mist of blood, flew backward, and slammed heavily into the ground.
"Naruto!"
Hinata stood up, covering her mouth as she cried out, her eyes full of worry.
In the VIP seats, Tsunade frowned. "That Haku's Ice Release... is very refined. Every strike carries an encroaching chill. If Naruto keeps taking hits like this without fighting back, he'll lose."
Jiraiya folded his arms and said gravely, "It depends on what Naruto chooses to do."
In the arena, Naruto struggled to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
He looked at Haku, and for the first time, true fighting spirit appeared in his blue eyes.
"You're strong... but I won't lose."
He took a deep breath and pressed his palms together before his chest. An unusual chakra began seeping from his body, and his pupils took on a faint red glow.
In the stands, Sasuke's pupils contracted. "That's..."
Itachi said quietly, "The Nine-Tails' chakra."
In the VIP seats, drawing on yesterday's experience, Tsunade immediately ordered the ANBU behind her, "Sealing Squad, get ready! Suppress him immediately if he shows any signs of going berserk!"
"Yes!"
Four ANBU appeared at the four corners of the arena with the Body Flicker Technique, sealing scrolls already in hand.
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