A strike that was destined to succeed.
This attack seemed to have a completely clear outcome.
Amidst the gasps of tens of thousands of spectators in the stands, even Kakashi couldn't help but reveal a hint of pride and excitement at this moment. After all, Kakashi was only a little over seven years old, and to defeat Akira, who was considered by many to be the strongest in this Chunin Ninja Exams, and who came from another village, in such a setting, naturally caused Kakashi's heart to surge with emotion.
He could already foresee the audience cheering for him.
And then there's the praise from my own father.
"Whoosh!"
This figure is so close at hand.
This strike had already secured victory.
Kakashi was confident that at this distance, especially with Kai having just regained his footing, he could definitely outrun the Mist Ninja boy in front of him, thanks to his speed!
'You can't actually pierce his vitals; just miss slightly, enough to seriously injure him!'
Kakashi was so confident that he slightly adjusted his aim just as the blade was about to pierce his chest!
This is not a battlefield.
They come from one of the three great clans of Kirigakure, so there's absolutely no way they can kill the other side!
"Pfft!"
This is Kakashi's judgment.
That also reflects Kakashi's confidence!
That blade plunged in.
Just as Kakashi had predicted.
However, just as the tip of his short sword pierced into the body of the person before him, the faint, strange sensation that immediately came through made Kakashi frown, followed by the unexpected sight of blood splattering.
Kakashi's expression finally changed drastically at this moment.
"Check it out, Kakashi -kun!"
At the same time, Qi, whose body had been pierced, revealed a faint smile, along with the words that followed.
"Buzz!"
The 'Qi' before him instantly transformed into a block of solid ice, then rapidly melted away, quickly attaching itself to Kakashi's short sword and spreading swiftly to Kakashi's arms.
"Oh no! It's Ice Clone!"
This perceived enormous danger.
Kakashi tried to escape, but a burst of lightning erupted, and it was clear that it was too late!
This is a fatal flaw that is directly exposed.
Even now, while Ice Release.
Kakashi was caught off guard and didn't have time to react quickly enough.
Qi, who had somehow appeared behind Kakashi, gripped a frost blade tightly in his right hand, holding it to Kakashi's neck.
As Kakashi felt that chilling coldness creeping over him.
His whole body stiffened involuntarily, and all his struggling movements stopped subconsciously at that moment.
This situation was turned around in less than five seconds.
After a brief moment of astonishment and stunned silence, the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands erupted in cheers and shouts of excitement!
"Oh!? This works? It's Clone Jutsu?"
"I didn't even see what time it was!"
"Amazing, truly amazing, this Qi Jun!"
"Sigh, I thought Kakashi- kun was going to win for sure."
"No way, why?!"
"Still, the plan is a notch below par?"
"I think it's a clear difference in strength. Sigh, this means the victory has nothing to do with Konoha!"
"Wow, that was fantastic! This match was truly amazing!"
"Wow!! Ice Release kid, that was beautifully executed!"
"Hahaha, this is exactly the kind of showdown I wanted!"
Faced with such a result, the audience in the stands showed different expressions. Of course, most people felt regret and disappointment. After all, as members of Konohagakure, they still hoped to see Kakashi Hatake, the son of the White Fang and the pride of the village, achieve final victory!
Unfortunately, things didn't go as they wished.
"Semi-final, first match, winner— Minazuki Kei!"
Below, Minato was announcing the final victory while inwardly sighing. However, he mostly showed a hint of admiration for Kei. In Minato's eyes, Kei's personal strength, combat experience, and skills were completely unlike those of a Genin who had only graduated a few months ago.
It can be said that Qi truly deserves the title of genius!
The Jonin in the stands were not surprised by the result. Ordinary spectators and some inexperienced and weak Genin could not see the details of the battle, but these Jonin, watching from a god's-eye view, could clearly see what Kei did after releasing the wall of ice crystals. It was because of this that they all showed very emotional expressions.
The fact that he could release two spells simultaneously in such a short time while concealing his true form, even if it was due to Kakashi's lack of experience and his eagerness to win causing him to overlook some crucial information, is enough to demonstrate Kai's excellence!
After all, among those present, there really aren't many who are stronger Kakashi. Even among the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, only Akimichi Chōza, the powerhouse, has a high probability of being able to suppress Kakashi with his family's secret techniques. Shikaku and Inoichi would be in a tough spot unless their shadow technique and Mind Transfer Technique could actually work and forcibly suppress Kakashi. Otherwise, in a contest of raw strength, it's hard to say who is superior and who is inferior!
This also proves Qi's strength; both of them can definitely be said to possess Jonin -level power!
'Young people these days are truly terrifying, each one more frightening than the last...'
Despite being a young man himself Shikaku Nara couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the two people below him who weren't even ten years old.
Chōza and Inoichi, who were standing to the side, nodded in agreement.
As the Jonin Kei's mentor, Ao was truly filled with relief and joy at this moment. The second goal of this trip to Konohagakure had been achieved beyond expectations, especially since Kei was able to defeat Kakashi, the son of the White Fang, with such a powerful presence. Ao was extremely satisfied!
That's the son of the legendary White Fang, famous throughout the ninja Shinobi World!!
This name alone is extraordinary!
The cheers that surged from all sides created an extremely enthusiastic atmosphere.
Qi was also somewhat agitated, and as Minato finished his announcement, Qi sheathed his cold blade.
Was it the moment when the ice wall blocked our view?
Kakashi turned around and asked with a tone of certainty.
"Yes, it was at that moment. I originally planned to stall for time to limit your attack, but I didn't expect it to work so well. I can only say, Kakashi- kun, you relaxed a bit at the very end!"