Shikamaru and Temari's battle wasn't very different from how it went in the original story. Relying on his overwhelmingly superior intellect, Shikamaru used strategy to defeat a stronger opponent and corner Temari. However, at the final critical moment, he suddenly raised his hand and announced his surrender.
"My chakra's run out. Even though I still have about two hundred follow-up methods, it's too much trouble. I'll just forfeit."
After saying this, Shikamaru turned around and left without looking back.
Temari watched Shikamaru go. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end said nothing—only tightening her grip on her fan as she stared at his departing figure.
Without realizing it, a certain someone had quietly entered the Sand Princess's heart.
...
After Shikamaru and Temari came Naruto versus Kankurō. Kankurō's trio of puppets was indeed powerful, but they were no match for the fully enhanced Naruto. Under the pressure of the Multiple Shadow Clone tactic, Kankurō was decisively defeated.
After Naruto vs. Kankurō, the remaining matches progressed much faster.
Kiba versus Kimimaro held no suspense. Thanks to having a trace of Lobo blood, Akamaru's combat power was slightly higher than in the original story, but even so, he was no match for the "Big Boss" Kimimaro and was cleanly eliminated.
Ino versus Shino ended with Ino unable to overcome her fear of swarms of insects. Her Mind Transfer Jutsu was repeatedly blocked by insect substitutes, leading to her unfortunate defeat.
Sakura versus a Kumogakure extra ended with Sakura relying on the key medical ninjutsu she had learned over the past month—Yin Healing Wound Destruction—to block the Kumogakure genin's final attack. She won by a narrow margin. This unexpected outcome earned thunderous applause and made the people of Konoha see Sakura in a new light.
Sitting beside Hoshiyomi, Tsunade pondered for a moment before suddenly smiling and saying to him:
"Husband, what do you think about me taking this Sakura as my final disciple? When Haku said she was talented, I was still a bit doubtful—but now it seems Haku was absolutely right."
As for Tsunade wanting to take Sakura as her student, Hoshiyomi naturally raised both hands in agreement.
...
On the giant screen, the matchups continued one by one. Soon, only the final two battles remained.
Amid roaring cheers from the Konoha audience, Kurenai stepped onto the arena and announced:
"The next match: Uchiha Sasuke versus Rock Lee!"
Hearing this, Lee excitedly leapt onto the arena, while Sasuke, on the other hand, had yet to appear.
Just as the audience began to murmur in confusion, a gentle breeze suddenly swept across the field. As leaves drifted through the air, Sasuke quietly appeared on the opposite side of the arena.
This incredibly stylish entrance immediately drew everyone's attention. Hearing the waves of cheers Sasuke caused, Lee couldn't help but feel a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment.
After taking a deep breath, Lee assumed a starting stance and said:
"I held back in our last fight. This time, I won't!"
Sasuke merely smiled faintly in response.
"I beat you a month ago. I believe I can do the same a month later."
Lee turned to glance at where his teacher was sitting. Seeing Might Guy give him a thumbs-up, Lee nodded. He then calmly dropped his stance and abruptly tore open his green jumpsuit.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The heavy weights fell to the ground, smashing several deep craters into the arena floor. The sight instantly ignited intense discussion among the crowd, and even Sasuke couldn't help but frown.
So he had been fighting me while carrying such terrifying weights before?
"Begin!"
With Kurenai's command, both figures vanished from their original spots in an instant—their speed so fast that the audience erupted in astonished cries.
Such terrifying speed—was this really a fight between genin?
Bang!
The sound of fists colliding suddenly exploded across the arena, and the two high-speed figures came to a halt at the same time.
Feeling the tremendous force in the other's punch, both Sasuke and Lee were forced to retreat two steps. After steadying themselves, shock was clearly visible in both of their eyes.
So he really was holding back before. With this frightening speed and strength, my former self would never have been able to deal with him.
So strong! It's only been a month—how could he have improved this much? Is this the power of an Uchiha prodigy?
Neither of them voiced any praise. Instead, they silently charged at each other once more. For a time, the arena was filled with the nonstop thud, thud, thud of flesh colliding with flesh. This kind of pure taijutsu exchange had the audience cheering in excitement.
...
In the specially prepared VIP seats, Minato watched Lee and Sasuke below with a look of deep satisfaction, while the expression on Rasa's face was far more complicated.
The Konoha genin had already been absurdly outstanding before, and now Sasuke and Rock Lee were downright terrifying. With this level of speed and power, even ordinary chūnin probably wouldn't be able to withstand them.
One was only twelve, the other thirteen—yet in the entirety of Sunagakure, only Gaara could rival them. Damn it, why does Konoha have so many geniuses?!
At this thought, a ruthless glint flashed through Rasa's eyes. No matter what, today's "Konoha Destruction" plan had to be set in motion.
If they didn't weaken Konoha through this surprise attack, then judging by the talent of Konoha's new generation alone, Sunagakure would have no chance to rise for the next fifty years.
...
The battle in the arena reached a stalemate. After special training, Sasuke was evenly matched with Lee after removing his weights. For the moment, neither could gain the upper hand.
Just then, Might Guy raised an eyebrow at Kakashi and said:
"Kakashi, watch closely now. The Lotus of Konoha is about to bloom once again!"
Kakashi was startled.
"You taught him that?"
Before Kakashi's words had even faded, Lee shouted loudly from the arena:
"Uchiha Sasuke! This is my final attack! Fifth Gate—Gate of Limit, open!"
As he moved, chaotic currents of chakra began to surge around Lee's body. His once-neat bowl-cut hair stood straight up under the influence of the chakra storm, and his skin flushed a deep crimson.
Gritting his teeth against the pain wracking his body, Lee spoke:
"Watch carefully! This technique is called… Hidden Lotus!"
Seeing Lee in this state, Sasuke naturally didn't dare to be careless. He immediately activated his Sharingan. The two-tomoe Sharingan locked onto the flow of chakra within Lee's body, shock filling his eyes.
I can't hold back anymore. I have to use the technique Kakashi-sensei taught me!
With that decision made, Sasuke no longer hesitated. His hands formed seals rapidly as he shouted:
"Roar—Chidori!"
As Sasuke completed the hand seals, dazzling arcs of electricity became visible in the palm of his right hand. At the same time, the shrill, piercing screech of lightning echoed throughout the entire arena.
The moment Naruto saw the lightning in Sasuke's hand, he sprang to his feet.
Damn it! I haven't even fully mastered the Rasengan yet, and Sasuke's already learned something this powerful?!