On the field, after a series of attacks, Sakura was breathing heavily, while Ritsu showed no signs of fatigue.
After all, while Ritsu's basic physical attributes weren't exceptionally high, they were over three times that of an ordinary person. Moreover, these attributes didn't simply add up linearly… they were multiplicative.
Consequently, even in high-intensity combat, Ritsu could maintain her peak for at least seven or eight minutes. In the current fighting style, she could last fifteen to twenty minutes without exhaustion.
In contrast, Sakura wasn't faring as well. Although her physical strength and endurance surpassed an ordinary person's, according to Takeru's calculations, they were likely around forty points or less. With Chakra Enhancement, she might reach fifty or sixty, but her current Chakra Reserves weren't substantial.
Additionally, this preliminary exam was held immediately after the second exam ended. Her physical condition wasn't at its peak, naturally making her less threatening to Ritsu.
After sufficient probing, Ritsu realized Sakura truly didn't know any special Ninjutsu. Remaining cautious but no longer holding back, she blocked Sakura's punch with her left arm and delivered a powerful, pre-charged punch to Sakura's abdomen.
The immense force exploded within Sakura, causing her to vomit bile as she staggered backward.
Ritsu's assault didn't stop. Another punch aimed at Sakura's face sent her crashing to the ground.
"Sakura!" Seeing her fall, Naruto above cried out worriedly.
Ritsu paused her attack, calmly observing Sakura. Honestly, Sakura was weaker than she had anticipated.
"It's over. Admit defeat," Ritsu stated directly.
"It's not over yet!" Hearing Ritsu, Sakura struggled to her feet, her eyes filled with determination.
She didn't want to be left behind, watching Sasuke and Naruto grow further and further ahead while she remained stagnant. She refused to lose.
Standing up, Sakura charged at Ritsu again. While closing in, she swiftly formed hand seals, and her figure multiplied into three.
"Clone Technique!" Recognizing it, Ritsu smiled confidently.
As the first two clones attacked, Ritsu didn't move. Only when the third threw a punch did she dodge. The first two clones dissipated into smoke upon contact, and Ritsu engaged the real Sakura.
She sidestepped Sakura's rushing punch, grabbed her attacking arm, and delivered a knee strike to her abdomen without holding back. This blow was far more powerful and brutal than before.
The tremendous force sent Sakura flying backward. If she hadn't used Chakra to protect her abdomen beforehand, this strike would have seriously injured her. As it was, she was in great discomfort.
"So? Will you continue?" Ritsu frowned, watching Sakura struggle to rise.
Ignoring Ritsu, Sakura stubbornly tried to get up.
"Sakura, that's enough!" Naruto shouted from above.
"No! I won't stay the weakest!" Sakura bit her lip, replying.
Ino above watched sympathetically, but it was the exam, so she couldn't intervene.
"I see. I acknowledge your resolve. Then, don't blame me for what comes next." Seeing her determined gaze, Ritsu spoke seriously.
"Fireball!" Extending her hand, a fireball materialized above her palm, gradually growing larger.
Seeing the fireball, Sakura froze, sensing its destructive power. She knew being hit would mean serious injury, if not death, but she couldn't dodge in her current state.
Naruto above clenched his fist, ready to intervene. Seeing this, Kakashi sighed and glanced at Hayate.
"Enough! The match is over! Tainaka Ritsu wins!" Just as Ritsu was about to release the fireball, Hayate terminated the match. He could see that if Ritsu intended harm, Sakura would have been defeated earlier.
Though unwilling, Sakura couldn't argue. She had no confidence dodging Ritsu's impending attack, let alone enduring it.
Hearing the referee, Ritsu silently dispersed the flames. Giving Sakura one last look, she returned to the observation deck above.
"Sakura!" Naruto rushed down to comfort her.
"Well done," Takeru said with a light smile as Ritsu returned.
"Mhm." Ritsu felt slightly bashful, knowing her easy victory was partly due to Sakura's weakness.
However, she also realized how much Chakra enhanced their capabilities.
After Sakura was helped away by Naruto, Hayate quickly announced the next match.
The next pair was Tenten vs Temari. Lee and Guy cheered enthusiastically for Tenten above. Temari received a calm glance from Gaara, while the now-conscious Kankuro glared resentfully at Takeru but dared not act.
As the match began, Tenten cautiously retreated, maintaining an optimal distance for both attack and defense.
"Getting a feel for things? Let me warn you, once I start attacking, it'll be over in an instant," Temari declared confidently.
She then gestured for Tenten to make the first move.
"In that case, I won't hold back!" Tenten leaped into the air, throwing four shuriken at Temari.
However, as they were about to hit, Temari seemed to shift left briefly before returning to her original spot, as if the shuriken passed through her. She then looked at Tenten calmly.
"A miss? Impossible!" Tenten was stunned.
"What's wrong? Just testing the waters? Or too nervous to aim properly? I thought this might be more interesting, but it seems there's nothing to look forward to," Temari said, pleased with Tenten's reaction.
"How can it be? Tenten missed?!" Lee above hadn't noticed Temari's high-speed movement.
"That's not possible. Tenten's shuriken never miss. So it wasn't a miss… it was dodged," Guy calmly explained to Lee.
"Looks like the Sunagakure's Ninja has this won," Shikamaru observed placidly.
"The outcome isn't decided yet!" Naruto retorted.
"No, it's pretty much determined," Takeru interjected.
"Why? Why are you all so sure? Explain clearly!" Naruto demanded, displeased.
"That Temari's speed is too great. Tenten can't track her movements. That's an absolute disadvantage," Ui explained calmly.
"That's one reason," Takeru affirmed.
Ui looked at Temari with surprise, though she knew she could match that burst of speed. Ritsu, however, watched Temari gravely. If she faced Temari, it would be difficult.
While Observation Haki could capture Temari's trajectory, keeping up with her speed would be challenging, and Temari's Ninjutsu remained unknown.
Below, Tenten quickly regained her composure, mentally calculating the distance between them.
Noticing Tenten's change in demeanor, Temari understood she was preparing a significant move and placed her hand on the giant fan behind her.
Tenten grew wary at the action. She circled around Temari to her back, then leaped high into the air.
Retrieving a scroll containing numerous weapons, she spun rapidly mid-air, releasing a barrage of weapons towards Temari.
In response, Temari simply swept her giant fan, effortlessly batting away all the incoming projectiles.