The battle between Kazekaze and the Third Kazekage had reached its climax. With Iron Sand Wings, the Third Kazekage soared into the sky, creating enough distance so that Kazekaze's taijutsu couldn't reach him.
Then—He unleashed a barrage of Iron Sand Feathers, aiming to force Kazekaze to surrender. For a moment— The sky was filled with deadly feathers!
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, the proctor, hadn't expected the Third Kazekage to use such a terrifying jutsu. He quickly dodged while breaking into a cold sweat for Kazekaze.
However— Despite the ferocity of the attack, Kazekaze still had one advantage—speed.
The moment the Third Kazekage launched his feathers, Kazekaze activated the Gate of Limit once again and began high-speed movement around the battlefield, dodging each attack with precision. Of course, Kazekaze understood— If this continued, he would only be wasting stamina while the Third Kazekage maintained his aerial assault.
"It's time to end this fight." As hespoke, Kazekaze formed hand seals and created two Water Clones.
Then— The three Kazekaze clones spread out and simultaneously formed hand seals.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!"
Water surged and formed three enormous water dragons, twisting their bodies as they surged toward the airborne Third Kazekage.
However— Kazekaze never expected this attack to truly harm him. His real goal—was to force the Third Kazekage into a vulnerable position. His Water Clones were merely a feint.
The two clones leaped onto the water dragons, activating the Gate of Life to increase their speed. In the blink of an eye, the two Kazekaze clones closed in on the Third Kazekage from both sides. They simultaneously spun their bodies—delivering a devastating roundhouse kick!
Even though Water Clones only possessed a tenth of the original's power, they were still troublesome opponents for the Third Kazekage. With no time to think, the Third Kazekage flapped his Iron Sand Wings, swatting the clones away like flies and sending them crashing to the ground.
However— The three water dragons opened their massive jaws and lunged at him!
"So that was your real plan!" The Third Kazekage finally understood— Kazekaze had used his Water Clones to force him to spread his wings, exposing his body to the incoming Water Dragons!
"But… you underestimate my control over Iron Sand!"
Although the Third Kazekage admired Kazekaze's tactics, believing his strategy to be impressive— His control over Iron Sand was even more refined! Without hesitation, he withdrew his wings, curled up his body, and used Iron Sand to completely encase himself in a protective sphere. With this, Kazekaze's Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu could only strike his Iron Sand defense. No damage inflicted!
However— This was exactly what Kazekaze had planned. By first using Water Clones to block the Third Kazekage's escape route, Kazekaze had forced him to defend against the Water Dragons. After all, Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu was a B-rank jutsu, but its destructive power was significant. No shinobi would be foolish enough to let it hit them directly.
And since the Third Kazekage was a Magnet Release user, his best option was to form an Iron Sand sphere around himself for protection. Just like— Gaara had done in Shippuden against Deidara's explosive clay. As expected— Facing a similar situation, the Third Kazekage made the same decision as Gaara.
Kazekaze, now in the Gate of View state, unleashed his full power. The ground beneath him shattered from the sheer force of his movements. Shockwaves spread in all directions.
BOOM!
With an explosive burst, Kazekaze leaped high into the air, chasing after the Third Kazekage. Now, he was hovering right behind him. Considering that the Third Kazekage had Iron Sand Armor for defense, Kazekaze decided to hold nothing back. He clenched his fist, channeling Hashirama's chakra into it.
"Cherry Blossom Impact!"
The instant he punched, Kazekaze unleashed the full power of the Gate of View, combining it with monstrous strength, maximizing the destructive force! The Iron Sand sphere crashed to the ground like a meteor, hitting the earth with an earth-shaking impact.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion echoed throughout the Chunin Exam stadium! A mushroom cloud of dust and debris rose into the sky.
Silence.
The entire audience held their breath, eyes wide with shock, staring at the mushroom cloud—desperate to know the Third Kazekage's fate.
"Did… did he die?" Sarutobi Hiruzen swallowed hard, his throat dry with anxiety.
He quickly rushed forward to check on the Third Kazekage. Although the Chunin Exams allowed for casualties, it was best to avoid unnecessary deaths.
At the same time, Kazekaze landed softly, but as soon as his feet touched the ground— Thud. He collapsed, sitting on the ground, gasping for breath as he deactivated the Eight Gates. He slowly lifted his gaze toward where the Third Kazekage had landed. The mushroom cloud began to dissipate, revealing the Third Kazekage's motionless body.
Iron Sand was scattered everywhere. The Third Kazekage lay flat in a half-meter-deep crater, completely still. Moments later, Sarutobi Hiruzen reached the Third Kazekage's side. He crouched down, placing two fingers against his neck. His pulse was still there. He was alive.
"Medical team!" Fearing further complications, Sarutobi quickly called out.
Only then did Konoha's medical personnel snap out of their daze, rushing in with a stretcher to carefully lift the unconscious Third Kazekage.
Without a doubt— The Third Kazekage had lost the ability to continue fighting. Seeing this, Sarutobi briskly walked toward Kazekaze, gesturing for him to stand. Then, he firmly grabbed Kazekaze's wrist, raising his arm high for all to see. He turned toward both the audience and the Kage seating area—
"I hereby declare—Kazekaze of Konohagakure the victor of this match!"
For a brief moment—silence. Then— Thunderous applause erupted throughout the stadium! The spectators cheered wildly for Kazekaze, their voices booming with excitement! This was, without a doubt, the most spectacular Chunin Exam battle they had ever witnessed.
Both Kazekaze and the Third Kazekage— Were truly exceptional, powerful shinobi! Most importantly— The betting odds between Kazekaze and the Third Kazekage had been 5 to 1. Many had just made a fortune off Kazekaze's victory.
Including… Someone in the Kage seating area.
"Boohoo! Tobirama! I can't believe Kazekaze actually won!" Tobirama sighed, patting Hashirama on the shoulder to calm him down.
"Big brother, don't get so emotional. Everyone's watching!"
But just as Tobirama thought Hashirama was overwhelmed by Kazekaze's victory—
"You don't understand, Tobirama! I only bet 10,000 ryo on Kazekaze! The payout was 5 to 1! Damn it! Why didn't I bet everything I had on him?!"