Chapter 8: Breaking the Rotation – Aftermath & New Begins
The fierce clash between Naruto and Neji had escalated into a maelstrom of raw power. For minutes, their rapid exchanges of blows had filled the arena with the sound of impact and exertion. Neji's carefully calculated strikes and rotations met Naruto's unpredictable, primal onslaught head-on. Then, when Neji attempted to break Naruto's momentum with his signature Rotation Technique—a spiraling, concentrated counterattack—Naruto answered in kind.
As Neji spun into his controlled vortex, Naruto exploded into action. In a blur of motion, he produced five shadow clones that materialized in a semi-circular formation around the unsuspecting Hyūga. The clones crashed into Neji's rotation, disrupting its flow with cataclysmic force. With a guttural roar, Naruto surged forward, punching straight through the fractured defense. There was a sickening crunch as his fist connected—breaking Neji's nose and sending the battered Hyūga hurtling into the nearby stadium wall with tremendous impact.
For several long moments, the only sound was the ragged breathing of the fighters and the settling of dust and debris. Then the stadium erupted.
In the spectator stands, shock and awe mingled with jubilation and disbelief.
"Kiba's jaw practically dropped," someone cried, "Naruto really did break through Neji's rotation!"
Tenten's eyes widened as she clutched her hands together. "I knew he was unpredictable, but that… that was something else!"
Ino exchanged glances with Sakura. "So what do you think now? Who wins this match?"
Sakura, watching the scene below, replied thoughtfully, "Neji is a genius… but Naruto's growth today—it's beyond anything we've seen. That fierce determination… that's something else."
Hinata, sitting quietly with her hands clasped in prayer, looked on with a mix of hope and worry.
High above in the teachers' box, murmurs of amazement and concern filled the air. Kurenai observed steadily, "This battle has changed everything. Naruto's power… it's raw, unbridled, and frighteningly effective."
Asuma sighed, "Naruto's got a wild, new force in him. But Neji—he's been pushed to his very limit."
Might Guy, still on his feet and eyes wide, finally interjected, "That technique… that's the Eight Gates in action!"
A ripple of astonishment ran through the crowd. "Eight Gates?!" echoed one instructor, unable to hide his disbelief.
Guy continued, "The method I taught Lee centers on explosive taijutsu and the Philosophy of Youth, but what Naruto displayed is entirely different—his activation is fueled by raw bloodlust and survival instinct. I wonder… who taught him this?"
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Neji lay battered against the wall, struggling to regain his bearings, his pride and body broken by Naruto's relentless assault. The decisive blow had shattered more than just his rotation—it had shattered the preconceived limits of what a genin might achieve.
As the proctor's voice rang out, "Uzumaki Naruto, the victor!" the stunned silence of the arena gave way to excited chatter and resounding cheers. With his victory sealed, Naruto's predatory gaze swept over the crowd until it rested on a familiar, steady presence: Anko. Ignoring the designated competitor's box, he made his way toward her.
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In the quiet privacy of an elevated seat, Anko's lips curled into an amused smile as Naruto approached.
"Well, if it isn't my little beast," she teased. "Looks like all that wild training paid off."
Naruto, still catching his breath, grinned. "You were right. I've never felt this alive… or dangerous."
Anko's eyes gleamed with pride. "I always knew you had it in you. But remember, this tournament is more than one battle."
Before Naruto could reply, a sudden announcement from the stage silenced their banter.
"Next up: Shikamaru Nara versus Temari!"
The atmosphere shifted instantly. From the genin seated nearby—in the midst of hushed, eager conversations—eyes lit up with anticipation. In the stands, Ino whispered to Sakura, "Now, let's see. Who do you think will win?"
Sakura's thoughtful reply carried across the crowd, "Neji might be a genius, but Shikamaru's mind is something else."
Kiba snorted dismissively, while Hinata's eyes widened with hope.
Down in the arena, the stage was set. Shikamaru Nara stepped forward with his trademark nonchalant demeanor, while across from him, Temari entered with elegant, measured poise, her large fan at the ready. The match began much like any other Chūnin exam bout—a delicate dance of strategy, intellect, and surging jutsu.
Temari immediately took the initiative, unleashing gusts of wind that swirled like a tempest. Shikamaru, ever the thinker, let his mind work, his movements minimal as he created shadow replicas that mimicked his every motion. With every powerful wave from Temari's fan, Shikamaru calculated the perfect counter—a dance between offense and deception.
In a pivotal moment reminiscent of a well-rehearsed play, Shikamaru faked a retreat. Temari, caught off guard, committed fully to a powerful wind release. That was all the opening he needed. In that split second, Shikamaru's shadow extended to immobilize her, and with a matter-of-fact sigh he remarked, "What a drag…" sealing his victory with his effortless brilliance.
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Back in the spectator box, as the match came to a close and Shikamaru's calm victory was acknowledged, Naruto and Anko exchanged a glance laden with unspoken understanding. The tournament was redefining expectations. While Naruto's explosive power heralded a new era of raw, unbridled force, Shikamaru's quiet genius continued to prove that strategy was just as lethal.
Anko mused softly, "It seems our generation is rewriting the rules in every way possible."
Naruto's eyes sparkled as he replied, "Maybe I can use my style to inspire even more change."
In that charged moment, with the crowd's cheers still echoing and the fierce determination in every fighter's heart, one thing was clear: nothing and no one would ever see the ninja way the same way again.
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