Chapter 48: Battle of Wits
-Battle Stage-
3rd POV:
Pakura and Shikakku both went down the battle stage and faced each other. Maito Dai then started to come forward and give his usual line.
"The fourth battle, Pakura VS Nara Shikakku. Start!!!"
Around Pakura were four balls of fire floating in the air. The balls of fire started to go after Shikaku. Shikaku on the other hand moves out of the way of the ball. But then the ball is still behind is tracks. He then started to head straight to the trees around the area. But before he collides with it, he suddenly used a body flicker and get behind the trees. The ball of fire then smashed into the trees and was disintegrated. Shikaku was behind those trees and a shadow creeps out of his own.
"Shadow Imitation Justu."
The shadow stretches towards Pakura. Pakura jumped backwards to avoid the shadow. Pakura observes the shadow in the distance as it stops from stretching.
'So his shadow has a limited distance. It was about sixteen meters. If I can avoid it, it will be my victory. Though I must still be cautious. The Nara Clan is known for their incredible intelligence and tactics.' Pakura thought to herself.
'What jutsu was that? It suddenly followed me around as if it was being controlled. I am pretty sure that it's not your regular fire. Perhaps it is a Kekkei Genkai.' Shikaku also thought to himself.
-Kage's Seats-
Hiruzen's POV:
At the Kage's seats, Daichi has a smug look on his face. Hiruzen and Daitan were both surprised on what Pakura has shown.
"She is the ninja I was talking about. She is considered by Suna as a genius who can rival Rasa. Because she is an orphan and has no clan she is not praised by many unlike Rasa who was showered by flowery words. That resulted to her humble and hardworking characteristic even after being praised by some people."
The Kazekage boasts about his ninjas. It was just right because he has no confidence that Rasa will pass and so, he is promoting his remaining chunin.
"And that jutsu is a Kekkei Genkai known as Scorch Release. It is a combination of fire and wind chakra nature. Only she can do it and is not through blood." Daichi added.
"Creating her own Kekkei Genkai... Now that is impressive. Most Kekkei Genkai that we can see are through inheritance. Take my Ice Style for example. It was because our ancestors have it before and it was passed down through our blood." Daitan also praised Pakura's feat.
An orphan who has no clan to back her up and she still managed to reach that level... it's not my first time seeing such talent. But creating another Kekkei Genkai really is impressive.
-Battle Stage-
Both Shikaku and Pakura stared at each other. They seem to be thinking of ways to beat each other. Pakura backed off a little bit as she noticed the sun going down a bit and the shadow is getting bigger.
Shikaku then threw a a kunai at Pakura. The kunai has an explosive tag attached to it. Seeing the explosive tag, Pakura decided to deflect the kunai with her own to avoid it from exploding. She knew that the smoke can form a shadow which Shikaku can use to extend his jutsu more.
Contrary to what she expected, the explosive tag did not explode and the kunai just stayed embedded on the ground. Shikaku then threw a bunch of shuriken at Pakura. This time, Pakura used her Scorch Orbs and burn the shuriken. But then something unexpected happened, the explosive tag that was attached to the kunai suddenly exploded and smoke was seen over the battle stage.
Pakura then jumped as far as she can to avoid not the smoke but the shadow that was formed through it. As the smoke disappears, and so is the shadow. Pakura then controlled her Scorch Orbs and moves it to Shikaku. But before it even reaches Shikaku, she suddenly can't move. She was confused on what happened but she saw the kunai embedded at the ground with a long shadow connecting at her own shadow.
"Well, sorry to break it to you but you just lost. And if your thinking of not surrendering and waits for me to drain my chakra, look behind you. I will let you."
Both Shikaku and Pakura looked sideways. Pakura saw another kunai with an explosive tag behind her. Shikaku threw another kunai during the smoke is present in the battlefield. Pakura is so preoccupied in backing off that she did not notice it.
"I surrender." Pakura admits her defeat. Shikaku then deactivates his shadow imitation jutsu.
"Winner, Nara Shikamaru." Maito Dai then said for the fourth time now.
"Though what Hiashi said is true, it is also true the other way around. When one faces a very analyzed and effective tactic, strength alone won't be able defeat it." Shikaku said as he walks into the stands. He saw three genin waving at him, looking very happy at the moment.
'Also, I can't afford to look lame in front of my students now, can I? Those brats will tease me if I lose in the first round. Especially Obito. He never seems to stop talking.' Hiashi though with a smile on his face.
'Now then, for the next opponent. Maybe I should just give up? Nope, I should at least try to beat him even though it's a drag.' Shikaku thought to himself as he stared at where Minato is sitting.
-Kage's Seats-
Hiruzen's POV:
That Shikaku really took it seriously this time. It was a good decision to give him a Genin team early. That somewhat motivated him. At least that's what I think. But for his next opponent, I don't think he can beat Minato. I even think he knew that himself but we will see later on.
"We will have a thirty minutes break before the fifth battle. I suggest that all of you should recover your strength at the mean time."
The break is not really planned beforehand but I want all of them to be somewhat recovered. Of course, except Minato. I am kind of curious about his abilities and the only thing I can do to bring that out is through having him face strong opponents. The other three should be recovered by that time.