Ninth and Last Match
Sakura Haruno vs Hinata Hyuga
As the next match was announced, anticipation filled the arena. Hayate Gekko stepped forward and called out, "Hinata vs. Sakura."
With this being a battle between two Konoha shinobi, the tension was different, almost personal. I offered some words of encouragement as they prepared to face each other. "Good luck, both of you," I said with a smile.
"Thank you, Naruto," they replied in unison.
The two kunoichi took their positions at the center of the arena. Sakura, with determination in her eyes, addressed her opponent. "Hinata, don't think I'm going to hold back. If it were anyone else, I might, but not with you."
Hinata returned the sentiment with a light-hearted laugh. "Same here, Sakura," she replied, her voice steady and confident.
As they exchanged smiles, the spectators were taken aback by their friendly exchange before the battle. Those who didn't know them well could only wonder why they were behaving this way—like close friends rather than fierce rivals.
The two fighters assumed their stances, Sakura tightening her fists while Hinata adopted the traditional Gentle Fist posture of the Hyuga Clan. I couldn't help but feel eager to watch this match unfold; I knew it was going to be one of the most exciting fights of the day. Both were highly skilled, and they shared a mutual respect that would make this a clash worth witnessing.
Gekko raised his hand and then dropped it. "Begin!" he announced.
As the match began, Sakura and Hinata quickly engaged in close combat, showing off their refined taijutsu skills. Sakura's movements were swift and precise, while Hinata's Gentle Fist style allowed her to deliver chakra-infused strikes aimed at Sakura's vital points. The crowd watched in anticipation, aware that both kunoichi had trained hard to reach this level.
Sakura dodged one of Hinata's strikes and immediately retaliated with a powerful punch aimed at Hinata's midsection. Hinata barely managed to evade the blow, feeling the force of the punch as it grazed past her. "You've gotten stronger, Sakura," Hinata said, a hint of admiration in her voice.
"And I'm not done yet!" Sakura replied, launching a series of rapid strikes.
Hinata activated her Byakugan, enhancing her perception and allowing her to read Sakura's movements with precision. She countered Sakura's punches with graceful palm strikes, managing to land a few hits on Sakura's chakra points, slowing down her movements. However, Sakura wasn't one to back down. She gritted her teeth, pushing through the numbness and drawing on her sheer willpower.
The intensity of the fight increased as they continued to trade blows, Sakura using her superior physical strength and Hinata leveraging her agility and chakra control.
Sakura, realizing she needed to change tactics, jumped back to gain some distance. She quickly formed a hand sign, focusing her chakra into her fists. "Let's see you handle this!" she shouted, rushing back in with renewed vigor, her punches creating small shockwaves with each strike.
Hinata braced herself, using her Gentle Fist to deflect the shockwaves and avoid taking the full brunt of Sakura's attacks. "I won't give up, Sakura!" Hinata declared, her resolve strengthening.
The match was reaching its peak, with both fighters pushing themselves to their limits. It was clear to everyone that this was more than just a competition—it was a testament to their growth and determination.
The fight between Hinata and Sakura had reached its climax, with both kunoichi covered in bruises, their breaths ragged from exhaustion. They had pushed each other to the brink, neither willing to back down, trading blows as if there were no tomorrow. Each strike landed with enough force to make even a seasoned Jonin feel its impact.
The intensity of the match left the spectators in awe, witnessing a level of skill and determination that went beyond what anyone expected from two young genin, especially in a battle between women. As the fight wore on, it became clear that their strength was nearly equal, and fatigue was setting in rapidly.
Just as both were about to collapse from sheer exhaustion, I dashed forward, catching them before they hit the ground. "They're both exhausted," I said, looking up at Gekko while still holding them up. "I'll take them."
Gekko gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Very well. Since both competitors are unable to continue, this match is declared a draw," he announced.
The crowd erupted in applause, not for a winner, but for the sheer display of willpower and skill that both Sakura and Hinata had shown. As I carried them off the battlefield, I could feel the pride swelling inside me for how far they had come.
Gaara vs Temari
Carrying both Sakura and Hinata to the upper floor, I noticed the peaceful smiles on their faces as they slept. It was a stark contrast to the devastation left behind in the arena from their fierce battle. I couldn't help but chuckle; the two of them had given it their all, yet here they were, resting as if the chaos they created was nothing more than a distant dream.
As I watched over them, the final match of the day was about to begin. Gekko stepped forward to announce, "Gaara vs. Temari."
The two siblings made their way to the center of the arena, but before Gekko could give the signal to start, Temari raised her hand. "I give up," she declared firmly.
The crowd murmured in surprise, and Gekko turned to her with a questioning look. "Why are you giving up before the match even begins?" he asked.
Temari's voice held a mix of resolve and emotion. "I don't want to fight my own brother. Besides, I know I can't defeat him. As his elder sister, the thought of attacking him just doesn't sit right with me."
Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, even Gaara seemed taken aback. Her acknowledgment of their bond as siblings, despite their usual distance, was unexpected. However, he quickly dismissed any deeper significance, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Gekko nodded, accepting her decision. "Very well. The winner is Gaara," he announced.
With the final match concluded, the preliminary rounds of the Chunin Exams came to an end, and the remaining genin would soon find out who would advance to the finals. The excitement and tension of the day lingered in the air, a reminder of the battles that had been fought and the ones still yet to come.