Chapter 65: The Cloud Ninja’s Provocation

Chapter 65: The Cloud Ninja's Provocation

On the viewing platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi wore an awkward expression, while Tsunade's face was full of dark lines. Orochimaru, however, remained indifferent.

He knew Tonari's personality all too well.

This was someone who would throw away pride entirely if it served his interests. After all, being a child gave him plenty of room to play dumb without losing face.

Orochimaru actually admired Tonari's approach. When one is weak, lying low and avoiding unnecessary risks is the wisest strategy. Unlike Nawaki, who charged forward recklessly and met a premature end, Tonari's cautious demeanor aligned perfectly with Orochimaru's preferences.

Tsunade, on the other hand, couldn't hold back. She stomped onto the field, punched Tonari on the head, and dragged him—frothing at the mouth—off the training ground to make way for the next match.

For some reason, watching Tonari being beaten up filled everyone present with a deep sense of satisfaction, particularly Uchiha Yoshinari, who was next in line to enter the arena.

That felt amazing... indescribably so.

"Next pair: Uchiha Yoshinari versus..." Nakae Ichida, ignoring Tonari's dramatic exit, continued with the roster.

Yoshinari, who had been eager to prove himself, strode confidently onto the training ground.

Six months ago, after enduring two successive Thousand Years of Death from Tonari, Yoshinari had been left physically and mentally scarred. Too terrified to seek revenge, he focused on showcasing his own strength instead, reassuring himself that it wasn't his weakness but Tonari's overwhelming abnormality that had bested him.

At least he had awakened his Sharingan—a single tomoe, but still a significant achievement among the Uchiha. His newfound status granted him more clan resources, boosting his confidence.

However, just as Nakae Ichida was about to announce Yoshinari's opponent, a figure leaped from the stands into the arena.

Gitai, the burly Cloud ninja, landed in the middle of the field, his short blade gleaming in his hand.

Neither Hiruzen nor the Cloud envoy, Dodai, showed any intention of stopping him. In fact, Hiruzen smiled subtly, tacitly approving Gitai's challenge.

Dodai understood Gitai's eagerness. The Cloud Village revered strength above all else, and targeting an Uchiha—a clan renowned for its prodigious talents—made perfect sense.

Nakae Ichida glanced at Hiruzen, saw no objections, and reluctantly stepped aside.

"You, with the clan emblem. You must be from the famed Uchiha clan. That makes you worthy to be my opponent," Gitai said, twirling his blade with an eager grin.

Yoshinari frowned. The Cloud forehead protector on Gitai's head made it clear he wasn't from Konoha. As an Uchiha, retreat wasn't an option. His clan's pride demanded that he face the challenge head-on.

"Hmph! Whether you're a ninja or not doesn't matter. I am Uchiha Yoshinari, and I'll make you regret this!" Yoshinari declared, brandishing a kunai.

Gitai smirked. "We'll see if you're worthy of knowing my name!" With that, he charged forward, closing the distance in an instant.

Clang!

Gitai's short blade clashed with Yoshinari's kunai, sparks flying. Yoshinari was forced back, his feet sliding against the ground.

"Tsk, your strength is lacking!" Gitai mocked, his blade glinting under the sunlight.

Yoshinari's face turned red with frustration. He had entered this match to restore his pride, not to expose his weaknesses.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" He quickly formed hand seals, unleashing a massive fireball toward Gitai.

Gitai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Not bad... but too slow!"

He substituted himself with a log and reappeared a few meters away from Yoshinari, ready to strike.

Clang!

This time, Yoshinari barely parried Gitai's blade, crackling with lightning chakra. The clash revealed Gitai's clear physical advantage.

"Hmm, you're quicker than I thought." Gitai's eyes narrowed as he noticed Yoshinari's Sharingan—a single tomoe spinning in his red irises.

"The Sharingan, huh? Impressive. I admit you're worthy of knowing my name. I—"

"I'm not interested in the name of a loser!" Yoshinari interrupted, his Uchiha pride surging.

Gitai's grin froze, replaced by a chilling scowl. His grip on his blade tightened, veins bulging on his forearm as lightning crackled more intensely along its edge.

From the viewing platform, Hiruzen suddenly spoke. "Ah, Dodai-san, the Cloud Village must be quite resource-rich to outfit even genin with chakra-conducting weapons."

Dodai chuckled, his tone neutral. "You flatter us, Lord Third. Surely the Land of Fire, with its fertile lands and vast resources, is far wealthier than our mountainous Land of Lightning."

---

In the arena, the battle continued with relentless intensity. Yoshinari's Sharingan allowed him to predict Gitai's movements, but Gitai's overwhelming strength and speed left him struggling to keep up.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

With every exchange, Gitai's short blade sparked violently against Yoshinari's kunai.

"Speed and reflexes won't save you if you lack power!" Gitai roared, his attacks growing fiercer with each strike.

Finally, Yoshinari's kunai shattered under the force of Gitai's blade.

The Uchiha genin staggered back, coughing blood. His Sharingan, though formidable, wasn't enough to overcome Gitai's raw strength.

Without learning his opponent's name, Yoshinari collapsed, defeated.

---

Gitai stood triumphant in the center of the arena. His gaze swept across the remaining students, a clear challenge in his eyes.

"Next!" he barked, his tone dripping with contempt.

The message was clear: he intended to bulldoze through Konoha's graduating class, humiliating them all.

Nakae Ichida clenched his fists, his face dark with frustration. This was a blatant attempt to disgrace Konoha. And the worst part? Gitai's provocations were untouchable under the guise of "friendly competition."

Dodai turned to Hiruzen with a thin smile. "My apologies, Lord Third. Gitai can be... overzealous. I'll be sure to discipline him once we return."

Hiruzen said nothing, his gaze fixed on the arena. He gave Nakae Ichida a subtle nod, signaling him to proceed.

Ichida, understanding the Hokage's unspoken command, skipped the scheduled order. He needed someone strong enough to defeat Gitai.

Before he could decide, a figure leaped into the arena with a canine companion by her side.

"Inuzuka Clan, Inuzuka Tsume!"

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