Chapter 73: The Trial Concludes

"It really was...the Yellow Flash!" Takenouchi Rin exclaimed in amazement. Just moments ago, her eyes had only caught a golden blur - Minato's form was utterly indiscernible.

Drawn by Rin's shout, everyone turned their focus to the two figures in the arena's center. Minato had Uchiha Homura bound with the rope, though he was now unwinding it from his left hand with his right.

The crazed look in Homura's eyes did not dissipate from his momentary shock. The instant Minato released the restraining rope, the force binding Homura was gone as well. 

Homura swung his fist towards Minato, who made no attempt to evade or defend himself, seeming utterly unconcerned.

Yet when Homura's fist was less than 10 centimeters from Minato's face, an irresistible force halted his arm mid-motion. Sakumo had intervened.

Minato's eyes flashed with surprise - even with his newfound speed, he could not perceive Sakumo's movements at all.

"Why didn't you dodge? Did you want to get hurt?" Sakumo asked casually after restraining Homura.

Minato responded with a faint smile. "The battle ended the moment I shattered Homura's chakra seal. The proctor would never allow a needless conflict."

Though unable to see Sakumo's actions, Minato had known he would step in to stop Homura from attacking out of rage after being released. 

"You are quite perceptive," Sakumo chuckled, then addressed Homura. "The match is over - fighting outside of it is prohibited."

Hatred burned in Homura's eyes, but he was outmatched and had no chance of breaking Sakumo's restraint.

"That said, you two went overboard," Sakumo's expression turned grave. "The techniques you both used could have killed the other if they slipped up even slightly."

"My apologies, I let my competitive spirit get the better of me," Minato said contritely, his eyes now lacking their earlier intensity, replaced by an awkward laugh.

His words were directed at both Sakumo and his former opponent Homura.

Homura froze momentarily as reason returned. He too realized his full-powered shuriken barrage should never be used recklessly - just a year ago, he had nearly injured a classmate misusing a jutsu.

If Minato could not evade his technique, he would have been skewered like a pincushion. 

Homura only wanted victory, with no intention of killing his opponent. But faced with the one who had just defeated him, he could not bring himself to apologize.

Noticing the shift in Homura's eyes, Sakumo released his restraining hold.

At that moment, Kushina, Mikoto and the others jumped down from the second floor seating, rushing towards Minato.

Hearing their footsteps, Minato turned, but before he could greet them, a figure was already throwing herself into his arms.

Kushina embraced Minato tightly as the others stopped behind her. 

Minato froze momentarily, unsure how to react.

Then a slightly trembling voice came from beside him: "I was so worried about you."

Hearing her words, Minato's body jolted as if struck by lightning. His expression softened with tenderness.

"I'm sorry for worrying you," he said gently.

He felt Kushina's body tremble slightly in his embrace before she swiftly pulled away, her face flushing bright red.

"Kushina, what's wrong?" Minato asked, perplexed. But she had already turned and hid herself behind Mikoto.

His puzzled gaze met Mikoto's faint smile as she asked, "Are you alright?"

Just as Minato went to answer, his body suddenly felt weak. Nawaki and Sarutobi Ao rushed to support him from either side before he collapsed.

"Thank you, seniors," Minato said with a light laugh. Performing two jutsu before the Flash had proven too strenuous. 

"No need to thank us - that was an impressive fight," Nawaki said admiringly. Though he expected Minato's growth, he never imagined such an incredible increase in just one year. 

Nawaki doubted he could have kept up with Minato's blinding speed.

"Truly impressive, junior Minato. You've become incredibly strong," Sarutobi Ao added. It was his first interaction with the young genin, yet his words carried sincere respect.

Minato smiled faintly. The so-called "Flash" was the fruit of his year's intensive physical training, conditioning himself for sustained high-speed movement by chaining Body Flicker Techniques together.

The name itself had been coined by his master Jiraiya after observing the technique - Minato's own suggestions had all been immediately rejected. 

Next, Akasaka, Miyazaki Satoshi and the others came over to check on Minato's condition. In these brief days, they had already become close comrades.

In contrast, Uchiha Homura stood apart from the celebratory group, his mind occupied elsewhere.

"What have I been doing this past year?" Homura clenched his fists tightly. He had thought his current abilities would surely defeat Minato.

But their battle today proved that not only was Minato still faster than him, the gap had only widened further over the past year. 

Even his strongest fire ninjutsu had been completely suppressed.

Rather than overtaking Minato, the divide between them had only grown larger.

With mixed emotions, the final curtain fell on everyone's battles. The remaining ten who passed the aptitude trial were officially decided.

"Alright, we can leave now," Sakumo announced to the group. Most faces showed visible relief, though some unsuccessful participants looked dejected, if a bit resigned.

The intense three-day training had drained their stamina and chakra to the limits.

However, before departing, Sakumo issued a stern warning:

"Information about who passed this aptitude trial must not be revealed to anyone else. Remember, this is not a request - it's an order."

(end of chapter)