Chapter 79: Difficult

"Over the past week, you have been through two separate tasks, with each testing a different part of your ability as a shinobi that Konoha holds meaningful. The first test was to examine your ability mentally handle tasks and showcase your decision-making skills and your quick judgment.

The second was to test your ability to coordinate with your teammates to protect a client while highlighting your ability to defend a target from unseen threats, while also having to adhere to the deadline in a similar way to how you'll have to on a mission.

However, what matters most in this world is not only your teamwork and your mental skills but also your actual strength. That is why the final challenge will be a tournament that consists of 1 on 1 combat matches.

But, due to us having a large number of people remaining, we have decided to have a preliminary round to decrease the numbers by half. The matches will be determined randomly, with the winners being decided if you are thrown out of the ring, forfeit, or become no longer able to compete. Also, unlike the last challenge, the killing of an enemy will not be allowed.

Now, let the battles begin!!"

Hiruzen said while all of the Jonin sensei of each group joined their students, the screen also began to randomize the opponents for the first match.

The examiner from the first round came out to officiate the matches, while the board finally stopped on the first two fighters.

"The first round is Dan Kato of the Leaf vs Dabui of the Cloud." the man spoke.

The two both took opposite positions from each other on the training ground, with everyone closely paying attention to both of the genin.

"BEGIN!!"

The two immediately clashed against each other with their kunai, after which they began to trade blows through the use of taijutsu.

Many of the Jonin who were there showed surprise at the speed of both, as it was easily at a level that most chunin would find difficult to contend with.

Dan went for a roundhouse kick to Dabui's chin, only for him to block it with an elbow and counterattack with a quick jab to his chest.

The two created distance between each other, after which they both weaved hand signs and spoke

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!!"

"Storm Style: Laser Beam!!"

While Dan spewed a powerful fireball from his mouth, Dabui sent a powerful blast from his hand that completely overwhelmed the fireball and proceeded to blast towards Dan, with him only barely being able to dodge.

All of the Jonin from the other villages became vigilant and began to focus much more intently on the match.

'So Kumo sent over a user of a kekkei genkai? It seems that they are determined to win the exams.' Hiruzen thought to himself while watching the match with narrowed eyes.

The match continued with Dan being forced to remain passive to stop himself from being eliminated while waiting for a moment when Dabui to slip up.

The moment finally came as Dabui went for a punch that left an opening.

Dan immediately took advantage of the opening and began a barrage of attacks on him, knocking Dabui all the way back to the edge of the ring.

However, just as Dan was about to eliminate Dabui, Dabui concentrated a large amount of lightning chakra into his hand and shocked Dan right on his chest, making him yell in pain and electrocuting him while allowing Dabui to throw him out of the ring.

"The winner of this match is Dabui, you may now return to your team. Take Dan to the medical shinobi to ensure that he is fine." The examiner spoke.

The rest of the leaf shinobi all grew serious as they knew the strength of Dan and they expected him to win.

They all grew determined to win their battles while mentally preparing as they knew the next battles would not be easy.

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