Chapter 51: Sage Mode vs Eight Gates

The clash of punches between Mitsuki and Metal reverberated through the arena, creating a powerful gust of wind that swept across the spectators. The sheer force of their blows showcased the intensity of their battle.

However, Mitsuki, known for his cunning and adaptability, employed a sneaky tactic. As their fists collided, he used his flexible hand to coil around Metal's hand, attempting to gain an advantage. But Metal, ever vigilant and quick-witted, anticipated Mitsuki's move and swiftly pulled away, evading the trap.

"Tch," Metal muttered, realizing that their strength was evenly matched. Despite this, he couldn't help but acknowledge the advantage Mitsuki possessed due to his unique physiology, which made him more cautious in his approach.

Similarly, Mitsuki was cautious as well, carefully observing Metal's fighting style. He knew that Metal had learned some fighting techniques from Boruto, and this knowledge informed his strategy. Mitsuki understood that he couldn't underestimate Metal's skills, and he remained focused on finding an opening to exploit.

The tension in the arena was palpable as the match became a battle against time. Both Mitsuki and Metal were aware of the limited duration of the match, and they were determined to find a way to end it swiftly.

The two combatants strategized and analyzed each other's moves, searching for an opportunity to deliver a decisive blow and claim victory. The urgency in their actions heightened the excitement in the arena, as the audience eagerly awaited the climax of this intense showdown.

Sarada gracefully made her way to the audience seats, taking her place beside Sakura. To their delight, Ino and Temari were also seated nearby, creating a sense of camaraderie among the women.

"Next time, you can give it another shot," Sakura encouraged Sarada, her voice filled with motherly support.

Sarada nodded, appreciating her mother's words of encouragement. "I know, Mama. But why is Boruto stretching up there?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Boruto, who was diligently warming up.

Sakura glanced at Boruto and furrowed her brows. "We're not entirely sure. He started stretching the moment the match began," she explained, her curiosity piqued by Boruto's actions.

Ino, always observant, chimed in with her own observation. "It's almost as if he's waiting for something," she mused, her voice tinged with intrigue. The group exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what could be going through Boruto's mind and what he might be anticipating.

With determination in their eyes, both Mitsuki and Metal took a synchronized step forward, their bodies propelled by an unwavering resolve.

Metal initiated the exchange with a powerful right straight punch, aiming to land a decisive blow. However, Mitsuki's agility and reflexes allowed him to effortlessly weave out of the path of the incoming strike. Undeterred, Metal swiftly followed up with a left straight punch. But once again, Mitsuki displayed his evasive skills, narrowly evading the attack.

Metal refused to relent, launching a fierce right hook towards Mitsuki's head. In a split second, Mitsuki instinctively ducked, narrowly avoiding the blow. However, Metal seized the opportunity and seamlessly transitioned into a left uppercut, aiming to catch Mitsuki off balance.

To everyone's surprise, Mitsuki responded with a confident smile, seemingly unfazed by Metal's relentless assault. With lightning speed, he closed the distance between them, swiftly moving towards Metal and seizing him by the waist, attempting to immobilize him.

Metal, ever quick-witted, noticed Mitsuki's intentions and reacted swiftly. He unleashed a powerful punch towards the ground, causing the earth beneath them to tremble and a crater to form. The impact shattered the ground, sending debris flying in all directions.

In a remarkable display of agility, Mitsuki deftly maneuvered around Metal, now finding himself positioned behind his opponent. However, Metal, displaying his own impressive reflexes, swiftly turned around, locking eyes with Mitsuki, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.

A sense of unease settled over both combatants as they realized the difficulty of landing a clean hit on each other without incurring any damage themselves.

"Damn, he's so slippery," Metal muttered under his breath. "I really need to be careful with his grappling technique."

Mitsuki, feeling the weight of Metal's strength, knew that taking a punch from him would spell defeat. "My jutsu won't be much help in this fight, but I'll have to find a way to make it count," Mitsuki whispered to himself, determined to come up with a strategy.

Mitsuki stepped back, trying to create some distance between himself and Metal. However, Metal saw through his plan and understood what Mitsuki was up to.

"He's onto me," Mitsuki thought, raising his hands towards Metal and unleashing a swarm of snakes from under his sleeves.

But Metal effortlessly punched the snakes into pieces, rendering Mitsuki's attack useless. Frustration washed over Mitsuki as he gritted his teeth, contemplating his next move.

In a desperate attempt, Mitsuki decided to use his Wind Style: Breakthrough technique. However, Metal anticipated his move and jumped into the air, shouting, "Konoha Senpu!"

Mitsuki quickly rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding Metal's powerful downward kick. The impact of Metal's attack left behind a massive crater, scattering debris in all directions.

"No more running. Let's settle this with our hands," Metal declared, his determination evident.

Mitsuki sighed, realizing how much Boruto had influenced Metal's fighting style. He knew that his plan might not work and admitted to himself, "I might lose this fight."

But as Mitsuki looked up at Boruto, he saw a serious expression on his friend's face. It sent a wave of unease through Mitsuki, something he hadn't felt before when Boruto wore that look. Determined to give it his all, Mitsuki raised his guard, his palm open facing the ground.

"Oh, you're using that move," Metal remarked with a hint of surprise. "Not bad, you're really taking after him."

Mitsuki's eyes narrowed in focus as he closely observed Metal's every move. He knew that Metal was a formidable opponent and that he needed to be prepared for any attack.

Without hesitation, Metal charged forward, his body spinning as he unleashed a powerful kick. Mitsuki swiftly raised his arms to block the attack, feeling the impact reverberate through his hands. The force of Metal's kick caused Mitsuki's hand to throb with pain, but he didn't let it deter him.

In a split second, Mitsuki activated his unique ability to elongate his limbs. His hand extended, wrapping around Metal's leg, preventing him from gaining any ground. Metal, momentarily caught off guard, tried to regain his balance, but Mitsuki wasn't about to give him an opportunity.

With a swift motion, Mitsuki used his extended hand to slam Metal forcefully onto the unforgiving concrete. The impact was jarring, causing Metal to cough up blood as his body bounced off the hard surface.

Seizing the opportunity to end the fight, Mitsuki swiftly closed the distance between himself and Metal. He leaped into the air, ready to deliver the final blow. However, as Mitsuki approached Metal, he noticed a mischievous grin spreading across Metal's face.

Metal, displaying his incredible resilience, braced himself for the punch from Mitsuki. But instead of being knocked back, Metal seized the opportunity and grabbed Mitsuki by the waist, their bodies crashing onto the ground together.

With a burst of strength, Metal propelled himself into the air, emulating his father's famous move from the Chunin Exams. However, unlike his father, Metal performed the technique without the aid of bandages.

"Primary Lotus!" Metal shouted with determination as they descended towards the ground, creating a massive crater upon impact. The force of their collision sent shockwaves rippling through the surrounding area, leaving no doubt that this battle was reaching its climax.

As the dust settled, only one victor emerged from the intense battle. Standing amidst the debris and exhaustion, Metal Lee proudly raised his hand high in the air, a triumphant smile gracing his face.

"Metal Lee wins!" exclaimed Rock Lee, his voice filled with pride and admiration for his son's remarkable performance.

The crowd erupted into a thunderous roar of applause and cheers, their excitement and awe reverberating throughout the arena. The spectators recognized the incredible skill and determination displayed by Metal Lee, and they joined together in celebrating his well-deserved victory. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a palpable sense of admiration and respect for the young fighter's accomplishments.

As the dust settled and the crowd's cheers continued to resonate through the arena, Metal Lee's attention was drawn to a figure making their way towards him. It was none other than the esteemed Hokage, the leader of the village, descending from his elevated position to personally congratulate the victorious young shinobi.

With a warm smile on his face, the Hokage approached Metal, his eyes filled with pride and admiration. "Congratulations, Metal," he said, his voice carrying a sense of genuine approval. "With this outstanding performance, you have proven yourself worthy of the rank of Chunin."

Metal's face lit up with joy and gratitude as he realized the magnitude of his achievement. "Thank you, Hokage-sama," he replied, his voice filled with respect. The weight of the honor bestowed upon him was not lost on Metal, and his gratitude shone through his every word.

In that moment, Metal felt a surge of determination and commitment. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey as a shinobi, and he was determined to continue growing and surpassing his own limits. With the Hokage's words of recognition and encouragement ringing in his ears, Metal was ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that awaited him as a newly minted Chunin.

As the scene unfolds, two individuals with pale skin emerge, defying gravity as they float effortlessly in the air. Their presence is ominous, and their intentions remain unclear. However, one of them wears a sinister smile, indicating that they have found their target: Uzumaki Naruto.