The third fight

Chapter 61: The Third Scene

Kiuchi Taketo?

Kiba looked at Hirohiko, Hirohiko looked at Kiba, and then they both looked at Yukina.

"He seems quite ordinary. I saw his first test. Although his ninjutsu and physical skills are balanced, nothing stands out. His opponents didn't seem very strong," Kiba said to Yukina.

This Kiuchi Taketo, Kiba didn't have much impression of him. Compared to other genin, he was quite capable, with solid basic skills. However, compared to the ninja participating in the Chunin exam, he seemed ordinary. Both Shiga Taketake and Mizutani Rin were much better.

"I don't remember much about him either," Hirohiko added.

"I'm going," Yukina said simply, ignoring further discussion. She began to walk towards the arena.

"Good luck," Kiba and Hirohiko called out in unison, their voices full of support.

"Don't be careless," Kiba added.

Yukina nodded firmly. Under their watchful eyes, she descended the stairs and entered the arena.

Waiting in the arena was a fourteen-year-old boy with a stern face and a sword strapped to his back. He eyed Yukina with slight disdain.

"Miss Yukina's opponent is Taketo Kiuchi!"

"Kiuchi Taketo? This match should be easy for Miss Yukina."

"Yeah, I remember this guy. He graduated from ninja school after three attempts. He's known as the crane tail. I heard his teacher was also a crane tail in the Chunin exams. A group of losers."

"And did you hear? Kiuchi Taketo once tried to become a student of one of the Sannin. He knelt in front of their house for days but was never accepted. What a disgrace!"

"Shiga Taketake was his teammate earlier. He surrendered when facing Hirohiko Uchiha. This guy not only lacks skill but also guts!"

The test takers laughed at Kiuchi.

Hirohiko glanced at the mocking test takers, frowning with disapproval.

Kiba looked at Shiga Taketake, whose face remained calm, clear eyes showing maturity and sophistication. He wasn't moved by the ridicule around him, not even when a few participants shouted insults like "coward" and "scaredy-cat" right next to him.

"Hirohiko," Kiba said seriously.

Hirohiko followed Kiba's gaze.

"See how he hasn't reacted? If it were me, I'd want to punch someone," Kiba remarked.

"Yeah," Hirohiko nodded. "Yukina needs to be careful."

"Indeed. He seems confident in his teammates' strength and isn't blindly arrogant," Kiba agreed.

Yukina, don't be careless!

Kiba and Hirohiko focused on the arena as Namikaze Minato raised his hand to start the match.

Kiuchi Taketo stared coldly at Yukina.

Great, the first round of the second trial is against this famous early graduate genius...

As Kiuchi Taketo thought this, a commotion arose from the ordinary auditorium.

"Look, the Third Hokage and the Sannin are here!"

"Oh! It's the Third Hokage!"

"It's Lord Hokage, and Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru are all here too!"

Participants, including Yukina and Kiuchi Taketo, looked towards the central platform. The Third Hokage sat in the Hokage's seat, flanked by Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, seemingly in discussion.

A slight astonishment appeared on the Third Hokage's face.

The Third Hokage looks pretty tough.

Kiba sighed, noting the Third Hokage's enduring popularity.

Kiba smiled slightly.

After the brief commotion, everyone's attention returned to the arena.

Namikaze Minato turned back, lowering his hand to signal the start.

"The second trial of the Chunin Exam, the third competition, start!"

Are you watching, Third Hokage? I must show you my strength. I'm not the crane tail! Sannin! I'll make you regret not taking me as a disciple! A genius who graduated early? The perfect stepping stone!

Determination flared in Kiuchi Taketo's eyes as he stared at Yukina. He placed one hand on his sword and raised two fingers of his other hand upright against his chest.

Yukina frowned slightly, her Byakugan activating as the veins around her eyes bulged.

Byakugan, activate!

She assumed a Gentle Fist stance, focused and ready.

A swordsman with a flow style? His first test performance wasn't too impressive, but I can't underestimate him.

Yukina focused intently, watching his chakra flow, muscle movements, and every expression.

He's coming!

Yukina shifted slightly.

Kiuchi Taketo rushed at her, drawing his sword mid-sprint. With a flick of his wrist, a blade flashed twice.

"This..." Kiba and Hirohiko's pupils widened slightly.

The laughter from the test participants stopped abruptly, as if someone had choked their throats.

Is this Kiuchi Taketo?

That swordsmanship!

I can't dodge it!

The test takers were horrified. If it were me, that sword would definitely hit! I'm afraid Miss Yukina can't escape!

This is impossible! Is this still the crane tail Kiuchi Taketo?

"Shing!"

As the sword flashed, two cuts seemed to split the air. A piece of clothing flew up, floating down slowly.

Kiuchi Taketo's eyes widened in shock. Yukina's lovely face showed intense concentration. She had sidestepped his attack, placing her hand on his wrist, holding the sword.

She dodged it?

Bird Flash missed?

This is impossible!

Yukina glanced at her right arm, exposed through a cut in her sleeve, and frowned slightly.

Couldn't dodge completely. His sword is so fast!

With a soft "Hyaah!" Yukina's right hand locked onto his wrist, her left palm retracting to her waist before thrusting forward suddenly.

Kiuchi Taketo only had time to glance down as Yukina's palm hit his chest and abdomen, forcing a cough and arching his body in pain, nearly making him vomit blood!

What a heavy blow!

Kiuchi Taketo's eyes nearly bulged out, his feet lifting off the ground. Landing, he staggered back two steps, instinctively clutching his stomach.

Yukina followed up with two more strikes.

"Crack!"

Kiuchi Taketo took another step back, eyes wide in shock.

"Crack! Crack! Crack!"

Four more palms struck, but Yukina's focused expression didn't waver. She continued her assault, unwavering and merciless.

Eight palms...

Sixteen palms...

"Boom!"

Yukina's final palm sent Kiuchi Taketo flying, blood spurting from his mouth as he landed hard on his back.

This is... Eight Trigrams Sixteen Palms! Yukina mastered it at age seven?

Kiba's eyes reflected shock.

But the most astonishing thing is she dodged such a quick sword... I couldn't even see it clearly. It seemed like two swords, but there was only one?

No!

She pre-judged Kiuchi Taketo's intentions, preparing in advance. When the sword flashed, she had already started dodging sideways and was ready to counterattack...

Is this the Byakugan's insight ability?

Yukina, when did you become so powerful!

Kiba and Hirohiko exchanged amazed glances.

The audience... fell into stunned silence!