Chapter 33: Sato Vs Neji

Glancing at the battle list displayed on the large screen, Kurenai frowned slightly and advised Sato, "Be mindful of your opponent's Byakugan and don't rely too heavily on illusions."

The tremendously strong chakra and chakra reserves of the Senju Clan, the Sharingan and Fire Style of the Uchiha Clan, and the Byakugan and Gentle Fist of the Hyuga Clan—these are the notable attributes associated with the three esteemed forces in Konoha, known throughout the ninja world.

Those who possess exceptional skills in illusions recognize the significance of these three powers. The Sage Body's immense chakra allows for easy liberation from illusions. The Sharingan, on the other hand, not only masters illusions but also serves as their ultimate counter. And the White Eyes are absolute adversaries to illusions.

In the original Five Kage Summit, Ao, who had implanted the Byakugan, shattered the uncrackable genjutsu known as Shimura Danzo's Kotoamatsukami. Therefore, Sato, who specialized in illusions, found himself at a severe disadvantage against his opponent, Hyuga Neji.

Especially in Kurenai's perception, Sato excelled in the art of illusion. This meant that he was now faced with an adversary whose abilities countered his own. Consequently, Kurenai, despite her confidence in Sato, displayed a concerned expression.

"I understand, Teacher Kurenai," Sato replied with a smile and a nod before descending from the stands.

"Sato, do your best!" Ino, passing by Ino-Shika-Cho, clenched her fist and cheered him on.

"Don't worry, I won't lose," Sato assured her with a smile.

"Sato, do your best!" Hinata's timid voice reached Sato as he passed by her.

In response, Sato gave her a thumbs-up, acknowledging her support.

At that moment, Sato's mood was uplifted. Unexpectedly, Hinata, with whom he shared only a "companion" and "friend" relationship, chose to cheer for him. It seemed that after the Chunin Exams, he could strengthen his bond with Hinata through further training. Perhaps, like Ino, they would evolve from friends to something more.

With this thought in mind, Sato swiftly made his way to the arena.

Standing opposite him was Neji, who possessed an arrogance similar to Sasuke.

"Sato, I know you. You're the top student of this year," Hyuga Neji remarked, his gaze fixed on Sato. There was no hint of disdain in his eyes, but instead, a fierce determination. "As a commoner without a bloodline limit, you have managed to surpass Sasuke, Miss Hinata, and the heirs of major ninja clans, becoming the top student for six consecutive years. You are a formidable opponent."

"But this is where your journey ends," Hyuga Neji declared, assuming a Gentle Fist stance. "As an expert in Konoha's genjutsu, it is unfortunate that you have encountered me. It is the will of fate."

"Byakugan - activate!"

Hyuga Neji uttered these words with a soft command, veins bulging on his temples.

Suddenly, Hyuga Neji's expression changed dramatically, and he exclaimed, "How is this possible? Why do you possess such an immense chakra volume?"

"Hmm?" Sato raised an eyebrow upon hearing Neji's words. Many Jonin with heightened perception also sensed Sato's chakra and wore surprised expressions.

"What an incredible amount of chakra!"

"It's at least five times greater than mine. Is he really just a Genin?"

"He claimed to be a commoner, so why does he possess such chakra?"

Surprised murmurs filled the arena stands.

Only the Third Hokage, pipe in hand, remained silent. Yet, his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

As Sato suspected, this qualifying match was indeed a covert operation.

There were two main reasons why Hinata did not face off against Neji, and both were orchestrated by the Third Hokage.

Firstly, he arranged for the duel between the main and branch families to take place officially during the third exam.

Secondly, he wanted to observe the competition between the current top student and the previous top student.

As the nemesis of illusions, the Third Hokage was well aware of the three great powers of Konoha.

Hence, he specifically assigned Neji, capable of countering illusions, as Sato's opponent to gauge his strength.

If Sato failed to defeat Neji, the confrontation between the main and branch families would remain unresolved.

If Sato emerged victorious, it would signify the emergence of another outstanding civilian talent in Konoha, warranting further support.

However, Sato's colossal chakra volume caught the Third Hokage by surprise.

Had it not been for Neji's revelation, the Third Hokage might never have noticed.

Discovering this, the Third Hokage dismissed any suspicions of Sato being a foreign spy since his background was impeccably clean. Sato, who lost his parents in service to Konoha, could not possibly be a foreign spy.

The reason for possessing such a massive chakra volume likely lay in his ancestors, who inherited the Senju bloodline traits, which had resurfaced in his generation.

This revelation astonished the Third Hokage.

It meant that Sato was not an ordinary civilian but a civilian with an extraordinary chakra capacity.

Thus, the Third Hokage anticipated the forthcoming battle between the top students even more.

Unbeknownst to Sato, the Third Hokage's thoughts remained concealed.

Otherwise, Sato would undoubtedly exclaim, "As expected... age and experience make one wiser!"

This was why Sato always approached the Third Hokage with caution.

Despite the advanced age and diminishing power of this renowned figure in the ninja world, his shrewdness remained unparalleled.

This was a stage every powerful or high-ranking individual would encounter as they grew older.

In Konoha, there were two such individuals.

Could Sato afford not to be cautious?

One wrong move could land him in the ANBU or Root torture chambers in an instant.

The scene shifted back to the arena.

Sato was not surprised that Neji had exposed the only secret he couldn't conceal.

After all, it was impossible to escape prying eyes.

Without reassuring Neji, Sato extended his hand and retrieved several shurikens from his ninja pouch, swiftly hurling them towards his opponent.

"Although I don't know why you possess such immense chakra, strength is not determined solely by chakra," Sato remarked. Observing Sato's attack, Neji regained his composure and responded coldly, "The Byakugan is the nemesis of illusions. Unless you are not an illusion ninja, no matter how much chakra you possess, you won't be able to ensnare me in your genjutsu."

With a smile, Sato finally replied, "Since illusions are ineffective, why not try a ninjutsu?"

Performing a one-handed seal that caught the attention of all the Jonin and the Third Hokage, Sato forcefully expelled a jet of water from his mouth, using the Water Style: Bubble Wave jutsu.

Witnessing an unbelievable sight, Hyuga Neji's expression transformed into one of surprise. Without uttering a word, he promptly activated his strongest defensive technique.

Water surged forth from Sato's mouth, while the moisture in the surrounding air transformed into a colossal waterspout, cascading down like a waterfall. This Water Style jutsu fused offense and defense, utilizing Sato's mastery of Water Style nature transformation and his astonishing chakra reserves that far surpassed the capabilities of a B-rank ninjutsu.

It was akin to the resurgence of the figure who had forged a contract with the sea.

As Sato stood atop the water, his silver hair and red eyes mirrored those of his teacher, embodying the power to summon waves that submerged the first floor in a land without water.

In that moment, a fleeting reminiscence appeared in the Third Hokage's eyes.

Consequently, the Third Hokage's conviction grew stronger.

Sato's ancestors undoubtedly possessed the bloodline of the Senju clan.