22 Chapter 22 - First Year 13.

[Chapter Size: 1700 Words.]

Third Person POV

Ninja Academy, Konoha, Year 32.

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As the previous battle reached its impressive conclusion, the arena was filled with murmurs and exclamations. "Incredible! Byakugan at this age?" a voice stood out among the spectators, clearly amazed by Hiashi's early ability. Admiration was palpable, surprise and respect mingling in the words echoing through the space.

A Jonin, with an assessing and experienced gaze, nodded in agreement, adding his voice to the conversation. "The future of the Hyuuga clan looks promising with a young one like this," he stated, his words conveying not only an assessment of Hiashi's potential but also a prediction of what his growth could mean for the clan.

Around the arena, various members of the Hyuuga clan, with their characteristic eyes and dignified postures, nodded in approval. Looks of satisfaction and a hint of pride adorned their faces as they considered Hiashi not only as a talented young individual but also as a future leader, someone who could one day stand out as a patriarch of the clan, especially considering his direct lineage from the main branch.

Even the Hokage, observing from his honored position, expressed his acknowledgment. "A promising young one, indeed," he murmured, a slight smile outlining his words. His confirmation served as a seal of high expectations and belief in Hiashi's potential.

As this exchange took place, the focus began to shift to the next battle. "Now, step forward, Ibiki Morino of the Morino clan versus Kaito Aburame of the Aburame clan. Competitors, please enter the ring!" the examiner called, his voice clear, bringing the attention back to the present.

Ibiki made his entrance with fierce determination, his expression serious and focused, an image of determination and the ambition of a future Jonin. His eyes swept the arena, every detail, every shadow and light, analyzed as possible advantages in his imminent battle. Anticipation grew among the spectators, all feeling the tension and promise of another memorable fight.

Shortly after, Kaito Aburame entered, his presence almost enigmatic with the characteristic hood of his clan covering most of his face. The aura of mystery surrounding him became more palpable with the subtle, almost imperceptible buzz of the insects that formed the basis of his techniques. He stood before Ibiki, the confrontation of their gazes promising an intriguing battle.

The examiner stepped back, and the arena fell silent, all eyes fixed on the two young shinobi. "Begin!" he ordered.

The fight began almost instantly. Ibiki advanced, his movements quick and decisive, but Kaito remained still, a subtle signal from his hand releasing his insects. In the blink of an eye, a swarm of them enveloped Ibiki, disorienting him and obscuring his vision. Ibiki struggled to fend them off, but with each move, Kaito controlled the insects with precision, anticipating and countering every attempt by Ibiki to break free.

And then, as quickly as it began, it ended. With one final coordinated move, Kaito's insects struck key points, causing Ibiki to yield. The examiner quickly announced Kaito as the winner, and the crowd, still processing the speed and effectiveness of the fight, erupted in applause and exclamations.

"Let's continue," the examiner began, his voice projecting clearly throughout the arena. "Next up, Hizashi Hyuuga and Arata Sarutobi, step forward."

Shortly after, Arata Sarutobi made his entrance. With a confident demeanor and a gaze reflecting the fiery ambition of his clan, he walked to the center of the ring, acknowledging Hizashi with a respectful nod.

The examiner took a step back. "Begin!" he declared, and immediately, the battle commenced.

Hizashi advanced first, his swift and precise strikes a demonstration of his skill and intense training. Arata, however, was prepared. He skillfully dodged, his agility allowing him to stay out of Hizashi's reach. With each move, Arata observed, learned, and adapted, a quality inherent to the Sarutobi clan.

As the fight progressed, Arata began to take the initiative. With agile maneuvers and smart use of his surroundings, he started to put pressure on Hizashi, who, without the Byakugan, struggled to anticipate and react to the fast and varied attacks.

Finally, at a decisive moment, Arata executed a series of moves that unbalanced Hizashi, followed by a final strike that brought him down. Silence fell for a brief moment before the examiner announced Arata Sarutobi as the winner.

The crowd applauded. "Hokage-Sama, your clan has a great talent, defeating a Hyuga," a Jonin spoke to the Hokage.

While many members of the Hyuga clan looked grim, others congratulated the Sarutobi clan.

The examiner appeared with the next matchup. He proclaimed, "Gurin Uchiha versus Ryohei Inuzuka! Enter the ring!"

Gurin Uchiha entered first, his small stature not diminishing the aura of determination surrounding him. Even at just six years old and without the Sharingan, his confidence and training were evident. His eyes carefully watched the ring, calculating every possible move as he walked with a seriousness that defied his age.

Next, Ryohei Inuzuka advanced with palpable energy and enthusiasm. Without a canine companion by his side, he relied on his own innate fierceness and agility. His expression was fierce, a reflection of his clan's combative nature, and he bounded back and forth, barely containing his youthful fervor.

The examiner stepped back, and silence filled the arena. "Begin!" he ordered.

Ryohei was the first to act, advancing toward Gurin with a series of fast and unpredictable movements. His actions were wild and instinctive, attempting to disorient Gurin with his speed and energy.

Gurin, on the other hand, remained calm. He watched, learned, and adapted to each of Ryohei's moves. With careful and precise steps, he dodged the attacks, using his intelligence and training to anticipate where Ryohei would be next. Each defense and counterattack by Gurin was a demonstration of his innate ability and the training he had received from his clan.

The fight continued, a test of agility and strategy. Ryohei pressed on with all the fury and energy of his youth, but Gurin responded with a calmness and technique that were almost surprising for someone so young. And then, in a decisive move, Gurin managed to dodge a particularly fast attack from Ryohei and lightly touched him on the shoulder, a symbolic but clear gesture, causing his opponent to fall out of the ring.

The examiner announced the end of the fight, declaring Gurin Uchiha the winner. The crowd applauded, impressed by the young Uchiha's skill and composure.

"Tsume Inuzuka and Haruto Kurama, please step into the ring!"

Tsume Inuzuka was the first to enter, her energy and determination radiating throughout the ring. She didn't yet have her canine companion, but the tenacity and inherent fierceness of her clan were evident in her posture and fierce eyes. She bounded back and forth, clearly eager to begin.

Shortly after, Haruto Kurama entered calmly, his presence almost ethereal in contrast to Tsume's vibrant energy. His clan is known for their genjutsu ability and creative nature. Haruto walked with serene confidence, his intelligent and observant eyes analyzing the ring and his opponent.

The examiner took a step back and gave the signal. "Begin!"

Tsume wasted no time, immediately advancing toward Haruto with impressive speed. Her movements were fast and direct, each one reflecting intense training and her clan's fierce nature.

Haruto, on the other hand, remained calm and focused. He began to execute moves to slow down his opponent. But she was too fast, as she had been trained by her clan in the arts of Genjutsu, and the agility of the girl from the Inuzuka clan was faster than he could anticipate.

The fight turned into a game of cat and mouse, with Tsume trying to overcome Haruto's defenses and Haruto attempting to create an opening with his physical abilities. With a combination of agility, instinct, and an impressive understanding of Haruto's tactics, he managed to get close enough to strike Haruto, signaling the end of the fight.

The examiner announced Tsume Inuzuka as the winner, and the crowd erupted in applause.

As Tsume and Haruto left the ring, the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation did not diminish. There were more than a dozen fights left among all 36 students in Class A who hadn't fought yet.

As the day progressed, the arena witnessed a variety of exciting matchups. Each fight revealed a new layer of skill and spirit in the young competitors. Some duels were quick and decisive, while others were long and tactical, but all showcased their talents for their respective clans.

The techniques varied greatly: some competitors relied on speed and agility, others on strength and endurance. Some showed promise in advanced tactical skills, while others surprised with creative and unexpected moves.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the arena, the tournament was approaching its climax. The crowd, though tired from the children's long sequence of fights, grew in excitement and noise. They knew that the event everyone had been waiting for was about to happen.

"Ladies and gentlemen," announced the examiner, his voice rising above the crowd. "We have reached the last fight of the day, a matchup that promises to be one of the most memorable of this tournament. On one side, we have the number 1 newcomer, Minato Namikaze, who has demonstrated resilience and growth throughout the year in most tests. On the other side, Akame Uchiha, a talented young one from one of our most powerful clans."

A murmur of excitement ran through the crowd as Minato entered the ring. His expression was calm, but his eyes gleamed with fierce determination. He was not just a newcomer; he was a shinobi who was already beginning to stand out, even among his talented peers from various clans.

Akame Uchiha entered with an almost majestic presence and an arrogant gaze. The expectation surrounding his abilities was high, and he carried that weight with quiet confidence. His eyes, though calm, reflected the intensity and fire of his clan.

The examiner stepped back. "Let the final fight of this tournament begin!" he declared.

A tense silence fell over the arena, all eyes fixed on the two young individuals in the center of the ring.

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