The eerie chakra-fueled flames of Yugito's technique filled Tengen with an indescribable sensation.
"The unique power of the Two-Tails, Matatabi. Truly formidable." Tengen said, taking a deep breath and drawing the long blade strapped to his back.
Even without Armament Haki or the Eight Gates, Tengen's Kenjutsu was exceptional, honed to perfection through the Hatake clan's pinnacle techniques.
Sword Art: Gale Slash. Tengen's blade shimmered with wind chakra, the howling energy coalescing into miniature tornadoes around the weapon.
Boom. With a powerful swing, the wind surged, expanding into a towering hurricane several meters high.
The roaring gale was so intense that spectators in the stands felt their bodies sway from the gusts. Yugito's blue flames were swept into the vortex of Tengen's wind-based sword technique.
Ordinary flames would have been snuffed out by such a jutsu, but Matatabi's ghostly fire persisted within the storm. While fire typically countered wind, overwhelming power could reverse that dynamic.
Boom. The Gale Slash and Matatabi's flames canceled each other out, dissipating simultaneously.
Tengen vanished, reappearing before Yugito in an instant.
Sword Art: Instant Gale Slash.
His blade sliced through the air like a shimmering white thread, too fast for Yugito to react.
In the stands, the Third Raikage spoke slowly. "Remarkable Kenjutsu. It reminds me of Konoha's legendary blade masters."
"I'm surprised your Jinchuriki can wield Tailed Beast power at such a young age." The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, said, his tone heavy with a hint of surprise.
"And yet, your Tengen is the real standout, relying purely on his own skill." The Raikage countered.
"Indeed." Hiruzen said, a smile spreading across his face. Tengen was making Konoha proud.
"Not good." The Raikage's expression shifted as Tengen's blade arced toward Yugito. The attack, though lacking the dramatic flair of a massive jutsu, carried terrifying precision and power.
"Relax, Third Raikage. Minato's here. He'll intervene if it gets dangerous." Hiruzen said calmly. As it wasn't his village's ninja at risk, he felt no urgency. If Yugito fell, it was simply a matter of her being outmatched.
Fortunately, the worst didn't come to pass. Two massive blue tails erupted from Yugito's back, wrapping around Tengen's blade and halting its advance toward her.
"Break free!" Tengen yanked his sword loose, and Yugito could do nothing to stop him.
"She's only partially tapped into the Two-Tails' power, no full Jinchūriki Forms yet." Tengen said, exhaling as he sheathed his blade. "Let's see how much stronger you've gotten."
"Hmph." Yugito stomped the ground, pale blue chakra flaring around her. The arena floor cracked as she launched herself at Tengen, her fists swinging with ferocious intent.
"Bring it!" Tengen's eyes gleamed with excitement. His body, tempered by the pseudo-One Punch Man training method, far surpassed ordinary physical limits. This wasn't mere taijutsu, it was the result of pushing beyond human endurance countless times.
Combined with his Uzumaki physique, Tengen could go toe-to-toe with Yugito in raw physical combat.
Boom! Boom!
The arena became a blur of motion as the two clashed, their movements so swift they left the ground shattered. Each collision of fist against fist sent shockwaves through the earth, carving countless scars into the arena floor.
Even with the Two-Tails' power, Yugito couldn't gain the upper hand.
"Such incredible taijutsu." The Third Raikage said, his gaze locked on Tengen with a flicker of unease.
"Third Hokage, forget calling our ninja a Jinchuriki. Your Tengen's the real monster." The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, remarked. "That level of taijutsu at his age? He's a freak. Maybe even surpasses your so-called Kakashi. Does he have some special kekkei genkai?"
"That's not your concern, Third Tsuchikage." Hiruzen replied evenly.
In a secluded section of the stands, an old man with a bandaged arm and one eye covered watched the fight silently.
"Tengen, what formidable taijutsu." Danzo murmured, a spark of interest in his eyes. "Perhaps he should be recruited into Root."
"But could he be the one who destroyed one of Root's headquarters?" Danzo mused, his thoughts darkening.
The loss of a Root facility hadn't bothered him much, it hadn't cost anything critical. And if Tengen was responsible, so be it. Once recruited into Root, Danzo was confident he could control him.
After all, Tengen was just a kid.
Danzo's complex scheming went unnoticed.
Nearby, Tsunade and Jiraiya watched the match.
"Tsunade, isn't Tengen amazing?" Jiraiya said, brimming with excitement.
"He's good." Tsunade admitted, though her eyes glinted with a dangerous edge.
"By the way, what's been going on with you and Tengen lately?" Jiraiya asked, puzzled.
"Jiraiya, do you want to get punched into next week?" Tsunade said, her smile icy.
"N-no, I'm good!" Jiraiya stammered, wiping imaginary sweat from his brow.
"Thought so." Tsunade said, turning back to the arena. "Damn little pervert."
"Tengen." Orochimaru whispered from another stand, his tongue flicking lightly across his lips.
***
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