N-A-A Chapter 226 Releasing Water? Guidance!
Chapter 226 Releasing Water? Guidance!
It's not about defeating the opponent, but about proving the value of every step...
These words, like a resounding bell, echoed repeatedly in Zuo Yue's mind, shattering the layer of ice that bound her fighting spirit. What shook her even more was that she gleaned a deeper meaning from Naruto's words.
Respect our growth... Respect the path we chose... The process...
What he cherished was never the simple result, but all the moments we shared walking side by side, the process filled with sweat and effort…
So, was my decision to give up and admit defeat the greatest disrespect I could show to the path we've walked together?
In an instant, three pure and intense emotions intertwined and spread in her heart: an unadulterated fighting spirit, a willingness to give everything for the other person, and the happiness that welled up after being completely understood and accepted.
And… was Naruto making a request of me? This realization sent a chill down her spine. He wanted me to do something for him; he needed to see the real me… he wanted a response from me…
That's right! I am his one and only companion, not a burden that needs his protection, nor a weak person who needs his accommodation or makes things difficult for him!
"Show me everything about yourself"... These were his own words, what he truly wanted. He wanted to see the most authentic, complete Uchiha Satsuki!
Then... my ninja way, my Sharingan, all the results of my training, and... all the joys and sorrows, all the courage and determination that I have experienced because of you... will all be given to you without reservation at this moment!
Finally, under Naruto's expectant gaze, Satsuki slowly raised his hand. But this time, it wasn't a sign of forfeit; instead, like a mirror image, he steadily formed the same hand seal as Naruto—the Seal of Opposition, symbolizing the highest respect in a ninja duel!
Seeing that Naruto had finally broken through the ice that bound Sasuke's fighting spirit and was preparing to fight with the utmost seriousness, Kakashi in the stands nodded slightly and showed a satisfied smile.
That's amazing, Naruto...
At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi wore a relieved smile, his eyes full of admiration. If Naruto had noticed the Third Hokage's expression at that moment, he would probably have immediately accused the old man of deliberately arranging this match!
The other Jonin watching the battle suddenly realized that the reason the two children hesitated to make a move was not because they were wary of each other, but because they were too close to each other and could not bear to hurt one another.
Of everyone present, only one person felt extremely uncomfortable and angry about the scene of "mutual understanding and respect" before him—that was Gaara.
He stared intently at the two people forming hand seals in the arena, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with inexplicable irritation.
Why? What are they doing? What's the point of this hypocritical behavior? Aren't relationships between people just about mutual exploitation and mutual killing?
The harmonious scene before him clashed violently with his deep-seated dark beliefs, making him extremely uncomfortable.
"Bang!"
Two figures suddenly clashed under the focused gaze of the crowd! Wrist to wrist collided violently in mid-air, producing a dull thud of flesh striking flesh, officially firing the first shot of the battle.
Naruto did not use any extraordinary power; he precisely suppressed his speed and strength to the same level as Sasuke.
However, Naruto has no intention of lying; he will use all his strength... but only if Sasuke has the strength to match it.
With whistling punches and crisscrossing kicks, the two engaged in a dazzling display of physical combat.
Satsuki threw a fierce uppercut, but Naruto cleverly deflected it with a substitution jutsu, his true form appearing to her left, and launching a sweeping kick straight at her lower body.
Satsuki reacted quickly, leaping into the air and twisting her body to kick Naruto in the face. Naruto crossed his arms to block, and with a "thud," the force caused him to slide back half a step.
Satsuki's eyes burned with fierce fighting spirit. She didn't realize that every block, every dodge, and every counterattack by Naruto was perfectly timed, putting enough pressure on her without leaving her defenseless.
Rather than saying it was lenient, it was more like guidance, a respect that allowed her to fully utilize her skills in real-world situations.
In the exchange of blows, Sazuki's straight punch was blocked by Naruto's palm. She immediately pressed down with her elbow, trying to break free, while her other hand transformed into a palm blade, slashing towards Naruto's ribs. Naruto released his grip and retreated, but Sazuki followed closely, her attacks as swift and relentless as a storm.
Not enough... It needs to be faster! Stronger!
In the midst of a close-quarters grappling match, the moment their arms met again, Satsuki used the recoil from Naruto's block to leap back a short distance, creating an opening—and in that brief moment, her hands had already formed hand seals in front of her!
Her physical techniques perfectly integrate hand seals into the rhythm of her movements.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A surge of intense chakra coalesced in his throat, and the next moment, a massive fireball, over three meters in diameter, hurtled towards Naruto, who was not far away!
The flames illuminated her resolute eyes and the slight upturn of her lips. This was her response—to pour all the fruits of her training and all her determination into this battle!
With the taijutsu probing phase over, the battle officially escalated to the ninjutsu level! Just as the Great Fireball roared in with a scorching shockwave, Naruto's hands had already completed the hand seals—his speed was even faster than Sasuke's!
"Water Release·Water Formation Wall!"
A surge of powerful water-attribute chakra instantly coalesced, and a torrent of water rose from the ground, quickly transforming into a solid and massive wall of water that stretched across the path of the flames.
"laugh--!!!"
The blazing fireball collided violently with the water wall, unleashing a deafening roar. A large amount of water was instantly evaporated, forming a thick, impenetrable white mist that quickly filled half the arena.
strangeness……
Kankuro, watching from the stands, frowned, his mind filled with doubt. This level of ninjutsu clash was far beyond the scope of a genin's fight.
He wondered why Naruto wasn't using his previous unpredictable Body Flicker Technique. His previous "scumbag" mentality as an elder had been completely crushed, replaced by a growing sense of caution and confusion.
Beyond the thick fog, Satsuki swiftly retreated, escaping its reach. Her three-tomoe Sharingan remained fixed on the churning mist, wary of Naruto's next attack.
Just as she was completely absorbed—
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Several whooshing sounds suddenly came from the fog! The next moment, several chains radiating golden light and made entirely of chakra tore through the thick fog and shot towards Zuo Yue's vital points at extremely tricky angles!
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(There won't be many action scenes; this will end in the next chapter.)