"Well, hello, I'm Nohara Rin."
Rin responded politely, studying the girl before her. Yuhi Kurenai's delicate face and gentle smile gave no indication of her abilities as a ninja. Despite this, Rin knew better than to underestimate anyone in the Chunin Exams.
After exchanging brief pleasantries, Kurenai turned and walked away, preparing herself for the upcoming match.
"Rin, you're sure to win this time! That girl doesn't look strong at all," Obito said confidently, his faith in Rin unwavering.
However, Shisui's expression remained serious. "Rin-senpai," he said, his tone measured, "be cautious. Yuhi Kurenai excels in genjutsu. I've seen her use illusions effectively in her previous battles."
Rin nodded, acknowledging his warning.
In the duel arena, the two girls faced each other from a distance. Both appeared quiet and unassuming, their delicate features giving little impression of the power they wielded.
In the stands, Kurenai's teammate smirked. "She's cute, but she doesn't stand a chance against Kurenai."
Beside him, a young man with his hands in his pockets, Asuma Sarutobi, watched the field intently, his expression calm.
"Hey, don't underestimate Rin! She won't lose!" Obito shouted from the stands, his temper flaring at the comment.
Shisui placed a calming hand on Obito's shoulder, while his sharp eyes briefly met Asuma's. The two exchanged knowing glances before turning their attention back to the arena.
"The match begins!"
At the proctor's signal, the two girls leaped apart, creating distance before launching a flurry of kunai.
Ding, ding, ding!
Metal clashed midair as their weapons collided and fell to the ground. Without hesitation, the girls closed the gap, engaging in close combat.
Bang, bang, bang!
Their blows were fast and precise, each strike met with a block or counter. Though their movements seemed graceful, the force behind their attacks was anything but delicate.
"This is amazing! Such youthful energy!" exclaimed a boy in green tights with a shining watermelon hairstyle, his excitement earning groans from his teammates.
"That's Might Guy," Shisui noted, his tone serious. He knew the excitable boy would be his opponent in the next round.
In the arena, Rin and Kurenai continued their exchange, neither giving an inch. Despite her role as a medic-nin, Rin had honed her combat skills under the tutelage of Minato and Tsunade. Kurenai, meanwhile, had inherited the disciplined training of her father, a skilled jonin.
Suddenly, Kurenai threw several smoke bombs, the arena filling with thick purple mist that obscured everything.
"This is her chance to set up an illusion," Hiruzen Sarutobi observed from the Hokage's office, watching the match unfold through a crystal ball.
Beside him, Minato's expression remained calm, his faith in Rin evident.
In the mist, Kurenai's silhouette flickered as she moved unpredictably. Rin's eyes darted around, struggling to locate her opponent.
"Sakura no Rakka!"
Kurenai activated her genjutsu, the illusion causing Rin's body to tremble slightly—an unmistakable sign of being trapped in an illusion.
"Sorry," Kurenai murmured, closing the distance to deliver the finishing blow.
But as she reached Rin, the supposedly immobilized girl sprang to life.
Rustle!
Rin's arms shot out, locking around Kurenai's throat.
"What?!" Kurenai gasped in shock.
As the purple smoke began to dissipate, Rin's calm voice cut through the confusion. "I'm sorry."
With a swift chop to Kurenai's neck, Rin knocked her unconscious.
"Rin won!" Obito shouted, his joy echoing through the stands.
The crowd buzzed with disbelief. Kurenai's genjutsu was formidable—how had Rin resisted it?
In the Hokage's office, Minato smiled. "Rin's control over her chakra is exceptional. After a year of studying medical ninjutsu under Tsunade, she's developed a level of precision that makes her highly resistant to most illusions."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "She not only resisted the genjutsu but turned Kurenai's own strategy against her. Impressive."
Rin's victory was no accident. Shisui's warning had prepared her, and her quick thinking allowed her to exploit the smoke-filled environment to her advantage.
As the matches continued, Asuma Sarutobi dominated his opponent with overwhelming strength, leaving the audience in awe.
Next, it was Shisui's turn.
"I'm up!" Shisui said, leaping into the arena.
In a flash, Might Guy appeared opposite him, his exuberance undimmed.
"What speed!" Shisui thought, his eyes narrowing.
He knew of Guy's reputation. The boy's relentless challenges to Kakashi spoke volumes about his determination. Shisui had heard enough from Kakashi to know this would not be an easy fight.
"The match begins!"
At the proctor's signal, Shisui leaped backward, turning into a black blur as he created distance.
Swish, swish, swish!
While retreating, he hurled kunai at Guy's vital points, intending to test his opponent's reaction speed.
But Guy didn't dodge. Instead, he stomped the ground, sending vibrations rippling through the earth.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Guy spun like a tornado, his legs sweeping out with incredible force. The resulting gust scattered Shisui's kunai effortlessly.
"What power!" Shisui thought, his eyes widening.
The sheer strength of Guy's movements was astonishing. Few could generate such force, even among jonin-level ninjas.
Swish!
With a fiery determination in his eyes, Guy rushed at Shisui like a green hurricane.
"Burn, youth!" Guy shouted, his momentum carrying him forward with relentless energy.
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