As Shiki approached, Kakashi-sensei greeted him with praise.
"Just so-so," Shiki replied, then found a spot to stand.
His gaze dropped from the elevated platform. Sasuke was already locking eyes with the Rain Ninja across from him.
"Kakashi-sensei, you know about Sasuke's Cursed Seal, right?"
Kakashi remained silent at first, then answered quietly, "Actually, Sasuke's Cursed Seal isn't the first case in the Village."
"So that means, sensei, you have a way to deal with it? Are we talking about using Sealing Technique?"
"Precisely, the Sealing Technique. But what concerns me now is that Sasuke might lose control during this match."
"Well, I don't agree with a lot of Sasuke's methods, but if he can't even get past this round, then he really isn't worth much," Shiki said, shaking his head.
The battle began instantly. Ryohta Yamazaki across the arena glanced at Sasuke and revealed a trace of disdain.
"So you're Uchiha Sasuke?"
"That's correct."
"I've heard from people in your Ninja Village that you're considered the top genius of this year's batch, and Neji was the top genius of last year's batch, right?"
"What about it?" Sasuke coldly stared at his opponent. From Ryohta Yamazaki's words, he sensed not the slightest hint of praise.
"You're definitely an annoying little brat. But who gave you the right to make that irritated face?"
Yamazaki finally unleashed his sarcasm, those earlier words just setting the stage for this moment.
He had noticed how suddenly Sasuke let out a sudden roar while watching Shiki Uzumaki's fight. Though he didn't understand the reason, he vaguely felt that if he kept provoking this person, unexpected results might emerge.
"You're simply someone easily defeated by that guy from your village who only knows Taijutsu. Plus, apparently, even your peer Uzumaki Shiki seems superior to you consistently. So why do people call you the number one genius?"
Sasuke's eyes flickered unpredictably. Undeniably, Ryohta Yamazaki indeed hit upon the very point most likely to stir Sasuke's emotions.
Yet still, Yamazaki wasn't finished yet.
His tone weakened momentarily, followed by a faint, ominous smile as he softly spoke, "Come to think of it, you're nothing but a coward relying on good looks to deceive young girls."
Sasuke's eyes shot wide open, looking like he'd charge at any second, even before the referee called the start of the match.
However, a sudden sharp pain shot through his neck, making his body involuntarily tremble violently.
Chapter 145: Lone Wolf
Black like a venomous snake, the Cursed Seal climbed and coiled around Sasuke's body, as though attempting to drag him into the abyss.
"It seems my idea wasn't wrong after all," Yamazaki chuckled, clearly satisfied with his opponent's current condition.
"No, stay calm. Must remain calm." Sasuke breathed heavily, trying hard to calm himself.
He glared furiously. That mocking look in his opponent's eyes was like flipping the switch on his fury.
"Uchiha Sasuke, is there any problem with this match?" Ryuunosuke, seeing something clearly amiss with Sasuke, asked aloud.
"No issues. Continue."
"Sasuke said coldly, though in truth, his body ached with an overwhelming sense of exhaustion.
Yet he gritted his teeth and endured. If he couldn't withstand even this much, how absurd would it be to dream of killing that man?
He still had a long road ahead. He still needed to face more opponents during the Chunin Exams to test the strength of his abilities.
And more importantly, if he gave up now, wouldn't he truly be looked down upon by the one standing before him? Wouldn't he become a laughingstock for those watching from the stands?
The weight he bore was the honor of the Uchiha clan—the once-greatest noble family of Konoha.
"Kid, I didn't expect you to have some guts, but trash is still trash. No matter how much recognition you get from your looks, deception will eventually be exposed."
Ryohta Yamazaki continued sneering, yet his hands started forming hand seals—his tone dripping with contempt, as if fighting a true disgrace.
"I'll make you understand: the Uchiha name cannot be insulted. And as someone bearing the Uchiha name, I'll tear you apart until you're kneeling and begging for mercy."
"Stop boasting."
Ryohta roared back. He had already noticed how terrible his opponent's current condition was—barely able to fight normally,
let alone against someone who wasn't weak.
Meanwhile, a gentle drizzle began to fall through the air, accompanied by a faint mist slowly rising.
However,
this was all happening inside a sealed tower with many floors above them.
If rain could really seep through all those thick layers of tiles and beams, this place wouldn't even be standing.
Watching the fog slowly rise, Sakura suddenly recalled their previous Class C mission with Sasuke. "Kakashi-sensei, could this be the [Hiding in Mist Technique]?"
Kakashi didn't even glance at Sakura, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the battlefield below.
"No, it isn't. This technique can't produce nearly as dense mist as the [Hiding in Mist Technique]. In fact, one might say without follow-up techniques, this jutsu has absolutely no use—not even enough to hide oneself within."
Sakura leaned over the railing, her view only slightly blurred by the thinning mist—but her worry hadn't lessened one bit.
"Then what is the purpose of this technique?"
"It's probably laying the groundwork for [Water Release] techniques later. After all, it's tough for a genin to perform water-based techniques without a water source." Shiki interjected calmly, his voice stripped of its usual frivolity, flowing gently like the purest stream.
But Sakura didn't notice the shift in Shiki's voice; her worry remained fixed on Sasuke downstairs.
Because the echo of Orochimaru's voice still haunted her thoughts, especially those words: *'Sasuke will definitely come looking for me.'*
It felt like a prophecy she desperately tried not to believe. Yet the pale-faced man who seemed never to accept defeat had made that prediction—something seemingly impossible to escape.
Glancing at Sakura's current state, Shiki thought to himself, confirming once again: in Sakura's heart, Sasuke was always the most important person.
Many girls are actually stubborn. Even when reality shows them their chosen path is wrong, they just won't give up easily.
Even if it means bearing other people's ridicule and contempt.
Shiki could only shake his head helplessly, thinking once again how great Tenten truly was. She never did anything reckless. She always steps up when someone needs her.
Though clearly a lovely girl, her eyes carried a determined, unyielding will.
She was never a burden to others, while quietly caring about those around her in her composed manner.
"Hey, Shiki."
Without realizing when, Tenten had already leaned her head close beside Shiki, tilting her head sideways to look at him, her sparkling eyes revealing a hint of mischief.
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