"This is Chain Projectile Release?"
Shiki said uncertainly, since Tenten rarely trained in front of him. She'd usually just plop down on the grass, chin in her hand, watching him and Lee train.
"Yeah, Tenten's projectile techniques are quite impressive," Lee praised, clearly recalling the many hardships he'd endured from them.
After all, without unlocking the Celestial Gates or removing his weights, Lee's combat effectiveness was severely limited.
"But Tenten is actually in danger," Shiki observed as Temari effortlessly caught Tenten's barrage of weapons, his voice tinged with concern.
Lee gave a serious look and placed a hand on Shiki's shoulder. "It seems like you've never really seen Tenten improve, Shiki. In fact, Tenten has her own secret technique—something only she can do."
"Great Twin Circles?"
"Eh? You actually know about it?" Lee looked slightly surprised. "If you know about it, why are you still so worried about Tenten? That's a secret move even I find extremely difficult to block!"
"You guys are talking about what exactly? It doesn't make any sense at all! Isn't Tenten clearly dominating that Sand kunoichi right now?" Naruto scratched his nose, looking puzzled.
Indeed, Temari had been on the defensive throughout, but how effortless did her defense look? There was still a big difference between defense and overwhelming domination.
Shiki patted Naruto on the shoulder but kept his gaze fixed on Lee. "It's precisely because I know Tenten's ultimate technique is Great Twin Circles that I'm so worried. Because the counter to Great Twin Circles... is Wind Release!"
As if to confirm Shiki's prediction, the scene shifted accordingly. After multiple failed attacks, Tenten suddenly pulled out two scrolls.
The Great Twin Circles technique basically meant doubling the amount of ninja tools launched simultaneously at the opponent, all infused with significantly greater chakra.
Temari looked at Tenten and smiled. "Is this really all the strength you Leaf kunoichi have?"
Her human-sized fan suddenly unfurled, revealing the third star pattern to everyone present—a clear reminder of Temari's earlier promise:
When the third star appears, that will be when Tenten falls!
[Wind Release: Sickle Weasel Technique!!!]
Temari's body suddenly leaned forward, accompanied by an enormous swing of her giant fan.
Violent wind chakra rampaged through the air, and in that moment, not a single one of Tenten's weapons could advance even half a step further.
Though only a C-rank ninjutsu, it far exceeded ordinary techniques in strength when used by Temari!
Within the raging winds, vacuum blades slashed furiously, truly resembling the claws of some monstrous beast lurking within the wind itself!
A terrifying set of razor-sharp claws!
Shiki stared intently at the battlefield but made no move to interfere.
This was Tenten's battle, and even he had to respect that.
Might Guy stood behind and slightly to the side of Shiki, nodding approvingly. Though concerned for Tenten himself, he found Shiki's attitude even more commendable.
"What a man who truly embodies the spirit of youth—just like me, upholding honor with a handsome face!"
"But I think that metal railing might already be crushed out of shape by now, though?"
Shiki gripped the railing, and occasional creaking sounds came from where his hands pressed against it, as if it couldn't bear the strain.
Chapter 153: Prevention
Within the invisible air, it seemed like the legendary demon Sickle Weasel was truly swinging its sickle.
Tenten had already been caught up in this storm of Wind Release, countless blades of chakra slicing across her body. Both her pink qipao and her skin were torn open.
"Tenten," Shiki murmured.
Actually, not just him; Master Guy, Rock Lee, and Neji had all shown grave expressions.
As her older brother had said, Tenten had still lost.
"Big brother, you're such a jinx," Yuuma pouted with a reluctant look in her eyes.
Shiki heard her complaint but didn't respond. His gaze remained fixed on Tenten, who had already fallen from the air.
This was Tenten's match, and he wouldn't intervene until it ended. It was a matter of respect for Tenten because she too was a ninja who wanted to defeat her opponent through her own efforts.
Even if she lost, regarding a ninja's dignity, so long as the fight wasn't over, he couldn't appear on the battlefield.
However, no matter how Shiki tried rationalizing, Tenten had already lost her ability to fight. With her body slashed repeatedly by wind chakra blades embedded throughout the air, she couldn't get back up again and send her ninja tools soaring across the battlefield once more.
"It's obvious that Big Sister Tenten isn't weak," Yuuma muttered, still unconvinced.
Actually, what she said wasn't wrong. In this exam, very few people could confidently defeat Tenten, after all, not everyone possessed a Wind Release strong enough to counter hers.
Even Sasuke at his current level wouldn't have a particularly high chance of winning against Tenten unless he used the power of the Cursed Seal.
"What a bore."
Temari yawned, leaning lazily on her giant war fan, with Tenten's unconscious body draped over it.
Ninja tools were scattered across the battlefield like after an intense clash between multiple genin teams.
Yet actually, this devastation came solely from one person's hand.
"No way..." Rock Lee's head extended far beyond the railing, sticking out much further than usual. Even during the fight, Tenten had clearly been at a disadvantage.
But when this outcome presented itself before him, he still couldn't believe it.
"Tenten's weapons simply can't reach her," Neji commented, also frowning.
Actually, Neji wasn't like Sasuke. Although he felt himself living within darkness, he still cherished those around him.
In the Forest of Death, when Rock Lee got defeated, he'd felt anger then too. And now was no different.
In the upper stands, the Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, watching the outcome with a heavy heart. "The Land of Sand is truly fearsome," he murmured.
Of course, as the Third Hokage, his fear didn't come from the Land of Sand's military strength, but rather their cultivation of these new genin shinobi.
These were clearly fresh genin taking part in their first Chunin Exam, yet they exhibited an astonishing level of combat awareness — hard to believe.
Kankuro coldly watched everything unfold. "We won't stop here."
Their goal was clear — to wipe Konoha off the map.
It might have been because of this attitude that Temari wasn't particularly friendly toward her opponent either.
Originally, as allies, they should've restrained themselves immediately after achieving victory.
"This match is won by Temari from the Land of Sand!" Ryuunosuke announced Temari's victory.
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