But the more severe injuries on Shiki's body were internal—many of his channels had been blocked by Neji's chakra.
Even now, Shiki was holding back a surge of blood already rising to his throat.
All his sharpness and vigor had vanished in an instant.
Yet, Shiki gazed at Neji Hyuga with a weary but calm look in his eyes.
Everyone wore an expression of disbelief; they hadn't expected this kid named Shiki Uzumaki...
To actually smash his forehead violently against Neji's after his sword had broken?
"What kind of attack is that? Does he really believe his head is harder than Neji's?"
Kiba Inuzuka still looked utterly shocked. Although he couldn't see every detail of their fight clearly, the way Shiki had fought in those final moments was vividly imprinted in his mind.
He voiced what many people were thinking: how could any ninja possibly attack like this?
Shikamaru merely patted Kiba's shoulder, his tone somewhat helpless. "But Shiki pulled it off. Guess the guy really does have a hard head."
At the center of the arena, Neji already lay sprawled on the ground, staring blankly up at the high ceiling.
Beside him, countless cracks stretched dozens of meters outward.
"Can fate truly be changed?"
His voice lacked the strength to stir hearts anymore—it was so weak, only he himself could hear it. At this moment, he seemed even worse off than Shiki.
Although he had used Pressure Points Sealed to attack Shiki Uzumaki's internal channels,
The Chakra Scalpel technique could do the same thing too—and even sharper, more difficult to defend against.
Who could have imagined that such a faint, ghost-like Chakra Scalpel could possess such power?
Only when fighting at close range did Neji realize that although Shiki's chakra dissipated constantly,
Every bit that dissipated would redirect itself to a new position, continuing the precise assault.
What level of **Chakra Control** must one possess for that?
Someone practically unable to use chakra—why would he even bother learning a technique like this?
"Does he still cling to hope of using chakra again? How ridiculous—an unbeliever of fate..."
Neji never got to finish that "but" before passing out.
Yet in his heart, he had already said it. But… could fate truly be turned as you claimed?
"Medical Team! Are you telling me I have to remind you lot a hundred times not to just stand there?"
Kurenai Yuhi reacted first, shouting furiously at the stunned Medical Team beside her.
"Ah? Yes!"
Immediately, a group of medical ninja rushed over on stretchers toward Neji. Everyone taking the exam found it hard to believe they had witnessed such a delicate battle.
Especially hard to believe was that a child had mastered the Chakra Scalpel—a technique even they, as medical ninja, struggled to perfect.
That was exactly why they were so stunned.
Are you kidding?
Even if they could use the Chakra Scalpel, it would be extremely difficult to apply it effectively in battle. After all, slashing at such high speed during a fight required immense control.
If they tried, the Chakra Scalpel would probably dissipate the moment they swung. There would be no chance of even hitting their opponent.
But that child of Kurenai had actually done it. Moreover, he had reshaped and refined the original Chakra Scalpel technique—something far beyond what a regular Chakra Scalpel should be capable of.
Even assuming this child had exceptional chakra control, he would still need at least two years to truly master the Chakra Scalpel.
Does that mean he already mastered it two years ago?
The leader of the medical team, carrying a stretcher, asked with some confusion, "Yamamoto, have you heard of Shiki's younger brother training at Konoha Hospital two years back?"
Yamamoto, the medic ninja being addressed, had indeed worked at Konoha Hospital two years ago. He wasn't yet assigned to frontline emergency treatment like he is now.
Wearing a mask, Yamamoto frowned and thought hard for a moment before suddenly recalling something.
"Not specifically. But there was Shiki's younger brother hanging around the hospital entrance two years ago, offering free wound care to villagers. Then he—Shiki's younger brother—just disappeared one day. Oh, right! I think he was Sena's younger brother!"
The medical squad leader immediately smiled, "Sena's younger brother? Didn't expect him to reach this level already! Haha, he's become a pride of our medical ninjas!"
With that, they reached Neji's side and lifted him onto the stretcher.
After ordering two other medics to carry Neji away, the squad leader approached Shiki.
"Great job today! Though you're clearly running on empty yourself. Come with us for treatment, how about?"
He said this while giving Shiki's shoulder a hearty pat—just the kind of gesture an older man might use to show appreciation.
But the very next moment, Shiki—who had been standing firm until then—collapsed under what was meant to be a friendly gesture.
Shiki really had reached his physical limit. His chakra pathways couldn't take any more strain. After all, he was only human—unable to escape from fatigue and injury.
Another stretcher was brought over, and Shiki Uzumaki was taken away.
"I knew Shiki wouldn't make things easy on himself," Hayate Gekko murmured with a slight sigh.
"But this boy possesses a power worth expecting even more, isn't he?"
A somewhat aged voice spoke beside Hayate.
"Lord Third." Hayate Gekko hadn't noticed when exactly the Third Hokage had appeared by his side.
"When a new generation rises, perhaps it will be time for us to leave the stage. Hayate, I hope you can properly guide this child."
"Yes, sir."
"The preliminary rounds of the Chunin Exams have concluded. All successful Genin, please assemble here!"
Ryuunosuke's voice finally rang out, breaking everyone's reverie over the previous battle. To be continued.
Chapter 165: Hidden Currents
The pavilion in Konoha was bathed in warm sunlight, as a gentle breeze stirred the lush green trees, offering relief from the summer heat.
Man leaned against a vermilion pillar, gazing out at the peaceful village of Konoha.
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