It's not about defeating the opponent, but about proving the value of every step… This sentence resonated like a grand bell in Satsuki's mind, shattering the layer of ice that enveloped her fighting will.
What shocked her even more was that she caught another, deeper meaning in Naruto's words.
'Respect our growth'… 'Respect this path we've chosen'… 'The process'… What he cherished was never the simple result, but all the bits and pieces we experienced side by side, the 'process' full of sweat and effort… So, was my earlier thought of giving up and admitting defeat the greatest disrespect to the path we walked together?
In that instant, three pure and intense emotions intertwined and spread in her heart: unadulterated soaring fighting spirit, a dedication willing to give her all for the other, and a sense of happiness that welled up after being completely understood and accepted.
And… was Naruto making a request of her? This realization made her heart tremble.
He hoped she would do something for him, he needed to see the real her… He hoped to be reciprocated by her… That's right! She was his unique companion, not a burden he needed to protect, nor a weakling he needed to accommodate or who would cause him trouble!
'Show me everything about you'… He said it himself, it was what he truly wanted.
He wanted to see the most real, most complete Uchiha Satsuki!
Then… my Ninjutsu, my Sharingan, all the results of my training, and… all the joys and sorrows, all the courage and determination born because of you… will all be offered to you, without reservation, at this moment!
Finally, under Naruto's expectant gaze, Satsuki slowly raised her hand.
But this time, it wasn't to signal a forfeit, but rather, like a mirror image, she steadily formed the same 'Seal of Confrontation' as Naruto—a symbol of the highest respect in a Ninja duel!
Seeing Naruto finally break the ice that enveloped Satsuki's fighting spirit and prepare for the duel with the utmost solemnity, Kakashi, in the spectator stands, nodded slightly, revealing a satisfied smile.
You're truly amazing, Naruto… At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face also showed a relieved smile, his eyes full of admiration.
If Naruto had noticed the Third Hokage's expression at that moment, he would probably immediately accuse him, saying that old man definitely deliberately arranged this match!
The other Jonin watching also suddenly understood; it turned out that the two children hadn't been slow to act because they were wary of each other, but because their relationship was too close, and they couldn't bear to hurt each other.
Among everyone present, only one person felt immense discomfort and annoyance at this scene of "mutual understanding and respect"—that was Gaara.
He stared intently at the two people forming hand signs in the arena, his brows deeply furrowed, his heart filled with an incomprehensible irritation.
Why? What on earth are they doing? What's the point of this pretentious behavior? Isn't the relationship between people… just about mutual exploitation and mutual killing?
This harmonious scene before him clashed violently with his deeply ingrained dark perceptions, making him extremely displeased.
"Bang!"
Two figures suddenly clashed in the focused gaze of the crowd!
Wrist met wrist in the air with a dull thud of flesh, officially firing the first shot of the battle.
Naruto did not use any of his super-standard powers; he precisely suppressed his speed and strength to the same level as Satsuki.
But Naruto didn't intend to lie; he would use all of himself… but only if Satsuki possessed matching strength.
Fists whistled, legs intertwined, and the two engaged in a dazzling taijutsu offense and defense.
Satsuki's fierce uppercut was cleverly dodged by Naruto using a Body Replacement Technique, his true body appearing to her left, launching a sweeping kick at her lower body.
Satsuki reacted extremely quickly, leaping up, twisting her body in the air, and using the momentum to kick towards Naruto's face.
Naruto blocked with crossed arms, and with a "thump," the force made him slide back half a step.
Satsuki's eyes burned with intense fighting spirit.
She didn't realize that every block, every dodge, and every counterattack from Naruto was perfectly timed, giving her enough pressure without making her unable to cope.
Rather than going easy, it was more like guidance, a form of respect that allowed her to fully display what she had learned in actual combat.
As fists and feet exchanged blows, Satsuki's straight punch was caught by Naruto's palm.
She immediately pressed down with her elbow, trying to break free, while her other hand turned into a palm strike aimed at Naruto's ribs.
Naruto released his grip and retreated, but Satsuki followed like a shadow, her offensive like a torrential downpour.
Not enough… must be faster! Stronger!
During a close-quarters entanglement, the moment their arms once again locked, Satsuki used the recoil from Naruto's block to hop back a short distance, creating a gap—and in this extremely brief interval, her hands had already completed a hand sign in front of her!
Her taijutsu movements perfectly integrated the hand signs into the rhythm of her taijutsu.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Hot Chakra condensed in her throat, and the next moment, a giant fireball with a diameter of over three meters fiercely blasted towards Naruto nearby!
The flames reflected in her determined eyes and slightly upturned lips.
This was her response—to pour the fruits of her training, all her determination, into this battle!
With the end of the taijutsu probing phase, the battle officially escalated to the Ninjutsu level!
The moment the Great Fireball roared towards him with a scorching heatwave, Naruto's hands had already completed a hand sign—his speed was even faster than Satsuki's!
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"
A massive amount of Water Release Chakra instantly condensed, and a turbulent stream of water surged from the ground, quickly forming a solid, thick, giant wall of water, standing in the path of the flames.
"Sizzle—!!!"
The scorching fireball and the water wall collided violently, erupting in a huge hissing sound.
A large amount of water was instantly evaporated, forming a dense, impenetrable white mist that quickly enveloped half the arena.
Strange… Kankuro, in the spectator stands, frowned deeply, his heart filled with doubts.
Watching this level of Ninjutsu clash, the battle had completely exceeded the scope of a Genin.
He wondered why Naruto wasn't using his previous elusive Body Flicker Technique.
His "fishing" mentality as an elder had long been completely crushed, replaced by increasingly deep caution and confusion.
Outside the thick fog, Satsuki quickly retreated, moving out of the mist's range.
Her Three-Tomoe Sharingan locked onto the swirling mist, wary of Naruto's next offensive.
Just as she was fully focused—
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
Several whooshing sounds suddenly came from within the mist!
The next moment, several chains emanating a golden light, entirely condensed from Chakra, fiercely tore through the dense fog, shooting towards Satsuki's vital points from extremely tricky angles!
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