On the panel that only he could see, a line of brand-new handwriting was radiating a warm green light: [Proficient In Taijutsu (Green): Your understanding of Taijutsu and your body's learning ability have significantly improved. In actual combat, your moves flow smoothly, almost becoming instinctive reactions, allowing you to easily handle complex physical combos.]
It's been upgraded!
After nearly three years of silence, the Basic Taijutsu talent finally made a qualitative leap and was promoted to green level in this highly anticipated and unpretentious ultimate Taijutsu showdown!
Moreover, Shinichi had a premonition that the green talent was not the end. Once the details of this exam spread through the mouths of the thousands of spectators present, it would not only be in the Village Hidden in the Sand, but when the news returned to Konoha, although it might not be as shocking as in the Village Hidden in the Sand, it would definitely cause some discussion in the village.
The Proficient In Taijutsu (Green) is likely to see another leap forward, reaching the blue level that represents a higher level of talent.
A moment later, Shinichi helped the nearly exhausted Might Duy to the edge of the rest area.
At that moment, a familiar aroma, a blend of fresh ingredients and the refreshing scent of herbs, wafted over.
"You must be exhausted. Here, I have quickly cooked something. Eat it while it's hot and replenish your energy."
Kosuke Maruboshi had set up his signature large iron pot in a corner of the rest area. The charcoal fire underneath was simmering, and the pot was bubbling with steam. Plump chunks of meat and vegetables were rolling in the thick, white broth, and the aroma was irresistible.
Holding a long spoon, he greeted everyone with a smile, his relaxed demeanor as if he were having a picnic in the countryside rather than at the tense Chunin exams.
After more than six months of working together on missions, this insightful old ninja had already figured out some of Shinichi's characteristics.
For example, his extraordinary appetite and the special physique that seems to be similar to that of the Akimichi Clan. It allows him to replenish his energy and chakra extremely quickly by consuming large amounts of high-quality food.
"Thank you for the trouble, senior."
Shinichi took the food, thanked Kosuke Maruboshi, and began to eat heartily without any hesitation. The high-calorie jerky and the medicinal herbs in the food quickly converted into the energy he needed, and his fatigue gradually subsided.
As he ate, his gaze drifted to the arena, where a new match was underway.
Shinichi's gaze fell on the young woman in the field, who had shoulder-length sandy-yellow short hair and a gentle and calm temperament. She looked more like an office worker than a ninja charging into battle.
Her fighting style was very unique; she simply stood still, barely moving a step, as if she had become one with the surrounding sand.
Under her exquisite Chakra manipulation, vast amounts of sand surged like a living yellow wave. At times, it formed giant hands that slammed downward; at others, it dispersed into flexible tendrils that coiled and intercepted, forcing her opponent to leap and scramble miserably.
The opponent's occasional desperate attack that breaks through the sandstorm, whether it was throwing kunai, Ninjutsu, or close-range Taijutsu thrusts, was always blocked by a seemingly thin but incredibly solid Sand Shield when it was about three meters away from her body.
The Sand Shield seemed to possess its own will, instantly coalescing in the area where she needed the most protection. That sense of control, so effortless and intuitive, was truly impressive.
Karura.
Shinichi silently recited the name in his heart.
This seemingly gentle young woman is the wife of the future fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and the mother of Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara.
In his past life's memories, Karura's true strength, and even whether she could be considered a true ninja, were shrouded in mystery.
However, according to Rasa's later statement, the sand that protects Gaara and automatically defends against attacks does not originate in Shukaku's power, the one-tailed beast, but in Karura's love and power.
This alone is enough to show that Karura was no ordinary woman in life, because an ordinary mother could never transform so-called love into such a concrete and powerful defensive force that could nullify most Ninjutsu attacks.
To his surprise, this woman, who would have been more of a background character in the future, would actually appear on the Chunin exams field this time.
"This female ninja who manipulates sand is very strong."
Kosuke Maruboshi had appeared beside Shinichi at some point, his gaze also fixed on the field, and he analyzed in a calm voice: "In terms of the scale, precision, and defensive strength of her sand control alone, at the level of raw power, she has steadily reached the rank of Jonin."
He paused, then continued, "Judging purely from strength comparison, if you faced her, your chances of victory would be slim. However..."
"She lacks combat experience, and... she doesn't seem to like fighting."
Shinichi spoke almost simultaneously, picking up where Kosuke Maruboshi left off.
This wasn't the first time he had observed Karura's battles, including the scroll-grabbing battle in the Demon Desert and the duel that had just ended; this was the third time.
Her fighting style is quite fixed: She starts with a wide-ranging sandstorm covering and pursuing, forcing her opponent to dodge and exhaust their stamina; when the opponent is cornered or reveals an opening, the sandstorm will suddenly close in, forming a solid sand coffin that firmly imprisons the enemy, and the battle ends there.
She had never, like her future son, followed up the restraint with a cold, lethal Imploding Sand Funeral.
"Not bad."
Kosuke Maruboshi nodded approvingly: "The outcome of a ninja's battle is never just a comparison of chakra reserves and the power of Ninjutsu. Combat experience, on-the-spot judgment, timing, and even the contest of wills are all crucial."
He narrowed his eyes slightly and analyzed in more detail: "I have observed her automatic defensive Sand Shield. Its reaction speed is indeed extremely fast, and it is difficult for ordinary ninjas to break through it. However, Shinichi, with your speed, you have a good chance to break through the gap before the Sand Shield completely closes."
"Her weakness lies in her lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the timing of attacks! You can use speed to launch high-frequency feints and change direction to disrupt her judgment, forcing her defense system into brief chaos or over-concentration. Your chance of victory may lie in that fleeting moment when she is torn apart by extreme speed, and then you can attack her body."
Shinichi slowly swallowed the last bite of food. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "Absolute defense! Senior, that's what the people from the Village Hidden in the Sand called it before, right?"
Kosuke Maruboshi paused slightly, then understood his intention: "Hmm? You mean..."
Shinichi turned his head to look at his senior, a faint yet sharp smile curving his lips: "I want to give it a try."
He paused, then said, word by word,
"To see if I can break through this so-called absolute defense."