THIRD PHASE OF THE CHUNIN EXAMS lV

The cry of Homura marked the beginning of a duel that promised to be epic. The eyes of Momonosuke and Jiraiya met briefly, and in that instant, a whirlwind of agile and precise movements was unleashed.

Momonosuke, with his agility and sharp reflexes, displayed his clear superiority in speed and dexterity from the start. He gracefully evaded Jiraiya's initial attacks, moving with an almost supernatural agility. Each of his movements flowed with the elegance of a dancer, but with the lethal precision of an experienced ninja. Every time Jiraiya attempted to land a hit, Momonosuke dodged effortlessly, leaving his opponent frustrated and one step behind.

Jiraiya, known for his strength and technique, tried to counter Momo's offensive, but his efforts seemed futile against his opponent's swift evasions. Momo's movements were like elusive shadows, difficult to track even for the most attentive spectators.

With each exchange of blows, Momonosuke's superiority in hand-to-hand combat became increasingly evident. His punches and kicks were swift and precise, always aimed at Jiraiya's vital points. The dizzying pace of the fight left the audience in awe, with applause and cheers echoing through the arena, celebrating the impressive display of skill unfolding before them.

Realizing he was at a disadvantage in close combat, Jiraiya decided to change his strategy. He quickly retreated, putting distance between them to prepare a jutsu that could even the battlefield.

Jiraiya: (Concentrating chakra) "Katon: Great Fireball!"

With a rapid sequence of hand seals and a deep breath, Jiraiya unleashed a powerful fireball directly at Momonosuke. The attack was fast and devastating, a blazing inferno that illuminated the arena, forcing Momo to either retreat or face the intense heat.

However, Momonosuke, with his inhuman agility, reacted instantly. With a fluid movement, he dodged the Great Fireball, slipping out of its path at the last second. The fireball barely grazed past him, leaving only a trail of heat in its wake, while Momonosuke remained unscathed and ready to continue the fight.

The audience held their breath, aware that both ninjas still had many tricks up their sleeves and that the duel was far from over.

Without wasting a moment, Momonosuke dashed toward Jiraiya, determined to end the fight. Aware of his opponent's superiority, Jiraiya drew several shurikens and launched them in a desperate barrage to keep Momo at bay. However, Momonosuke's agility was astonishing; with fluid and precise movements, he evaded each projectile with an almost insulting ease.

Momo wasted no time. With an agile leap, he closed the distance in the blink of an eye. He descended swiftly, aiming a direct strike at Jiraiya, who barely managed to block it with his kunai. But Momonosuke didn't stop there. He continued with a flurry of rapid and precise attacks, each blow delivered with calculated lethality. Jiraiya struggled to keep up, blocking and dodging as best he could, but the pressure was overwhelming.

Jiraiya: (Gasping, surprised by the intensity of the fight) "You're much stronger than my master told me…"

Before he could react, Momonosuke caught him off guard with a powerful kick, sending him flying. Jiraiya was hurled several meters before crashing into the ground, the impact resonating throughout the arena. Despite the blow, Jiraiya quickly got up, his body bruised but his spirit still intact—though the surprise was evident on his face.

Momonosuke: (Coldly, maintaining composure) "Too bad for you… I have a mission to finish this as quickly as possible."

Jiraiya barely had time to react before Momonosuke vanished from sight. In a blink, Momo appeared in front of him, unleashing a relentless barrage of blows in mere seconds. Each impact echoed like a drum in the arena, executed with such lethal precision that blood splattered everywhere. The final attack was devastating: Momonosuke grabbed Jiraiya by the head and, with brutal force, smashed his face into the ground.

The ground trembled from the impact, kicking up a cloud of dust that momentarily obscured the view. When the dust settled, Jiraiya lay unconscious on the ground, a small pool of blood beginning to form around him. The audience fell into stunned silence, watching the aftermath of the battle with a mixture of awe and concern.

Homura Mitokado, with a serious expression, quickly stepped forward into the combat area. With a firm and authoritative voice, he declared the winner.

Homura Mitokado: "The victor of this match is Momonosuke!"

Without wasting time, the referee turned to the medical team present in the arena.

Homura Mitokado: "Please, attend to Jiraiya immediately and ensure he receives the necessary treatment!"

A team of medics rushed into the arena, carrying a stretcher and first aid equipment. With speed and professionalism, they began treating Jiraiya, preparing him for transport to the medical area for proper care. The crowd watched intently as the tension in the air slowly began to dissipate, marking the end of the first quarterfinal match of the Chunin Exams.

From the VIP stands, the atmosphere was tense and filled with astonishment. Boa Hancock, her eyes fixed on the young Momonosuke, let out a murmur of surprise.

Boa Hancock: (In awe) "Haki of Armament…"

Silvers Rayleigh, who stood beside Hancock, also observed with a mixture of fascination. As one of the most experienced masters of Haki, Rayleigh understood the magnitude of what he was witnessing. It was inconceivable to him that someone so young could master such an advanced ability.

Rayleigh: (Amazed) "What kind of prodigy are you raising, Katahara? Awakening Haki at this age… he's a true monster."

Rayleigh's voice, filled with admiration, resonated with an intensity that left no doubt about the impression the young shinobi had made. Momonosuke's ability to use Haki of Armament at such a young age was an exceptional feat that defied established norms.

The conversation between Boa Hancock, Silvers Rayleigh, and Metsudo Katahara immediately drew the attention of everyone present in the VIP stands. The presence of these three renowned individuals was already enough to generate curiosity and anticipation, but the fact that they were discussing the young Momonosuke and his impressive mastery of Haki of Armament added an extra layer of drama and mystery to the event.

The village leaders, the Daimyōs, and high-ranking shinobi watched intently, their gazes filled with amazement and admiration for Momo's prodigious talent. Some leaned forward, trying to catch every detail of the fight and the young warrior's abilities, while others furrowed their brows, analyzing and attempting to grasp the full extent of the situation.

The Mizukage, the Tsuchikage, and the Third Hokage also paid close attention to Rayleigh's comments. Their expressions were focused and surprised, realizing that Momonosuke's talent was not only something to be admired but could also have significant implications for the balance of power in the shinobi world. The magnitude of Momo's abilities made it clear that the Chunin Exams were about to reach new heights of intensity and competition.

Combat Hall POV

The arena remained charged with tension after the impressive battle between Momonosuke and Jiraiya. The spectators were eager for the next match, knowing that expectations were now sky-high.

Homura Mitokado, maintaining a serious yet professional demeanor, stepped into the center of the battlefield. The crowd watched attentively as he raised the microphone to announce the next fight.

Homura Mitokado: (Firm and clear voice) "The next battle will be between Sao Temuri and Rotsuchi Oniki! Competitors, prepare yourselves, and let the match begin!"

All attention shifted to the two ninjas approaching the center of the battlefield. Sao Temuri, with a calm demeanor and calculating gaze, prepared to showcase his skill. Rotsuchi Oniki, on the other hand, radiated a powerful and determined presence, ready to face the challenge.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, creating an atmosphere of excitement as the two combatants took their positions. Every movement, every gesture was closely observed by the leaders and dignitaries in the VIP stands, aware that the next match could bring new surprises and revelations.