THIRD PHASE OF THE CHUNIN EXAMS Vl
At the sound of the signal, both combatants launched themselves into battle with an intensity that dazzled the spectators. Matsu Hoshigaki moved with agility and speed, unleashing a series of offensive techniques as he advanced toward Kazuhiro Natsuki. On the other hand, Kazuhiro Natsuki used his ability to manipulate sand, creating barriers and launching projectiles with precision to keep Matsu Hoshigaki at bay.
The arena trembled as the two fighters clashed, their attacks colliding with explosive force. Matsu Hoshigaki leaped forward, his blade gleaming as it slashed through the air, aiming for Kazuhiro's midsection. However, just before the strike could land, a wall of dense sand erupted from the ground, intercepting the attack and forcing Matsu to retreat momentarily.
With a flick of his wrist, Kazuhiro sent a barrage of hardened sand needles flying toward his opponent. Matsu twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles, and countered by launching a powerful jet of pressurized water from his mouth. The water blast tore through Kazuhiro's sand defenses, forcing him to reposition himself before Matsu could capitalize on the opening.
Not giving his opponent a moment to recover, Matsu dashed forward, his chakra surging as he enhanced his speed. He moved like a predator, striking with relentless precision, forcing Kazuhiro onto the defensive. The sand user weaved intricate signs with his fingers, summoning a massive wave of golden sand that surged forward like a tidal wave.
Matsu planted his feet firmly, bracing against the incoming attack. With a mighty roar, he slammed his hands together, unleashing a powerful water vortex that clashed against the sand tsunami. The two elements met in a violent explosion of mist and debris, momentarily blinding the audience.
As the dust settled, Kazuhiro was already in motion. He extended his arms, shaping the residual sand into jagged spears that hovered menacingly in the air. With a swift motion, he sent them hurtling toward Matsu, who deflected them with quick, calculated slashes of his blade. However, Kazuhiro had anticipated this—just as Matsu cut through the last spear, the sand beneath him shifted, pulling his feet down and trapping him.
Matsu's eyes widened in realization as Kazuhiro formed a single hand seal. The sand constricting his legs suddenly hardened like steel, immobilizing him. Without hesitation, Kazuhiro clenched his fist, and a massive spike of metallic sand erupted from the ground, striking Matsu in the thigh with brutal precision.
A sharp cry of pain escaped Matsu's lips as he collapsed onto one knee, his breathing ragged. Blood trickled from the deep wound, staining the golden sand beneath him. Still, his determination burned fiercely in his eyes as he struggled to rise.
Kazuhiro stood motionless, his expression unreadable. "It's over," he stated, his voice firm but devoid of arrogance.
Matsu gritted his teeth, attempting to break free from the sand's grip, but his body was reaching its limit. His vision blurred as exhaustion and blood loss took their toll. With a final, shuddering breath, he collapsed, unconscious.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the referee stepped forward to officially declare the winner. "The victor of this battle is Kazuhiro Natsuki of the Sand!"
Kazuhiro remained standing at the center of the arena, his posture unwavering and his face impassive as he gazed down at his fallen opponent. Matsu Hoshigaki lay motionless, his leg impaled by the massive sand spike—a brutal testament to Kazuhiro's mastery over his element. The spike, embedded with ruthless precision, showcased the Sand leader's ability to wield his power with both lethality and control.
Homura Mitokado approached to examine Matsu Hoshigaki, ensuring he received proper medical attention. His face bore a mixture of seriousness and concern as he called for medics to tend to the fallen warrior. The battle had been fierce, a spectacle of skill and determination, but in the end, Kazuhiro Natsuki had proven himself the superior combatant.