Chapter 30: Water Release Ninja Wakaho (2/2)
"This kid's Fire Style… it's even stronger." On the stands, Fugaku, holding hands with his wife, marveled.
He had never seen the Great Fireball Technique changed like this before.
"But it does fit Wakaho-kun's character, doesn't it, dear?" The pregnant Mikoto smiled gently, "Don't you think this technique is rather charming?"
"Haha." Fugaku chuckled, "Charming? His opponent certainly wouldn't think so."
On the distant high platform, the Third Hokage made a similar assessment.
"He is still a child… but his control over the form of ninjutsu is truly remarkable. He really is a genius of the Uchiha clan."
"Wakaho-kun's talent in Fire Style ninjutsu might exceed our expectations, Sensei."
Standing behind the Third Hokage, Orochimaru's voice was hoarse. "After discovering his unique abilities, I've repeatedly overestimated his talent."
"But the evidence shows that the current Wakaho-kun is still far from fully developing his talent…"
Orochimaru glanced at his teacher's contemplative expression and smiled lightly.
It wasn't just him who underestimated Wakaho-kun's talent; even the teacher did as well.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have tried to make this member of the Hyuga clan defeat Wakaho-kun with Gentle Fist…
Indeed, under the constraints of age, physical techniques and chakra volume might be Wakaho's only current weaknesses.
But the fiery brilliance radiating from this child is something age alone could not hide.
Boom!!!
The giant flaming fist struck the ground, and Hinata Qingchuan had retreated to the edge of the arena.
"This should be the limit of your technique's range, right?"
Hinata Qingchuan's expression was grim. Unable to approach Uchiha Wakaho, his strength was effectively limited.
But Hinata Qingchuan was evidently overthinking things.
"As long as my performance is reasonable, I should be able to win, right?"
Wakaho raised an eyebrow.
Although the final test was elimination-based, winning or losing was not the only determinant for becoming a Chunin.
But winning is certainly better than losing… it's just that it should be a spectacular and honorable win.
"Then let's start the show…"
Wakaho raised two fingers. "Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet!"
A fiery dragon head materialized beside Wakaho, opening its gaping maw as a barrage of fireballs shot toward Hinata Qingchuan!
Pew pew pew pew pew!
"Not good!" Hinata Qingchuan's expression tightened. He took a deep breath and coated his hands with chakra.
"Gentle Fist! Eight Trigrams Palm Eight Strikes!"
Bang bang bang bang bang!
The first batch of fireballs was deflected by Hinata Qingchuan's strikes!
But that was not the end. The fifth batch of attacks arrived, and this time, it was even more intense, with twice the number of fireballs as before!
"Eight Trigrams Ten Strikes!"
Hinata Qingchuan moved with precision, chakra flowing smoothly, as he struck the fireballs again with Gentle Fist!
"This Hinata has already lost." On the stands, Fugaku shook his head.
Although he didn't understand why Wakaho was being so "cautious" this time, in Fugaku's view, Hinata Qingchuan had already lost the moment he was driven back by the Great Fireball.
Of course, even if Hinata Qingchuan could get close, Fugaku didn't think Wakaho would lose.
This kid's Fire Style is so hot that it could make the Uchiha clan pay nearly a million ryo; how could a mere Hinata withstand it?
"Eight Trigrams Thirty-Six Strikes!"
Bang bang bang bang bang!
Hinata Qingchuan was still striking, and this time, he knocked down exactly thirty-six fireballs!
"Huff…" Hinata Qingchuan gasped for breath.
The Gentle Fist technique should target the enemy's chakra points, making them unable to use chakra. The Thirty-Six Strikes was his limit as he had yet to master more advanced techniques.
But Uchiha Wakaho's chakra should be running low by now, right?
"Huh?"
Hinata Qingchuan frowned, "Where did he go?"
The entire arena was devoid of Wakaho except for the examiner and a pair of shoes.
Behind him!?
Hinata Qingchuan was shocked and turned around suddenly, only to find a wall behind him.
Turning back, he noticed the examiner staring up in shock, and the audience fell silent.
"What's happening…"
Hinata Qingchuan looked up, his expression growing increasingly blank.
It was a dragon of blazing flames, spiraling in the air, so dazzling and so scorching, with its massive head coldly staring at him. Just looking at it was enough to make one's heart race!
On top of that fiery dragon's head stood a barefoot boy, his fingers raised, his face showing no expression…
"Sigh…"
Wakaho stood atop the fire dragon, looking helplessly at the distant Third Hokage.
Who said I only know Fire Style? I've been holding back this much…
That Chunin vest should be mine, right?