Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Namikaze Minato vs. Might Duy

The appearance of the Rasengan didn’t cause much of a stir.

Because Natsuki shared the Rasengan.

Besides him and Kushina, Minato, Nawaki, and Nonou had all learned the Rasengan.

Only Might Duy, Uzumaki Kae, and the others felt surprised.

But they didn’t know the Rasengan was a ninjutsu created by Natsuki.

Seeing Natsuki and Kushina use the Rasengan simultaneously, they thought it was a ninjutsu taught by Orochimaru or Tsunade.

"Third round, second match: Namikaze Minato versus Yakushi Nonou!"

Inuzuka Gaku walked to the center of the field and announced the next matchup.

"Don’t worry about winning or losing. Just treat it as a comprehensive assessment of your taijutsu training recently."

Natsuki reached out, rubbed Nonou’s head.

"Mm."

Nonou walked onto the field with a serious face.

Although Minato felt he would win, he didn’t dare underestimate her.

After all, Nonou’s teacher was Tsunade.

If he took a Chakra Enhanced Strength punch head-on, he would be heavily injured.

"The battle begins!"

After Inuzuka Gaku finished speaking, he retreated to the edge of the field.

Nonou lunged forward, clenched her right fist, and threw a punch.

This attack style looked no different from Kushina’s.

But that was normal.

Taijutsu taught by the same teacher would naturally be similar.

Minato reacted quickly, dodging the punch with a light sidestep.

After creating some distance, he flicked his right hand and threw three kunai.

Without looking at the result, Minato immediately formed hand seals with both hands.

Nonou locked her eyes on the three kunai and quickly took out three kunai from her pouch as well.

The six kunai collided in mid-air and fell to the ground.

Right at that moment, Minato had finished forming hand seals.

Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere!

He took a deep breath, leaned back, and spat out a series of wind spheres.

Chakra Enhanced Strength!

The wind spheres were too fast. Nonou had no time to dodge.

She clenched her fists. Chakra surged out as she punched.

The force tore through the air and also tore through the wind spheres.

But there were too many wind spheres, forcing Nonou to punch continuously.

When all the wind spheres disappeared, she felt a wave of exhaustion.

Minato naturally wouldn’t waste time.

While she was punching, he formed hand seals again.

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!

A fierce wind generated out of thin air in front of him and swept toward Nonou.

Although Wind Release: Great Breakthrough was a C-Rank Wind Release, its power depended on the amount of chakra infused.

In the original story, when Orochimaru used Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, he directly destroyed the surrounding trees.

Nonou immediately stomped her foot.

BOOM!

The ground cracked. Under the cover of the air wave, the force sent rubble flying, forcing the fierce wind to pause.

Minato flicked his hands.

Six kunai shot out under the effect of the fierce wind.

Nonou dodged to the left, avoiding the kunai and exiting the range of the fierce wind.

She caught her breath and charged toward Minato.

At the same time, she extended her hand.

A surge of chakra flowed out and began spinning frantically.

But her Rasengan attack didn’t work.

Wind Release: Gale Palm!

Minato clapped his hands together. A fierce wind enveloped him.

He suddenly accelerated, his body turning into a blur.

Before Nonou could react, he brushed past her.

But Minato possessed super strong reaction speed.

As he brushed past, he turned his head and threw a wooden kunai.

Nonou only felt a pain in her back before being hit.

She stopped in her tracks, dissipated the Rasengan, and conceded.

After all, if that kunai wasn’t made of wood, she would have been heavily injured.

"Nonou is indeed very suitable to be your student."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.

Minato’s performance was within his expectations.

But Nonou gave him quite a few surprises.

"Her talent is very good."

Tsunade praised.

In the original story, Nonou being able to thrive in Root naturally wasn’t just because of her medical ninjutsu.

"I hope there are more and more medical ninjas like this."

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled.

A ninja who could both fight and heal was undoubtedly what Konoha—or rather the entire ninja world—needed.

"Winner: Namikaze Minato!"

After Inuzuka Gaku announced the result, Minato and Nonou left the field.

"Nonou really has become much stronger."

Kushina sighed emotionally.

She still remembered that the previous Nonou was purely a medical ninja, knowing nothing about taijutsu.

"Not just her."

Nawaki said in a deep voice. "Minato has also improved a lot."

He had always considered Natsuki and Minato to be his biggest threats in this Chunin Exam’s individual battles.

Now it seemed that was indeed the case.

Natsuki needed no explanation.

As for Minato, judging from his performance just now, defeating him wouldn’t be easy.

"Nonou, you did very well."

Natsuki met Nonou’s gaze and smiled. "You already have Teacher Tsunade’s demeanor."

Hearing this, a gentle smile appeared on Nonou’s face.

"Third round, third match: Nawaki versus Uzumaki Kae!"

A moment later, Inuzuka Gaku spoke up.

"It seems Duy has the best luck."

Nawaki shook his head.

"I am not your match."

Kae said with self-awareness.

"Youth is about going all out!"

Might Duy waved his fists.

"Whether you become a Chunin depends on your performance, not winning or losing."

Natsuki reminded them.

In the joint Chunin Exams in the original story, only Nara Shikamaru became a Chunin.

But he actually lost to Sunagakure’s Temari in the third stage of individual battles.

Although he conceded voluntarily.

Nawaki and Kae stepped onto the field.

"Besides sealing jutsu, what else has Kae learned?"

Natsuki asked curiously.

His impression of Kae was still stuck before graduation.

When she was at the Ninja Academy, she only knew sealing jutsu, the Three Basic Jutsu, and some basic taijutsu.

"Teacher taught her Fire Release."

Minato replied.

"I thought it would be taijutsu again. I didn’t expect Fire Release."

Natsuki paused. "Fire Release against Water Release—elementally speaking, it will be countered."

"Mm."

Minato nodded. "Kae also knows this, which is why she feels she can’t win."

While the two were talking, the battle on the field officially began.

BOOM!

A water dragon and a giant fireball collided.

Steam rose, and chakra air currents swept outward.

After a moment of stalemate, the water dragon tore through the fireball and flew toward Kae.

Although its size had shrunk considerably, the water dragon still looked ferocious and terrifying.

Kae hurriedly dodged to the side.

She formed hand seals again and spat out an even larger fireball.

The fireball blocked the water dragon.

But Nawaki’s next Water Release ninjutsu followed immediately.

Water Release: Water Bullet Technique!

Nawaki raised his hand. A series of water masses flew out like bullets.

Kae’s pupils contracted—feeling in a tight spot.

She instinctively raised both hands and threw several kunai.

But the kunai were quickly deflected.

Kae had no time to use Fire Release and dodged to the left.

In fact, she had only learned two Fire Release jutsu.

After all, she hadn’t graduated long ago.

Although Kae’s speed wasn’t slow, she still couldn’t outrun that series of water masses.

Her body trembled, and she was sent flying.

Seeing this, Nawaki hurriedly dissipated the Water Release: Water Bullet Technique.

"I concede."

Kae said, enduring the pain in her back.

After she left the field, the medical ninjas on standby walked up to her and treated her.

The third round, fourth match, was also the last match.

Just as Nawaki said, Might Duy had the best luck.

First, he was matched with the only Genin outside of their three squads.

Second, although this Genin’s strength was not bad, compared to Natsuki, Nawaki, Kushina, and the others, it was very average.

Ultimately, Might Duy won using the Konoha Whirlwind series of taijutsu.

"The Genin advancing to the fourth round are Natsuki, Nawaki, Namikaze Minato, and Might Duy!"

Inuzuka Gaku paused. "After a fifteen-minute break, the fourth round will begin!"

"I didn’t expect the four of us to be the last ones remaining."

Nawaki spoke up.

Actually, he didn’t expect Might Duy to be there.

In his view, although Might Duy’s taijutsu was indeed excellent, it was still somewhat lacking compared to his and Nonou’s Chakra Enhanced Strength.

It could only be said that it was indeed luck.

Minato and the others nodded slightly.

Their thoughts were similar to Nawaki’s. They all felt Might Duy was very lucky.

Natsuki smiled and didn’t explain.

In terms of strength, Might Duy was probably second only to him.

Fortunately, it was Might Duy. If it were the more talented Might Guy, he might have been able to open all Eight Gates by the age of twenty.

At that time, even Natsuki wouldn’t be able to withstand it.

Both opening all Eight Gates—Might Guy could heavily injure Uchiha Madara, almost kicking his way to the finale.

But Might Duy could only take down four of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist at the cost of his life.

Without a doubt, his talent was inferior.

At his current age, he definitely couldn’t open all Eight Gates. At best, he was approaching Jonin level.

Coupled with the fact that he was a pure taijutsu ninja, he was easy to counter.

"Duy, I have a question."

Nawaki looked at Might Duy. "Why do you shout the names of your taijutsu when you fight?"

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, secretly thinking, Good question.

In the original story, all ninjas shouted the names of their ninjutsu.

But after transmigrating, Natsuki discovered that no one actually shouted them.

After all, shouting them out wasted time and energy, and it also alerted the enemy.

Ninja battles were information battles. Actively shouting out the name of your ninjutsu—wasn’t that just giving intel to the enemy for free?

"Youth is about shouting it out!"

Might Duy gave a thumbs up.

Nawaki’s mouth twitched.

Sure enough, asking was pointless.

"I wonder who my opponent will be in the next match."

Nawaki changed the subject.

"Anyone is fine!"

Might Duy said excitedly. "Being able to enter the fourth round, my youth is already without regrets!"

Nawaki was instantly speechless.

No wonder other Genin were unwilling to team up with you. It’s simply impossible to have a conversation.

If he could choose, he would choose to meet Natsuki at the end.

Meeting at the summit to decide the first place would be a great story.

The break quickly ended, and Inuzuka Gaku walked back to the center of the field.

Everyone subconsciously looked at him.

"Fourth round, first match: Namikaze Minato versus Might Duy!"

Inuzuka Gaku announced loudly.

"Then doesn’t that mean my opponent is Natsuki?"

Nawaki instantly felt regret.

It seemed he and Natsuki were destined not to meet in the final.

Minato felt slightly relieved.

Although in his view, it didn’t matter who the opponent was, Natsuki’s strength was ultimately greater than his. If he met him, he most likely wouldn’t make it to the finals.

The current result was the optimal solution.

He would defeat Might Duy, enter the finals, and then compete with Natsuki for first place.

Although Minato knew he was inferior to Natsuki, he had also improved a lot recently, so he could see the gap between them.

Might Duy was just pure, unadulterated excitement.

Entering the Chunin Exams for the first time and encountering so many geniuses was simply double the happiness for him.

The two stepped onto the field.

Minato looked at Might Duy and pondered a strategy.

Without a doubt, he was a pure taijutsu ninja.

Besides taijutsu, he had never used any ninjutsu.

Minato thought of Nonou, who he had fought earlier.

To be honest, Nonou gave him more pressure.

After all, Chakra Enhanced Strength plus Rasengan could deal him a fatal blow.

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

As soon as the battle started, Might Duy shouted excitedly.

Followed by a spinning kick aimed at Minato.

When Minato heard him shout "Konoha Whirlwind," he already guessed what he was going to do.

He took a step back, easily dodging the Konoha Whirlwind.

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!

Minato unhurriedly formed hand seals.

A fierce wind blew toward Might Duy.

Although Might Duy tried to dodge, the range of the fierce wind was too wide, and he was still affected.

His body was blown back several steps.

But he didn’t care at all and shouted. "Konoha Drop!"

Might Duy stomped fiercely, his body flying into mid-air.

He aimed an elbow drop at Minato’s head.

The immense force, combined with the impact of falling from the sky, made this elbow strike seem incredibly heavy and powerful.

Minato naturally wouldn’t take it head-on.

After all, he wasn’t a strength-type ninja.

Although Might Duy’s speed was very fast, Minato still reacted, rolling on the ground to make the attack miss.

He quickly got up and formed hand seals with both hands.

Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere!

Both being B-Rank Wind Release ninjutsu, Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere was a series of wind spheres, while Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere was one giant wind sphere.

A visible circular fierce wind erupted instantly.

"Konoha Strong Whirlwind!"

Might Duy twisted his body and kicked out.

But in the next second, he was sent flying.

He crashed heavily onto the ground, cracking the earth.

And the right leg he kicked out with was already bloody and mangled.

"The gap between him and Minato is too large."

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen commented.

"Duy is just an ordinary taijutsu ninja, after all."

Orochimaru said casually.

"But if he only has this level of strength, why did Natsuki recommend him?"

Tsunade noticed the problem.

"Being able to reach the fourth round means his strength is not bad."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was stunned for a moment. "Natsuki recommending him is also reasonable."

"I know Natsuki."

Tsunade shook her head.

Orochimaru subconsciously glanced at her.

He rarely heard such words from Tsunade’s mouth.

"Then let’s see if Duy can bring us any surprises."

Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled.

He felt Tsunade had misjudged.

If Might Duy really was that strong, why would he still be a Genin almost ten years after graduating?

And in all this time, he had never shown any extraordinary qualities.

After all, as Hokage, if a genius or powerhouse emerged in the village, he would be the first to know.

"M-Minato, you are truly too strong!"

Might Duy struggled to stand up.

Although he was injured, his face was still full of excitement.

Seeing this, Minato was somewhat baffled.

Is he still not giving up?

"This is youth!"

The expression on Might Duy’s face suddenly changed, and he shouted. "Eight Inner Gates! Gate of Opening, Open! Gate of Healing, Open! Gate of Life, Open!"

In an instant, with him at the center, a powerful chakra soared into the sky.

His expression was twisted and ferocious. Green chakra enveloped him like a cloak, making him look imposing.

"What happened?"

Minato’s pupils couldn’t help but quake.

How did he suddenly become so terrifying—as if he was pumped full of adrenaline?

"Konoha Whirlwind!"

Might Duy’s body disappeared from his spot.

Minato only vaguely caught a blur.

At the critical moment, his reaction speed came into play.

He instinctively raised his arms to block in front of him.

BANG!

He felt as if he had been hit by a truck. His body uncontrollably flew backward.

The terrifying power left deep marks from his feet on the ground.

"What’s going on?"

Nawaki jumped up.

"How did Duy suddenly become so strong?"

Kushina asked blankly.

Nonou, Nara Suzaku, Kae, and the others were also shocked and confused.

"Eight Inner Gates? How is this possible?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s body trembled. He froze completely.

"I didn’t expect someone to actually learn the S-Rank forbidden jutsu, Eight Inner Gates."

Orochimaru said slowly.

"Truly unbelievable."

Tsunade let out a breath. "I heard that with all Eight Gates open, the user’s strength will not be inferior to the Five Kage."

"But its training conditions are simply too harsh."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said. "Besides needing talent, it also requires unparalleled perseverance. I originally thought no one would be able to learn it."

"I wonder which Gate he can open up to."

Tsunade looked at Might Duy curiously.

After opening the Third Gate, he had completely gained the upper hand.

Minato wasn’t naturally adept at taijutsu.

But Might Duy’s current speed was too fast—completely giving him no time to form hand seals.

Rasengan!

After being knocked back again, Minato could only attempt a final counterattack.

"Gate of Pain, Open!"

Sensing danger, Might Duy opened another Gate.

Green chakra surged out. Invisible air waves spread outward circle after circle.

"Konoha Strong Whirlwind!"

Might Duy directly delivered a kick.

The kick, wrapped in green chakra, smashed the Rasengan to pieces, and then sent Minato flying.

Minato was thrown high into the air and then fell heavily.

After kicking up a cloud of dust, he struggled a few times but ultimately remained lying on the ground.

"I must be under a genjutsu!"

Nawaki said, dumbfounded.

Kushina and the others were even more at a loss for words.

Is this still the taijutsu ninja they remembered?

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