Neji, his pale eyes gleaming with the intensity of the Byakugan, seized the opportunity presented by Temari's momentary lapse in focus. The dust cloud she had conjured began to dissipate, revealing her position. With a burst of chakra, he propelled himself forward, his movements a fluid, almost ethereal blur of controlled motion. The arena's worn stone echoed with the soft thud of his sandaled feet as he closed the distance between them.
His hands, poised in the Gentle Fist stance, moved with lightning-fast precision, targeting Temari's chakra points. Each strike was a calculated incision, a pinpoint application of force designed to disrupt her chakra flow and render her defenseless.
Neji: 'Her reliance on environmental attacks has left her vulnerable. The Byakugan reveals the subtle fluctuations in her chakra flow. I will exploit these weaknesses, disabling her ability to manipulate her fan. Her wind will become a whisper.'
Temari, caught off guard by Neji's sudden and relentless counter-attack, struggled to regain her composure. Her eyes widened, a flicker of panic momentarily disrupting her usual composure. She desperately attempted to raise her fan, its iron surface a potential shield against Neji's strikes, but his speed and precision made it a futile effort.
She tried to create distance, lashing out with gusts of wind, but Neji weaved through them as if they were gentle breezes. His movements were too fast, too precise, too relentless.
Temari : "He's too fast! I can't keep up! I need to create distance, regain control. If I can get some distance I can use my stronger wind techniques. But how?"
Neji, his expression a mask of unwavering concentration, unleashed his signature technique: the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. His hands became a blur, a storm of precise strikes that landed with pinpoint accuracy on Temari's chakra points. Each strike, a delicate yet devastating application of force, disrupted her chakra pathways, leaving her unable to channel her energy.
The air crackled with the force of his strikes, the sound a rapid, rhythmic staccato that echoed through the stadium. Temari's breath hitched, her body convulsing with each impact. Her eyes, wide with shock and pain, reflected the relentless assault.
The crowd gasped, their voices a collective whisper of awe and horror. The sheer speed and precision of Neji's technique was breathtaking.
Temari, her body trembling, her chakra flow disrupted, collapsed onto the worn stone of the arena. Her breathing was ragged, her eyes glazed with pain. She was unable to continue the match.
Hayate Gekko, his expression grave, stepped forward. "Temari is unable to continue. The victor is Neji Hyuga."
The crowd erupted, their voices a mix of awe and applause. The stadium echoed with the sound of their approval, a testament to Neji's overwhelming victory.
Hanabi's eyes, wide with admiration, followed Neji's movements. A small smile played on her lips, a reflection of her pride in her older cousin's strength.
Hinata's expression was a mix of relief and sympathy. She was relieved that Neji had emerged victorious, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Temari's defeat.
Hiashi Hyuga, his expression stoic, observed Neji's victory with a sense of quiet pride. He remembered his brother Hizashi, and the sacrifice he made. A flicker of emotion, a rare glimpse of vulnerability, crossed his face.
'Hizashi… your son has surpassed even my expectations. His strength honors the Hyuga name. He is what you would have wanted him to be.'
Medical ninja rushed into the arena, their movements swift and efficient. They carefully lifted Temari onto a stretcher, her body limp and unresponsive.
Neji stood in the center of the arena, his posture still perfect, his expression calm and composed. He had emerged victorious, his strength and skill undeniable.
The crowd continued to buzz with excitement, their voices a low, rumbling hum. They discussed the match, dissecting every move, every strike. The anticipation for the next match hung heavy in the air, a promise of more excitement to come.