The upper spectator levels of the shattered stadium were a scene of carnage. Debris littered the ground, and the air was thick with the dust of pulverized concrete and the acrid scent of burnt chakra. Rock Lee, his green jumpsuit torn and stained, moved with a frenetic, almost inhuman speed. His eyes, burning with a fierce determination, were locked on his opponent, a Sand Chunin whose face was a mask of terror.
"Gate of pain... Open!" Lee roared, his voice a guttural growl. The veins in his arms and legs pulsed with an unnatural intensity, and his body radiated a heat that distorted the air around him. The Chunin, unable to react, was pummeled by a relentless barrage of taijutsu, each blow a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves through the ruined structure.
Neji Hyuga, his Byakugan pulsating with a steady, unwavering light, moved with a controlled precision that belied the intensity of the fight. His pale lavender eyes tracked his opponent's movements, his hands a blur of Gentle Fist strikes. The Sand Chunin, a skilled ninjutsu user, countered with a barrage of elemental attacks, but Neji's unwavering focus and precise chakra control allowed him to deflect and neutralize each one. However, the Chunin was highly skilled, and Neji was nearing his chakra limit.
"You are skilled," Neji said, his voice calm but strained, "but your attacks are futile."
Despite Neji's determination and skill, the Sand Chunin's relentless attacks and strategic maneuvers began to take their toll. Neji's movements became slightly sluggish, his breath ragged. He was about to collapse.
Suddenly, Hiashi Hyuga appeared beside him, his expression unreadable. He swiftly eliminated the Sand Chunin with a decisive strike. He caught Neji as he was about to fall.
"You did great, Neji," Hiashi said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Hizashi would have been proud of you."
Sasuke Uchiha, his 2-tomoe Sharingan blazing crimson and tamed curse mark in effects, moved with a calculated ferocity. He weaved through Baki's relentless taijutsu and ninjutsu, his movements a blur of speed and precision. Baki, a seasoned Jonin, countered with a seasoned experience, his attacks precise and lethal.
"You are persistent," Baki said, his voice a low, gravelly rasp, "but your efforts are in vain."
Sasuke gritted his teeth, his expression a mask of determination. "I won't give up," he growled.
Suddenly, a figure appeared behind Sasuke, a tall, muscular man with thick eyebrows and a green jumpsuit. "Sasuke!" Might Guy boomed, his voice filled with concern. "Are you alright?"
Before Baki could react, another figure, Gekko, emerged from the shadows, his blade flashing with deadly precision. Baki's head fell to the ruined floor, his eyes wide with shock.
Guy clapped Sasuke on the shoulder. "Good job, Sasuke! You held your own against a Jonin!" He then turned to Lee. "Lee! That was a magnificent display of youth!"
Lee, his body trembling, collapsed to the ground, his eyes still burning with determination. "I... I did it," he gasped, his voice barely audible.
After Baki's death, Sasuke reflected, "Even with my Sharingan and my knowledge of the future, I can't afford to slack off. I need to train harder. Especially physically like Lee. If I want to use the eight gates one day, I need to train my body."
Below, in the ruined arena, the remaining Sand Shinobi, witnessing the defeat of their leader and the monstrous Ichibi, began a disorganized retreat. They abandoned the fight, their morale shattered.
Kakashi Hatake appeared, his lone visible eye scanning the scene. He saw Naruto, unconscious amidst the wreckage, his body battered and bruised. A flicker of respect crossed Kakashi's face. "You did well, Naruto," he murmured, his voice laced with a hint of pride. He gently picked up Naruto, his expression a mix of concern and admiration.
Meanwhile, the evacuation of the civilians was complete. The Konoha 8, their faces etched with relief and exhaustion, stood amidst the ruins. Hinata, her lavender eyes filled with worry, scanned the battlefield. "Naruto..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Hiashi, carrying the unconscious Neji, looked at the two Hyuga Jonin who had been helping the Konoha 8. He gave them a silent order. The two Jonin approached Hinata. "Hinata-sama," one of them said, his voice respectful, "we must return to the Hyuga compound."
Hinata, her expression a mix of reluctance and resignation, nodded. "Very well," she said, her voice soft.
The remaining Konoha genins watched as Hinata was escorted away, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. Kiba and Choji, their injuries from sand shinobi's surprised attack more serious than initially thought, were being carried away on stretchers by Anbu, their faces pale and drawn.