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Could Sunglasses Really Be This Useful?
Mei didn't know how to express the complicated emotions swirling inside her.
Just moments ago, she had been teasing Zabuza about his panda-like dark circles. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, Zabuza would actually benefit from his misfortune?
"What exactly happened just now?" Mei forced herself to ask.
If Zabuza dared to say that both sides were too fast for him to see clearly, she wouldn't mind letting him taste the "iron fist of justice."
"Their speeds were just too fast…" Zabuza turned his head, only to see Mei raising her arm. "What are you doing?" he asked, puzzled.
"Scratching my head," Mei quickly lowered her arm. "You didn't see anything?"
"Of course I did. I'm not nearsighted." Zabuza adjusted his sunglasses with both hands. "Just now, Akimoto Ruri used Lightning Release: Lightning Blitz, pushing her speed to the limit. But Midorima countered with Water Release: Wave Riding Strike, boosting his own speed as well. So, the real deciding factor was the moment their blades clashed. Clearly, Midorima came out on top—but it was a close call."
Mei's eyes were filled with skepticism. Zabuza's explanation sounded so fantastical that she couldn't help but wonder if he was making it up.
"Look, Midorima's sword shattered. That means he concentrated most of his chakra in his arms while using his jutsu. He twisted his body, swung his arm, and struck at Akimoto. But Akimoto was different—maybe because of her Lightning Release—she must have focused most of her chakra in her legs, planning to overwhelm Midorima with speed. But she failed." Zabuza sighed. "She probably didn't expect Midorima to be just as fast, which threw off her slashing rhythm."
At this moment, in Mei's eyes, Zabuza might as well have been a charlatan.
"You don't have the Byakugan. How could you possibly know Akimoto's chakra distribution?"
"Didn't you see the ground? Akimoto's path was marked by deep footprints, while Midorima's was smooth."
"Midorima's path was also wet," Mei retorted.
Unless one had the Byakugan, Zabuza's analysis was little more than guesswork—albeit educated guesswork.
It was possible that Akimoto had channeled more chakra into her legs, but Midorima had also used Water Release: Wave Riding Strike.
However, Zabuza's point about "Midorima's closing speed disrupting Akimoto's slashing rhythm" did hold some merit.
As for why Midorima's own slash wasn't affected—well, only Midorima himself could answer that.
When the referee had been about to announce the winner, Akimoto suddenly stood up, causing him to worry that she might pull off a second comeback. So, he brought the medical team onto the field first. Only after confirming that Akimoto had truly lost consciousness did he officially declare the match over, with Asachi Midorima as the victor.
Midorima watched as Akimoto was carried away on a stretcher. Instead of feeling triumphant, he was filled with melancholy. The sight of the roaring crowd in the stands only made everything feel surreal. Shaking his head slightly, he turned and walked back toward the competitor's tunnel.
Mei turned to Zabuza in surprise. "What about him?"
Zabuza rolled his eyes. "You're asking me? How should I know? Go ask him yourself!"
Without another word, Mei dashed after Midorima.
---
Meanwhile…
Igawa's mouth hung open in shock, unable to speak for a long moment.
He had assumed that Midorima, while stronger than the average medical-nin, wouldn't be anything extraordinary. But he had been wrong. The final exchange between Midorima and Akimoto Ruri was something even an ANBU operative might struggle to replicate.
It wasn't until someone nearby nudged him that he snapped out of his daze, his expression darkening. But then he remembered Ōgaki Yū's earlier words, and a flicker of confidence returned.
"Deputy…" A subordinate approached.
Igawa waved him off and stood up from his seat. He wanted to consult with Ōgaki Yū as soon as possible to discuss their next move.
Like most stadiums, the selection exam arena was divided into three main sections.
The innermost area was the competition floor, surrounded by spectator stands. Beneath the stands lay the operational zone, which included the competitors' lounge, referees' room, medical bay, staff offices, and other restricted areas accessible only to authorized personnel.
As Igawa left the spectator area and headed toward the operational zone, his mind was preoccupied with how to assign the strongest opponents to Midorima. He paid no attention to his surroundings—
"You—stop! Watch out!" His subordinate suddenly stepped in front of him, shouting at a figure ahead.
Igawa finally looked up and saw an old man in filthy clothes, carrying a fishing rod, charging straight toward him. Behind the old man were four or five security-nin in pursuit.
Seeing his path blocked, the old man swung his fishing rod, striking the subordinate's leg and forcing him to one knee.
Igawa's temper flared.
He was already in a foul mood, itching to take his frustrations out on someone. If this insolent old man wanted to be his punching bag, so be it.
Against a frail elder, ninjutsu was unnecessary. One punch would be enough to leave the old man bedridden, destined to die miserably in some forgotten corner three days later.
But just as Igawa threw his punch, the old man leaped high into the air, flipping a full 360 degrees.
Igawa's fist passed through empty air as the old man soared over his head. For a brief moment, their eyes met—and the old man even had the audacity to wink at him, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
That fleeting encounter sent a chill down Igawa's spine. Even after the old man landed and scurried away, Igawa remained frozen in place.
The Third… Was that the Third?
Wasn't he supposed to be dead?
Igawa's mind went blank, dread seeping into every fiber of his being.
"Sir, we'll capture that old man immediately!" A security-nin stood at attention beside him.
Igawa waved a dismissive hand. "Did you see him smile at me just now?"
"Uh…" The security-nin hesitated, unsure how to respond.
They hadn't seen it—but if Igawa was asking, something must have happened.
"His smile was… unnatural," one of them offered vaguely.
"Was it?" Igawa's face turned ashen. He waved again. "I'm tired. I'm going home. As for that old man… don't bother chasing him. You wouldn't catch him anyway."
"Understood!" The security-nin exhaled in relief.
As Igawa had said, capturing that old man was indeed beyond their capabilities.
The Third… The Third… Why isn't he dead?
No. He can't be allowed to live.
But I'm no match for him.
I need a plan… That's right—why didn't those people kill the Third?
This is their fault!
Only one thought dominated Igawa's mind now: Find a way to eliminate the Third Mizukage.
Compared to this, Midorima was a minor concern.
If Midorima lived, Igawa would merely suffer. But if the Third lived… he might die.
Lost in thought, Igawa hurriedly left the arena.
*****
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