A flurry of attacks left the audience in awe.
Although the sequence seemed simple at first glance, for someone of Minato Namikaze's age to chain together Shadow Shuriken, explosive tags, and a Wind Release technique was incredibly rare.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had a glint of admiration in his eyes, almost ready to applaud.
"Minato should have won by now. His timing was perfect—there's no way to dodge that."
"Taking a direct hit from a C-rank jutsu is impossible to endure. Even if Yoru somehow withstands it, he'll be injured, and that will cost him the match."
A few Jonin discussed among themselves, convinced that the battle was over.
In the arena, Minato maintained his hand-seal posture, his expression serious and unwavering.
The approaching whirlwind howled toward Yoru, yet his gaze remained calm, a flicker of intrigue flashing in his eyes.
He had to admit—Minato's timing was impeccable. His attack struck at the exact moment when Yoru's previous shockwave had fully dissipated, leaving no room to evade.
With his punch already thrown and his body's momentum pushing forward, dodging was nearly impossible.
"If it were anyone else, they'd already have lost… Their body trapped, no time to weave hand seals."
"But unfortunately for you, Minato… your opponent is me."
Yoru's thoughts flashed like lightning. Even as the Wind Release jutsu surged forward, he remained composed.
If dodging was impossible, why bother?
A mere C-rank jutsu—so what?
If one punch wasn't enough, he'd throw another.
In the next moment—
Yoru's right fist remained extended, while his left hand clenched tightly.
Buzz!
A dim white glow shimmered across his knuckles.
Then, with a sharp breath, the glow intensified!
With all his might, Yoru drove his left fist forward, unleashing a concentrated burst of shockwave energy.
BOOM!
The entire arena trembled as white shockwaves exploded outward.
Yoru's punch tore into the whirling Wind Release jutsu.
CRACK!
The shockwave radiated in all directions, engulfing the entire space in front of him.
It was a direct clash—Shock Release versus Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!
BOOM!
A deafening explosion erupted as the Wind Release jutsu shattered under the sheer force of Yoru's punch!
Previously, Yoru couldn't yet break through a C-rank Fireball Jutsu with his bare fists.
But now?
He could obliterate C-rank techniques with raw power alone!
For a moment, the arena fell into stunned silence.
"My god… A C-rank jutsu… was broken apart just like that?!"
"His Kekkei Genkai is absurdly strong!"
"If he can crush C-rank jutsu with a single punch, then Yoru's power is already beyond our level!"
Gasps of disbelief filled the stadium.
Even the observing Jonin were left speechless.
None of them had expected Yoru's Shock Release to be so overpowering—strong enough to shatter a fully-formed Wind Release technique.
At the same time, Minato Namikaze—who had assumed he had won—felt his heart sink.
"This… this level of power…?!"
For the first time in the battle, Minato's confidence wavered.
Beating Yoru was far more difficult than he had imagined.
At this rate… he might lose.
On the other side, Yoru flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulders slightly.
The last punch had been at full power.
Unleashing Shock Release at such intensity placed some strain on his body.
"Seems like I only need about eighty percent of my strength to break through a C-rank jutsu."
A hint of satisfaction crossed Yoru's face as he locked eyes with Minato again.
Then—
Swish!
His figure blurred, launching himself straight at Minato once more.
Minato, seeing this, didn't hesitate to retreat.
There was no chance he was engaging in close combat.
A single punch from Yoru could instantly decide the match.
And yet, despite Minato's incredible reflexes, his raw speed was still slightly inferior.
Although his reaction time was superior to almost anyone else, he had yet to learn the Flying Thunder God technique. In a pure speed contest, he couldn't outrun Yoru.
Within moments, Yoru closed the gap.
Boom!
A heavy punch swung down.
In the final instant, Minato's fingers blurred into a rapid sequence of hand seals.
In a near-instantaneous motion, he activated the Substitution Jutsu.
CRACK!
The wooden log left behind in his place shattered into splinters under Yoru's blow.
Far away, Minato reappeared, sweat beading on his forehead as he panted.
"Damn… This is getting exhausting."
Seeing Minato's ragged breathing, Yoru spoke calmly.
"This is getting tedious… Let's end this, shall we?"
Minato's endurance was no match for Yoru, who had activated the first gate of the Eight Gates.
If the chase continued, Minato would inevitably lose.
"Yes… It's time to finish this."
Minato took a deep breath, his eyes flickering with determination.
A moment later—
His fingers moved once more.
Another C-rank jutsu.
"Fire Release! Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
The move took the audience by surprise.
Even Yoru hesitated slightly, unsure of Minato's plan.
His punches could effortlessly shatter C-rank jutsu—why waste chakra?
That's when Yoru noticed something.
From the corner of his eye, he spotted another Minato—positioned behind him.
A Shadow Clone?!
The entire stadium gasped.
No one had seen when Minato had used the technique.
But then—
The "clone" behind Yoru moved, forming hand seals.
"Wind Release! Great Breakthrough!"
BOOM!
A storm erupted—one fire, one wind.
One in front, one behind.
A pincer attack.
Two C-rank jutsu, fused into one.
Wind fueled fire.
A roaring inferno.
An inescapable trap!