Sakura Haruno is Usefull

Looking at the terrain altered by Kurotsuchi's Earth Release technique below, Ōnoki stroked his chin in satisfaction.

His sharp eyes, seasoned by years of experience, instantly noticed that the girl using Wind Release was already at her limit, her chakra nearly depleted.

"Heh, Lord Kazekage, it seems this round is ours," Ōnoki remarked, glancing at Rasa, who maintained a neutral expression.

"Against the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, Temari is still lacking," Rasa replied with a faintly indifferent tone.

Ōnoki, observing Rasa's calm demeanor, decided to drop the matter. After all, a flustered response would undermine the dignity of the Kazekage.

Shifting his gaze to the battlefield, where the outcome was all but decided, Ōnoki watched Kurotsuchi prepare another Earth Release technique.

"Earth Release: Opening Earth Rising Excavation!"

Having used Lava Release to evade the countless wind blades, Kurotsuchi found cover behind a stone wall and raised her hand for another advanced Earth Release jutsu.

The ground began to shift and rise, forming a volcano-like structure. Rocks spewed from the makeshift crater, hurtling toward Temari.

Kurotsuchi had held back with this technique. With her mastery of Fire, Water, and Earth chakra natures, she could have infused the rocks with flames. In the past, she had teamed up with her father, Kitsuchi, to use this technique to clear out large numbers of White Zetsu.

Now, exhausted from her ultimate Wind Release move, Temari could only dodge the onslaught of rocks in a desperate attempt to avoid defeat.

Kurotsuchi, atop her battered stone golem, advanced toward Temari with a confident smile.

"Don't underestimate the ninjas of Iwagakure," she said, her voice firm. "But you're not too bad. I acknowledge you."

Temari, her lips pressed tightly, reluctantly admitted defeat to the raven-haired girl standing confidently before her. "I lost..."

As Temari's words echoed across the arena, Shiranui Genma appeared seemingly out of nowhere and declared to the spectators, "The winner: Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure."

The crowd erupted into even louder applause than for the previous match. While Naruto and Neji's battle was thrilling, it had largely been an exchange of taijutsu. This match, on the other hand, showcased a variety of ninjutsu, satisfying the spectators' appetite for dazzling techniques.

Genma glanced at the arena and announced lazily, "Five-minute break for Earth Release users to repair the field. Next contestants, prepare yourselves."

In the participants' resting area, Naruto finally managed to escape from Lee's endless chatter and frowned. "Where's Sakura? The third round is about to start!"

Sasuke, observing Naruto's concern, remained silent. Watching the two intense battles had stirred his fighting spirit, bringing him closer to the mindset Kakashi had taught him.

A blade.

That was what Kakashi had emphasized—not a sword, but a blade. While a sword is an instrument of nobility, a blade exists solely for battle, designed to taste the blood of enemies.

The legendary White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, had carved his reputation on the battlefield with such a blade, overshadowing even the Sannin at his peak.

Nearby, Gaara's gaze fell on Sasuke, sensing his brewing battle intent. His lips curved into a sinister smile. This guy… his blood must taste exquisite.

Gaara's killing intent filled the room, causing everyone to glance his way. "What's with this guy?" Naruto muttered, frowning.

"In a place like this, flaunting killing intent will only provoke anger," Akatsuchi remarked, scratching his head uneasily.

"Hmph, are you getting impatient too?" Sasuke asked, activating his two-tomoe Sharingan as he locked eyes with Gaara, their sharp glares clashing in the air.

"This guy…" Naruto muttered again, a strange sense of familiarity gnawing at him.

"Best not to fight here," came a soft voice from the corner of the room. Everyone turned to find Shino Aburame standing there unnoticed until now.

"If you must fight, save it for the arena," Shino added calmly, pushing up his dark glasses.

"Who are you?" Akatsuchi asked, confused.

"…I'm your opponent, Aburame Shino," he replied after a pause.

"Ah, sorry about that," Akatsuchi said, bowing in sincere apology. His earnestness, while genuine, was disarmingly blunt.

Shino, expression obscured by his glasses, remained silent for a moment before responding, "...It's fine."

At that moment, Genma's voice called Akatsuchi and Shino to the arena. "Looks like it's our turn," Akatsuchi said, giving Shino a hearty smile before heading out.

Kurotsuchi, having returned victorious, clapped Akatsuchi on the back. "Go get 'em! Beat… uh, whoever you're fighting!"

Shino, hearing this, paused briefly before continuing toward the arena.

Meanwhile, Sakura sat on the rooftop of the spectators' stands, munching on dango and watching Akatsuchi's stone golem fall apart under a swarm of insects. The sight of the bugs gnawing away reminded her of the sesame seeds on her snack, momentarily spoiling her appetite.

"What are you doing up here?" Kakashi asked, appearing beside her without warning.

"I could ask you the same," Sakura retorted, swallowing the last of her dango.

"Naruto seems worried about you," Kakashi noted casually.

Sakura merely acknowledged his words with a brief nod, her focus returning to the battle below.

In the arena, Shino emerged victorious once again, his swarm of insects draining Akatsuchi's chakra and ensuring his flawless winning streak remained intact.

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