Shizune and Terumi were both talented ninja, but Mei's prowess was undeniable. With two kekkei genkai, she held a formidable advantage. It was no surprise that, in the future, she would rise to become the Mizukage of the Kirigakure, a village where only the strongest could claim the title of Kage.
"Shizune, if it gets too tough, surrender." Tengen advised.
"Got it." Shizune nodded, descending to the arena.
Mei was already waiting, poised and confident.
The outcome was clear from the start. It didn't take long for Shizune to concede. Mei's kekkei genkai were overwhelming, leaving little room for counterattack. Continuing would have been futile, so Shizune chose to yield early, preserving her strength.
"I'll be waiting for you, Tengen." Mei said, her lips barely moving as she locked eyes with him. Her intent was unmistakable, she wanted a rematch in the finals.
Having secured victory in the upper bracket, Mei needed only to win the final to claim the championship. Tengen, in the lower bracket, was poised to advance, given his overwhelming strength and his recent triumph over Yugito. Mei was certain he'd make it through.
In the subsequent matches, Tengen faced Kurenai. He emerged victorious with ease. Her genjutsu, formidable as it was, held little sway against someone with the Mangekyo Sharingan. Tengen didn't even need to activate his eyes, a single glance could have ended it.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the tournament narrowed to its final match: Tengen versus Terumi, the championship bout.
"Please welcome Terumi and Tengen." Minato Namikaze, the referee, announced.
"We meet again." Mei said, flashing a radiant smile.
"Couldn't wait to see me, huh, Mei?" Tengen replied, grinning.
"You pervert." Mei said, her delicate face scrunching in mock indignation. "I've grown a lot this past month."
"So have I." Tengen said, eyeing her defiant expression. "What happens if you lose to me again?"
"Become your woman?" Tengen whispered, his voice low.
Mei, standing close, caught every word.
"I'm not that easy." She retorted, drawing her kunai. "Let's fight."
Tengen mirrored her, pulling out his own kunai.
Minato nodded at their readiness. "Begin!"
Clang. They charged, launching into the final match.
The battle was a spectacle, but the outcome was inevitable. Tengen claimed victory.
"So, Mei, you lost again." Tengen said, lowering the kunai he'd held at her throat. She had already surrendered.
Though Mei had wielded her kekkei genkai with greater precision, Tengen didn't meet her head-on. Instead, he relied on speed, lightning-fast movements that made it nearly impossible for her to land a hit. Seizing an opening, he closed the distance, forcing her to concede.
"That's twice now, Mei." Tengen said with a smile.
Mei huffed, her emotions a tangled mix. She felt something indefinable toward Tengen, but the impending departure of her village from Konoha in a few days stirred a reluctant pang of longing. Her heart was a storm of conflicting feelings.
With the final match concluded, the Chunin Exams drew to a close.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, took the stage to address the crowd, expressing gratitude to the ninja of the great villages and the daimyo and nobles in attendance. The decision on who would be promoted to Chunin would come later, determined by the consensus of the Kage and daimyo.
As the spectators dispersed, the competitors prepared to leave, knowing the final Chunin selections would be announced soon.
"Tengen, let's talk about that Rasengan sometime." Minato said, approaching him.
"Absolutely." Tengen replied. "Mine's just a variation of your Rasengan, Minato-sensei."
"I know it's a Rasengan. Jiraiya-sensei taught you, didn't he?" Minato said with a laugh.
"Of course I taught him, Minato." Jiraiya chimed in, joining them.
"Tengen." Tsunade said, her smile warm but laced with an edge that made Tengen's heart skip a beat. There was no escaping her now.
"How about we celebrate your victory, Tengen?" Jiraiya suggested, beaming. "You're the Chunin Exam champion. If you don't make Chunin, there's a conspiracy afoot."
Tengen's performance had been undeniable, his strength bordering on Jonin-level.
"Uh, Jiraiya, don't you have something to do tonight?" Tsunade said, her tone deceptively sweet.
"What? No, I'm free." Jiraiya said, genuinely confused.
"Oh, really?" Tsunade's hand crackled with chakra, a clear sign she was ready to throw punches.
"Oh, right! I do have something!" Jiraiya said, smacking his forehead and bolting from sight.
"So, Tengen." Tsunade said, her smile unnervingly kind, "don't we have something to discuss?"
"Fine." Tengen sighed, resigned to face the consequences of his actions.
***
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