From Earth to Infinity: A Second Chance

Neji Hyuga vs Misumi Tsurugi

As the next match was announced, Hayate Gekko called out, "Neji vs. Misumi." The two competitors stepped forward to take their places in the arena.

Before the fight began, Hinata offered Neji a quiet encouragement. "Good luck, Neji," she said with a gentle smile. The two of them had grown closer over the years, developing a bond more akin to that of a brother and sister.

Neji gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Hinata," he replied calmly, his expression focused.

The fighters took their stances, with Neji adopting the classic Hyuga Gentle Fist style, his hands raised and ready to intercept any attack. Misumi, known for his ability to manipulate his body like a serpent, eyed his opponent warily, understanding the danger of getting too close to the Byakugan user.

Gekko, still struggling with his persistent cough, raised his hand. "Begin!"

Without hesitation, Neji activated his Byakugan, the veins around his eyes bulging as his vision expanded to see the flow of chakra throughout Misumi's body. He was ready to exploit any opening, while Misumi prepared to test Neji's renowned defense.

Neji initiated his attack, but Misumi's unusual agility allowed him to evade the strikes. Using his Soft Physique Modification, a technique that made his body flexible like a snake's, Misumi twisted and contorted to avoid Neji's relentless Gentle Fist strikes. It was an ability quite opposite to the Akimichi Clan's techniques, making his movements unpredictable and hard to pin down.

However, Neji's precision only intensified with each attempt, his determination reflecting the reputation he had earned as a genius of the Hyuga Clan. As Misumi struggled to maintain his evasive maneuvers, he decided to create a water clone to distract Neji. The clone leapt forward as a decoy, while Misumi circled around to launch a surprise attack from behind.

"A surprise strike from behind—no one can dodge that, not even a Hyuga," Misumi thought, convinced he had an opening.

However, Misumi underestimated the power of the Byakugan. Neji's advanced visual prowess allowed him to see in all directions, making it clear which was the real opponent and which was the clone. Neji's eyes narrowed as he prepared to counter the pincer attack.

Activating his signature technique, Neji announced, "Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" With flawless speed and accuracy, he began the assault. Each strike landed with increasing intensity, bursting the water clone and hitting Misumi's chakra points in rapid succession. Misumi's body trembled as his chakra network was disrupted, leaving him unable to continue the fight.

Recognizing his defeat, Misumi raised his hand. "I give up," he declared, breathless and defeated.

"Neji wins!" Gekko proclaimed, and the crowd erupted with applause at the display of Neji's skill.

Kankurō vs Dosu Kinuta

With Neji's victory, only six contestants remained: one from Otogakure, two from Konohagakure, and three from Sunagakure. The tension in the arena continued to build as the next match was announced.

Hayate Gekko called out, "Kankuro vs. Dusa."

The two fighters stepped into the ring, each preparing for the battle ahead. Kankuro quickly took out his puppet, which resembled a large, segmented caterpillar. Its joints and limbs were hidden beneath bandages, concealing the true nature of the puppet's capabilities.

Dusa eyed the puppet warily, knowing that puppeteers from the Sand Village were known for their tricky and deceptive fighting styles. As they took their stances, the audience leaned forward in anticipation, eager to see what tactics the Sunagakure puppet master would use against his opponent.

"Begin!" Gekko's voice rang out, signaling the start of the match.

As the fight began, Kankuro immediately took control of his puppet, Karasu, which was disguised as a wrapped-up bundle resembling a caterpillar. Dosu, with his mastery over sound-based attacks, wasn't intimidated and prepared to use his Melody Arm to launch a sound wave attack.

Gekko announced, "Begin!"

Kankuro swiftly maneuvered Karasu, sending it towards Dosu at high speed. Dosu, anticipating a straightforward assault, unleashed his sound wave in an attempt to disrupt the puppet's movement. However, Kankuro was prepared for this and made Karasu dodge, avoiding the brunt of the sound wave.

Dosu's eyes narrowed as he realized that hitting the puppet wouldn't be easy. He redirected his focus and tried to get closer to Kankuro himself, intending to use the Melody Arm at close range.

As Dosu approached, Kankuro smirked, pulling the strings of Karasu with a sudden motion. The puppet's compartments opened, revealing hidden blades and traps, which lunged at Dosu from different angles. Dosu barely managed to dodge the attacks, but in doing so, he was forced to retreat, losing his momentum.

"You're not getting close that easily," Kankuro taunted, keeping Dosu at bay with Karasu's relentless strikes.

Dosu quickly realized that Kankuro's puppet, Karasu, was the main obstacle keeping him at bay. With no clear way to get closer, Dosu decided that the best strategy was to destroy the puppet entirely, using his sound-based offensive attacks to shatter its structure.

He launched a barrage of sound waves from his Melody Arm, striking at the puppet from multiple angles while deftly evading Karasu's counterattacks. The relentless onslaught gradually took its toll, and small cracks began to form on Karasu's wooden exterior. Seeing the damage accumulate, Kankuro's expression tightened; he knew that if Karasu were destroyed, he'd be left vulnerable and without his primary means of combat.

Determined not to let Dosu gain the upper hand, Kankuro intensified his own attacks, controlling Karasu with even fiercer precision. The puppet's limbs lashed out, its hidden compartments springing open to reveal blades and traps, forcing Dosu to stay on the move. It became a battle of attrition, with each fighter pushing their techniques to the limit, knowing that the outcome depended on which one of them could endure just a bit longer.

As the fight wore on, the cracks on Kankuro's puppet, Karasu, deepened. Dosu, despite suffering multiple cuts and bruises from the puppet's relentless attacks, saw his opportunity to secure victory. With one final, concentrated assault, Dosu's sound waves shattered Karasu, leaving it in pieces scattered across the arena floor.

Kankuro's expression shifted to frustration and resignation. Without his puppet, he had no reliable means to defend himself or counterattack against Dosu's sound-based techniques. Recognizing his disadvantage, Kankuro took a step back and raised his hand in surrender.

"I give up," he declared, his voice calm but resigned.

Gekko nodded and raised his arm. "Winner: Dosu," he announced.

The arena echoed with a mix of cheers and murmurs, as spectators took in the intense showdown between the puppet master and the sound shinobi.