Kazuku and the Third Kazekage's battle reached a fever pitch.
Using Iron Sand Wings, the Third Kazekage flew, distancing himself to negate Kazuku's taijutsu.
Then…
He unleashed iron sand feathers, aiming to force Kazuku's surrender.
Feathers filled the sky!
Even examiner Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't expect such a fearsome jutsu, dodging while sweating for Kazuku.
But…
Though the attack was fierce, Kazuku held a speed edge.
As feathers launched, he reopened the Gate of Limit, weaving through the arena, dodging each one.
Kazuku knew…
Prolonging this would let the Third Kazekage drain him.
"Time to end this."
He formed seals, creating two water clones.
The three Kazukus spread out, forming seals. "Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"
Springs surged, forming three water dragons, twisting toward the airborne Third Kazekage.
But…
Kazuku didn't expect the dragons to harm the iron sand master.
His real aim was to use them to create an opening.
The clones feigned attacks.
They leaped onto the dragons, opening the Gate of Life for speed.
In a breath, they flanked the Third Kazekage, spinning to deliver whip kicks.
Though clones had one-tenth Kazuku's strength, they were troublesome.
In a pinch, the Third Kazekage flapped his wings, swatting the clones to the ground like flies.
But the three dragons opened their maws, biting at him.
"That's the real goal."
The Third Kazekage realized Kazuku used clones to force his wings open, exposing him to the dragons.
"But… you underestimated my iron sand control!"
Admiring Kazuku's tactics, he was confident.
He recalled his wings, curling up, wrapping himself in iron sand.
Kazuku's dragons would hit only his defense.
No damage!
But…
This was Kazuku's plan!
He used clones to block retreat, forcing defense.
Though a B-rank jutsu, Water Dragon Bullet was potent.
No ninja would let it hit directly.
Given the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release…
His perfect response was a spherical iron sand shield.
In Shippuden, Gaara used this against Deidara's art.
As predicted, the Third Kazekage mirrored Gaara's choice.
In Gate of View, Kazuku unleashed full power, cracking the ground beneath him.
Shockwaves spread.
Boom!
With a sonic boom, Kazuku leaped, catching the airborne Third Kazekage, hovering behind him.
Knowing the iron sand armor, Kazuku held nothing back.
He clenched his fist, aiming for the Third Kazekage's back, coating it with Hashirama chakra.
"Cherry Blossom Impact!"
Punching, Kazuku maxed the buffered Gate of View, combining monstrous strength to peak his attack!
The iron sand cocoon crashed like a meteor, a deafening roar echoing through the arena!
Rumble!
Smoke billowed, forming a mushroom cloud!
The arena fell silent.
Everyone held their breath, eyes wide, staring at the cloud, desperate to know the Third Kazekage's fate.
"He's not dead, is he…?"
Sarutobi swallowed nervously.
He rushed to check the Third Kazekage.
Though the exam allowed casualties, they should be avoided.
Kazuku landed, collapsing before standing, releasing Eight Gates, panting.
He glanced at the Third Kazekage.
The cloud cleared, revealing him.
Iron sand scattered, the Third Kazekage lay motionless in a half-meter pit.
Sarutobi reached him, crouching, placing fingers on his neck.
The pulse beat.
He was alive.
"Medics!"
Fearing worsening condition, Sarutobi shouted.
Konohagakure medics snapped into action, rushing with a stretcher, gently placing the Third Kazekage on it.
No doubt…
Unconscious, he couldn't fight.
Sarutobi hurried to Kazuku, urging him up.
He grabbed Kazuku's wrist, raising his arm, announcing to the stands and Kage stand.
"I declare Konohagakure's Kazuku the victor of this match!"
After brief silence, the stands erupted in thunderous applause and cheers for Kazuku!
This was the most thrilling chunin exam they'd seen!
Both Kazuku and the Third Kazekage…
Were exceptional, powerful ninja!
Crucially…
Kazuku's odds against the Third Kazekage were one-to-five.
Many earned fortunes on his win.
Including someone on the Kage stand.
"Wahhh, Tobirama, I didn't expect Kazuku to win!"
Tobirama patted Hashirama's shoulder, urging calm with so many watching!
But as Tobirama thought Hashirama was thrilled for Kazuku…
"You don't know, Tobirama, I bet 10,000 ryo on Kazuku at one-to-five odds!"
"Damn, why didn't I bet everything on him!"
(End of Chapter)