Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Unseen Moves
The matches wore on, one by one, the contenders falling until the final match was announced. The anticipation in the air was palpable, with the academy students crowding closer to the edge of the fighting ground, eager to witness the grand finale.
"Final match: Shin Hamada versus Sasuke Uchiha!" Iruka's voice rang out, cutting through the hum of murmurs and gasps.
Shin stood at the edge of the training ground, his emerald eyes scanning the field as he took a deep breath. This was it—the moment he had fought so hard to reach. He stepped forward, his movements measured and calm, but his mind buzzed with thoughts.
He glanced around, catching glimpses of his former opponents, each one either defeated by him or by Sasuke.
As his eyes locked with Sasuke's, the animosity between them was almost tangible. Sasuke's dark gaze was sharp and dismissive, as though Shin were merely another obstacle to overcome. It stoked the fire burning in Shin's chest.
If it weren't for him taking out the strongest competitors early on, Shin mused, would I even be standing here? The thought made his fists tighten at his sides. It wasn't shame—it was a challenge. A reminder that this was his moment to prove he wasn't here by chance.
Shin inhaled deeply, forcing his nerves to settle. He wasn't just fighting for a title. He was fighting for his future.
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder as the tension thickened.
"Shin doesn't stand a chance. There's no way he can beat Sasuke," one girl whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Another chimed in, her tone dismissive. "Sasuke's on another level. Shin's probably trembling right now."
In contrast, a group of boys nearby exchanged hushed words. "It'd be nice if Shin put that stuck-up Uchiha in his place, though," one muttered.
"Yeah, but let's be real. Sasuke's going to wipe the floor with him," another replied, shaking his head.
Iruka's voice broke through Shin's thoughts. "Both fighters, take your positions!"
Shin stepped forward, his stance firm as he raised his fists. His gaze never wavered from Sasuke, who was already in position, his hands resting loosely by his sides as if this was nothing more than a child's play. He knew that Shin wasn't a match for him. After all, last time he almost killed him without breaking a sweat.
The tension was broken by Sasuke's voice, low and sharp, laced with venom. "Hamada…" Sasuke began, his smirk growing wider. "Try not to cry too much to your daddy when I beat your ass up."
The words drew gasps from the crowd. A few of Sasuke's admirers giggled, while others watched wide-eyed, waiting for Shin's response.
Shin's lips curled into a small, cold smile. He met Sasuke's gaze with unflinching resolve, his voice steady and cutting as he retorted, "Hmph… at least I have one."
The silence that followed was deafening. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as Shin's words sank in. The faint smirk that had played on Sasuke's lips vanished, replaced by a flash of rage. The crowd erupted in murmurs, the boys from earlier exchanging looks of surprise and approval.
"Damn," one whispered, barely containing a grin. "Again? Shin's bringing up Sasuke's family again?"
"Yeah... now Sasuke won't hold back. Shin might've just signed his own death warrant."
"That jerk again!" Sakura fumed, her hands balling into fists. "Doesn't he have any shame to continue insulting Sasuke-kun's family?"
Ino crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Shin with disdain. "Yeah..." She tossed her hair over her shoulder but couldn't hide the irritation in her tone. "I hope Sasuke-kun crashes him completely!"
Sasuke took a step forward, his posture rigid with anger, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The dismissiveness in his expression was gone, replaced by something colder, more dangerous. His voice was a low growl as he spoke. "You'll regret that. You'll regret insulting me and my family... I'll make you pay for the words you said today and yesterday."
The crowd held its breath, the tension so thick it felt like the air itself might snap. Shin tightened his grip, his knuckles whitening. His determination burned brighter than ever. There was no room for doubt even if Shin didn't like insulting Sasuke like that—didn't like seeing the clear pain in his eyes, either. But it had to be done. If he could get Sasuke angry enough, there was a chance that anger would mess with his movements, giving Shin even the slightest advantage. After all, Sasuke was far stronger than him, and Shin needed to win. He had no choice.
"Begin!"
The signal was given.
Sasuke launched himself forward like a coiled spring, his body a blur of motion, his fist cutting through the air with blinding speed. The intensity of his rush was like nothing Shin had ever experienced before—faster than any opponent he'd faced. Sasuke's eyes blazed with anger, his body moving with a fluidity that could only be described as terrifying precision.
Damn, here it comes! Shin thought, immediately recognizing the familiar rhythm of Sasuke's taijutsu, but this time it was different.
The strikes came faster than Shin could keep up with, each one landing with a sickening thud as he barely managed to deflect them with his forearms and palms. Sasuke's attacks were overwhelming—he wasn't holding back, not now. Every blow had the force of a battering ram, designed to break through defense and leave no room for retaliation. The Uchiha Clan's Phantom Fist was in full swing, each punch coming from unpredictable angles, like an invisible storm.
Shin was on the defensive, backing away step by step, struggling to keep his footing as Sasuke's relentless barrage continued. His arms were growing sore from blocking blow after blow, and his breath quickened as the pressure mounted.
This is insane... Shin thought, narrowly avoiding a devastating blow to his side. His speed... it's like he's everywhere at once. It's almost impossible to predict where the next strike is coming from. He could feel the air compress around him as Sasuke's strikes landed just inches away, sending shockwaves through his body with each close miss.
The Uchiha Clan's Phantom Fist was designed for one purpose: domination. The precision of each strike, the way his body flowed seamlessly from one attack to the next—it was clear Sasuke had mastered it. It was like watching a perfect storm unravel. The movement was natural, too quick for the human eye to catch, and yet every punch seemed to be a devastating combination of speed, strength, and technique.
But even as Shin struggled to survive under the barrage, a small part of him couldn't help but appreciate the beauty in Sasuke's movements.
It's like his body is an extension of his fist, Shin thought, dodging another strike by a hair's breadth. There's no wasted motion, every attack is calculated to hurt. There's no stopping this unless...
Shin's mind raced, calculating his chances, his eyes never leaving Sasuke's fast-moving form. But... he thought, a small spark of realization hitting him. It's still not as refined as the Gentle Fist, or even the Gale Fist. Sure, it's fast, and sure, it's strong, but it's more about overwhelming your opponent than precision...
As another punch from Sasuke came too close for comfort, Shin ducked under it, feeling the wind rush past his face. The Gentle Fist... the precision to target chakra points. That's the real killer. Sasuke's got power, sure, but his Phantom Fist doesn't focus on the precise, pinpoint strikes like the Gentle Fist does...
He gritted his teeth, raising his hands to block another strike that came in from the side, just as powerful as the first. And the Gale Fist, too—speed and fluidity combined to destroy an opponent with force and mobility. Sasuke's Phantom Fist, though it's quick, it doesn't flow quite like that... it's more rigid, more aggressive.
Shin's hands shook with exertion, sweat pouring down his face as Sasuke's attacks rained down without mercy. Still, Shin couldn't ignore the fact that Sasuke's style was devastating—just in a different way than the styles he respected. Sasuke's strikes came from all directions, battering his defenses, pushing him backward with each powerful strike.
This is bad... Shin thought, his chest tightening from the strain. But I can't let up. I have to keep fighting. He might be stronger than me, but I won't just let him break me.
The barrage continued as Sasuke pressed the attack, but Shin held his ground, still searching for that one moment—just one—when Sasuke's overwhelming speed and power might leave him open. Because, at this rate, Shin wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up before he was completely overwhelmed.
His instincts screamed at him to find an opening, to strike back, but with each moment, Sasuke was getting more and more furious, his punches becoming more powerful and reckless.
Shin saw the slight flash of desperation in Sasuke's eyes. Good, he thought. He's starting to lose control.
The idea of using Sasuke's anger against him formed in Shin's mind like a spark. The Uchiha was too focused on his rage now—too focused on overwhelming Shin with his raw power and speed. This was his chance. Shin quickly adjusted his stance, trying to bait Sasuke into making an even bigger mistake.
With a calm, almost mocking smirk, Shin leaned into the pressure. "Is that all you've got, Uchiha? All those fancy tricks... and you still can't land a hit?" he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Sasuke's eyes flared with fury. "Shut up!" he snarled, his next punch coming so fast it seemed to distort the air. But Shin saw it coming a mile away. He dodged to the side, barely avoiding the impact, and continued to provoke him.
"You think you're the best because of your bloodline, huh? What a joke. You're just a spoiled brat who doesn't know how to really fight," Shin continued, his words sharp like daggers. "Oh, sorry... you were a spoiled brat. There's nobody who spoils you anymore."
Sasuke's fists clenched tighter, his face contorting in pure rage. He was losing focus, and that was exactly what Shin had been hoping for. He saw Sasuke charge at him, fury clouding his usually controlled movements.
Now or never, Shin thought.
As Sasuke swung at him with a heavy, reckless punch, Shin dropped to one knee, just avoiding the hit. With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, Shin scooped up a handful of dirt from the training ground, throwing it straight into Sasuke's eyes.
The crowd gasped as Sasuke staggered back, blinded for a split second, his arms flailing as he tried to clear his vision. The dirt cloud had settled into his eyes, a dirty trick, but it was enough for Shin to gain some ground.
Sasuke wiped at his eyes furiously, his movements more erratic as he attempted to regain his bearings. Shin didn't waste a moment. He launched himself forward, landing a solid hit to Sasuke's chest, forcing the Uchiha to stumble back.
Shin kept up the pressure, his movements faster, more calculated, as he took advantage of Sasuke's impaired sight. The Phantom Fist's relentless power had been momentarily hindered, and Shin was not going to waste this chance. He could see the cracks in Sasuke's focus—his mind too clouded by rage to maintain his usual precision.
Shin pressed on, landing more hits, his fists connecting with Sasuke's body as the Uchiha stumbled backward, still trying to clear his eyes. The crowd was in stunned silence, unsure of what to make of the underhanded tactic, but Shin didn't care. The fight was his now.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Sasuke's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground. Shin stood over him, panting, his chest heaving with exhaustion. It wasn't a clean victory, but it was a victory nonetheless.
Sasuke's breathing was heavy, his fists clenched in the dirt. His eyes still stung from the dirt, and the rage burning in his chest was more than evident.
"You... bastard," Sasuke spat, his voice filled with venom. "This... this isn't over. I want a rematch!"
Shin, still catching his breath, looked down at Sasuke, but before the Uchiha could say anything else, Shin raised a hand to silence him.
"No," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I don't need a rematch. You lost." Shin's eyes flickered toward Iruka, seeking approval.
Iruka, though surprised by the dirty trick, saw the logic in Shin's actions. A shinobi knew how to use every advantage available—even the environment. Iruka nodded slightly, acknowledging Shin's use of tactics, despite their underhanded nature.
"Shin Hamada is the winner!" Iruka declared, his voice loud and clear.
Sasuke's expression twisted with disgust, his anger bubbling to the surface as he cursed under his breath. But he knew there was nothing he could do. His defeat was final. His pride had taken a hit, but his desire for revenge would have to wait.
To be continued...
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Sorry guys for not having upload yesterday, I was sick! To apologize I wrote you this super chapter! Hoped you liked it.
Also, don't forget to check out Hyperborea, my own original novel.