The moment the match began, it became painfully clear that Ino had the upper hand. Her movements were sharp, precise, and controlled, while Sakura, despite her determination, was struggling to keep up. Ino darted forward, closing the distance in an instant, forcing Sakura onto the defensive.
From the balcony, Raven leaned on the railing, watching with interest. "Let's go, Ino. Show her what real Taijutsu looks like."
Sakura lunged, throwing a desperate punch, but Ino caught her wrist mid-air, twisting sharply and flipping her onto the ground. The impact sent a sharp grunt from Sakura's lips as dust rose around her.
"Too slow," Ino said simply, stepping back as Sakura scrambled to her feet.
Naruto winced. "Sakura's not looking so good…"
Sakura shook off the pain, exhaling hard before dashing forward again, but Ino was faster. She sidestepped and slammed a sharp elbow into Sakura's ribs, sending her skidding back.
"You keep attacking like you think we're equals," Ino said, flicking her ponytail. "But the truth is… you never caught up."
Sakura gritted her teeth, frustration burning in her eyes. "Shut up!" She charged again, but her movements were sloppy—predictable. Ino sighed, catching her by the shoulder and driving her knee into her stomach.
Sakura's breath left her in a choked gasp.
Raven smirked. "Oof. That looked like it hurt."
Ino didn't give her a chance to recover. She pivoted, sweeping Sakura's legs out from under her and pinning her to the ground with one knee. Sakura struggled, but Ino's grip was unshakable.
"It's over," Ino said, voice calm but final.
Sakura fought against her hold, but her limbs were trembling, her body drained. The frustration in her eyes flickered into reluctant acceptance. She wasn't strong enough. Not yet.
Hayate, watching closely, gave a small nod. "Sakura can no longer continue. Winner: Ino Yamanaka."
A murmur went through the crowd. Some were surprised by how effortless Ino's win had been, while others nodded knowingly.
Sakura lay there for a moment, breathing hard, before she forced herself to sit up. She didn't look at Ino. Instead, she looked down at her hands, fingers curling into fists.
Ino stepped back, watching her for a moment before speaking. "You're not weak, Sakura. But if you want to keep up with the rest of us… you need to do better."
Sakura exhaled shakily but gave a small nod. "I know."
Naruto, despite his usual energy, looked serious. "She fought hard."
Hinata, standing near Raven, whispered, "But she wasn't ready."
Raven smirked. "Well, I know someone who was."
Ino barely had time to turn before Raven was suddenly in front of her, smirking. "Now that's what I like to see."
Ino blinked. "Huh?"
Raven placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "A girl who knows how to handle herself."
The second Ino processed that sentence, her face exploded into a deep red flush. Steam literally rose from the top of her head as she stammered incoherently.
"W-w-w-what—"
Raven leaned in closer, smirking. "Why are you so red?"
Ino let out a strangled noise as Raven reached up and rubbed her burning cheek with her thumb. The steam only got worse.
Naruto watched in confusion. "Uh… what's happening to Ino?"
Tenten, standing nearby, sighed. "She's malfunctioning."
Ino suddenly jerked away, pointing at Raven with a shaking hand. "S-stay back! I—I am NOT—not going to be one of your future wives!"
Raven raised an eyebrow, amusement flashing in her violet eyes. "Mmm. Sounds like denial to me."
Ino froze. Then whipped around and stormed off, red-faced, her body still letting off steam.
Raven chuckled, crossing her arms. "She'll come around."
Tenten sighed. "And now I understand why Hinata fainted last time."
Naruto shook his head. "I don't get it. What's happening?"
Hinata was covering her face behind her hands, too flustered to speak.
Before things could escalate further, the screen flickered, drawing everyone's attention. The next matchup was appearing.
Tenten vs. Temari.
Tenten cracked her knuckles, rolling her shoulders. "Alright. Time to show what I've got."
Temari, arms crossed, smirked. "Try not to disappoint me."
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