Reborn into Naruto World with Tenseigan

After the intense battle between Neji and Naruto, the arena was swiftly repaired to proceed with the next matches. The following bouts proved to be equally thrilling, with many graduating trainees showcasing skills far beyond typical Genin levels. However, due to the intense and fierce nature of Naruto and Neji’s showdown, the ordinary audience was still immersed in the aftermath, resulting in a somewhat subdued response to the subsequent battles.

It wasn’t until the match between Nara Shikamaru and Sai that the crowd’s emotions were reignited once more.

Shikamaru can be considered the think tank or war strategist of the new generation. With an IQ score of 200, he undoubtedly stands out as the best when it comes to using wit and planning among his peers. Shikamaru’s talent is so remarkable that not only the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans but even other Shinobi clans have exceptionally high hopes for him.

While Shikamaru may lack the raw power and Uchiha bloodline of Sasuke, the outstanding talent and Hyuga bloodline of Neji, or the support of the Nine-Tails and the bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan, he compensates with intelligence and carefully trained techniques. This allows him to stand on the same level as some of the most talented individuals in this era.

Naturally, Shikamaru has been the primary focus of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, tasked with competing against other exceptional peers. Due to the reforms implemented in the Konoha Ninja Academy by Kuroto, considering the tense situation in the Shinobi World, Shikamaru has received personal training from Nara Shikaku as a war strategist.

Despite his inclination to be lazy and prefer spending time watching clouds, Shikamaru’s temperament is not entirely carefree, especially given his young age.

Sai, on the other hand, was raised in Roots until the age of eight. When Danzo assumed the role of temporary acting Hokage, Sai was dispatched to the Konoha Ninja Academy with the task of monitoring both the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Uzumaki Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke.

After Danzo’s defection, Sai was relieved of his mission. He, along with his sworn brother, started living a normal life while continuing his studies at the Konoha Ninja Academy. However, it’s essential to note that Sai is anything but weak. His training has been rigorous and unwavering. While Roots may have been disbanded, Anbu still exists, and Sai has received training from some of the best Anbu, making him impeccable in every aspect.

On one side stood the impeccable genius of the Nara Clan, while on the other side stood a child who had survived in one of the most challenging environments under the watchful eye of one of the cruelest shinobi. Even before the battle began, the audience was already highly intrigued. Furthermore, the unique set of secret techniques employed by the two combatants further captured the audience’s attention.

Shikamaru utilizes the Secret Technique of the Nara Clan, allowing him to control not only his own shadow but also that of others. On the flip side, Sai employs a different Secret Technique acquired during his time working for Root. This technique enables him to bring forth his ‘art’ and manipulate ink.

What sets Sai apart is his rare ability among shinobi—he can engage in aerial battles. He has the unique capability to create ink birds, using them to navigate the skies with exceptional maneuverability. This skill makes him highly esteemed in Konoha, as shinobi capable of aerial combat are always highly valued.

Considering all aspects of Shikamaru and Sai, it’s evident that their battle would be captivating to watch. It stands in stark contrast to the showdown between Neji and Naruto, offering a completely different dynamic.

If the clash between Naruto and Neji was a straightforward confrontation involving Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, the face-off between Shikamaru and Sai delved into secret techniques, tactics, wisdom, and the art of outthinking one another.

While the level of destruction might not have matched the intensity of the battle between Neji and Naruto, the scope of Shikamaru and Sai’s confrontation extended three-dimensionally. Sai utilized his ink birds, launching a series of aerial attacks on Shikamaru. In response, Shikamaru exploited the fact that Sai’s airborne ink birds cast shadows on the ground, cleverly using it against him. Just as Sai could create various forms of artwork using ink, Shikamaru demonstrated his prowess by manipulating shadows in equally creative and strategic ways.

Despite lacking any means of aerial combat, Shikamaru demonstrated his strategic prowess by outsmarting Sai. He cleverly used himself as bait, luring his opponent into a trap and securing a victory.

As the battle between Sai and Shikamaru concluded, applause erupted from the spectators, acknowledging the incredible performance of both warriors. Their confrontation truly embodied a comprehensive Shinobi battle, encompassing nearly all aspects related to Shinobi Warfare.

Undoubtedly, this fact captured the attention of seasoned Shinobi who recognized the depth and complexity of the engagement.

Not only were trainees like Sasuke, Neji, Mika, and Kiyomi extremely skilled in tactical warfare, but even seasoned individuals like Kakashi, Shisui, Kuroto, Asuma, Jiraiya, and Tsunade-hime, along with various patriarchs, skilled shinobi, and the Elders Hiruzen and Koharu, applauded both participants for their amazing battle.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the impact of their battle reached everyone in the audience, regardless of their skill level. While the battle may not have been overly flashy, it left a profound impression on all who witnessed it.

Even individuals like Sasuke and Neji, known for their prowess, were taken aback by the exceptional performance of Shikamaru and Sai. This realization prompted them to pay closer attention to these two hidden gems. During regular duels in classes, neither Shikamaru nor Sai had showcased such incredible talent; they had merely performed well enough to avoid falling to the bottom of the rankings. However, in this battle, both Neji and Sasuke acknowledged that even the seemingly free-spirited and lazy Shikamaru, as well as the shy and taciturn Sai, were unpolished hidden gems that had started to shine brightly.

As these thoughts echoed in the minds of the twin stars of Konoha Ninja Academy, the next matchup was announced, “Next up is… Uchiha Sasuke vs Rock Lee!”

“Seems like it’s my turn,” muttered Sasuke as he focused his thoughts and stepped forward with a nonchalant expression. He didn’t attach much importance to this fight; Sasuke didn’t believe he needed to be overly serious when facing Rock Lee. Apart from Neji and Naruto, Sasuke didn’t think he had to pay special attention to anyone else.

While a battle with Shikamaru and Sai would be challenging, Sasuke maintained complete confidence in his skills and believed he would emerge victorious. However, he wasn’t as certain about his chances against Neji and Naruto. As for Rock Lee? Sasuke didn’t care much about this upcoming battle at all!

…

Might Guy patted Lee on the shoulders and said, “Go, Lee… show everyone the flames of passion and youth burning in your heart!”

“Yes, Guy Sensei… I will do my best!” Lee nodded as tears of passion streamed down his eyes.

Guy smacked Lee on the shoulder and exclaimed, “Lee, you fool! This is no time to be crying!”

“Guy-Sensei!”

“Lee!”

“Guy-Sensei!”

“Lee!”

“Guy-Sensei!”

Standing beside the duo of master and disciple, Shizune could no longer bear to watch them and urged, “Hurry up…! Everyone is waiting!”

Rock Lee glanced at Sasuke for a moment, then turned back to Guy and asked, “Guy-Sensei, can I win against Sasuke?”

Might Guy flashed his iconic smile and gave a thumbs-up, saying, “Don’t worry about such things… just go out there and do your best. If you give it your all, you will definitely be able to defeat Uchiha Sasuke!”

“Yes, I understand!” Lee nodded. Though still nervous, as he had never managed to win against Sasuke, seeing Guy’s smile made him confident, and he walked toward the arena.

Watching Rock Lee march toward the arena, Guy smiled and said, “Today, the Green Beast of Prey shall bloom once again!”