Chapter 19 - Tournament Finale (1/2)
The crowd roars in applause as Itachi makes his way back to the waiting room.
”I can't believe he actually cut through that bakudo so easily!”
”Now I want to believe that he let himself get caught.” Some students discussed amongst themselves.
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Aizen remained silent with a smile on his face. He looked at the disappearing kido that Itachi had cut through. When he walked out there was no change in his eyes. 'So even after that, she still wasn't able to force him to use his eye technique'
Byakuya remained silent. Although he was somewhat disappointed at Akemi's loss, he knew her opponent was far stronger. However, she had still managed to surprise him with her final technique. To be able to use such a level of kido after a year at the academy showed her potential.
Soifon looked towards the exiting Itachi. 'His final shunpo was flawless. With his technique and demeanor, he would be an exceptional recruit for the 2nd squad.
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Once the match is done, the announcer declares the winner and sets a 30 minute break for both participants to rest.
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”Itachi!!” A voice calls out from behind him. Itachi turns around and sees Itsuki standing at the doorway. Itsuki takes a seat next to Itachi.
”I knew you would make it to the final round! And I know you'll win this! Although that sixth year looks kinda tough too. Nothing you can't handle though right?”
Itachi replies with a nod and looks back up at the monitor which was now displaying the final bracket. He looks at Eiji's picture and remembers him occasionally meeting with Tatsumi sometimes. Suddenly two medical shinigami barge through the entrance to the breakroom.
”You can't leave the medical ward so early! You haven't been fully checked yet!” One of them scolds Itsuki while the other one grabs him. Itsuki gets dragged out of the break room as Itachi watches him struggle and waves goodbye.
Suddenly another person takes a seat next to him where Itsuki originally was sitting. It was Hideki Eiji.
”I look forward to our match Uchiha.” Hideki comments.
”Likewise.” Itachi replies. Hideki gets up and walks to the other side of the break room while Itachi enters a trance-like state as he remembers the previous matches Eiji was fighting in. Just like Itachi, Eiji had also won his matches easily without using his asauchi or kido.
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”LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, THIS IS THE FINAL MATCH OF THE FIRST SHINO ACADEMY TOURNAMENT. YOU CAN JUST FEEL THE TENSION IN THE AIR BETWEEN THESE TWO COMPETITORS. THEY BOTH MADE IT THIS FAR WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT! BUT THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE WINNER. WHO WILL IT BE? FIRST YEAR UCHIHA ITACHI OR SIXTH YEAR HIDEKI EIJI! LET THE MATCH BEGIN!!” The announcer yells out.
Neither Itachi or Eiji make a move as the match starts. The two of them lock eyes and the crowd grows silent as they feel the tension in the air. Eiji starts to slowly ramp up his reiatsu and Itachi does the same.