This kid... he's grown into a formidable warrior. Those eyes, that power... he's no longer the wet-behind-the-ears ninja I once fought. I may have lost, but seeing his growth... it's almost worth it." Zabuza thought
Naruto-kun... you've become so strong." Haku thought
"Sensei wasn't kidding when he said the kid was strong" Jiraiya thought
Such power in one so young. He could become a major force in the future. Konoha's strength has increased significantly with him in their ranks." Ohnoki thought
"Naruto Uzumaki... he's an incredible ninja. I wonder how he and Uraume are connected" Mei thought
This kid's something else. We need to stay on our toes. A power like that can change everything." Darui thought
Naruto's abilities are remarkable." Cee
"Naruto's power is unbelievable. I wonder how he developed such strength." Kurotsuchi
"This kid is incredible" Akatsuchi
Ay, the Raikage, threw his robes aside and jumped into the arena. His muscular frame and fierce expression conveyed his readiness for battle. ### Pre-Fight Interlude: A Moment of Revelation
Before the battle with the Raikage commenced, Naruto raised his hand, signaling for a brief pause. The unexpected request drew curious glances from the onlookers. Ay, standing across the arena, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Timeout? You're an Uzumaki," Ay declared, his voice carrying across the silent arena. "Your fight with Zabuza shouldn't be enough to tire you out."
Naruto's eyes widened slightly at Ay's words. "Uzumaki...". He made a mental note to ask Hiruzen about the Uzumaki clan later.
Without further ado, Ay dismissed the notion of a timeout with a wave of his hand, ready to press on with the fight. "Let's get on with it, boy. Show me what you're really made of."
Naruto nodded. His thoughts "Let's see what the Raikage's capable of."
"He's shown remarkable strength against Zabuza, but let's see how he handles my taijutsu. I need to gauge his true capabilities." Ay thought
Without hesitation, Ay charged at Naruto with his incredible speed and strength, initiating a fierce taijutsu battle.
Naruto braced himself, ready for the onslaught. Ay's speed was incredible, and he closed the distance in an instant. The Raikage's first attack was a powerful punch aimed at Naruto's stomach. Naruto blocked the blow, feeling the raw power behind it, and countered with a swift kick.
The two exchanged blows in a rapid flurry of punches and kicks. Ay's strength and speed were overwhelming, but Naruto managed to keep up. As they clashed, Naruto incorporated Cleave into his attacks.
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Each time he made physical contact with Ay, a slashing force erupted from his touch, cutting through Ay's defenses.
Ay felt the sting of Cleave, his skin splitting open from the invisible slashes.
