Naruto: Dark Naruto Overtakes!

This is... steel plates!

Might Duy's kicks… no wonder they feel so heavy and powerful!

Wearing such weights and still moving so effortlessly…

Just like Sakumo Hatake, Might Duy is not to be underestimated.

This was Naruto's first thought after exchanging kicks with Might Duy.

Naruto furrowed his brows slightly, sensing a tremor originating from his calf and spreading slowly across his entire body.

There was nothing he could do about it—his age limited his physical development, and taijutsu was undeniably his weakest point.

To make matters worse, the system had restricted ninjutsu, genjutsu, and even nin-taijutsu, leaving him unsure whether he could use them at all.

As always, the system demonstrated its Tencent-like brilliance.

Might Duy's mastery of taijutsu, however, was so advanced that calling him a Special shinobi seemed like an understatement.

Why did he only reveal the Eight Gates technique right before his death?

Interesting… there's something worth pondering here.

But regardless of Might Duy's circumstances, using him to refine his taijutsu seemed like a good idea…

With this thought, Naruto's azure eyes gleamed with determination.

Relaxing his calf muscles, he used the momentum to swiftly retreat, performing a backflip to steady himself.

"Might Duy-san, I've heard you only practice taijutsu."

"That's right. I'm an idiot—not like you geniuses," Might Duy replied, his tone somewhat subdued. "But I will prove that a taijutsu-only ninja is no less than you prodigies."

Might Duy spoke boldly, seemingly unfazed by how fatal the lack of ninjutsu could be for a ninja.

Like the Eight Gates Formation of Guy-sensei… immensely powerful yet fleeting as a blossom.

In a flash, countless thoughts ran through Naruto's mind.

He raised his head slightly, looking at Might Duy with a glimmer of respect in his blue eyes.

Putting aside other matters, Might Duy's sheer resilience and indomitable spirit already surpassed many ninja.

"Naruto-kun, here I come."

As soon as he finished speaking, Might Duy didn't hesitate. Forming a knife-hand, he charged straight at Naruto.

"Hahaha." Naruto smirked slightly, letting out a light chuckle. "Might Duy-san, aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?"

"This isn't overconfidence; this is the vigor of youth!"

With Might Duy's final word, his speed suddenly surged.

"So fast!"

Naruto was slightly taken aback.

From the plaza's edge, the two women watching felt as though Might Duy was the likely victor.

Kushina's fair face showed a trace of worry.

Though Naruto had always managed to win, this time he had declared he'd rely only on taijutsu…

"Tell me, Mikoto, isn't Naruto being too reckless?"

Kushina's black eyes reflected her concern.

"It's fine, Kushina. Has Naruto ever been careless before?"

Mikoto pursed her lips, offering a faint smile. "Besides, didn't you learn medical ninjutsu during your time at the hospital? If Naruto does get—"

Before Mikoto could finish, Kushina interrupted her.

"don't jinx it!"

Kushina furrowed her brows lightly, her tone carrying a hint of reprimand. "Mikoto, how could you say something like that?"

Hearing this, Mikoto's delicate face showed an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. My bad, my bad."

---

In the Plaza's Center

Bang! Bang! Crack! Crack!

The muffled sounds of blows echoed through the plaza.

Naruto and Might Duy clashed fiercely, their intense battle generating gusts of wind that kicked up clouds of dust.

From the plaza's edge, both Kushina and Mikoto instinctively raised their arms to shield their faces.

"They're so strong!"

Kushina muttered to herself, her eyes narrowing slightly. She particularly admired this steel-against-steel style of combat.

She'd heard that Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, had a chakra activation technique…

In an instant, it could unleash devastating power.

Once this Chūnin Exam was over, Kushina resolved to ask Orochimaru to help her train under Tsunade for a while.

---

After a while, the dust began to settle, revealing the figures of the two combatants.

Might Duy and Naruto had retreated to safe distances, preparing for the next charge.

[Ding…]

[Congratulations, Host! You've acquired the trait: Indomitable LV1!]

The system's notification left Naruto momentarily stunned.

Did punching people now drop loot?

Suddenly, a gruff voice pulled Naruto back to reality.

"Naruto-kun, you're truly a genius."

Taking advantage of the pause, Might Duy panted heavily. "In just a few minutes, you've already discerned my taijutsu and begun using it yourself."

Whoosh—

Exhaling deeply, Naruto straightened his posture and chuckled lightly. "Well, Might Duy-san's taijutsu is the most solid in Konoha, after all."

With that, the two resumed their fierce battle.

Naruto could clearly feel that, through his exchanges with Might Duy, his proficiency in taijutsu was improving at an extraordinary rate!

Seizing an opening, Naruto's eyes sharpened, and he formed a single-hand seal.

Tenketsu Striking Technique!

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