Konoha, Just Like Kizaru

Next up were the three members of Shikaku's team. 

Shikaku faced off against a ninja from Takigakure. 

After a lengthy struggle, Shikaku managed to pin his opponent's shadow with a Kunai, then used a detonator to finish the fight. 

Simu found the tactic oddly familiar, as if he had seen it before. 

However, things didn't go as smoothly for Yamanaka Inoichi and Akamichi Choza.

Yamanaka Inoichi was paired with Baki, a secret killer from Sunagakure, and was easily defeated by his powerful Wind Style ninjutsu. 

Akamichi Choza, on the other hand, was overwhelmed by an Iwa Shinobi using Explosion Style ninjutsu. 

This outcome wasn't surprising to Simu, though. 

The Ino–Shika–Chō trio relies on teamwork, with Shikaku and Inoichi supporting, while Choza provides the offensive power. 

Without their usual synergy, their strengths were diminished, making defeat inevitable.

Next up was Minato, and there was no suspense in his match. 

The Iwa Shinobi opponent was quickly defeated by Minato using the Body Flicker Technique, without even needing to use the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Then it was Simu's turn. 

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the Five Tails Jinchūriki locked eyes with him.

"I know you, Hanyu Simu," the Jinchūriki said.

Simu smiled slightly and replied, "I know you too, and I'm looking forward to our duel."

He wasn't just talking—Simu was genuinely excited for the fight ahead.

Simu couldn't help but wonder if the fight with the Five Tails could trigger another boost like the last time with Two-Tails, when his imitation value hit 50% and granted him the [Life Return] ability. 

Though the chances were low, it didn't stop him from hoping.

"Game start."

Both sides formed a Ninja Seal as a sign of respect. In the next moment, Han charged forward.

A large amount of steam burst from the gaps in his red armor, greatly enhancing his speed and strength. 

The arena quickly filled with thick, white mist.

"It's scary, steam power."

Simu hastily kicked it out.

A stream of steam shot forward, landing right in front of Simu. 

Han's elbow released a burst of water vapor, and with a sound like a train starting, the force surged toward Simu.

Simu's kick collided perfectly with Han's attack.

"Boom!"

The two powerful forces crashed together, causing the ground beneath them to crack.

"Truly terrifying, the power of a tailed beast," Simu said, smiling as he gazed into Han's dark eyes hidden beneath his bamboo hat and mask.

Simu's words weren't meant to provoke Han. 

With the power of the Five Tails, Han's speed is indeed terrifying. 

Without his own mastery of Observation Haki, it could be very troublesome to deal with him.

But now, with Observation Haki, Simu can easily read Han's movements. 

Han, who has not yet fully mastered his tailed beast's power, is no match for Simu in this regard.

Still, the strength of the Five Tails, Kokuō, is clearly greater than that of the Two Tails, Matatabi.

Han's expression remains calm

Han was clearly not someone like Yugito Nii, who could be easily provoked. 

He took a step back, formed a hand seal, and aimed at Simu.

"Boil Style: Steam Shock!"

A massive blast of hot steam surged toward Simu, creating a powerful shockwave. 

If an ordinary person were hit, they would be cooked instantly.

But Simu wasn't ordinary. With a light tap of his toes, he jumps into the air, avoiding the blast.

The steam flew past and slammed into the barrier at the edge of the arena. 

Simu focused on Han below and released dozens of laser beams.

Explosions erupted one after another, shaking the arena, flames and flashes filling the air.

As the smoke cleared, a huge shadow loomed over Han. It was the tail of Five Tails Kokuō.

Simu stays in the air with Moonwalk with his hands in his pockets.

"Have you started to use the power of the tailed beast?"

"You Jinchūriki are really strong like monsters."

The other ninjas watching the battle also cheered up.

Unexpectedly, apart from Kumo Shinobi, Iwa Shinobi also found a way to control the Tailed Beast.

This scene made Sand Shinobi jealous.

Sunagakure can be said to be the most repulsive of tailed beasts among all ninja villages.

Even now, Banpuku had been able to control One Tail quite well.

However, to prevent the tailed beast from going out of control, they chose to imprison Banpuku .

This was also one of the reasons why Shukaku frequently ran wild after Banpuku's death.

The white tail slowly loosened, revealing Han, who was wrapped inside and withstood the attack.

Though he appeared stable, Simu could still sense Han's emotional changes through Observation Haki.

At this moment, Han was not a perfect Jinchūriki.

He lay on the ground like a beast.

The massive white tail lashed out toward Simu in mid-air.

Fortunately, the arena was high enough.

Simu used Moonwalk to dodge the attack, then quickly condensed a lightsaber and appeared in front of Han.

With a swift strike, he slashed Han's shoulder.

Sparks flew from the lightsaber against Han's red armor, and blood spurted from the wound.

.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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