However, Osaki Shinya achieved what he could, which was not to lose too embarrassingly or too quickly. He only fell after four minutes of fierce combat with Zabuza.
"Zabuza wins!" Hiruko announced the battle's result.
Yet another victory for the Hidden Mist. The officials of the Land of Fire frowned, finding it hard to accept.
Konoha had been experiencing consecutive victories in the war, but in the Chunin Examination, the Hidden Mist had taken the lead.
Many Hidden Mist ninjas were already celebrating internally; what better proof of their strength than this?
"They just had a stroke of luck. If they had faced Obito, there's no way they would have won." Uchiha Yashiro sneered, noticing the expressions of the Hidden Mist.
In his view, the Hidden Mist had simply drawn good lots. For example, the match between Obito and Asuma; if the defeated Asuma had faced Zabuza, Asuma would have most likely won.
The atmosphere among the higher-ups did not change much, except for Danzo's expression, which turned somewhat grim.
Even though the Hidden Mist had won several victories, Genshi merely smiled, not overly arrogant.
He knew that the Konoha candidates in this Chunin Examination were not weaker than the Hidden Mist ones, otherwise, they couldn't have defeated Kisame Squad and Terumi Mei Squad in the Forest of Death, even though Konoha had three teams.
"Match Eight, Hyuga Gouichi versus Hatake Kakashi."
Kakashi, without any delay, walked directly out of the lounge, followed closely by Hyuga Gouichi.
If the opponent were Obito or Terumi Mei, he thought his chances were slim. But against Kakashi, Hyuga Gouichi believed he stood a chance.
Theoretically, his Byakugan and Gentle Fist were very restraining to this type of speed-ninja, meaning he had the advantage.
"Begin the battle!" Hiruko called.
"Byakugan, activate!"
Hyuga Gouichi immediately channeled chakra to activate the Byakugan, veins protruding around his eyes, and the world in his vision began to transform.
"Breath of Thunder, Full Concentration Breathing."
As soon as Hiruko's voice fell, Kakashi instantly entered a state of high concentration breathing, significantly enhancing his physical abilities and explosive power.
"Blink!"
Kakashi unsheathed the White Fang Short Blade, gripping it tightly in his hand. With Lightning Release Chakra surging at his feet, he charged forward with incredible speed.
Hyuga Gouichi's Byakugan saw Kakashi about to attack, but he had only just assumed a Gentle Fist stance when the White Fang Short Blade, glinting coldly in the sunlight, was already at his throat, and a cut mark appeared on his clothes.
The battle was over.
Though Hyuga Gouichi hadn't even struck, he knew the fight was finished.
If Kakashi hadn't held back, he would already be a dead man under Kakashi's blade.
The arena fell into silence once more.
Some people had simply not looked at the battlefield immediately and just conversed slightly with others, then when they looked again, Kakashi's blade was already at Hyuga Gouichi's neck.
Those who watched the entire match didn't fare much better; they saw just a flash of yellow lightning, and the battle was over.
"Such speed, even if Gouichi could see clearly, he'd never react in time." Hyuga Hiashi shook his head watching this scene.
Hyuga Gouichi was justified in his defeat; just based on that one strike, Hyuga Hiashi could assert Kakashi is definitely among the strongest candidates in this Chunin Examination.
"Kakashi wins!" Hiruko, slightly stunned, announced Kakashi's victory.
The record for the quickest victory was broken again, and Hiruko felt like he had just announced the start of the battle when it ended.
"Being White Fang's child, it's no surprise." Hiruko suppressed his envious emotions.
Kakashi's performance made Sarutobi Hiruzen nod in approval; the swift and clean battles reminded him of the Konoha White Fang of the past, justifying his repeated efforts to switch Kakashi's teams.
A swift victory like this showcases strength best, and many spectators cheered for Kakashi's prowess.
Kakashi didn't get excited by these cheers; defeating Hyuga Gouichi didn't mean much to him; only defeating Might Guy and others would prove his genius.
"What a show-off." Obito couldn't help but comment as he saw Kakashi standing nonchalantly in the center.
But noticing the twinkle in Nohara Rin's eyes, Obito wondered if he should emulate Kakashi next time.
Obito had to admit that Kakashi indeed knew how to impress.
"As expected of a rival." Might Guy gave Kakashi, who was walking in, a thumbs-up.
He could hardly wait for a battle full of youth with Kakashi.
Kakashi's victory marked the end of the first round, and after a brief rest, the second round of battles would begin soon.