Naruto: Strongest Shinobi System With a Glitch-Chapter 391 - Sasuke vs Neji!!

"Winners—Naruto Uzumaki’s squad!"

Kitazawa stepped forward and announced the result.

Naruto and Lee immediately halted their rotation, and the two roaring green dragons dissolved into chakra mist.

Ordinarily, the Konoha Dragon God manifested in blue—but because the pair were clad in green bodysuits, its hue had shifted accordingly.

"Any injuries?"

Kitazawa’s gaze swept over Hinata, Shikamaru, and Haku.

"No."

All three shook their heads in unison.

"Good. Go rest."

Having observed the battle at close range and confirmed they were unharmed, Kitazawa didn’t waste time on further inspection.

He still had work to do.

The Forest of Death—now blasted into barren ruin—needed to be restored.

"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"

Hand seals flashed between his palms.

The earth groaned, then surged upward as towering trees burst forth in rapid succession. In mere moments, the devastated clearing Naruto had annihilated was swallowed once more by dense woodland.

Fortunately, Kitazawa was a Wood Release ninja. Anyone else would have been helpless.

If left to nature alone, the Forest of Death would need decades—at minimum—to recover.

Even then, Kitazawa did not immediately leave.

Under his precise control, the forest stirred as uprooted trees were dragged back into place. These remnants would rot, break down, and eventually nourish the soil.

Wood Release was unlike other elemental techniques. It did not create lifeless constructs.

The trees it produced were no different from natural growth.

Even without chakra, they would continue to live.

Once everything was secured, Kitazawa turned and strode outward.

Moments later, he appeared before the members of the Genius Class.

"The first round of the team battle is complete. The second round will feature Naruto Uzumaki’s squad, Sasuke Uchiha’s squad, and Neji Hyuga’s squad."

He paused briefly.

"Since there are three teams, one squad will sit out. This will be decided by a teacher vote."

Though the voting had yet to occur, Kitazawa already knew the outcome.

Most likely, Naruto Uzumaki’s squad.

After all, their overall strength was clearly the highest.

"The second round will begin in half an hour," he continued. "Use this time to rest and recover your chakra."

"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei!"

Naruto and the others responded in unison.

Kitazawa nodded, then returned to the observation platform atop the Wood Dragon.

"Kitazawa," Kosuke asked curiously, "did you arrange Naruto’s squad’s tactics?"

"That squad relies heavily on taijutsu," Kitazawa replied with a faint smile. "Hinata has a massive advantage over them—especially since both Jugo and Lee are pure taijutsu specialists."

"If Naruto doesn’t step in," he added calmly, "victory would be extremely difficult."

Naruto certainly had the stamina to endure a prolonged fight.

But that would be inefficient.

Using the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique combined with Wind Release would end things far faster.

Besides, variables remained. Hinata’s squad included Shikamaru—a tactical genius.

If Shikamaru devised a counterplan, Naruto’s squad could completely overturn the situation.

And if that happened, Kitazawa’s system mission would fail.

"The first round is over. Let’s vote," Kitazawa announced. "The team with the most votes will sit out the second round."

He distributed blank cards to Hiruzen, Kakashi, and the others.

"With six voters, a tie is possible."

"I’ll vote as well," Tsunade said, extending her hand.

Kitazawa nodded and placed a card into her palm.

Once everyone finished writing, they folded their cards and dropped them into a lottery box.

Kitazawa had already made his choice.

Naruto Uzumaki’s squad.

After collecting all the votes, he leapt down from the platform.

"To ensure fairness," he said, handing the box over, "Iruka will count the ballots."

Iruka opened the box and read aloud.

"Naruto’s squad: five votes.

Sasuke’s squad: one vote.

Neji’s squad: one vote."

He looked up.

"Naruto Uzumaki’s squad will sit out the second round."

Neji and Sasuke both exhaled quietly in relief.

This outcome favored them.

By postponing the strongest opponent, they could decide the winner between themselves first—then challenge Naruto’s squad for first place.

Win or lose, no one could complain.

Naruto scratched the back of his head.

Truthfully, he didn’t want to sit out.

Missing a match felt wrong.

But the decision was final, leaving him no choice but to wait for the outcome between Neji’s squad and Sasuke’s squad.

If Naruto had his way, he would’ve chosen Sasuke’s team.

Close combat. Straightforward. Fun.

Neji’s squad, on the other hand, leaned heavily toward ranged combat—annoying to deal with unless they used the tactics Kitazawa taught them.

And in Naruto’s eyes?

That wasn’t fun.

He preferred battles where fists met flesh.

"You all continue resting."

Kitazawa returned once more to the observation platform atop the Wood Dragon.

Time dragged.

Half an hour later, Kosuke and Hiruzen rose and entered the Forest of Death.

Behind them followed the teams under their supervision—Sasuke’s squad and Neji’s squad.

"I feel like Neji’s squad has the edge," Kiba said, watching them disappear into the forest. "What do you think?"

"I agree," Choji nodded.

Neji’s squad had left a powerful impression during the first round.

"Sasuke doesn’t have Naruto’s chakra reserves," Ino mused. "He can’t just level the battlefield."

"I can’t see how he wins."

"Sasuke might not match Yakumo in raw power," Shikamaru said after a moment’s thought, "but he’s far more versatile. He has more tactical options."

"And Neji’s squad has already revealed their strategy."

"Their plan revolves around the Byakugan and the Bow," Shino Aburame added. "It’s not something they can easily change."

"Wait—are you saying Neji’s squad is going to lose?" Kiba asked, surprised.

"Not exactly," Shikamaru replied lazily.

"It’s fifty–fifty."

While the spectators debated, Sasuke’s squad was deep in discussion of their own.

"Sasuke-kun..."

Sakura frowned. "How do we deal with Neji?"

The terrifying combination of the Byakugan and that ultra-long-range bow left her feeling powerless. Aside from enduring the barrage and countering when possible, she couldn’t see a clean solution.

"We definitely can’t just sit there like Yakumo’s squad did," Kimimaro said grimly.

"I don’t plan on being target practice."

"Exactly."

Sasuke paused, his eyes narrowing. "Neji’s bow-type Secret Technique isn’t overwhelming by itself. If we close the distance, we can break their formation."

"But while we’re advancing, he can still interfere with us," Sakura pointed out.

"That’s unavoidable," Sasuke replied calmly. "In this terrain, he can lock onto us anyway. Once we start moving, it’s actually safer."

Moving targets were far harder to pin down than stationary ones.

"Right!"

Sakura’s eyes lit up as realization struck. "Then we take the route with the most obstacles!"

"...Good."

Sasuke nodded. "You’re in charge of navigation."

"Got it!"

Sakura immediately pulled out a hand-drawn map—sketched from memory after surveying the area the day before.

The right side of the Forest of Death.

"Set the traps. Quickly."

Neji activated his Byakugan, watching Sakura’s movements with crystal clarity. Based on Sasuke’s temperament and strength, their strategy was obvious.

Yakumo’s squad hadn’t advanced for a reason.

They lacked speed.

Yakumo herself was physically not up to the Genius class’ standards, while Ino and Karin weren’t built for prolonged pressure. Had they tried to push forward, Neji’s arrows would have worn them down long before reaching effective range.

But Sasuke’s squad was different.

Aside from Sakura, both Sasuke and Kimimaro were fast—and neither feared bow-type techniques.

"So we’re not pressing them first this time?" Tayuya asked, frowning.

"No," Neji replied evenly. "Because they’re coming to us."

"This battle becomes our defense."

"Impressive," Tenten said, unsurprised. "That’s very Sasuke."

"It’s fine," Neji continued. "Even on defense, our advantage remains."

His voice hardened. "I’ll handle long-range suppression. Tenten controls mid-range. Tayuya, close combat. We drain them dry."

"A war of attrition," Tenten murmured, nodding. "Tayuya, let’s prepare."

"Don’t worry," Tayuya said, clenching her fists. "This time, first place is ours."

Since joining the Genius Class, she had never stood at the top.

This team battle was her best chance yet.

Fifteen minutes passed in a blink.

Kitazawa’s voice echoed through the forest.

"I’ll take point. Sakura in the middle. Kimimaro, rear guard."

Sasuke finished speaking and drew the Thunder God Sword.

Sakura nodded, gripping her kunai tightly.

Kimimaro raised his arms, palms outward—five snow-white bones erupted from his limbs.

"Move!"

Sasuke surged forward, following the route Sakura had planned.

The air split.

A Yin Release Arrow detonated overhead.

An invisible mental shockwave rippled outward like waves across water.

But Sasuke was ready.

His three-tomoe Sharingan spun violently as chakra surged.

Two unseen forces collided mid-air.

Sakura and Kimimaro felt a wave of discomfort—but no dizziness, no loss of control.

Sasuke’s eyes hardened.

Lightning Release chakra flooded the Thunder God Sword.

He slashed upward.

Lightning burst forth, instantly enveloping the six Yin Release Arrows and dispersing them.

"So strong, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura blurted out, eyes shining.

"Less talking. Save your energy," Sasuke said without looking back.

Sakura slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Kimimaro," Sasuke continued, "get ready. We’ll rotate positions soon."

He needed to conserve chakra for the final exchange.

By switching roles, they could continuously counter Neji’s bow techniques while keeping their squad fresh.

"I can help too," Sakura said quickly. "Medical Ninjutsu—I can reduce fatigue."

"Midway," Sasuke replied. "Not yet."

He raised the Thunder God Sword again.

A spinning Yin Release Arrow slammed into the blade, forcing him back a step.

Another arrow followed instantly.

Kimimaro moved forward, crossing his arms—bone against chakra—as he deflected it.

"Don’t stop!" Sasuke shouted, destroying the spiral arrow and accelerating once more.

"I can’t suppress them all," Neji muttered while firing again. "Tenten—prepare."

Once Sasuke’s squad entered range, her mastery of ninja tools would turn the battlefield into a killing zone.

"When do I summon?" Tayuya asked impatiently.

"Not yet," Neji replied calmly. "Our attacks are indiscriminate. If you summon now, you’ll be caught in the crossfire."

Atop the Wood Dragon’s observation platform—

"This fight has turned into a full attack-and-defense war," Kurenai said softly.

"For now, Sasuke’s side has the edge," Kakashi replied casually.

"It’s still early," Chen said after a moment. "Once Tenten and Tayuya fully engage, the pressure on Sasuke’s team will spike."

"If they reach Sasuke’s group," Kitazawa interjected, "that means they’ve entered his range as well."

"...Good point," Kurenai murmured. "So Sasuke might not actually be at a disadvantage."

Kakashi smiled faintly.

"Risk," he said, "is opportunity."

As time slipped by, Sasuke’s squad had already crossed more than half the distance.

"Tenten!"

Neji calculated the range in an instant and shouted the warning.

"Heavenly Lock Disaster!"

Tenten had been waiting for this moment.

At Neji’s signal, she seized a massive scroll and hurled it skyward with all her strength. The scroll unfurled mid-air, blotting out the light as countless ninja tools poured down like a metallic storm.

"Sakura!"

Sasuke’s three-tomoe Sharingan remained active, tracking every movement. The moment the scroll appeared, he reacted.

"Water Release: Water Formation Wall!"

Sakura’s hands flashed through seals. Water surged up around them, spreading outward before solidifying into a circular wall.

A deafening rain of ninja tools slammed into the barrier, sending ripples through the churning water.

In that brief opening, the three burst forward.

Sasuke ran while drawing shuriken from his pouch, flinging six at once.

"Multiple Arrows!"

Neji responded instantly, nocking his bow. A single Yin Release Arrow trembled—then split cleanly into six, intercepting every shuriken mid-air.

"They’re definitely here," Sasuke scoffed coldly.

"Position confirmed."

"Twin Rising Dragons!"

Tenten flung out two scrolls. Under her control, they twisted through the air like colossal dragons, jaws yawning wide as they spewed endless waves of weapons.

"Move—now!" Sakura shouted.

She re-formed seals, summoning Water Formation Wall once more.

Kimimaro flashed behind the barrier using Body Flicker, but even then he couldn’t fully evade the barrage. The density was overwhelming—some tools slipped through.

He formed a bone blade in his hand and swept it wide, deflecting what he could.

"Sasuke-kun?"

Sakura glanced over, startled to see him standing still.

"I’ve got them," Sasuke replied calmly. "I’m going straight in."

Lightning crackled as he formed seals.

A sharp bird-like cry pierced the air.

Lightning Release chakra surged across his body, arcs dancing wildly as he launched forward—his speed exploding into a blur.

Ninja tools struck him head-on, only to be blasted aside by lightning without leaving a scratch.

Lightning Release: Chidori Nagashi.

While weaker defensively than Water Formation Wall, it easily repelled ordinary weapons.

"Sasuke-kun—once he closes in, they’ll focus everything on him," Sakura said, steadying her breath.

"When the pressure on us eases, we’ll rush in to support him."

Kimimaro nodded.

He could move—but if he left now, Sakura alone wouldn’t withstand Neji and Tenten’s combined fire. He stayed.

"Tayuya," Neji said grimly, eyes fixed on the incoming blur, "summon your beast. Sasuke’s almost here."

Tayuya’s pulse spiked as she raised her bamboo flute. She knew Sasuke’s reputation—facing him head-on made her palms sweat.

"Tenten," Neji continued, thinking rapidly, "I’ll fire an Explosive Arrow first. Follow with Shuriken Shadow Clone. We eliminate Kimimaro and Sakura."

If those two fell, Sasuke would be forced into a one-against-three.

And unlike Shino, Neji had the advantage—Byakugan and Gentle Fist meant a single clean hit at close range would decide the fight.

Neji drew his bowstring taut.

Tenten readied her shuriken.

At that moment, Sasuke burst into their field of vision.

Lightning wrapped his body like a living storm—he looked less like a shinobi and more like a thunderbolt tearing across the battlefield.

Boom!

An explosive tag detonated beneath him.

Sasuke vaulted again, Chidori Nagashi reinforcing his body as he punched through the blast without slowing.

"Demonic Flute: Illusionary Martial Music!"

Tayuya’s flute sang—a shrill, unnatural note.

Three Rage Demons charged toward Sasuke.

"Explosive Arrow!"

Neji loosed his shot.

Tenten followed, flinging a shuriken and forming seals mid-throw.

Sasuke’s eyes flicked between them.

He made his decision instantly.

A three-on-one might look impressive—but the risk was too high. Neji’s squad wasn’t Shino’s.

Boom!

A Rage Demon slammed down, its massive form crashing into the ground.

At the last instant, Sasuke leapt onto its enormous wooden staff, springing high into the air.

He spun and hurled the Thunder God Sword, lightning trailing behind it as it struck the Explosive Arrow dead-on.

The arrow detonated prematurely.

The blast thundered outward—but because it exploded early, Sakura and Kimimaro were unharmed.

The cost, however, was steep.

Sasuke lost his sword.

Another Rage Demon lunged, bone claws extending like triple blades.

Even with Chidori Nagashi’s protection, those massive claws would overwhelm him if they connected.

Sasuke twisted away.

"Watch out!"

Kimimaro’s pupils shrank.

Dozens of bones erupted from his body at once, forming a jagged shield.

At the same time, Tenten’s shuriken multiplied, flooding the space around Kimimaro and Sakura in a glittering storm.

"Kimimaro—get back!" Sakura shouted, already forming seals.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

A water dragon—twice its usual size—roared into existence before her, surging forward to meet the onslaught.

The dragon shuddered violently as countless shuriken tore into it.

Sakura staggered back, breath ragged, forcing out another seal.

Even enlarged, the water dragon couldn’t hold.

In less than a second, it was riddled through—water exploding outward in a blinding spray.

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