Chapter 32: Pity Him
The sounds of clashing metal filled the arena.
Alice and Tenten were locked in a tense struggle, the former weaving hand signs with surprising agility, the latter a whirlwind of thrown weapons. Every kunai, every shuriken, was deflected by Alice with pinpoint precision.
Many of the onlookers were surprised that a Yamanaka could be so skilled against weapons. Alice, however, wasn't a proficient weapon user; she was better at Genjutsu.
Arthur's eyes narrowed. He knew she was limiting herself. Here was another player wielding techniques beyond their supposed skillset.
Suddenly, a hand clapped Arthur on the shoulder. He turned to see Jada, Alex, and Jasper, their faces full of relief and concern.
"Arthur!" Jada exclaimed. "It's been days. How'd you fare in the second Exam?"
Arthur, still focused on the ongoing battle, offered a nod. In a voice betraying none of his thoughts, he said, "My team managed to secure two scrolls, but we got separated, and I haven't seen them since."
"That's rough, man," Alex sighed. "Glad ya made it, though."
Jasper simply grunted in agreement and added, "Lost teammates can't be good for your morale, though. I'm just hoping to see what you can do in a real fight."
Arthur forced a smile. "We'll see. Now, about Orochimaru..."
"Yeah, about that," Alex cut in, his expression turning grim. "Let's just say our intervention wasn't exactly a success."