Chapter 136: Cheating
William Uzumaki versus Ebisu was what the monitor displayed. Much of the crowd held their tongue, eager to see what another Uzumaki could muster.
William felt adrenalized after seeing his name. This was his chance to show everyone that he was more than just another name; he was his own and had been trying to prove it.
With a quick breath, he glanced back at Naruto, who was shouting from the stands alongside the others. Their cheers enveloped him, providing the strength he would need.
"Go, Will!" Naruto yelled.
"Stay focused, okay?" Margaret suggested. "And don't forget how hard you've trained."
"Do your best," Jada chimed in.
On the other side of their group, Arthur and Lars stood in a similar stance: arms crossed and indifferent to the scene unfolding before them. Arthur, with his blindfold still shielding his eyes, used his Tamashii to peer in their direction. Lars himself still kept his eyes completely closed.
'Let's see what makes this one tick,' Arthur thought. He was considering the implication that William would need to prove himself before initiating his plan.
As the two fighters approached the center of the arena, William exchanged a respectful bow with Ebisu. The Special Jōnin who would lead Konohamaru's squad adjusted his glasses with a self-satisfied smirk. It almost felt like he was condescendingly acknowledging William, who had achieved fame for rescuing the Hokage during Orochimaru's invasion.
"You've come a long way since then," Ebisu stated. "I'm itching to know how a hero of our village prevails against me in this match."
"Did he just say 'hero,'" someone from the crowd asked themselves. The newfound reputation caused them to be intrigued. Some were thinking how such a frail, nerdy-looking child could have become his villages star.