Three days earlier.
"Who are you... Do you want me to kill you?"
"Cough, cough... You're Sunagakure's Jinchuriki, aren't you? I suggest you put the sand away... If you want to kill people or cause destruction in Konoha, I think we can work together."
"Hehehehe... You want to work with me? Are you tired of living?"
"I think you can see it too. Even if you don't make a move, my body... won't last much longer. I only want to use what remains of my life to fulfill Lord Orochimaru's wish... It's the only thing I can still do for him... Cough, cough, cough!... Cough!"
"Hmph, I don't think you'll last until then!"
"Don't worry... This is the one thing I have to accomplish no matter what... The meaning of my existence is to become Lord Orochimaru's tool... If you agree, then..."
"I only need blood... And I want to see that guy's face when he despairs! Heh heh, hahahaha..."
Karin sat in the stands, looking disappointed. She had originally thought she would get to see Naruto appear first.
"But this Sasuke is pretty handsome too... Of course, he's still just a tiny bit worse than Naruto."
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Neji had already clashed in the arena!
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
Shuriken collided in midair, scattering sparks as they fell to the ground.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!
Boom! A blazing fireball swept toward Neji the instant the shuriken barrage ceased.
"Hmph!"
Veins bulged around Neji's eyes as he activated his Byakugan. He slightly lowered his eyelids, shifted his feet, and flashed aside. The Great Fireball grazed past him!
"What incredible Eight Trigrams Palms footwork! Is he really only from the Branch Family?"
In the stands, Hanabi spoke in shock. Having thoroughly studied the Main Family's Gentle Fist and