The next three preliminary matches followed much the same course and reached much the same outcomes as the "original story" Naruto remembered.
The first match was Choji Akimichi versus Dosu Kinata.
Looking at the bandage-wrapped Sound Ninja in the arena, Naruto's gaze lingered a little longer than usual. In another world, this man had once been called "Six Paths"... Well, that meme was getting old.
Choji's body swelled as he unleashed the Akimichi clan's secret technique—"Human Bullet Tank!" The enormous ball rumbled toward Dosu.
However, his Human Bullet Tank was clearly far from perfected. Not only did it turn rather sluggishly, but more importantly, it was difficult to steer accurately.
In the original story, Shikamaru had needed to guide it with the Shadow Imitation Technique, manipulating it like a yo-yo to hit the target. Here, Choji instead rammed straight into the wall at the edge of the arena.
Dosu certainly wasn't about to let that opportunity slip. He raised the arm fitted with his special device and aimed at Choji, who was still dazed from the impact.
He launched a sonic attack, and Choji immediately clamped his hands over his ears, trying to block the invisible assault. Yet Dosu's sound waves could actually travel through bone!
Violent vibrations slammed into Choji's inner ears and brain. Stars instantly swam before his eyes, his secret technique came undone, and he collapsed unconscious.
The second match was Tenten versus Temari.
Perhaps because she had witnessed Naruto and Satsuki's fierce clash, which had far surpassed the level of genin, Temari didn't mock her opponent with the condescending attitude she had shown in the original story.
Instead, she was noticeably cautious. She stood firmly in place, her enormous Three-Star Fan already half-open as the match began.
Tenten was one of Konoha's outstanding genin, particularly when