Twenty candidates entered, and ten preliminary matches were held, but only nine advanced to the third and final round.
Those nine were Naruto, Sasuke, Shino, Shikamaru, Neji, Gaara, Kankuro, Temari, and Dosu.
After the preliminaries ended, the Third Hokage, who had been keeping a low profile, stepped forward again. He announced that the final round would take place in a month, then organized a draw to determine the nine candidates' matchups.
As the eight candidates drew slips one after another from the box in Anko's hands, the bracket was set.
In the first match, Naruto, who had drawn number one, would face Neji Hyuga, who had drawn number two.
In the second match, Gaara, who had drawn number three, would face Sasuke, who had drawn number four.
Next, Kankuro of the Sand Ninja, who had drawn number five, would face Shino Aburame of Konoha, who had drawn number six. Finally, Temari of the Sand Ninja, who had drawn number eight, would face Shikamaru Nara of Konoha, who had drawn number nine.
As for Dosu, who had drawn number seven, with one candidate missing, he would have to wait and face whoever won between Shikamaru and Temari.
Honestly, looking at the bracket in Ibiki's hands, Hao Shuai sometimes couldn't help wondering if the old Third Hokage could see the future. Had he known in advance that Dosu would challenge Gaara on his own and get killed instantly, and deliberately left him without an opponent?
The Third Hokage had no idea Hao Shuai was grumbling about him in his thoughts again. Once the bracket was out, he paid no attention to the candidates, each of whom was lost in their own thoughts. After answering a few of Shikamaru's questions, he announced loudly, "See you next month. That's all. You're dismissed."
The Third