"It's finally starting."
Sasuke stood among the thirty-six contestants with his hands in his pockets, coolly surveying the area. His gaze swept over Gaara, Rock Lee, Neji Hyuga, Hozuki Suigetsu, and Haku before finally settling on Naruto.
His proud brows furrowed slightly, troubled. There are so many formidable opponents, but the rules only let me face one at random... Sigh. If I could, I'd take on five!
As if sensing Sasuke's posturing, Gourd Baby turned his head to look at him, expressionless. A vicious killing intent showed plainly in his dark-circled eyes!
Hozuki Suigetsu was also glaring furiously at Naruto. He mouthed, Kid, don't let us get matched against each other, or you're dead!!
At last, he had a chance to avenge what had happened three years ago!
Rock Lee, too, kept sizing up his three targets: Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji Hyuga. The fighting spirit in his eyes grew stronger by the second.
Naruto clasped his hands behind his head and grinned at the "opponents" around him. It didn't matter who he faced. He'd just knock them out in one go.
Of course, it'd be best if he drew Sasuke, that show-off!
If he could defeat Sasuke in front of everyone... Naruto's heart burned with excitement. He looked around eagerly, trying to find Sakura, the goddess of his dreams.
Unfortunately, there were far too many spectators in the stands, and he couldn't make out who was who.
Naruto felt a little disappointed.
"All right, let's draw!"
Genma Shiranui, standing at the front, leisurely produced a small wooden cylinder containing thirty-six bamboo slips. With a senbon between his teeth, he said, "One at a time."
The contestants lined up to draw, then returned to their places. They cautiously checked their own slips, then looked at everyone else's, their eyes filled with