Some rejoiced while others despaired. Karin's face quickly lit up after she drew Sora.
After all, there was no point putting on airs among her own people. She wasn't exaggerating: she couldn't beat a single person here.
Although she didn't know what would happen next in this Exam, not having to fight was wonderful.
The other person who had drawn Sora, however, was thoroughly frustrated. Even now that they had reached the individual matches, he still wouldn't get to fight.
"Um, Neji..." Tenten gave Neji Hyuga an awkward smile as he stood beside her with his arms folded, clearly unhappy. "Look, isn't drawing Sora a good thing?"
"..."
"It's all right, Neji! Drawing Sora isn't your fault. I'll work hard enough for both of us, so just stay here, watch me, and cheer me on!" Rock Lee gave Neji a thumbs-up, flashing his brilliant white teeth.
"Lee, I only drew Sora. I wasn't eliminated!"
Neji snapped at his teammate, then stopped dwelling on it and joined his teammates as they headed over to their teacher in the spectator area.
"Hey, Neji! I never thought you'd draw Sora. What a shame you couldn't show off your youth! Stay here with me, watch Tenten and Rock Lee, and cheer them on!"
Guy's reaction was almost identical to Rock Lee's, leaving Neji utterly speechless.
"Isn't drawing Sora a good thing?"
Just then, Kakashi approached with Hinata and Karin. With his hands in his pockets, he questioned his friend's logic. "Neji probably wouldn't lose no matter who he faced anyway."
"Hello, everyone."
Hinata brought Karin over and greeted everyone first.
"Now, for the First Round, Sasuke Uchiha versus Akato Yoroi..."
Elsewhere, Gekko Hayate, the referee for the preliminary matches, looked at the two candidates who were ready in front of him and explained the