Gekko Hayate watched the scene in the arena.
Naruto Uzumaki was nearly exhausted, down on one knee as he looked at Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru lying ahead of him. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, though it was unclear whether it came from a blow or the recoil.
But none of that mattered as long as no one died. They were all from Konoha, after all. Casualties in a match between their own people would hardly be worth it.
"The winner is Naruto Uzumaki!"
"Heh... ha! I'm the future Hokage!"
Naruto Uzumaki panted heavily, but still pointed at Kiba Inuzuka as he spoke.
Unlike in the original story, where the stench had knocked him out, Kiba could still just barely get to his feet and talk after this fight.
"Akamaru..."
Kiba Inuzuka checked on Akamaru and breathed a sigh of relief when he found that he had only fainted. Then he turned to Naruto Uzumaki and grumbled, "You only won one little match. I'll beat you next time. Winning one match doesn't make you Hokage!"
"I'll be waiting!"
Naruto Uzumaki was beaming now, swaying from side to side as he basked in everyone's astonishment.
"Congratulations, Naruto. Here's some healing ointment."
Sakura Haruno was happy that Naruto Uzumaki had won, too. She had witnessed all his growth, and tossed him the ointment she had prepared.
"All right! Thanks, Sakura!"
Naruto Uzumaki caught it and thanked her. Sakura Haruno handled healing in their team.
After catching the ointment, he squeezed some out and spread it over his face, drawing in a soft, sharp breath.
"Hiss..."
He had used these specially prepared ointments during missions before.
Naruto Uzumaki naturally knew how to use them. He had applied plenty himself, since he was always the first to charge in. Injuries were only