Luo Mang and the others looked up again and discovered that, while they were talking, the arena had already been rebuilt, and ninjas had repaired the ground with Earth Release ninjutsu.
"Heh heh!"
At the sight, Naruto Uzumaki broke into a confident smile beside them.
Hearing him, everyone nearby who knew him well turned to look.
According to the match order, Naruto Uzumaki's turn came after Sakura Haruno's, so it was no wonder he was so excited.
When they looked back again, the man who had been serving as the referee appeared, holding a megaphone and speaking loudly.
He quickly announced the contestants for the next match.
"The next match is about to begin. Naruto Uzumaki of Konoha and Kankuro of Sunagakure, please get ready."
Hearing that it was his turn, Naruto Uzumaki could no longer contain his excitement. He sprang up and posed with both arms as though showing off his muscles.
"Haha, finally, it's my turn! Watch closely, everyone. I'm going to win this match in style!"
"Good luck!"
Surprisingly, the first to encourage him was neither his teammate Sasuke Uchiha nor Sakura Haruno, nor even Karin, whose life he had saved, but Rock Lee.
Naruto Uzumaki and Might Guy both had easygoing, boisterous personalities and got along well. Rock Lee had been watching them from nearby and felt that Naruto Uzumaki fit right in with them, too.
He might even become a special training partner, so Rock Lee was naturally enthusiastic.
Although the others wanted to encourage him as well, his boisterous personality left them too embarrassed to speak. They merely nodded.
Only Luo Mang replied, "Good luck."
Beyond that, the man in front whose seat Naruto Uzumaki had kicked twice earlier turned around and gave him a couple of surprised looks. He had not expected a