"Crack!"
The sharp sound of breaking bones rang clearly through the silent arena. The sand suddenly contracted, crushing Akato Yoroi's body into a mangled mass of flesh and blood.
"Stop!" Gekko Hayate's expression changed drastically. He rushed over as fast as he could and halted the match just before the sand completely crushed Akato Yoroi's body. He checked Akato Yoroi's injuries. Although his life had been saved, every bone in his body was shattered, leaving him utterly incapable of fighting.
The entire arena fell deathly silent again. Gaara's cruelty and power sent chills down everyone's spines. This boy was nothing short of a killing machine in human form.
The next few matches, though not as bloody as Gaara's, were just as exciting. Finally, Gekko Hayate announced the eleven candidates who had passed the preliminaries: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, Shikamaru Nara, Toru Kujyo, Gaara, Shino Aburame, Temari, Kankuro, Dosu Kinata, and a ninja from Otogakure.
"Congratulations to everyone who advanced." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice rang out again, interrupting the crowd's stunned reflections on the matches. "The third exam will take place in one month. In the meantime, you may rest or continue training to prepare for the main tournament."
He paused, sweeping his gaze over the candidates. "Now, we will draw lots to determine your opponents in the main tournament."
A large drawing box was brought out. The candidates stepped forward one after another to draw their opponents from it.
Naruto Uzumaki went first. He nervously drew a slip of paper, then his face fell when he saw the name written on it. "Dosu Kinata? Who's that?"
Hinata Hyuga delicately drew a slip. When she read the name, her face instantly went pale. "Temari..." She knew Temari was an elite ninja from Sunagakure whose strength could not be underestimated.
Shikamaru