The names on the Electronic Display Screen stopped again.
Sakura Haruno VS Ino Yamanaka.
The stands quieted a little.
These two girls usually clashed in class and were a well-known pair of rivals.
Naruto scratched his head, looking down at the arena with some concern.
"Sakura's met her match. That Ino doesn't seem easy to deal with either."
Son Goten perked up, swallowed the orange he had just peeled in one bite, and clapped the juice off his hands.
He shifted in his seat and eagerly leaned halfway over the railing.
"Now this is interesting. Two wives beating each other up."
Down in the arena.
Sakura and Ino stood face-to-face, their gazes clashing in midair. There were no sparks, but the tension was palpable even from far away.
"Forehead girl, I didn't expect to run into you."
Ino planted both hands on her hips and tossed her beautiful long blond hair, her tone carrying a hint of provocation.
"There's still time to surrender. Save yourself from crying later."
Sakura tightened her forehead protector, the expression on her face gradually turning from nervous to fierce.
"Ino-pig, you're the one who'll be crying."
"Don't think I'm still the same as before. For Sasuke... no, for myself, I won't lose to you!"
Ino snorted.
"All talk."
Gekko Hayate coughed twice and raised his hand.
"Begin!"
At his command, neither girl formed hand seals or threw kunai, as was common in ninja duels.
As if by unspoken agreement, both charged at each other at the same time.
No Substitution Technique, no Clone Technique.
Just the most primitive hand-to-hand combat.
Their fists collided.
Then the whole scene abruptly changed.
Ino grabbed a fistful of Sakura's hair and yanked hard.
Not to be outdone, Sakura reached back, pinched Ino's cheeks, and pulled them out to either