"That person was terrifying."
Beside Naruto and Sakura, Kakashi suddenly appeared in a puff of white smoke.
Naruto complained, "Hey, Kakashi-sensei, don't just pop up like that."
Sakura asked anxiously, "What about Sasuke? Is he all right?"
Kakashi said casually, "He's fine. He's already fast asleep in the hospital."
"Oh, right, Kakashi-sensei, why did you just say that masked guy was terrifying?" Naruto looked toward Sasori.
"Didn't you notice?" Kakashi pointed to where Sasori stood. "From the beginning of the fight to the end, he stayed in the same spot without moving a single step."
At Kakashi's reminder, shock appeared on their faces, and they understood why he had said that.
Just then, information appeared on the electronic screen: "Next match: Sakura Haruno versus Ino Yamanaka."
Both girls were pursuing Sasuke, and that was why their close friendship had fallen apart, turning them into friends in name only. Still, judging by the second round of the Chunin Ninja Exams, Ino still cherished that friendship, since she had stepped forward to save Sakura. This showdown between best friends had plenty to offer.
Anyo, who already knew the outcome, lost interest after a few glances and asked the returning Sasori, "How did it feel fighting a genin?"
"I didn't feel anything." Sasori shook his head. "But they seem to have recognized me. Will that affect what comes next?"
"It doesn't matter," Anyo said offhandedly. "This destruction plan was a farce to begin with. A big buildup and a weak finish."
Reassured, Sasori looked toward the arena, where Ino had successfully activated the Mind Body Switch Technique, sending her consciousness into Sakura's body.
"The outcome is decided."
"Not necessarily."
Sasori asked in surprise, "After getting hit by that secret technique, does a genin like her still have a chance to turn things around?"