She had no clue who either person was. Although, since she had no clue who either was, that most likely meant one of them was a sand ninja, and the other from Kabuto's team. Oh and look at that. She was correct, seeing as how the cat boy and other member of Kabuto's team began walking to the ground level.

"Oi, Naruto, which one's Kankuro?" Kumiko questioned as she glanced at the blond boy nearby. "Is he the cat boy?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah. I don't really like him though." He answered, remembering how the boy had handled Konohamaru the other day. She nodded in thanks and stood beside Neji. So that's what his name was! Now all she needed to know was the blonde girl's name, and she'll be all set.

A few words were exchanged between the two shinobi who were about to fight, and then Kankuro set down the wrapped looking thing that was on his back. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of jutsu he was planning on using. Maybe it has something to do with the thing that was on his back.

"Alright then, if you're ready, let the third match begin." Hayate said.

Kankuro smirked. "Let me do you a favor and end this battle quickly." He spoke to his opponent. Kumiko frowned. Jeez, was everyone at this exam super cocky?

"You can't end it if I end it first." Misumi, Kabuto's teammate and Kankuro's opponent, stated. After that, he ran towards Kankuro, and tried hitting him, but Kankuro blocked it. Her eyes widened as Misumi's arm started growing and coiling around Kankuro's body.

"Whoa!" She and Naruto said in unison as they leaned over the railing.

"What's up with that guys body?!" Naruto exclaimed. "That's freaky. I wish I could do that!" Kumiko stared at the young boy for a couple seconds, then took two steps back. This kid is freaky. Who would want to do something like that? It's odd.

Misumi explained it was from him dislocating his joints and softening his chakra. Kumiko didn't understand how he was softening chakra. Kankuro was struggling.

"You fool, you're the one who's gonna die here." Kankuro stated after some words were spoken between the two. The next moment, made Kumiko's heart drop. There was a slight crack, and Kankuro's head was bent over. Did he just kill the guy?!

"I think he broke…his neck." Lee quietly spoke. Kumiko put her hands up to her mouth in horror.

"What's the big deal?" Gaara could be heard saying. Kumiko looked at him with wide eyes. What?! Your teammate just died, and all you can say it that?!

Misumi began laying Kankuro's body down, but some stuff, that oddly looked like wood, was falling from Kankuro's face. His head picked up, and turned around. Kumiko latched onto the railing as she noticed that his left eye, was fake. Actually, his whole face was fake. It'd be safe to assume all of him was fake.

"Now, it's my turn, so say good-bye." The fake Kankuro stated, making Kumiko shiver. Suddenly, the thing transformed, and wrapped its arms around Misumi. Kumiko was shaking a bit as she watched. This guy was kind of scary. But, that thing, it's a puppet, which made it slightly more interesting to her. After all, her jutsu is kinda like puppetry also.

The battle continued, and it turns out that the thing that Kankuro was carrying on his back, was the actual Kankuro. Kankuro was able to win eventually by squeezing Misumi with his puppet, which caused said guy to pass out from most likely, lack of oxygen.

"Because his opponent is unable to continue, the winner is Kankuro." Hayate said. Kumiko stared down at the puppet user. Just who was this guy? Their battle was very short, probably the shortest out of the ones that had already happened.

Naruto didn't seem satisfied. "Two against one is hitting below the belt, isn't it?" He asked his sensei. "I mean, is that thing even fair, Kakashi-sensei?"

"It's not really two against one, it's a puppet. Not another ninja." Kakashi told his student. Kumiko tuned them out and turned to look at Neji.

"I think that's another one we ought to watch out for." She mumbled to him. He nodded and glared down at Kankuro.

"I agree. His battle was quick. He must be quite powerful, or at least smart." He stated. Sakura had excused herself to the restroom, and Ino followed suit afterwards. Oh great, they're probably going to get into it. Maybe she should go too…

Nah.

"It's kind of creepy though, how he had his actual body in that thing the whole time." Kumiko said. Naruto, overhearing turned to look at her and nodded with squinty eyes.

"I know right. I wonder if he sleeps like that too." He wondered. Kumiko sweatdropped. Yes. Because everyone would rather let a puppet sleep in their bed then their actual selves. Actually, this guy seems pretty weird, so maybe he does.

Eventually, Sakura and Ino came back, and Sakura seemed renewed. Kumiko couldn't help but wonder what went on in the bathroom. No new marks in either of them, which meant they didn't get in a physical fight, so that's good.

"Now let's continue." Hayate said as everyone turned to look at the panel again. "It's time to begin the fourth battle." The names started running through it.

"Well, no matter who it picks, it'll be two weirdos. This contest is full of them." Naruto stated, making Kumiko narrow her eyes at the kid.

"Um, one of those weirdos who already fought is your teammate." She hissed. Naruto frowned.

"Yeah but that's different." He told her, making her leer at him.

"Well, you're one to talk." Kakashi said, making Kumiko smile at the jounin. She liked him, he's cool. Sakura agreed, and Naruto denied it. The panel made a sound, indicating it picked some. Kumiko's eyes widened at the irony in it.

Haruno Sakura VS Yamanaka Ino

"Guys, prepare." Kumiko said as she grabbed both Neji and Lee by the arms. "Armageddon's about to begin."

At first, Sakura seemed horrified with the picking, and then so did Ino. But, they got over it, and walked down to the fighting level.

To be honest, the only interesting thing that happened during the fight was Ino cutting her hair, and using it as a path in her mind jutsu to get to Sakura. In the end, neither of them won, with it resulting in a draw, and both of them being eliminated.

Kakashi and Asuma went down there to pick up their kunoichi, who were both knocked out.

"Hey, Ino!"

"Sakura, no!"

Kakashi and Asuma put the two knocked out girls next to each other against the wall, and people began crowding them. Kumiko was crouching down in between Lee and Shikamaru so she could put her hands on both the girl's legs.

"You both were brilliant, but very dumb." She mumbled as she smiled softly at the two, even though they didn't know what was going on.

"I don't think that will be necessary, they'll both wake up after a little while." Asuma spoke. "But they both certainly put up a great fight." Kakashi agreed and Kumiko snorted.

"Yeah, but only because they decided to quit letting their feelings get in the way." She stated.

"Let's begin the selecting for Round 5." Hayate said, and everyone dispersed, making their way back to their spots. The panel went through picking out names, until it finally landed on a pair.

"Oh shit." Kumiko muttered.

Rabu Kumiko VS Temari

Temari? That's got to be the pretty blonde's name! Damn! Pretty looks and a pretty name?! That's not fair! Kumiko glanced at her teammates and sensei, who all gave her reassuring looks.

"I'm going to die." She mumbled quietly as she began making her way down to the fighting area. She and Temari were standing in front of each other. Temari had a frown and Kumiko did too. This girl seemed like she was a year or two older than her, and was carrying something on her back. Did all sand ninja carry things on their back?

"So, this is another genin from the sand village?" Neji could be heard asking. "This should be interesting to watch."

"Go Kumiko!" Lee shouted as he waved his arms in the air. Kumiko couldn't help blushing. "Alright!"

To say Kumiko was nervous, would be an understatement. But, she did her best to hide it.

"Begin." Hayate said. The two girls stared at each other for a second. Kumiko frowned as she realized that this girl didn't seem stupid enough to fall for her ninjutsu, so she'd have to rely on either her weapons or taijutsu, which wasn't exactly the best. She jumped a couple feet back.

"Alright Kumiko! Keep her guessing!" Lee shouted.

"Go for it! You've got the power of youth!" Gai also screamed. Kumiko sweatdropped at hearing the two of them. The two continued their cheering, which was annoying the surrounding people. She looked at the distance between her and Temari. If Temari was to use a weapon, Kumiko would probably be able to block it thanks to the distance, but at the same time, Temari would be able to block hers.

Temari definitely wasn't a taijutsu user, seeing as how she had that thing that looked absolutely heavy on her back. The duo stared at each other for a minute. Just wait and see what the older girl uses.

"What are you waiting for?" Hayate questioned. "I did say to begin."

"Ha! Guess she's waiting for me to make a move. Big mistake." Temari said with a smirk. "Cause the first move I make will be the last one you see." Kumiko narrowed her eyes. "Come on, I don't want this match to be over too quickly, so why don't you do first. Come on girl, show me what you got."

"Well, okay, if you insist." Kumiko stated. She jumped up and threw some of her shuriken at her. Absolutely none of them hit her, making Kumiko's eyes widen. "I missed her?! There's just no way!"

"What was that? A warm up exercise? Or maybe you're a little nervous and it's affected your aim. Is that it?" Temari taunted. Kumiko shook her head, confused. There's no way her aiming was off! She scowled.

"Fine! Then you've asked for it." Kumiko hissed, and discarded her bag onto the ground. "But don't say I didn't-" She didn't even finish her sentence before speedily running over to Temari. Apparently her weapons weren't going to work, so might as well go for her taijutsu.

Temari, a bit caught off guard from the sudden movement, was barely able to block the kick coming towards her head. The two girls' faces were mere inches apart as they stared directly at each other. Temari grinned and shoved Kumiko's leg away.

"Oh, now you've got some actual spunk!" She laughed. Kumiko began throwing punches, all of which Temari was able to dodge. Kumiko bit her lip in annoyance. She's slightly faster than Temari, but not enough so that she can continuously land hits. Amazingly, she was able to get one in, which hit Temari right in the chest.

Said girl, bent over trying to get air. Kumiko grinned and brought out her weapons, and jumped a few steps back, and then threw the kunai. Sadly, Temari was able to dodge them, again. Kumiko frowned, and ran up to her again, trying to knock her on her butt. But, this time as Kumiko threw a punch, Temari caught it, and snapped her wrist, making Kumiko yelp in pain. That brat just broke her wrist! She glared at the older blonde, and tried kicking her, but it was kind of hard since her broken wrist put her off balance.

Temari was able to jump back and get a good distance between them. Kumiko sighed before also jumping back. Apparently, she was now punch-less, so the only thing left for her to use, was her weapons. She grabbed them and threw them at her, but once again, she was able to dodge them, but this time, Kumiko saw how.

The thing that Temari was carrying on her back, was a giant fan, and it's able to blow her weapons away, which basically left her weapons also useless. Basically, everything on her, was useless. Maybe she could try using her doll-

Suddenly though, she was picked up by a huge gust of wind, making her freak out, seeing as how there was nothing in the air for her to grab onto. Temari freakin used her fan to throw her up! What the hell?! Sadly, Kumiko began panicking, and when she hit the ground, she landed on her bad wrist, making her scream loudly from the pain.

"Kumiko!" Lee screamed in horror when he heard the sound of his comrade. Never before had any of them heard that escape the young girl. Neji just stared down at the battlefield, rather disappointed in his comrade for appearing so weak.

Kumiko stared up as Temari walked over to her, and stood over her, with a grin on her face.

"How sad, guess you really weren't that great of an opponent." She berated. Kumiko's eyes narrowed, and she yanked her leg towards Temari, who was caught off guard, and fell down. Kumiko tried pulling herself up, but it was kind of hard to do.

Angry, she kicked Temari once more in the leg, then fell back down. Her legs had had enough. Temari, also angry for being caught off guard, jumped up, and kicked Kumiko back, right in the gut. Kumiko hissed in pain as she wrapped one of her arms, the one with the good wrist, around her stomach.

"I give up." Kumiko stated as she stared up at Temari, who was glaring like hell at the young girl. If they didn't stop now, this was most likely going to turn into a petty fight.

"The fight is over. Temari is the winner of the fifth round." Hayate stated.

But, Temari didn't want to stop, as she kicked Kumiko again, this time on the same wrist she broke earlier. Kumiko screamed as she felt so much pain in the one spot, and Lee jumped down to help her.

"Kumiko!" He shouted as he reached her, and quickly lifted her to keep her away from Temari, and he took a few jumps back. Temari, annoyed, scowled.

"I wasn't done with her." She snapped.

"What is wrong with you?!" Lee exclaimed as he held Kumiko's head up from the ground. She looked up at him and frowned. Just leave it alone Lee, I've already lost. "She may have lost but that is no way to treat an opponent who has done her best!"

"Oh beat it!" Temari snapped. "And take that sack of garbage with you!" Lee made an angry sound, and next thing Kumiko knew, she felt her head land on the ground, and Neji yell for Lee to stop.

"Leaf Hurricane!" She heard Lee shout. Her eyes widened and she picked head up to see what was happening. Temari had blocked Lee's kick with her fan.

"Not even close." Temari smirked. "You know what, you're as dumb as you look."

"What did you say?" Lee asked, angry.

"Lee." Kumiko whispered as she slowly moved her hand out in his direction.

"Lee!" Gai shouted as he jumped down to stop his student. "Stop!"

"But Gai-sensei," Lee tried objecting.

"Temari, forget them." Gaara called out as he glared down at his sister. "The match is over so get up here. You won, so why are you wasting time on that pathetic loser, and his ridiculous mentor?" That seemed to anger Lee even more. It angered Kumiko also. How dare he! Only she was allowed to make fun of the two!

"What?" Lee seethed. Lee and Gaara had a stare down. Kumiko was finally able to pull herself up. She walked over to them with wobbly legs, and put her good wrist on Lee's shoulder.

"Just calm down Lee." She muttered. "I appreciate what you're doing, but it's not worth possibly getting yourself in trouble." Gai smirked.

"A word of warning, you sand villagers have no idea what Lee is capable of." He said to the sand ninja. Kumiko stared up at them, glaring. "Remember, he still hasn't fought yet, so I'd be careful if I were you." She noticed the blood lust filling Gaara's eyes.

"Please just, can we not?" Kumiko mumbled, rather embaressed from her losing. Lee and Gai stared at her, and then nodded. A medic-nin ran up to them, and grabbed Kumiko by the shoulder.

"Come with me so we can get your wrist healed." She spoke. Kumiko nodded and waved off Lee and Gai, the former of which seemed reluctant.

"I'll be fine." She promised, which seemed to reassure him, seeing as how he then followed after their sensei.

It took about half an hour to get all of her injuries healed, and when she came back, she noticed it was the end of Kiba and Naruto fighting.

"What did I miss?" She questioned as she walked up to her team. They all turned to look at her. She noticed Neji seemed to give her a stare of disappointment. She frowned as she looked away.

"Kumiko, you are okay." Lee said as he grinned at her. Kumiko glanced at him, and smiled lightly, then nodded.

"Yeah, but my wrist still hurts a little." She stated, then looked down at Naruto and Kiba, whose fight seemed like it was almost over. "So, what'd I miss?"

"Shikamaru and that kunoichi from the sound village fought, but Shikamaru was the victor." Neji stated as he watched the fight. Kumiko's eyes widened.

"Shikamaru won? Mr. Too Lazy for Anything?" She asked in awe. Wow, either Shikamaru's brilliant, or Kin just sucks.

"That's enough of this!" Naruto exclaimed as he stared at Kiba, blood running down his face, gathering their attention. Kumiko wondered just how long they'd been fighting. "Time to unveil my new technique!" New technique? Since when did Naruto work on new things?

"Go for it!" Kiba shouted as he began running towards Naruto. "I got you now!" He ran behind Naruto, and was going to dig his claws into Naruto's leg…but something…really gross…happened.

Naruto farted.

It went silent for a couple seconds, until Kiba, who has a very, very keen sense of smell, freaked out.

"Was that supposed to be your new technique?!" Kumiko shouted as she waved her hands in the air, flabbergasted at what Naruto did. "You're absolutely useless! Remind me to never bring you to a death match!"

Sakura was trying to hold in her giggles as she praised Naruto. Kumiko decided to kick Sakura in the butt, telling her not to praise him just for farting!

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto said, and suddenly, lots of Naruto's appeared. They then proceeded to give Kiba a huge smack down, resulting in Kiba lying on the ground, with Naruto standing over him, breathing heavily. Hayate bent down to look at the dog boy, who was in pain.

Hayate coughed and looked at Naruto. "The winner is Uzumaki Naruto." Lee and Sakura cheered loudly for him, while the others gave him praise.

"I have to admit, even though his fart was very disturbing, he was amazing." Kumiko smiled, then waved her arm around. "Congrats, Naruto!"

Naruto began heading up, but Hinata stopped him. Kumiko grinned as she watched Hinata give Naruto some of her healing ointment. So cute! She giggled as she watched them, which caught Neji's attention.

"What's so interesting?" He asked, but then frowned when he noticed where she was looking. Kumiko, didn't notice his dark look though.

"Those two!" She giggled. "They're absolutely adorable." Her giggling stopped though as she began thinking about the next match.

Wait, who's all that's left? Let's see, both Neji and Lee, the assholes Dosu and Gaara, and then Hinata and Chōji. Oh shit, Hinata! Hinata still hasn't gone yet, and the only person who may give her a chance at a fair fight, would be Chōji! Either way, Hinata most likely wasn't going to win her match, no matter who she was up against.

"Alright, we'll now pick the names for the next match." Hayate said. Kumiko was tense as she heard him. Who's going to be next?

The panels began going off again. When it finally landed on a pair of names, Kumiko felt her heart drop.

Hyuuga Hinata VS Hyuuga Neji

Oh no.

Sorry this was a bit late. I got out of school about a week ago for summer, and have had family visiting ever since. My sister graduated high school though! So proud of her! This chapter is actually a bit shorter than the last two have, sorry about that. Also, sorry if the fight between Temari and Kumiko sucked, I'm not the greatest at writing action scenes. Next is the Hyuuga match! I do hope you guys liked this chapter.

Guest: I understand what you're saying, and am really thankful for your review! I just thought that since Neji was embaressed, that it was okay to say he blushed, since that's what most/all people do when embaressed. Hope I kept him in character this chapter.

Fun Fact: Kumiko actually hates her Voodoo Jutsu because she thinks it's rather lame.

Question: Do you guys like Naruto Gaiden?! (I've been reading it and I kinda like it. I mean, it's only 6 chapters in, but is pretty cool. I absolutely love Chouchou)