Dosu Kinuta v.s Kuma Dagami

Kuma smiled. "It's finally time fore me to have some fun."

"Kuma, try not to kill him." Kanja said noticing Kuma's smile.

"No promises." Kuma said walking down the stairs.

"Look's like it's my turn." Dosu stated as he to made his way down the stairs. "We were pawns and you played us for fools Lord Orochimaru. We were nothing more than play things meant to test Sasuke Uchiha's curse mark"

The two ninja face each other in the middle. "You may begin when ready."

"Go on, make the first move." Kuma shrugged. "Not like it'll mater in the long run, but it'd be pretty boring if you didn't attack me at all."

"You seem to want the match to end quickly, so I might as well oblige." Dosu calmly stated as he revealed his right arm.

It began to vibrate, and he punched at Kuma who made no move to dodge. Soon everyone saw why. The wire on his side moved and caught Dosu's arm. Kuma smiled as he pulled the wire to the right and send Dosu straight into the wall.

"See, you're little jutsu doesn't work when your opponent can keep you at a distance like I can." Kuma said still holding his smile.

Kuma gripped the wire with both his hands and quickly moved it the other way. Dosu flew into the air and slammed into the ground.

"You Sound Ninja are nothing when compared to a true Mist Ninja. To a true demon." Kuma stated dropping his smile.

He walked over to Dosu and used the wire to quickly tie his hands behind his back, nice and tight, so they couldn't be used against him. He then picked Dosu up by his shirt.

Just like with Gaara, the other Genin were shocked by Kuma's actions. Kuma was taking his time, whereas Gaara had ended it quickly.

"You see, case in point. You're terrified of me. I hold your life in my hands…" Kuma began.

"I give up!" Dosu shouted.

"Kuma is the winner." Hayate declared.

The wire untied itself around Dosu and returned to Kuma's side. "You seem to think that I care."

Kuma lifted Dosu into the air, and slammed him into the ground hard. He then grabbed a kunai and prepared to stab it into Dosu's chest. He was stopped by Hayate, who had his own kunai out to block the Genin's kunai, and by his own Sensei who'd grabbed his arm.

Hayate put his kunai away. "I declared this match over, yet you still intended to kill your opponent. That is why I have no choice but to disqualify you from the Chunin Exams. Dosu wins."

Dosu got to his feet, and Kuma glared at him. "No… I-I'm out."

"In that case, this is another double knock out. No one wins." Hayate stated.

Kuma's Sensei let him go.

Kuma smiled. "Fine by me. I mean, I would have like him dead, but at least I had some fun." Kuma walked to the doorway. "I'm heading back to the hotel."

He left the room.

Tower: Bathroom

Sakura was taking a break in the bathroom and just washing her hair a bit. She finished and turned to see Ino standing in the doorway.

Sakura nodded her head. "Ino."

Ino said, "You know, you should just quit. I mean the battles have all been so intense and even Sasuke collapsed. Even then it's probably because he's so great that that's all that happened. Frankly, I just don't want to think about what will happen if you compete."

Sakura was determined. "I don't know how far I'm going to make it in this competition, but I'm going as far as I can. I have to prove to myself that I can be a real ninja. That I'm not just some fan girl."

Sakura walked past Ino.

Tower: Arena

Sakura rejoined her remaining squad mates as Hayate said, "Let's continue. It's time for the 5th match."

Naruto said, "Well, whoever they pick are going to be two weirdos. This contest is chalk full of them."

Daichi said, "Gee, I guess that makes you a weirdo like the rest of us Naruto. Oh no, you didn't decide to back out on us, did you?"

Naruto said, "Hey, give me a break."

Sakura chuckled but soon stopped when Kakashi laid his hand on her shoulder. "This isn't the time to laugh."

He pointed to the board.

Sakura Haruno v.s Ino Yamanaka

Sakura and Ino faced each other in the center of the arena.

Ino said, "I never thought I'd fight you, or at least I didn't think it'd be so soon. Don't expect me to go easy on you."

"It's the exact opposite for me Ino. Ever since the forest, I've wanted to fight you." Sakura removed her head band. "I don't care what you think this is Ino because this battle isn't over Sasuke." She tired the head band around her forehead. "This battle is one between two Kunochi, and I'm going to give it my all."

This caused Ino to remember the evening when Sakura told her she was on the same team as Sasuke and the promise that neither would lose to one another.

Ino took her own head band and placed his around her own fore head. "I understand Sakura."

They both got into their stances and looked to Hayate for the signal to begin.

Naruto asked, "What in the world is going on? Why are they getting so worked up all of a sudden?"

Daichi said, "Think about it Naruto. Think about how any rival acts when they go up against each other. For Sakura, this is her rival battle. The person she most wants to surpass. This is a battle she's wanted to face."

"I must concur with my eternal rival on this point. It is exactly how he says." Lee said. "Having said that…" Lee was shaking now. "I still want to fight my own youthful battle."

Daichi looked at Lee with a bored look. "Sorry, did you say something?"

"My rival is so cool!" Lee proclaimed.

"He's like a mini Kakashi!" Guy shouted.

Hayate said, "Begin."

The two Kunochi ran at each other with Sakura creating 2 clones of herself. She then sent a burst of speed to her feet and dispelled her clones coming out of the smoke to punch Ino in the face. Ino flew a few feet before hitting the ground and rolling.

Sakura said, "I'm not some baby anymore. You play with fire, and you're going to get burned. Let's see your best, Ino."

"It's not like I needed your invitation you know." Ino wiped her face. "I'll give you my best, but you're not going to like it." She got to her feet.

"Keep the pressure on her Sakura!" Daichi shouted.

Naruto shouted, "You're doing awesome Sakura!"

Kakashi said, "Using chakra to increase the power of her strikes. Pretty good considering she's a rookie."

"I wasn't even aware she was this good." Daichi commented.

Naruto said, "Wait, you two aren't saying she's better than me?"

Kakashi sarcastically said, "No, you're the greatest."

Sakura and Ino charged each throwing a punch that the other blocked with their free hand. A moment later, they lept away from each other and drew a shuriken that they threw. The two shuriken canceled each other out.

Some Time Later…

The battle had been raging for some time with each Kunochi taking and throwing punches. They threw one more punch and hit each other in the face. This sent both of them flying until they landed on the ground. The two of them just got back to their feet.

Ino angrily shouted, "This isn't how this was supposed to go! How can you be evenly matched with me?!"

Sakura said, "Even though I only recently resolved to start being a real ninja, I've still trained since joining Team Seven. I guess, I've managed to pick up a few things from the few spars I've had with them."

Sakura charged in surprising Ino. She quickly recovered and the two went back at it. Finally they both hit their limits and decided to put all their strength into one last attack. They punched each other, in the face, with all their might sending the other flying. Their head bands flew of their heads and clattered to the ground before either of them.

Hayate looked at both their bodies. "This match is another double knock out. Neither of them move onto the final exam."

Kakashi and Asuma jumped down and collected the two women. Daichi jumped down as well and collected their head bands before joining them. The other members of Squad 10, Naruto, and Lee joined them to as Ino and Sakura were set against the wall.

"Treatment probably won't be necessary, They'll most likely wake up on their own in a bit." Asuma stated causing all the concerned parties to smiled with relieve.

Daichi placed their head bands in between them and Kakashi thought. "Despite what may have happened to Sakura, she's grown stronger because of it. I am certain that allowing her to to take these exams was the right move."

"I need Temari and Rock Lee to the center of the arena for the final match." Hayate stated.

Lee looked at the arena floor a blinked for a moment before becoming excited. "It is finally my turn!"

"Lee!" Lee turned to look at his Sense who'd walked over to the group. "From what we have seen, the Sand Shinobi are strong. As such, I leave it up to you on how far you go." Guy gave Lee a thumbs up and his signature smile.

Lee nodded his head. "Right, Guy Sensei. I will make you proud."

Temari was just watching their little show already standing in the center. "So that's my opponent. Ha, he's a joke. I should have no trouble beating him."

Rock Lee v.s Temari

Lee jumped off of the railing and landed on the floor before getting into his usual pose as he faced his opponent.

"Let the final match of the Preliminaries… begin." Hayate declared.

Lee charged right at Temari and jumped. "Leaf Hurricane."

Temari brought her fan down blocking Lee's kick. "At least he's quick on his feet. I might just a break a sweat."

Lee bounced off of the fan, spun in the air, and landed on the ground.

With Sakura and Ino

Sakura came to and saw that Ino was already awake. "So you're finally coming to, eh Sakura."

"Come on Bushy Brown! You can beat her!" Naruto cheered.

"Go for it Lee!" Guy cheered.

Ino said, "Our match is already over."

Sakura looked down. "Did I… lose then."

Ino turned her head. "Hm, that's no fair. I'm the one who wants to cry." She then looked at the ceiling. "You know, I can't say I'm all that mad about it. You were pretty good and never even gave me a chance to use my family's jutsu." Ino smiled at Sakura. "I think a beautiful flower bloomed today."

Sakura saw her head band and began to put it on. She was touched by her friend's words.

"But Sakura, the next time we fight, there will be a clear winner." Ino finished.

Back with Rock Lee v.s Temari

"So every time I attack, she will block with her fan. Then I will just have to go faster." Lee thought as he removed his leg warmers to reveal weights.

"Wait a minute." Daichi squinted to see the weights and smiled. "Lee's been holding back in our races." He thought. "If Lee makes it to the next round, I'll have to step my game up and use weights of my own."

"What are you saying Daichi?" Sakura asked joining her team.

Daichi replied, "Just you watch."

Lee removed both weights held them at his sides. "That is much better. Now I will be able to move freely." He dropped them.

"Come on, you honestly…" That was all Temari was able to think before the weights hit the ground.

They left craters were they hit causing almost every Genin to react with surprise.

"Alright Lee, take her down!" Guy exclaimed.

"Yes sir!" Lee exclaimed.

Lee now moved faster than Temari could see. He appeared at her side and landed a powerful punch to her face sending Temari flying. He then moved until he was in the path Temari was taking. Lee kicked her into the air and sprung off of his hands appearing right behind her. His bands already unwound a bit.

"This is that Dancing Leaf Shadow that Uchiha used." Temari stated with surprise.

"You are correct, but the move I'm about to perform…" The bands wrapped themselves around Temari tight. "… is what The Dancing Leaf Shadow was made for." He grabbed onto her and sent the two of them spiraling right for the ground. "Take this. Primary Lotus."

Temari hit the ground a moment after Lee sprang away landing on his feet. He was panting from the strain of the first gate.

Temari was in the ground and her legs went limp.

Hayate approached both contestants. "I declare Rock Lee the winner. The Preliminary Matches have come to a close."

Lee smiled and sprang into the air as he cried fake tears. "I did it Guy Sensei!"

"Well done Lee!" Guy exclaimed giving another thumbs up and crying fake tears as well.

Arena Main Floor, Some Time Later…

The remaining winners of the preliminary rounds stood before the Hokage, proctors, and Sensei's. The other Genin were off to the sides. Kakashi was already gone to attend to Sasuke.

"Counting the absent Naruto and Sasuke, we have 6 Leaf Genin, 1 Sand Genin, and 1 Mist Genin." The Third Hokage tipped his hat down. "It is time that I explain the final round."

"It's about time." Naruto thought impatiently.

"In that round, your battle skills will be put on display to demonstrate the power and control you've gained in your respective disciplines. Accordingly, the final battles will begin one month from now."

Naruto asked, "We're not going to do it right now?"

The Hokage replied, "There are multiple reason to the this one month waiting period. The first reason is that we must distribute the proper summons for the final selection. It will take time to distribute all of them, and those wishing to attend will need to make the journey here. The second reason, is so you can prepare for the battles to come."

"What do you mean?" Kanja asked.

"Up to this point all of the battles have been real battles, as I'm sure you can all a test,; however, these battle were conducted on the premise that you were fighting an unknown enemy. That's no longer the case.

In order to make the finals fair and just, we're giving you this month to train. Each of you must embrace the opportunity to practice hard and learn some new tricks because by now everyone here knows your techniques. Using your old, tired tricks is a sure way to lose. Also, remember to to get plenty of rest."

Daichi thought, "It's definitely a good opportunity that I'll have to take full advantage of. I may not have shown everything I have, but I don't think what I have left is going to be enough. I'll have to train as hard as I can.

The Hokage said, "Now, with all of that behind us, I'd like to begin amping things up. Before we can bring this portion of the exams to a close, there is one more important mater we must take care of.

In a calm, orderly fashion you will all take a slip of paper from the box Anko is holding." The Hokage looked at Daichi. "Since your team and Sensei are no longer here, you will draw last. When the time comes, I want you to draw your number first. Then you will draw Naruto's. Sasuke will be whatever number is not called out when we ask for it."

"Right." Daichi nodded.

Anko said, "Everyone, stay where you are. I'll come to you."

Everyone took one slip of paper.

Ibiki said, "Good, now everyone has one. From left to right, tell me the number on your slip of paper."

Daichi said, "My number is 5 and Naruto's is 1."

"4." Kanja said.

Neji said, "2."

"8." Gaara said.

Shikamaru said, "6."

"3." Lee said.

The Hokage said, "And that means Sasuke will be number 7. Right, now I will tell you how the final selection tournament is going to work."

Shikamaru said, "Is that what the numbers are for? Drawing lots."

"Ibiki, you may reveal which ninja have been pared up." The Hokage

Ibiki said, "Yes sir."

Everyone was shocked and some were even excited by the board.

"Sasuke Uchiha…" Gaara thought.

Shikamaru thought, "I have to fight Daichi, troublesome."

"Shikamaru, interesting match-up." Daichi thought.

Kanja thought, "This is going to be good. My Sharingan won't help me against the Taijutsu Genin, so I'll have to come up with a few other solutions for him."

"First up is that Mist Genin with the Sharingan? I will train hard." Lee thought.

Neji thought, "One of Hinata's friend is my first opponent? Perfect."

Shikamaru raised his hand. "May I ask a question?"

"You may." The Hokage replied.

Shikamaru asked, "If this is a tournament, then will there be only one winner? Does that mean only one of us gets to be a Chunin?"

"Actually, the contrary is true. There are going to be several judges in the final round including myself, the Kazekage, and the Mizukage. Throughout this tournament the judges will observe you closely, and in the end, they will say if any or all of you posses the qualities of a Chunin. Even if you lose the first round, you could still become a Chunin. Now, we shall adjourn until next month." The Hokage stated.