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Beta: Ana-DaughterofHades
Drabble Nineteen
Preliminary Rounds
It was right after it was announced that they would be undergoing preliminary rounds, that Sasuke and Sakura encountered a confrontation between each other. The center of their debate was about Sakura's concern towards Sasuke and the mark on his neck that had been affecting him negatively. Sasuke, on the other hand, brushed off Sakura's concern, saying that he was okay. Yet somehow, since neither of them was listening to each other, Naruko's opinion became the tiebreaker.
"Naruko, what do you think?" inquired Sakura, hoping that Naruko would side with her while a glaring Sasuke was hoping for the opposite. Naruko honestly did not like the position she was pushed into and sighed.
"Look, I don't really get what is happening here, but, teme, you should really appreciate Sakura-chan's concern," Naruko told Sasuke, causing him to almost rebuke her response but Naruko turned to face Sakura.
"Sakura-chan, it's good that you are concerned about this ice-cold bastard, but you have to understand how stubborn Sasuke can be. No one can reason with this guy; that's why Sasuke-teme needs to be precautious during his fight. It's obvious that you are not in the best shape, but we trust you to show your enemies that you weren't Rookie of the Year for nothing." That confident smirk, added with those words, was the extra boost of strength Sasuke needed.
Seeing how the situation did not come out in her favor, Sakura sighed unhappily. "Naruko... you tend to spoil Sasuke-kun just a little too much." Which was saying something, coming from a girl who was obsessed with him.
Right after the first match was displayed and announced, Naruko couldn't stop herself from saying, "Teme, I don't know whether I should call this the devil's luck or a great misfortune."
Sasuke said nothing before shooting a reluctant look towards her. Something which caught Naruko's attention when she heard him make a request.
"Onigiri with a tomato filling... I'd like to have that for lunch once all of this is over."
While Sasuke's words confused Sakura, Naruko understood what he was talking about and looked at Sasuke with a large grin on her face. "Gotcha, but you better not lose, teme! I'm the only one who is allowed to beat you into the ground," proclaimed Naruko. Such bold words brought a smirk to Sasuke's face, taking them to heart as he stepped forth to face his opponent.
Running to catch up with blonde, Sakura questioned Naruko about the details of her conversation with Sasuke just a moment ago. "Sorry, Sakura-chan, but it's a secret. Without teme's permission, I must keep my mouth shut." These words did not sit well with Sakura, unable to hold herself back from asking,
"Naruko... are you perhaps... in a secret relationship with Sasuke-kun?"
These words made Naruko choke and immediately whip her face towards Sakura. "Absolute not! Never in this lifetime will I date that girly looking teme! I want someone strong, cool, and who knows cool jutsu!"
"But Sasuke-kun is all three of those things," stated Sakura, both hands on her hips.
"Sakura-chan, only you and those bastard fangirls think that way." Naruko patted Sakura's shoulder as if she was reassuring her that Sasuke was still hers to chase after. Something which put Sakura in a good mood, taking Naruko by surprise when she hooked their arms together.
"Sasuke-kun will definitely win!" exclaimed Sakura.
"Now that sounds like the Sakura-chan that I love~!" cheered Naruko.
Kakashi's mask hid his smile as he took in the improved relationship between Sakura and Naruko. As soon as the match started, Naruko's voice could be heard miles away as she cheered, or more accurately, yelled, on Sasuke with Sakura as her sidekick.
"Damn it, teme, don't let that four-eyed masked bastard get to you! Sasuke, you bastard, don't give up just yet! You're not allowed to be defeated by anyone other than myself!" yelled Naruko, unaware of the many pairs of eyes that were pointed in her direction.
"She's still as loud as before," muttered Shikamaru, holding a hand over his mouth as he yawned.
"As if that blockhead would ever change," commented Ino, hands folded across her chest.
"Naruko is Naruko," said Choji, snacking on a bag of potato chips.
Standing right beside Team 7 was Team Guy; TenTen was the first to say something. "Man, she is loud," stated the young kunoichi, wincing at the sheer volume of Naruko's voice. Neji said nothing, but one could tell that he was annoyed while Lee looked encouragingly towards Naruko.
"The way she cheers for her teammate is truly inspiring!" exclaimed Lee, clenching his fist.
"Sasuke-kun, hang in there!" Sakura joined in. Her sense of worry still had not vanished as she watched the remainder of the match with Naruko. Neither girl looked away, watching when Sasuke copied Lee's move from their match before the first exam and cheered when it was declared that Sasuke was the winner.
"Maa, Sasuke, you certainly have quite the adorable cheerleading team," Kakashi teased the raven-haired teen once his match was finished. Sasuke said nothing as his mind was too busy replaying the proud grin Naruko flashed at him before he was escorted away, feeling like a giddy boy as he anticipated his reward.
'I hope she adds extra tomatoes.'
End of Drabble Nineteen