A/N: I am terribly sorry it's taken me so long to get this chapter out. No real excuse except for kids and too many fic ideas crowding my head. Fight scenes are not my forte but I hope you all enjoy anyway.

Guest Review: I appreciate your review and opinion but typical canon Sasuke is an asshole, there's no way around that and everyone knows it. That's why he will be slightly OoC. I am trying to keep him in character as much as possible without him crossing over that line. He still will be possessive and jealous but if he wants to be with someone so able to love so many people he will have to learn to live with it.

Disclaimer: I'm tired of this, see previous chapters.

Chapter 9

"First off, for the Second Test, congratulations on passing," The Hokage's voice boomed out over all the passing Genin. "Now I will explain the Third Test."

…

Naruto stood surrounded by Genin who had passed the second test. He looked around and observed them all. Ino was fawning over Sasuke; He had to roll his eyes, some things would never change. He smiled fondly at Choji complaining about food and Shikamaru looking sleepy and disgruntled at the proceedings. Sasuke was standing behind Naruto and Sakura behind him.

Rock lee was smiling brightly with his two teammates standing around him listening to the Hokage stoically. Not far from Rock Lee's team were the Sound ninja. The two males of the team were looking angrily in Sasuke's direction. Naruto pushed them to the back of his mind there wasn't anything he could do about them.

He turned back to the Hokage who was finishing his speech about the Chuunin Exams. When he mentioned the Preliminaries a ripple of dissent went through the crowd of Genin. They hadn't even had a chance to rest and now they would be required to go one on one against another ninja in a fight.

Genma Hayate came out to introduce himself as the proctor and explain the rules of the preliminary round of the exams. When he asked if anyone wanted to leave Kabuto was the only one to go.

…

All the Genin and their Sensei's retired to the balconies to watch the viewing screen and see who was chosen first.

Sasuke Uchiha vs. Yoroi Akado.

Kakashi grabbed Sasuke by the shoulder before he moved to descend from the balcony. "Do whatever it takes to win but try to keep some of your skills to yourself. I have no doubt you'll win so you need to keep something as a surprise for the third test." He spoke quietly enough that the surrounding teams couldn't hear and Sakura and Naruto had gathered close enough that all three nodded in understanding. "Good luck," He told Sasuke and let him go.

Sasuke met the other ninja in the center of the arena and hunched his shoulders as if he were still in pain. He scowled at the shinobi, Sasuke hated putting on this act and holding back but Kakashi had a point. Not only that but he had no idea who this ninja was or what he could do, so being underestimated right now was probably in his best interest. Hayate called a start to the match and both ninja leapt back, putting some distance between them.

Sasuke pulled a kunai and knocked away the shuriken that came flying at him. He made it look like he lost his balance and fell to his side. It worked to get Yoroi close but Sasuke wasn't expecting him to jump and try to land a hit to his head. He kicked his leg out quickly and slid himself out of the way.

Yoroi's fist landed on the concrete where Sasuke's head had just been. Sasuke used the kunai still clutched in his hand to put a hole in the floor. He used the kunai now embedded in the floor to swing his lower body around and kicked at Yoroi's arm trying to break it.

It didn't work how Sasuke wanted it to. Yoroi twisted his whole body with the kick and landed a backhand to Saskue's sternum, knocking the breath out of him. Sasuke clutched at his chest wheezing. This was not going at all how he wanted it too but he needed Yoroi to show him something. He didn't want or need to use the Sharingan yet. It wasn't like this guy was fast, it just seemed like he got a burst of figured he must have lost focus at some point, trying to force air back into his lungs, because the next thing he knows there is a palm covering his forehead and eyes; fingertips are digging into the top of his head and his whole body falls limp.

This was bad. Sasuke never expected nor had he known of anyone who could drain chakra. He had almost no energy left but he knew he couldn't allow Yoroi to keep going; so he kicked at the ninja with his remaining strength, knocking him back a few feet to his knees.

Sasuke pushed himself up on weak shaky legs but almost couldn't keep himself standing. Naruto was yelling at him. He looked up at the angry blonde and thought furiously about what to do. He would win this fight but now he really couldn't use his Sharingan. He didn't have the chakra to maintain it.

An idea came to him when his eyes landed on Lee who was standing next to Naruto. The move he had copied from his fight with Lee would work perfectly. He just needed to pull it off on the first try otherwise he was done for. So Sasuke turned his focus back to his opponent and braced himself when Yoroi charged at him.

The move itself wasn't hard to set up, but mid-way through he could feel the strain on his body and fatigue set in. He could hear the astonished gasps and murmurs. Sasuke smirked and completed the Leaf Shadow Dance perfectly. The landing, however, could have used some work. Sasuke landed rather painfully once the last of his strength left him.

Sasuke sat up and watched the proctor check Yoroi and announce Sasuke as the victor. Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief and started to fall back when Kakashi appeared behind him and propped him up with his leg. Kakashi grabbed Sasuke's shoulder and reappeared at the top of the balcony where they could finish watching the rest of the matches.

…

Naruto had watched the whole match committing every move Sasuke made to memory. Even as undignified as the end was, Naruto was impressed. Not that he'd ever admit it out loud. He looked over at Haku who had stationed himself in between Naruto and Sakura.

The older boy glanced down at Naruto with a gentle smile. "That was something else." He said quietly. Naruto grinned up at him and turned around when Kakashi appeared with a scuffed up Sasuke.

The Uchiha was sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. Naruto crouched down in front of his teammate and tapped his knee to get his attention. Sasuke cracked his eyes open and raised an eyebrow in question.

"Good job Sasuke." Naruto told him and flashed him a wide smile.

Sasuke smirked back at him, "Of course. What else did you expect?"

Naruto huffed out a quiet laugh and got back up to take his place between Haku and Lee. Sasuke closed his eyes again and tried to get back some of his energy.

…

Shino Aburame vs. Kankuro

The two Genin met in the middle of the arena as Naruto watched intently, waiting for the start of the match. He recognized the Sand ninja but had no idea what he could do. Naruto was ashamed to admit it but even though Shino was a part of his graduating class, he had no idea what he was capable of or if he had a specialty. The only thing he could recall was that he was part of a clan and was a very quiet person, blending into the background often.

At the start of the match both ninja stood motionless, each waiting for the other to make a move. After a few minutes of tense silence, Kankuro finally got impatient. He pulled the large bundle off his back and set it next to him on the floor with a thud. He stood with one hand on top of the bundle, arrogance pouring from him in waves, and Naruto silently cheered on Shino. He had no idea what his fellow Genin was capable of but the Sand nin needed to be brought down a couple of notches.

The bandages fell to reveal a four armed puppet. "Get ready, here we come." Kankuro jeered.

Shino pulled his hands from his pockets and held them both out in front of himself but said nothing. In the blink of an eye the puppet was speeding through the air across the arena. Naruto's eyes darted back to Shino in time to see his hands slowly being covered in black. He leaned a bit farther over the railing, trying to get a closer look to figure out what exactly the black stuff was, but he was just too far away. He opened his mouth to ask and hoped one of his teammates knew, but someone beat him to it.

When Neji started speaking Naruto turned his head to look over at the other boy and noticed he had activated his Doujutsu. Naruto turned back to the match, listening to Neji's explanation of the Aburame Clan while watching the current fight.

Bugs. They do his bidding and in exchange he lets them live in his body and feed off his chakra. That certainly explains a lot. I wonder if that's why he keeps to himself and doesn't speak much. I can see a lot of people finding that a bit creepy.

Naruto watched the puppet lift an arm and a dagger slid from its palm. He could now hear the faint buzz of insects as the swarm became larger, nearly covering Shino from fingertip to shoulder. As the puppet drew closer to Shino, he could hear its teeth chattering woodenly and shuddered. "Now that's creepy." He muttered loud enough for Haku, Sakura, and Sasuke to hear him.

Haku and Sakura looked at Naruto questioningly. "The bugs aren't so bad, but that doll is creepy," He told them with a shrug of his shoulders.

Sakura shuddered, "They're both creepy. I couldn't imagine letting anything like that live inside me."

Naruto knew she didn't mean anything by it but he kind of wanted to yell at her for that remark; instead all he said was 'I'd rather the bugs'. He saw the moment she realized what he was saying. She flinched and sent him an apologetic look. Haku gave him a small smile and bumped their shoulders together.

Naruto turned back to the fight just in time to see Shino dodge the dagger wielding puppet. With a twitch of Kankuro's fingers another arm of the puppet raised and shot a small ball in Shino's direction. It turned out to be a smoke bomb of some sort and Shino was lost among the smoke. Kankuro sent the puppet in as well and everyone watched for the smoke to clear with bated breath.

When it finally dispersed, Shino was left standing with the puppet only inches in front of him. Before he could move, the puppet's arm shot out and stabbed Shino in the stomach. Gasps went up among the Leaf Shinobi as Shino's form melted into thousands of bugs that swarmed the puppet. Kankuro moved jerkily trying to shake the insects but found much to his displeasure that they locked the joints, and that wasn't even the worst part. A moment after the puppet was swarmed with bugs, it fell to the ground. Kankuro stared in shock and jerked around angrily, looking for the real Shino.

Everyone had been so intent on what was happening with Kankuro's puppet and the bugs that no one noticed when Shino appeared behind Kankuro. He was standing not too far away from the Sand Ninja. Kankuro growled and raised his hands, perfectly content to take Shino out himself but found he couldn't move. He frowned and looked down at himself, not understanding why his body wouldn't respond, and found his own hands crawling with more bugs.

He looked at Shino in disbelief and fell to his knees, and then slumped to his side no longer able to hold himself up. The bugs cut the chakra strings and continued to syphon chakra from his body until he could no longer move at all.

The proctor announced Shino as the winner. The bugs swarmed Shino again and disappearing up his sleeves and down his collar. He leisurely made his way back to his team and the Sand's Sensei grabbed Kankuro. There was nothing the medics could do for chakra exhaustion so he went back to his team as well.

Naruto waited for Kiba and Hinata to say their congratulations before he caught Shino's attention. "Good job Shino," He told the other boy with a happy grin. He couldn't tell if there was an expression on Shino's face but was happy to receive a nod in thanks from him.

…

Sakura Haruno vs. Ino Yamanaka

Naruto watched the two girls stand face to face and held his breath in anticipation. Sakura had come so far in such a short amount of time. He knew she could finish this fairly quickly. Unfortunately the longer he watched, the more disappointment replaced anticipation. His teammate was letting her head and friendship get in the way of the fight.

Naruto understood friendship and rivalry very well but he used that to better himself and he thought Sakura would have been able to see that what was between her and Ino was very similar to himself and Sasuke.

It was a pathetic match, with both kunoichi pulling their punches. Sakura was clearly better at hand to hand but she kept getting in her own way and she failed to see the trap Ino laid for her. In Ino's defense, it was a good trap, using her hair like that. Naruto had not seen it coming either.

Naruto dug his hands into his hair and tugged in frustration. It looked like it was all over for Sakura. He tried to keep his mouth shut but he just couldn't let her lose like that.

"Sakura!" He shouted. "Fight her. You did not work your ass off to get this far and lose."

He watched Ino falter and Sakura break through the Mind Transfer Jutsu but it cost her. She used so much energy to fight her way out, she was swaying. Ino stood and both girls faced off one last time. With a burst of speed they charged each other, both throwing a punch at the same time. Sakura was just a tiny bit faster and dodged the hit while hers connected, knocking Ino unconscious.

Sakura was declared the winner but it was a disappointing fight. Naruto and Haku congratulated her, when she reached them, and Lee went on an enthusiastic tirade before she interrupted him. Sakura made a fist and gently thumped Naruto on the head and muttered 'thanks' then went and sat next to a still unconscious Ino.

…

Tenten vs. Temari

The fight between those girls was brutal and fast. Tenten looked like she was throwing everything she had at Temari and none of it was touching the Sand Shinobi. Both were very talented but not well matched. Temari was just toying with the other kunoichi. Shikamaru, who was leaning against the railing beside Naruto predicted the outcome barely 30 seconds into the fight.

Temari won the match but disgraced herself at the end. Anyone who treats an opponent like trash does not deserve to call herself a shinobi.

…

Shikamaru Nara vs. Kin Tsuchi

Naruto was always amused by how reluctant Shikamaru was to do anything, but he was so capable. He just didn't realize how capable till he saw Shikamaru …Well he couldn't say fight now could he. The Shadow Bind Jutsu was not really offensive and he didn't have to physically touch the Sound Ninja; just strategically used a wall to knock her out.

Naruto was amazed at how little effort Shikamaru put into the match and still won in the end. He was curious what the other boy could do if he ever actually did put some effort in.

…

Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka

Naruto took a deep breath and began to make his way down to the arena floor. He could do this. He would win. Haku and Sensei worked with him and he had improved. It's what he told himself as he descended. Then the match began.

There was a time not too long ago where, if he had been faced with Kiba's jeers and insults, he would have lost his temper and screamed; railed and charged in without a second thought. Not this time. Naruto had no clue what his opponent could do or how fast he was. Kiba couldn't be faster than Haku but it was still a good idea to gather as much information as possible.

Kiba starts down on all fours and Naruto watches with interest as his opponent becomes even more feral looking than he already is, nails that grow to form claws, protruding canines, and wild hair. Naruto huffs mentally and can help but to think 'I bet I look scarier'. Too bad he can't make that transformation automatically, not to mention his seal is a bit messed up right at the moment.

Naruto didn't have any more time to observe because suddenly Kiba right there in his face and, 'wow fast,' but not nearly fast enough. Naruto dodged the intended body slam; he kicked Kiba in the stomach causing him to spin away. Kiba flipped himself and landed on all fours. Sliding backwards, he slowed his progression by flattening his hands.

Kiba cocked his head slightly, peering at Naruto with a mix of surprise, curiosity, and anger. That was not how it was supposed to go. There was a reason that Naruto was called Dead Last and he couldn't have changed that much in so little time. Naruto wasn't smirking or smiling, he wasn't bragging; he was just standing there as calm as could be, not even a little out of breath, and it was pissing Kiba off.

Naruto forced himself to be patient. He couldn't rush; he'd made that mistake before and the flash of a broken bloody Sasuke, in his mind, was enough to calm him. Kiba stayed down and Akamaru took his position next to his master. Kiba threw a smoke bomb at Naruto. With his vision blocked by the smoke and his sense of smell gone as well he could only hear his opponent's steps; it was a good thing neither of them were very light footed.

Naruto dropped to the floor and made two shadow clones. He whispered in the something in the first clone's ear then motioned for it to stay down and pulled his Hitai Ate off. He put his mouth as close as he could get it to the other clones ear and told it to transform into the forehead protector while he put the real one in his pocket. Naruto waited for Kiba and Akamaru to pass overhead, he picked up the transformed clone and stood, allowing himself to be hit and knocked out of the smoke. As soon as he cleared the smoke Akamaru was in his face, so he leaned to the side and used the dog's forward momentum to allow it to go sailing right past Naruto and back into the smoke.

Naruto allowed himself to hit the floor on his side and flung his hand out, sliding the hidden clone to the far wall so it was out of the way of the fight. He stood to face Kiba who was looking around searching for Akamaru. The small dog didn't appear until the smoke cleared, a few seconds later, to reveal a clone holding onto the dog. Kiba growled and pulled out a pellet. He tossed it to Akamaru and the dog caught it in his mouth. The small transformation caught Naruto and his clone off guard, the amount of strength in the tiny animal was surprising. He no longer had his first clone but Naruto wasn't worried; he was still confidant but he wasn't going to underestimate Kiba anymore.

Two Kibas and double the speed had Naruto dodging while trying to figure out what to do. His first plan hadn't gone the way he wanted; he should have taken Kiba out while the smoke was clearing and he swore at himself for that stupid oversight but there was nothing to do about it now. Naruto mentally shrugged and the next time his feet hit the floor he ran toward the hidden clone still lying in wait. When he was about a foot in front of it he stopped and faced the two Kibas and waited. It didn't take long for both of them to come flying at Naruto. He leapt into the air just as they neared and kicked down as hard as he could when they blurred beneath him.

Kiba hit the floor with a loud crack and didn't move or transform, it was the real Kiba. Akamaru was still moving toward the wall and Naruto's clone. Naruto watched it all in as if the dog were moving in slow motion and just before his feet hit the wall he yelled 'Now!' to the clone. Naruto's clone transformed and as Akamaru began to push off the wall, the clone grabbed his coat and yanked down. Akamaru flipped and was forced to his back; his breath pushed from his lungs in a great gust of air. The Kiba clone transformed back into Akamaru and the dog lay still, unconscious.

Naruto released his shadow clone and waited patiently to be declared the winner. It took his brain a minute to register the surprised chatter and cheers going on above him. He tipped his head back and smiled bright and wide. Sakura, Haku and Lee were cheering the loudest. He rushed up the stairs accepting congratulations along the way.

Sasuke smirked that damned almost smile at him, "Could've done better." Naruto's smiled didn't falter and he shook his head at his teammate. It was probably the closest he's get to a 'good job' from Sasuke.

Naruto went around Sasuke and grabbed Haku up into a tight hug; Haku laughed loudly and squeezed back. "You did it. Good work, Naruto-kun." He told him.

Naruto set the older boy down. "I couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you." Naruto said sincerely.

Naruto looked up when he felt a hand on the top of his head. "Good job Naruto."

He looked up at his Sensei, "Thanks Kakashi-Sensei." Naruto forced the words past the lump of emotions that decided to gather in his throat. Kakashi ruffled his blonde spikes and pulled his hand away to poke at his student's forehead. Naruto startled slightly, he'd completely forgotten his Hitai Ate was still in his pocket. He pulled it out, tied it back around his head and took his place back between Sasuke and Haku when the next match was called.

…

Hinata Hyuga vs. Neji Hyuga

Naruto got the run down on the Hyuga clan from Kakashi, Sakura, and Lee. He was never one for clan politics considering he'd never been part of one. However he was currently thinking that after the Finals he should probably start looking into that and made a note to ask Kakashi if he should start learning anything about the subject.

Naruto listened to Neji cruelly insult Hinata and thought he and Sasuke were way too much alike. Hinata was incredibly timid but Naruto didn't think she was weak. The more Naruto listened, the more he wanted to knock Neji out. He'd had way too many people call him a weak loser, to want to listen to someone say the same to another. He could see the poor girl's confidence shatter more and more with every word and pretty soon she would break. When he could see the tears building in her eyes he finally lost his temper. "Yes you can Hinata! Do not let him decide for you. You are stronger than he knows Hinata, kick his ass!" He shouted at her.

Neji glared at Naruto over his shoulder. When Neji looked back at Hinata instead of looking frightened and teary, her eyes had cleared and she looked determined. She activated her Doujutsu and took her stance.

Their fighting stances looked awkward and unfamiliar. It looked as if every blow was a glancing one and Naruto had to get someone to explain their fighting style and Doujutsu. Naruto couldn't help but be a little amazed at what the Hyuga were able to do. Their mastery of control was daunting as well and he didn't understand why Hinata would think she was weak.

Naruto watched the two fight and as much as he really didn't like Neji, he had to admire the way he moved. It came as a surprise when Neji was forced back a little ways because of Hinata. Naruto cheered Hinata on, he was proud of her for standing up for herself. He thought it was going well until Hinata was coughing up blood. But she didn't stop, she just pushed herself to keep going. When Hinata's arm was exposed, the red marks were clear as day and shocking to see.

The last blow knocked Hinata down, Naruto admired her resolve when she stood up again and wondered just how injured she really was since the damage wasn't visible. Naruto smiled slightly as he heard her repeat his Nindo and was happy that he was able to influence someone to be stronger. He'd never realized she looked up to him, never mind watching him.

Even though she could barely stand and her chin was stained with blood, she kept going, pushing her body to its limits. She got knocked back and again she pressed forward. Then Neji hit her one last time and she fell. It was shocking for everyone except Naruto when she stood once more. By now he knew she wasn't going to win but she took on his Nindo and she would never give up just like Naruto. It didn't matter if she didn't win; he saw a new person down there, one who could take pride in themselves.

Neji kept talking shit and when he was declared the winner he didn't stop, intent on doing permanent damage to Hinata. Thankfully three of the Sensei's and the proctor stepped in to stop him. Naruto sneered in disgust when Neji claimed them saving Hinata's life was special treatment. Neji needed a rude wake up and fast.

Naruto, Lee and Sakura jumped down to see how Hinata was doing. She lost consciousness before he could say anything to her. Neji just had to keep being an asshole even after he'd won and Naruto glared up at him.

"In the end a loser is a loser. They cannot change." Neji said a self-satisfied smirk plaster on his face.

"Bullshit." Naruto spat the word. "You think you're so damn great. One day someone's going to knock you on your ass and then where will you be? I hope that when that day comes I'm there to see it." He turned away and went back up to stand with his team while Hinata was taken away by the medics. He had no interest in standing around listening to someone like Neji; he got enough of that from Sasuke.

…

Gaara vs. Rock Lee

This was bound to be an interesting fight. Lee was pretty good, and from what they had heard Gaara might be better. Gaara had been a little intimidating when Naruto had met him and his team, but after a second look, he could help but to note that he looked somewhat delicate.

Lee made the first move, he was as fast as Naruto remembered, but Gaara didn't even twitch. The sand that shielded Gaara from taking a hit was pretty cool. No matter how fast Lee was, though, he just couldn't get past the sand.

Naruto had no idea what to think when Lee dropped the weights. He just watched, shocked that someone as small as Lee could even walk carrying that much weight. Naruto's mouth dropped at how fast Lee was now. He simply could not express his shock Lee was in one spot and in the blink of an eye he was somewhere completely different. Naruto wondered who was faster, Lee or Haku. Now that would be interesting to find out.

With the added speed Lee was finally able to land a hit on Gaara. Lee scored a scratch on the Sand ninja's cheek and a solid punch after. Naruto watched Gaara closely after seeing Kankuro look decidedly nervous. The insane light in Gaara's eyes was visible and now he looked scary and not as delicate as Naruto had originally thought.

Lee was amazing; his agility and power were unbelievable. In the end, it just wasn't enough. Once Gaara started to use his sand offensively, he was ruthless. He caught Lee's left arm and leg with his sand and crushed them. Gai had to step in and keep Gaara from killing Lee but it was over. Gaara was declared the winner. Everyone waited in silence while Lee was taken away by the medics. There were only two Genin left to fight.

…

Choji Akamichi vs. Haku Momochi

Naruto slapped Haku on the back lightly. "I'd say good luck, but you're too good to lose."

Haku huffed in amusement at his friend and made his way down, with Choji not far behind. They faced each other; Haku pulled a couple of Senbon and waited. Choji looked a bit intimidated and it seemed like he wasn't going to do anything. Naruto smirked and got a bright idea.

"Hey Choji," Choji looked above Haku to Naruto. "Guess what Haku said earlier. He said you were looking a little…Fat."

Haku's head whipped around to face Naruto. "I…" He started to say affronted but never got the chance to answer.

" . ." Choji fumed and promptly used a jutsu to blow himself up. He was easily five times his normal size. Haku's eyes widened. That was not what he was expecting. He threw his Senbon, but they were deflected off Choji's immense form. The human boulder was fast and too wide to dodge. Haku made the necessary signs just seconds before Chouji reached him. A giant Ice Dome formed over Haku just in time. He was a bit put out at having to reveal that so early but it was the only option at the moment.

Chouji rolled up one side of the dome and gained momentum as he rolled down the other side. He was going so fast he hit the opposite wall and lodged himself there. Choji had no way to get himself out so he had to release his jutsu. Haku quickly grabbed a few more Senbon and as soon as Choji was his normal size once again he threw them, hitting a nerve in Choji's back and paralyzing him. Choji dropped to the ground awake and aware but unable to move or talk. Haku was declared the winner but he looked a little disappointed.

Haku went to Choji after and pulled the Senbon out before helping him to stand up. Choji was unsteady but otherwise unharmed. He gamely congratulated Haku.

Genma called the winners down to the arena.

Naruto wasted no time. In a heartbeat he was on the arena floor tackling Haku to the ground. "Knew you could do it. Not a good match-up, but you're going to the finals; that's what counts anyway."

Haku couldn't help but smile back and allow the wave of enthusiasm to wash away his reservations. "Yes, of course. Though you should probably get off me now."

Naruto froze and blinked down at the other boy, only just realizing the position they were in and that they had an audience. He sprung to his feet, scratching the back of his head and laughing nervously. "Sorry, got a little carried away there."

Haku rose gracefully and brushed himself off before grinning at the blonde. "I don't mind."

Around them the onlookers mostly wore expressions with varying degrees of impatience; though Sasuke was glaring at a far wall, Shikamaru was looking between Haku and Naruto with a contemplative expression, and no one could really tell what Shino was thinking.

Under Genma's direction, all the winners lined up and waited for their final match up announcement.

Naruto vs. Neji

Shikamaru vs. Temari

Haku vs. Shino

Sasuke vs. Gaara

Sakura vs. TBA