Naruto and his team of clones sparred with Jiraiya's clone outside the village. They occupied a secluded training ground, trading blows under the shade of the trees. It was eight Narutos against one Jiraiya, but the advantage in number was far outweighed by Jiraiya's skills in combat. He kicked away a clone charging from his flank, and then dodged two more from his blind spot. Four Narutos rushed in at once, a kunai blade came within a hair of Jiraiya's clone, but Jiraiya slipped away and eluded the flurry of attacks.

"Good, that's enough for now," said Jiraiya.

Naruto released his clones, lungs heaving, marked with scuffs and sweat. "I almost had you that time, Pervy-Sensei!"

"Sure, I guess you didn't miss as bad as you usually do," said Jiraiya. He had released his clone as well. "But in all seriousness, you've done a good job these past four weeks, you should be proud of your progress. You essentially started with no skill at all, and now you're not entirely incapable."

"Wow, that's big praise from you, don't start going easy on me now," said Naruto through gritted teeth. "You probably think you're a great teacher, don't you? If I'm so mediocre then isn't that your fault too?!"

"Look at the clay I'm working with, you expect me to sculpt a masterpiece in less than a month?" said Jiraiya.

"Hey! I'm a fast learner!" said Naruto. "I picked up all those chakra control techniques and taijutsu forms right away."

Jiraiya laughed. "I've taught some fast learners, kid, and that's not exactly how I would describe you."

"Oh yeah?" said Naruto. "Who mastered Kuchiyose no Jutsu faster than me, huh?"

"Lord Fourth," said Jiraiya. "Not to say you've mastered that jutsu yet."

Naruto raised an eyebrow.

"He was my student when he was young," said Jiraiya. "To be honest, you remind me of him, just a little bit. You don't give up—he was like that too."

Naruto leapt up. "That's what I'm talking about! Let's keep going! One more round!"

Jiraiya raised a placating hand. "Your training is officially on hold again. Like I said, you did a good job, and it would be a waste to overdo it. Your match is in three days, so rest up and mentally prepare."

Naruto grinned. There was a tightness in his stomach—he would be going up against one of the top ranked genin in the village, straight out of the gate. He was excited.

The next day, Naruto slept in late. He did some light exercises that Jiraiya had recommended, and then went out to get something to eat. Naruto's training had consumed so much of his time and energy that he was surprised to see an influx of new food stands and trinket shops in the village, preparing for the crowds of spectators that would come for the exam finals. More vendors would continue to set up over the next couple days.

Naruto ordered a bowl of yakimeshi fried rice and scoped out the stalls. For a few minutes he looked through a booth of ceramic oni masks and candles meant to ward off bad luck, and then he moved on to a grilled eel stand. Naruto was stuffing his face when he ran into a group of fellow Konoha genin: Choji, Ino, Kiba and Hinata. They too were enjoying the festivities that preluded the exam finals, dressed in casual garbs and carrying an assortment of meat and vegetable skewers.

"Yo, Naruto!" said Choji. He spoke through a mouthful. "You feeling ready for your match?"

"Oh yeah, you better believe it," said Naruto. "I've been training like crazy."

"Good, and you better win!" said Choji. "One bookie gave me fifty-to-one odds on your fight with Neji."

"Seriously? Fifty-to-one?!" said Naruto.

"Don't tell me you made a big bet," said Ino. She was dressed in a pink kimono with a patterned parasol to keep the sun off of her pale skin.

"That's a great bet for you, Choji," said Naruto. "Because I'm definitely going to win."

Naruto glanced over at Hinata, who was donned in a sky blue kimono. Last he had seen her, Hinata was dueling with Neji in the preliminary round, beaten and bruised, pushing herself beyond limits. The stark contrast between her bloodied shinobi attire and her current festival dress was jarring. She was quiet, almost hidden behind Kiba, but the silent compassion in her bright eyes spoke volumes.

"Hinata, how are you feeling?" said Naruto, recalling the team of medical-nin that had carried her away in a hurry after her bout with Neji. He had been merciless. "You fought really hard."

"I'm feeling better," said Hinata. Her voice was little more than a whisper, a combination of her usual meekness and residual scarring to her throat and lungs. "Thank you."

"I'm just glad that I'll get a chance to knock the crap out of Neji for you," said Naruto. "I can't stand jerks like him."

Hinata only made eye contact with Naruto for a brief second before shifting her gaze, cheeks warming to a soft pink, but she cracked a thin smile. "I can tell you've been training hard. I know you'll be able to beat him."

Naruto smiled and scratched the hair on the back of his head, looking up distractedly. Hinata's words felt warm, and signified a rare vote of confidence in Naruto's abilities. He was used to mockery and disbelief.

"I'm not so sure," said Ino. Naruto had almost forgotten that Ino, Choji and Kiba were there. "Just try not to hurt yourself too badly, Naruto. Hey, you're in Sasuke's cell, have you seen him lately?"

"No, not recently," said Naruto. "He's probably still training with Kakashi-sensei."

"How about another rematch, Naruto?" said Kiba. "I'll admit it, you got the best of me the other week, but I haven't been slacking off on training either. No more flukes!"

"It's not a fluke if it happens twice," said Choji. "Naruto needs to stay healthy for his big match. C'mon, let's get some fried udon."

Jiraiya was right, it felt refreshing to take a day off from training.