The Lotus Rock Lee

by AshleyKazekage

The tale of Setsuki begins here. Her life didn't begin quite so well, but upon making friendships her life was well on it's way to becoming great! She meets her best friend, and bonds with him easily. She is glad to have so many friends, and she even starts to fall in love, but refuses to show it at first. However Setsuki's life isn't as great as she thinks it really is..

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

So we finish breakfast, then Lee decided that we'd go training again. Of course, Lee challenged me to another race there, so I accepted.
"3.. 2.. 1.. GO!" I call, my clone comes out of no where, and begins running alongside Lee to make him think I'm actually running with him, but the real me was walking with Tenten.
When Lee was out of sight, Tenten began talking to me again, bringing up the topic we were on before.
"Uh yeah, so as I was saying before, when you asked about Lee's ninjutsu and genjutsu, the problem is.. well, basically, he cannot do any ninjutsu or genjutsu." She says.
"Can't? What do you mean he can't?" I ask.
"Well, he can't focus his chakra very good and no matter how hard he tried in the academy, he could never ever perform any ninjutsu not even the cloning jutsu." She explains.
"Really? ..." I reply, then look ahead, the way Lee and my clone took off. I felt bad for him, it must be hard.
"All he knows his taijutsu. It's kind of a joke really, he believes he can become a ninja just with taijutsu, but seriously, it's not gonna happen." Tenten says.
"But what about Gai-sensei? Isn't he a taijutsu specialist?" I ask.
"Yeah, but Gai-sensei can actually focus and control his chakra, whereas Lee can't." Tenten answers.
"Then why doesn't Gai-sensei do ninjutsu?" I ask.
"Because of Lee. He says he is just like Lee to boost Lee's hopes." Tenten says. I had doubts.
"Kakashi-san!" We hear. We turn around to see Gai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei standing in front of each other. Gai gave Kakashi a thumbs up to his face. "It's that time again eternal rival!"
"Oh.. great.." Kakashi replies.
"Hey lets go see!" I say, then before Tenten could say anything, I grab her wrist and drag her over.
"Aha! We have quite the audience today Kakashi-san!" Gai says. I notice Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura are standing there too. Sakura's eyes wonder. Kakashi lets out a sigh.
"What is it today Gai?" Kakashi inquires. Gai points to Kakashi.
"I challenge you, to a push up race! Lets say 100 push ups!" Gai says. Kakashi sighs.
"Ugh Gai, push ups? Seriously?" Kakashi groans.
"Yes! Unless of course you have something better in mind!" Gai exclaims.
"Hm." Kakashi replies, then puts his fist out. "I challenge you to scissors, paper rock." Kakashi says. Gai's face became straight.
"... Very well! If I lose I'll do 500 laps around the village.. on my hands!" Gai says. Kakashi sweatdrops.
"Alright then." Kakashi agrees. Tenten sighs.
"That's Gai-sensei always making simple things extreme.." She grumbles, burying her head in her hand. The duo shake their fists three times, then it results in Gai – Scissors, Kakashi – Rock. Gai sighs in defeat.
"Um how about you make it the best of three?" I suggest. Gai nods.
"Great idea! How about it Kakashi? You feeling up to it?" He asks, facing Kakashi.
"Yeah whatever." Kakashi replies.

Gai – Rock, Kakashi – Paper

Gai – Paper, Kakashi – Scissors

Gai – Rock – Kakashi – Paper

Gai lowers his head in defeat. "Next time you will win for sure Gai-sensei!" I say. He looks up and smiles at me, then gives me a thumbs up.
"Thank you Setsuki. Now, to complete these 500 laps!" Gai says, then does a hand stand and begins walking on his hands. I was in awe, how on Earth could he do that?
"Come on Setsuki, Lee will be wondering where we are." Tenten says, grabbing my wrist. I nod and the two of us rush off to the training grounds.

On the way there my clone must have disappeared because I just got hit with some information. I felt bad, Lee told my clone that he will never give up on his dream to become a shinobi.
"Tenten hurry up." I say, running faster.
"Huh? H-hey! Slow down!" Tenten calls, trying to catch up.

I make it to the training ground a few minutes later, Lee was standing around surrounded by a puddle of water, he must have started a spar with my clone and she got destroyed. He was looking around at the water carefully, possibly waiting for me to pop up at any moment. I raise the water up with my hand, then jump down behind it so he couldn't see me, but it caught his attention. I run out at him. Lee of course, was ready for any attack. He caught my fist and went to counterattack, but I manage to catch his fist.
"You have suddenly become very fast." Lee comments.
"Yes! I was going easy on you, now it's time to get serious!" I say. Lee smirks.
"Yosh! Bring it on Setsuki-san!" Lee says, then goes to jump back, but I kept my grip on his fist firm. I smirk back.
"If you can get free." I mention.
"Now you are underestimating me." Lee says. I shake my head.
"I never underestimate!" I proclaim. Lee nods then tries to break out of my grip again, unsuccessfully. He raises an eyebrow.
"Your grip sure is strong." He says.
"Thanks." I reply, then I couldn't help the notice the small smirk come across his face. He was up to something. He repositions his feet, then suddenly lets go of my fist, then with his free hand whacks across my stomach, making me flinch and let go of his hand. He then jumps back and into his fighting stance.
"But not strong enough." He says. I rub my stomach for a second.
"Guys do you have to spar all the time?" Tenten asks, finally arriving.
"But-"
"No buts Lee! You two should be resting and reserving your energy for tomorrow." Tenten says.
"I just.. want to-"
"Lee stop back answering, seriously there's no harm in resting!" Tenten groans. I sigh.
"Come on Lee, we're not going to get out of this." I say. Lee reluctantly nods and follows us as we find a nice dry grassy field far from the village and we lay down. I lay down beside Lee, Tenten lays down on the other side of me. Lee had both hands behind his head looking up at the clouds, I had one hand behind my head and one on my stomach, and Tenten lays on her stomach playing with a kunai.
It didn't take too long for me to fall asleep.

"Setsuki.. Setsuki wake up.." I felt my arm being shaken slightly. I open my eyes slowly and tiredly. "Setsuki.."
"Hnnn.." I groan, wanting to sleep. Then I realized that wasn't Uncle Takashi's tone. My eyes snap open and I sit up. I look around, seeing the starry sky, and I felt cold. I saw Lee kneeling down, his hand on my arm gently. "Wha..?"
"We overslept." He says, removing his hand from my arm to scratch the back of his neck shyly.
"Overslept!" I question then jump to my feet. I look to Tenten curled up in a ball. I rub my eyes and yawn.
"Um yes. I think the sun is going to rise soon.." Lee says standing up.
"Rise? Jeepers how long were we asleep for?" I ask.
"Um. A while.." Lee says.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"N-nothing." He stutters, looking away from me. I shrug it off and look at Tenten and clear my throat.
"TENTEN WAKE UP!" I shout, making her eyes snap open and squirm around in fear.
"GAHHH!" She shrieks. Lee's eyes were wide too, I must've scared him too. I smirk, I love scaring people. She sits up breathing very fast. "Wh.. what happened?" She asks, staring at me with wide eyes from shock.
"We fell asleep and it's kinda.. early." I answer. I extend my hand, she takes it and I pull her up and she brushes grass off her pants. I look around for the way back to the village, after all, we wondered pretty far, and with this very dim light it's hard to see. Though the sky in the far distance and a faint orange glow.
"Lee? Why are you blushing?" Tenten asks, capturing my attention. Lee's face tints pinker than before, even though I didn't even notice.
"Blushing?" I ask, leaning close to his face and squinting my eyes, his cheeks become slightly darker pink. He leans away from me.
"U-uh I am n-not blushing Tenten.." Lee says, getting freaked out from me leaning so close.
"Maybe he's just sick from being out in the cold. I know that people with red faces are usually sick." I mention. I feel his forehead.
"No I am fine.." Lee says, taking hold of my wrist and lowering my hand away slowly.
"He's blushing, that's what it is." Tenten says, smirking. Lee glares slightly at his teammate. Tenten giggles.
"But why?" I ask.
"Um.. lets head back." Lee says, then begins to walk.
"Uh Lee, the village is back that way." Tenten mentions, pointing the opposite way. Lee stops and turns around, walking in the way Tenten indicates. I follow along.
"Brrr it's cold." Tenten says, rubbing her arms.
"It's what you get for wearing sleeveless shirts." I mention. She frowns at me.
"Look who's talking." She groans, referring to my tank top.
"My fishnet has short sleeves! That counts right?" I mention, pointing to the fishnet t-shirt I'm wearing. She sighs.
"I'm not going there." She groans.
"Leeeee." I drawl out, jogging a few steps to walk beside him.
"Yes?" He asks, his face is back to normal.
"This is counted as a sleeve right?" I ask, pointing to my fishnet sleeves. Lee nods, then I poke my tongue out at Tenten. She raises a hand innocently.

We get back to the village just as the sun rose enough to light up the village slightly. I saw Gai-sensei, Uncle Takashi standing around the gate looking worried. I sweatdrop. Takashi may have been fretting all night about my absence..
"Uncle Takashi!" I call out, capturing their attention. Their eyes widen.
"LEE! TENTEN! SETSUKI!" Gai calls, then the duo run over to us. I open my mouth to say something when Takashi bear hugs me, and Gai gives both Lee and Tenten a hug, one of them in each arm.
"You had me so worried Setsuki! Where were you?" Takashi questions, letting me ago, allowing me to breathe again. I took a deep breath to regain my normal breathing pattern before talking.
"Uh well you see, we kinda wondered off then fell asleep and just woke up now..." I explain. Both Takashi and Gai let out a loud sigh of relief in complete unison, it was kinda scary.
"LEE WHAT WERE YOU DOING FALLING ASLEEP!" Gai scolds then goes to punch his student when I stand between them, making Gai redirect his punch to the air. I give him an innocent look.
"Please Gai-sensei, it was my fault, I suggested that we should relax and.. we fell asleep." I explain. Tenten gave me a surprised look, then looks eagerly at Gai. Gai sighs.
"Alright, but next time make sure you let someone know where you're going next time. We were up all night searching for you three." Gai says, sounding very serious which was a little scary to me, after all, I've only heard his carefree tone. I bow to him.
"Yes Gai-sensei." I reply.
".. Lee, Tenten, we have 5 hours until the Third Exam starts. I want you to prepare yourselves, go for a run around the village and get that adrenaline rising!" Gai says. There was a short moment of silence before Lee spoke up.
".. Yes Gai-sensei!" Lee says then jogs off into the village. Tenten sighs to herself then walks off after him.
"Yes, and as for you Setsuki, I want you to come home and freshen up a bit." Takashi says. I nod and start walking home with him.

Five hours later the Third Exam was about to start. The squads that survived and passed the Second Exam are all lined up. I was surprised to see all the rookies had made it. At the front of us, a giant statue of hands making a jutsu sign. The Hokage was there, along with all the Jonin and some Chuunin.
"First off, congratulations on passing the Second Exam." Anko says. The Genin start talking amongst themselves. I heard Lee talking to himself so I decide to listen.
"Just watch, Gai-sensei... I will shine, too!" Lee says, his fists up to his face and his eyes on fire. I smile, he gets motivated so easily.
"We will now have an explanation of the Third Exam from Hokge-sama." Anko says. "Everyone listen well. Hokage-sama, please do the honours." She says, facing and bowing to him. The Hokage nods and steps forward.
"The Third Exam will begin. But before the explanation, there's one thing I want to make clear to all of you." He says. "It's about the true purpose of this exam. Why we do a joint exam with the allied nations. 'To maintain good relations with the allied nations.' and 'heighten the level of the ninja.' Do not let those reasons deceive you. This 'exam', so to speak, is.. The epitome of a war between the allied nations."
"What do you mean?" Tenten asks.
"If we go back through history, the allied nations right now were neighbouring countries that have fought each other over and over again." He replies. "To avoid wasting military power, those countries decided to choose a place to fight. That is the beginning of the Chuunin Exam Selection."
"Why do we have to do that?" Naruto questions. "We're not doing this to select Chuunins?"
"Yes, this exam does examine those who are worthy of the Chuunin title. But on the other hand, it's also a place where ninja fight and carry their country's dignity. In this Third Exam, feudal lords and famous people from various countries who may be potential clients are invited here as guests. Ans feudal lords from countries with hidden villages and ninja leaders will see your battles. There's a significant difference in power, the strong will be flooded with jobs. If a country is seen as weak, their jobs will decrease. And at the same time, countries are able to show how their village has grown and possess excellent military power to the adjacent countries. In other words, they can put foreign pressure on them." The Hokage explains.
"So why do we have to fight with the risk of losing our lives?" The dog boy asks.
"A country's power is the village's power. A village's power is the ninja's power. And a ninja's true power is only born in life-or-death battle. This Exam is also a place to show off the ninja power of one's country. Since this is an exam where you fight with your life on the line, it has a meaning.. And your predecessors have fought and dreamed of being in the Chuunin Exams because of it." The Hokage answers.
"But why do you say it is to promote good relations?" Tenten asks.
"I told you at the beginning to not get it confused with that. The custom of showing one's life and fighting to maintain balance.. That is the good relation in the world of ninja. This is a life-or-death battle for your dream and village's dignity." He says.
"I understand now." Naruto says. That cocky grin of his, I knew he was just trying to be cool.
"I don't care." Says the redhead with the gourd. "Tell us the details of this life-or-death exam."
"Then I will now begin the explanation of the Third Exam, but.." The Hokage says, then clears his throat. Someone jumps down in front of him.
"Excuse me Hokage-sama." He speaks. "I, Gekkou Hayate, the judge, will explain."
"Please do." The Hokage says. This Hayate guy stands up.
"Everyone, it's nice to meet you." He says, then turns his head back, his eyes had massive bags under them, and he looks kinda like an undead. It made me shiver and cling to Daisuke's shirt as he is standing in front of me. He groans but just decides to ignore it. "Everyone, before the Third Exam.. There's something I want you to do..." He stops talking and coughs into his hand. "Fight in some preliminary matches to see who gets to advance the Third Exam's main battle." I blink.
"Preliminary? Whatever for?" I ask. "Why can't we just start the Third Exam with the remaining examinees?"
"In this case, it must have been because the First and Second Exam were too easy, I don't know.." Hayate says. "But there are too many examinees left. According to Chuunin regulations, we must decrease the number of participants for the Third Exam."
"Oh, no!" Sakura whines.
"As previously mentioned by Hokage-sama, there are many guests for the Third Exam, so.. We cannot just have a lot of matches. We are limited on time, as well. So, those who aren't feeling well-" He stops to cough. "Eugh, excuse me. If anyone wants to quit after hearing the explanation.. Please let me know. The preliminary matches will begin immediately."
"Immediately?" The dog boy questions.
"But we just got through the Second Exam.." Ino whines.
"How troublesome." Shikamaru groans.
"Oh.. yeah.. I forgot to mention this, but you will have one-on-one matches from here on out." Hayate mentions. "So please withdraw if you wish."
"Psh, is this guy serious? As if we're gonna quit." Susumu, behind me, grumbles. I was too busy looking at Sasuke holding his shoulder and shaking slightly. Naruto and Sakura were panicking a little.
"What is it?" The Hokage asks. Our attention turns to Kabuto who had his arm raised.
"I'll quit." Kabuto says. Hayate grabs a small book and flips through it.
"Let's see.." He mumbles, looking through it. "You are Konoha's Yakushi Kabuto-kun?" He asks. My eyes widen. "You may leave, then."
"Yes sir." Kabuto says then turns around and starts walking.
"Kabuto-san, why are you quitting?" Naruto questions. "Why?"
"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun, but my body is completely worn out already. Even before the First Exam, after I had that quarrel with the Sound guys, I couldn't hear anything in my left ear. I can't fight right away, especially if it's a life or death battle." Kabuto says, then continues walking.
".. What about his personal history?" I overheard the Hokage ask. I look over to see Anko looking through some documents.
"He didn't stand out in his academy years, and his grades were normal. He passed the graduation exam on his third try. After that he did two C-rank missions and fourteen D-rank ones. He doesn't have any outstanding accomplishments. But.." Anko says, reading off the sheet.
"But?" The Hokage inquires.
"It's about before he entered the academy.." Anko says. The Hokage's eyes seem to widen slightly.
"Yes?" He asks, eager to know. I listen in more, is this Kabuto really..?
"Do you remember the story of the boy that was brought back from the Kikyo Pass battle?" Anko asks.
"K.. Kikyo Pass... I-it's true.." I stutter.
"What?" Daisuke says, then one look at my completely shocked face, he becomes concerned.
"Yes." The Hokage replies. "A Jonin from the medic squad took custody of an enemy's boy that was left on the battlefield. So he's that boy?" Anko nods. Kabuto was talking quietly to one of his teammates. I felt tears falling from my eyes. He then starts walking out.
"KABUTO-ITOKO!" I cry, capturing attention from everyone in the room. I run over and bear hig Kabuto, sobbing into his chest and clinging to his shirt.
"What's the matter?" Kabuto asks. I couldn't stop crying, I didn't want to let go. He puts his arms around me. "Stop crying, you'll set a bad impression." He whispers.
"I don't care." I sob, holding him tighter.
"Why cry now? Did you not recognize me back then?" He asks. I shake my head shamefully. "Hm, I don't blame you. We can talk later on, for now, carry on with the exam alright?" I let go and wipe my eyes while nodding. I couldn't believe it. He's alive.
"O-okay.." I mutter. He ruffles my hair while laughing.
"You're still the same silly little girl you were back then." He says. I pout. "Go on." He says. I nod, smiling and walk back over to my squad, now shedding tears of happiness. Kabuto continues to leave. Hayate's cough broke the silence after that, we all turn around and face him again.
"May I assume there are no more people who wish to retire?" He asks. "Then, let's begin the preliminary matches. It will be a one-on-one match. In other words, it will be like real combat. Now that we have exactly 26 people, we'll have 13 matches. And the winners will be able to advance to the Third Exam. There are no rules. You will fight until the other person dies, is knocked out, or admits defeat." My eyes widen slightly. "If you do not want to die, please give up immediately. However, if I judge that the match is over-" He stops to cough again. "I may stop you to prevent any unnecessary deaths. The thing that will hold your destiny.." He looks at Anko. Anko nods and turns around and presses the button on her headset.
"Open it." She says into it. Then one of the boards behind the jutsu statue slides up, revealing a black screen.
"Will be this." Hayate says. "This electric bulletin board will randomly display the names of two fighters for each match. Without further ado, I will now display the names for the first match."
The screen flickered a few times then names randomly jumble around. Then it stops.

Akadou Yoroi
vs
Uchiha Sasuke

"Those whose names were displayed, step up." Hayate says. Sasuke and Kabuto's teammate step forth. "The first match's fighters are Akadou Yoroi and Uchiha Sasuke. Are there any objections?"
"No." Both Sasuke and Yoroi reply in unison.
"Very well.. We will now begin the first match. Everyone other than the two fighters, please move up there." He says, pointing to the platforms on either side of the room. Lee nudges me.
"Setsuki, I will race you up there." He says. I smirk.
"'Kay!" I reply then run to the stairs, up them and smiles victoriously, then my face becomes straight seeing him already standing there smiling.
"I win." He says. I roll my eyes and go stand beside him as everyone walks up the stairs. The Konoha ninjas all came to this platform and all the foreigners went to the other. Gai-sensei, Tenten and Neji come and stand by us. Lee seemed to be watching Sasuke closely, like he was interested to know his abilities.

Lee stayed like that the entire match, and then the unthinkable. Sasuke was jumping back, avoiding Yoroi's attacks, then he suddenly disappears. Lee gasps, then Sasuke appears in front of Yoroi, and kicks him upwards then jumps up behind him.
"That's my..!" Lee exclaims.
"What?" Gai chokes. Just then Sasuke started to cringe then these orange marks started to cover his body.
"What is that?" Lee questions.
"I won't let this thing take over!" Sasuke growls, then the orange marks start disappearing. Then after smirking, Sasuke turns his body, putting his hand on Yoroi's back to making him turn slightly, then Sasuke kicks, but Yoroi blocks with his arm. Then Sasuke spins around and kicks then punches him to the ground, then as Yoroi was falling, Sasuke speeds down, punching his gut then he kicks Yoroi into the ground. "Lions Barrage!" Then Sasuke slides backwards on his back, then lays on his stomach. Both of them look unconscious and Hayate kept looking back and forth between the two. Hayate walks over to Yoroi to inspect him, by then Sasuke begins standing up.
"I will stop this match now." Hayate says. "The first match winner is Uchiha Sasuke. This means he passes the preliminary round."
"Yeah!" Naruto cheers. Sasuke failed to stand up, so he sat there panting, and just before he fall backwards Kakashi poofs behind him, sitting him back up with his leg.
"You did okay." Kakashi says, still reading that perverted book.
"Sasuke!" Naruto calls out. "You won in such an idiotic way! You're all worn out! Idiot!" I smile and look at Lee, he was staring at Sasuke, deep in thought. Medics came in and took Yoroi out on a stretcher.
"Uchiha Sasuke, we medics will give you the best treatment we can." One of them says.
"This isn't your field. I'll take him." Kakashi says, then kneels down to Sasuke's level and they argue quietly about something, then Kakashi stands up, Sasuke does too, and the two of them walk out.
"Now, we will begin the next match." Hayate says. We all look at the screen.

Zaku Abumi
vs
Aburame Shino

After that match Neji was jumpy as ever.
"Who is he, Neji?" Lee asks. Neji walks around to the other side of me and activates his Byakugan, looking at Shino. He then gasps of horror.
"What a guy... I would understand if he summoned those bugs with a technique, but.. He lets the bugs live inside him." Neji says.
"What did you say?" Lee questions of shock.
"He must be part of the clan in Konoha that controls bugs." Gai-sensei says.
"I've heard of it before..." Neji says. "The story of the clan that lends their body as a nest to bugs upon birth and uses them to fight.. They control bugs with their minds, and let the bugs battle for them. In exchange they give their own chakra as food to the bugs."
"So he is the successor to that clan." Lee says, watching him walk back up the stairs.
"I hope I'm next." I say completely changing the subject. Lee chuckles.
"I would like to move on to the next match now." Hayate says. We all eagerly watch the screen.
"I'm next me me." I mutter.
"Shush." Neji hisses.

Tsurugi Misumu
vs
Kankuro

"Ooh Kankuro-kun! KANKURO-KUN!" I shout across the room. He looks at me just he went to turn around.
"Yeah?" He calls back. I give him a thumbs up.
"You'll win!" I call. He nods as though he already knew that then puts his hands in his pockets and walks down the stairs onto the arena. I wanted to watch this match.
"Unlike Yoroi, I wont go easy on your just because you're a kid." Misumu says. "Let me warn you. Once my move gets a hold of you, it's over. Then give up. I will finish this quickly, too." Kankuro slips the straps of the thing on his back off.
"Then.." Kankuro sniggers, then puts the thing on the ground beside him, putting his hand on the top of it to stand it there. "I'll finish the match quickly, too." Misumu glares at him and Kankuro gets an overconfident grin.
"Then.." Hayate says. "Now begin the third match."
"Victory goes to the swiftest!" Misumu says, running at Kankuro. He goes to punch Kankuro's head with a swing of his arm, however Kankuro blocks it. Just then Misumu's arm starts to coil around Kankuro's arm. It was creepy. Misumu had coiled his legs around Kankuro's and his other arm around Kankuro's neck. The thing Kankuro was holding fell over. "I can take my joints off their hinges and use my chakra to control my loosened body. That's why I can strangle you until your bones break. Unless you give up, I will continue strangling you. I don't know what kind of tool you use, But there's no point to it if I immobilize your body like this. I can break your neck as well. Hurry up and give up."
Kankuro smirks. "No." he says.
"Do you want to die!" Misumu questions, tightening his grip.
"Idiot. You're the one who's going to die." Kankuro says, then suddenly, Kankuro's head fell, like he had just died. My eyes went wide.
"His neck is broken.." Lee says, his expression showing horror as well.
"Psh, you idiot." Misumu scoffs. "I got carried away and broke it." Then bits of wood fell from Kankuro's head, which then turns itself around a whole 180°, his face was cracked, and his left eye showed a big eyeball.
"Now it's my turn." Kankuro says. Arms rip through the sides of Kankuro's outfit, wrapping around Misumu. I think they're wood. Then it hit me.
"A puppet!" I exclaim.
"What?" Lee asks. I look to the big bandaged thing of Kankuro's on the ground, Kankuro's hands slip through them, pulling on one of the bandages then they fly up into the air. Kankuro was crouched down as the bandages fall in a circle around him.
"There's chakra coming out of his hand. That must be how he controls that marionette." Sakura says.
"I.. give.." Misumu grunts as the puppet squishes him with it's arms.
"You can become softer if I break your bones." Kankuro jokes. Misumu then fell over.
"Since his opponent is unable to fight, the winner is Kankuro." Hayate says.
"Two against one is unfair. Is that allowed? Is it, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asks.
"It's not unfair. It's just a doll after all." Kakashi replies.
"That's the Puppetry Technique. He controlled the doll with his chakra, it's merely a tool, like a shuriken." Sakura explains.
Hayate coughs. ".. Moving along, we will now start the next match." We look at the screen again.
"Me me me me." I mutter.
"Setsuki, if you don't shut it, I will hit you." Neji grumbles. I close my mouth but continue saying it in my head.
"Geez everyone here is such a weirdo." Naruto says.
"And you're not?" Kakashi says.
"That's right." Sakura says.
"Not you, too, Sakura-chan.." Naruto whines. Sakura giggles, and Kakashi puts his hand on her shoulder.
"This isn't the time to be laughing." He says, then uses his finger to point to the screen.

Haruno Sakura
vs
Yamanaka Ino

After Sakura and Ino go down, Naruto begins calling out.
"Sakura-chan! Do your best! Don't lose!" Naruto cheers.
"Begin." Hayate says.

At the end of their match, they run at each other, then punch each other, making them both fly backwards and tumbling a little. Their headbands fell off. They both try to get up, then then fall back over.
"Both are unable to fight." Hayate says. "Due to a double KO, no one passes the 4th preliminary match. Kakashi picks up Sakura, and Ino's sensei picks her up then bring them up onto the platform.
"Sakura-chan!" Lee says, worried for her.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto cries. Kakashi and Ino's sensei sit them both against the wall beside each other.
"They don't even require medical treatment. They'll wake up in a bit." Ino's sensei says. The screen flickers again, capturing all our attention.
"Me me me m-" I start muttering but then Neji whacks me over the back of the head.
"I told you to shut it." He gushes. I pout and go stand on the other side of lee, linking arms with him, mentally using him as a shield. Lee looks at me curiously.
"What is wrong?" He asks.
"Neji hit me." I whine. Lee looks at Neji.
"Why would you hit Setsuki-san?" Lee asks. Neji huffs and folds his arms.
"Because she would not be quiet." Neji grumbles.
"That is still no reason to-"
"Hey I'm up!" Tenten exclaims. We look at the screen.

Tenten
vs
Temari

They go down to the arena.
"Do your best, Tenten!" Lee cheers. "Yahoo!"
"Hm.. This might be an interesting match.." Neji says, but he went unheard because of Lee's cheering.
"Show that girl what you're made of Tenten!" I cheer.
"Tenten! Use your youth power!" Lee cheers.
"Go! There's no limit in the springtime of your life!" Gai cheers.
"Tenten! You gotta use those awesome skills you used against me!" I cheer.
"No! Use your skills better than that! Don't hold back!" Gai cheers.
"Fifth match, Tenten and Temari, step up. Begin." Hayate says.

The last move, Temari had trapped Tenten in some sort of whirlwind. Tenten could not escape, and once it subsided, Tenten fell, and Temari held out her fan, making Tenten land on it and cough.
"Man that girl is ruthless!" Naruto exclaims.
"Oh.. Tenten.." Lee mumbles.
"Ouch.." I groan.
"Well that wasn't much of a match." Temari says. "Kinda boring."
"To be able to stop everyone of Tenten's attacks like that.." Gai says.
"I still cannot believe it." Lee says.
"It was impressive alright.." Naruto says.
"The winner of the fifth match. Temari." Hayate says, walking over to them.
"Hold on a second!" Lee says then jumps out into the arena. Temari threw Tenten across the field of weapons around her. Lee jumps down and catches Tenten in his arms before she landed on some weapons.
"Heh, nice catch." Temari says.
"What is wrong with you?" Lee questions. "She may have lost but that is no way to treat an opponent who has done her best!"
"Oh beat it." Temari says. "Take that sack of garbage with you." Lee growls then runs at her.
"No Lee!" Neji shouts.
"Leaf Hurricane!" Lee says, swinging a kick at Temari. Temari blocks his leg with her fan.
"Not even close." Temari says, smirking. I want to go help, so I jump up on the railing. Gai grabs the back of my shirt, ruining my jump, and he pulls me back, making me land on my butt.
"Don't." He says.
"You know what? You're as dumb as you look." Temari says to Lee.
"What did you say?" Lee growls.
"Lee! Stop!" Gai shouts, landing about a meter behind him.
"But Gai-sensei.." Lee says, sounding determined to fight.
"Temari." The redhead with the gourd calls. "Forget them. The match is over so get up here. You have won, why are you wasting your time with that pathetic loser and his ridiculous mentor?"
"What?" Lee growls toward him, giving a slight glare.
"Just calm down." Gai says, putting his hand on Lee's shoulder. "Heh, a word of warning. You Suna villagers have no idea what Lee is capable of. Now remember, he still hasn't fought yet. So I'd be careful if I were you."
Gai and Lee come back up onto the platform and the screen flickers again.
"Yeah! Here we go! Please let it be me! Let it be me!" Naruto says.
"No m-" I quickly shut my mouth, Neji had his arms folded frowning at me.
"No! It is my turn!" Lee says. "My turn!"

Nara Shikamaru
vs
Tsuchi Kin

Me, Naruto and Lee all sigh in unison.

Shikamaru's win was impressive. "Come on come on! Me next! Me next me next me next!" Lee mutters. The screen flickers again.
"Come on! Me now!" I shout at it, not caring if Neji was planning on hitting me again.

Kuromizu Setsuki
vs
[Cliffhanger]