I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!

Welcome back to another chapter. We saw the curse mark take over Sasuto, yet he was able to overcome it with sheer determination. Unfortunately, it won't always be that way in the future. This chapter will cover the final part of round 2 and the start of round 3 preliminary matches. Time for you all to start thinking on if Sasuto will abandon the village or stay loyal despite having the Cursed seal of the Heavens on him.

quick rant: Also, the story isnt focused on power scaling, im just setting the precedent with Sasuto. Naruto already had more chakra than everyone in the village, but to add Sasuke's refinement of it makes him op right now. If you feel like this story aint it, well im sorry you feel that way. But at least give it 5 chapters before you decide that. You know how many fics ive read where the first three chapters are complete buns, but then the story shifts and it has a really good run? Quite a few. Just let me cook.

Convergence of Souls

Arc 1: Chunin Exams

Chapter 3: The Preliminary Matches

The sun had begun to dip behind the canopy of trees in the Forest of Death, painting the sky with deep hues of amber and crimson. Shadows stretched long across the uneven terrain, turning the forest into a labyrinth of darkness and muted colors. Sasuto stirred, his body heavy and aching as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, the world around him coming into focus like a bad dream. The metallic taste of blood lingered on his tongue, and his muscles felt like they were on fire.

"Finally awake, huh?" Sakura's voice broke through the haze. Her tone was soft, yet there was an edge to it—relief mixed with lingering fear.

Sasuto blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the dense canopy. His head rested on Sakura's lap, and as he shifted, a sharp pain shot through his body. "W-What… happened?" he muttered, his voice raspy and dry.

"You lost control," Sakura replied, her hand gently brushing the hair away from his face. "That… that mark on you… it turned you into something else."

Sasuto's gaze drifted to his left shoulder, where the curse mark lay like a brand, still pulsing with an ominous, dull heat. Memories of the battle flickered through his mind—the bloodlust, the overwhelming rage, the terrible power coursing through him like an uncontrollable wildfire. His eyes widened, and he clenched his teeth. "I… I remember now."

Sakura nodded, her expression softening. "You saved us… but it was like you weren't yourself." She paused, her eyes brimming with worry. "Are you… okay now?"

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The air was thick and humid, filled with the scent of moss and earth. "I'm fine… I think." He struggled to sit up, and Sakura quickly moved to help him, her hands trembling as she supported his weight. "We need to get to the tower," he said, his voice firmer now. "The center of the forest."

Sakura nodded, though her face was still etched with concern. "Can you walk?"

Sasuto nodded, testing his legs beneath him. Though shaky, they held his weight. "Yeah, let's go."

They moved through the forest cautiously, each step measured and deliberate. The air was thick with the scent of damp leaves and fresh soil, and the sound of distant wildlife echoed around them. Sasuto could still feel the lingering effects of the curse mark, a dull throb that pulsed with every heartbeat. Sakura stayed close, her eyes darting around nervously as if expecting another attack.

The oppressive weight of the Forest of Death seemed to press in on them from all sides as Sasuto and Sakura trudged toward the looming tower at the center. Shadows clung to every tree, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Sweat dripped down Sakura's face, mixing with dirt and grime. Her legs felt like they were filled with lead, each step a struggle. But the sight of the stone walls ahead filled her with a flicker of hope.

"We're almost there, Sasuto," Sakura muttered, her voice laced with fatigue but also determination.

Sasuto's face was pale, and his breath was shallow. His hand instinctively touched the curse mark on his neck, feeling its malevolent energy simmer just beneath the skin. His expression was one of pain and frustration, his body fighting against the lingering effects of Orochimaru's cursed power. "Yeah... I see it," he replied, his voice strained but pushing himself to keep moving.

Finally, they stumbled out from the dense underbrush, coming face to face with the imposing structure of the tower. Standing at its entrance, with one hand in his pocket and a book in the other, was Kakashi Hatake. His expression was unreadable behind his mask, but his lone visible eye quickly shifted from its usual laziness to sharp focus when he saw the state his students were in.

"About time you two showed up," Kakashi remarked casually, though there was an edge to his tone. He closed his book and pocketed it, his gaze locking onto Sasuto. The mark on the boy's neck immediately caught his attention. His visible eye narrowed. "That mark... so it's true."

Sakura's breath came in ragged gasps. She managed to summon enough energy to speak. "Kakashi-sensei... it's Orochimaru. He... he attacked us, and he gave Sasuto that mark," she said, her voice trembling with fear and exhaustion. "He's lost control and wasn't himself. I-I don't know how much longer he can hold out."

Kakashi's demeanor shifted to something far more serious, almost dangerous. "Orochimaru," he repeated, his voice quiet but filled with tension. His eye remained fixed on Sasuto. "This is bad. Very bad." He stepped closer, his normally relaxed posture now taut with readiness. "We need to act fast."

Sasuto winced, the curse mark flaring with a sharp, burning pain. "I... I'm fine, Kakashi-sensei," he tried to say, but his voice was weak, betraying the truth of his condition.

"No, you're not," Kakashi said firmly, his gaze unwavering. "If we don't seal that mark now, it's only going to get worse."

He motioned for Sasuto to sit down against the wall of the tower. Sakura hovered nearby, her concern evident in her eyes. Kakashi knelt in front of Sasuto, placing his hand over the curse mark. The seal was already beginning to spread, dark lines crawling outwards from the point of origin. Kakashi's eyes narrowed with determination as he focused his chakra.

"This is going to hurt," Kakashi warned.

Sasuto nodded, his breathing shallow. "Do it," he managed to say.

Kakashi formed a series of hand seals with practiced speed and precision. His palm began to glow with blue chakra, and he pressed it against the curse mark on Sasuto's neck. "Evil Sealing Method!" he declared.

The moment his hand touched the mark, Sasuto's body went rigid, and a scream tore from his throat as the dark energy of the curse mark fought back. The pain was unlike anything he had felt before—like hot needles being driven into his skin, spiraling through his nerves, and tearing at his very core. The malevolent chakra of the curse mark surged up, threatening to overwhelm him, but Kakashi's sealing jutsu was stronger.

The lines of the curse mark retracted, pulled back by the power of the seal Kakashi was forming, and the glowing blue symbols began to encircle the mark, creating a barrier to suppress its influence. Sasuto's breath came in ragged gasps, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to stay conscious.

Sakura watched in horror, her fists clenched at her sides. "Hang in there, Sasuto," she whispered, feeling utterly helpless.

Finally, with a surge of his own chakra, Kakashi completed the seal. The curse mark faded back into a small, contained symbol on Sasuto's neck, now bound by the newly placed barrier. Sasuto's body relaxed all at once, and he slumped forward, unconscious, into Kakashi's waiting arms.

Kakashi exhaled, his breath steady but his expression grave. "That should hold it... for now," he said, glancing at Sakura. "Help me get him inside. He needs to rest."

Together, they managed to lift Sasuto and carry him into the tower, down the dimly lit halls lined with stone walls that were cold to the touch. The scent of moss and age filled their noses as they moved through the corridors. Kakashi led them to a small room with two simple cots. He carefully laid Sasuto down on one of them, covering him with a thin blanket.

Sakura sat down on the edge of the second cot, exhaustion washing over her now that the immediate crisis was over. "Will he be okay, Kakashi-sensei?" she asked, her voice small and filled with worry.

Kakashi gave a slight nod. "He should be. The seal will suppress the curse mark's power, but it's not perfect. If he pushes himself too hard, it could break, it will rely on him and his will," he explained, his tone serious but reassuring. "For now, rest. You both need it."

Sakura nodded, her eyes still lingering on Sasuto's unconscious form. She felt a knot of fear twist in her stomach, but she knew there was nothing more she could do at the moment. She laid back on the cot, letting the exhaustion take her.

Kakashi watched over them for a moment longer before stepping out of the room, his mind already turning to the next steps. The threat of Orochimaru was now very real, and the stakes had just gotten higher.

The next morning, the tower's main hall was filled with tension. The remaining genin, battered but resolute, gathered before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who stood at the center, his wise eyes surveying the young shinobi. The air was heavy with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Hiruzen took a deep breath, his aged face calm but stern.

"Congratulations to all of you who have made it this far," he began, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "You have shown exceptional skill and determination to survive the second stage of the Chunin Exams. However, this is only the beginning. The third stage will require even greater resolve."

The genin murmured amongst themselves, the weight of his words sinking in. Hiruzen gestured to a monitor behind him, which flickered to life. "For the next stage, we will have preliminary matches to reduce the number of participants for the final round. The first match will be selected at random."

The screen displayed a list of names, and then two names appeared on the monitor in bold letters: *Sasuto Uchimaki vs. Yoroi Akado.*

A murmur spread through the room. Sasuto stepped forward, his body still aching but his eyes burning with resolve. The curse mark on his neck throbbed faintly, a reminder of its presence, but he pushed it aside. He had to focus.

Kakashi watched him closely from the sidelines, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. "Remember what we talked about, Sasuto," he said quietly as the boy walked past him. "Control yourself. Don't let it control you." Sasuto nodded, stepping into the center of the arena

Ino looked at Sakura and inquired who Sasuto really was, "Sakura, who exactly is Sasuto?"

Sakura looked towards Team 10, "it's really complicated, but to try and keep it simple, Sasuto Uchimaki is what he calls himself. He is a fusion of Naruto and Sasuke," she stated.

Shikamaru looked back at the boy, "yeah, I can see how that's who he is, the question is how it's possible?"

Kakashi took a long breath before answering the question, "from what we have gathered, the earrings Sasuto is wearing is what fused them. Sasuke found the earrings and Naruto snatched one and tried it on."

Asuma Sarutobi is shocked by the information given out so casually, "wait, did dad not have anything to unfused them?"

Team Seven shook their heads. Suddenly everyone turned their attention to the match at hand.

Sasuto stood confidently. Across from him stood Yoroi Akado, a smirk on his lips. "So, you're the one everyone's talking about," Yoroi said, his voice dripping with disdain. "This should be fun."

The tension in the air was palpable as the next match was announced. Sasuto Uchimaki stood at the center of the arena, his eyes fixed on his opponent. He couldn't help but feel the weight of Kakashi's barrier seal burning against his neck, a constant reminder of the curse mark lurking beneath his skin. With Kakashi's sealing jutsu restraining the curse mark, Sasuto was unable to use ninjutsu. This fight would have to be won purely with taijutsu.

Across from him, Yoroi Akado cracked his knuckles, his face twisting into a sinister grin. His specialty was absorbing chakra through physical contact, and he clearly believed he held the advantage. Sasuto's expression remained impassive, his Sharingan eyes scanning Yoroi's every move. His mind raced through potential strategies. Yoroi was right about one thing: he was indeed unlucky to face someone who could absorb chakra when his own ninjutsu was sealed away. But that didn't mean he was without options.

"Begin!" Hayate Gekko's gravelly voice cut through the arena, signaling the start of the match.

Yoroi wasted no time, lunging forward with his chakra-absorbing hand glowing ominously. Sasuto stayed still, watching every muscle fiber twitch and strain, his Sharingan analyzing Yoroi's approach. At the last possible moment, he sidestepped, narrowly avoiding Yoroi's swipe.

"Not bad, kid," Yoroi taunted, resetting his stance. "But you won't dodge forever."

Up in the stands, the other teams watched closely. Team 10, consisting of Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, leaned over the railing, their expressions serious. Shikamaru, as usual, was deep in thought, his eyes fixed on Sasuto's movements.

"He's keeping his distance," Shikamaru noted. "Sasuto's letting Yoroi wear himself out. Yoroi's absorption technique only works if he makes contact. Sasuto knows that and is staying just outside his range."

Ino's eyes widened as she glanced over at Shikamaru. "But how long can he keep that up? Yoroi only needs to land one good hit…"

"He won't," Shikamaru replied confidently. "Sasuto's baiting him, waiting for the right moment. If Yoroi gets desperate, he'll slip up."

Below, Sasuto moved with precision, his steps light and controlled. He dodged another swipe from Yoroi, spinning around to land a swift kick to his ribs. Yoroi grunted in pain, but his grin remained. Sasuto could feel the burn of the barrier seal again, a twinge of discomfort reminding him to stay focused.

On the other side of the arena, Anko Mitarashi, standing beside the disguised Orochimaru, watched intently. "He's managing to keep the curse mark suppressed," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "It's like he's using sheer willpower to keep it at bay... that kind of resolve is rare."

The man beside her—Orochimaru in disguise—stroked his chin, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of interest and desire. Sasuto's movements were sharp, calculated, almost too precise. "His body... his potential... it would be the perfect vessel," he whispered to himself, hunger evident in his voice. The way Sasuto moved, the way he adapted—it was exhilarating to witness. Orochimaru's heart raced with the anticipation of what he could accomplish with such a host.

Meanwhile, Gaara of the Sand, with his gourd slung over his shoulder, watched with quiet intensity. Temari stood beside him, glancing nervously between Gaara and the arena below. She could feel the shift in Gaara's aura, a bloodlust beginning to seep into his gaze.

"Gaara… are you okay?" Temari asked hesitantly. She could tell that something about Sasuto had caught her brother's attention—something more than just his combat prowess. "What do you see?"

Gaara's eyes narrowed, sensing the power emanating from Sasuto. It wasn't just the curse mark; there was something deeper, something familiar... another tailed beast. "There's another one," Gaara murmured, his voice low and filled with dark curiosity. "Inside him... like me."

Back in the arena, Yoroi grew increasingly frustrated, his attacks becoming sloppier and more desperate. He swung wildly, trying to grab hold of Sasuto's arm. Sasuto saw the opening, ducking under Yoroi's outstretched hand and driving his knee into Yoroi's gut. The impact left Yoroi winded, stumbling backward, but he wasn't done yet.

Sasuto took a deep breath, remembering his earlier training. He wouldn't waste any more time. He knew exactly how to end this. He darted forward, closing the distance in an instant, and drove a series of rapid strikes into Yoroi's midsection. With a final, forceful kick, he sent Yoroi sprawling.

"Impressive," Rock Lee said from the stands, his eyes wide with admiration. "He's using only taijutsu and keeping up with someone who can steal chakra. That's not easy."

"Not just any taijutsu," Might Guy muttered beside him, arms folded across his chest. "That was my student's Lion's Barrage! Sasuto must have copied it with his Sharingan!" Guy shot an annoyed glance at Kakashi, who simply gave him a half-hearted wave.

"Now, now, Guy," Kakashi said lazily, his visible eye crinkling with amusement. "You should be flattered. It means he thinks it's worth imitating."

Down in the arena, Sasuto took a step back, his gaze locked onto Yoroi, who was now struggling to his feet. The sneer had vanished from Yoroi's face, replaced by a mixture of confusion and anger. "You... how are you still moving like that?" Yoroi panted, his stance unsteady. "I've been draining your chakra bit by bit…"

Sasuto didn't respond. Instead, he launched himself at Yoroi again, this time faster and more deliberate. He mimicked Lee's earlier move, launching a powerful spinning kick that caught Yoroi across the jaw. The crowd gasped as Sasuto continued with a series of kicks and punches, driving Yoroi back, and finishing with a high roundhouse kick to the side of the head that sent him crashing to the ground.

"Lion's Barrage!" Sasuto called out, landing with a controlled grace. Yoroi lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious and defeated.

Up in the stands, Shikamaru smirked, crossing his arms. "Looks like Sasuto adapted Lee's style to his own. Used Yoroi's overconfidence against him. By forcing him to use up his chakra on failed grabs, Sasuto conserved his own strength."

Anko nodded approvingly. "He's got good instincts, but he's more than that… his willpower is something else." She couldn't help but think of how he'd held back the curse mark's influence during the fight, even under such stress.

Hayate Gekko raised his hand, his voice cutting through the arena's tense silence. "Winner: Sasuto Uchimaki!"

The rest of the Konoha Genin erupted into murmurs and applause. Sasuto turned away from Yoroi's unconscious form, his breathing heavy but his resolve unbroken. As he glanced around the arena, he caught sight of the disguised Orochimaru—his eyes gleaming with that same, insidious hunger. Sasuto's eyes narrowed in response. This wasn't over yet.

But for now, he'd proven his strength, and as he made his way back up to the stands, he could feel the gazes of the other competitors on him—some with admiration, others with envy, and a few, like Gaara's, with something far darker.

Each step was heavy, not merely from physical exertion but from the mental strain of controlling the curse mark throughout his battle. As he neared his teammates, their expressions were a mix of relief and awe, tinged with the unmistakable edge of concern over the dark power he harbored.

"Well done, Sasuto," Kakashi said, a slight smile visible beneath his mask. His voice carried a hint of pride, offering Sasuto a moment of warmth against the chill that settled in the arena's shadowy corners.

Sakura beamed at him, her earlier anxiety replaced by admiration. "That was amazing, Sasuto! You handled that brilliantly!"

Settling back into his seat, Sasuto felt the weight of every gaze upon him. It was then that Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice filled the arena, authoritative yet warm. "A commendable display of taijutsu and strategy from young Sasuto," the Hokage announced. "Such determination is the hallmark of a promising shinobi."

The electronic screen at the arena's heart buzzed as it randomized the next match. A hush fell over the crowd, the air thick with anticipation. When the names appeared—*Shino Aburame vs. Zaku Abumi*—a ripple of murmurs spread through the stands.

As Shino stood, his expression unreadable behind dark glasses, Team 8 rallied around him. "Keep your focus, Shino," Kurenai Yuhi advised softly, aware of the formidable nature of his opponent.

Shino's quiet confidence contrasted sharply with Zaku's overt arrogance as he made his way to the center of the arena. Sasuto turned to his teammates, his eyes tracking Shino's calm approach. "Shino's going to win this. His control over his bugs is unmatched," he noted confidently.

In the stands, Shikamaru analyzed the situation with his usual detachment. "Zaku relies too much on direct attacks. Shino's subtlety and strategy will likely outmaneuver him," he observed, watching as Zaku prepared his air-blasting techniques.

Hinata, next to Shikamaru, nodded in agreement, though her hands were clasped tightly. "Shino-kun is very methodical. It's his greatest strength."

As the match unfolded, Zaku seemed to dominate initially, his powerful air blasts forcing Shino to retreat. However, the onlookers were unaware of the kikaichū beetles subtly released by Shino at the match's start, which had begun to deplete Zaku's chakra.

From his vantage point, Sasuto admired Shino's strategic depth. "He's turning Zaku's strength into his weakness," he commented to Sakura, who watched intently, learning from each participant's tactics.

As Zaku's attacks grew weaker, Shino made his move, commanding his insects to swarm around Zaku, overwhelming him and depleting his ability to fight. Zaku, realizing too late what had happened, conceded defeat, overwhelmed by the relentless assault.

"Winner: Shino Aburame!" Hayate announced, confirming what Sasuto had predicted.

As Shino walked back towards his team, applause filled the arena. Sasuto stood and clapped, calling out, "Great job, Shino! Patience and strategy for the win!"

Shino acknowledged him with a nod, a slight smile breaking through his usually stoic demeanor as he rejoined his team. Kurenai placed a hand on his shoulder, proud. "Excellent work, Shino. Your understanding of your abilities is exemplary."

As the applause for Shino's recent victory quieted down, the crowd's attention returned to the electronic screen. Sasuto, his eyes alight with anticipation, leaned forward alongside his teammates, eagerly awaiting the reveal of the next match. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, each spectator eagerly discussing the potential matchups.

Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi took to the podium once more, his voice echoing through the arena. "Well done to Shino Aburame for a strategic and commendable victory," he announced, acknowledging Shino with a nod. "Let us see who will face off next."

The screen flickered, cycling through names with a mechanical whirr. The anticipation built until finally, it stopped, locking onto two names: *Kankuro vs. Misumi Tsurugi.*

Sasuto's excitement peaked. "Alright! Let's see what this Kankuro has got," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. He glanced around at his teammates, noting the curiosity mirrored in their expressions.

From the stands, Team 10 huddled together, watching intently. "Don't know much about the guy from the Sand," Shikamaru murmured, his gaze analytical. "Puppet user, huh? This could be interesting."

Kankuro, cloaked and mysterious, made his way to the arena floor, a large scroll visible on his back. His opponent, Misumi Tsurugi, appeared lean and flexible, his eyes sharp and calculating.

As the match commenced, Misumi wasted no time, lunging forward with a series of rapid, contorting strikes, aiming to close the distance quickly. Kankuro remained surprisingly calm, stepping back and unfurling his scroll. With a swift motion, he summoned his puppet, Karasu, which sprang to life between him and Misumi.

The crowd gasped as the puppet moved with eerie fluidity, intercepting Misumi's attacks. Sasuto, along with many others, leaned forward, fascinated by the puppet's seamless movements.

"Wow, look at that!" Sakura exclaimed, surprised. "I didn't expect something like that!"

"Yeah, puppeteers are rare," Kakashi noted from behind his students, his voice low. "Each puppet is unique and can be equipped with various weapons and traps. It requires a lot of skill and control."

In the stands, Team 8 and their sensei, Kurenai, watched closely. Hinata's eyes were wide as she observed. "It's like he's fighting with two ninjas at once," she whispered.

Back in the arena, Kankuro manipulated Karasu with expert precision, countering Misumi's agility with the puppet's array of hidden weapons. Misumi managed to evade several traps, but the relentless assault began to wear him down.

Temari, watching her brother from the Sand section, couldn't hide her smirk. "He's got him on the ropes," she said to her youngest brother, Gaara, who watched the match with an unreadable expression.

"Indeed," Gaara murmured, his eyes were directed towards Sasuto. His interest seemed piqued , not just by the way he saw Sasuto fight but by the demonstration of Sasuto's pure skill instead of relying on his tailed beast.

As the match neared its climax, Kankuro set a final trap. Misumi, desperate to gain the upper hand, dove forward, right into the path of a hidden mechanism within Karasu. In an instant, nets sprung from the puppet, entangling Misumi completely.

"Hayate Gekko raised his hand, signaling the end of the match. "Winner: Kankuro!"

The crowd erupted into applause, many surprised by the effectiveness of the puppetry. Sasuto clapped enthusiastically, impressed by Kankuro's skill. "That was some fight," he said, turning to his teammates. "Puppetry's no joke."

Kakashi nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "Every style has its strengths. It's all about how well you can exploit them."

As Kankuro collected his puppet and Misumi was helped out of the arena, the Genin in the stands began to chatter excitedly about the match, speculating on the upcoming battles. Sasuto's gaze returned to the arena, his mind already racing with possibilities and strategies for when his turn came again.

As the crowd's applause for Kankuro's skillful victory subsided, Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing regal and composed, continued to address the arena. "Well done, Kankuro, for an excellent display of ninja artistry and control," he praised, his voice resonating with authority and warmth.

The screen flickered once again, building suspense before revealing the next combatants. The names appeared, sending a ripple of excitement throughout the crowd: *Sakura Haruno vs. Ino Yamanaka.*

Sasuto turned to Sakura, his eyes bright with confidence. "You've got this, Sakura. Just remember everything Kakashi Sensei taught us," he encouraged, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Sakura, feeling a surge of nerves mixed with excitement, blushed slightly at Sasuto's confidence in her. "Thanks, Sasuto," she said, giving him a quick, grateful hug. "I'll do my best." Her voice was a mix of determination and anxiety.

Sasuto responded with a big, toothy grin, his eyes crinkling in a way that was all too reminiscent of Naruto. "I know you will!"

As Sakura made her way down to the arena, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Choji, standing with Shikamaru, started cheering loudly for Ino. "Go, Ino! Show her what you've got!" His voice was full of excitement and support, his hands cupped around his mouth to amplify his cheers.

Down in the arena, Sakura and Ino faced each other, the history of their friendship and rivalry hanging heavily between them. The air was filled with the scent of dust kicked up by the previous matches, and the tension was palpable.

As the match started, Ino wasted no time, trying to catch Sakura off guard with her mind-transfer jutsu. Sakura dodged, aware of Ino's signature move. "You'll have to do better than that, Ino!" she called out, her voice a mix of challenge and nervousness.

Ino smirked, circling around Sakura. "Oh, I will. Just you wait, Forehead!" Her tone was teasing but carried a sharp edge. As they circled each other, Ino's voice softened, "Sakura, is there... is there a way to unfuse Sasuto? To separate him back to Naruto and Sasuke?"

Sakura's steps faltered for a moment, caught off guard by the question. "I... I don't know, Ino." Her voice was low, uncertain.

Back in the stands, Sasuto's focus didn't waver, his cheers for Sakura growing louder. "You can do it, Sakura! Stay focused!" His encouragement was a stark contrast to the quieter, more calculated support coming from Shikamaru and Choji for Ino.

The battle intensified, with Sakura attempting to land a punch while Ino countered with her own strikes. The standoff continued, each trying to outmaneuver the other, their grunts and the sound of their feet scuffling against the arena floor filling the air.

Finally, in a moment charged with years of shared history and rivalry, both leaped forward, throwing punches with all their might. "Now!" they both yelled simultaneously, their fists colliding with an audible smack.

The impact sent both kunoichi reeling back, each struggling to maintain her balance. They staggered, eyes wide as they tried to regain their footing, but it was too late. The force of their simultaneous punches was too much, and they both collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

The arena fell silent for a moment, then erupted into murmurs and gasps. Hayate Gekko, ever vigilant, stepped forward. "It's a draw!" he announced, his voice echoing in the sudden quiet of the arena.

Up in the stands, Sasuto stood, his hands clenched into fists, his heart pounding. He hadn't expected this outcome, but he couldn't help but feel proud of Sakura for holding her own. "She really did her best," he muttered to himself, a mix of pride and concern etching his features.

As medical ninjas rushed to tend to both competitors, the crowd began to chatter about the match, impressed by the display of determination and grit from both kunoichi. Sasuto watched as Sakura was carefully lifted onto a stretcher, her face peaceful even in unconsciousness. He knew no matter the outcome, Sakura had proven herself today. And that was what really mattered. She's really becoming amazing, Sasuto thought as the Hokage started speaking again.

Well that's it for this chapter. The next 5 matches will happen in the next chapter.