The lower numbers made a qualification match not worth it, as everyone would have a partner until the finals.
There was definitely a tension in the air, Sasuke noticing it easily as his eyes wandered lazily over the crowd, picking out multiple shinobi hidden amongst the civilians, all from Konoha. Apparently, them catching not just Orochimaru, but a spy amongst them as well made them tighten the leash.
It was also to note that the seat originally meant for Orochimaru to sit in, wasn't up there. Those that were a part of the village they came from noticed and were slightly nervous.
Sasuke felt a spike of intent and his eyes landed on Gaara, who had been mean mugging him the entire time. When his eyes locked with Gaara's, the intent only seemed to grow larger, of course, Sasuke didn't help when he flashed his normal Sharingan's, which would be considered a taunt.
The intent spiked more, Gaara's eyes widening only slightly before he was pulled away by his team, the intent remained for a good bit.
The matches were called, all the same except a few minor fights no longer around, Sasuke was looking forward to the fight between Lee and Gaara the most, purely because it was such a hyped scene.
Just like before it was Sasuke's turn first against the guy who could steal strength with a touch, an interesting technique for sure.
As Sasuke landed in the arena, he stood on his side of the announcers, stretching his neck a bit as he waited.
The moment the bet was called Sasuke blitzed forward, moving faster then his opponent could react to as he took a mean right hook to the stomach.
It lifted him off his feet and tossed him like a rag doll across the arena. However he was still able to pull a bit of Sasuke's chakra with the contact, and as he slammed against the wall creating multiple cracks he was still able to keep himself conscious.
Only to catch a flying knee to the nose that forced him deeper into the wall.
The man went limp after the second hit and was quickly pulled out of the wall by medical ninja who began his treatment on route to the medical section just outside the arena underneath the stands.
''Cold as Ice Sasuke, you didn't even give him a chance to show off his gimmick.''
Sasuke chuckled as he landed. ''Yes I did, he could steal strength when he touched someone, basically portioning off a bit of someone's chakra and taking it as his own. Adding to his own chakra, and physical strength.''
''That's... Actually pretty cool?'' Naruto's brows raised at that.
''Didn't help him all that much though?'' Sakura spoke up, shaking her head.
''It could be useful for us in a situation where we are fighting against multiple opponents with no time to rest, shake me if something interesting happens, I'm going to start copying how it's done into a few books...''
''Oh shit, you actually stole it that quickly?!'' Naruto got excited, something about draining the life of someone he was fighting seemed so cool.
Kakashi who was listening in on them shivered suddenly, imagining an army of Shadow Clones... All who could drain someone's strength... Wouldn't that strength still end up back in Naruto? Oh god...
Kakashi silently prayed. 'If there is a Kami, please never turn Naruto against us, I do NOT want to fight him in a serious battle... Actually, don't let Sasuke deflect either, he could most likely end a lot of people before they realized they were being targeted.'
The fights then began to progress as they did in the anime, with only the occasional shift in tactic from someone on Konoha's side, as small things changed for even the people Sasuke didn't interact much with.
One of those things was watching Ino get thrashed around by a chakra strength enhanced Sakura, netting her the victory and allowing her to go into the next rounds.
A break was taken for a day as it had gotten dark, and by the time they arrived back in the morning, it was time for Naruto's fight with Kiba, which...
For the general purpose of not explaining just why Naruto was far more a hack than he was in the anime, Kiba got thrashed around. Poor Akamaru couldn't even bite through Naruto's skin due to how much chakra enhancement he was using on a constant basis.
Sasuke was prepared for it, but watching Hinata get beat like that really didn't sit well with him, but he didn't get involved. It was already pushing it when Naruto suddenly stepped in to interfere in the fight, because when Naji won, there was a moment he didn't stop his advance.
The same heated discussion happened between the two of them and Naruto came back to the stands practically foaming at the mouth, seeing one of his friends get that badly hurt by their own sibling was harsh.
Especially for someone like Naruto who believed siblings, no matter by how should care for each other. As he and Karin had grown closer over the weeks she's been around.
There was a soft noise as Lee stepped to stand next to Sasuke, right before his own match was about to begin. ''Sasuke... I would like to apologize for my hasty actions from before, and I would like to thank you for opening my eyes properly to just how dangerous this world really is... I have to ask you as my rival... How do you feel about Gaara of the Sands, my opponent?''
Was... Was Lee gathering information on an opponent?
Sasuke lifted his head from his book as he turned to look up to Lee, then to Gaara. ''He's dangerous.''
Lee's brows furrowed slightly, but his eyes burned with determination. ''Thank you Sasuke.'' He turned, walking back towards his team.
''Hey, Bushy brows!'' Sasuke called, looking over at him.
Lee turned around, his bushy brows lifted.
''Let's start as friends first, then we can be true rivals!''
Lee's eyes shined like diamonds before he suddenly burst into tears, turning to run to his team.
Guy was waiting for him, tears streaming and open arms as they had a manly embrace.
Kakashi released a tired exhausted breath. ''Oh, Kami what have you done...''
Sasuke slowly grinned, turning back to look back at his teacher. ''Ensure that you don't fall behind in taijutsu training of course. Guy will be so moved by his Student, pseudo-Sons new rival, he'll want to.... Rekindle the flame with his old Rival.'' Sasuke used a small bit of transformation jutsu to make his brows thicker and wiggle them in a suggestive manner.
Naruto burst into laughter and it got Sakura giggling as they watched the color drain from Kakashi as his head fell into his hands.
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