A Hundred Steps Ahead

Fellow Predator

CHAPTER 14: Fellow Predator

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Emerald eyes stared at empty green eyes. Its owner, a monster with human skin, stood in front of her with his arms crossed and back straight with confidence. "They say to save the best for last. I do hope you won't disappoint me." Gaara spoke, his tone loud and clear despite the roaring audience in the arena outside the waiting room.

Sakura blinked once, "I'll try my best," she smiled, "Now, shall we watch your sister's match together?" she offered.

Gaara was silent before he turned to face the window that gave a pretty nice view to the center of the arena. "If you try to forfeit the match, I will kill you." He glanced back at her, "Do not test me, Haruno."

The pinkette nodded before moving towards the window herself, her eyes lingered on the matchboard for a few moments before turning towards the arena.

First Match: Uzumaki Naruto versus Hyuuga Neji

Winner: Uzumaki Naruto

Second Match: Kankuro versus Aburame Shino

Winner: Aburame Shino; Kankuro forfeits

Third Match: Nara Shikamaru versus Uchiha Sasuke versus Temari

Match in Progress;

A three – way match was rarely done with Chuunin Exams, but this year's setup had instead wanted all Genin to show off during the first round, rather than moving a competitor for the second round. What's even rare was that Shikamaru was actually trying, in the pinkette's eyes it was as if the Nara was showing off – was he trying to impress someone?

'What is he doing?' she thought with a raised brow. As long as she had known the boy, he wasn't the type to stand out and garner attention from people. He was just like her and Shino, people who'd rather plan and attack using surprise and speed to one's advantage. Now, the boy seemed to crave attention.

Sakura watched as Shikamaru's shadow slithered like a snake, its form twisting left and right as it tried to catch and distract both of his opponents. Shikamaru kneeled in a corner far from Sasuke and Temari, but all eyes were on him and his ever – changing shadow. The pinkette watched a small smirk form on the lazy boy's face. It was as if he was saying 'I'm here too'.

From her point of view, Sasuke and Temari seemed to look frustrated and unnecessarily tired as they dodged and jumped from place to place while simultaneously fighting amongst themselves. "Smart move, Shika." She muttered to herself as she realized that her teammate was trying to tire themselves out.

It was a no – brainer that Shikamaru wasn't the most athletic person in their friend group, but he was one of the smartest. 'If you can't compete with them, then don't.' She smiled at the thought of how the laziest boy easily played two of his competitors to his game.

The odd duo was silent as they watched the crowd go crazy in response to Shikamaru trapping both competitors with his clan's technique. It was a no – brainer that the match has been decided with Shikamaru as the winner, all he had to do was make Sasuke and Temari knock themselves out or forfeit.

The arena was on its feet as they waited for the genius to make his next move. "I, Nara Shikamaru, forfeit this match." The boy proudly grinned as he casually raised his hand, his victims mirroring his action.