Dark god

Deal with the snake.

Naruto and Suki made it back to the exam area. To see Menma beat the shit out of Ino.

"That's to be expected," said Suki, downplaying Ino's skills as a future kunoichi for Konoha. Naruto just raised an eyebrow and shrugged in response.

Kakashi eye-smiled at Naruto.

"Well, well. How broad of a mindset you have," praised Kakashi.

"That sounds like sarcasm," Suki said, giving Kakashi a weirded out look. Naruto had to agree; Kakashi definitely sounded very sarcastic with that remark.

Over the course of the rounds, Naruto observed a lot of people battle it out. Even though a lot of them battled, none of them piqued his interest at all.

But it was now the last and final round of the Preliminary Rounds that were currently being held at this exact moment in time. And coincidently, this round was getting him interested.

Rock Lee vs Gaara of the Sand. Naruto thought, looking at the two participants that were making their way towards the arena. He watched closely as the two remained silent.

Hm. It's odd seeing green spandex-san not energetic. Naruto thought, observing each of their movements to the tee. This will indeed be a fascinating battle that he can use for future purposes.

Naruto looked to the side and saw Suki just as fascinated and interested. He looked back towards the battle that was about to start right before their eyes.

Hayato went to the centre.

"Begin." He jumped back, avoiding the abundance of sand that was unleashed from Gaara's gourd. 

15 minutes later.

"I win!" He yelled, directing this statement right towards the single person who almost defeated him just a few moments ago. Some of the sand around him started to move.

The sand then slithered its way right towards Lee quickened its pace a considerable amount.

It then wrapped itself around Lee's left leg and arm and crushed it to living pieces. The sounds of Lee's bones cracking, breaking, fracturing, and shattering echoed all throughout the stadium.

"DIE!" The sand then started to slowly engulf Lee's figure. But he soon widened his eyes as someone interfered with this exchange and cancelled the move-out.

"I can't have you continue with such unyouthful acts," said Guy, directing his serious gaze towards Gaara. The red-head soon gritted his teeth as he put his hand on his head,

There was a slight pause.

"Why? Why save. . . someone that is beyond. . . broken?" He questioned, giving a glare right towards Guy. There also another moment of silence that happened.

"Because. . . he's one of my three prized students, whom I care for," responded Guy. Gaara just stayed silent, letting the sand engulf him and returning him back to a normal state.

Though there were a few noticeable bruises.

He limped and passed Guy and Lee, as the medics were coming right to their aid. Gaara looked at Lee for a second, thinking about how he failed to kill and make him shed blood.

As he turned back, he was met with a sight of blond right in front of him.

Naruto just stood there, apathetically looking at Gaara without worry, sympathy, or pity. His expressionless and dull eyes peered into the soul of Gaara's like a book.

Naruto went to Garra's ear and whispered something that sent shivers down garra's spine with that naruto moved out of his way.

5 minutes later.

".....Time allows for you to know yourself better and your enemy. During this time you will be able to study your opponent's abilities. In this month you will have the chance to improve yourselves," Minato said while eyeing Naruto.

"Now, let us decide who you will face at the finals, take a piece of paper from the box that Anko-san is holding." He said pointing at Anko.

The genins that had made it to the finals did as told. Naruto was not surprised to see that Shikamaru had won his match against Sound ninja. Shikamaru was smart enough to counter anyone. Each piece of paper they too had a number written on it. They presented their numbers and were drawn to who would face who.