Revenge of the scarlet eyes

Narrowing the field

Twenty two of us are left for the third round.
"Okay, pay attention! The third Hokage is going to explain the next exam to you. So listen carefully!" The second examiner demanded.
We all waited quietly for him to speak, anticipation for the next stage was eating away at my stomach.
"Before I explain the third test, I want to explain what the test itself is, listen closely it's something you all need to understand. The true purpose of the exam, the representation between allied nations." He stated, "to carry the pride of their nation, to show other nations, the strength that we have to have an allied force."

I see... we show our strength in these exams to align with other nations, a type of friendship between the other villages.
The third Hokage continues, "the third exam is this; a preliminary exam. We didn't expect this many to make it this far. Many important people will be there watching the battles so we have to make sure it's the best. So let's begin!"

"Wait we just barely survived the last exam!" Ino whined.
"Man, what a drag.." Shikamaru complained.
Well, better try and heal up the best I can... doesn't look like we'll get a chance to rest, I thought looking around at the others.
"It's one on one: sudden death. If you don't feel up to it, raise your hand." One sensei spoke.

I looked around at my team, no one's gonna give up once we've gotten this far. I looked over at Sasuke when he winced in pain, It must be from that mark that guy gave him when he bit him. Sakura whispered something to Sasuke, I didn't hear all of it but I did make out her saying that he should give up, knowing Sasuke he wouldn't do that.

"Sasuke I'm scared, you know as well as I do that you can't continue."
"Shut up Sakura!" Sasuke hissed.
She seemed hurt and I don't blame her... he snapped... I'm not sure if it's the mark or what's happening.
"I'm an avenger... something I want is more than these exams. Stay out of this Sakura."
Naruto went off on Sasuke, yelling at him about how he's treating Sakura, others in the crowd began to look over at us.
"Naruto.... You're one of the ones I want to fight the most..." Sasuke interrupted.
"What?" I whispered.
My eyes flickering between the two of them as they were having a stare down.

"Let's begin the round." The sensei cut in, catching our attention "There is now twenty two of you remaining, this is a one on one battle. The winners from the eleven matches will advance to the third exam, there are no rules. You will fight until someone dies, collapses or admits defeat. Each opponent is chosen at random. The two names will appear on the screen behind me. Now, since there's nothing left to say, let's begin."

We all watched the screen as two name rolled around, we waited, the two name appeared: Yoroi vs Sasuke.
I glanced at Sasuke, how is he going to battle when the mark continues to give him pain....there was nothing any of us could do but watch.
I grabbed Sakuras hand, "Sakura.... I'm sorry... you did what you could but we need to move.....he's got this, you know..." I smiled at her.
She just nodded and followed hand and hand with me to the upper level.
"Kakashi sensei!" Naruto shouted.
I looked back to see Sensei walking up to us, as he past Sasuke he said something to him but I was too far away to hear.

We gathered by the railing, looking down at the two waiting for the battle to begin. Naruto was crouched down looking through the bars as Sakura squeezed my hand tightly. Kakashi was standing directly beside me, our arms almost touching, I looked up at him he barely glanced at me focusing solely on Sasuke.

"If your ready, let the match begin!" The sensei ordered.
Sasuke reached for his Kunai and deflected the Shuriken that flew at him. He fell to the floor, I gasped, did one hit him? There's no way, I'm sure he deflected all of them!
"The mark." Sakura whispered.
I looked back to the fight, I missed something.... Sasuke had him pinned to the ground.. the other guy punched him and slammed Sasuke to the floor.
"Sasuke no!" Sakura cried out.

We heard Sasuke cry in pain it seemed as if Yoroi was taking his chakra. Sasuke kicked him away, dodging the attack thrown at him the best he could. Sakura turned away, hiding her face into my shoulder. I couldn't take my eyes off the fight, he continued dodging the attack, when I saw the curse mark taking over Sasuke's left side like before....but then it receded back to its original form ...Sasuke began throwing kicks and punches until they both lay on the floor.... Sasuke slowly stood up breathing heavily....
"This match is over.... The winner is Sasuke Uchiha." The sensei declared.
Sakura pushed off me and hung to the railing laughing with joy. Well he made it then...

Kakashi poofed down to where Sasuke was and they walked off together guessing to the infirmary.
"Hey did y'all see weird markings on Sasuke during the battle?" Naruto asked.
"No...I didn't see anything." Sakura replied.
I shot a glance at her, why is she lying...
"Naruto... I-"
Sakura elbowed me in the side giving me a quick 'be quiet' look, then smiled.
"I um...." Sighing deeply "No I have no idea what you're talking about...." I looked at Sakura.

Sakura leaned close towards me and in a very low voice whispered,
"We are a team... there's no reason to have Naruto worry about him when there's nothing to be done..."
"I understand." Though I felt bad for leaving Naruto out of this information.
"Round two shall begin." The sensei called.
We all fixed our attention on the screen behind him the two name that appeared were: Abumi vs Shino.

Their fight was nothing but quite interesting... it seems this Shino guy keeps bugs inside him and is able to command them.. Creepy to say the least, glad I didn't get paired against him...I hate bugs.
"Shino is the winner! Moving to the third match," the sensei sounded hesitant... and he keeps coughing....a lot, is this guy okay?
A poof of smoke appeared behind us,
"Yo" Kakashi calmly said.
"What do you mean "yo"! What about Sasuke?" Sakura worriedly asked.
"Oh he's fine... he's in the infirmary sleeping."
We heard Naruto gasp and I turned my attention to where he was looking... "oh."
The screen had two names on it: Kankuro vs Tsurugi
They gathered in the middle of the floor preparing for battle. He took off the wrapped thing he carried on his back and the battle began.

Naruto and Sakura held on to the railing watching intensely on the battle below.
I stood a couple feet behind them, Kakashi stood closely by me.
"What have you thought of the exams so far." His voice was low to where only I could hear.
"Well... I won't lie... some parts of it has been a little difficult but I believe as a team we have been able to overcome those obstacles." I spoke barely above a whisper.

"Are you ready for your battle?"
"I believe so...." I gave a small smile at him.
He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave a slight squeeze.
"Good..."
I directed my attention back to the battle taking place, I felt his hand move down my shoulder lightly sliding across my arm before I no longer felt his touch.