H.Shuyo

15

After six long and hella boring days the remaining teams were led to another building in Konohagakure.
The participants all stood in front of the third Hokage. "Because too many genin ended up passing the second stage, we'll be holding a preliminary round to narrow down the number of contestants."

"Participants advancement to the finals is no longer contingent upon the success of their teammates, so with that said if anyone here does not feel up to it, speak up now." A gray-hair'd ninja with round glasses raised his hand complaining that there was something wrong with his ear. which I thought was kind of ironic for a sound shinobi. "Kabuto Yakushi? This is your seventh time is it not?" Kabuto nodded his head yes. They wrote his name down again and he was free to go.

"Matches will be refereed by Hayate Gekkō." A certain brunette stepped forward as the Hokage continued. "Others contestants are set to observe the matches from above. Genin are encouraged to watch each others' fights carefully to help prepare for the finals."

Naruto grinned, running over to where me and Kakashi were standing. I laughed when he jumped into my awaiting arms for a hug. Sakura followed Sasuke lead and stood next to Kakashi. "I was a little worried, but i'm glad you guys made it this far."

"Well, we had a couple of bad run-ins, but we're all okay." Sakura recalled. 'That was a vague reply, even for Sakura.' She rubbed her arm nervously and sent another worried glance in Sasuke's direction. 'She's never this quiet when it comes to Sasuke. I wonder what happened.' "I like your hair Sakura-chan." I grinned, hoping to distract the pinkette from her worrying. She twirled a strand of new short hair around her finger and looked at it sadly with a slight blush. She thanked me, pushing said strands of hair behind her ear still giving Sasuke worry glances.

I took a moment to examine the boys who were watching the fight below. 'Naruto seems in decent shape.' I thought to myself seeing him just as exited as usual. 'Sasuke doesn't look like complete shit either, but something is definitely off with him." I frowned, making a mental note to tell the Hokage about it later. "Sasuke?" I caught his attention "Hmm?" He looked at me by moving his eyes, not his body. "Why didn't you tell me you wanted a tattoo? I could've done a better job than that for free. Looks like it hurt" I asked gesturing at the new mark between his neck and shoulder. "What are you talking about-Oh, this." He smirked slightly before reaching for the mark and letting out a painful grunt. "Gomen, but I didn't think you'd care." I chuckled. "Baka, of course I'd care." I smiled ruffling his hair.
While he continued watching the fight below I turned to Kakashi and quietly told him about Sasuke new tattoo, but he told me that he already knew and that he was going to take a look at it later.
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3rd P.O.V.
Hiroto plopped his hand under his chin with a bored sigh. The last fight was between two of the sound's Genin, who were just dancing around each other. There names were Masao and Kimiko. There third teammate, Lev, was doing the same thing as Hiroto. The fight went on for about another hour until the referee guy finally called the match. The third teammate rolled his eyes at the wink his teammates sent each other.