It's time to start, and Sasuke's nowhere to be found. A scarfaced Ninja whispers in the Hokage's ear that he may've already run off with Orochimaru. The Hokage greets his Sand Village opposite number, the Kazekage. Gaara looks psychotic to see him, but at least I can understand why. The Kazekage asks if maybe it's not time to call the Fifth Hokage, but Third says he's got time left. Toothpick Ninja announces the change in the tournament with Dosu gone, and Gaara reflects on violently making that change. Sasuke has to make it by the time his match starts, or else he'll lose. We flashback on Gaara sending his Sand Eye to spy on Kakashi and Sasuke's training, and it's implied that Gaara may've offed Sasuke and Kakashi for afters. Same rules as the prelims - fight until dead or unconscious or the judge calls it. It's Naruto and Neji in the first round! Kick his ass, son. Kiba and Hinata find their seats, and I'm not sure whether Kiba's starting to little sister Hinata or just treat her as a mildly retarded kitten, but either's probably an improvement. Ino says that even if Sakura's worried about Sasuke, maybe she should try cheering for her teammate who IS there? Sakura's brightened by the notion... until Ino says that of course Naruto hasn't a prayer. Treacherous Ino-pig! The Proctors from the first Exam are think Naruto's made it this far soley on luck and how he also can't beat Neji, with Hinata sitting right next to them. Heh. Kiba becomes slightly less of a jerk as he ruminates how you can get suprised if you underestimate the kid. Akamaru dog-whispers that there's an Anbu in attendance.
Before the match starts, Naruto has reminds Neji of the totally metal blood oath to win the tournament. Neji Byakugans that Naruto does seem different, but that'll just make it more of an interesting fight. Naruto tells him to shut up and get to it, and we cheer a little bit. Even the wind's kicked up in anticipation. Hinata's dad Hiashi tells her sister Hanabi to pay attention, as nobody's Byakugan is as strong as Neji's. Kiba wonders if Naruto knows that up-close is precisely where you don't want to be against Neji. Neither of them move at first, before in a flash, Naruto flings three kunai and follows it up with a frontal attack! He can't land a blow on Neji no matter how hard he tries, and then Neji gets an opening for a Gentle Fist in the chest. It looks like the Hyuga prick's going for Naruto's shoulder when we flashback on his fight with Hinata, and Sakura yells out to remind Naruto how Neji can see Chakra points. This startles Naruto into rolling to keep from getting his Chakra blocked, but he realizes this'll have to be done at long range if it's to be done at all.
Neji asks him if he doesn't realize now that there's no hope, but Naruto replies he was just checking our how Neji rolled, and it's just getting started, bitch. Shadow Clone Jutsu! Spectators are impressed. The Narutos draw their kunai, and Neji realizes with this active he can't use his Byakugan on them. Tenten lets us know that Neji's awesome on the D, too. Four of the Clones charge, but Neji ducks the first few attacks until one seemingly lands a kick - but it was just a feint to backflip away. Two clones try for flanking, but both get it in the face when they charge. Two more duck Naruto's attacks and then palm-striked into oblivion, leaving only a final clone Neji dismissively poofs. The prick asks if Naruto really thinks he can become Hokage; he's still a failure, and people don't change. That he can sort of see this type of thing with his Chakra explains why Neji thinks so, but he's still an ass. Neji says only a few people are destined to become Hokage, and Naruto ain't one of them. The only destiny everyone truly shares is the grave. This predictably riles Naruto, who says he doesn't know when to give up and goes for Shadow Clone x1000. 'Tis on!
Next Episode: It doesn't look good for Naruto's promise to Hinata.
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