Sakura's the first to cheer for Naruto, and the croud rains their applause down. Naruto would immediately like to think of all the people who believed in him enough to get to this point, which is nobody in this crowd. Sakura reflects that if she wants to hit Naruto's level, she'll have to work hard, too. Dur hey, sister. Shikamaru's irritated that Naruto isn't a slacker-goof like he is. Asuma, Kurenai and the Hokage are impressed Naruto can summon the Demon Fox. As the Ninja Paramedics cart Neji off, Toothpick drops knowledge that if a bird really wants to escape his cage and fly, he'll find a way. Lord Hyuga drops by to check on his nephew, who can barely sit up. He wants Neji to know the truth about what happened to his father. Hiashi tells Neji he intended to die that day, and hands Neji a scroll. He tries to blow them off as propaganda, but it's in his father's handwriting. The scroll tells about the Lightning Ninja's help, and Hiashi ready to sacrifice himself, but one of the elders says there's a reason we have branch familes. Hizashi understands the situation and is willing. The Lightnings want Hiashi's body to research Byakugan, but it disappears upon death, though they don't know that. This is Hizashi's destiny, and there's that word again. Hiashi protests further, but Hizashi wants to protect Hiashi because he's Hiashi's brother, not because of the branch family garbage, and hopefully show Neji something besides his bitter resentment to the head family. He wanted Neji to know that he died because it was his choice, finding freedom in death from the destiny of the Hyuga clan. Wow. When Neji finishes, he turns to find Lord Hiashi bowing his head and asking his forgiveness, and asks him to rise. Neji reflects on what destiny is, having his own view of the notion shaken, and maybe if those who view it like Naruto are right after all. Neji decides to become stronger so that he can follow his own path.
The Kages are commenting on how awesome than the battle they just watched, but it's Sasuke versus Gaara that they paid their tickest to see. Scarface tells Hokage they still can't find their wunderkind. The crowd all-but chants, "We want Ninjas! Clap-clap clap-clap-clap!" Shikamaru wonders where he is, and Shino says that it may be wise he doesn't show. Naruto still thinks Sasuke will show up, and shares mutual hostile looks with Gaara. Kankuro and Temari worry this might throw off the plan, and their sensei wonders if Gaara's already killed the Uchiha kid. Flash to Kakashi and Sasuke training, and even though Gaara's hiding Kakashi calls him out, having sensed his blood-lust. At the arena, the Kazekage asks the Hokage if they could wait, though the Leaf Ninjas say there's not a good reason to. Kazekage says this match is why they came, and there might be Trouble if he doesn't show. Hokage decides to postpone it over Toothpick's protests, and asks Kazekage why all the fuss. The Sand Ninja says he just really wants to see what Sasuke can do, to say nothing of wanting to see Gaara fight him and what the people want. They announce the match is pushed back, to some being happy and some being confused. Shikamaru suddenly realizes this means he has to fight sooner. Drag.
Our next bout is Kankuro vs. Shino, and the former abstains. His match doesn't have anything to do with the Sand Ninja's treachery, plus he doesn't want to show off Crow until he has to. Shino looks suspicious, as does the Lord Hokage. The crowd wants a real match and complains loudly. To buy time, Temari fan-rides down to the arena and wants to start her bout, and Shikamaru's annoyed at all the fuss. He thinks about abstaining too, until a hearty Naruto backslap sends Shikamaru over the railing and onto the arena floor. Hah!
Next Episode: Temari versus Shikamaru! Do it for the slackers, kid. If you can be bothered.
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