187. A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!!

187. A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!!

When the old man finally shut up some events went as usual. First Kabuto gave up... and that was it. six-teen fights would take place to reduce the remaining twenty six participants down to ten. Soon enough the big screen announced who would be participating in the first fight.

“Well, I would like to claim that I had a hand in this but I didn’t.” Tomoka couldn’t help but comment with mirth in her voice. The first fight was Naruko Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga. A fight that should have taken place in the actual third exam was about to begin.

“What do you mean?” Hinata asked while walking towards the spectators area. She wanted to take this opportunity to watch Neji since something was telling her she would be fighting him in the exam proper.

“Oh nothing. It’s just that originally you would be fighting against Neji in the prelims. You would lose miserably while Naruto would be rooting for you...” Tomoka continued to explain what should have happened to her girls.

“I see. For what it’s worth, I am glad you are here to change things. I am much stronger than what I should have been and in a lovely relationship with the one I love.” Once Hinata finished speaking Nozomi gave an amused snort.

“Yeah, well if Tomoka hadn’t been here I would be six feet under so I am very much glad that things are different.”

The match between Ouka and Ino went just like in canon with both of them running out of chakra after a boring match. What changed is that Ouka won due to his stronger body when they devolved into a slug fest.

“Well, that was that. He won’t be winning any matches after this one.” Both Tomoka and Nozomi nodded hearing Hinata’s words. This match could be resumed into a single word: sad.

After a moment the next match was called. One participant, once seeing the names on the screen, couldn't help but sweat while the other had a grin so wide it looked like the skin of her cheeks would tear up.

“LEE! A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!” Tomoka shouted at the top of her lungs, glee visible on her face. The next moment she jumped from the waiting area landing with a loud thud on the hard stone.

“Tomoka! I shall show you the fruits of my effort! I shall show you my youth!” Lee shouted with equal vigor. He couldn’t have asked for a better match.

“Tell you what. Let's make this a pure taijutsu match.” Hearing her proposal Lee couldn’t help but have the fires of his youth stoked. If she were to use her full arsenal he is sure he won’t make it. BUT! If she uses only taijutsu he is sure he can win.

“May our youth burn bright!” With that Lee took his fighting stance. Tomoka followed suit and so the only thing left was the go ahead.