Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter Three : Battle

Sasuke matched down Neji's stare.

'Alright. We will be picking lots to see who you are fighting against. Remember, this is a training only, and you do not have to take it so seriously.' Gai announced.

By seriously, he was referring to Sasuke and Neji.

They were in the midst of a staring match.

Kakashi sighed. Somehow their rivalry was familiar.

He shrugged, and continued reading on a tree.

Gai tore out three pieces of paper and scribbled names onto the paper.

'Pick One.' He instructed, offering the crushed papers to Neji.

He took one, before staring at Sasuke.

TenTen helped herself to one.

Rock Lee had not much choice, anyway.

He unfolded his paper.

'Naruto!' Rock Lee smiled triumphantly.

It was the perfect chance to show off in front of Sakura-chan and win her approval.

Naruto did a little dance.

'Yes! Yes. Bushy Eye Brows, you are going down!' Naruto did a little jig.

TenTen unfolded the paper.

'Sa.. Sasuke.'

Sasuke cursed.

He wanted a more worthy opponent, namely, Neji. Not some girl.

Neji sighed. That leaves him with that lousy girl.

That girl was even lousier and weaker than Hinata and TenTen.

It would be such a breeze.

Sakura swallowed.

Hyuuga Neji.

One of the geniuses in Konoha, but neverless she would try her best.

Half a year earlier, she would be sure she will lose.

But now… perhaps she has a chance.

Gai looked at the three pairs, some looking confident, some bored, some scared.

'Alright. First up is Hyuuga Neji vs. Haruno Sakura…'

Sakura stepped up.

'…FIGHT!'

lostfreakfound: hehe..yesh.i know what to do with the pairings already...heheehee...anyway, this chapter is shorter than the others..and yeah, i know my chapters are all very short...but sorry!!! I will try harder next time...Anyway, please please read and review!!