The Preliminaries
At the end of the five days, only a fraction of the original teams reached the top of the tower. Against all odds, the Konoha rookie teams made it—Team 7 even arrived at the last second. When time expired, the Hokage summoned everyone to the arena atop the tower.
"Congratulations, young ones. Consider this exam a substitute for the wars of the past—and for those to come. You survived a hostile environment and completed your mission—that alone is no small feat. But there are too many of you for the third stage, so now we'll hold a preliminary one-on-one elimination round. In a month, the final tournament will be held in Konoha's main arena, where your performance will determine your promotion. But first, this eliminatory round begins in two hours. Relax and be ready to fight. Any questions?"
"Hokage‑sama, in the final round—must we win, or simply impress?" Nara asked.
"Good question indeed, Nara‑san. Yes, your fights demand more than winning. You could win the tournament and not be promoted, or lose and still become Chūnin. But that's a worry for those who survive this round."
Temari smirked inwardly. "Looks like that pineapple-headed guy is smarter than he behaves!"
"Excuse me—I forfeit," Kabuto volunteered. "The forest took more out of me than expected—I'm not fit to fight."
"Sai of Team 8 forfeits too. I'm out of ink and near chakra exhaustion," the pale boy added with a faint smile.
In the Girls' Common Bath
To make the most of the two-hour break, the Konoha girls settled into the communal bath. As they chatted, Hinata arrived—wrapped in a towel—and the room fell silent.
"Sorry to intrude," she offered, blushing slightly. "This was the only bath I found. I can leave…"
"No—don't go! Come in." Ino replied, as Hinata's towel slipped and she gracefully stepped into the water. The girls blushed hard.
"H‑san, welcome! Are your teammates…" Ino began, before noticing Sakura's discomfort.
"They've already bathed," Hinata explained. "I came to speak with you. My Kage wishes to form an alliance with Konoha, so helping future allies is appropriate." Her features grew serious. "A warning: avoid that Suna red‑haired boy [Gaara]. He's powerful…and a psychopath. We spied on their team during the forest stage when he ambushed a Rain ninja squad, took the scroll, and killed them—despite his own teammates begging him to stop. Do not engage him—there is no room for mercy once he fights."
Relaxed, Hinata smiled, "By the way, if we become allies… would you like to show me around Konoha's shopping district?"
Ino squealed with delight. The others agreed quietly, their minds buzzing with concern over her warning.
In the Arena—First Preliminary Matches
Hayate Gekko played host:
"I will supervise this stage. To win, you must subdue or force your opponent to surrender. Killing is allowed—though frowned upon. Jōnin may stop matches if necessary. Pairings will appear on the screen. Good—ahem—luck!"
Match 1: Sasuke Uchiha vs. Yoroi Akado
(As in canon)
While they fought, Naruko approached Kakashi about Sasuke's cursed seal. He assured her the Jōnin have contingency plans and containment seals at the ready.
Naruko: "If only someone besides Sasuke-san could teach me about that seal… Being the Ninth means I absorb everything the prior host knew. It's strange but useful."
Kakashi: "There is another marked ninja here—but she's personally… private. Still, Jiraiya couldn't remove her seal; but with a good word, maybe she'd teach you."
Naruko: "I'd appreciate that. Just say it was an Uzumaki who taught the Fourth—and polished Jiraiya's field expertise."
Kakashi (softly): "Kushina‑san?"
Naruko nodded.
Soon after, Sasuke finished his match and was led away for the sealing procedure.
Match 2: Zaku Abumi vs. Shino Aburame
(As in canon)
Match 3: Misumi Tsurugi vs. Kankuro
(As in canon)
Naruko cheered:
"That puppeteer jutsu was impressive! I wish I could adapt something like it for my Medusa's Mane in dry conditions. Bee-sensei, can we look it up in the archives?"
Bee:
"Not sure—I'm no bookworm… but yeah!" (He patted his chest in faux heroism.)
Haku:
"'Wow—he even rhymed! Most impressive.'"
Bee's heart bled a little.
Sealing Room
Neji Hyūga battled the lone surviving Grass‑team genin, while Kakashi sealed Sasuke's cursed mark. Moments later, Orochimaru slipped in.
Orochimaru: "Hello, Kakashi-kun. Observing young Sasuke—isn't he… skilled?"
Kakashi: "I won't let you kidnap him for your twisted experiments, traitor."
Orochimaru: "You think you can stop me?"
Kakashi: "I'm no match for you—but I will not stop fighting you. Even if I die, I won't let this slide."
Orochimaru (smiling): "Insightful. No—I intend for him to come willingly. And what a pity you're so loyal to Sarutobi‑sensei and the late Fourth Hokage. Talent wasted on a dog in human form."
He slipped away, disappearing into darkness.
Match 4: Sakura Haruno vs. H Uzumaki
The girls stepped onto the floor. Sakura, fired up to prove herself to Sasuke and the world, was wary of facing H's legendary skills.
Hinata (bowing): "Good luck, Sakura-san. May the best kunoichi win."
Sakura: "Sorry, but I have to win—for Sasuke's sake!"
She launched forward aggressively.
H performed graceful dodges, then landed a swift slap—followed by a knee to the stomach and elbow strike. Sakura crashed to the floor in pain.
Temari (shocked laughter): "Girl, that's… brutal."
Fuming, Sakura formed clones and charged—but H clearly distinguished the original. In one swift motion, she used a spear jab to the throat and a chop to the nape. Sakura collapsed unconscious.
Hayate: "Winner by knockout: H of Kumo!"
Temari (grinning at Kakashi): "That was… next‑level pathetic."
"Asuma, consider yourself lucky," Kakashi grumbled. "I got the top kunoichi from the academy, sure—but outside book smarts, she isn't much. She's got an enormous crush on someone who doesn't notice her. I passed her for Kami's sake! I tried teaching her genjutsu, medical jutsu, proper taijutsu—she only does the minimum. She has potential, sure, but not in this team. Want to trade?"
"Ino's a fangirl too, but at least she's got her clan jutsu and actually works with the boys..." Asuma replied.
"Teamwork!" Kakashi sneered. "That's what I've spent every training hour on—their non-existent teamwork. Only Kiba is worthy of being a ninja."
"Then why enter them in the exam, Hatake‑san?" Kurenai asked.
"Heh..." Kakashi snorted. "I didn't. The council did. As I said—I only believe in Kiba."
"You're wrong—Sasuke‑kun's the best!" Ino burst out, overhearing them.
"I mean it," Kakashi stared icily at her. "Sasuke may be strong, but he's not a ninja. He cares nothing for missions or his teammates—only his own goals. I only passed him because I was forced to."
Asuma sighed: "Kakashi, please don't scare my genin. She does have worth—fangirlish though she may be."
Prelim Match: Ren Yūhi vs. Toraku Toratsume
Ren, a slender girl with long chocolate braids, faced off against a massive, tiger-masked brute:
"Calling me 'tiger'—you'll see why!" he jeered.
Ren looked to her sensei and Shino, took a deep breath—and ran straight into him, sidestepping his attack to draw senbon. With a whisper, "Ninja Art: Liquid Pain Droplet," she flicked needles into his flesh. Furrows of pain formed slowly on his arm.
"RAAAARGH! It burns! I'll kill you and collect your spine!" he roared. From his pelt he withdrew a scroll, unsealed an animal bone, cracked it—and bit into it. Ninja Art: Marrow Power Consumption!
"Like what you see? We tiger‑clan grow stronger from marrow. And I'll add you to my collection!" he howled, charging.
Ren hissed, "Ninja Art: Messy Messy Sneeze!"—then released a yellow powder. The tiger recoiled, blinded and disoriented.
"Shit! What the—she drugged me? I can't see!" he staggered, thrashing.
He managed to consume another bone, regaining clarity just in time to land a brutal right hook that sent Ren flying. She hit the ground, convulsing—gagging, tears streaming, terrified.
"HAYATE—GET US OUT! AMBU—open the windows! Hokage-sama, be ready!" Kurenai barked.
Toraku, raising his fist to finish Ren, received a slimy purple projectile—she vomited in a terrifying gush. The goo hissed into purple steam as it coated him.
"EVERYONE—OUT! That gas is lethal!" Kurenai shouted. All fled except Ren and Toraku.
Aftermath
Toraku's body lay horrifically melted. Later, Ren approached the Hokage, bowing deeply:
"Please disqualify me, Hokage-sama."
Kurenai hugged her gently, tears in her eyes.
Shino (quietly to Ino):
"Don't get near her yet. Her bodily fluids can eat flesh. Only when she learns control."
Anko (snorting):
"Powerful? Sure—on the battlefield. But off it, she's a walking biohazard."
The Hokage nodded gravely:
"She may herald a new clan—or be cursed infertile. Time will tell."
Other Matches (Canon Style)
Shikamaru vs. Kin Tsuchi — canon
Temari vs. Tenten — canon
Naruko approached Might Guy (Tenten's sensei):
"You're a weapons master—so is Tenten. Want tips on chakra flow jutsu?"
Guy leapt in joy, offering dynamic praise. A sudden burst of sunshine genjutsu sent everyone wincing.
Haku approached Nauko:
"Are your eyes okay? That light... it hurt!" Hinata rubbed her sore eyes.
N. Uzumaki vs. Ino Yamanaka
Naruko jumped over the railing, eager to begin. Ino Yamanaka followed, though she looked slightly apprehensive of the exotic-looking blonde.
"Yo, Yamanaka-chan! Will I offend you if I use training weapons instead of real ones? I really don't want to do irreparable damage to a beauty like you!"
At first, Ino was stunned. Then she giggled… and giggles gave way to full-blown laughter.
"Fufufu… Hehehe… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Of course not! I might not be as impressive as the Suna kunoichi, but I am a real kunoichi. Every advantage counts in battle! All's fair in love and war! If you want to go easy on me, go ahead. I'll just say thank you."
Ino spun two kunai with elegant grace, then settled into a boxer-like stance, both weapons in a reverse grip. Hayate signaled for them to begin, and Naruko drew two wooden kodachi as she charged toward the other blonde with impressive speed.
Ino was skilled—flexible, graceful, and well-trained. She knew that. But her opponent was faster and far stronger. Still, she held her own. Every swing was parried or dodged, every kick blocked or evaded with acrobatics. She silently thanked Asuma for teaching her the defensive stances of his style, and for helping her incorporate kicks into her own. Even so, she was under pressure, unable to counter.
Naruko suddenly jumped back, unsealing a blunt kodachi before lunging with a lightning-fast, precise decapitation slash. Ino blocked it, but her kunai flew from her hands, bent and mangled. Using the momentum, she backflipped several times to escape the swordswoman's reach.
"Wow! You've got some amazing moves. You're a skilled beauty! Tell me—besides that awesome taijutsu, what else do you have?"
"Oh, just wait, and I'll show you," Ino smirked. "By the way, flattery won't work on me. You're not bad-looking yourself."
The Yamanaka heiress pulled several custom smoke bombs from her pouch, grinning mischievously. In the stands, Shikamaru and Choji chuckled, while Asuma sweatdropped.
"Kiba, plug your nose. Ino's about to play dirty," Shikamaru snickered.
"What are those orbs in her hands?" Kurenai asked aloud, echoing everyone's thoughts.
"Those are Ino's custom smoke bombs," Asuma explained. "She knows her strength lies more in support, intel, and interrogation than in straight combat—so when she fights, she goes as dirty as possible. I laughed at them at first. They smell amazing. Then I tripped into one of her bags and ended up with my beard full of mud. She still won't let me live it down."
The first orb exploded, filling half the arena with a sweet, disorienting aroma. Ino darted through the haze and leapt behind Naruko, kunai in hand, aiming for a takedown. But Naruko simply sidestepped, casually commenting on how fresh her weapon smelled.
Ino backflipped again, dropping a blue orb that detonated in a flash. Assuming Naruko was blinded, Ino launched a frontal assault with a fierce kick—but Naruko blocked it effortlessly, and Ino retreated into the smoke again.
As the fumes began to thin, a green cloud spread across the arena. From the haze, Ino attacked—but Naruko's counterstrike only hit a bunshin. Several kunai flew at the pigtailed girl, forcing her to dodge.
"ARGH! Damn you! Why are you still reacting so fast? The drugs in the smoke should have slowed you down by now!" Ino yelled in frustration.
"Oh, don't get mad, beautiful. I've got a natural resistance to poisons and drugs. Lucky me. Looks like you do too, since you've been breathing it in all this time."
"Grrrr! That's not fair! I know you're stronger than me, but at least let me drug you! I just want you dizzy and happy so I can stand a chance!" Hinata, Haku, and Bee burst out laughing. Ino had just triggered Naruko's favorite game: shameless teasing.
"Oh my… you want to drug me to get your hands on me? So that confidence you were showing was just a façade, huh? If you want me, all you have to do is ask. Maybe take me on a date. Drugs are so cliché—really, that's like textbook assault!"
"WHAT?!"
"You know I'm one of the last Uzumaki, right? Wanna help me rebuild my clan? I mean, if you're so intent on having your way with me…" Naruko trailed off, fluttering her lashes with a sultry wink.
"Wha! B-but! I… you… what are you talking about?! Shut up!" stammered a red-faced Ino. She grabbed her last orb and hurled it at Naruko's feet. A loud bang and a cloud of red smoke filled the air, smelling sickeningly of decaying roses.
Ino jumped high and flung a hail of shuriken. Naruko dodged right, only for Ino to come at her with a graceful flurry of feints, finally managing to trap the Kumo girl and press a blade to her throat.
"Yield, sexy. I've got you now," Ino purred with a confident smile.
Then—poof!—the Naruko under her vanished in smoke. Arms gripped her from behind, holding her fast. Another pair grabbed her waist. A third clutched her legs. Ino was immobilized by three exact clones, while a fourth Naruko walked toward her.
"Such a well-toned body… and those hips! Please, beautiful, bear my children!" Naruko declared.
Ino, creeped out, managed to free a hand and dispatched the three clones pinning her down.
She was about to attack again when Naruko appeared behind her and whispered in her ear:
"I'm the head of the Uzumaki clan. Alone, I could rebuild it—but with a strong, beautiful kunoichi like you, we could restore our numbers in no time. Please… have my babies!" She squealed the last part loud enough for everyone to hear.
Ino rolled out of reach, picked up a kunai, and returned to her boxer stance.
"What… WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING, YOU CREEP?! I mean, we're both girls! And besides… there's someone else I like, okay?" she added quietly, glancing toward a certain Uchiha.
"Mah mah, relax. I only brought it up because you said you wanted to drug and take advantage of me. But you know, ninja can do the impossible—shadow powers, doujutsu, elemental bending, perfect transformations… What makes you think I don't have a way to make babies with you?" Naruko teased, rubbing the back of her head. "Wanna try? We'd just need H-chan's permission. But if it's for the clan, I'm sure she'll understand."
Naruko swayed her hips provocatively as she walked closer, making Ino even more flustered.
"INO-PIG! DON'T LISTEN TO HER! THAT'S WHAT SHE DOES! SHE FLIRTS TO DISTRACT YOU AND THEN ATTACKS! THAT DISGUSTING, HORNY BITCH DID THE SAME TO SASUKE-KUN!" screamed Sakura from the stands.
"Oh, come on, Pinky. Why ruin the mood? Do I interrupt your love sessions with Duck-Butt? You could've waited at least until I felt her up!" Naruko winked, causing Ino to blush even harder. "Well, I guess it's time to get serious."
Naruko's smile turned into a predator's grin. She began circling Ino like a hunter stalking prey. With a hand sign, two clones appeared—one wielding twin kodachi, the other a wooden katana.
All three Narukos charged around her in erratic patterns. The twin-blade one lunged, forcing Ino to dodge. She barely evaded the katana swipe by mere millimeters.
"Lightning Release: Sparkling Web!" Naruko shouted, throwing several senbon that connected via thin threads of chakra in a web-like pattern.
Ino dodged most of it, but her left leg grazed a thread—and immediately gave out beneath her.
"You're done. Please surrender," Naruko said, unsealing a wooden odachi.
But Ino wasn't out yet.
"Secret Technique: Mind Body Switch Jutsu!" she cried, making her final move.