(A/N): sorry for the wait, it's been a while :(. Busy with life and college, and other priorities. But enjoy this chapter :)! Sorry if it's messy, at least I covered more than 4 eps. Wrote it late at night, took me longer than I wish it had. Will edit when I can. Ps: chap 3 of my fantasy novel is out.
If you like fantasy, novels, check out my novel if you don't mind!

"For the first battle, Yoroi Akado and Sasuke Ichiha have been selected. No objections, right?"

(Y/N) gaped at the monitor, facepalming. I cannot believe the luck of this guy!

"Right!"
"No!"

With the rules explained, the proctor added that the names of the opponents for each match would show up in the monitor on the wall, randomly chosen from the list of remaining applicants. They had all held their breath as the names flickered on the screen, and then settled on Sasuke vs Akado.

Unexpectedly, but somehow unsurprisingly, Sasuke was up first versus one of Kabuto's suspicious teammates. Displeased, Sakura tried to argue him out of it, but he didn't concede.

To think that it'd be so soon. Sasuke smirked, despite the flaring pain.

Damn Sasuke is like a magnet for bad luck. (Y/N) bit her lip, frowning as the two opponents faced each other. Sasuke was still clearly in pain, the mark flaring up constantly. To fight in a battle with someone who seemed to be in top condition, and with no access to his chakra..

Sasuke winced discreetly, and Akado's shoulders shook with what could have been amusement under his mask.

Honestly, (Y/N) didn't think it wise to let Sasuke fight, but everyone was already rushing up the stairs to watch the fight from a safe distance. Sakura hesitated for a moment before she followed after the excited Naruto.

(Y/N) waited for Kakashi to say his piece before she got close to Sasuke. Admittedly, she eavesdropped, frowning.
Kakashi said he can't use the Sharingan. Will he truly listen?

As Kakashi stepped away, Sasuke gasped and scowled. Call off the match?! It seems this Curse Mark thing is responding to my chakra. In other words in this match I will hardly be able to use even my regular jutsu, nevermind the Sharingan!

Sensing his turmoil, (Y/N) awkwardly patted his shoulder. "Focus. Find a different way. You'll be fine."

Sasuke breathed, gave her a hard look, and sighed. "Go."
Thanks I guess. She's right. I can find a way.

(Y/N) nodded and walked away, up the stairs and standing beside her teammates. The view of the arena was great from up there, they'd be able to see everything. She bit her lip, staring down at their friend.

But when it started, Akado had Sasuke pinned by the forehead in a second.

(Y/N) gasped loudly and leaned over the railing, staring intently. "Dodge you fool!"

Sakura clenched her hands, fidgeting with worry while Naruto's brows furrowed.

If she looked close enough, (Y/N) could see the flow of chakra leaving Sasuke's body. Oh. Oh that's not good.

She observed intently her teammate's fight. Sure, there was not much to tell about it, but she could study it. Sasuke got out from his grip, tried to dodge but Akado kept touching him, repeatedly.
Huh. That's certainly an interesting ability. Chakra absorption through touch. Troublesome too.

"Sasuke! You call yourself an Uchiha?! Don't be looking so lame! Give your best!" Naruto screeched, both cheering him on and taunting him.

It worked.

Suddenly Sasuke was no longer on the defensive. He dropped and upper kicked Akado's chin.

Team 7 gaped. Isn't that Lee's style?!

Akado went flying and Sasuke went after him, intending to finish it. But another wave of pain made him freeze. 

(Y/N) bit her nails. Come on! Push through the pain dude!

It took him some precious moments, but Sasuke managed to make the mark recede somehow. Taking advantage of gravity, Sasuke hit the guy as they fell with a barrage of hits powered by both his force and momentum.
"Lions Barrage!"

Akado crashed onto the floor, all air knocked out of him. Sasuke slid away, but he was fine. He stood up slowly, panting.

The proctor coughed, then he leaned down to check the pulse of Akado. After a moment he stood up and declared, "I'm stopping the match from going any further. Therefore, the winner of the first battle, Sasuke Uchiha passes the preliminaries!"

"Yes!" Naruto and (Y/N) exclaimed.
"Nice!"

Naruto started snickering, snorting. "Sasuke, you-you won in a lame way! Look at you, all battered up! You idiot!"

"He's got a point you know! You gotta dodge man!" (Y/N) teased with a laugh, grinning.

Sakura just smiled, exhaling. Sasuke... thank goodness.

(Y/N) grinned, shaking her head. At least it was over quickly. If it had gone on for too long, surely the mark would have reappeared.

The other genin had diverse reactions. Lee was in awe of Sasuke's copy ability and his ability to grow. Ino just fangirled as usual with a dopey smile.
Shikamaru sighed, brows furrowed. So this is as far as we'll go...

"I'm hungry...." Choji whined quietly.

"W-wow!" Hinata exclaimed, wide eyed.

Kiba rolled his eyes. "Tsk. Nothing special."

Kakashi was by Sasuke's side in a moment, and both left after the medic nin had taken Akado away on a stretcher.

Sakura stared worriedly as Sasuke walked slowly, holding his tender neck. Naruto caught the gesture too, and stared intently. Huh?

"Sakura... Speaking of which, during the match, did you see something that looked like a strange wound on Sasuke's neck?" Naruto asked.

Sakura's breath hitched. She had made a promise not to tell Naruto. As (Y/N) opened her mouth to tell him, Sakura cut in quickly. "I-I don't know either."

HUh. (Y/N) raised an incredulous brow at Sakura, but said nothing. Uh why are we lying?

"I see..." Naruto said, blinking.

As Naruto turned away, (Y/N) grabbed Sakura's arm and whispered. "Why did you lie?"
"I don't want to him to worry. I promised Sasuke I wouldn't tell. Promise you won't either?" Sakura bit her lip.

(Y/N) sighed heavily, dragging a hand down her face. I'm not sure I agree with this. But technically it's Sasuke's business, so I'll respect his wishes. "Fine fine, I won't say anything about the mark to him."

"Thank you." Sakura smiled.

(Y/N) gave her a tiny smile back, and turned away to pay attention to the announcer. When she's not being an asshole, Sakura ain't so bad.

"Umm now then. We will get right to it and begin the second match." The proctor announced, clearing his throat.

Everyone's attention quickly diverted again to the monitor. Names flickered in yellow, then stopped.
Shino Aburame vs Abumi Zaku.

Shino huh? Never seen him fight before. I think. He uses bugs, right? (Y/N) glanced at a suddenly tense Sakura. Hm? Why is she nervous? Oh right. Sound ninja.

"Both of you, come forward. We will now begin the second match. Now then, please begin."

(Y/N) sighed and leaned against the railing, watching as the sound ninja launched himself at Shino. Let's just watch the fights. Who knows when it'll be my turn.

The sound ninja cheered when Shino seemed to be knocked out by his attack. He celebrated too soon though. Shino got back up and small, black bugs crawled out of holes in his skin, chattering.

(Y/N) shivered and shut her eyes, squirming. "Ew!" That was a sight she definitely did not need to see. She could hear if they spoke just fine. I'd rather not see a thousand bugs crawl over anyone, thank you, but no. I'll just imagine what the fight looks like.

"These things are called Parasitic Insects. They attack their prey in groups and eat chakra. If attacking in this amount... you're finished, no doubt. If you don't like that, give up. It'd be in your best interests."

Damn, well. That's certainly going to be my feared death forever: dying under a pile of bugs. (Y/N) winced.

"Either way, you won't be able to get through this. An ace in the hole is something you set aside."

"Don't... underestimate me! An ace in the hole is something you set aside huh?!"

"Take this!"

A pause, then a scream of pain. (Y/N) didn't need to see to know that the bugs had gotten somewhere absolutely disgusting. Certainly an impressive fight though. Overwhelming the opponent with speed, efficiency and grossness; good strategy. "Whoa."

"What what?! So Shino was that strong?! Dang it!" Naruto exclaimed in frustration, fists clenched.

"I thought he was creepy since long before but..." Sakura gulped.

"Right?! Bugs! Geez." (Y/N) exclaimed, finally opening her eyes and watching as the medic nin took the sound ninja away. If I was him, I'd wash my everything with bleach for a week.

"Umm now then, I would like to get to the next match."

As the three teammates leaned forward expectantly, a tale-telling poof caught their attention.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

"Yo!"

"What do you mean 'yo' Kakashi-sensei? What about Sasuke? Is he okay?" Sakura exclaimed disgruntled.

"Well he's fine. He's sleeping soundly in the infirmary." Kakashi replied calmly, a smile wrinkling his mask. However, with the Anbu Ops standing as guards.

(Y/N) sighed. At least that's solved. She followed Naruto's gaze as he gasped.

The monitor read Tsurugi Misumi vs Kankuro.

Naruto gritted his teeth, as a familiar kitty eared boy faced his opponent down in the arena. It's that guy!

Kankuro was the guy from sand they had met in the streets days ago, in a black kitty eared suit and carrying something on his back.
(Y/N) raised her eyebrows, as the boy placed down the object from his shoulders. Well look who it is, kitty ears sand suit. So he is Kankuro huh. No last name. Weird.

"Now, then please begin the third battle!"

"I'll bring it to an end swiftly!" Kitty ears declared with a smirk.

"I won't let you do anything. First move, a surefire victory!" Misumi threw a punch at Kankuro, but was blocked.

And then the craziest thing happened. The guy just freaking stretched like a noodle and wrapped his limbs around Kankuro like a snake, squeezing.

"What the fuck?!" (Y/N) exclaimed with a shiver.
"Language."
"You have no right to tell me that Kakashi-sensei!"

While (Y/N) quivered in disgust, Naruto leaned over the railing, amazed.
"Wow that's amazing! What's with his body?!"

"I dislocate every joint and with chakra, I can control my softened body at will." Misumi explained, tightening his hold on the struggling sand ninja.

"With chakra..?" Sakura mumbled incredulous.

Don't know if I'm more impressed, or disgusted. Still, that's more than just a soft body! He stretched like a fucking noodle! Huh. Wait. That snake guy did the same thing right? (Y/N) narrowed her eyes at the Konoha ninja, recalling their fight with the snake guy. Now that I think about it... It does seem to be a similar technique. Could there be some connection there?
While the fight continued, the sound was filtered out as (Y/N) started overthinking everything.
Noodle body technique. Could be just a coincidence right?

(Y/N) was a Ryudo. First lesson she was taught, was to trust her instincts over everything else, always. Genjutsu? No prob, you'll tell it apart from reality. Possible trap? Move away, trust your gut. Suspicious despite lack of physical evidence? Trust your gut rather than your eyes. If it smells fishy, it's fishy, period.

And her gut was certainly telling her something was up. It was the same uncomfortable pit she had felt with Kabuto. Isn't that guy part of Kabuto's team too? Hmm....

She pursed her lips, barely paying attention to the fight as Kankuro attacked with his puppet.

"He's controlling the puppet with chakra from his hand!"

"Hm. He's a puppet user. Interesting." (Y/N) replied to Sakura absently. Staring intently at the supposed Konoha ninja. I don't know what it is about Kabuto and his team. But they rub me the wrong way.

"The winner, by opponent's inability to continue the match is Kankuro."

Naruto pouted, whining "Two against one is unfair! Is that truly okay, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi shrugged. "It's not particularly unfair. It's a puppet after all."

"That's Puppet Master Jutsu. He's controlling the puppet with chakra. It's the same as using a ninja tool, like shruiken." Sakura explained, watching as the injured ninja was taken away. Watching the fight, had brought forth insecurities she had hoped to leave in the forest. She frowned. They're all great chakra users. I thought I could make it kind of far with chakra. But...

As Sakura went to the bathroom, (Y/N) slipped down to the floor, sitting cross legged. She twined her fingers, staring at nothing in particular. Could my instincts be wrong about Kabuto and his team? It's never happened before, but surely it's a possibility, right? No no, trust your gut. That's where your fire comes from. Like Nana used to say. Trust your gut, your center, your furnace.
Should I say something to Kakashi? Even if I'm wrong, precaution is never wrong.

"Now then. We will begin the fourth battle."

Naruto at least was still energetic, though he was starting to get bored of waiting for his own match. "Man man, nothing but weirdoes all over the place, believe it!"

"Don't you say that." Kakashi replied amused.
Sakura snickered. "You've got a point."

"You too Sakura?! (Y/N)-chan back me up here!" Naruto whined.

(Y/N) startled, but looked up and grinned. "You both have a point. It really has been weirdoes all over."

Sakura giggled, but Kakashi cut that short.

"This isn't the time to be laughing."

Sakura followed his pointer finger and gasped.

The monitor read Sakura Haruno vs Ino Yamanaka.

Oh. (Y/N) looked at the monitor, blinked and sighed. Well, I suppose it won't be interesting. No offense Sakura, Ino. But if I'm gonna watch the matches, I want them to be educational and I got shit to ponder on.
Can I take a nap? I need rest. I need to be ready for when my turn comes.

(Y/N) breathed, and closed her eyes as Sakura and Ino started to trade blows. No offense to her teammate, but she really did have other things to do than watch a, frankly sad, rendition of a taijutsu fight. Hmm maybe I should help Sakura with her taijutsu.

There's no rule about taking a nap, so I'm freaking taking one! Too much worrying this week. I deserve a fucking rest that is not imposed by a fucking curse mark.
"Naru, wake me up when it's the next fight." She mumbled.

Naruto hummed, glancing at her. He smiled softly. "Sure (Y/N)-chan."

In a moment (Y/N) was asleep, forehead resting against the railing.

~~~<><><><>~~~

"The fifth battle. Tenten, Temari, come forward."

Naruto looked down at (Y/N). She still sat crosslegged, leaning her head against the railing. It was a painfully uncomfortable position, clearly. Her back bent like a freaking arch as she leaned her head against the railing and sat in that weird position.

But she breathed slowly, relaxed. Naruto stared for longer than he would dare admit, feeling almost guilty for disturbing her sleep. But then he was shaking her shoulder.
"(Y/N)-chan. Next match is Temari and Tenten. Come on, wake up."

(Y/N) stirred, yawning. She blinked blearily and looked at the arena. Her eyes brightened in interest as she saw who the opponents were. Sand girl! She seems cool! And Tenten, Neji and Lee's teammate huh. She uses lots of weapons doesn't she? She grinned widely, "Thanks for waking me up Naru!"

"I got you!" Naruto beamed, cheeks suspiciously pinkish.

"GO TENTEN!"
"TRUST THE POWER OF YOUTH!"

"Looks like it's gonna be interesting."

Naruto and (Y/N) flinched covering their ears. Of course, Lee and Guy were cheering for Tenten. Right beside them. And loudly. Neji must have been used to it though, because he didn't even attempt to cover his ears.

(Y/N) groaned covering her sensitive ears, "Can't they be silently supportive?"

"GO TENTEN! WE'RE RIGHT BEHIND YOU!"
"TRUST IN YOUR STRENGTH TENTEN!"
"KNOCK HER WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH!"
"THAT'S GOOD!"
"CHEER HER ON MORE MORE MORE WITH PASSION LEE!"

Naruto growled in annoyance, covering his ears. "These guys are so noisy!"
(Y/N) scowled. She was never in a good mood after waking up. Her ears were already ringing a bit just from being close to them. "Shush dang it! You're bursting my eardrums!"

Lee stopped immediately and flushed a bit, chagrined. He sweatdropped and gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry (Y/N)-san."

Guy cleared his throat awkwardly, nodding and cheering quietly, "go go Tenten.."

Geez. (Y/N) sighed, huffing amused. "Thanks."
Her keen senses were an advantage as much as a disadvantage. She watched the fight, enticed. The blonde girl, Temari, wore the same clothes as the other day and she made no move to grab the huge fan she carried on her back.

Tenten threw her shruiken, their path was true, but they fell aside.

Tenten missed?!

Beside Team 7, Shikamaru clicked his tongue, groaning "How disgraceful!"

Naruto tilted his way in confusion. "Huh?"

"Sand wins again." Shikamaru lamented with a scoff.

"We don't know that yet." Naruto frowned.

"We do."

"How?? How do we know?! Explain it so I can understand!" Naruto demanded, confused.

"Stupid... as if I'd do such a bothersome thing." Shikamaru said.
"Shikamaru said it so, surely that's how it is." Choji shrugged, resigned.

Naruto raised his eyebrows, mouth twosted in confusion. He leaned down to whisper to (Y/N), "Hey, is it just me or are these guys hard to understand?"
(Y/N) snickered quietly. "Both perhaps."
"Hey!"

(Y/N) rolled her eyes fondly, smiling. She turned her gaze back to the fight, and gaped when Tenten twirled in the air with the longest scroll she had ever seen. How many weapons is this woman carrying?!

Tenten's twirl enabled her to shoot the weapons from all angles, from high up. But not a single one of them hit the sand ninja.

Temari smirked. She had lowered her fan already, and she held it lightly with one hand. The huge fan wasn't fully opened, but a purple spot was visible.

While the others gaped in confusion, not understanding how Tenten's attacks were all being blocked, (Y/N) grinned sharply. Ah I see. She's a Wind user.

"Tenten! Don't be taken in by your opponent! Be calm! Be calm!" Lee warned her, encouraging her.

(Y/N) raised her brows when Tenten pulled out another scroll. Well, a double scroll really.
She repeated her twirl strategy, but this time she attached threads to her weapons to retrieve them. Of course, none of her attempts worked.

Temari's fan was a monstrous thing when it came to wind power. Tenten and her weapons were blown away, repeatedly. Temari smirked, unfolding her huge fan completely.
"Third star."

In the next moment, the fan swished, and both the fan and Temari disappeared for a moment. (Y/N) gaped in awe, as Temari glided, sitting on her fan. When she landed, it was too late for Tenten. Her defeat was certain.

"Ninja Art: Wind Scythe Jutsu!" Temari exclaimed, slicing her fan across the air. Sharp crisp wind burst from the fan.

Tenten stood no chance against it. She was caught in the column of wind, and dropped like a fly. Right on Temari's closed fan. The poor girl gasped as all the air was knocked out of her with the landing.

(Y/N) frowned, eyes sharpening. Even she had to admit that was a bit much. Temari seems cool, as a person. But she's still an enemy ninja. She's certainly acting like it. Almost forgot how rude they were when we met.

Naruto stared incredulous, brows furrowed. "T-that's awful."

"Tenten!" Lee exclaimed worriedly, lips pursed.
"To think she completely intercepted Tenten's weapon attacks..."
"This can't be!"
Shocked Lee gripped the railing tightly, while Guy frowned, lips pursed. Even Neji looked a bit worried for her.

"What's with her..?" Naruto asked, frowning.

Choji sighed. "It's just like Shikamaru said. It's the Sand's win."
"That's why I said it." Shikamaru exhaled, unfazed.

"Temari wins the fifth battle." The shaggy proctor declared.

The blonde girl smirked, hand on her fan twitching. (Y/N) winced. Oh.
Lee caught it too and moved quickly, "Oh no!"

Temari threw Tenten off her fan, sending her flying across the weapon scattered floor. Lee barely managed to catch her in time in his arms, laying her down carefully.

"Nice catch." Temari smirked.

"What are you doing? Is that something you do to an opponent who fought to the utmost?!" Lee yelled angrily.

Temari clicked her tongue, slamming down her fan. "You're annoying! Take that trash away already!"

Lee clenched his teeth, seething. Before Guy could stop him he was already kicking at Temari. "Leaf Hurricane!"

"Stop Lee!"

Temari scoffed, blocking easily with her fan. She smirked, "You're just like you look. You're dull too."

"What did you say?!" Lee seethed, clenching his jaw.

Whatever could have been, was stopped when Guy appeared right behind Lee. "Stop it Lee!"

Lee halted, glancing back "Guy-sensei!"

(Y/N) blinked. That had escalated quickly. She whistled lowly. Damn that was close. She glanced at Temari. And she looks like she was ready to crush him. Dang. First Kankuro wins with his puppet, now Temari with her fan. (Y/N) was no fool, she knew the Sand team was strong from the moment she first saw them days ago. I pity the one who'll fight Gaara.

"Temari. Come up quick, you've been declared the winner. Don't keep company with that awful-looking guy and his chaperone forever." Gaara didn't yell, but he didn't need to. His voice demanded attention and order, whether he yelled or not.

"What...?" Lee seethed. He glared with such intensity at Gaara it kind of surprised (Y/N) that Gaara had no holes in his face.
"That's enough Lee." Guy patted his shoulder. He inhaled and smirked. "Gentlemen of Sand. I wonder if I may give you a word of warning."
Guy gripped Lee's shoulder, smirking up at the Sand team. "This kid is strong. You should prepare yourselves."

(Y/N) pursed her lips, staring at the Sand team members, who did not look happy at the declara. Those three are strong, that's for sure. But Temari and Kankuro don't give me the creeps. There's something about Gaara that feels.. odd. Out of place.

The situation was tense, of course. The Konoha teams had switched to defensive mode and glared at the Sand team. Naruto gritted his teeth, scowling.

"Don't lose to those guys Naruto!"

Eh? She was gone? (Y/N) blinked, as Sakura came back from her rest, standing between them.

Naruto gasped, "Sakura.. are you okay already?"

(Y/N) raised her brows, giving her a once over. She does look a bit beaten up. "You must be tired."

"Never mind that, you should worry about yourselves!" Sakura scolded.

"Huh? Me? I don't have an injury or anything." Naruto stated, confused.

"That's not what I mean!" Sakura sighed. "If you lost here, it'd be a point of dishonor. You'd be ashamed to face Sasuke!"

"Y-yeah." Naruto stuttered.

Sakura closed her eyes, exhaling. "And... thanks for earlier. If it weren't for your stupid cheering at that time... I would have been beaten soundly by Ino."

(Y/N) huffed. I'm amazed she actually said thank you to him.

"Yeah, right." Naruto nodded along.

Makes sense. (Y/N) shrugged. "At least you won in the end."

Sakura growled, clenching her fist in annoyance. This guy...! "Y-you..!"

The proctor coughed, clearing his throat. By now (Y/N) was sure the guy had to have some sort of condition, because his appearance didn't hint towards good health. He looked even more sickly than pale Sasuke!
"Now, for the next match."

The tension dispersed as everyone diverted their focus back to the monitor. Yellow names flickered on the green screen, swapping and changing for a moment. Then they stopped abruptly.

(Y/N) grinned sharply. Guess I didn't have to wait long.

(Y/N) Ryudo vs Gima Kurosaki.

"Looks like it's my turn."