(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Colt thought wildly in his heart sympathizing with the guy.
He did not even realize that Temari kept peeking at him, and he didn't listen to Hayate Gekkō explaining the rules.
Yakushi Kabuto's unhesitating abstention also caught the Third Hokage's attention.
After all, a ninja who abstained at this stage six times in a row was pretty conspicuous.
Kabuto himself didn't care about that either.
Now that Orochimaru-sama was there, his undercover mission would end.
"The first match! Uchiha Sasuke vs Yoroi Akadō!"
Looking at the words scrolling on the screen, Hayate announced weakly.
The others went to the second floor, ready to watch the match.
The [Cursed Seal] on Sasuke's body was sealed in advance, and after three days of recovery, his strength was restored.
In a few moves, Sasuke won cleanly against his opponent.
As he did so, Colt remembered a very important thing and instantly came to the Third Hokage's side.
"Old man, I want to ask you one thing."
Colt said without being polite at all.
"Oh?" The Third Hokage became interested. This was the second time Colt had asked him for help; the last time was when he was allowed to go to the Konoha Hospital.
"Don't let Hinata and Neji end up fighting each other."
The Third Hokage shook his head, "Even I can't control the matches."
Colt pouted, knowing that by saying this, the old man had lied to Naruto and the others.
"Lemon Hot Spring, Grapefruit Hot Spring, Yoko Hot..."
Before Colt could finish speaking, the Third Hokage covered his mouth.
"Wait!"
'How does this brat know so much about me?'
Those were the hot springs he often peeped at.
"I see, you little rascal, I accept your proposal, but keep it to yourself!"
The Third Hokage glared at him fiercely and waved him away.
Colt smiled slightly before returning to his place.
The second match had also started by then: Shino against Zaku of Otogakure.
Shino's insects naturally restrained Zaku's sound-based techniques, and the insects could block Zaku's air attacks unconsciously.
Zaku, who lost the advantage of his sound techniques, couldn't beat the member of the Aburame clan at all and was easily defeated.
The next few battles were also the same as in the original timeline.
Kankuro and Temari defeated Misumi Tsurugi and Tenten respectively.
Finally, Hayate announced again:
"Yamanaka Ino vs Haruno Sakura!"
"Ino, come on! This is an easy one,"
Colt cheered for Ino regardless of Sakura's ugly face.
And Ino also sent a flying kiss to express her appreciation.
Women's fights, especially kunoichi fights, tend to spark interest.
Everyone's attention to this battle instantly increased a lot.
Just to the disappointment of many, the battle between the two was rather unskilled.
Ino's family's secret techniques were countered by Sakura's strong will, and Sakura had no offensive ninjutsu and hadn't even yet learned to use Genjutsu that well.
In the end, it was Ino who defeated Sakura with the physical skills that Colt had trained her in.
Kakashi looked at Colt, who was already happy, and a black line appeared on his forehead.
"At least show some restraint. Sakura is your teammate."
Colt smiled disdainfully, "Then who do you think she can beat among those present? Losing to her own Konoha comrade and suffering less, this is already a lucky result."
Kakashi was at a loss for words.
Because what Colt said was right. There were more than 20 people, and Sakura was definitely the weakest.
Looking at the somewhat dejected Sakura, Kakashi had no time to console her.
Another of his students, Naruto, came on stage.
In the arena, Naruto looked at Kiba with confidence.
"Ha! I will win this one, and then I'll beat Sasuke on the main stage!"
"Hah!"
"Heh!"
The two persons in question snorted in disdain almost at the same time.
One was Kiba, and the other was Sasuke who was watching the game.
"Naruto, you're all talk and no action!"
Although they were good friends, Kiba will never let Naruto win easily.
The two chatted for a while and then began a fierce physical confrontation.
As a member of the Inuzuka clan, Kiba's taijutsu was naturally not weak.
This clan's taijutsu was very distinctive, called the 'Beast Imitation technique', and every move imitates beasts to attack.
The action was fierce, and the techniques went straight to the point.
But today's Naruto didn't have Orochimaru's Five Elements Seal, and his chakra flowed smoothly.
With a steady stream of [Shadow Clones], the two were evenly matched for a while.
But things changed when Kiba fed himself and Akamaru a soldier pill.
The speed and strength of the man and ninken were greatly improved, completely suppressing Naruto.
[Shadow Clones] also dispelled when hit.
Their powerful [Fang Over Fang] technique directly caused a lot of damage to Naruto.
"Hey! Referee, isn't this a foul?"
"This guy is taking drugs and using a dog, and he doesn't fight fair!"
Naruto yelled angrily at Hayate.
"Didn't your instructor give you any? All ninja tools and companions are part of a ninja's own strength and can be used naturally, just like shuriken."
Hayate looked at Kakashi strangely before coughing to explain to Naruto.
'How embarrassing!'
Although Naruto was helpless, he could only accept the rules.
Colt looked on thoughtfully.
A cute puppy-like Akamaru had such fighting power, meanwhile his own dog...
No, he can't think about it anymore.
If he thinks about it again, he'll lose his mind.
Colt shook his head and sighed, looking at Kakashi inexplicably.
And far away in Colt's house, Ichibi was happily nibbling on the dining table when he suddenly shuddered and looked around vigilantly.
'This dangerous aura, could it be that the master has returned?'
Back in the arena.
Kiba and Akamaru, who had burned through the soldier pill, were stunned by Naruto's resilience.
Naruto struggled to cope and finally found Kiba's weakness at a critical moment.
When launching [Fang Over Fang], once the attack direction was locked, it cannot be changed, and the two can only go forward.
"[Shadow Clone Jutsu]!"
Naruto once again used the [Shadow Clone Jutsu] to summon more than ten clones.
"Naruto, don't waste your chakra, it's already useless against me!"
Kiba grinned and laughed. After using the beast imitation technique, his whole appearance became much fiercer.
"Stop talking nonsense, Kiba. Let's use this move to decide the winner!"
With a big wave of Naruto's hand, the Shadow Clones rushed forward in a mighty way.
"Akamaru, let's go!"
Kiba snorted coldly and performed [Fang Over Fang] simultaneously with Akamaru, who had used the [Transformation Technique]. Shadow Clones exploded into smoke after being attacked.
After rushing through the smoke, Kiba discovered that there were two Shadow Clones beside Naruto.
At the same time, a blue ball of light quickly formed in Naruto's hand.
The Third Hokage stood up in surprise.
"That is?"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed, and all the ninja who had knowledge of that blue ball widened their eyes.