Stumble [Rewrite]

Serpentine (2)

Part 2/2

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Every team that was put together had a purpose.

Asuma was training a team of intelligence gatherers. Shikamaru restrained, Ino manipulated, Chouji guarded. Not to mention they had exceptional teamwork, just as their fathers before them.

Kurenai was training a team of trackers. Hinata sought, Kiba sensed, Shino spied. They were a dream team filled with members of noble clans and had the ability to use their respective techniques in unison so that their capture-escape ration always worked in their favor.

He—Gai— was training a team of close combatants. Tenten mastered weaponry, Neji excelled in ninjutsu, and Lee had been gifted in martial arts. They were their teacher's pride and joy with a high success rate and a stasis that was hard to rival.

But... what would become of Kakashi's team? Sakura: civilian prodigy, T&I associate; rounded capabilities. Naruto: jinchuuriki; chakra powerhouse; ninjutsu proficient. Sasuke: Uchiha; forbidden kekkei genkai; ninjutsu proficient.

What kind of balance was that? What sort of team were they? Did they even have a plan in mind?

Gai mostly kept to himself with his own thoughts and theories as he gazed at the assignments for the last part of the exam, thinking to all the fights he finished witnessing just a day ago.

Sabaku no Kankuro v. Uzumaki Naruto

Aburame Shino v. Haku

Sabaku no Temari v. Nara Shikamaru

Hyuuga Hinata v. Kinuta Dosu

Sabaku no Gaara v. Uchiha Sasuke

He saw just how capable Kakashi's team could be with Sasuke's animosity and Naruto's unprecedented use of the Yondaime Hokage's trademark jutsu. The way they fit together skill-wise made little sense to him besides their relationships to each other, and the only thing he could see coming out of their team work was destruction.

"They posted the assignments!"

Gai lifted his head as the Konoha preliminary winners bounded to the poster to see who'd fight who in the finals. Naruto first scoured the paper for his name and noticed it on the first battle slot next to the Suna-nin who rubbed him the wrong way.

"Karma!" he shouted, pointing at the paper. "This is karma! I'm gonna kick his ass into the sun, dattebayo!"

Haku and Shino exchanged glances. Their fight would be an interesting development in itself. Shikamaru could only sigh and mutter troublesome at who he had to fight, Hinata clenched her fists in determination, and Sasuke pursed his lips.

"Psst," Naruto whispered. He nudged Sasuke's side. "You're going against the guy that beat Lee. Is that okay?"

The Uchiha crossed his arms.

"Hn. It'll be fine, don't worry."

"He's right, you know," a new voice piped up cheerily. Sakura strode over to them in her typical uniform and happy grin. "Congratulations on making it to the finals! And good morning, Maito-san!"

"Call me Gai, Sakura-san! And good morning to you as well!"

She nodded and turned back to her friends.