The Path of a Shinobi (Reader x various)

Today was the day. The final round would begin in a short amount of time. Standing amongst the spectators, you noticed the only ones missing were Naruto, Sasuke, and Dosu.

I understand if Naruto was late, but it's unlike Sasuke to be late.

Standing in between Shikamaru and Neji, you both looked behind when you heard a loud noise. Behind you all was Naruto. You and Shikamaru went on to help him up until he started rambling. "Guys run, you won't believe this but there's a huge herd of stampeding bulls coming this way!"

"We don't see any bulls Naruto. What were you getting yourself into." Naruto was about to explain but was interrupted by the proctor. "Knock it off. Quit your fidgeting you two. Stand up straight and present yourselves properly to the spectators."

Behaving ourselves and straightening our posture, we looked up at the enormous crowd. Feeling nervous for this round you prayed you'd do well. While you were all standing below you saw the Third Hokage appear signaling that the final round would begin.

"Welcome all and our deepest thanks for coming here to the Village Hidden in the Leaves, for this years Chunin Exams. We have come to the final competition between the nine candidates who made it through the preliminary."

While he continued on talking you thought it was odd since there were ten of you that made it. Once he finished the proctor came along to inform you all about your opponents. "There's been a slight change in opponents since Dosu is nowhere to be found. (Y/n) we've randomly selected your opponent. You'll have to face the winner between Gaara's and Sasuke's match."

With your mouth agape, you were surprised about your match. Either way whoever you faced between the two you'd be ready to win.

"Question um I was just wondering what'll happen to Sasuke if he doesn't show up," nervously asked Naruto.

"If a candidate is not here in the arena at the time his name is called...he forfeits the match. Alright listen up, the terrain is different but the rules are the same as before, that is that there are no rules. The match continues until one candidate acknowledges defeat or dies. These are the opponents for the first match, Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyuga. Those two stay, everyone else you can go to the waiting area."

"Good luck," you said with a smile before proceeding to leave with the others. Glancing one last time at Naruto you noticed Neji watching you all leave, but gave him a small smile as a sign of support for him as well.

Reaching the waiting area you stood next to Shikamaru leaning forward against the railing. "Begin!" Hearing those words you watched them battle in hand to hand combat.

The battle had dragged on for awhile but Naruto's futile attacks had led up to his victory in defeating Neji. Cupping your hands to your mouth you enthusiastically yelled out," Way to go Naruto!" The crowd began to cheer him on as well while he happily ran around and up towards where we were.

Once Naruto appeared you both gave each other a bone crushing hug for his victory. "Glad you won Naruto." Grinning you all awaited for the next match which would be between Gaara and Sasuke. In the corner of your eye you looked at Gaara and saw that he too was looking over your way.

Looking away you heard the crowd start to get riled up for the next match that was suppose to happen. "Listen up everyone, one of the competitors for the next match hasn't arrived yet so we're going to postpone this match briefly and jump ahead to the next battle."

With a sigh of relief you were glad that Sasuke wasn't disqualified, but felt anxious if he'd show up. Next was Shino and Kankuro but Shino won by default. Following that match was Shikamaru and Temari. You were disappointed with the results but that's how troublesome he thinks trying to win would be.