In the next round, after Dosu Kinuta easily dispatched Choji Akimichi, the nine finalists for the main event were finally determined.
Sasuke was still in the hospital, so only the other eight candidates stood upon the stage. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked on as the group stepped forward. Excluding Sasuke, there were six from Konohagakure, two from Sunagakure, and one from Otogakure.
"I will now explain the details of the final selection," Hiruzen began. "You will be competing in the main matches before an audience. You represent the military might of your respective nations; I expect you to perform at your absolute best."
"Therefore, the final selection will take place in one month. This month is your preparation period."
"In short, this time is needed to notify the Daimyōs and the ninja leaders of various nations that the preliminaries have concluded and invite them to attend. It also grants you, the candidates, time to improve yourselves."
"To put it bluntly, you are expected to make specific preparations. Use this time to analyze your opponents' performances in the preliminaries to increase your chances of victory."
"Now, step forward and draw lots for your brackets."
Following Hiruzen's instructions, Ibiki Morino stepped forward and presented nine slips of paper.
Naruto Uzumaki drew number 1; Neji Hyuga drew number 2; Gaara drew number 3; and Sasuke Uchiha drew number 4. With that, the left side of the bracket was set.
On the right side, Dosu Kinuta was number 5, Shino Aburame was 6, Temari was 7, Kanon was 8, and finally, Shikamaru Nara was 9.
The Hokage continued the briefing as Ibiki displayed the tournament chart. Each contestant processed the matchups in their own way, but Shikamaru was the only one audibly groaning.
"I'm the only one who has to fight an extra match! And against her of all people..." He glanced over at Kanon. Seeing her resolute expression and the sharp, lively curve of her profile, his face flushed slightly.
Sensing his gaze, she turned and gave him a bright, innocent smile.
Ugh, what a drag... why does it have to be her? Shikamaru lamented internally. She was the "Uchiha Prodigy," he really didn't want to be on the receiving end of one of her Rasengans.
"Neji Hyuga... he's my first opponent? Fine by me!" Naruto said, looking toward Neji with a serious expression. Neji merely crossed his arms, remaining calm and composed.
On the balcony, Kakashi had already departed, leaving Sakura alone to record the details of the pairings. Since this was an elimination tournament, the Hokage, the Kazekage, and the Daimyōs would judge the participants' performances to determine who would be promoted to Chunin.
As Hiruzen concluded the assembly, Shikamaru could only think about how troublesome the whole affair was.
"You've all worked hard. Dismissed! We meet again in one month."
Naruto looked at Gaara, but having already "sentenced" Neji in his mind, he was already worrying about his potential second-round opponent.
"My next opponent is either Sasuke or that Gaara guy..." Naruto sighed softly.
"What? Are you scared?" Kanon's voice rang out right in his ear.
"Scared?! No way! I'm fired up!" Naruto put his hands on his hips and shook a fist at her.
"That's the spirit. That's the Naruto I know." Kanon laughed, stepping closer to straighten his collar. "This outfit is a bit torn. You should change into something new for the finals."
"You bet! But Kanon, your coat is looking a bit frayed too. You should get a few new ones yourself."
"True, I suppose I should."
Sakura joined them, handing over the data she had gathered on the previous matches. Together, the members of Team 7 began walking back into the village. After seeing Sakura off, Kanon and Naruto watched the sun dip below the horizon.
"Kakashi-sensei won't let me see my brother yet. He says Sasuke still needs quiet rest..."
"Aw, Sasuke's tough, Kanon. You don't need to worry about him." Naruto squinted at the sunset and made an offer. "Hey, how about we grab some ramen?"
"Sure, sounds good. But I want to head home and take a shower first."
"Don't bother with all that. You're living alone anyway, why don't you just come over to my place tonight?"
"Eh?" Kanon blinked, then let out a light laugh. "Are you just inviting me so I'll help you clean your room?" She put her hands on her hips, giving him an interrogating look.
"Uh... was it that obvious? Heh heh..."
"Painfully obvious!" Kanon sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Fine. But I get the bed!" She turned her head away playfully.
"Of course! I'll take the floor."
They stopped by the Uchiha district so Kanon could pack a basket of essentials, then made their way toward Naruto's apartment. However, as they passed the women's bathhouse, they saw a white-haired man fleeing in disgrace while being pelted with buckets and scrap metal.
"Good grief, not again..." Kanon sighed, covering her eyes and tossing her headband into her basket.
"Kanon, what's up?"
"Naruto, get back."
The two stepped aside just in time for Jiraiya to scramble past them in a desperate retreat.
"Old man Jiraiya's at it again, peeking at the baths."
"You mean the Pervy Sage?!" Naruto shouted, instantly coining a new nickname.
"Pervy Sage? I like it! That's exactly what we'll call him." Kanon gave Naruto a thumbs-up for his naming skills.
"You two brats! Show some respect to the Great Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya-sama!"
Two swift knocks to the head landed on Kanon and Naruto simultaneously.
"Ow!"
Jiraiya stood before them, looking at the pair with a puzzled expression. "Where are you two heading?"
"Since we both live alone, I invited Kanon to my place to hang out," Naruto explained bluntly.
"I see... a young boy and girl alone? No, that won't do. I'll be staying with you tonight as well."
"WHAAAT?!!" They both cried out. Adding Jiraiya to the mix was going to make the apartment incredibly cramped.
"So, what's the plan for now?" Jiraiya asked.
"Going to get ramen. You coming, Pervy Sage?"
"Fine, let's go!" Jiraiya pumped a fist, definitely not because he was completely broke.
The three sat together at the stand, with Naruto in the middle. The meal was surprisingly harmonious, though Kanon ended up footing the bill. As a member of the prestigious Uchiha clan, her inheritance was more than enough to cover a few bowls of ramen.
When they arrived at Naruto's apartment, Jiraiya immediately felt he'd been scammed. Looking at the mess, he shook his head in resignation. Since they were already there, they set to work. With the three of them working together, the apartment was soon spotless.
By the time Kanon finished her shower and Naruto headed into the bathroom, Jiraiya was laying out the bedding. He watched Kanon walk out in her pajamas and spoke softly.
"Kanon, starting tomorrow, you and Naruto will be training with me."
"Training with you?"
"That's right."
Jiraiya placed his luggage on the table and began writing fervently.
"What are you doing?" Kanon asked curiously.
"I am a famous author. I have a novel to write. This is my masterpiece." Jiraiya turned around and held up a copy of Icha Icha Paradise right in front of her.
Kanon's face turned bright red. She clutched her chest and stumbled backward in shock.
"So... this is the book! You're the pervert who wrote it!"
"Hmph, I have zero interest in a 'flat-chest' brat like you anyway," Jiraiya scoffed, showing no restraint, and even a hint of disdain, for her reaction.
BAM!
In the next instant, Jiraiya was sent sprawling as Kanon delivered a kick straight to his head.
"Pervy Sage! You're a total creep!" Kanon yelled, her face flushed with anger.
Jiraiya, however, was secretly delighted. Even a kid like this knows my work!