Rivals Clash! The Hearts of the Girls are in Serious Modes

The match between Kankuro and Misumi begins. Misumi wraps himself around Kankuro by dislocating his own joints and using his chakra to control his loosened body. He warns Kankuro to give up or he’ll snap his neck. When Kankuro isn’t fazed, Misumi breaks his neck… which was actually just Kankuro’s marionette. Kankuro then attacks with his Marionette Technique to quickly defeat Misumi.

Meanwhile, as Sakura washes her face, Ino appears from behind and asks if she’s scared. Sakura can’t hope to stand a chance. She looks at her cut hair in the mirror and vows to do her best.

Next up, Sakura vs. Ino. The two begin their match trading blows but definitely holding back. As Ino prepares to punch Sakura, she recalls a childhood memory and the punch turns into a slap across the face. They flash back to an instructor explaining that female ninjas must be able to obtain a wide range of knowledge and education extending beyond knowledge of ninja techniques. If they can’t act normal in enemy territory, they will have trouble spying. This particular day, they will learn the art of flower picking. Sakura and Ino partner as Ino coaches Sakura on the secret to creating a nice arrangement.

Soon, several girls pick on Sakura, and Ino defends her by throwing flowers in her face. She then threatens that the flower she just ate is aconite, a weak poison. The girl had best spit it out quickly. When the girls run away, Ino reveals that only the roots are poisonous. Sakura is completely impressed with her.

Back in the present, Sakura vows that she has no intention of fighting over Sasuke. She will become stronger than Ino. The two exchange bitter words, as Kakashi observes that Sakura wants to make sure Ino won’t hold back.

In another flashback, Sakura asks why Ino gave her a hair ribbon. Ino explains it would be a waste for her to wither away as a bud. There’s no meaning to a flower unless it blooms. Maybe she’ll be a flower more beautiful than cosmos. Sakura tearfully thanks her.

Sakura grew up believing in Ino’s words. She always wanted to be like her. Thanks to her, she’s here now. That’s why she wants to fight her seriously. Otherwise, the fight has no meaning.

Ino thinks back to the vow they made when Sakura told her she was on Sasuke’s team. Sakura vowed that she wouldn’t lose to her. She’s no longer the girl chasing Ino. When they do fight, they will fight as ninjas with their forehead protectors on their foreheads.

Both girls then tie their forehead protectors in place and prepare for a serious match.

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