Sakura and Naruto arrived at the Sixth Training ground a little later than the arranged time. Their friends were already there, some having joined Lee in his training under Gai-sensei, and others simply watching from the top of a nearby boulder. Well, in Shikamaru 's case, he was sprawled down on the ground. Hinata 's caretaker was also there, talking with Gai a little further away.

'Look, Lee! ' Gai called excitedly at his young student, who was running laps around the training ground. 'More of your friends have come to join our youthful exercise! ' then, turning towards the two newcomers, he beamed and asked, 'Lee, Tenten, Kiba and Sasuke have already completed three rounds and have seventeen more to go! Will you take on the challenge? '

Sakura lowered her backpack and gave him a sharp smile before turning towards Naruto, 'Come on. We need to catch up to them. '