Naruto felt really bad about what he had said to Sakura. He didn't like to think that she hated him for something like that.

"I'll just go and apologize." he said to himself. "I'm sure she'll understand."

At least, he hoped she would...

Naruto's mind was so clearly elsewhere, he only heard Lee's training by chance. Sudden thumps, the ground shivering slightly, trees rustling, a slight splitting sound heard from far away.

"What the heck is that?" Naruto wondered aloud.

Suddenly, a huge splitting sound rent the air and Naruto heard Sakura scream! Instantly he was running towards the sounds.

Lee had split another dummy. Sakura had yelled out in delight, clapping at this impressive feat. Lee blushed as he heard Sakura cheering, moving on to the next dummy. It was like a dream come true!

Unfortunately, that dream was about to be shattered into a nightmare! Naruto crashed onto the scene, looking around wildly for the source of Sakura's troubles. Sakura jumped back, nearly getting bowled over by Naruto.

"Naruto! What are you doing?!?"

Naruto looked down at Sakura and said, "I heard you scream! Are you in trouble?"

"Hardly!" She said, turning her head and hmphing.

"Listen Sakura, I came here to apologize for--"

Sakura simply covered her ears and turned her back. She'd had enough of Naruto's big mouth for awhile!

"Aw come on Sakura!" Naruto said, pulling her arms down. "This is serious!"

"No! Leave me alone!"

"But--"

"She asked you to leave her alone! You should respect her wishes!"

Naruto looked up and was shocked by what he saw! Rock Lee was standing before him, just as muscular, if not as tall.

"Hey Bushy Brows! What happened to you?"

"I have been training! Now please leave Sakura alone!"

"This isn't any of your business! So butt out!"

"That is it! I have had enough of you! We will fight now, for Sakura's affections!"

"Fine by me!"

Sakura quickly skirted to the edge of the clearing to watch the fight. It was so exciting! She'd never imagined boys would fight over here! Then again, she probably never would've cared unless Sasuke was fighting.

"I don't know who to cheer for!" She thought, looking from one titan to the other.