The trash talk seems to be working, as he continues his pursuit and doesn't go after the wall-hangers that might be easier targets.

Neji dodges attacks as much as possible, using his Kaiten only when he has no other choice. After the third one, he's visibly breathing harder.

That's about when the 'main' clone fails at keeping out of Neji's reach; he's got stamina and more speed than rookie genin would, but he's not on Neji's level.

Neji pops it and bites back a snarl of frustration, turning on the others.

They're now dropping the pretense that the others can't talk or make more, though Naruto's saving the true hordes for later. Still, Neji's going to get a very good run around - and a lot of very sincere trash talking - before he manages to dismiss all the visible clones.

He is, by that time, quite tired and rather angry.

Which hopefully means it'll take him a few precious moments to think to look down -

During which a Naruto clone comes surging out of the earth just in front of him, fist aimed for Neji's chin -

While a second Naruto clone lunges from behind and below.

The first is countered, but the second gets him.

Naruto's not going to draw out trying to get Neji to go and stay down. He's got only three him left in hiding, the original and two clones, after all. And Naruto has been working on his taijutsu this month...

Neji has been working on his taijutsu his entire life. It's closer than Naruto would probably like, but Neji does eventually go down.

He has clone backups, at least, and his main body when he needs to weave in someone who can take a hit after he's gotten Neji used to the clones.

He's not uninjured, but he'll recover enough to give Chihiro a challenge by his next fight.

Chihiro nods at him when he returns to the stands.

Next up is Sasuke and one of the Waterfall ninja, Miki.

He's nods at Naruto, as well, and then is quiet and respectful of Miki. (The only spell he's really planning to show off is Illusion of Calm - that was almost enough for the Mist chuunin after all - but he'll otherwise keep to sword-work. Still, he's willing to tap into True Strike and Expeditious Retreat if he has to. He won't show off the lightning spells, even if it means getting lightly injured.)

Miki is competent, but not good enough to see through the illusion.

After that, the second round begins. First up are Shino and Elieyha. Shino forfeits immediately.

Elieyha looks even more murderous than usual as she rides her disc of sand back up to the box at the proctor's prompting.

He's going to stay away from her, and also keep an eye on Naruto to make sure Naruto stays away from her.

Her sand is still active around her, and is very clearly defining a personal space bubble.

Next is Lee and Kankuro.

Lee is excited! "You are interesting! Tenten is a tough opponent, so it is my hope this match will bring out the best in us both!"

Kankuro tips him a lazy salute, the gesture incidentally hiding the way he casts a net of chakra string out across the arena.

"I like that enthusiasm."

"Yosh!" And he's gone, blurring around behind Kankurou.

Trying to keep track of him visually is useless; Rock Lee is just too fast. But his speed isn't the result of any sort of space-time technique, he does actually physically move. He must, therefore, affect things in his path, hence the chakra strings. Ordinarily they would snap when subjected to such pressures, but these are fine enough to bend instead of breaking and won't detectably hinder Lee. And Kankurou can use their slight tugging to keep him apprised of which way Lee is moving.

Not that his goal right now is winning. He just needs to not lose too badly.

He does a replacement into the branches of the trees to his left.

Lee redirects straight for him, with a broad sweeping kick - the air will slam into Kankurou before Lee's actual foot. 

Temari is very fond of a similar maneuver.

Kankurou dodges with a replacement again, this time laying an illusion on his puppet and sending it to a different place.

Lee seems to initially fall for the illusion - but he's also speeding up, getting to the puppet faster than either previous strike. His expression's now serious, but he's apparently not at all frustrated by the difficulty landing a blow - merely intent. 

Kankurou can jerk the puppet around bonelessly enough to avoid any truly shattering strikes while he conceals himself and moves. Then he really makes the puppet start dancing, popping a knife out of each arm and spitting another from its mouth.