Joining Forces (Part 1)

Gaara and the others finished their match, and the next group continued.

By the time nearly fifty matches had ended, it was almost dark.

The referee, Gekko Hayate, loudly announced, "Tomorrow, we'll continue with the second round of matches. That's all for today!"

The crowd immediately left amid animated discussion.

The battles between the genius ninja of the Five Great Villages had been truly spectacular.

Especially Gaara of the Sand Village—he was simply too terrifying.

At least based on the information they had so far, they couldn't find a contestant capable of defeating Gaara.

Outside Kirigakure, a steady series of footsteps echoed through the inner corridor of the dam's spatial passage.

Kisame Hoshigaki, who was responsible for guarding the Six-Tails, looked toward the sound. A man in black robes patterned with red clouds, half his face covered by an ugly scar, walked over.

"I didn't expect you to dare come here!" Kisame sneered as he removed Samehada from his back.

The newcomer was none other than Obito Uchiha, who had been exiled by that person.

"I didn't expect that guy to let you out either!" Obito said, studying him with amusement.

Although the other man wore a mask, Obito still keenly recognized him as Kisame Hoshigaki.

He had originally intended to find the Six-Tails' hiding place and set up a trap to deal with someone.

He hadn't expected to find this guy at what appeared to be the Six-Tails' hiding place.

Seeing that Kisame was preparing to attack, Obito hurriedly added, "Don't be nervous. I'm not here to fight you!"

"Do you think I'll believe you?" Kisame sneered. In an instant, he flashed forward and slashed straight through Obito's waist.

Unfortunately, Samehada passed through Obito's body without the slightest resistance. It didn't feel like it had struck anything solid.

Obito