On the viewing platform on the other side, as soon as they heard the order to act, Temari and Kankuro leaped down from the stands and landed beside Gaara.
Their teacher, Baki, arrived right after them.
"You've betrayed the alliance!" Genma Shiranui asked grimly, frowning as he held a Senbon between his teeth. "Are you trying to start a war with Konoha?"
"Those are matters for the important people to consider," Baki replied, the left side of his face hidden behind a cloth. "We only need to follow orders."
"Looks like the Sand Village still hasn't learned its lesson." Genma Shiranui drew a kunai, ready to fight at any moment.
"Ah!" Gaara suddenly cried out, clutching his head. Then, trembling all over, he fell to his knees.
"Gaara!"
"Brother!"
Temari and Kankuro were startled. They hurried to crouch beside him and check on him. Baki hadn't expected this to happen either, and his expression darkened. After a moment's hesitation, he gave a decisive order. "Take Gaara and retreat first! Get him back on his feet as soon as possible so he can join the fight."
"What about you, Baki-sensei?" Temari asked in surprise.
"I'll stay and fight, and hold them off." Baki drew a kunai. Keeping a wary eye on Genma Shiranui, he barked without looking back, "Go!"
"Right!" Temari hesitated for a moment, then answered and helped Kankuro support Gaara as they quickly left the area.
"Uchiha Sasuke, the Chunin Ninja Exams are over." With his back to Sasuke, Genma Shiranui ordered, "As a Konoha Jonin, I'm ordering you to pursue Gaara. Can you do it?"
"Hmph. As long as I can keep fighting Gaara." The haughty Sasuke was clearly angry that Gaara was getting away.
"Be careful not to pursue them too far," Genma Shiranui warned. "Remember, this