Poison

In the spectator stands, Rock Lee, leaning on crutches, was stunned by Sasuke's speed.

It had taken him many years to reach that kind of speed, yet Sasuke had achieved it in just a month. Sasuke-kun, you truly were a genius beyond anything I had imagined!

But taijutsu alone could never defeat Gaara, who possessed absolute defense. He himself was the best proof of that!

Meanwhile, Kakashi, standing behind Rock Lee, began observing the venue. Before long, he spotted Anbu figures in every corner of the spectator stands.

"Eight... eight people? In a venue this large, there are only two Anbu squads? What exactly is Lord Hiruzen thinking?"

Guy beside him explained, "Since we don't know the enemy's exact plans, the Anbu need to be spread throughout the village for surveillance."

"Is that so? Still, something feels off."

With that, Kakashi turned his gaze toward Shiraishi Yoshijo, seated high above the stands.

Ever since their meeting when he was seven, he and Shiraishi Yoshijo had never crossed paths again.

If Shiraishi Yoshijo had designs on him, why had he never contacted him? If he had no ulterior motive, then why had he helped him?

Thinking of the Lightning Release scroll Shiraishi Yoshijo had given him, it contained everything from C-rank Ninjutsu to S-rank forbidden techniques. Even his own Raikiri was in it. Why would he give such important Ninjutsu to him?

Kakashi could not figure it out. He simply could not understand Shiraishi Yoshijo.

Just then, Shiraishi Yoshijo on the platform noticed Kakashi's gaze. He glanced at him, his brows knitting slightly.

Ever since Rin's death, this guy had become useless. What a waste of the Ninjutsu he had given him. He actually treated Raikiri as his trump card; he probably could not even use the forbidden techniques on that