"My path ahead holds nothing but darkness!" Second Pillar's resolute answer shattered every word Gaara had been about to say.
Closing his eyes lightly, Gaara spread his hands apart. Sand began to emerge from the gourd on his back, lashing toward Sasuke like outstretched arms.
"Amaterasu!"
His left eye opened again, and pitch-black Amaterasu flames ignited before Gaara, only to be completely blocked by yellow sand.
"Hmph!" His right eye narrowed, and the Amaterasu flames immediately changed shape, shooting toward Temari and Kankuro like sharp black spears.
Gaara waved his hands lightly, and the yellow sand transformed as well, forming two shields that perfectly blocked Amaterasu.
"Worthy of being Absolute Defense, Gaara. You're as annoying as ever!" Sasuke said coldly.
Gaara sighed softly, having already given up on persuading Sasuke to turn back. The yellow sand behind him shifted again, countless sand bullets densely raining down upon Sasuke.
At the same time, Kankuro, Temari, Darui, and the others all struck together, unleashing all manner of powerful ninjutsu at Sasuke.
"Sasuke!" Karin looked up from above, her face full of worry.
Boom...
A tremendous roar rang out, making the entire hall tremble. Cracks in the floor widened and spread relentlessly in every direction, while thick smoke obscured the center.
"What is this?" The worry on Karin's face turned to surprise. In her perception, a cold chakra had appeared where Sasuke had been standing.
As the smoke thinned slightly, everyone's eyes narrowed at once. In the center stood a purple skeleton, blocking every attack.
Sasuke covered his left eye, his gaze sweeping across every face as he sneered. "Gaara, this is a ninjutsu that surpasses your Absolute Defense. It is the ultimate ninjutsu that only those who have awakened Mangekyo in both eyes can wield—the ultimate power of our Uchiha Clan, Susanoo!"