As Gaara's words faded, the vast area fell into dead silence.
Kitsuchi, standing to one side, was the first to lose his patience.
"Father, is that Shadow Emperor Uchiha Qin Yu really that formidable?"
"If you won't allow me to challenge him, can I challenge his student, Escanor?"
"He gave it his all and still couldn't defeat the Fifth Kazekage. With my current strength, defeating him wouldn't be difficult at all."
"Just agree to it this once. I also want to see what the legendary figure is truly capable of, so I can report back to Grandpa Ōnoki."
As she spoke, Kurotsuchi grabbed Kitsuchi's arm and shook it repeatedly.
Her graceful, form-fitting long dress with its high side slit constantly gave off a sense of maturity that did not match her personality.
Kitsuchi wore a helpless expression. After forcibly pulling his arm free, he said, "Fine. Since it's not Lord Qin Yu himself but merely his student, there's nothing inappropriate about you, as one of the new generation, issuing a challenge. I don't think Lord Qin Yu would blame us."
"But Fifth Kazekage, are you saying Escanor gave it his all and was still defeated by you?"
The moment those words fell, the eyes of all the younger generation turned toward Gaara.
For Kitsuchi, the person Kurotsuchi intended to challenge was connected to Uchiha Qin Yu.
It also concerned the dignity of the Land of Earth and Iwagakure, so they naturally had to be absolutely certain.
Feeling the gazes around him, Gaara's expression stiffened involuntarily. "Th-That's certainly true. Naruto and the Fifth can both testify to it."
At this point, Gaara looked toward the two of them, a trace of pleading appearing on his face.
He did not want them to let him down at a crucial moment like this.