As Omoi's words fell, Sasuke was suddenly struck by countless streams of sand, then sent flying hard!
"Bang!"
Sasuke's body slammed solidly into the arena wall, instantly drawing cries of alarm from the onlookers!
"Is this the last surviving bloodline of the Uchiha Clan? He doesn't seem all that strong..."
On the platform above, Kurotsuchi watched Sasuke get hit by Gaara's sand. Her black-and-white eyes narrowed slightly as she said doubtfully.
Then she shifted her gaze to the motionless Gaara, a sharp glint flashing through her eyes as her voice turned grave.
"Still, the Fifth Kazekage's offspring looks like he'll be troublesome..."
Hearing her, the companion beside her looked over and chuckled.
"Isn't that guy the One-Tail Jinchuriki you mentioned? He may be difficult for us to deal with, but if it's you against him, Kurotsuchi, you should be confident you can defeat him, right?"
At her companion's words, Kurotsuchi's lips curled into a confident smile.
"Of course. I didn't come all this way to disgrace Grandpa. I'm going to win enough honor for Iwagakure!"
Hearing that, the Iwagakure examinees who had made it this far all looked at her with admiration.
Not far away, Naruto, Sakura, and the other Konoha examinees all wore tense, solemn expressions as they watched Sasuke's battle in the arena.
At that moment, Shikamaru's team slowly walked over to Naruto and Sakura.
Shikamaru kept his eyes on the arena and asked quietly.
"Is something wrong with Sasuke? Why is he fighting nothing like himself...?"
Naruto and Sakura were both stunned by his words.
Having grown up and attended school with Sasuke, Shikamaru and the others knew something of his strength. Seeing his performance in the arena now, they all frowned, feeling as though Sasuke's movements were somehow restrained.
Shikamaru's words suddenly awakened Naruto and Sakura.