While Hinata was fighting in the arena, Kidomaru, Sakon, and the others on the platform watched Kimimaro cautiously as he slowly returned to their side.
There was not a trace of expression on Kimimaro's pale face, as though nothing had happened when he stopped Gaara earlier.
At that moment, examinees in the other corners also silently observed the Otogakure ninja who had suddenly displayed considerable strength.
Gaara slowly returned to where the Sand Ninja examinees were gathered. Temari and Kankuro hurriedly looked at him and anxiously asked, "Are you alright, Gaara?!"
Gaara paid no attention to them.
He merely let out a heavy breath before opening his eyes. His cold gaze swept across the arena and fixed directly on Kimimaro in the distance, his expression shifting uncertainly.
Kimimaro showed no reaction to Gaara's gaze, as though he had not noticed it at all.
Noticing Gaara's gaze, Temari, whose face was filled with concern, could not help following it. When she saw Kimimaro, her expression tightened slightly as she said in a low voice, "Just who is that Otogakure guy? He actually managed to easily break Gaara's technique!"
Hearing her words, Kankuro's expression also turned somewhat grim as he said hoarsely, "You saw it too, right? Even the proctors nearby probably didn't see that guy's movements clearly..."
"It's hard to imagine... that Otogakure would have someone like him..."
"And... why did he step in? Could he have some connection to Second Pillar?"
Hearing Kankuro's words, Temari's expression tightened slightly, but she gently shook her head. She had no idea what had motivated Kimimaro to act.
At that moment, Gaara beside them narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a low, hoarse voice, "That guy..."
"If you run into him... don't fight him..."
Hearing that, Temari and Kankuro exchanged shocked glances, both