Gaara's expression gradually twisted. Unlike Naruto Uzumaki, who was also a jinchuriki, Gaara had known of Shukaku's existence since childhood. From the moment he was born, his father, Rasa, had trained him to use Shukaku's power!
It had been years since he awakened after killing his uncle, Yashamaru. Now, Gaara had gained tremendous control over the power of the One-Tailed Shukaku!
With his convictions shattered, Gaara abandoned rational thought and was about to erupt!
At that moment, a smoke bomb flew into the arena. Amid the thick fog, Temari and Kankuro took Gaara away before he could completely lose control.
An emotionally unstable Gaara could not even serve as fighting strength. Transforming into the One-Tail in front of Konoha so rashly could bring utter disaster!
Tianming remained where he stood, not even looking in the direction the three had fled. Instead, he raised his eyes toward the heights.
Orochimaru was about to make his move.
Before everyone could recover from the dramatic departure of the three, the ANBU stationed around the spectator stands began forming hand seals in perfect unison!
"Mass Hypnosis Technique!"
The large-scale hypnosis technique led by Kabuto Yakushi descended, and the vast majority of people in the stands fell asleep.
The sudden change threw everything into chaos, and the jonin present instantly took their positions, ready for battle.
On the platform above, at the very instant the hypnosis technique was cast, the Kazekage had already appeared behind Hiruzen Sarutobi and pressed a kunai to his throat.
"Fourth Kazekage, are you about to do something foolish?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was slightly startled.
The "Kazekage" said nothing. He seized Hiruzen Sarutobi and burst through the ceiling.
The four ANBU guarding nearby charged forward at once, only to be cut in half at the waist by a wind blade.
The severed