The End of the Sound Ninja Shamate, a Battle with Kimimaro

Shikamaru's group soon caught up with the two remaining members of the Sound Ninja Four: Sakon and Tayuya.

Unlike in the original story, Shikamaru had brought almost everyone this time, including Neji, Rock Lee, Kiba Inuzuka, and Choji. Naruto was on his way as well.

But Sasuke's defection had happened earlier this time, so the timeline had shifted too.

For one thing, Kimimaro had arrived early and joined up with the two Sound Ninja. He was carrying the wooden barrel back to Orochimaru, and Sasuke was close to breaking out.

Under Shikamaru's plan, Rock Lee, Neji, and Choji pursued Kimimaro, who had taken the barrel containing Sasuke.

Kiba Inuzuka held off Sakon, while Shikamaru held off Tayuya. Both waited for Naruto to arrive.

By the time Naruto spotted their battles from high above, Sakon and his brother Ukon had already gravely wounded Kiba Inuzuka.

Shikamaru, meanwhile, was desperately dodging the three hideous giants Tayuya had summoned.

At the same time, Naruto suddenly sensed Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari racing over from Sunagakure to help, just as they had in the original story.

"Hmph. Looks like Tsunade didn't trust me after all. She still asked Sunagakure for help," Naruto muttered with a cold snort. "But nobody's stealing my kills!"

Naruto immediately created ten Shadow Clones and sent them against the brothers.

His real body hovered in midair. He pointed at the three giants, and dozens of Wind Blades flashed toward them, slicing all three into pieces.

Tayuya's face went pale. She looked up and immediately entered Cursed Seal State Two. Raising her flute to her lips, she unleashed an auditory Genjutsu at Naruto and Shikamaru.

Naruto instinctively moved to counter with Ninjutsu, but then his expression shifted. He let himself fall under the Genjutsu.

Genjutsu generally worked through the five senses. Auditory