Gaara had never expected to dodge an S-Rank ninjutsu.
Its speed and accuracy were simply too great.
He could only rely on Shukaku, the One-Tail, to help him block this attack.
Everyone present was shocked by Zhou Cheng's chakra reserves, but they were also bewildered.
Who opened a match with their ultimate move?
Weren't they supposed to probe each other first and gradually step things up?
"Ugly tanuki, if I die, you die too!"
"Help me!"
Gaara negotiated with Shukaku in his mind.
If he didn't pay his rent now, they would both die.
"Ugly brat, remember, I'm not doing this to help you!"
"I'm doing it for myself!"
Shukaku's rather shrill voice rose from deep within Gaara.
An immense surge of chakra gathered around Gaara.
The shinobi from Sunagakure knew that presence all too well.
It was a tailed beast's chakra.
Gaara had drawn on Shukaku's power.
Now Zhou Cheng was as good as dead.
Every time Shukaku emerged, he refused to retreat without spilling some blood.
Temari and Kankuro relaxed again.
They had witnessed Shukaku's power, and the despair and helplessness it inspired still haunted them.
They never wanted to oppose a tailed beast!
That would be like throwing an egg against a rock.
Zhou Cheng was in for a world of pain!
Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Kazekage leaned forward slightly. A battle like this was enough to pique their interest.
They each harbored their own schemes, yet shared the same goal.
They wanted to know just how strong Zhou Cheng really was.
What chance did Zhou Cheng stand against Shukaku?
Whoosh!
Gripping his blade in both hands, Zhou Cheng turned to build momentum and slashed viciously at Gaara.
A massive blade-shaped blast, carrying countless tiny wind blades, flew toward Gaara.
The ground shattered, leaving a deep trench.