Mitaraishi Anko's arrival was like cold water splashing into a pan of boiling oil, instantly reining in a battlefield on the verge of spiraling out of control.
The well-trained ANBU members she had brought immediately spread out, subtly separating Gaara, who was about to go berserk, from Kankuro and Shouying and taking up confrontational positions. Their imposing presence and official status as Konoha shinobi kept Kankuro and Temari from making any rash moves. The two stood nervously in front of Gaara, shielding him.
Gaara clutched his head, his body shaking violently. Shukaku's markings flickered across his face, and hoarse growls forced their way out of his throat as he desperately suppressed the rampaging monster inside him. Finally, under Anko's icy gaze and the pressure from the ANBU, that terrifying tailed beast aura slowly receded like a tide. He lowered his head again, returning to his hollow, indifferent demeanor, though the sense of danger radiating from him was even stronger than before.
"Hmph." Anko snorted, surveying the wrecked battlefield. Her gaze lingered on the damage left by powerful Water Release techniques and the rocks crushed by sand. She turned first to the three Sunagakure shinobi. "The second exam permits competition, not deliberate killing. Your actions have come dangerously close to crossing the line. Leave immediately!"
As though they had been granted a reprieve, Temari and Kankuro hurriedly pulled the still-silent Gaara away and disappeared into the depths of the forest.
"At the end of the day, these are Chunin Ninja Exams hosted by Konoha. It's only right to favor our own a little!" Tobirama sounded slightly smug.
Only then did Anko turn her attention to the battered Team 7. Her gaze swept over Sasuke, who had just regained consciousness and was in terrible condition, Naruto, whose chakra was in disarray and