Gaara frowned slightly.
This person... was different from every opponent I'd faced before.
Too fast.
So fast that even the sand couldn't fully defend against him.
"Lightning Release: Chidori!"
A piercing chorus of chirps rang out as Chidori's light blazed in Sasuke's hand!
One slash tore through the sand shield, and Chidori thrust straight at Gaara!
Boom!
The sand burst apart. Gaara was forced back, a bloody gash left across his chest.
He looked down at the wound, and his eyes changed.
"It hurts..."
He murmured.
"You made me... feel pain..."
Sasuke stood with his blade in hand, watching him coldly.
"Enough talk. Keep fighting."
Gaara raised his head, a crazed gleam beginning to fill his eyes.
"I'm going to... kill you."
The sand surged wildly as Shukaku's power began to run rampant.
Sasuke's pupils contracted, and he instinctively took a step back.
Just then-
Boom!!!
An enormous surge of chakra erupted from Gaara's body! Sand swept across the arena like a tsunami!
Gaara's body began to transform, and Shukaku's outline started taking shape!
"This is bad!"
In the stands, the Fourth Kazekage-no, Orochimaru-curled his lips into an eerie smile.
He raised his hands and formed hand seals.
"Genjutsu: Temple of Nirvana Technique!"
Feathers drifted down across the sky.
The spectators throughout the arena, including most of the ninja, began to lose focus, growing drowsy.
Only a few elite jonin and those with unusual constitutions barely managed to stay awake.
"What is this?!"
The Third Hokage shot to his feet and looked at the "Kazekage" beside him.
Orochimaru tore off his disguise, revealing his pale face and golden eyes filled with madness.
"Long time no see, Teacher Sarutobi."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils shrank sharply.
"Orochimaru...!"
Meanwhile, in the center of the arena...
Gaara had completely lost control. Shukaku's enormous body began