"The next match is Sasuke Uchiha versus Gaara!"
Once the arena had been repaired, Genma Shiranui called out.
"That last fight was incredible! I hope this one will be just as exciting!"
"Yeah, exactly!"
Comments like these rose from the stands, and Sasuke felt rather annoyed when he heard them as he passed.
Without him realizing it, Naruto had become so strong, while he still needed to rely on the Cursed Seal to wield great power.
Without the Cursed Seal's help, Sasuke could not even beat Rock Lee!
Now that I've learned that ninjutsu of Kakashi's, I should be a lot stronger. Maybe I'm no worse than Naruto now!
Sasuke thought to himself.
Without realizing it, he had already come to regard Naruto, whom he had once looked down on, as his greatest rival!
No matter what, I have to gain powerful strength! That's the foundation of everything!
Sasuke thought.
In fact, participating in the Chunin Ninja Exams was one way for these ninja to gain power.
Once they successfully advanced to chunin, they received more resources than any genin, which undoubtedly accelerated their growth as ninja.
"I hear you have the strongest defense in Sunagakure?"
Before the fight began, Sasuke asked.
"Of course, but against you, I might not need to defend at all. I can just keep attacking."
Unwilling to be outdone, Gaara spoke flatly, but his words carried murderous intent.
This, too, was something of a tradition: both sides exchanged threats.
"Begin!"
Genma Shiranui called out.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Sasuke put some distance between them and breathed out a huge fireball ten meters in diameter, its roaring flames scorching the air.
Gaara showed no panic whatsoever, controlling his sand to envelop the fireball Sasuke had breathed out.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"
Under Sasuke's control,