Gaara and Bootleg Sasuke stood at opposite ends of the arena. Thanks to the unique properties of a Wood Release clone, even an old man like Hiruzen Sarutobi could not see through it on short notice. Gaara was an exception, though even Chinatsu herself did not believe he had fully seen through her disguise.
In fact, Gaara had not completely seen through Chinatsu's disguise. His mind worked differently from an ordinary person's, so he could just barely keep up with her train of thought. Unfortunately, the instant their minds connected, Gaara's mental wiring... plugged into the wrong socket.
Gaara stared gravely at Chinatsu's version of Sasuke, who had already entered the arena. The "Mom Susanoo" surrounding him began to stir. With his perfect control over Sand Shards, even many Jonin would be no match for him.
As the announcer called, "Begin!" Gaara willed countless Sand Shards into long whips that lashed fiercely toward Chinatsu.
Chinatsu instinctively extended both hands, about to clap them together and unleash her all-purpose Wood Release. Fortunately, she stopped herself at the last moment.
Sasuke using Wood Release would be far too ridiculous, although her knowing Wood Release was ridiculous too.
Chinatsu quickly changed tactics. First, she took a large step backward, then rubbed her right hand and unleashed Chidori, the Ninjutsu she had spent four whole years pestering and pleading with Kakashi to teach her, without success.
A shrill chorus of birds rang out, and Chinatsu instantly blasted apart the sand whips flying toward her.
"Tch! Using this move now really pisses me off."
Chinatsu muttered under her breath. She had once desperately wanted to learn Chidori, but now she felt the exact opposite. Screw Chidori. Just seeing it made her angry.
Four years of Chinatsu begging and pestering < Sasuke just starting out?
After