In the training grounds, Gekko Hayate swung his long sword in a fierce battle with Baki. He was one of the few ninja who practiced swordsmanship.
But without exception, those proficient in swordsmanship were no weaklings. In fact, they were even more efficient at killing than ninja.
Take the White Fang of Konoha, whose name was known throughout the Shinobi World!
Beside the two of them, Gaara and Naruto faced each other.
As for Temari and Kankuro, those two were already down. Naruto had knocked them out of the fight right at the start.
Now, unable to fight, they could only lie to one side, struggling to watch Gaara while attacking Naruto with their glares.
And by now, Gaara no longer looked human.
A great mass of sand enveloped his upper body, but the sand had a strange texture, almost like some living creature, with blue-black markings across it.
At first glance, Gaara now looked like a tanuki that had taken on a monstrous form.
Lying inside Naruto, the Nine-Tails yawned and said:
"You're not up to much, kid. That stinking tanuki is the weakest of the Tailed Beasts, and you still haven't dealt with him after all this time..."
Naruto inwardly rolled his eyes and said:
"Hey, I'm trying my best, okay? But that sand is really hard to deal with!"
Just then, the surrounding sand began howling again as it swept toward Naruto. He dodged repeatedly, moving beyond its reach.
Gaara's expression was ferocious and twisted, his eyes filled with malice.
"You bastard!"
Naruto frowned at the murderous intent surrounding Gaara, which seemed almost tangible.
What was wrong with this guy?
He was certain this was not the will of the Tailed Beast inside Gaara at work, but Gaara's own will.
Even before this, Naruto had sensed the