With Sasuke's arrival, the Chunin Ninja Exams finally reached the stage the audience had been waiting for.
Gaara, who had long been waiting, also radiated fighting spirit. Without another word, the two immediately began fighting, drawing waves of cheers with their spectacular exchange.
Sasuke had copied Rock Lee's taijutsu with his Sharingan and gained the upper hand for a time.
"He's improved a lot in one month," Sasori commented. "It seems Kakashi's special training was very effective, but taijutsu alone won't be enough to defeat Gaara."
Anyo nodded. "Of course. Kakashi taught him something else."
No sooner had he spoken than Sasuke ran straight to the top of the Duel Arena and began forming hand seals, gathering his power.
As Sasuke completed his hand seals, densely concentrated lightning release chakra gathered in his hand, forming a concentrated, high-intensity electric current.
The dense electric current was powerful, giving off a piercing sound like a thousand birds chirping.
"That's... Lightning Blade."
Sasori naturally recognized Kakashi's signature ninjutsu. With Sasuke having learned this move, it seemed Gaara was in danger.
Using the tremendous momentum of his charge from above, Sasuke thrust toward Gaara. The powerful lightning release pierced straight through Gaara's absolute defense, and blood seeped into the sand.
At that moment, white feathers began drifting through the sky. The spectators who had been watching so enthusiastically fell still, and the lively stands suddenly went silent.
"Oh, has it begun?"
Anyo said to Sasori, "Then pass the word along. Have Gaara use the Feigning Sleep Technique."
"All right."
Sasori leaped down from the stands and landed directly in the center of the Duel Arena.
Genma, the examiner, immediately blocked Sasori's path and shouted angrily, "What are you doing?"
"None of your business." Sasori unleashed his powerful aura without restraint. Genma and Sasuke instantly