Chapter 127: Chaos

"Is that... Kakashi's Chidori?"

In the examination waiting area, Might Guy's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the lightning flickering around Sasuke's arm.

Glancing around, he noticed Kakashi standing near Naruto and Sakura. Without hesitation, he flashed over.

"Kakashi, you actually taught him that technique?"

Hearing Guy's voice, Kakashi turned his head and nodded. "That's right. With his Sharingan, it suits him perfectly."

"Kakashi-sensei, Bushy Brows-sensei, what are you talking about? Is the lightning on Sasuke's arm really that powerful? It doesn't seem that special—can it even be used to electrocute fish?"

Naruto's curiosity got the better of him as he interrupted the conversation.

Both Kakashi and Guy twitched at his words.

Kakashi, in particular, felt an urge to smack the kid.

Electrocute fish?

This was his signature jutsu, and Naruto was comparing it to a mere fishing tool?!

Damn it, I almost want to test it on you right now!

"Ahem—"

Guy cleared his throat and seriously explained, "That is Kakashi's signature technique—Chidori. It's an A-rank jutsu that can even be developed into an S-rank one in the future."

"Oh."

Naruto nodded nonchalantly, his mind already wandering elsewhere.

How does this compare to the Rasengan I'm about to learn?

Yes, Naruto had yet to learn the Rasengan.

Currently, he was still in the midst of chakra control training.

After all, if he couldn't even walk on water, how could he expect to master the Rasengan?

Guy, seeing Naruto's lack of reaction, was momentarily stunned.

Was Naruto stupid, or what?

Why wasn't he more excited about learning of an A-rank or even an S-rank technique?

"Enough, just watch."

Kakashi spoke up, cutting off the discussion and redirecting their focus back to the battlefield.

Meanwhile, at another location, Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi were also observing the battle.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a pleased smile. "Not bad... The replacement I chose is proving himself."

Hiruzen, on the other hand, was astonished. "He actually mastered it...!"

Both of them had their own thoughts but chose to remain silent. They exchanged brief smiles before continuing to watch the fight below.

Their fake smiles were eerily similar.

—

At this moment, Sasuke was completely focused on the battle.

His Chidori now fully formed, his gaze locked onto Gaara.

Gaara, sensing the threat, commanded his sand to move even faster, attempting to surround Sasuke.

Yet, this time, Sasuke remained completely still, allowing the sand to enclose him.

The next moment—

Gaara's chakra flared, and the sand tightened rapidly, aiming to crush Sasuke.

But then—

Crackle—

A crackling sound echoed as a lightning-covered hand pierced through the sand.

Boom!

With a sudden explosion, Sasuke burst out of the encasement.

He clutched his right arm, which drooped slightly, but his pace remained swift as he dashed toward Gaara.

The ground beneath him bore deep, jagged scars, carved by the sheer force of his lightning-cloaked hand.

Gaara's pupils shrank.

The sand surged to shield him, forming a massive sphere.

But this time, it was different.

The outer layer of the sand sphere bristled with spikes, hardened to the point where it resembled steel.

An eerie eye manifested on its surface, keeping watch on Sasuke's movements.

Yet, Sasuke paid no mind to any of this.

Without hesitation, he thrust his Chidori-covered hand forward.

Zzt—

The moment his lightning-charged palm clashed with the sand, the battlefield fell silent.

Every spectator, every examinee, and even the shinobi overseeing the matches held their breath.

Even the two Pokémon battling nearby paused, turning their attention to the standoff between Sasuke and Gaara.

In the furthest row of the audience, Cynthia clutched the railing, her grip tightening unconsciously.

Even Ryo, who knew how this would play out, felt himself tensing up.

—

"Ahhh—!"

Sasuke let out a cry of effort, veins bulging on his forehead as he pushed forward with all his might.

Crackle—

The next moment, his Chidori pierced through Gaara's defense, his arm plunging deep into the sand sphere.

The entire arena fell into a stunned silence.

Temari and Kankuro shot to their feet, their faces filled with disbelief.

Drip. Drip.

Blood seeped from the sand, dripping down Sasuke's arm.

"Blood...? He's bleeding...?"

The sight of the blood sent a shockwave through the crowd.

Inside the sphere, Gaara's wide eyes trembled as he stared at his own blood.

His lips quivered as he muttered incoherently.

Then—

His face twisted with rage. His red-tinged eyes locked onto Sasuke, murderous intent pouring from him.

"I'll kill you. I'll kill you—everyone must die! They all must die!"

At his words, Sasuke quickly withdrew, his expression wary.

"Roar—!"

Gaara's body contorted unnaturally.

A guttural roar erupted from his mouth.

The watching shinobi's faces immediately darkened.

One by one, they tensed, bracing for what was to come.

Suddenly, a figure in the stands stood up, hands forming a rapid sequence of seals.

The next moment, feathers began drifting down from the sky.

High above, Orochimaru rose to his feet, revealing his true form as he turned to face Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Orochimaru? This is your doing, isn't it? The One-Tail appearing here—is this all part of your plan? What exactly are you and the Sand planning?!"

Sarutobi's expression was grave.

"Hehehe..."

Orochimaru let out a cold chuckle. "Sensei, what do you think? You're old now. It's time for you to step down."

"Orochimaru!"

Sarutobi growled, his anger palpable. "Do you really think I'm too old to deal with you?!"

Orochimaru shook his head, unfazed. "Sensei, you're as terrifying as ever... But even if you know, does it matter? Do you think you can stop it?"

With that, he turned and leaped away.

Sarutobi immediately followed.

"Roar—!"

As Gaara's transformation accelerated, the arena descended into chaos.

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