Chapter 58: Sasuke vs. Shukaku

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Gaara wasn't worried about Shukaku wreaking havoc in Sunagakure. After all, they were in Konoha Village.

Gaara used the ''Feigned Sleep Jutsu'' to summon Shukaku, the One-Tail. This was the only technique Gaara thought could pose a threat to Sasuke.

However, Gaara didn't want to defeat Sasuke; he just wanted to create a spectacle, to build a sense of tension. After all, Sasuke was Gaara's "friend."

As Shukaku emerged, the entire arena was filled with swirling yellow sand. From the high platform, the Third Hokage's eyes widened in shock.

"Lord Fourth Kazekage, why is the Jinchūriki going berserk now?!"

Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, merely chuckled. "Hehehe, don't worry, Lord Hokage. Everything is under control."

Seeing Rasa's confidence, Hiruzen could only nod, though he was far from reassured. He waved his hand, signaling the ANBU members behind him to stand by.

However, as the white snake slithered away, the ANBU members' appearances seemed to shift subtly.

In the arena below, ''Yamanaka Inoichi'' shouted, "The tailed beast is rampaging! Everyone, evacuate immediately! Fugaku, have the guards calm the civilians and maintain order!"

But Fugaku Uchiha, with unwavering confidence, responded, "Why panic? Sasuke is right there, standing against it!"

Sasuke's eyes were locked on Shukaku, burning with determination.

The yellow sand seemed to be an extension of Shukaku himself, and Sasuke could feel the immense chakra pulsating from it. Sasuke's thoughts were focused, filled with a cold resolve.

"This damn tanuki," Sasuke thought, "It's time to put an end to his terror."

The Two-Tails might have been stronger than Shukaku in some ways, but that didn't matter to Sasuke now.

He knew that despite having one more tail, the Two-Tails didn't necessarily surpass Shukaku in power.

Sasuke, filled with determination, mentally reassured the Two-Tails, ''Matatabi'', within him, "Don't worry, I've got this."

Sasuke's breathing became steady and rhythmic as he prepared to use the new technique he had just mastered.

As he inhaled deeply, powerful energy began to flow through him, enveloping his body in a vibrant purple aura.

Suddenly, Shukaku's massive sandy hand lunged toward Sasuke, trying to crush him.

The sky was filled with yellow sand, and for a moment, it seemed as if Sasuke had been engulfed by the desert itself. But then, a flash of purple chakra broke through the sandstorm.

"Boom!" The yellow sand exploded outward, revealing Sasuke, hovering in the air with his eternal Mangekyō Sharingan activated.

Behind him, a half-formed Susanoo emerged. Though incomplete, this Susanoo was more like a projection than a physical shield.

Sasuke, his voice cold and determined, commanded his Susanoo,

"Sage Technique: Fire Release - Thunder Flame Arrow!"

The arrow, charged with blue lightning and black flames of Amaterasu, was aimed directly at Shukaku. The One-Tail's eyes widened in fear as the deadly arrow was released.

Shukaku, realizing the danger, panicked. "Wait! Wait! If you have something to say, let's talk it out!" he pleaded.

But Sasuke simply smiled, a cruel edge to his expression. "It's too late."

In a flash, the arrow pierced through Shukaku's massive body, tearing it apart into a cloud of yellow sand.

The arrow carried an unfamiliar energy, something beyond Shukaku's experience, preventing his sandy form from regenerating.

Shukaku recognized this power, a fierce, domineering force reminiscent of Uchiha Madara's, yet different.

It wasn't the gentle but unyielding strength of Senju Hashirama, but something far more aggressive.

Inside the crumbling sand, Gaara's unconscious body remained undisturbed. Shukaku, desperate, cursed Gaara for sleeping so soundly. "Wake up, damn it! I don't want to stay out here any longer!"

But Gaara remained asleep, even as Sasuke's Susanoo began to draw another arrow, ready to finish the job.

Shukaku, in sheer terror, retracted his form, shrinking down until he was no bigger than a basketball, lying beside Gaara's head in defeat.

Despite his nature, Shukaku feared Sasuke's power. "I may be made of sand and can't die," Shukaku thought, "but it still hurts…"

The match ended soon after, marking the conclusion of this round of the Chūnin Exams. The next stage would be the official matches.

The proctors and Kage would soon decide who was qualified to become a Chūnin.

The assessment would be based on votes: the Kage's vote counting for three points, and each proctor's vote counting for one.

Those who earned enough points would advance to the rank of Chūnin.

The proctors included Mitarashi Anko, Shiranui Genma, Yūhi Kurenai, Sarutobi Asuma, Hatake Kakashi, and Might Guy, along with the Third Hokage and Fourth Kazekage, making a total of ten judges.

The official matches were scheduled to begin in three days, with the matchups already arranged: Gaara vs. Rock Lee,

Neji vs. Kankuro,

Ino vs. Tenten,

Shikamaru vs. Temari,

and Naruto vs. a Genin from Amegakure. Sasuke, however, received a bye.

This meant Sasuke could be promoted to Chūnin without further combat. But Sasuke wasn't satisfied with this.

He sought out the Third Hokage, demanding, "Lord Hokage, why don't I have an opponent in the official match?"

Hiruzen looked at Sasuke, understanding his frustration. "Sasuke, is there anyone you want to fight?" he asked.

Sasuke paused, realizing that no one truly matched his level anymore.

The Third Hokage sighed, "Luck is a part of strength, Sasuke. You don't need to participate in the official competition. You are already qualified to become a Chūnin. The Fourth Kazekage, the proctors, and I all agree."

With that, Hiruzen gently but firmly dismissed Sasuke from the Hokage's office, officially promoting him to the rank of Chūnin.

If nothing changed, Sasuke would be one of the few to pass the exam, alongside Shikamaru.

Though many had the strength of a Chūnin, their personal flaws held them back from promotion.

Gaara, for instance, had the power of a Chūnin or even a Jōnin, but his unstable character made him unfit for the rank.

Soon, Orochimaru would launch his attack during the Chūnin Exams, leading to the death of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. And then, Tsunade would rise as the Fifth Hokage…

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