Shukaku(2)

Gaara's gaze was fixed on the translucent shield floating before him, and a sense of protection enveloped his mind. Ignoring the immense angry beast standing in front of him, he attempted to find solace. The arrival of Zeus brought relief to Gaara; he knew that with Zeus by his side, the battle would quickly shift in his favor. However, Gaara remained vigilant, aware that the true battle was just beginning. It was also incredibly convenient that he could hear Zeus's voice in his head.

"Listen, I am going to give you some instructions on how you can easily defeat Shukaku," Zeus said in Gaara's mind, whilst the kid stared at the beast who was frozen in place at the sight of the shield. "As you might have already noticed, this beast is currently at a severe disadvantage because there is no sand around. That makes his attacks much less versatile, making those wind bullets his greatest weapon against you." Gaara listened intently.

"I will stick this shield to you, so don't worry about those bullets and just get close. This is your only job. If he tries to send a sand wave or other kind of attack, then reflect it with your own control. I am going to take care of it if it's too difficult." Zeus's voice continued reverberating in his mind. "Once you get close and connect your chakra, throw this at him. You will understand when I want you to do that."

Gaara nodded, glad that there was finally a plan and not just some instinctive play. He has come to realize the that trembling had disappeared from his legs. There was conviction and power within Zeus's voice, which affected Gaara's mind and made him solely focused on the battle.

"Could it be that you've brought that little bastard with you?" Shukaku's voice grew increasingly menacing, accompanied by rising anger. "I will tear you apart, kid, and then I'll kill Zeus once I break free!"

Suddenly, both Gaara and Shukaku sprang into action. Gaara ran with newfound speed, disregarding the pain searing through his injured chest and leg. Bullets erupted from Shukaku's mouth like a machine gun, yet the shield intercepted and defended against each one, hovering alongside Gaara.

"Try defending this!" Shukaku bellowed, as his tail swiftly maneuvered through a wall on Gaara's left side. Contemplating his options, Gaara chose to press forward. The shield collided with the tail, managing to cling on, but cracks began to appear.

Nonetheless, Gaara had come close enough. Shukaku launched additional sand attacks, easily deflected by the shield, while Gaara extended his left hand and seized Shukaku's chakra, swiftly retreating. Then, something remarkable occurred. Lightning chains erupted from all directions, ensnaring Shukaku's tail, hands, belly, and head.

"Why do you believe this will succeed when you've just failed?!" Shukaku roared, exerting all his strength. However, lightning charges coursed through the chains. Logically, not much would have happened, but the lightning was so intense that Shukaku started melting in certain spots, as his own flesh dripped down onto the ground.

Panic flickered in Shukaku's eyes as he realized the growing peril. Despite his clouded mind, he understood he had to annihilate Gaara immediately, exerting all his remaining power, or fate would once again turn against him.

Thus, Shukaku gathered all his strength within his mouth, dark energy coalescing into a ball—the Tailed Beast Ball, his most potent jutsu. Though the chain around his neck attempted to alter or disrupt the technique, Shukaku persisted.

"Gaara, I lack sufficient power in this realm. Just throw it now, or he will obliterate you," Zeus's voice reached Gaara's mind, while he still struggled to extend his chakra. "I will channel all my chakra to create more shields around you. You will likely survive."

The word "likely" in Zeus's statement caused Gaara to question the operation's success. Nevertheless, the overwhelming energy emanating from Shukaku's jutsu propelled Gaara to act instinctively. They were in close proximity, indicating that it was an explosion both of them wouldn't enjoy.

Gaara revealed the lightning sphere clenched in his fist and hurled it forward, promptly ducking for cover. The chains that had bound Shukaku abruptly vanished, replaced by shields materializing around Gaara, cocooning him.

In an explosive display, the sphere detonated. It was Drakon's Annihilation, unleashed without being consumed first—a directionless explosion. A blinding flash engulfed their vision as Shukaku also unleashed a bomb simultaneously. Gaara struggled to comprehend the events, as he was sent flying away.

Pain and burns covered Gaara's body, overwhelming his senses, rendering his ears and eyes useless. Colliding with the shield and then the ground, more bones fractured with each impact. Time seemed to lose meaning amidst the continued explosions.

"Awaken, Gaara," Zeus's voice resounded in his mind, jolting Gaara to the realization that everything had indeed ended. The persistent ringing in his ears had deceived him. Attempting to rise, Gaara collapsed to the ground, unable to support his own weight.

As he looked up, he saw the surroundings remained intact, impervious to damage. However, Shukaku was nowhere to be found. In fact, Gaara noticed that the gates had closed once more, as he sensed the beast lying motionless there.

'How can I sense this?' Gaara questioned himself.

"Damn, Gaara, you look quite exotic," Zeus commented on his appearance, compelling Gaara to glance at his reflection in the water. His skin bore peculiar inscriptions, covering him entirely. His eyes had undergone a remarkable transformation, radiating a yellow gleam.

Furthermore, his ears had shifted position, now resembling those of a cat, protruding from the top of his head. Gaara appeared far more menacing and powerful than before. Lowering his gaze, he noticed a tail protruding from his rear, which he wiggled after a few unsuccessful attempts.

"All this effort just for you to become a cat," Zeus quipped, bringing a smile to Gaara's face. Soon, laughter followed. The joke wasn't particularly hilarious, but Gaara felt joyous. He had accomplished it.

He could feel the strength coursing through his veins and the tranquility within his mind. No longer would he lose control over every minor incident; he was now the master of his own destiny.

Gaara was finally free.

******

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