Chapter 80: Konoha Collapse Plan! Shukaku Appears Unexpectedly!  

---

Hearing Shiranui Genma's words, Sasuke smirked slightly and then looked across to Gaara.

"Gaara, why don't you just admit defeat? I'd hate for you to get hurt. After all, we're kind of like family now," Sasuke said with a grin.

However, Gaara's gaze was firm, and he responded coldly, "It doesn't matter. Just make your move. I want to see how big the gap between us really is."

With that, Gaara leaped back, crossing his arms over his chest, assuming a defensive posture.

Sasuke sighed and shook his head, "What can I say? Fine, for Temari's sake, I'll go easy on you."

He didn't expect Gaara to be so determined. Given his relationship with Temari, Sasuke didn't want to completely humiliate Gaara, especially not in front of her. Although it was just a competition, he didn't want to upset Temari.

"Alright then, here I come!"

Sasuke's smile widened as he suddenly vanished from his spot, moving so fast that it left the audience stunned.

Even the experienced Sarutobi Hiruzen was slightly shocked. He didn't expect Uchiha Sasuke to be so incredibly fast. He could only catch a glimpse of his afterimage, and other ninjas could barely keep up.

Seeing Sasuke disappear, Gaara immediately encased himself in his absolute defense. This time, he believed that Sasuke wouldn't be able to breach his defense as he had done before. After all, if his entire body was covered, Sasuke wouldn't be able to reach him.

However, Gaara had forgotten one critical detail: Sasuke was adept at lightning-based attacks.

For Sasuke, even a single finger could be used as a weapon when enhanced with lightning chakra, allowing him to pierce through almost anything.

Sasuke began to move rapidly around Gaara, using his hands like blades to attack Gaara's sand defense at high speed. As his speed increased, Sasuke's palms began to cut deeper into the sand.

To the onlookers, it appeared as though Sasuke's hands were being swallowed by the sand, but only Gaara knew that Sasuke was gradually breaking through his absolute defense.

Gaara's face darkened as he realized that if Sasuke continued his assault, his defense would eventually crumble. Deciding to go on the offensive, Gaara manipulated the sand to attack Sasuke.

But just then, Sasuke abruptly stopped and quickly retreated.

Gaara, thinking Sasuke was retreating in fear, pushed his sand forward to chase him. However, just as Gaara's sand was about to reach Sasuke, Sasuke spun around and unleashed his jutsu:

"Chidori Nagashi!"

Blue and white lightning crackled along the ground, paralyzing Gaara as it struck. Sasuke then appeared behind Gaara and delivered a swift chop to the back of his neck, knocking him out.

Sasuke turned to Shiranui Genma and said, "Referee, I think that counts as a win."

However, at that moment, feathers began to float down onto the field. Sasuke immediately recognized the technique as the Feather Illusion Jutsu cast by Kabuto Yakushi. This widespread genjutsu causes anyone who sees the falling feathers to become drowsy.

But the technique only works on those with weak resistance to genjutsu.

Realizing this, Might Guy glanced at Kakashi next to him and asked, "Kakashi, is this...?"

"Yeah, it's a genjutsu," Kakashi confirmed as both of them dispelled the illusion.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, stood beside Sarutobi Hiruzen. Suddenly, two of Orochimaru's guards threw smoke bombs, filling the area with smoke and obstructing everyone's view.

The ANBU guarding Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't so lucky. They hadn't had time to react before they fell to the ground.

"Hokage-sama, please run!" one ANBU member managed to say before succumbing.

But it was too late. Orochimaru seized the opportunity, holding a kunai to Sarutobi Hiruzen's throat and dragging him to the rooftop. The four Sound Ninjas immediately surrounded them, canceling their transformation jutsu.

The Sound Ninjas formed hand seals in unison and shouted, "Ninja Art: Four Violet Flames Formation!"

A purple barrier instantly rose from the ground in all directions, encasing them in a flaming, translucent rectangular prison. When one ANBU member tried to breach the barrier, he was immediately consumed by the flames, turning to ash.

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression grew solemn as he turned to Orochimaru and said, "Lord Kazekage, I didn't expect Sunagakure to break our treaty."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smile, "A treaty is just a tool to lull the enemy into complacency. This ends the charade of this boring game."

His tone was filled with amusement and arrogance.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened in anger, his voice growing stern, "Are you trying to start a war?"

"You've become complacent in peace, Sarutobi-sensei!" Orochimaru taunted, no longer masking his voice.

Recognizing the voice, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately realized that the Kazekage before him was actually Orochimaru in disguise. "You bastard!"

Meanwhile, Gaara began to undergo a strange transformation. His body started to morph, a clear sign that Shukaku, the One-Tail, was awakening. Sasuke, however, showed no intention of stopping him. He was curious to see the full extent of the tailed beast's power.

Soon, a massive tail emerged from Gaara's body, expanding rapidly until Shukaku's enormous form stood on the battlefield.

The other ninjas were shocked at the sight.

"What kind of monster is that?"

"Why would Sunagakure release such a beast?"

"Damn it, that's Sunagakure's Jinchūriki!"

Panic and confusion spread through the ranks.

"Stop complaining and evacuate everyone else off the field!" Kakashi commanded. Shukaku's massive body could crush anyone in its path. This was no time to hesitate.

"Yes, sir!" came the unified response.

Kabuto Yakushi, still disguised as an ANBU, took the opportunity to slip away. He hadn't expected Shukaku to appear at this moment and knew he wasn't strong enough to face a tailed beast. It was time to save his own skin.

"Hahaha! I'm finally out!" Shukaku roared with glee. He glanced around, basking in the sunlight.

His eyes locked onto Sasuke, and a flood of memories surged back.

"It's you, brat!" Shukaku roared, his anger flaring. The last time they met, Sasuke had tricked him. This time, Shukaku was determined to tear him apart.

Despite Shukaku's fury, Sasuke remained unfazed, even managing a playful greeting.

"Hey Shukaku, long time no see!"

Sasuke's nonchalant attitude only fueled Shukaku's rage.

"Damn brat, this time I'll tear you to pieces!"

---