Shikamaru, being a mid-range control-type ninja, was actually countered by Tenten—who was a long-range attacker. Thanks to Sasori's coaching, the battle quickly became a one-sided massacre. A relentless stream of ninja tools came raining down. Each was tied with wire strings, retrieved and controlled like puppets. In an instant, they launched hundreds of attacks at once.
"Damn it, I can't even fight back at all."
Shikamaru had already taken hits from several weapons. But thanks to his quick reflexes, he survived the first wave—barely staying on his feet.
Using the trees in the duel field as cover, Shikamaru finally got a brief moment to catch his breath.
From the upper stands, Sasori commented, "This fight is over."
Anya, who had forfeited her match, walked up beside him and replied, "Don't jump to conclusions too quickly. That guy's no slouch when it comes to strategy."
Sasori responded calmly, "He just got hurt. The outcome's already decided."
Anya suddenly seemed to realize something and couldn't help but ask, "You didn't go too hard on him, did you?"
"No worries. The Poison works gradually, draining Chakra bit by bit. Unless you're a medical ninja, you won't even realize you're poisoned—you'll just think your chakra is exhausted."
Anya couldn't help but remark, "You really put in a lot of effort just to secure Tenten's victory."
Hidden behind a tree trunk, Shikamaru thought things through and finally found his chance—he could use the fine shadow cast by the wires Tenten used to control her tools, extending his reach. He finally seized an opening between her attacks and successfully bound her with his [Shadow Possession Jutsu].
As Shikamaru staggered into the center of the arena, he suddenly sensed how little Chakra he had left. With a bitter smile, he gave up—letting a clearly dissatisfied Tenten walk away as the winner.
"Hey, are you messing with me? You've got me trapped right now!"
Shikamaru sighed helplessly, "I'm out of Chakra. Even though I've got you, I don't have enough strength left to claim victory."
Genma announced the result of the match, "Second round—the winner is Tenten. Next match: Neji vs. Red Spider. Both fighters, please come down."
Neji walked solemnly into the center of the arena. Among this batch of genin, the only opponent he felt unsure about facing was Red Spider. His Byakugan couldn't fully see through this person—their mysterious nature made them seem especially powerful. Worse still, Red Spider had an ally capable of removing the Caged Bird Seal, making Neji feel even more pressure.
"No matter what, I've come this far—I must win," Neji steeled his resolve, his gaze turning fierce.
"Where's Red Spider? Why hasn't he entered the field yet?" Genma looked toward where Sasori stood.
Sasori shrugged indifferently, "I forfeit."
"What? Another forfeit?"
"We came all this way, and you're just giving up one after another?"
"This is the Chunin main match? Totally ridiculous!"
The arena balcony erupted. Frustration ran high as harsh words flew everywhere. The audience exploded into chaos. Voices rose in anger and frustration, some even throwing bottles and shoes into the arena.
With his head lowered, Genma sighed and declared the result, "Due to Red Spider's forfeit, Neji wins by default."
"What the heck is going on?"
"Show us a real fight already!"
Sasori listened to the cacophony around him and frowned as he spoke to Anya, "Big Brother Kurotsuchi, maybe we should move up the plan? These people are too loud."
"You're also planning to quit?" Anya said unimpressed. "Not going down there to play?"
"I'm afraid I'll crush his confidence. After all, he's the one you chose."
"Fine then," Sasori replied indifferently. "This Chunin Exam was nothing more than a show anyway." He didn't mind either way; sooner or later wouldn't change much.
Gaara materialized beside the two of them, his voice cold and low. "I want to fight against Sasuke."
"Reckless!" Sasori's eyes turned icy, sending a powerful oppressive force directly at Gaara.
Gaara grunted and took two steps back, blood-colored glints appearing in his eyes as he said slowly, "I want to finish this match first, then unleash it to complete your plans."
Sasori felt killing intent arise and said coldly, "Do you know who you're speaking to?"
Anya signaled to stop Sasori by shaking her head, then asked Gaara, "Why do you want to challenge Sasuke?"
The heavily shadowed eyes lit up suddenly as Gaara slowly explained, "He is similar to me; someone who also walks the dark path of this world. I have always been treated carefully like a dangerous tool in the Village, even my uncle feared me, so I have no idea why I exist anymore. Later on, I stopped thinking about these things and just focused on using my strength to fight, facing something head-on. Only at times like that can I fully release myself."
"Alright, I'll give you the time." Anya agreed.
"Thank you." Gaara turned and left.
Meanwhile, since the Genin from Otogakure had yet to arrive, Shino Aburame won by default.
By now, the audience paid no heed to cursing; some were even preparing to leave, with chants of "Refund! Refund!" echoing repeatedly through the arena.
Seeing matters had reached such a point, Sarutobi was greatly troubled. This was turning out to be the most disappointing match in the main round of the Chunin Exams. Everyone had fought quite well during the knockout stages, the fights were especially exciting, but now during an even more crucial match in the main round, accidents kept happening instead.
Gaara, however, simply made his way directly to the center of the battlefield to await Sasuke's arrival.
"Anya, why did you suddenly agree to him?" Sasori said with dissatisfaction. "As he grows older, his self-control seems to be getting worse. It looks like grandma was right; this jinchuriki is a failed experiment."
Anya sighed, "Let's face it, controlling a tailed beast just by sheer will is hard enough for a kid. Sunagakure doesn't possess powerful sealing techniques either, so he has come pretty far already. Anyway, today we're going to cause havoc regardless, might as well fulfill his request first."
With Genma announcing the upcoming battle between Uchiha and the Sand Village newcomer, the chanting of 'refund' finally ceased in the stands, replaced instead by murmurs spreading throughout the crowd.
"Finally, the Uchiha's fight is about to start."
"A newcomer definitely cannot defeat an Uchiha."
"I heard that the Uchiha got injured before the match and hasn't shown up yet. Maybe he'll have to forfeit."
"Seriously? I specifically took time off work to come watch this."
As time passed and Sasuke still hadn't shown up, Genma let out a quiet sigh, preparing to announce the result. It had been a frustrating day being the referee.
Gaara stopped Genma just as he was about to speak: "I'll wait for him. He'll come."
Naruto also anxiously jumped down from the stands, desperately wishing he could take Sasuke's place in the match.
As a single leaf floated into the arena, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the field. Wrapped in swirling leaves, Kakashi and Sasuke made their dramatic entrance, appearing before the crowd and drawing a wave of cheers.
Kazekage widened his eyes slightly, fixing his gaze on Sasuke with a smile: "It's finally starting."
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