Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 131: Come Forth, Shukaku!

With his newfound strength, Sasuke easily won his match, advancing to the next round.

The third match between Shikamaru Nara and Temari became a battle of wits.

Shikamaru's clever strategies kept his opponent constantly on edge, his plans proving both unpredictable and ingenious. Although he successfully cornered Temari, Shikamaru eventually conceded, claiming he was out of chakra, allowing Temari to advance.

The fourth match between Rock Lee and Gaara was a spectacle of sheer physical prowess.

Opening the first four of the Eight Gates, Lee unleashed incredible speed and power, overwhelming Gaara and forcing him into a purely defensive stance. Ultimately, however, the strain of the Eight Gates wore Lee down, leaving Gaara victorious.

In the fifth match, Shino Aburame faced Kankuro.

Shino's mastery of insect manipulation proved a significant counter to Kankuro's puppet techniques. His insects infiltrated the puppets' joints, hindering their movements, and severed the chakra threads that controlled them. Without his puppets, Kankuro was vulnerable, and Shino claimed the win.

For most spectators, these matches were intense and exciting, their hearts racing with adrenaline. But to seasoned ninja, the fights were middling at best, merely showcasing the basics of shinobi combat.

Finally, the sixth match began. It was Hinata Hyuga's turn.

Despite repeated calls from the proctor, her opponent from Kusagakure failed to show up.

When the time limit expired, the proctor declared Hinata the winner by default.

The same happened in the following matches. Karin Uzumaki and Haku from Amegakure were also awarded default wins when their Kusagakure opponents didn't appear.

The series of no-shows sparked outrage among the audience. Spectators booed and accused the exam organizers of rigging the matches.

"What's going on?"

Jiraiya frowned deeply, sensing that something was amiss. He turned to Shikaku Nara, seeking answers.

"This seems like an unexpected incident," Shikaku replied. "I'll have someone investigate immediately."

Over the past month, there had been no reports of injury or death involving the Kusagakure candidates, so their sudden absence was baffling. Shikaku quickly dispatched a team to look into the matter.

---

Elsewhere, the Kusagakure trio—now unmasked and revealed as Ichi, Ni, and San—moved into action.

Taking advantage of the distraction caused by the Chūnin Exam, the three positioned themselves near the explosives they had planted throughout the village.

They were waiting for one person to arrive: Uchiha Obito.

Shortly after, space distorted before them, and Obito emerged from the swirling void.

"You may proceed," Obito ordered coldly.

"Where are the other members of the Akatsuki?" Ni asked, her tone sharp.

"They have their own targets," Obito replied curtly. "You needn't concern yourselves with them."

"Tch. Let's hope you hold up your end of the deal," Ni muttered, clearly annoyed but resigned to moving forward.

Without another word, Obito vanished into his Kamui dimension, leaving the trio to their task.

Meanwhile, the other Akatsuki members were already pursuing their assigned targets. Obito himself intended to confront Uchiha Yi directly, ensuring he wouldn't interfere with their plans.

After a brief exchange, Ichi, Ni, and San moved to their designated positions.

Once in place, they activated the explosive tags scattered throughout Konoha.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A series of deafening explosions rocked the village, sending shockwaves through the streets. Buildings collapsed, flames roared, and panicked screams echoed everywhere.

Konoha was in chaos.

---

The sudden devastation caught everyone in the Chūnin Exam arena off guard.

The memory of the previous destruction of Konoha was still fresh in everyone's minds, and the echoes of that disaster sent chills through the crowd.

Many panicked and fled, their faces pale with fear. Some of the visiting dignitaries were so terrified that they soiled themselves, though no one paid much attention to their disgraceful behavior.

But the true threat was yet to come.

Deidara and Sasori appeared on the battlefield, their eyes locked onto their target: Gaara, the One-Tail Jinchūriki.

Seeing the two Akatsuki members heading straight for them, Temari and Kankuro froze in terror.

Though they had never been particularly close to Gaara, the siblings couldn't stand idly by while their brother was in danger.

"Gaara, run! They're after Shukaku!" Temari shouted, stepping in front of her brother with Kankuro by her side.

Despite their fear, they stood firm, ready to protect Gaara at all costs.

"Get out of my way!" Gaara barked, his usual harshness momentarily softening.

Though he wouldn't admit it, his siblings' concern touched him. But Gaara wasn't one to back down.

He grabbed Temari and Kankuro by the shoulders and shoved them aside.

"I don't need your help!" he growled.

Turning to face the Akatsuki, Gaara's eyes gleamed with defiance.

"If you want the beast inside me, you'll have to prove your strength!"

Gaara brought his hands together in a seal.

"Fake Sleep Technique!"

His body went limp, his consciousness slipping away.

A ferocious chakra surged forth as Gaara relinquished control, allowing the One-Tail Shukaku to awaken.

"Come forth, Shukaku!"

With a deafening roar, the giant tanuki-like demon burst free, towering over the battlefield. Its golden eyes glowed with madness, and its sandy body writhed with unrestrained power.

Though Gaara's temper often got the better of him, he wasn't reckless.

He knew the Akatsuki were powerful foes, and his best chance lay in unleashing the full might of the One-Tail.

And this wasn't Sunagakure—he didn't care how much destruction Shukaku caused.

The demon was finally free, and chaos was about to reach a whole new level.

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