The arena was silent as Sasuke Uchiha faced Gaara.
Gaara's sand swirled around him automatically, forming a defensive shield.
His killing intent intensified.
---
Battle Begins
Sasuke moved first.
He accelerated rapidly, closing the distance with improved speed from his training under Kakashi Hatake.
Gaara's sand reacted instantly, blocking the attack.
Sasuke attempted close combat, but the sand defended him at every turn.
Gaara remained inside his sand defense, floating slightly above the ground, protected completely.
---
Gaara's Defense
Gaara's sand hardened into a near-impenetrable barrier.
Sasuke realized direct attacks would not work.
He retreated to the stadium wall.
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Chidori
Chakra gathered violently in Sasuke's right hand.
Lightning crackled and intensified.
The sound resembled thousands of birds.
He formed the technique known as Chidori.
The arena was illuminated by the bright blue lightning.
Spectators were shocked by the power.
On the high platform, the disguised Orochimaru observed with interest.
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Impact
Sasuke launched himself from the wall at high speed, aiming directly at Gaara's sand defense.
The Chidori pierced through layers of sand.
However, Gaara's defense reacted further, shifting and reforming.
The battle intensified as lightning and sand clashed.
---
The confrontation between Sasuke and Gaara had fully escalated, drawing the attention of the entire arena.
The final match of the preliminary exams had begun in earnest.