Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Hate Me, Foolish Gaara!
At the critical moment, Sasuke's body moved involuntarily. He bit his thumb, drawing a line of red blood across his palm. With swift movements, he completed the hand seals: Hai, Xu, You, Shen, Wei.
"Summoning Technique!"
A circle of black runes appeared on the ground. Bang! A large amount of white smoke filled the area. Sasuke emerged, standing on a green snake, exuding a powerful aura that shocked the crowd.
Everyone panicked.
Naruto quickly reassured them, "Don't be afraid, the green snake was summoned by Sasuke!"
Kankuro's expression was complicated. "Uchiha Sasuke, can you really stop Shukaku?"
At that moment, Sasuke commanded, "Green Snake, charge!"
The green snake responded, "Yes, Sasuke-sama." It swiftly slithered towards Shukaku, restraining him before he could react.
Sasuke's face lit up. "Great job, Green Snake!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Suddenly, Shukaku screamed and thrashed wildly. The green snake struggled to hold on. Sasuke was shocked and prepared to seize the opportunity to reach Gaara.
Shukaku fought back desperately. "You brat, don't even think about getting close to the medium!"
The green snake bit Shukaku. "Lord Sasuke, now's your chance!"
Sasuke seized the moment and appeared in front of Gaara in an instant.
Shukaku taunted, "It's useless. The medium is in a deep coma. You can't wake him up!"
Sasuke remained expressionless and quickly formed hand seals. "Sealing Technique: Four Symbols Seal!"
He pressed his palms against Gaara's chest.
Shukaku screamed. "What, you know sealing techniques? No, I don't want to go back! I haven't had enough fun... Brat, I'll remember you. Next time I come out, I'll kill you first..."
Shukaku's voice abruptly stopped. Almost simultaneously, his massive body crumbled into a pile of yellow sand.
Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief. "Green Snake, thank you for your help."
The green snake then disappeared.
The crowd erupted in applause. "Long live Uchiha Sasuke!"
Sakura and Naruto rushed to Sasuke, concerned. "Sasuke, we're glad you're okay!"
Sasuke smiled. "Same here."
Suddenly, Gaara coughed. "So quiet, so comfortable... Am I... am I dead?"
Naruto was annoyed. "Panda Eyes, you should thank Sasuke for not killing you."
Gaara was shocked. "Impossible. If I'm not dead, why can't I hear Shukaku's voice?"
Sasuke's eyes shifted slightly, realizing that the Four Symbols Seal must have reinforced the original seal, temporarily severing Gaara's connection with Shukaku.
At that moment, Kankuro and Temari rushed over. "Gaara, let's go!"
Gaara said lifelessly, "Why are you here? I have no reason to live now."
Kankuro was furious. "What nonsense are you talking about!"
Sasuke felt a pang of empathy, understanding Gaara's thoughts. He, too, was consumed by hatred, making revenge on Itachi his lifelong goal. Gaara hated everyone, or rather, he didn't know who to hate, leaving him feeling empty and alive only through taking others' lives.
But now, Gaara was defeated. He felt worthless because he couldn't kill.
Sasuke's expression was complicated. Gaara's thoughts resonated with him, as they were both trapped in a cycle of hatred.
Temari brandished her three-star fan. "Don't you dare hurt Gaara!"
Kankuro released his puppet. "That's right!"
Gaara was confused. "Why? I've always threatened and hurt you..."
Kankuro and Temari said in unison, "Even so, you're still our brother!"
"What?"
Gaara was shocked, unable to comprehend. There were people who cared about him, willing to risk their lives for him!
Sasuke observed everything.
He smiled wickedly. "Attacking Konoha is a crime worth a thousand deaths. Since you're protecting him, I'll use you as scapegoats!"
As soon as he spoke, Temari and Kankuro fell to the ground.
Sakura and Naruto were shocked.
Gaara trembled, heartbroken. "Kankuro, Temari! Damn it, damn it..."
His eyes filled with hatred. "Uchiha Sasuke, I'll kill you!"
Sasuke's lips curled. "Yes, that's it. Hate me while living in misery, because only then will you have a chance for revenge!"
Gaara gritted his teeth. "I swear, as long as I live, I'll kill you one day!"
Sasuke smiled enigmatically, then turned and left without hesitation.
Sakura caught up. "Sasuke, are you just going to let them go? They attacked Konoha..."
Naruto chimed in, "I support Sasuke. Panda Eyes and his siblings don't seem like bad people. They must have their reasons."
Sakura nodded. "I feel the same. By the way, Sasuke's acting was really convincing!"
Naruto grinned. "Haha, I'm super curious about how Panda Eyes will react when he finds out Sasuke didn't kill anyone!"
As he spoke, Naruto made exaggerated expressions.
Sakura laughed heartily.
Sasuke smiled beside them.
Meanwhile, Gaara lay on the "corpses" of Kankuro and Temari, crying. "Brother Kankuro, Sister Temari, why are you two so foolish?"
Beside them, Kankuro and Temari stood with their hands behind their backs, looking proud.
Suddenly, Temari asked, "Should we release Gaara from the illusion?"
Kankuro replied, "I haven't seen enough... No, let's wait until Gaara calms down."
Temari shrugged and glanced at Sasuke's retreating figure. "What a strange person..."
Soon, Kakashi appeared. "Sasuke, you can seal Shukaku. Your sealing technique must be impressive. Come with me to help the Third Hokage."
Sasuke didn't bother to check the golden entries he had obtained and quickly replied, "Okay!"
On the way, Kakashi explained the situation.
Naruto was shocked. "What, Grandpa Hokage is trapped in the 'Four Purple Flame Formation' and his life is in danger?"
Sakura was nervous. "Kakashi-sensei, Orochimaru is so powerful. Will Sasuke be in danger?"
Kakashi reassured them. "Don't worry, I'll step in if there's any trouble!"
Soon, the Four Purple Flame Formation came into view.
Akashi greeted them. "Kakashi, you're finally here."
"Kakashi, what's the situation?"
Akashi said solemnly, "The Third Hokage and Orochimaru are still talking, but I think they're about to fight..."
As soon as he finished speaking, an Anbu exclaimed, "The battle has begun. Damn, when will the Sealing Squad break the seal?"
Kakashi was tense. "Sasuke, come and help break the barrier!"