"Rin has been training really hard lately!" Kakashi sighed, recalling how Rin had been pushing herself relentlessly. "Obito's incident really left a deep impact on her!"
"Everything will work out in the end, right?" Sakura said, then turned her gaze toward the two figures standing in the arena below.
Gan Jui was a burly man with a simple, trustworthy face. He wore Iwagakure's distinctive ninja outfit and carried no visible weapons, appearing just like any typical ninja who fought using kunai and shuriken. Yet, occasional glimmers of sharpness in his eyes made it impossible to ignore his presence.
Chapter Two Hundred and Twelfth: Calabash Bros vs Stone Golem [Mid]
"Both sides ready, match begins."
Hayate Gekko spoke softly. His face bore an unhealthy flush from years of officiating, though thankfully ninjas' physical conditions couldn't be compared to ordinary people. Despite seeming as if Hayate might collapse at any moment, he actually faced no life-threatening danger—just coughing more frequently now.
"Iwagakure genin Gan Jui." Gan Jui politely formed the [Defiant Seal] hand sign with a broad, honest smile.
"Konoha genin Choji Akimichi." Choji did the same, his round face carrying a gentle expression.
"Choji Akimichi? The 'Cho' of Ino–Shika–Cho? From the famous Akimichi clan in the shinobi world?" Gan Jui asked curiously. The Akimichi name was pretty famous, especially because of their Ino–Shika–Cho trio—they were legendary across the ninja world.
"Well, not exactly super famous," Choji smiled awkwardly. That was just who he was—kind-hearted, gentle, and always avoiding harm to others.
"Erm... May I ask where you bought that *hulu* on your head?" Suddenly staring at the gourd atop Choji's head, Gan Jui nervously questioned, eyeing the item he'd liked instantly upon first sight. He just didn't know whether such things could be purchased outside the village. If not available, it would truly be a pity.
"This one here?" Choji touched the crystal-like *hulu* on his head, saying, "Sakura made this especially for me, said it really suits me!"
In the sunlight, the little gourd atop Choji's head radiated a rainbow glow, dazzling and brilliant.
"Made especially for you?" Gan Jui looked disappointed. "So it's not something you can buy in stores?"
"You really like this *hulu*, huh?" Choji asked.
"Yeah, this looks awesome! It's way better than those carried by Sunagakure ninjas!" Pointing toward Gaara, Gan Jui continued, "I originally thought if this was a regional specialty of Konoha, maybe I should get one to carry around as well!"
Gaara, who had just been randomly dragged into the conversation, immediately turned dark with rage, his murderous intent spilling out as the sand inside the gourd behind him began to stir violently.
"Gaara, calm down," Temari said as she returned from Sakura. She had just been completely manipulated by Sakura earlier. Though fear still churned in her chest, her longing for a soft and lovable younger brother eventually overpowered her anxiety. Gritting her teeth, she stepped forward and grabbed Gaara's hand.
Gaara flinched slightly. He was puzzled that his sand hadn't attacked Temari, and at the same time, he tried to pull his hand away. However, he found Temari gripping it tightly. When he turned his head, he met her deeply worried gaze.
Temari's heart pounded, but deep inside, she exhaled in relief. She had expected to be stopped by Gaara's sand, but instead, the sand remained completely still—as if it had no awareness of her presence at all. This only further convinced Temari of what Sakura had told her.
"Let go of my hand," Gaara said emotionlessly. That worried look reminded him of how Yashamaru used to stare at him. Every time he felt unwell, Yashamaru would watch him with concern. But later on, it had been his own hands that killed Yashamaru.
"Just listen to your older sister this once, okay?" Temari gently reached out and touched the kanji "ai" (love) on Gaara's forehead. A sudden wave of pain rose within her. How could she, as his older sister, never have truly seen him all these years?
Gaara stiffened briefly, then quickly relaxed again. This sensation felt oddly familiar—like something from a dream. Ever since he gained consciousness, he'd never experienced peaceful sleep. Yet during his hazy early childhood, someone seemed to have gently caressed his face. Though he couldn't recall their face clearly, he remembered the same feeling—like the protective aura of the sand surrounding his body.
Though feeling uneasy, Gaara didn't resist Temari's touch. Without a word, he retracted his sand. After all, sparing one life wasn't really that big of a deal.
Seeing the faint panic and yearning flicker in Gaara's eyes, Temari couldn't help but smile warmly. Softly, she started speaking to Gaara—telling him embarrassing stories from her childhood, even some from when he was just a baby. Mostly, though, she followed Sakura's instructions and began reminiscing about their mother, who she remembered as being so kind and loving.
As Temari softly chatted beside him, Gaara experienced something for the first time in his life—patience instead of annoyance. Even the monster constantly fighting him for control within his mind seemed to vanish completely.
The truth was, Shukaku, known as the One-Tail, was currently trembling inside the seal. Although he usually acted fearless toward everyone, he knew better than to defy the Sage of Six Paths. Just moments ago, he had sensed the Sage's power again. So, convinced of his own unmatched intelligence, Shukaku naturally chose silence and submission.
Witnessing Gaara about to get angry, Baki had his heart practically jumping up his throat. To his shock, Temari stepped forward without hesitation and took Gaara's hand. Baki almost screamed and nearly fainted from fear. Then, to his astonishment, he watched Gaara calmly withdraw his sand. Instead of showing irritation at Temari's scolding, Gaara actually seemed quite pleased. The realization made Baki instinctively clutch his chest.
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