Kapitel 40: Chapter 40: Gaara's Challenge
The day before the third test of the Chunin Exam, Konoha Village buzzed with life. Dignitaries and tourists flooded in, transforming the once peaceful village into a vibrant hub of activity.
However, a strange phenomenon at one of the training grounds outside the village deterred even the most curious visitors. Despite the summer heat, an icy chill pervaded the area, and rumors of frost-covered fields and fleeting massive shadows spread like wildfire.
At the center of the eerie training ground, Kirito stood amidst the cold, his chakra swirling around him. His training over the past few weeks had focused on manipulating chakra using yin energy, creating tangible forms from his imagination.
[The more yin energy I infuse, the more realistic and solid the creations become, but the harder they are to control.]
Kirito examined his latest creation—a figure strong enough to withstand his full-strength punches. Yet, his progress was hindered by a persistent artistic challenge:
[What should it look like?]
His attempts to mold chakra into precise shapes left him frustrated. He lacked the skill to translate his ideas into form, and the intricate details required for a massive construct like Susanoo seemed impossible.
[Why can't it just magically appear perfect like in the stories? Ugh, maybe I should just make it up as I go.]
His internal debate left him torn between artistic freedom and his desire for a masterpiece.
To ensure safety and secrecy, Kirito had sent TenTen and Lee to train elsewhere. The icy conditions he created were no place for them, especially for Lee, whose mobility was still limited.
Kirito's musings were interrupted as a familiar figure approached from the horizon. Wine-red hair, dark circles under his eyes, and a gourd slung over his back—Gaara.
The air grew tense as Gaara's expression darkened.
"What brings you here?" Kirito asked, sensing the hostility radiating from the Sand ninja.
"Why did you save that man?" Gaara asked coldly.
"He's my companion," Kirito replied without hesitation.
"Companion…" Gaara's face twisted with a mixture of anger and anguish. The word stirred memories of betrayal—his uncle Yashamaru, who had once protected him, only to later try to kill him.
Consumed by hatred, Gaara's voice turned menacing. "I will kill you."
Yellow sand poured from the gourd on Gaara's back, spreading across the training ground like a desert storm. In moments, the once-frozen field transformed into a barren expanse of sand.
Kirito narrowed his eyes. [He really thinks he can take me on?] Releasing his chakra, the air temperature plummeted, and frost began to creep across the sand. The brewing sandstorm faltered, replaced by a swirling blizzard.
"Damn you!" Gaara roared, sending tendrils of sand hurtling toward Kirito.
But the moment the sand approached, it froze mid-air, shattering into icy shards.
Kirito dashed forward, a pale halo of frost condensing around his fist. With a single blow, he struck Gaara, sending him spinning through the air.
Gaara's sand attempted to cushion his fall, but even the sand armor protecting his body began to crack and freeze.
Gaara touched his frostbitten face, disbelief clouding his eyes. "How… how is this possible?"
Unwilling to give up, Gaara formed a series of hand seals, surrounding himself with a dense sphere of sand: "Sand Shield!"
Kirito walked up to the thick sand barrier, his fist glowing with frost. He punched the barrier with full force.
Snap! The sand shield shattered like glass, revealing Gaara inside, wide-eyed and vulnerable.
Kirito grabbed him by the collar, frost creeping across Gaara's body. His sand armor crumbled, leaving him exposed to the biting cold.
For the first time, Gaara felt truly helpless. His strength, which had always been his shield, was useless against the overwhelming frost.
"Wind Release: Kamaitachi!"
A sharp gust of wind sliced through the air, aimed at Kirito.
Kakaka—A wall of ice rose from the ground, effortlessly blocking the attack. From behind the wall, Kirito turned to see Temari, her fan raised, and Kankuro, wielding his puppet.
"Let him go!" Temari demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.
Kirito's voice was calm, almost dismissive. "Give me one good reason."
"He's your ally!" Temari shouted.
Kirito's gaze hardened. "He almost killed my companion. This is leniency."
Kankuro launched his puppet, the Crow, firing a barrage of poisoned needles. But the projectiles passed harmlessly through Kirito's body, striking the frozen ground instead.
"How?!" Kankuro gasped, realizing his puppet's joints had frozen solid.
"Kirito, let him go," came a familiar voice.
Kirito glanced to the side to see Guy, his green spandex a stark contrast to the icy surroundings.
"Why should I?" Kirito asked coolly.
"Lee's choice to face Gaara was his own. Besides, killing him outside the exam would strain Konoha's alliance with Suna," Guy explained.
Kirito sighed, releasing his grip. "Fine. But don't expect mercy next time."
With a flick of his wrist, he threw Gaara toward Temari. Frost clung to Gaara's clothes as Temari caught him, her face pale with worry.
"Gaara, are you okay?!" Temari whispered frantically, helping her brother stand. Without another word, she and Kankuro retreated, carrying Gaara away.
"Teacher Guy, how did you know Gaara was here?" Kirito asked, his tone neutral.
"Baki from Suna informed me. He suspected Gaara might confront you and wanted to prevent a diplomatic incident," Guy replied.
Kirito raised an eyebrow. [Smart move. Baki knew Gaara didn't stand a chance.]
Guy grinned. "But seeing how easily you handled him, I'm convinced the Chunin Exam championship is yours."
Kirito shrugged. "We'll see tomorrow."
As Guy struck a dramatic pose, Kirito smirked, adding, "By the way, aren't you cold?"
"Ha! My fiery youth burns away any cold!" Guy declared, only to ruin the moment with a loud sneeze.
Kirito chuckled softly, his breath visible in the icy air.
(End of Chapter)
>>>>>
If you would like to read 35 Chapters ahead , check out Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
And, leave a review please
50% discount code (DDBFC)
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein