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Sasuke began to carefully observe Shukaku's chakra with his Sharingan. The properties contained in Shukaku's chakra were not much different from those of the Nine-Tails. The only difference was that Shukaku's chakra contained a unique wind and sand power, something the Nine-Tails lacked.
However, the Nine-Tails had a massive advantage—its chakra was vast, seemingly endless.
As a power source, the Nine-Tails was definitely the most qualified.
"Alright, Shukaku, I've studied your chakra. Now, I'll help you unlock the seal," Sasuke said, smiling as he approached the cage that held Shukaku.
"Hurry up! I've been waiting for this day for too long!" Shukaku shouted excitedly.
"Oh, I don't think I've learned how to unlock the seal. Maybe I'll help you unlock it next time, okay?" Sasuke said, feigning distress.
"What do you mean you haven't learned it? Are you lying to me, you little brat?!" Shukaku roared in frustration.
"Oh, it seems you've figured it out. In that case... see you later!" Sasuke said with an embarrassed expression and then vanished.
"Damn it! You damn brat! When I get out, I'll definitely kill you!" Shukaku roared at Sasuke's disappearing figure.
(Nine-Tails: Why does this scene feel so familiar?)
After entering Gaara's inner space, Sasuke engaged in a fierce battle with Shukaku. Though Sasuke displayed great strength, he was ultimately unable to completely defeat Shukaku. However, he did succeed in making Shukaku feel his determination and courage.
After exiting the Tailed Beast Space, Sasuke came to his senses and found Kankuro and Temari beside Gaara, looking at him nervously.
"It's okay, I just had a friendly exchange with the thing inside Gaara. I won't attack again," Sasuke smiled, waving his hand.
Then, Sasuke noticed that Gaara seemed to be waking up, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised. "By the way, you're so close to Gaara. Aren't you afraid of being accidentally hurt by him?"
Hearing Sasuke's question, Kankuro was silent for a moment before replying, "Afraid? Of course I'm afraid! Even now, I'm scared to death, but... but he's our younger brother! Isn't it our duty as siblings to protect him?"
Temari continued, "But he is our younger brother! Isn't it our duty as his siblings to protect him?"
Sasuke was somewhat surprised by what Kankuro and Temari said. He had originally thought that they only cared about Gaara because he was the One-Tail's Jinchuriki, but now it seemed that their bond was much deeper than he had imagined.
"Really? A deep sibling bond, indeed," Sasuke said, then suddenly changed his tone. A sly smile appeared on his face as he stared at Temari with intense eyes and softly asked, "But Miss Temari, would you be willing to be my girlfriend?"
"Ah?! You... What are you talking about?!" Temari seemed startled, raising her head suddenly. Her face flushed bright red, like a ripe tomato. Her heartbeat quickened as if it was about to leap out of her throat, and she even started to stutter.
"It's okay," Sakura suddenly appeared from the side, smiling gently. She reached out and patted Sasuke's shoulder, her eyes full of warmth and understanding. "As long as it's someone Sasuke likes, I'll support them unconditionally. After all, to revive the Uchiha clan, Sasuke needs to find more exceptional kunoichi. Of course, not just any kunoichi can join our Uchiha family!"
Hearing Sakura, Sasuke's official girlfriend, being so open-minded and generous, Temari's shyness and concerns immediately began to fade. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and then bravely looked at Sasuke with a determined smile on her face. "In that case, I accept, Sasuke! Please take care of me in the future!"
Sasuke's eyes flashed with surprise, and he immediately reached out to hold Temari's hand tightly, smiling as he responded, "Alright, Temari. Please take care of me in the future!"
The two smiled at each other, and the air between them was filled with a sweet, warm atmosphere. This left Kankuro, standing to the side, utterly confused. 'What is going on? Just now, they were on the verge of a life-and-death struggle, and now they're acting like a loving couple?'
However, before Kankuro could finish his thought, he noticed that Sasuke and Temari were staring at him with a murderous look, as if they were looking at a dead man. Kankuro's heart tightened, realizing that if he continued to speak, his life might be in danger! So, he wisely kept his mouth shut.
Seeing Kankuro finally quiet down, Sasuke smiled again and turned to Temari, whispering, "In that case, Temari, you should complete the assessment task first. You don't want to be accidentally injured if you encounter a powerful enemy."
Temari responded nonchalantly, "It's just a Chunin Exam. How many powerful opponents could there be? Besides you, Sasuke, who else can be considered strong?"
Sasuke shook his head and, with a serious expression, said, "I'm not joking. From the start of the exam, I've sensed a strong presence. Based on my judgment, this person's strength is likely at least Kage level."
Temari couldn't help but gasp at Sasuke's words, but she quickly regained her composure and suggested, "If the situation is that serious, why don't you join us, Sasuke, so we can look out for each other?"
"No, that person is probably coming for me. If you stay with me, you might be in danger," Sasuke said with a serious face.
Hearing Sasuke's insistence, Temari could only sigh helplessly and say, "Alright, then we'll leave first, but please be careful."
As Temari turned to leave, she suddenly noticed that Gaara had opened his eyes, and those eyes seemed to be slightly tearful.
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