The murmurs in the arena had barely settled as Sasuke stepped off the battlefield, his body still tingling from the lingering sensation of the cursed seal. He clenched his fists, shoving the pain and unease deep down. He wouldn't let Orochimaru's mark define him.
Naruto was already at his side, grinning. "That was awesome! You totally wrecked that guy!"
Sakura, however, was less enthusiastic. Her brows were furrowed with concern. "Sasuke, you're hurt…"
"I'm fine." Sasuke brushed past them, his gaze briefly flickering toward the upper stands where Orochimaru still sat, hidden among the Konoha elders. That gaze—that presence—it disgusted him.
But he wasn't the only one watching.
From across the arena, Gaara's piercing gaze met his.
And for the first time in a long while, Sasuke felt a chill creep down his spine.
The Next Match
As Sasuke took his place beside his team, the next match was called.
Shikamaru Nara vs. Kin Tsuchi.
Naruto groaned. "Shikamaru? He's just gonna be lazy about it."
Sasuke, however, kept his eyes on Gaara. The eerie redhead still hadn't looked away.
A Dangerous Presence
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Gaara was an enigma, even more so than before. He had seen the sand ninja's power during the second phase—brutal, efficient, and completely merciless.
And yet, Gaara was watching him like a predator eyeing its prey.
Sasuke wasn't afraid.
But something about that stare…
It wasn't just curiosity.
It was hunger.
Troubling Thoughts
The sound of Kin's scream pulled Sasuke's attention back to the present. The match had ended in seconds—Shikamaru had effortlessly outmaneuvered her with his Shadow Possession Jutsu.
It was impressive, but Sasuke could barely focus. His mind kept circling back to Orochimaru's presence… and Gaara's gaze.
"Winners of today's matches will move on to the next stage in one month's time," Hayate announced, his voice hoarse yet firm.
A month.
Sasuke exhaled slowly.
That would be enough time.
Enough time to prepare.
Enough time to grow stronger.
Enough time to be ready for whatever darkness lay ahead.
And he had no doubt—it was coming.