Chapter 19: "The Unstoppable Force: Toji vs. Gaara, Shukaku's Emergence, and the Invasion Begins"
As the draw between Neji and Sasuke concluded, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, but Toji's attention was elsewhere. His sharp senses picked up on a familiar scent. Through the crowd, he spotted Kabuto, who had managed to blend into the background, posing as an Anbu operative. Kabuto was currently tending to Hinata, who had collapsed from Neji's previous assault. Kiba, deeply grateful, thanked the Anbu for his assistance.
Toji moved, slipping through the crowd to follow Kabuto into a shadowy corridor away from prying eyes. Toji's voice broke the silence, firm and probing.
"Is the invasion still on schedule Kabuto?" Toji asked, his gaze fixed on Kabuto,
Kabuto was taken aback for a moment by Toji's recognition, quickly regained his composure. He had underestimated Toji's perceptiveness and keen sense of smell.
Kabuto smirked slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Impressive, Naruto. I didn't think you'd spot me so easily. As for the invasion, just be patient. You'll get the signal when it's time."
Toji nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching into a brief, twisted smile. He turned away from Kabuto, his thoughts already shifting to the impending chaos.
Genma Shiranui stepped forward. His voice rang out clear and firm, carrying over the murmur of the crowd.
"The next match: Naruto Uzumaki versus Gaara of the Sand."
The villagers of Konoha shifted their attention to Toji, their expressions a mixture of disdain and skepticism. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the stands as they eyed the boy they had long dismissed.
"Why is he even here?" one villager sneered, glaring at Toji.
"I can't believe he's made it this far. He better not embarrass the village," another muttered darkly.
"I hope Gaara puts him in his place," someone else added, the hostility clear in their voice.
Among the shinobi, there was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Some had heard of Toji's prowess
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes narrowed in contemplation. His own guilt and regret over his past decisions concerning Toji's welfare weighed heavily on him.
Kakashi's thoughts were more conflicted. Though he had never formed a strong bond with Toji, he could see the potential and the danger in the young ninja now standing in the arena. His feelings were a tangled mix of worry and a sense of responsibility.
"This will certainly be interesting. I can't wait to see how Gaara has grown since their last battle" Shino said adjusting his glasses
"Who won" Shikamaru asked out of curiosity
"Naruto won the battle quite easily i must say" Shino
"That settles it Naruto is probably going to win again." Shikamaru
''I wouldn't jump to conclusions Shikamaru. Gaara probably has something up his sleeve." Asuma
Guy and Lee cheered Toji on with their youthful enthusiasm.
The memories of Gaara's previous defeat was fresh in his siblings minds, each loss a heavy blow to their pride and confidence in their brother's invincibility. They hoped that Gaara will be able to finally best Toji
Toji's lovers wished him goodluck.
The proctor signaled the start of the match.
Gaara wasted no time activating his Magnet Release. In a swift, calculated move, Gaara's magnetism wrenched Hitei Suru and Souruteika from Toji's grasp.
