When he wanted someone dead, he seemingly needed to do nothing at all. Just by issuing a single command, the sand would rush toward that person like the most loyal servant, sending them to their grave in the most horrifying way possible.
To Gaara, you were still just children.
Many experienced Chunin had already died by his hands, and even some Jonin couldn't fare well against him.
He could already take on Class A missions at his age—what about you? The most you could handle would be Class B.
Temari was practically cursing furiously inside because provoking Gaara's anger was completely unwise.
Don't think you're special—he'd kill even his own older sister when enraged.
Actually, Temari didn't know that this seemingly cool and brilliant genius across from her hadn't even experienced the Class B mission she just mentioned.
Even Class C missions—he'd only ever taken part in once.
Right now, Sasuke had no idea just how vast the world truly was. In his mind, Uzumaki Shiki, who had defeated him multiple times, was only slightly stronger than himself.
Now he thought he had what it took to beat Shiki.
What he didn't realize was that he was merely a slightly stronger sheep among a flock—compared to the fierce wolf packs on the prairie, he was far too weak. Not that he could be blamed entirely, as none around him had grown to that level yet.
So he could keep living like a frog at the bottom of a well—until fate finally gave him a wake-up call.
But because of the arrogance he showed, everyone—at least anyone from Konoha—treated him as Gaara's equal.
Only Shiki knew the difference between them wasn't just a small gap—it was a deep, unbridgeable divide.
How could Sasuke, who couldn't even beat Lee without using the Eight Gates Release, stand a chance against Gaara?
Sometimes, even frogs at the bottom of a well can appear so powerful that people treat them according to what that posture deserves.
However, once their underlying weakness is exposed, such vanity would instantly vanish.
"Sasuke, leave this to me," Shiki waved his hand at Sasuke, signaling him not to get involved.
Because if Sasuke really interfered, he might truly provoke Gaara's wrath. And when Gaara became genuinely furious, even he wouldn't be able to stop him.
And if a real fight broke out, Shiki might have to worry about Sasuke's safety too.
There was another reason as well—Konoha was his village. Naturally, he didn't want to see its prestige undermined.
This was also somewhat about doing something for the collective honor.
"Just don't get in my way," Sasuke said coolly. You could tell from his voice that he saw himself as the better genius compared to Shiki.
At least right now, both Temari and Kankuro had formed this impression.
"You'll understand eventually," Shiki thought for a moment before deciding not to explain further to Sasuke, because sooner or later, things would naturally unfold before him.
But even as they spoke those two words, someone else had already grown even more furious. That person was pressing one hand hard against their temple, the veins on their forehead bulging dramatically.
"Enough! You've talked enough, Gaara!"
Temari inwardly panicked; Gaara was finally going to make his move. She even began scanning possible escape routes around them, considering how she might flee.
From beginning to end, she didn't even consider trying to stop Gaara—not for a second.
Because he wasn't just dangerous—he was a demon.
Perhaps there truly existed people capable of stopping demons, but at the very least, she wasn't one of them, nor was Kankuro.
But just then, a hand reached in front of her.
It was still Shiki's hand, with a kind smile on his face.
What's going on?
Didn't we just shake hands earlier?
But the next moment, she suddenly realized that Shiki's hand hadn't actually been reaching for her.
Rather, it had extended toward the demon.
That not particularly muscular but fairly steady arm passed by her and stretched toward Gaara.
A voice clear and calming enough to soothe one's heart sounded out: "I think you need a friend, Gaara."
Throughout everything, Shiki had never intended to impress or draw attention from Gaara. He was simply moved by Gaara's story and wanted to give him a sense of purpose.
At the very least, if he could have one friend.
"Hey, older brother Naruto. Is older brother Shiki really going to befriend such an awful person?" Konohamaru asked, pouting with childish outrage.
Yet Naruto himself didn't understand Shiki's actions either—he currently knew nothing of Gaara sharing similar experiences with him.
As for everyone else, they were all stunned.
He actually wanted to be friends with Gaara—a completely absurd and insane idea.
Gaara would kill him.
Temari and Kankuro exchanged glances, both reading terror in the other's eyes.
"Sasuke stared fixedly at Shiki. 'Still can't drop that annoyingly friendly look of yours?'"
But amid the stunned gazes of everyone, Gaara surprisingly began to extend his hand, ever so slowly.
Could it be that Gaara genuinely wanted to make a friend?
Such a person...
Naruto chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Guess he's got a soft side too, huh?"
His words cut off suddenly. The outstretched hand suddenly clenched tightly, as though carrying a soul-piercing strength.
Sand swiftly surged toward Shiki, obediently, as if summoned by its master.
[Sand Binding Coffin]—a voice colder than ice finally sounded slowly.
Chapter 115: Walking Away
In an instant, sand engulfed the spot where Shiki had stood moments ago. Waves of sand splashed onto Temari and Kankuro's faces.
The stinging pain of the sand hitting their faces did nothing to erase the shock on their faces.
"I, I mean Gaara... We're in another village. Maybe we should keep a lower profile," Kankuro stuttered, yet he believed saying this already required enormous courage.
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