第411話: アスマとガイが砂漠に潜入する一方、ガアラはホウイチによる封印抽出の試みに対峙する。

411

Asuma, Kurenai and Guy are seen observing the sandstorm, noting that postponing the Chuunin Exams was a wise decision. As the three approach the desert, they are stopped by Sunagakure shinobi. The jounin try to deceive their way through, only for Suna shinobi to respond that the second rounds of the Chuunin Exam is under their village's jurisdiction. Despite their efforts, a large cloud of sand provides the jounin easy coverage and they quickly run through into the desert. Meanwhile, as the other teams are safely waiting for the sandstorm to subside, Kankurou and Temari, alongside other Exploration Group members, manage to rescue many genin and lead them out to safety. At the same time, a shinobi enters Gaara's office in hopes of reporting the events that are happening in the desert, only for him to notice that the Kazekage had left a sand clone in his place. Meanwhile, the real Gaara encourages Team Matsuri to continue their way through the Chuunin Exams. As the three head on, they hear a strange melody and realise that the terrain is not in their favour for an enemy attack. Houichi animates their shadows, strangling the three in order to call out Gaara. With the jinchuuriki's arrival, Houichi sets his plan in motion and uses his sealing technique to latch on to Shukaku in order to pull him from the inside its jinchuuriki. As the Kazekage orders Matsuri, Yukata and Mikoshi to leave, the three decide to head out to the central tower to get help. Despite that, Yukata quickly collapses, leaving Matsuri to go on ahead alone, with Mikoshi staying with Yukata. Meanwhile, a carefree Fuu notices a tailed beast's chakra calling for help and rushes to Gaara's aid. As the kunoichi touches the chain, she gets electrocuted. Realising that the kunoichi is also a jinchuuriki, Houichi decides to test the power of his seal and tries to extract her tailed beast at the same time. As the sandstorm subsides, Neji informs Lee and Tenten, who are encouraged to head out to the direction of the tower, that they hold two heaven scrolls, noting that he didn't have a chance to tell his team-mates due to the recent events. Neji then uses his Byakugan to scout the surrounding area, catching the sight of a weary Matsuri. The three genin then run to the kunoichi's aid, with Lee mistaking Neji's intents and asking if he wants to steal the scroll from a shinobi in danger, only to be corrected by Tenten. As they approach Matsuri, she tells them that Gaara's in danger and asks them to go and help the Kazekage in battle. (Source: Narutopedia) In Naruto's Footsteps: The Friends' Paths arc: (18/20)