Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

'You want to take over my body?'

Gaara chuckled coldly in his heart, 'Naruto said that more friends open more paths, but if you keep pushing your luck, I'll just lock you up forever!'

"Hey, don't be like that… I was just kidding," Shukaku replied, immediately backing down.

Ever since Gaara became Naruto's servant, Shukaku, by extension, fell under Naruto's control. If Gaara went to discuss things with Naruto, Shukaku would never taste freedom again in this life.

After a moment of silence, Shukaku sneered sarcastically, "You claim you want me as a partner, but your actions don't reflect that. All you really want is my power, so spare me the noble words!"

'I admit, I crave your strength. But even without it, I'll just train hard myself.'

Gaara thought to himself, 'Besides, partners should be able to rely on each other and confide in each other. So even if I'm now Naruto's servant, I have no regrets. But you, always looking for a chance to seize my body... to me, you're nothing but a ticking time bomb.'

Although Gaara was persuaded by Naruto, he was not completely ignorant of right and wrong. His past experiences had taught him the importance of true companionship, and that not everyone could be trusted to be a friend.

If Shukaku could be more sincere, Gaara could even use the Feigning Sleep Technique to let Shukaku move freely from time to time. But as long as Shukaku had designs on his body, Gaara would never trust him.

Until now, he still hadn't forgotten the agony Shukaku had put him through. Every night, he couldn't sleep, or rather, he didn't dare to. He feared that falling asleep would mean his personality being slowly consumed by Shukaku. It was an unbearable feeling, and he had no desire to go through it again.

"Gaara, you can do it!"

Just then, Naruto shouted from the audience stands.

Gaara's body trembled slightly, then he took a deep breath and thought again, 'Shukaku, it's not by my choice that you're sealed in my body. The seal has taken your freedom, but I've also suffered from your torment. You get to see the outside world through my body, and I can grow stronger through your power. We could complement each other… why must we antagonize each other?'

Encouraged by Naruto's support, Gaara decided to give it one last try. If it failed, he'd resolve to give up Shukaku's power entirely and ask Naruto to lock Shukaku away forever.

However, after hearing this, Shukaku chuckled slyly and said, "Heh, complement each other, huh? Well, with Naruto around, I can't go wild anyway. Fine, I'll agree, but not as a companion, but as a cooperative relationship, not a comrade. Just lend me the control of your body, and I'll lend you my power. How's that?"

'That... no problem. Deal!'

Gaara thought it over.

With Naruto around, he wasn't afraid Shukaku would abuse his body, nor that Shukaku would refuse to return control afterward.

In fact, Gaara wouldn't have trusted Shukaku if he had agreed to become comrades right away, and he would've suspected it was a ploy. But a mutually beneficial, collaborative relationship suited Gaara just fine.

" Since you agreed, hand over control now! It's been so long since I've had a good fight, and I'm itching to tear into those little brats!" Shukaku cackled.

Gaara refused decisively, "No way. They're friends of Naruto, and I won't let you harm them. But don't worry; I keep my word. You lend me your power for this match, and I'll let you take the stage in the final round."

"It's a deal!"

Shukaku relented.

He knew Gaara's character, and once Gaara made a promise, he'd keep it.

However, Shukaku had been locked up by Naruto before and was cut off from the outside world, so of course he didn't know who his opponent would be in the finals.

The final would pit the champion of Group A against the champion of Group B. Only Naruto and Hinata were left in Group A, so it was clear Naruto would win there.

As for Group B, Gaara was confident he'd take the championship.

That would mean the final battle would be Gaara against Naruto.

A showdown with Naruto?

Gaara felt no need to win or lose, nor has he any confidence in victory. It might be better to let Shukaku taste some hardship for a change.

After all these years of torment by Shukaku, Gaara could finally reclaim a little interest!

Boom!

As soon as Shukaku agreed to lend his power, a massive yellowish aura surged around Gaara.

The sheer magnitude of this Chakra led to a visible overflow. The earthy-yellow Chakra swirling around him was unmistakably Shukaku's.

"What a dense chakra." Gaara couldn't help but marvel.

"Good job, Gaara!"

In the stands, Naruto cheered again.

As Gaara's master, Naruto couldn't fully sense Gaara's inner world.

In order to prevent Shukaku from trying to take over Gaara's body, Naruto had been watching attentively. As long as Shukaku showed any sign of affecting Gaara, Naruto was ready to intervene immediately.

When he noticed Gaara's brief moment of hesitation earlier, he encouraged him with a cheer.

Now, seeing Gaara radiate such incredible Chakra, it was clear that his negotiations with Shukaku had ended in success.

Though Naruto didn't know the details, Gaara's success alone was enough to make him happy.

"You ready? I'm all warmed up, so let's begin!"

As he said that, Lee's form blurred, disappearing from his spot and reappearing directly in front of Gaara.

Whoosh!

The sand gathered quickly, forming a barrier in front of Gaara, effortlessly blocking Lee's powerful punch.

"Since you and Squirtle waited for me earlier, I'll give you three free moves. After that, I won't hold back!"

Gaara said calmly.

Fueled by the anger from Tenten's earlier interference, combined with Naruto's encouragement, Gaara had been eager to face Lee.

But the time spent negotiating with Shukaku had caused a slight delay, and since Lee hadn't attacked him unfairly during that time, Gaara offered him three moves as a gesture of respect.

Otherwise, he could have wrapped Lee's fist with sand when he blocked that punch, disabling Lee right there and then.

Bang! Bang!

What Gaara's surprise, Lee unleashed two more punches straight into the sand shield.

"Alright, that's three moves! You can go all out now." Lee replied calmly.

He knew that Gaara was extremely powerful, but he didn't want any advantage from someone holding back.

It wasn't arrogance, but respect for the fight.

From here on, Lee would give it everything he had, showing the full extent of his month-long training!

"Interesting guy." Gaara said, narrowing his eyes slightly, "Don't regret it."

With a wave of his hand, the sand moved fluidly, responding instantly to his command as it rushed toward Lee.

Inspired by his clash with Tenten earlier, Gaara had gained new insight into manipulating sand. Now, empowered by the tremendous Chakra from Shukaku, this was the perfect moment to put it to use.

"Raging Sands Dance: Sand Dragon Storm!"