Naruto

125: Konoha’s Ally Nation, The Ninjas of the Sand

Lee sees the sand around him and wonders if he’s still drunk. He looks up to see Gaara. Kimimaro shoots out finger bones teshi sendan (finger drill bullet). Gaara’s sand forms a shield in front and absorbs the impact of the bones which fall harmlessly to the ground. Gaara says to Lee that when they fought he had more speed and spirit in his attacks. Lee gets up and says magnaminously that he doesn’t hold a grudge but he went through some tough times because of him. He asks Gaara why he is here and Gaara responds he owes Konoha a big debt.

Shikamaru says to Temari that he did hear the traitorous Sand reestablished an alliance with Konoha, but he didn’t think they’d help out so easily. Temari responds they didn’t attack Konoha because they wanted to, it was an order and that’s also why they’re here now. Tayuya raises her flute. Shikamaru tells Temari that she uses her flute notes to produce genjutsu. Temari waves her fan to use Dai kamaitachi no jutsu (great slashing wind technique). The wind cuts down trees, cuts the flute in half and knocks Tayuya back. Shikamaru notes that Temari is able to deflect the sound of the flute and cause physical damage to the enemy, attacking and defending in one move.

Meanwhile Sakon (stage 2) is walking by the river and wonders if Ukon catched Kiba as planned. Kankurou’s puppet attacks Ukon (normal). A needle comes out of its wrist but misses. Kiba asks about the other 2 Sand-nins and Kankurou explains they went on ahead. Kiba smells someone coming from behind. Sakon grabs onto Kankurou’s forehead. Kiba warns Kankurou that he can enter and fuse with his body. Sakon’s fingers crush into Kankurou;s face but the face starts to crack to reveal another puppet. Kankurou jumps out of the pack on the back and says the ninjas of the sand are not as merciful as those of Konoha. The puppet reveals 6 arms edged with blades. It grabs and crushes Sakon who then falls to the ground and returns to normal. Kankurou now turns his puppets to Ukon who goes to stage 2 of the cursed seal. Sakon merges with Ukon and says he’s going to rest for a while. Ukon goes back to normal and berates Sakon for being so easily fooled and the puppets’ power and speed were not impressive. Ukon notes that his abdominal wound has almost healed. Sakon says they don’t have much chakra left. Ukon says he can beat Kankurou by himself. Ukon notes that he usually doesn’t control the body so it’s difficult to move. Kankurou tells them don’t underestimate me, but Kiba tells him to retreat. Kankurou attacks with Karasu. Kunai’s fly out but Ukon dodges. Then the hand shoots out needles. Ukon somersaults away but then falls into the body of the second puppet Kuro Ari. He’s locked in. The arms and head come off Karasu to reveal long sharp knives that fit into the slots in the body of Kuro Ari. The knives penetrate the body and head of Kuro Ari and screams emerge. Kankurou announces show over!

Temari asks Shikamaru to explain the situation. Shikamaru tells her that the primary tactic is to use sound from the flute to draw the enemy into an illusion then to inflict physical damage while under the illusion - typical long distance illusion technique using type. Since Tayuya realized her techniques would not work against Temari’s techniques and it’s 2 vs 1, until she draws them intro an illusion she will not show herself. Once they determine where she is from sound of flute, they would already be inside the illusion. Shikamaru says they’re in a completely unfavorable situation, and thinks to himself that the situation requires someone who can naturally sense their surroundings like Kiba or Neji. He suggests falling back but Temari cuts him off and says "who asked for your opinion? I just asked to explain the situation. Don’t underestimate my power." She bites her thumb and spreads blood on her fan, announcing Kuchi yose kirikiri mai (summoning…spinning whirl) and waves her fan. A weasel or ferret comes out with a scythe and cuts down all the trees, crushing Tayuya. Temari announces it’s over. Shikamar thinks she’s scarier than his mom. Temari turns to give him a big smile.

Kuro Ari = Black Ant second puppet used to capture the enemy, forms a set with Karasu (Crow) which does the attacking

Genjutsu – aimed at the five senses sight hearing smell taste touch, type that deals with hearing is the most troublesome (why?)

Would Temari and Kankurou have won so easily if the Sound-nins weren’t low on chakra?