The Hidden Plot Set Into Motion

Summary
Gaara creates his Third Eye to observe the events in the Demon Desert. At the same time, Yōrō and Kegon try to convince Fū to go to the direction of the tower, with her speaking up that she wants to find some friends first. Her mind quickly changes, however, when her team-mates bring up Shibuki. Meanwhile, Gaara notices Team Matsuri, who are heading towards the tower, with Mikoshi informing his team-mates about a plan, which would involve them getting the scroll they need. As the team rushes towards the tower, they get noticed by Hōichi. At the same time, Fugi recalls his meeting with Hōichi and their plan to seal Shukaku in a tea kettle, with Gaara being the necessary sacrifice for it, and creates a barrier that overwrites the village's Sensing Barrier and creates a huge sandstorm in the surrounding area. The headquarters notice the issue, with Kankurō and Temari quickly rounding-up the available troops and leaving to help out the genin who are taking the Chūnin Exams in the desert. Meanwhile, two shinobi are seen standing guard in front of Gaara's office, checking up on him so that he wouldn't leave the room, only to be fooled by a sand clone. As the sandstorm rages on, many teams collapse from exhaustion, but are eventually saved by Kankurō, Temari and other Sunagakure shinobi. Team Guy manages to shield themselves from the sandstorm. Meanwhile, Team Matsuri are seen struggling, with Mikoshi accidentally falling in quicksand. As his team-mates try to help him get out, Fū overhears them and rushes to their aid, recalling her past and friendship with Shibuki. As Matsuri and Yukata both fall into the sand alongside their team-mate, they are saved by Fū's Net-Shaped Prison. Fū uses her healing ability to treat them, only to be approached by Gaara, who tells her about Naruto and notes her likeness to him. Fū tries to give Matsuri her scroll, but the kunoichi refuses to accept it, recalling the training she had with Gaara. At the same time, Hōichi notices the Kazekage and prepares to attack.

Trivia

 * The rope of Matsuri's jōhyō could be seen at Mikoshi's wrist even before it was wrapped around it.