The kunai themselves didn't trigger any kind of Defense, and Gaara paid them no attention because of it. When they ignited seconds later, he staggered a half-step from the initial inwards blast of air before the sand blocked out the explosions themselves. Not that he cared, still half-muttering and waiting for the Leaf genin to attack. Still, Sasuke's goal was achieved; the sand cut off more than half of Gaara's vision as it lingered over him, shedding charred granules and the smell of iron.

His retaliation was faster, now that he didn't have to aim; the slashes of sand that had originally been simply ammunition for the Rain twisted and morphed into huge, clawed hands that swiped along the wall all along his blind side. If he couldn't hit him, he'd catch him.

Or rather, that would catch him.