Sasuke dropped the sword and rolled, coming upright behind Gills--he'd felt the air move when the clawed heel came close to brushing him, and didn't like it. His fingers wrapped around the handle of the sword again and he gave a snarl, wanting his eternal mangekyou, wanting to call up Susano'o to shield him or Amaterasu to roast his opponent.

His eyes stung at the mere will, reminding him of the state of his chakra. Fuck. He backed up, sword out, and started to gather what little energy he had into his stomach, free hand coming up to yank the mask off. His mouth needed to be free. He could throw the sword, maybe, and form seals during the distraction.