NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Flow of Time
CHAPTER WORDS:- 777
Chapter 14: The Flow of Time
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After all, the Uchiha Clan was the most powerful clan in the shinobi world. If a full-scale rebellion had occurred, even if Konoha managed to suppress it, it would not have been an easy or clean process. The Uchiha had many Jonin and Chunin, and their famed Sharingan, which had earned the title of the Greatest Dojutsu of the Shinobi World, would have made the battle long and chaotic. The fact that the previous night's commotion, though noisy, seemed relatively contained further supported Naruto's reasoning.
Of course, Naruto only pondered these matters briefly in his mind. He had neither the means nor the inclination to dwell too deeply on them. More importantly, he lacked the ability to influence such events at this stage. For now, Naruto focused on living his life and improving himself.
Even after such a significant event, the Ninja Academy carried on as usual the next day. However, when Naruto arrived at school, it was no surprise that Sasuke Uchiha was absent. Naruto fully anticipated that Sasuke wouldn't return to the academy for some time. The emotional impact of the massacre was enormous, and if Naruto remembered correctly, Itachi had likely used Tsukuyomi on Sasuke during the event.
Tsukuyomi, considered one of the most powerful genjutsu in the series, was infamous for its devastating psychological effects. Even if Itachi toned down its intensity, Sasuke was still just a child at this point. Witnessing the massacre of his entire clan and seeing his beloved older brother murder their parents before his eyes—followed by the mental assault of Tsukuyomi—would have left a deep scar on his psyche.
No amount of care or medical attention, even with the Third Hokage's special oversight, could heal such wounds quickly. Recovery would require not just treatment but also time.
As Naruto expected, an entire month passed before Sasuke finally returned to the academy. When Naruto saw him again in class, Sasuke's demeanor had completely transformed. He was no longer the slightly aloof, proud, and occasionally awkward child he used to be. Instead, he now exuded a cold, oppressive aura that seemed to envelop him like a shroud. His eyes carried a detached emptiness, tinged with a chilling sense of darkness.
Seeing Sasuke in this state, Naruto's heart twinged slightly. He understood that the boy before him was no longer the same. Sasuke had become a vengeful soul consumed by the desire for retribution.
That day, even the group of girls who usually hovered around Sasuke remained unusually quiet. Though they were enamored with him, they weren't foolish. In the wake of the Uchiha Clan's annihilation, approaching Sasuke at such a sensitive time would have been both inappropriate and tone-deaf.
"What a pitiful guy…" Naruto murmured to himself as he observed Sasuke's blank expression. In many ways, he felt a kinship with the boy. Despite their differences, they shared a similar loneliness and suffering.
"Maybe this guy could be an important part of my future plans…" Naruto thought, recalling Sasuke's eventual defection and the events surrounding his later life. He could see how Sasuke's hatred and desire for vengeance might be harnessed as a potential asset. The Uchiha, as a clan, were notoriously emotional and single-minded. From the very first Uchiha, Indra, to modern figures like Madara Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, and now Sasuke, the trend remained consistent.
Even those who seemed more rational, like Itachi and Shisui, still displayed a peculiar mix of idealism and naivety that could be exploited. Naruto had always found this trait both fascinating and frustrating.
Sasuke, in particular, stood out. Throughout the original series, Sasuke had rarely demonstrated independent judgment. First, he was manipulated by Itachi, then by Obito, and later even by Orochimaru. Although Orochimaru claimed he merely wanted to observe Sasuke's growth, in reality, the pattern of manipulation persisted.
Given this history, Naruto believed Sasuke could be swayed to become an ally. He even held a significant bargaining chip: the truth behind the Uchiha massacre. Naruto was confident that revealing this information at the right time could make Sasuke an invaluable partner.
Of course, Naruto wasn't rushing to act. Timing, approach, and the intricacies of presenting the truth would all require careful consideration. For now, this plan remained a long-term objective, one of many steps Naruto envisioned as he carved out his own path in this world.
Time continued to pass. Days turned into months, and months into years.
In the blink of an eye, five years had slipped away.
(end of Chapter)
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AN:- SORRY FOR THE SMALL CHAPTER, COULDN'T COMBINE CHAPTERS SINCE IT DIDN'T MAKE PROPER SENSE, PLUS THE FLOW WAS A LITTLE WEIRD!