Naruto: Sasuke's return

[Chapter Size: 1500 Words.]

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Kakashi was in danger at the sanctuary and was discovered by the arriving Anbu. He was immediately taken to Konoha's hospital. That night, Kakashi regained consciousness, and Tsunade also learned that Sasuke had sneaked back into Konoha.

As Kakashi recovered in bed, a special visitor arrived.

At that moment, he was casually perched on the edge of the window, enjoying the night breeze while listening to Kakashi recount the events of the previous day.

Still shaken, Kakashi said, "That's how it happened. Although I was careless, I don't think Sasuke's current strength is any weaker than mine…"

Jiraiya was in no rush to draw conclusions. He scratched his chin, deep in thought for a long time, before speaking slowly. "I've heard rumors about those eyes. They say that only by killing one's closest friends can they be awakened. But Naruto is still alive and well. That means something must have happened to Sasuke that we don't know about, right? Think carefully, are there any details you might have overlooked? No matter how small, it could be important."

Kakashi recalled their brief clash. "I'm not entirely sure, but Sasuke's aura felt different from before..."

"Aura? That's quite an abstract concept..."

Jiraiya pondered. "Generally speaking, strength can increase rapidly, but an aura takes years to develop. Do you think Sasuke is still Sasuke?"

Kakashi's expression grew serious. "If he's not Sasuke, then could it be?"

Jiraiya spoke gravely. "The worst possibility is that Orochimaru has taken over Sasuke's body!"

Kakashi clasped his hands together, repeatedly going over his impression in his mind. "Maybe I'm biased, but when I think of Orochimaru, something just feels off. And if it really was Orochimaru, would he have needed to tell Naruto what he did? Was it just to confuse people and conceal the fact that he took over Sasuke's body? It doesn't seem necessary..."

"Hmm." Jiraiya nodded. "That makes sense. We need to investigate this further. I'll find an opportunity to meet him personally in the future, maybe then I can uncover the truth."

Kakashi sighed. "One thing is certain, Sasuke is no longer the same as before, and he'll only continue to grow stronger. If Naruto is truly determined to bring Sasuke back, i'm afraid his chances are slim."

Jiraiya chuckled. "There's no way he'll give up."

Kakashi sighed helplessly. "That's true…"

Jiraiya smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I won't let him die."

"By the way..." Kakashi pulled a scroll from his sleeve and tossed it toward the window.

Jiraiya caught it midair. It was a special ninja development scroll, used to restore visual information stored in one's memory.

Upon unrolling the scroll and channeling chakra into it, an image was imprinted directly into Jiraiya's mind, after which the scroll self-destructed.

The projected image was of a mask.

Kakashi explained, "Based on my memory, I sketched the mask Sasuke came to Konoha to retrieve. The Third Hokage used the Uzumaki Clan's Shiki Fūjin to seal Orochimaru's hands not long ago. It's hard to believe there isn't a connection. If we follow this lead, we might uncover a breakthrough in solving Sasuke's mystery..."

Jiraiya nodded. "Yes, this information is extremely valuable."

As he spoke, Jiraiya pulled out a blue-covered book from his robe and tossed it to Kakashi.

"This is the final volume of my series. It hasn't been officially released yet. Consider it a special gift for you!"

"Oh, oh oh oh!" Kakashi was overjoyed.

"Take your time savoring the mystery..."

Jiraiya smirked, then leaped out the window, landing lightly on the soft ground with his wooden sandals.

"Jiraiya-sama."

Kakashi walked up to the window, calling out to him with a solemn expression.

"Naruto, from now on, I'll leave everything in your hands!"

Jiraiya smiled, waving as he disappeared into the night, leaving behind the image of a true hero.

…

In the dimly lit outskirts of Konoha, Naruto sat on a bench, staring blankly at Sasuke's rogue ninja forehead protector in his hands.

The sound of wooden sandals echoed from a distance, and as the streetlights cast their glow, a shadow formed beside Naruto.

Unable to hide his concern, Naruto muttered, "Pervy Sage, Granny Tsunade has officially declared Sasuke a traitor. From now on, the village will hunt him down…"

Though Sasuke had defected before, he was never placed on Konoha's wanted list, thanks to Tsunade's special consideration for Naruto. However, after sneaking back into the village and injuring Kakashi, Sasuke was deemed a serious threat by Konoha's high-ranking officials. Tsunade could no longer protect him, neither emotionally nor logically.

"Is that so?" Jiraiya's expression darkened slightly. "Don't blame Tsunade, she has her own burdens to bear…"

Naruto gently placed Sasuke's forehead protector on his lap. "I know."

Jiraiya's tone turned serious. "So you understand that Kakashi is no match for Sasuke. But one day, he might even surpass me. And yet, you still plan to bring him back to Konoha?"

Naruto clenched his forehead protector, sprang to his feet, and waved his fist with determination. "Of course!! His strength doesn't matter! He's my most precious comrade! Even if I have to die, I'll bring him back to Konoha! It's my promise to Sakura! It's my responsibility as his best friend! Nothing can shake my resolve!!!"

Jiraiya studied him for a moment before nodding. "Well then, you need to be prepared."

He continued, "I'll compress your originally planned three-year training into just one year. After that, I'll decide whether to take you to that legendary sacred land, to receive the same training I once did."

Naruto's eyes widened in excitement. "Eh? A sacred land? The same training as you, Pervy Sage?! That must mean it's an insanely powerful technique! Tell me, tell me now, what kind of technique is it?!"

Jiraiya chuckled. "It's too soon for you to know."

Naruto circled around him like an impatient child, whining, "Pervy Sage, why are you always like this?! Just tell me!"

Jiraiya smiled outwardly, but deep inside, a wave of unspoken bitterness washed over him.

He had planned to spend three years training Naruto, not just to make him stronger, but to give him the childhood he never had. He wanted to nurture both Naruto's skills and his spirit.

But now, it seemed this journey would be anything but easy.

Even so, there was nothing they could do to change fate.

As the streetlights stretched their shadows across the road, the master and disciple departed without saying farewell to their loved ones. With a massive scroll on his back, Jiraiya led the way, while Naruto followed with his travel bag slung over his shoulder.

Their extraordinary journey had begun.

…

Three days later, at dawn, deep within an underground lair hidden from the sunlight, a gruesome transformation was finally complete.

After enduring excruciating agony, Kabuto had successfully undergone his metamorphosis.

Throughout the process, he had come close to being devoured by Hashirama's cells multiple times, but his sheer willpower and exceptional talent allowed him to survive each ordeal. The experience had been nothing short of hellish.

Still trembling from the lingering pain, Kabuto muttered, "That… this was as painful. I never want to go through that again…"

Orochimaru let out a sinister chuckle. "The power of Hashirama Senju is not so easily tamed. What's even crueler is that everyone who receives his cells is destined only to approach his power, but never surpass it. Even Madara faced the same limitation."

A glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.

"The White Curse Seal I designed for Sasuke-kun is unique. After ten battles, he will fully awaken Hashirama Senju's power as a Uchiha. This will lay the strongest foundation for him to ascend as the ultimate Ōtsutsuki."

Without hesitation, Kabuto proceeded with the next phase of his transformation, the transplant of his right eye.

Thanks to the presence of Hashirama's cells, the procedure was seamless. Once the optic nerve fused, his right eye evolved, transforming into the Mangekyō Sharingan, embodying the very essence.

Everything was now in place.

Sasuke stepped forward. "We set off for Crescent Moon Island. It's time to prepare for the first battle."

Orochimaru nodded. "Blue Island is located in the sea near the Land of Water. The most efficient route is through the Fire Nation's port…"

Kabuto, now adjusting to his enhanced vision, raised a hand to cover his right eye. A subtle glow flickered between his fingers.

"The space-time mark left by Shin seems unaffected by my transplant. That means the marks left in the past can still be used. How fortunate. There's a mark not far from our destination, we can shorten the travel time significantly."

A dark vortex spiraled open from his right eye.

Without hesitation, Kabuto activated the portal, pulling himself, Sasuke, and Orochimaru into the void.

The next phase of their destiny had begun.

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