Naruto: Sasuke's return

[Chapter Size: 1300 Words.]

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Familiar with Konoha's secret barrier codes, Sasuke stealthily returned to the village without effort. Using transformation techniques to conceal his true form, he calmly walked towards the Uzumaki Clan's shrine, located at the far end of the village.

Familiar air, familiar streets, familiar people, yet Sasuke felt out of place.

"This strange feeling. Has it really been that long?"

He pondered the question.

"No. Back then, my mind was consumed by vengeance. I didn't care about my surroundings. When I finally came to my senses and truly reintegrated into the village, it was no longer the same as before. That's why everything before me feels so unfamiliar."

To put it bluntly, the defection of the ninja known as Uchiha Sasuke was barely a topic of discussion for most people in this village. He only remained in the memories of the few who truly cared about him.

"If it weren't for Naruto and Sakura, I would have been forgotten by the village long ago…"

Sasuke smiled nostalgically as he walked through a long alley in the village center. Sitting on a bench, a pink-haired girl cried with her face buried in her hands.

He paused. That girl was his wife from his past life, Haruno Sakura.

Through her sorrowful sobs, Sakura spoke to Kakashi, who sat beside her. "Sensei… If I hadn't begged Naruto to bring Sasuke back, none of this would have happened. My stubbornness is what caused everyone to get hurt!"

Kakashi reassured her, "This isn't your fault, Sakura. You only did what any comrade should do. As for Sasuke, his situation was the result of many long-standing conflicts, something no single person could have changed. But I believe that one day, he will return to us…"

Her tear-filled eyes searched his face. "Really? Kakashi-sensei?"

Sasuke remained composed.

"Dwelling on the past will only hinder progress."

"This time, I have been reborn with the awareness that failure means death."

"I never even considered starting a new family. No, it's not that I haven't thought about it. I simply don't dare."

"If the mountains and rivers were to vanish, what place could I even call home?"

"We still have a long road ahead of us, Sakura… Will you be able to keep up this time?"

Burying his emotions deep within, Sasuke swiftly passed behind the bench, continuing toward his destination.

Sakura, lost in her grief, noticed nothing. But Kakashi, whose senses were razor-sharp, caught a familiar scent.

"Hmm? That presence… Could it be…?"

Silently, he followed.

At the far end of Konoha, the Uzumaki Clan shrine was covered in dust and cobwebs, abandoned for years.

Sasuke stood before the wall of masks. Relying on the memories of his past life, he located the Shiki Fūjin mask known as Hannya among the dazzling array of relics.

At some point, Kakashi had leaned against the railing of the old doorway, a book in one hand, the other resting in his pocket. With a sideways glance, he spoke. "Shouldn't you at least greet your teacher before sneaking back into the village?"

"Kakashi..."

Sasuke wasn't surprised by his presence. Carefully, he reached for the mask, lifted it, and placed it behind his head. Then, turning to face him, he released his transformation technique.

"So it really is you, Sasuke." Kakashi flipped a page of his book, his voice calm yet serious. "You managed to infiltrate the village undetected, which means you must have had Orochimaru's help. Where is he now? What's the purpose of your infiltration? Does it have something to do with that mask? What's its secret? Tell me the truth."

Sasuke responded evenly, "Kakashi, I don't want to fight you…"

Kakashi chuckled. "Fight me? My dear student, I think you're overestimating yourself. Naruto might be strong, but do you really think you could be my opponent?"

Sasuke's voice remained firm. "I'm serious, Kakashi."

"Oh?" Kakashi's expression hardened.

"Such confidence. Could it mean Orochimaru is nearby?"

Closing his book, he tucked it under his arm, adjusted his forehead protector, and activated his Sharingan, fully alert to his surroundings.

Sasuke: "Don't worry, Orochimaru didn't sneak in with me…"

After verifying, Kakashi found no trace of Orochimaru.

Sasuke's confidence didn't seem like a bluff. He truly felt different from before.

But Kakashi still couldn't believe that Sasuke, the boy who had only learned Chidori two months ago, would dare act so recklessly in front of him.

Kakashi spoke coldly. "Sasuke, as your teacher, I can't allow you to return to someone as dangerous as Orochimaru. So, even if I have to break your arms and legs, I'll make sure you stay!"

"Crack!"

The moment he finished speaking, a bright blue lightning bolt erupted from Kakashi's right hand. His left eye locked onto Sasuke's body as he thrust his Raikiri forward!

"Boom!!"

The wall of masks collapsed as Raikiri was forcefully blocked!

Kakashi's eyes widened as he stared at the massive purple skeletal figure that had intercepted his attack.

"What kind of jutsu is this!?"

At that moment, Kakashi noticed something chilling.

Behind the translucent ribs of the purple skeleton, Sasuke's eyes were no longer adorned with the standard three tomoe.

Instead, they formed a hexagram pattern!

Kakashi, who had once faced Itachi in battle, was immediately shocked.

"These eyes… Could it be the Mangekyō Sharingan? You awakened the same eyes as Itachi!?"

"Chirp!"

Their gazes met for an instant, and Sasuke's eyes flashed ominously.

Genjutsu: Sharingan!

"This is bad!"

Kakashi realized the trap but was already caught. Before he could react, the massive hand of Susanoo seized him!

"Aghhh!"

A mere squeeze on his fist sent waves of excruciating pain through his body, nearly knocking him unconscious.

The course of history would not change without reason. Allowing Kakashi to approach him was nothing more than throwing a stone into still waters.

If this could stir even the slightest ripple in Naruto's growth, then it would be worth it.

Otsutsuki Setsuna could never be defeated alone. Sasuke knew this better than anyone.

At the very least, Naruto had to grow strong enough to stand on his own. It wouldn't be easy, but Sasuke could give him a push in the right direction. Sooner or later, Orochimaru's research would be applied to Naruto or other promising individuals.

Of course, Naruto wouldn't accept that right now.

But Sasuke had his own plans.

"Naruto will get stronger to bring me back. Let him hold on to that false purpose, let him push himself to close the gap, no matter how small."

For the next three years, Naruto would train under Jiraiya.

If Kakashi reported that Sasuke had unlocked the power of his eyes, Jiraiya would adjust Naruto's training accordingly.

"At the very least, after three years, the gap won't be so wide that it leads to despair."

"For now, this is my plan."

Sasuke looked down at the defeated Kakashi.

"Kakashi, tell Naruto, if he really wants to stop me, he'd better be prepared. Half-hearted efforts won't be enough!"

"Urgh!"

Wracked with pain, Kakashi's vision blurred, and the Raikiri in his hand flickered out.

The commotion had also alerted nearby Konoha patrol ninjas!

"Whoosh!"

The Susanoo vanished, and Sasuke swiftly retrieved the mask required for summoning the Shinigami before retreating.

…

Back at the Mountain.

Orochimaru observed Sasuke with mild amusement. "Sasuke-kun, you took a while…"

Sasuke responded casually, "I ran into some familiar faces. But now, we need a different place for your next performance."

The Shikigami was supposed to be summoned at the Uchiha Naka Shrine, but that location was no longer suitable.

Orochimaru turned his gaze toward the Valley of the End. "I know just the place…"

"Whoosh!"

Sasuke turned, allowing the wind to carry him forward. Then, with a smirk, he mimicked Orochimaru's signature phrase.

"Let's go before this gust of wind dies down."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Oh, I won't let this wind stop."

Yakushi Kabuto hesitated. "And where exactly is this wind supposed to take us? Where are we going?"

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