On the plaza,
The Fourth Raikage instinctively touched his left arm. While others might speculate about the impact of his attack on the Inferno Style Susanoo, he knew the truth.
He would strike with his full force!
His only uncertainty lay in how his future self would contend with the inextinguishable black flames.
"Sasuke's growth is astonishing," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked, unable to suppress his admiration.
"That boy has reached a level where he can rival the Fourth Raikage, and he's awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, rivaling Itachi! A troublesome development," Shimura Danzō muttered, his mind racing.
Sasuke's peers, including Shino, Hinata, Rock Lee, Tenten, and others, clenched their fists.
The rapid advancement of Naruto and Sasuke served as both inspiration and a challenge, fueling their own determination to catch up.
"Please, Naruto... bring him back," Sakura whispered, tears welling up as she watched Sasuke on the screen.
.
..
...
In Amegakure, the Hidden Rain Village,
Uchiha Itachi, having completed his mission, observed the confrontation between Sasuke and the Fourth Raikage.
The Akatsuki uniform worn by Sasuke in the vision confirmed his worst fears.
His carefully laid plans had crumbled.
He never imagined his younger brother would join Akatsuki, becoming an outcast like himself.
What, then, was the point of his sacrifices?
Sasuke was meant to walk a different path, to carry the legacy of the Uchiha clan and protect Konoha.
"Orochimaru?" he pondered.
"No, Orochimaru and Akatsuki are enemies.And Akatsuki is still hunting him.He wouldn't send Sasuke to them."
"Then it must be him, the masked man who claims to be Uchiha Madara!"
Itachi's eyes narrowed. Since witnessing the Impure World Reincarnation of the real Uchiha Madara, he knew the masked man who aided him in the Uchiha massacre was an imposter.
His true identity remained a mystery.
However, he resolved to send a clear message: Sasuke was off-limits.
.
..
...
Outside Konoha Village,
Kakashi, along with Naruto, Shikamaru, and others, pursued Sasuke.
Konoha's messenger hawk had relayed the grim news: Sasuke's current path would lead to unforgivable actions.
Kakashi hesitated to reveal this to Naruto, fearing his impulsive reaction.
Their bond was undeniable, forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.(T/N:They have already kissed once after graduating and one in future,in Valley of End)
The priority was to retrieve Sasuke as quickly as possible.
"Summoning Technique!"
Poof!
A pug with listless eyes appeared amidst the smoke.
"Pakun, track this scent!"
Pakun sniffed the garment, pointing northeast. "That way!"
Naruto recoiled in surprise at the talking dog.
"What a strange little brat!" Pakun retorted.
"Why can it talk, but Akamaru can't?" Naruto asked Kiba, confused.
"Naruto, ninja dogs have different classifications, you know! And he is summon beast !" Kiba replied, petting Akamaru to soothe his pride.
Seeing that the group had rested, Kakashi urged them onward.
"Let's go!"
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!"
The six set off towards the northeast, their resolve unwavering.
Meanwhile,
Sasuke was temporarily confined within a wooden barrel, carried by a rotund man with a flattop hairstyle.
Three others leaped through the trees ahead.
"Fatty, hurry! The pursuers are closing in!"
"Alright!"
Though Jirōbō disliked the nickname, he knew this was not the time for confrontation.
Their priority was to complete Orochimaru's mission.
.
..
...
The colossal projection screen flickered to life.
[On Tenchi Bridge (also known as the "Bridge of Heaven") spanning a deep valley, the vision focused on Sasuke and Shimura Danzō.]
[Danzo slowly unwrapped the bandages on his right arm. Sasuke stood before him, his gaze icy. On the bridgehead, a figure in Akatsuki attire sat, wearing an orange-yellow spiral mask, revealing only a single crimson Sharingan, as if observing a stage play.]
[The camera zoomed in on Danzo's exposed right arm, revealing a grotesque array of over ten Sharingan, each a three-tomoe masterpiece of the Uchiha clan. The eyes swirled, creating a disturbing spectacle.]
["What's with the Sharingan on your right arm?" Sasuke demanded.]
["That's a long story," Danzo replied, his tone flat.]