Chapter 61: Betrayal and Choices
Chapter 61: Betrayal and Choices
Perhaps it was the elderly man's instinct for self-preservation, or perhaps he was enduring humiliation with a heavy heart.
Shennong was even more fragile than he had imagined.
This made it much easier for Yuyi Xuan Yue to acquire the medical ninjutsu from him.
After a while, he had the Yuyi Clan intelligence agents who had followed them take away Shennong, whose chakra had been sealed, and Yuyi Xuan Yue looked at the two scrolls in his hand, named "Flesh Activation" and "Flesh Regeneration," which contained forbidden medical techniques.
Compared to the Zero-Tails and the Space Ninjas backing Shennong, these two forbidden medical techniques were more valuable to him.
Yuyi Xuan Yue flipped through the scrolls briefly and soon his eyes lit up.
It must be said that compared to orthodox medical ninjutsu, the forbidden medical techniques pioneered by Shennong, focusing on flesh activation, were quite effective.
They could have a great effect on his injuries and even provide a nice boost to his physical body, which had always been a weakness.
From now on, he would take the time to thoroughly understand these two forbidden medical techniques.
Additionally, the intelligence agents who had just arrived brought news about Konoha.
Sasuke had already set out.
"Interesting. Let's see what choice you make next."
Yuyi Xuan Yue hooked his lips and looked toward Konoha, then vanished toward Shen Yun Valley.
Rewinding time a little earlier.
In the depths of night, after his battle with Naruto on the hospital roof during the day and being taught a lesson by the Sound Ninja Four, sent specially by Orochimaru, Sasuke was even more determined to leave the village.
However, now he had another choice.
"Orochimaru."
Sasuke touched the cursed seal that had been implanted on his neck by that man.
According to the Sound Ninja Four, this was a blessing from Orochimaru, a key to making them stronger.
If it weren't for the option of Yuyi Xuan Yue, he, who was willing to do anything for revenge, would definitely have chosen Orochimaru, even knowing that the other party was eyeing his body.
But now he had two choices.
Orochimaru and Yuyi Xuan Yue.
Who to choose?
For Sasuke, who craved power, the choice was obviously the stronger one.
There was no need to consider reputation or achievements; he had experienced it himself.
With the Sharingan's perception, Orochimaru was indeed bizarrely powerful, but he didn't exert as much pressure as Yuyi Xuan Yue did silently.
Moreover, Orochimaru didn't hide his desire for Sasuke's body, while Yuyi Xuan Yue seemed completely indifferent.
Sasuke wasn't truly foolish enough to choose someone weaker who would put him in a dangerous situation.
So, he made a firm decision.
Yuyi Xuan Yue!
Shen Yun Valley!
Without hesitation, Sasuke quickly packed his bags, bid no one farewell, and headed out of the village.
Along the way, he unexpectedly ran into Sakura.
"Sasuke, where are you going so late at night?" Sakura asked with a forced smile, seeing Sasuke's luggage as if he were going on a long journey.
"I'm going back," Sasuke replied coldly.
Sakura's inner hope vanished.
She was very intelligent and attentive.
After their encounter with Yuyi Xuan Yue on their way back from the Land of Tea, Sasuke had volunteered to take a break, and then left on his own again, so she already had her suspicions.
After the battle on the hospital roof during the day, her worries grew because she understood Sasuke's personality, which was why she had waited here especially.
As expected, Sasuke was about to leave the village, just as she had anticipated.
"Sasuke..."
"Sakura, thank you."
Sasuke's heart was unmoved by Sakura's earnest pleas, and he knocked her out with a hand blade before continuing on his way.
Even knowing that such behavior was tantamount to betraying the village, he didn't care at all.
Knowing that the Sound Ninja Four were waiting for him outside the village, Sasuke didn't choose the obvious main road but instead took a less noticeable path to leave Konoha.
"Rest assured, Orochimaru-sama's deduction won't be wrong." Kidomaru smiled confidently. "Also, I saw the longing and ambition in Sasuke's eyes. A pursuer of strength like him will definitely not refuse Orochimaru-sama's goodwill."
The results...
An hour later, Kidomaru's smile froze on his face.
"Let's go in and take a look." Sakon sighed.
Everyone agreed.
Due to the recent abundance of missions in Konoha, many ninjas were out on assignments, coupled with Orochimaru's intimate knowledge of Konoha, the Sound Ninja Four's infiltration was once again a success.
They arrived at Sasuke's house without a sound and after a thorough inspection, Sakon's expression turned grim. "Sasuke has left."
Jirobo hummed, "Why didn't he meet up with us?"
Kidomaru narrowed his eyes, looking at the map on Sasuke's desk that seemed to have been pored over countless times. Although there were no markings, he could detect subtle indentations from the way Sasuke's fingers had traced over it.
"Sasuke has left, but he's not heading to where Orochimaru-sama is." Kidomaru said coldly.
"No matter where he's going, we must take him back to Orochimaru-sama!" Tayuya took out her flute, her killing intent palpable.
Sakon nodded, "Since Sasuke has refused Orochimaru-sama's kindness, we need not hold back anymore. If we find him, we'll break his legs if we can't kill him."
The Sound Ninja Four did not linger and quickly left the village. After a brief search, they followed the clues they found and set off in pursuit of Sasuke.
As the true home ground, Konoha was a step slower.
It wasn't until Sakura woke up and rushed to the Hokage's office to inform Tsunade that she realized Sasuke had left the village.
"We must bring him back!"
Concerned about the sole remaining member of the Uchiha clan in Konoha, Tsunade furrowed her brows and called for people while asking Sakura if she knew where Sasuke was headed.
Tsunade didn't hold much hope.
But Sakura gave her a "surprise."
"Yuyi Xuan Yue! Sasuke must be going to find that Yuyi Xuan Yue guy!" Sakura laid out her analysis.
Tsunade's brows furrowed deeper.
"Yuyi Xuan Yue, you've finally made your move."
Tsunade actually agreed with Sakura's analysis but still couldn't understand why Yuyi Xuan Yue wanted Sasuke, an Uchiha clan member.
The Sharingan was indeed valuable, but someone of Yuyi Xuan Yue's caliber shouldn't be so fixated on it.
"Hokage-sama."
Just then, Nara Shikamaru, who had been promoted to Chunin, entered after receiving the notification.
Tsunade didn't dwell on it further and quickly assigned the mission.
Soon, a tracking team composed of the available members of the Konoha 12 was dispatched.
"Remember, we only have twelve hours to track him down. After that, we must stop. Additionally, as the team leader, I have the authority to abort the mission at any time, and everyone must obey. Is that clear?"
After establishing the formation, Nara Shikamaru's face was solemn as he instructed his teammates.
Kiba Inuzuka frowned, "Why set a time limit? Shouldn't we chase him to the ends of the earth?"
"Yeah! I'll break Sasuke's bones if I have to, but I'll bring him back!" Naruto, who didn't understand Sasuke's actions, clenched his fists and vowed.
'Because there might be terrifying dangers ahead!'
Nara Shikamaru sighed, feeling that his first time leading a team would be extremely challenging as he looked at his eager teammates.
(End of Chapter)
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