Chapter 61

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Perhaps due to old age or a sense of self-preservation, Shinnō turned out to be much easier to subdue than Gensou had expected.

This made acquiring the medical ninjutsu he sought from Shinnō quite straightforward.

After a period of time, Gensou had the Hagoromo clan's intelligence agents take the chakra-sealed Shinnō away. He then examined the two scrolls in his hand, titled "Body Activation" and "Body Regeneration," both forbidden medical jutsu.

Compared to the Air Ninja and the so-called Zero-Tails behind Shinnō, these two forbidden medical jutsu were far more valuable to him.

Gensou briefly skimmed through the scrolls, and his eyes lit up.

He had to admit, Shinnō's self-developed forbidden medical jutsu, centered around body activation, were impressive.

They could significantly aid in healing his injuries and even improve his physical prowess, which had always been a shortcoming.

The next step was to thoroughly master these two forbidden medical jutsu.

Additionally, he received an update from the intelligence agents about the latest developments in Konoha.

Sasuke had already made his move.

"Interesting. Let's see what choice you make next."

Gensou smirked, glancing in Konoha's direction before disappearing, heading back to the Valley of the End.

Earlier that night, after his rooftop battle with Naruto and a rough encounter with the Sound Four sent by Orochimaru, Sasuke was more determined than ever to leave the village.

However, now he had another option.

"Orochimaru..."

Sasuke touched the cursed mark on his neck, placed there by Orochimaru.

According to the Sound Four, this was a gift from Orochimaru, a key to gaining more power.

Without the option of Gensou, Sasuke, desperate for revenge, would have chosen Orochimaru despite knowing the danger to his body.

But now he had two choices: Orochimaru or Hagoromo Gensou.

Who to choose?

For someone like Sasuke, who craved power, the answer was clear: he would choose the stronger of the two.

No need to consider reputation or achievements; his personal experience was enough.

From his encounters, Sasuke felt that while Orochimaru was formidable, he didn't exert the same pressure as Gensou.

Moreover, Orochimaru's blatant desire for his body contrasted sharply with Gensou's apparent indifference.

Sasuke wasn't foolish enough to choose a weaker, more dangerous option.

He made his decision decisively.

Hagoromo Gensou!

The Valley of the End!

Without hesitation, Sasuke packed his belongings and headed out, not informing anyone of his departure.

On his way, he unexpectedly encountered Sakura.

"Sasuke, where are you going so late?" Sakura asked, forcing a smile as she noticed his packed belongings.

"Go back," Sasuke replied coldly.

Sakura's hope faded.

She was smart and perceptive.

Since their encounter with Gensou on their return from the Land of Tea, she had been suspicious of Sasuke's behavior. After their rooftop battle at the hospital, her worries intensified, leading her to wait for him that night.

As she feared, Sasuke was leaving.

"Sasuke..."

"Sakura, thank you."

Despite Sakura's heartfelt pleas, Sasuke, whose heart held no room for women, knocked her out with a single blow and continued on his way.

Knowing full well that this was an act of betrayal, Sasuke didn't care.

Aware that the Sound Four were waiting for him outside the village, Sasuke chose a discreet path to leave.

Meanwhile, the Sound Four, waiting near the village gate, grew impatient.

"Will that Sasuke guy ever show up?" Tayuya asked irritably.

"Don't worry, Orochimaru-sama's predictions won't be wrong," Kidomaru replied confidently. "I saw the desire and ambition in Sasuke's eyes. He won't refuse Orochimaru-sama's offer for power."

However...

An hour later, Kidomaru's confident smile began to wane.

"We should go check," Sakon sighed.

Everyone agreed.

Due to Konoha's busy mission schedule and Orochimaru's familiarity with the village, the Sound Four managed to infiltrate successfully again.

Silently arriving at Sasuke's home, they found it empty.

"Sasuke has already left," Sakon said, his face grim.

"Why didn't he meet us?" Jirobo wondered aloud.

Kidomaru examined the frequently handled map on Sasuke's desk. Though it bore no markings, subtle indentations hinted at Sasuke's route.

"Sasuke left, but he's not heading to Orochimaru-sama," Kidomaru said coldly.

"Wherever he's going, we must bring him back for Orochimaru-sama," Tayuya said, brandishing her flute with a murderous look.

Sakon nodded. "Since Sasuke rejected Orochimaru-sama's offer, we don't have to be polite anymore. If he resists, we can break his legs."

Without further delay, the Sound Four left the village, following Sasuke's trail.

Back in Konoha, they were a step behind.

It wasn't until Sakura woke up and ran to inform the Hokage that Tsunade realized Sasuke had left the village.

"We must bring him back!"

Given that Sasuke was the last of the Uchiha clan, Tsunade frowned, immediately calling for a retrieval team and asking Sakura if she knew where Sasuke might be headed.

To her surprise, Sakura gave her a clue.

"Hagoromo Gensou! Sasuke must be going to him!" Sakura explained her reasoning.

Tsunade's brow furrowed.

"So, Gensou, you've finally made a move."

She agreed with Sakura's analysis but couldn't understand why Gensou would want Sasuke.

Though the Sharingan was valuable, someone like Gensou wouldn't be overly interested.

"Lady Hokage."

At that moment, recently promoted Chunin Nara Shikamaru entered the office.

Tsunade stopped pondering and quickly issued her orders.

Soon, a team comprised of Konoha's young elite set out on the mission.

"Remember, we have a twelve-hour window to track him. After that, we must stop. As the team leader, I have the authority to halt the mission at any time, and everyone must comply. Understood?"

After organizing the team, Shikamaru addressed his teammates seriously.

Kiba grumbled, "Why limit the time? 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 vowed, not understanding Sasuke's actions.

'Because there might be terrifying dangers ahead,' Shikamaru sighed, looking at his eager teammates, feeling that his first leadership role would be challenging.

(End of Chapter)