243.Are You Afraid of Me?

"Deva Path":

-Victor Gonzalez

-Linh Q Tra

*

"Animal Path":

-Umar Jawed

*

"Human Path":

-Joseph Stan

*

"Outer Path":

-Ken Kaza

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The Leaf Village ninjas stood around, their gazes alert and heavy as they watched the scene unfold, with no one daring to block Sōsuke's departure. Even when Team Captain Himiko stepped forward and was instantly killed, they wondered what they could possibly do against him. Thus, Sōsuke left the village unimpeded, with the Rock Village ninjas closely following him.

At that moment, Jiraiya approached Tsunade, his expression somber and his eyes slightly despairing, quietly asking, "How is Captain Himiko's condition?"

Tsunade, who was diligently treating Himiko, discreetly wiped away her tears and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "If the injury had been a fraction off, it would have pierced her heart, and no one could have saved her. Fortunately, the blade passed through the membrane above her heart chamber, causing significant blood loss but no fatal harm."

Jiraiya's previously disheartened eyes brightened upon hearing her words. He hesitantly asked, "Tsunade... do you think... with Sōsuke's skills, his blade could have deviated accidentally...?"

Tsunade was taken aback by Jiraiya's question. Busy with healing Himiko, she hadn't considered this possibility. If Sōsuke truly intended to kill, why would he leave a chance for Himiko to survive?

"You mean... Sōsuke hasn't completely betrayed the Leaf? He... he still has feelings for us, right?" Her eyes shone brighter, her voice trembling with a barely detectable excitement.

Nodding firmly, Jiraiya's despondency was replaced by determination, "If that guy still has feelings for us, then... no matter what, I'll bring him back!"

Tsunade also nodded, her eyes firm, "I too... will strengthen myself and bring him back!"

Jiraiya gave her a glance, his lips curving into a sunny smile. He looked up at the clear blue sky, pondering.

Despite still harboring feelings, why did Sōsuke choose to abandon them? Was it merely for the sake of power and the lofty goal of changing the ninja world?

Reflecting on this, he recalled the prophecy made by the Great Toad Sage during his training at Mount Myōboku.

"Jiraiya, you will one day take on a disciple who will play a pivotal role in the future of the ninja world, bringing unprecedented peace or destruction. One day, you will have to 'choose', and your choice will determine whether the world is led to peace or ruin."

The words of the Great Toad Sage have always been clear in Jiraiya's mind, and indeed, he met the prophesied child.

That was why he chose to stay in the Rain Village to care for Nagato and others, becoming their mentor.

That child with the Rinnegan... wasn't he the prophesied child mentioned by the Great Toad Sage?

Determined, Jiraiya murmured, "My disciple is meant to guide the world towards peace. As his teacher, how can I be so frail?"

"Sōsuke, rest assured, no matter what you become, I will bring you back. That... is my ninja way, Jiraiya!"

Meanwhile, Tsunade, still healing Himiko, seemed lost in thought, eventually clenching her teeth as if making a decision.

....

At the gates of the Leaf Village...

A group of Rock Village ninjas slowly arrived at the location, all displaying disbelief. They couldn't believe that, led by the 'Son of the Leaf,' no one from the Leaf Village dared to intercept their group.

However, just as they began to ponder this, several figures arrived at the village entrance, standing in opposition to them.

Seeing the arrivals, Sōsuke slightly curled his lips into a light smile, his gaze deep, and softly spoke, "Captain Shingo, Captain Daita, are you here to try and stop me?"

Hearing his words, Shingo and Daita, who had arrived with a group of Anbu members, both frowned slightly.

"Snap!" Shingo took a step forward, his expression serious as he stared at Sōsuke and said, "Sōsuke, although I don't know what exactly happened to you... choosing to become a rogue ninja of the Leaf is not a wise decision."

Continuing, he glanced at the Rock Village ninjas behind Sōsuke and added, "Especially... since you're choosing to help the very Rock Village ninjas we once fought side by side against! You were meant to be a great tree of the Leaf, weren't you?"

However, Sōsuke seemed indifferent to his earnest words, merely glancing at him with a light chuckle, "Are you done, Captain Shingo? If so, please clear the way."

Shingo's brow furrowed deeper at his response, his gaze darkening.

Daita then said, "We have been ordered by the Hokage to detain you and the Rock ninjas here. No matter what, you won't get past us."

Sōsuke gave Daita a detached look and replied softly, "With such determination, why do you keep your distance from me? If you want to detain me, shouldn't you try to knock me down directly? Or are you afraid that any part of my body might vanish from your sight if you come closer?"

"If that's the case, it's an unnecessary worry. The significance of battle distance only applies when the opponents are of equal strength."

"Thus, the distance between you and me has no meaning."

Standing there calmly, hands in his pockets, Sōsuke spoke without showing any concern for the figures before him.

Hearing his words, Shingo and Daita looked even more troubled. Sōsuke's statement indeed hit their subconscious fears.

Facing Sōsuke, they dared not let their guard down, fearful of sudden attacks.

With a heavy gaze on Sōsuke, Daita shouted, "We know you're strong, Sōsuke, but don't underestimate us!"

Sōsuke's eyes flickered with interest at Daita's response, a hint of amusement in his smile.

"Even if it costs our lives, we will stop you..." Daita continued, but was cut off abruptly!

In the blink of an eye, Sōsuke, who had been standing in the distance, vanished!

His pupils dilated in shock!

A somewhat mocking voice came from behind him, "Sacrifice your life?"

"You see, just like this, I could easily pierce your heart with my hand."

Sōsuke stood behind him, a slight smile on his lips, one hand in his pocket and the other lightly resting on Daita's back.

Hearing the voice behind him, Daita swallowed hard, his forehead instantly covered in sweat.

This sudden turn of events left everyone stunned and shocked.

The Rock Village ninjas gasped in awe at this display of 'the Son of the Leaf's' strength. No wonder he could speak so casually with the Tsuchikage and nearly managed a sneak attack.

His bizarre and terrifying method of instantaneous movement was truly fearsome!

"Sōsuke, don't act rashly!" Shingo, standing aside with a grim expression, warned Sōsuke.