Chapter 66

[1500 Power Stones Reached!!! Next Goal 1650 PS!!] (I'm going to bed, so next uploads are tomorrow~ Good night and have a nice dream~ Remember to brush your teeth before bed!)

"NARUTO!"

Shikamaru looked at Naruto, who seemed uninjured—not entirely true, as his injuries healed quickly.

Right now, besides the newly arrived Sand reinforcements, the only one among them who still had combat capability was Naruto.

"What's up, Shikamaru?" Naruto turned around, confused, just as he was ready to join forces with Gaara and the others to take down the Sound Four.

Shikamaru took a deep breath and surveyed the scene, making a decision. "Naruto, you don't need to participate in this fight anymore. Leave now and go find Sasuke."

"Sasuke..." Naruto wanted to find Sasuke as soon as possible, but he didn't want to abandon his comrades before the battle was over.

Understanding Naruto's hesitation, Shikamaru calmly explained, "Don't forget, our mission is to bring Sasuke back. Given the situation, none of us, except you, can match your speed. Don't worry about the battle here; we'll win. Naruto! The success of this mission depends on you."

"After all, the only one who might persuade Sasuke to return is you."

Naruto was silent for a few seconds before nodding resolutely. "I will bring Sasuke back!"

With that, he vanished, speeding towards Sasuke's direction.

Meanwhile, with the addition of the Sand reinforcements, the Sound Four, now struggling to hold their ground, could only watch Naruto leave.

The chase continued.

Based on intelligence analysis, Konoha determined that Sasuke was likely heading towards the Valley of the End.

As for Sasuke himself, despite not facing major obstacles, he had to evade Konoha ninjas along the way and was physically exhausted. His pace was significantly slower than Naruto's seemingly tireless sprint.

Finally, after crossing a range of hills and seeing that he was close to the Valley of the End, Sasuke was about to breathe a sigh of relief when a familiar shout came from behind.

"SASUKE!"

Sasuke frowned and turned to see a sweat-drenched Naruto running towards him at full speed.

Seeing Sasuke turn around, Naruto waved excitedly, shouting, "Sasuke! What are you doing here? Come back with me!"

"Idiot," Sasuke muttered coldly, glancing at Naruto before continuing his journey.

Since the moment he left the village, there was no turning back.

Naruto actually suggested "going back"? Going back to be treated as a rogue ninja? The ninja game had come to an end.

"Sasuke..." Naruto was taken aback by Sasuke's indifference and unfamiliar gaze. He clenched his fists and yelled determinedly, "Sasuke! No matter what, I'll bring you back!"

His voice startled a flock of birds and caught the attention of a nearby figure in a black cloak with red clouds.

"This voice sounds familiar," Kisame mused, touching his Samehada with a grin. "Interesting."

With that, he turned and walked towards the direction of the loud, persistent voice.

"Sasuke! Stop right there! Why are you leaving the village? I'll break your bones if I have to, but I'll bring you back!"

Naruto kept shouting as he chased Sasuke. Sasuke, however, ignored him completely, focused on his path.

As Naruto grew more frustrated, a familiar voice cut in.

"Hey, today is full of surprises. Look who I found."

Suddenly, Kisame appeared in Naruto's sight, grinning with his shark-like teeth. "We meet again, Nine-Tails brat."

Naruto stopped abruptly, eyes wide. "It's you!"

Although he didn't know Kisame's name, Naruto remembered this man. If it weren't for Jiraiya's timely arrival, he might have been taken from Konoha.

And this guy had a companion—Uchiha Itachi! Remembering the name, Naruto glanced at Sasuke.

Noticing the new arrival, Sasuke also halted, clearly recalling Itachi.

"Itachi's little brother is here too? What a shame, Itachi isn't with me," Kisame remarked, his eyes briefly shifting to Sasuke before focusing back on Naruto.

"Although this mission has nothing to do with the Nine-Tails, you're our primary target. Since you've come to me, it would be a shame not to capture you."

Kisame grabbed his Samehada, smiling. "Nine-Tails brat, same as before. Will I have to cut off your hands, or will you come with me willingly?"

Time seemed to rewind to that hotel room doorway.

As Kisame raised his Samehada, Naruto didn't hesitate, using his Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.

"Don't underestimate me!"

Poof, poof, poof!

White smoke filled the area as numerous Naruto clones appeared. Kisame's expression was one of amused understanding. "Your hand signs have gotten faster."

"Since this is your answer, the Nine-Tails capture plan resumes!"

Kisame stepped forward, instantly closing the distance, swinging Samehada horizontally, dispersing many clones in a puff of smoke.

"This guy..." Naruto gritted his teeth as he watched his clones being effortlessly defeated, feeling the heavy pressure.

He glanced towards Sasuke, who was now gone, likely taking the opportunity to leave.

"Sasuke..."

Naruto muttered before focusing on the approaching Kisame. With determination, he created more clones.

Surrounded once again, Kisame shook his head nonchalantly. "It's pointless resistance. Guess I'll have to put more force into it. I'll cut off your hands and legs this time. With a jinchuriki's resilience, you won't die."

"Don't underestimate Konoha ninja!" Naruto shouted, commanding his clones to attack again.

As one after another was defeated, Naruto suddenly closed in, a blue, spinning chakra ball in his hand aimed at Kisame.

"Rasengan!"

(End of Chapter)