226. From Now On, I Will Stand At The Top

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Hearing Sōsuke's words, Tatsu's expression, though slightly stern, relaxed a bit. He feared Sōsuke's strength in the event of a direct confrontation. As the leader of the ANBU, Tatsu was aware of much of Sōsuke's secret information. He glanced subtly at the composed Sōsuke and inwardly admired his exceptional ability to flawlessly complete any mission. Sōsuke's strength wasn't just physical; it was his overall capabilities that were outstanding.

Tatsu's thoughts were unknown to others. As everyone pondered the unfolding events, several figures appeared with soft whooshing sounds. Leading them was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his Hokage robe. Homura Mitokado followed him, with Tsunade and Sakumo also arriving at the scene.

Seeing Sōsuke again, Tsunade couldn't hide her worry. Her face paled as she called out, "Sōsuke!"

Sōsuke responded with a gentle smile, saying softly, "Tsunade, I'm sorry for making you worry."

Hearing this, Tsunade covered her mouth with her pale hand, trying not to cry. Seeing Sōsuke, previously thought dead, now standing before her was overwhelming. Her emotional distress was evident.

Sōsuke reassured her with a comforting look and then slowly turned to the Third Hokage. Their eyes met, a mixture of murky seriousness and light-heartedness.

"Sōsuke, according to Sakumo, you arranged for him and other Konoha ninjas to infiltrate the Sand Village under the guise of the village. Is this true?" the Third Hokage asked gravely.

Others were taken aback, not understanding the connection to Sōsuke. The rumor had been that Sakumo's insubordination led to the mission's failure and the sacrifice of many elite Konoha ninjas.

Sōsuke didn't immediately respond to the Third Hokage's question. Instead, he looked past everyone to Sakumo, who was standing behind. Sakumo, his voice hoarse, asked, "Sōsuke... why did you do it?"

Sōsuke remained silent, his gaze lowered, contemplative. After a pause, he finally spoke, "What do you think, Third Hokage...?"

The Third Hokage frowned, looking older and more troubled. He finally said, "Why did you do it?"

Sakumo, his face twisted in anger and taking heavy breaths, pressed, "Why did you do it, Sōsuke... Captain!!"

Sōsuke shook his head slightly, then looked up at the sky, his gaze deep and penetrating. He softly said, "I cannot explain this..."

The others were stunned by Sōsuke's vague admission. The Third Hokage's face darkened, looking much older as he said, "You... were entrusted with great hope by the village... even elected as the Fourth Hokage..."

"Why would you do such a thing..."

Sakumo, his face showing anger and gasping for air, seemed desperate to vent his frustration. Jiraiya looked at Sōsuke in shock and disbelief, not expecting him to admit so easily. He said painfully, "Sōsuke... why...!"

Tsunade, her eyes wide and face pale, struggled to speak. If one listened closely, they could hear her murmuring, "Why.. why.. did you admit it, fool..."

Dai, his eyes wide, asked Sōsuke in confusion, "What happened, Sōsuke... Is someone framing you!?"

Homura Homi, her lips pursed and eyes complex, looked at Sōsuke without blame, but with some unspoken anger.

Sōsuke's gaze swept over everyone's faces, his lips slightly pursed. A breeze passed through the area, lightening the heavy atmosphere. His brown hair fluttered, revealing his handsome face. He asked, "Is it time for a confession?"

He looked at the Third Hokage, who, despite his downcast expression, remained stern.

"As the successor to the Fourth Hokage, you committed a crime against fellow villagers. Sōsuke, surrender yourself... The Konoha interrogation room will make you reveal the reasons behind your actions."

His voice was firm and unwavering.

Sōsuke, his gaze lowered, softly said, "At this point, do you still acknowledge my status as the Fourth Hokage?"

The Third Hokage's eyes showed complexity as he said, "Sōsuke, you were brought back from the battlefield to Konoha by me... Your actions are a result of my failure to guide you."

"The mistakes I've made... I will naturally take responsibility. Your status as the Fourth has been recognized, and it will remain in Konoha's history alongside mine, the criminal."

Hearing this, Sōsuke's expression was complex but also slightly pleased. He looked at the Third Hokage and softly said, "I'm sorry, but I cannot comply with your wish."

After speaking, Sōsuke turned his gaze to Sakumo, standing behind him, his eyes shimmering as he softly said, "I'm truly sorry, Sakumo...."

The crowd was puzzled by Sōsuke's apology, not understanding his reasons. Sōsuke continued, seemingly talking to himself, "As you've seen, an illusion that seemed real deceived you. But what kind of illusion hides behind this perceived reality?"

"I became the Fourth Hokage... only to be forced to leave the village... Such a sad turn of events..." Sōsuke said, slowly removing the Leaf Village headband that had been wrapped around his shoulder.

With a crisp sound, he made a permanent scratch across the symbol of the headband, a symbol of his ninja identity.

"Thud!"

As the headband hit the ground, Sakumo, with a stunned look, shouted hoarsely at Sōsuke, "What are you trying to say, Sōsuke!?"

The ANBU agents tensed up at Sōsuke's actions, preparing themselves for any sudden moves.

At that moment, Sōsuke's position seemed to slightly shift, and his figure vanished as if he merged with the space itself!

To the surprise of everyone, Sōsuke suddenly appeared high in the sky, as if he had crossed through space itself.

Standing high above, beyond anyone's reach, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stopped the ANBU agents from using their jutsu and called out to Sōsuke, "Are you planning to flee the village, Sōsuke?"

Looking down from the sky, Sōsuke replied softly, "Flee? That term doesn't quite fit... Third Hokage.... For me... Konoha's development cannot reach the heights I aspire to.... What I envision is beyond what Konoha can offer... So... it's just my choice to leave...."

At this, Sakumo, his eyes bloodshot, yelled out, "Sōsuke! What did you mean by your previous words!? Why did you do it!?"

Sōsuke's eyes showed amusement, but he spoke gently, "Sakumo... you need to look beyond the immediate... I'm sorry for what happened to your companions, but you'll never find the real answer if you only focus on what's in front of you.... My departure might just cause the downfall of someone's plan...."

Sōsuke then turned to his former companions, his gaze moving across Dai, Homura, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Sakumo, his eyes complex but eventually settling into determination.

"It was a pleasure knowing you all, but life's pursuits vary, and the twists and turns of life are unpredictable."

While speaking, Sōsuke removed his thick glasses and tossed them aside, where they disintegrated into dust.

"My aspirations do not lie within the village. What I seek is beyond your imagination.... The history of the ninja world is too long and filled with darkness and ugliness... The reason for all this is the lack of a strong enough force to unify it.... But the throne of the ninja world will soon have an occupant...."

As his indifferent voice faded, Sōsuke brushed back his brown hair, revealing his sharply defined face. His demeanor suddenly changed, transforming from a gentle big brother figure to an ambitious ruler.

Everyone present was stunned by this transformation. Tsunade's eyes welled up with tears, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Sōsuke's voice, now detached yet confident, filled the air once again, "Because... from now on, I will stand at the pinnacle! If the ninja world defies my command, then erase this history and start a new era!"

With these words, Sōsuke's gaze swept over everyone, and he bid farewell, "Goodbye, everyone of Konoha...."

At that moment, a loud explosion erupted outside the village!

Hearing the sound, everyone, including the Third Hokage, looked anxiously toward the northwest corner of the village.

Sōsuke, high above, noticed the commotion and smirked, saying, "Interesting that such an event would happen just as I'm leaving. Let's see who dares to do this."