After the battlefield

Sasuke stood among his companions, a towering blonde man and two individuals with distinct Asian features. Their presence exuded an air of unapproachability, setting them apart from the other hunters.

"Wow, that was an intense battle! By the way, thanks for saving me earlier when Christopher attacked. I'm Thomas Andre, pleasure to meet you." Grateful for his savior, Thomas found solace in forging a connection with such a formidable ally.

"Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke accepted Thomas' outstretched hand, engaging in a firm handshake.

"I had no idea Japan harbored such a powerful hunter."

"I'm not exactly one of them." Sasuke couldn't help but ponder why people often made such assumptions.

"Huh?" Thomas was perplexed by Sasuke's response.

Liu Zhigang and Siddharth Bachchan observed the exchange, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

"Haha, never mind. I won't forget this enormous debt of gratitude." Thomas brushed off Sasuke's mysterious background, wondering if Sasuke might be interested in joining forces to establish a guild.

"Perhaps it's a bit late, but I'm Siddharth Bachchan from India." Another man introduced himself with an infectious smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

Sasuke simply nodded and reciprocated the gesture.

...

The rhythmic sound of a helicopter's blades echoed in the distance as a luxurious aircraft gracefully descended nearby, capturing the attention of the quartet.

The helicopter's doors swung open, revealing three impeccably dressed individuals who strolled towards the group.

David Brennon took the initiative to greet them. "Thank you for your valiant efforts in defeating the magical beasts. Los Angeles owes its salvation to you. The United States will forever remember your services."

"We'll transport you to a hotel in San Francisco. Given the current state of Los Angeles, it's not an ideal place to stay." After the dungeon breach had ravaged the city, it had been placed under quarantine, leaving only hunters and officials behind.

Thomas smirked, keenly aware of their underlying motive.

"Mr. Brennon, we appreciate your hospitality." Thomas chuckled, his understanding thinly veiled.

"It's the least we can do."

Once their business was concluded, they departed for San Francisco.

During the journey, Sasuke gazed out the window, contemplating the sight of the decimated city.

"This is a grim sight, Mr. Hunter," Brennon broke the silence.

"I'm aware. So, what is it that you need, Mr. Brennon?"

"If you don't mind, after you've had some rest in San Francisco, I would like to have a crucial conversation with you, sir."

"Sasuke Uchiha."

"Of course, Mr. Uchiha."

'For now, I'll accompany them to discern their true intentions.'

Unfazed by such matters, Sasuke's primary objective was to confirm his concerns about the threat posed by extraterrestrial beings like the Otsutsuki. Little did he expect the vastness of the universe he would encounter.

'But, more importantly...'

Closing his eyes, he recalled a conversation he had shared with someone dear to him.

-Flashback

"I'll be frank with you."

"According to the law, you should be behind bars by now."

"However, due to your pivotal role alongside Naruto in the previous war, I, as the Rokudaime Hokage, testified on your behalf. Naruto, who was instrumental in our victory, also vouched for you. This issue can be resolved."

"So please, don't do anything reckless. You have my guarantee."

At the village gate, Kakashi and Sakura escorted Sasuke as he prepared to embark on his journey. Kakashi briefed Sasuke on his situation, offering a cautionary word.

"I understand. I apologize for the trouble."

"Do you really have to go?" Sakura, his friend, asked with concern etched on her face.

"Yes, I need to explore my emotions, reflect on my sins, and confront the uncertainties beyond."

-End of Flashback

After an hour in the air, the helicopter landed at the helipad of San Francisco's most opulent hotel.

Soon after, Sasuke entered his room.

"Enjoy your stay, sir." The hotel employee spoke with utmost politeness, gently closing the door.

A glimmering ambiance engulfed the room, exuding luxury at every turn.

Sasuke found himself mildly surprised by the level of privilege bestowed upon him. Throughout his life as one of the most accomplished shinobi, he had always led a modest existence. Now, he felt treated as if he were the leader of a nation.

"Whatever."

Without dwelling on it, he indulged in a warm bath, savored his dinner, donned his pajamas, and surrendered himself to the embrace of the plush mattress.

The next day, Sasuke stood by the large bedroom window, taking in the breathtaking view of the city.

Donned in a sleek, black, tailored suit that accentuated his charisma, he wore matching leather gloves on both hands, emanating the aura of a captivating young man.

To anyone who caught a glimpse of him, he could easily be mistaken for a model. Yet Sasuke's fame had reached billions of people worldwide, making his striking appearance unsurprising.

-Knock Knock

"Enter."

Click

"Sir, if you're ready, I'll escort you to the meeting room." The man announced respectfully.

"Very well, lead the way."