Teaching Sasuke a Forbidden Jutsu.

As Kurenai Yuhi arrived at Kirito's house to inform him about the Konoha Hokage candidate, it came as no surprise that Tsunade was chosen to be the fifth Hokage of Konoha Village.

Tsunade, the granddaughter of the first and second Hokages, Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, was a natural candidate. Her red bloodline made her an ideal choice for Hokage. Konoha had once belonged to the Senju clan, but Sarutobi Hiruzen had taken control, claiming the Hokage title for himself. He had clung to power for too long, unwilling to pass the position on, even when it was clear the Hokage role should have returned to the Senju clan.

Originally, Sarutobi Hiruzen had planned to pass the Hokage position on to his son, Asuma, but the events involving Kirito had forced him to step down. Now, with the elders discussing the next Hokage, it was likely that the position would remain under Sarutobi influence, even if someone else was chosen.

Kurenai explained everything to Kirito, her affection for him clear in her gaze.

"Kirito, do you want Naruto and Sakura to accompany me in the search for Tsunade?" she asked softly.

"Why just them? What about Sasuke?" she inquired, her tone thoughtful.

Kirito nodded slightly. "I believe Naruto and Sakura need the experience outside the village. As for Sasuke... I have other plans for him."

Kurenai didn't argue and nodded, moving closer to Kirito. She gently rested her head on his shoulder, a soft smile on her face.

"Don't worry, I'll return soon. Once we find Tsunade, I'll bring her back to you."

Kirito nodded, his gaze deepening as he looked at Kurenai. "I'll wait for you."

"Kurenai, Tsunade has always been vulnerable due to the loss of her loved ones," Kirito continued. "She's likely turned to gambling and drinking to cope. Focus your search on taverns and gambling houses in the Land of Fire. I'm sure you'll find her."

Kurenai admired Kirito even more after hearing his analysis. He was not only incredibly strong but perceptive in ways others couldn't even begin to understand.

After some time, Kirito called Naruto and Sakura over.

"Teacher, did you need something?" Naruto asked, his voice full of curiosity.

"Indeed. I want you both to join Kurenai on a mission. It's a good opportunity for both of you to gain experience," Kirito said calmly.

Naruto grinned widely. "Thanks, Sensei!"

Sakura, however, was confused. "But Sensei, what about Sasuke?"

Kirito smiled faintly. "Sasuke has other plans. His training is different from yours."

Sakura nodded and fell silent, agreeing without further questions.

The next morning, Naruto and Sakura joined Kurenai's Team 8, setting off on their mission to find Tsunade.

Later that night, under the bright full moon, Sasuke stood alone, dressed in his Konoha Hokage forehead protector. His cold expression remained unchanged as he surveyed the surroundings.

His teacher, Kirito, had asked him to meet him here. Sasuke had left Konoha that evening to follow Kirito's request.

Kirito, dressed as usual, slowly descended from a tree, landing lightly on the ground. Sasuke gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, his cold expression softening slightly. His respect for Kirito was undeniable.

"Teacher, you called for me?" Sasuke asked, his voice filled with respect.

Kirito gazed at Sasuke with a hint of concern. He had refrained from getting too involved in Sasuke's troubles with Uchiha Itachi and the Uchiha clan, but now that Sasuke was his disciple, he could not ignore his development.

"I called you here tonight to see if you are truly committed to becoming stronger," Kirito began calmly. "Tell me, Sasuke, why do you want to grow stronger?"

Sasuke was caught off guard by the question. The words echoed in his mind, causing him to reflect deeply. His reason for becoming stronger, for fighting, had always been clear to him — it was to kill his brother, Itachi.

"I want to kill him. I want to defeat him with my own hands," Sasuke replied, his voice low and full of determination.

Kirito nodded slightly, his eyes filled with understanding. "Alright, Sasuke. Your resolve is clear."

Just then, a figure in a green, tight-fitting combat suit appeared, landing before Kirito and Sasuke. It was Might Guy, his usual energy and enthusiasm evident.

"Kirito, you called for me?" Guy asked eagerly, expecting a sparring match.

Kirito, however, had different plans.

"Guy, I need your permission. I want to teach Sasuke the Eight Gates technique," Kirito said.

Might Guy's excitement immediately turned to surprise. "You want to teach him my technique?" he asked, a bit taken aback but also curious.

Kirito nodded. "Yes. I believe Sasuke has the potential to handle it."

Might Guy thought for a moment, then smiled brightly. "If you believe in him, then I have no objections. Teach him well."

And so, Sasuke's training took a new turn, one that would challenge him further as he sought strength, revenge, and ultimately his place in the world.