Chapter 122

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 Gensou did not expect such a high-level argument from the man before him, Kazuma.

Kazuma, a typical example of the saying "We are willing to fight to the death, why do you surrender first, Your Majesty?" was a character Gensou remembered somewhat, but not in detail. Kazuma was ultimately another individual who received a harsh lesson from Konoha and met his end.

However, Kazuma's analysis of the Uchiha massacre was quite accurate.

Other than not knowing that the massacre was carried out by Itachi and Obito, with Konoha only blocking off the area and arriving afterwards to clean up, Kazuma had guessed almost everything else correctly.

Gensou looked at Kazuma.

As their eyes met, Kazuma, about to speak further, suddenly saw a red flash.

Before he could react, his eyelids grew heavy, and he instantly passed out.

"Master Kazuma!"

Kazuma's subordinates, Fuen, Fudo, and Fuuka, were shocked and prepared to fight.

But in the next moment, before they could understand what was happening, they too fell into the world of genjutsu.

Gensou, having completed this, looked away.

Kazuma's grand plan sounded enticing.

But Gensou had no interest in altering his plans or itinerary to join a group of ineffectual individuals in a game of destroying Konoha.

To avoid further entanglement with Kazuma and his group, Gensou quickly incapacitated them.

One had to admit, the Sharingan's genjutsu was excellent for swiftly dealing with weak opponents.

"Let's go."

With a call to Sasuke, Gensou continued on his way, his expression calm.

Sasuke glanced at the unconscious Kazuma and his companions before quickly catching up.

Along the way, he couldn't help but ask, "Gensou-sama, was what Kazuma said true?"

Kazuma's words had left a deep impression on Sasuke, unlike Gensou, who remained unaffected.

Until now, Sasuke had never considered Konoha's involvement in the Uchiha massacre.

After hearing Kazuma's analysis, he began to see some merit in the argument.

Without turning his head, Gensou replied, "You'll know the truth in the future when you ask the people involved."

Gensou didn't bother to explain further.

Empty words often led to suspicion. It was better for Sasuke to investigate the matter himself.

Moreover, Gensou didn't want Sasuke to become overly emotional and potentially awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan prematurely.

Sasuke, understanding that Gensou wasn't going to elaborate, asked no more questions.

"Uchiha Itachi..."

He clenched his fists.

At that moment, Sasuke's desire to meet Itachi again, stronger and more powerful, was overwhelming.

...

Konoha Village.

The destruction of the Root division had initially cast a heavy atmosphere over the village, but with the return of Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage, everything quickly returned to normal.

Truth be told, while many in Konoha felt the loss of Root, others were glad to see the end of the extremist division.

The fact that there had been no attempt to rebuild Root, and any mention of restarting the division was swiftly rejected, said it all.

Life went on as usual.

Today was supposed to be an ordinary day like the past half-year.

But when the messenger hawk from the Fire Temple arrived, tranquility was shattered.

"Tsunade-sama!"

Shizune hurriedly burst into the Hokage's office.

Tsunade, now with unprecedented authority thanks to Gensou's support, was stamping documents with the speed of a machine, the Hokage's seal a blur in her hands.

Seeing Shizune enter, she slumped in her chair, rubbing her forehead. "Don't tell me there's another pile of documents to sign? I already missed my drinking time."

"Tsunade-sama, urgent news from the Fire Temple!"

Shizune, instead of carrying a stack of papers, handed over an intelligence scroll.

Surprised, Tsunade took the scroll.

"The Fire Temple? What do those monks want with Konoha?"

Opening the scroll, Tsunade's expression quickly turned serious.

"Sasuke appeared at the Fire Temple? And he was accompanied by another suspected Uchiha? Not Hagoromo Gensou?"

Tsunade was shocked by the explosive information.

Sasuke was one thing, but another Uchiha?

Itachi?

No, those brothers would fight to the death on sight, not stay peaceful.

Could there be another Uchiha outside Konoha? Tsunade's face grew grim.

Shizune asked, "Tsunade-sama, should we send a team to pursue them?"

The Fire Temple wasn't far from Konoha.

The attack on the temple had happened only an hour or two ago.

They could still catch up if they moved quickly.

"Of course!"

After a moment of consideration, Tsunade nodded.

Bringing back Sasuke was crucial, and so was identifying the other Uchiha.

Moreover, the Fire Temple, as an ally of Konoha, had called for assistance. Konoha needed to respond.

Having decided on the team, Tsunade quickly ordered: "Summon Team 3, Team 8 to the Hokage's office immediately. Also, notify Kakashi to come as well."

"Yes!"

An ANBU ninja appeared, acknowledged the order, and vanished.

In less than ten minutes, Kakashi, who had been reading Icha Icha Paradise in a tree, and Team 3's members, Might Guy, Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee, along with Team 8's members, Kurenai, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino, had all assembled.

After explaining the situation, Tsunade issued the command: "This mission is classified as S-rank. The primary objective is to bring back Sasuke. Handle the other Uchiha as the situation allows. Kakashi, given your familiarity with the Sharingan, you will lead this mission. Team 3 and Team 8 are under your command."

Finally hearing news of Sasuke after half a year, Kakashi's eyes flashed with determination as he nodded quickly:

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

...

Outside Konoha's gate.

With everything prepared, the nine members of Team 3, Team 8, and Kakashi formed a combat lineup.

Before departing.

Kiba, eager and enthusiastic, said, "Too bad Naruto isn't here. We'll bring Sasuke back and surprise him!"

"If we bring Sasuke back, Naruto... will be very happy," Hinata agreed softly, blushing.

Lee, full of spirit, raised his arm, "We failed last time. This time, we'll bring Sasuke back for sure."

Shino adjusted his sunglasses, about to speak, when a passionate voice beside him exclaimed.

"Ha-ha! This is youth! Let's give it our all!"

Guy gave a thumbs-up, his teeth shining brightly in the sunlight.

Kurenai, accustomed to Guy's antics, chuckled softly.

Finally.

"Sasuke..."

Reflecting on the situation, Kakashi looked around and then waved his hand:

"Move out!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Everyone took off, becoming black streaks as they sped through the dense forest outside Konoha.

A few minutes later, a late-arriving Sakura looked at the empty gate, sighed, and clasped her hands together, silently wishing them luck.

(End of Chapter)