Chapter 38: Return and Acquiring Arm

Back in Orochimaru's hideout, the trio appeared, successfully obtaining Scroll of Seals for the future generation of their clan to use.

Entering the room with the magic circle, Sasuke led the way, with Itachi and Shisui following behind. "We're back," Sasuke announced, a smile forming on his face as he saw his parents. "Welcome back, Sasuke. How was Konoha?" Mikoto asked with curiosity.

Fugaku, who had been engrossed in the scrolls about mana, looked up and noticed his sons and Shisui returning. He spoke, "I assume Itachi took you to the hidden room where the clan stored most of the scrolls."

Itachi simply responded with a nod. Sasuke added, "Hmm, it was really interesting. Konoha had confiscated all the public scrolls." Fugaku raised an eyebrow, questioning, "They did?" Sasuke confirmed, "Yes, apparently I was too young, so the Third Hokage kept them for safekeeping until I reached chunin rank."

Fugaku silently cursed the Third Hokage and the elders but merely replied, "I see." Sasuke couldn't resist adding, "Shisui actually stole the Scroll of Seals."

Shisui's eyes widened, and both Sasuke and Itachi quickly distanced themselves from him. In an instant, Kushina's fist landed on Shisui's face. "You idiot! You were supposed to be low-key! What if I can't see Naruto anymore?" she roared in frustration.

Sasuke burst into laughter, "I'm just joking, Aunt Kushina. We made a copy of the Scroll of Seals. The Second Hokage took precautions so that even the Mangyeko Sharingan couldn't copy it. I had to use the Rinnesharingan."

Kushina laughed nervously and helped Shisui up, apologizing, "Sorry, Shisui. You know, I just can't wait to see my Naruto." Shisui cursed Sasuke and Kushina silently, remembering the name "Red Hot-Blooded Habanero."

Observing the scene from the sidelines, Minato watched his wife's actions and sighed, thinking, 'I used to have Jiraiya-sensei to take the punches. But now, when I get a real body, I'll have no more protection.' His body shivered as he sensed Kushina's glare directed at him.

Seeking payback, Shisui interjected, "Actually, Sasuke also stole Kakashi's copy of Icha Icha Paradise." Sasuke's eyes widened, and he exclaimed, "Snitch! This is why you're single!" Sasuke noticed his mother and Kushina staring at him with strange looks, while his father and Minato wore proud gazes.

Trying to defuse the situation, Sasuke quickly said, "My arm is done. We'll be leaving this world soon, so bye." He enveloped his entire body in a black mist and exited the room, relieved to avoid further explanation.

Izumi, unfazed by the commotion, found mana to be quite interesting. When she saw Sasuke leave, she muttered under her breath, "Coward."

Itachi, hearing Izumi's diss Sasuke, approached her with a smile. "How is learning mana, Izumi?" he asked. Izumi, noticing Itachi, quickly replied, "I'm loving it! I can't wait to go to the new world. Mana is so different from chakra. Chakra may be more versatile, but magic has an easier learning curve. Simple spells like teleportation circles can be used by anyone with decent control of mana, unlike chakra, which requires affinity. Though chakra is more powerful."

Listening to Izumi speak excitedly, Itachi nodded in understanding. "I see, and we are different since we can use both chakra and mana," he commented. Izumi eagerly nodded in agreement, saying, "I'm so excited, Itachi. Once I get my body back to normal, we can finally continue our relationship."

Smiling gently, Itachi reached out and playfully poked Izumi's forehead. "Me too," he responded. However, deep inside, he couldn't help but think, 'If her body wasn't so young, I would have hugged her. I just know Shisui would call me a groomer.'

* * * * *

Sasuke returned to Orochimaru's lab and spotted Karin and Orochimaru. He greeted them, saying, "I'm back." Karin smiled upon seeing Sasuke and asked, "Welcome back, Sasuke. How was Konoha?" Sasuke replied, "It was interesting to see Konoha so peaceful. It seems they have moved on."

Not entirely sure of his emotions, Karin decided to offer comfort. She said, "You don't need to care about Konoha anymore." Sasuke appreciated her attempt and responded, "Thanks, Karin. I suppose you met my parents then."

Blushing slightly, Karin replied, "Yes... I did. They were nice people. I also met Aunt Kushina, who even offered to teach me more fuinjutsu and Uzumaki kenjutsu." Sasuke hadn't expected that and said, "That's great. When you come to the new world, there are many things to learn as well, if you're interested."

Sasuke then approached Orochimaru and asked, "Is my arm finished?" Orochimaru had an arm made of pure Hashirama cells in front of him and responded, "Yes, so did Konoha look any different?"

Sasuke replied, "A little. It was amusing to see Kakashi doing paperwork. We actually had Shisui infiltrate ANBU, and we copied the Scroll of Seals." Orochimaru chuckled, saying, "How rogue of you three. The sharingan couldn't copy it, I assume."

Clicking his tongue, Sasuke confirmed, "Yes, I had to use the Rinnesharingan to copy it." Orochimaru nodded, amused by the situation. He then added, "You have already given me a few drops of Phoenix tears. I have already started researching them, so we can reattach your arm now."

Sasuke sighed in relief and muttered, "Finally." Karin approached him and said, "I have learned medical jutsu, Sasuke. Would you like my help?"

Noticing her enthusiasm, Sasuke thought, 'Karin is a really kind person. I wish I hadn't hurt her in the past.' He forced a smile and replied, "Sure."

He retrieved a bottle filled with Phoenix tears from his dimension and handed it to Karin. Sasuke made his way to the medical bed and lay down. He started explaining the process of how the Phoenix tears work to Karin, who nodded attentively, realizing the significance of this small bottle.

Sasuke lay shirtless on the bed, causing Karin to blush at the sight of his defined body. She shook her head, reminding herself, 'This is important for Sasuke. No distractions.'

She opened the bottle of Phoenix tears and poured the contents onto the end of the arm made of Hashirama cells. The edges of the arm began to glow red. Karin then carefully moved the arm to Sasuke's stump. At the same time, Orochimaru and Sasuke observed closely as Karin placed the arm onto Sasuke, it then started to glow red and successfully merged with his body.

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A/N: Two chapter today, expect it soon.

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