214.Approaching Darkness

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In the Hidden Sand Village.

Located in the very center, the circular building was surrounded by numerous Sand Village ninjas, stationed in the shadows of corners. They guarded vigilantly, their eyes alert to any unusual occurrences.

This level of vigilance could be considered extreme.

Inside the building, Chiyo, serving as an advisor to the Sand Village, was currently busy in a room. Sweat glistened on her forehead as she looked seriously at a ninja severely burned, her hands moving incessantly.

A green Chakra glow lingered on her palms, continuously healing the injuries.

"Cough... How is it... Is the cleansing complete?" The ninja, severely burned all over, suddenly coughed and spoke in a deep voice.

Hearing his words, Chiyo continued to treat him with a serious expression, responding, "Sandaime, that guy's Lightning Release damaged 60% of the skin on your body. Even now, the terrifying black lightning still lingers. It will take at least a day to fully recover."

Upon hearing this, the Sandaime, who had suffered extensive burns, fell silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice, "So, it's the Uchiha clan from Konoha... Truly terrifying individuals..."

"Fortunately, we dealt with him this time. Otherwise, if he were to grow stronger in the future, it would be too dangerous for the Sand Village!" Responding to his words, Chiyo's somewhat cloudy eyes lowered slightly as she spoke softly.

"The 'Konoha Shura' has been dealt with... but the 'Child of Konoha,' Sōsuke, is still an unknown. As you said, if that guy has mastered space-time ninjutsu, even your terrifying techniques may not be enough against him..."

"Moreover, based on the intelligence, that guy is more important to Konoha than the 'Konoha Shura'..."

To this, the Sandaime Kazekage's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom, and he remained silent.

....

At the same time.

In the Hidden Sand Village, the residents who were attacked by Konoha were still in shock.

However, after this invasion battle, a Sand Ninja who had returned from the battlefield in the Land of Rain gained considerable fame among the ninjas.

On the streets of the Sand Village, several Sand Ninjas walked and chatted as they moved forward.

"Captain Chitoro's strength is truly formidable. He alone killed three Konoha ninjas who participated in the invasion!"

"Yeah, almost every Konoha ninja participating in this invasion plan had the strength of a Jounin. Being able to single-handedly take down three Jounin-level opponents, Captain Chitoro's strength is truly unimaginable!"

"Sigh... Unfortunately, Captain Chitoro sacrificed an arm in this battle!"

"Do you not know? Captain Chitoro faced the legendary 'Konoha White Fang' in this battle!"

"Captain Chitoro faced the Konoha White Fang alone, sacrificing an arm to protect Lady Chiyo's grandson!"

"What... What! Captain Chitoro actually faced the 'Konoha White Fang' alone! I can't believe it..."

As they discussed with each other, in a simple house in the Sand Village, a burly one-armed man, with the help of a woman, was dressing in Sand Village attire, preparing to leave the house.

Just as he was about to leave, a delicate voice came from behind.

"Chitoro... Can you please... take care of yourself... I... I and Kagura..."

The remaining words were left unsaid, as they were replaced by uncontrollable sobs.

Behind Chitoro, the woman with a pale yet somewhat delicate face trembled, covering her face with both hands, tears streaming through her fingers.

Hearing her choked sobs, Chitoro quickly turned around!

Watching her cry, he felt somewhat awkward, so he used his only arm to embrace her.

"Yuno... I'm sorry... I..."

Chitoro stammered a bit. Before he could finish, the sobbing in his arms interrupted him.

"No... Don't apologize to me. It's my fault for losing control, Chitoro. You should go. I shouldn't burden you at a time like this."

Yuno gently turned her head, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes. She forced a faint smile and spoke tenderly.

At this moment, a small figure seemed to hear the commotion at the door, rubbing her eyes and coming into the living room. Seeing her mother's still-wet tears, her little face changed.

She hurriedly ran to Chitoro and Yuno, looking up at the sturdy Chitoro, timidly saying,

"Father, please don't blame Mother."

Hearing Kagura's words, Chitoro's solemn face revealed a hint of tenderness. He bent down, looked at Kagura, and spoke in an extremely gentle voice,

"In any case, I won't blame your mother, Kagura."

With that, his large hand, like a fan, gently stroked Kagura's soft hair, whispering,

"...Perhaps the most sorry thing in this life is to both of you, mother and daughter... No matter what, I will strive for an honor for you both..."

"Wait for your father to become a hero, Kagura!"

Yuno, listening to Chitoro's words, gazed at him with an extremely gentle look.

However, upon glimpsing the empty sleeve, she quickly turned her head, covering her mouth, afraid of crying in front of Kagura again.

Kagura, dumbfounded by Chitoro's words, didn't quite understand their meaning. Nevertheless, it didn't stop her from grinning happily, saying in her childish voice,

"Well, then let's pinky swear, Father."

Hearing her words, Chitoro's eyes, like copper bells, were full of loving smiles. He gently extended his thick little finger.

His massive finger was almost several times the size of Kagura's tiny finger. The two fingers with a stark contrast in size hooked lightly.

Looking at his adorable daughter, Chitoro muttered softly, "It's a promise. Kagura, let's wait for your father to become a great hero, haha!"

"Yes, Kagura will wait for Father to become the greatest hero!"

One big and one small, the two faced each other, their eyes smiling like crescent moons.

Yuno on the side also watched this scene with gentle eyes, creating an incredibly heartwarming atmosphere.

.....

Within the borders of the Land of Fire.

Above the clear sky stretches infinitely, the sunlight streaming into the forest, bringing infinite warmth.

The lush forest nurtures endless vitality.

At the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, a figure covered in bloodstains appears.

He has jet-black hair and a cold, pale face.

Tattered pieces of clothing, with a faintly visible emblem of a fan, hang on his body.

As he continues walking forward, blood continues to spill on the ground. His expression remains resolute, paying no attention to the bloodstains, and he moves forward with difficulty.

Everything in his line of sight seems to be getting blurry.

"Thump!"

He falls to the ground.

Nearby, at a waterfall not far from here, located in a deep underground cave.

Profound darkness almost shrouds everything.

In the darkness, a faintly visible gigantic and terrifying figure seems to stand in the immense cave, extremely intimidating!

At this moment, an old man suddenly opens his eyes!

In the darkness, those blood-red eyes flash and disappear!

"There... a descendant of the Uchiha clan has come here... bring him to me."

Immediately, a hoarse and ancient voice echoes in the dark cave.

"Whoosh!"

Hearing this sound, on a dry piece of wood behind the old man, a white figure slides out slowly.

"Ah, it seems true. I'll go take a look."

White, with a light sigh, whispered.

He did not disappear from this place.

The old man understood this and did not say much.

He remained silent, waiting for the arrival of the descendant.