"Shishou…"
Sasuke struggled to open his mouth, wanting to say something, but when the words reached his lips, he didn't know how to express them.
At this moment, his face was pale as paper, with traces of blood still at the corners of his mouth. Clearly, his injuries were not light.
While focusing completely on treating Sasuke's wounds, Rengoku spoke earnestly, "You always think of this kind of fight as sparring. If it hadn't been me standing here but an enemy, you'd already be dead."
"I already told you just now, when facing an opponent this strong, you must fight with the intent to kill. But what exactly were you thinking at that moment?"
Rengoku's voice rang out again, carrying a trace of disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Sasuke lowered his head. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "I was thinking just now… to launch a probing attack first, to see through the opponent."
Rengoku frowned slightly and continued guiding him, "Then do you know now where you went wrong?"
Sasuke thought for a long time. Finally, as if suddenly enlightened, he nodded and answered, "When facing someone far stronger than myself, and when escape isn't even possible, there's actually no chance at all to do any so-called probing."
Rengoku nodded slightly, then pointed to Itachi beside him and asked:
"Then, is Itachi stronger than you?"
Hearing this, although Sasuke felt puzzled, he still nodded without hesitation, "Nii-san is naturally stronger than me."
At this moment, Rengoku pointed back at himself and pressed further, "What about me? Compared to you, how am I?"
Faced with this question, Sasuke wore a bitter expression.
Wasn't it obvious?
He had just been beaten to the point of nearly losing all his teeth.
Seeing that Sasuke didn't answer for a long time, a crisp "smack" rang out as Rengoku suddenly raised his hand and slapped the top of Sasuke's head hard.
Then he spoke earnestly, "As a member of the Uchiha clan, you should have a heart that charges forward without hesitation, one that strives relentlessly."
"For every strong Uchiha, learning to acknowledge and firmly believe in one's own abilities is a required lesson. Only those who are full of confidence in themselves can fully unleash the immense power contained within the Sharingan."
Rengoku paused, then continued to encourage Sasuke, "You have to believe in yourself. You are both chosen, and the only one."
"Although Itachi is stronger than you now, in the future you will definitely surpass him."
"Although I am the number one in the ninja world now, in the future, you will be the number one."
"You must believe that you, Uchiha Sasuke, are the strongest. The heights you will reach in the future will surpass everyone."
These impassioned, inspiring words were like a spring breeze, brushing across Sasuke's somewhat dejected heart.
They reignited a blazing fighting spirit within him, his blood surging.
As Rengoku's powerful tone kept rising, Sasuke, who stood to the side, was deeply stirred by this overwhelming presence.
At this moment, it was as if he had finally found the true meaning of his life. His entire being radiated unmatched confidence and determination.
Sasuke clenched his fists tightly and responded in a firm, resonant voice, "Yes! Shishou! In the future, I will definitely surpass you!"
"I, Uchiha Sasuke, will become the strongest of the Uchiha!"
Seeing Sasuke so fired up, Rengoku's expression also became serious.
He looked at this young and spirited disciple before him and slowly said, "The clan has always taken great care of you, giving you too much protection and shelter."
"The clan has given you so much protection that whenever you face danger, you instinctively think Itachi will save you, Shisui will save you, Fugaku will save you…"
"…However, I must tell you seriously, you cannot rely on them forever."
At this point, Rengoku paused briefly, then continued in a heavier tone, "From now on, no matter when or where, when you face danger again, no one will come to save you."
"Because in this cruel and realistic world, only by relying on your own strength and wisdom can you survive and achieve your dreams."
"So remember this. At any moment, you can only rely on your own power to overcome difficulties."
Sasuke listened quietly to Rengoku's instruction. He could clearly feel the seriousness in his master's words.
Sasuke nodded solemnly, "Yes, Shishou, I understand. From now on, I won't be as naive as before. I'll work hard to become stronger and won't rely on others anymore."
At this moment, Rengoku had already successfully completed the basic treatment of Sasuke's injuries.
Thanks to his superb Mystical Palm Technique, the effect was immediate.
Sasuke's broken ribs had now basically been set and stabilized.
Although the injuries hadn't fully healed, at least he was out of danger. With a few days of rest, he would recover.
Rengoku slowly withdrew his hand, "Itachi, do you understand now what Sasuke lacks?"
Itachi wasn't foolish. Rengoku had already made it so clear—of course he understood.
He nodded slightly and replied respectfully, "Yes, clan leader, I understand."
Rengoku smiled, gently patting Itachi's shoulder as he said earnestly, "As his master, I may not be all that competent. But as his older brother, you've truly been too indulgent with Sasuke."
As a doting older brother, while Itachi didn't clean up every mess for Sasuke, Sasuke indeed hadn't experienced any life-and-death battles over the years, which led to his current limited growth.
Itachi nodded deeply in agreement and then promised, "I understand, clan leader. From now on, I won't play ninja games with Sasuke anymore."
Hearing this, Rengoku showed a satisfied smile and nodded approvingly.
Rengoku nodded in satisfaction. Sasuke still needed constant pushing. Only like this could he improve quickly.
"Sasuke, rest for two days and prepare yourself mentally. Next, I'll put you through special training."
"Right now, you're too weak. At your age, Itachi could take on seven of you by himself."
Sasuke's eyes shone brightly, his whole being filled with excitement. Becoming stronger was exactly what he wanted.
"Don't worry, Shishou! I'll surpass my brother."
Rengoku let out a light laugh. Seeing Sasuke so motivated, he felt reassured.
"Our Uchiha will face many challenges in the future. Become strong as soon as possible."
"I'll come find you again in a couple of days."
Seeing that the time was about right, Rengoku gave a brief word and then left immediately.
Sasuke looked at Rengoku's departing back, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.
In his mind, Rengoku's words kept echoing.
("You are both chosen, and the only one!")
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