As Nagi listened to Naruto recount their recent experiences, he gained a clearer understanding of the Land of Snow—especially its technology.
"The Land of Snow's technology… snow vehicles, railways, even Chakra Armor. What truly matters isn't the equipment itself, but the knowledge and the skilled people behind it."
Nagi silently marked the Land of Snow in his mind.
…
A few days later, Nagi ran into Naruto at IchiraShiranui Kū Ramen. Although Naruto was eating happily, Nagi could tell something was bothering him.
Naruto followed Nagi to a nearby park. After letting out a long sigh, he asked:
"Nagi… do you think power is really that important?"
"Oh? Power? Of course it is."
"Then… is it really worth paying any price for it?"
"Oh? Did something happen?"
"…Yeah. While Pervy Sage and I were searching for Lady Tsunade, we ran into Sasuke's older brother.
Sasuke really hates him. They fought, and Sasuke was completely defeated—left unconscious. After he woke up in the hospital, he looked different… full of hatred.
When we were in the Land of Snow, he didn't seem strange. But after we came back and a few days passed…
Kakashi-sensei and I noticed he was training like crazy. He pushed himself so hard he was covered in injuries. Kakashi-sensei warned him he'd only destroy his body, but he wouldn't listen.
Later… because of that, Sasuke and I ended up fighting."
Nagi understood Sasuke's current state.
After being utterly crushed by Itachi Uchiha—and further shaken by Naruto's growth—Sasuke had lost his sense of direction.
Without Orochimaru's Cursed Seal of Heaven or any offer of power guiding him, he was floundering.
After a moment, Nagi said calmly:
"Naruto, Sasuke has his own burdens. It's normal that you don't understand him. But you should respect his choices."
"But—!"
Naruto clearly hadn't expected that answer.
"Naruto, if you don't know someone's suffering, don't urge them toward righteousness so lightly.
One day, you'll understand Sasuke.
But I hope that day never comes."
Nagi patted Naruto on the shoulder and left, leaving Naruto standing there in stunned silence.
…
Uchiha Clan Compound
After taking a brief look around, Nagi arrived at Sasuke's house and knocked.
Sasuke opened the door quickly, impatience written all over his face.
"What?"
"I need to talk."
"Then say it quickly. Don't interrupt my training."
"If you're that busy, I can come back another time."
"…Are you messing with me? If you've got nothing to say, leave."
"Hmm. Where should I begin? I know—let's start with what happened here six years ago. The night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre."
Sasuke's eyes widened. He lunged forward to grab Nagi's collar—but grasped nothing but air.
"What did you say?! What do you know?!"
"I'm talking about the truth behind the Uchiha Clan Massacre."
"The truth? What truth could there possibly be?! It was him! It was Itachi Uchiha who slaughtered our entire clan!"
"Is that really what you believe?"
"What else is there to believe?!"
"You don't expect me to explain this on your doorstep, do you?"
"…Fine."
…
Inside Sasuke's Living Room
Nagi took a sip of the tea Sasuke had poured. The taste was decent.
Across from him, Sasuke stared intensely, as if afraid Nagi might disappear.
"I'm not going anywhere," Nagi said calmly.
Sasuke remained tense.
"Sasuke, after all these years, do you truly believe Itachi destroyed the Uchiha Clan that simply?"
"He awakened the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan of the Uchiha! What else is there to say?!"
"Yes, the Mangekyō Sharingan is powerful. But it isn't invincible."
"You don't understand! The Mangekyō Sharingan is the pride of our clan—"
"And your father?"
Nagi cut him off.
Sasuke froze.
"Your father, FugaShiranui Kū Uchiha, was both the head of the Uchiha Clan and Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force.
Do you truly believe he was so weak that he could be killed by the Mangekyō Sharingan without any resistance?"
"That's not true! My father was strong!"
The words left Sasuke's mouth before he realized their implication.
He fell silent.
"…You mean… there's more to the massacre?"
"There is. But Itachi killing the clan is a fact. That cannot be denied. Your desire for power is only natural."
Sasuke was stunned.
For days, Kakashi and the others had urged him not to lose himself in revenge. No one had ever told him that wanting strength was understandable.
"Sasuke, since you seek power, let me see how strong you are now. Then I'll decide whether you're ready to hear the truth.
Otherwise, I'd only be pushing you into greater danger."
"Hmph. I'll make you tell me everything you know."
The sky was clear that day.
The two stood facing each other in the courtyard.
Sasuke made the first move, dashing forward and throwing a powerful punch.
"Too impatient."
Nagi tilted his head slightly and avoided it.
Sasuke followed with a flurry of strikes, but Nagi evaded them all with minimal movement before sweeping his leg and knocking Sasuke off balance.
Sasuke flipped midair and landed smoothly. He pulled several shuriken from his ninja tool pouch and hurled them toward Nagi.
Nagi shifted slightly, dodging with ease.
The moment Sasuke landed, he jerked his arm.
The shuriken changed trajectory. Steel wires attached to them snapped tight, surrounding Nagi.
Within seconds, the wires wrapped around him.
Sasuke clenched one of the wires between his teeth and rapidly formed hand seals.
"Hmph. It's over—
Fire Release: Dragon Flame Technique—"
Crackle.
The bound Nagi suddenly dispersed into lightning, which surged along the steel wires straight toward Sasuke.
"Gah—!"
Electricity coursed through him. Within moments, he collapsed, unconscious.
Sasuke Uchiha lay defeated once again.
Nagi stepped forward and used Medical Ninjutsu to treat his injuries.
When Sasuke regained consciousness, he muttered bitterly:
"A Lightning Release Shadow Clone… I lost."
He knew the defeated had no right to make demands. Just as he turned to leave, he heard Nagi's calm voice behind him:
"Sasuke… do you want power?"
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