Sasuke froze for a moment after hearing Nagi's words, then quickly steadied himself.
"What do you need me to do?"
From their earlier spar, Sasuke already understood—Nagi was no ordinary shinobi.
"It's simple. Assist me."
"…Fine."
Right now, Sasuke only wanted power. No matter the cost.
"In that case, come with me."
Nagi placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.
In the next instant, the two vanished.
Root (Ne)
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Nagi brought Sasuke to Root's underground headquarters.
Sasuke felt his vision blur for a split second. When it cleared, the surroundings had completely changed.
"Where is this…?"
He glanced around. The air was dim and oppressive.
"This is Root," Nagi replied calmly. "Welcome."
He led Sasuke into his office.
"For the next few years, I'll require your assistance. In return, I'll help you accomplish your revenge."
"I understand. What do you need me to do?"
"I'll discuss a training program with my associate. You'll assist us with certain experiments."
"…When do we start?"
"Now."
OtogaKūre (Hidden Sound Village) — Orochimaru's Laboratory
Once again using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Nagi brought Sasuke to Orochimaru's laboratory.
Orochimaru had long grown accustomed to Nagi's sudden appearances. He paused his work and looked over.
This time, however, Nagi had not brought a Root operative.
"Forgive the intrusion, Orochimaru-sama. This is the one I mentioned before—Sasuke Uchiha."
Sasuke studied Orochimaru carefully. He hadn't expected Nagi to be connected to a missing-nin of KonohagaKūre.
But that didn't matter.
Power was all that mattered.
Orochimaru examined Sasuke from head to toe.
"I see… So this is Itachi's younger brother."
At the mention of Itachi's name, Sasuke's expression darkened instantly.
"You know Itachi Uchiha?! Where is he?! What's your relationship with him?!"
Orochimaru frowned slightly at the outburst.
His arm suddenly transformed into a mass of serpents, coiling around Sasuke and restraining him, silencing him at once.
"Quiet, child. I do have some history with your brother. But I have no interest in discussing him."
A suffocating killing intent flooded the room.
Sasuke felt his body tremble uncontrollably. The man before him was more terrifying than any opponent he had faced.
(Itachi Uchiha being the sole exception.)
Seeing that the point had been made, Nagi spoke calmly.
"That's enough, Orochimaru-sama. Don't frighten him too much. This time, we have a living Uchiha.
He should prove quite valuable to our research."
"…Very well. Since Nagi speaks for you, I'll let it slide. But remember—no shouting in my laboratory."
The serpents withdrew.
Sasuke coughed, regaining his breath.
"It doesn't matter," he said coldly. "As long as it leads to revenge, I'll endure anything."
Looking at both Orochimaru and Nagi, Sasuke felt certain—
With their strength, he would grow stronger quickly.
Reactions (Meta Observation)
Naruto Uzumaki: "What?! Nagi, why are you letting Orochimaru train Sasuke?! He tried to take Sasuke's body!"
Orochimaru: "Don't make reckless accusations, child. I no longer have much interest in taking over others' bodies. What interests me about Sasuke now is the research value of a living Uchiha."
Sasuke Uchiha: "It doesn't matter! As long as I gain power, I'll do anything!"
Naruto: "But… but…"
Kakashi Hatake: "Naruto, didn't Nagi tell you before? If you don't know someone's suffering, don't urge them toward righteousness.
This is Sasuke's choice.
All he needs to do is assist with experiments. He won't be in danger.
And if you don't trust Orochimaru, can't you at least trust Nagi? With him there, Sasuke will be safe."
Nagi: "Relax, Naruto. Sasuke's life won't be in danger."
Mikoto Uchiha: "…My poor child."
The Next Day — Hokage Tower
The next day, Nagi reported to the Hokage Tower and informed Tsunade that Sasuke had chosen to join Root.
Tsunade immediately refused.
"I won't allow it. Sasuke is a member of Team 7. If I hand him over so easily, how am I supposed to explain that to Naruto and the others?"
"You needn't worry, Lady Hokage," Nagi replied calmly. "Sasuke will explain it to Team 7 himself."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes.
"So you've already persuaded him to join Root?"
"That's right. In Root, Sasuke can grow rapidly. He won't have to train recklessly anymore."
Tsunade sighed.
She remembered how Naruto had begged her to treat Sasuke after he collapsed.
When she examined him, even she had been startled.
The boy had been training in a nearly self-destructive manner. And worse than the physical damage was the trauma Itachi Uchiha had inflicted on his heart.
Had Sasuke chosen Root because he believed he couldn't grow fast enough under Kakashi?
"…Very well," Tsunade said at last. "I approve Sasuke Uchiha's transfer to Root."
Team 7
Sasuke informed Kakashi of the Hokage's decision.
Kakashi could only sigh and say he respected Sasuke's choice.
At the very least, the boy's eyes no longer burned with the same frantic desperation as before.
When Naruto and Kūra heard the news, however, they could not sit still.
Kūra burst into tears, begging Sasuke not to leave.
Naruto stepped forward, demanding an explanation, ready to fight at the slightest provocation.
Sasuke had no time for such arguments.
Just as Kakashi was about to intervene—
"Well, well… Naruto. Is Team 7 holding some kind of gathering?"
Nagi approached calmly.
Sasuke silently walked over to stand beside him.
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed slightly.
"Nagi! This is bad! Sasuke's leaving Team 7!"
"I know," Nagi replied.
"You know?!"
"Yes. Sasuke will be working with me from now on. That's why he's leaving Team 7."
Naruto froze.
"Working… with you?"
"That's right."
Naruto stood there, stunned.
He hadn't expected one friend to leave—only to end up working alongside another.
Kūra wiped her tears and looked at Nagi.
"Nagi- Kūn… could you at least tell us what kind of work you do?"
"Yeah! I don't even know what you do!"
Kakashi raised a hand.
"That's enough. Nagi's duties are classified. Without the Hokage's authorization, we are not permitted to know."
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