Hidden Leaf Hospital.
Bang.
Sasuke's fist slammed into the wall: "Damn it, how much longer do I have to wait!"
Perhaps due to excessive force or overwhelming anger, he suddenly felt dizzy, his body staggering.
Sakura rushed to support him: "Sasuke, don't push yourself! Your body hasn't fully recovered!"
Sasuke growled: "My body's fine!"
Sakura helped him to the bed: "I spoke with Shizune-sensei. She said the First's cell transplant surgery is highly risky. Your body needs to be in peak condition to attempt it."
Sasuke was restless: "I can't wait any longer!"
The crushing defeat of the Five Great Shinobi Villages fueled his urgency. His instincts told him the next great battle wasn't far off, and it might be his chance to settle old scores and avenge his parents and clan. That's why he was so desperate to restore his dojutsu!
Sakura comforted him: "Shizune-sensei told me that if you withstand the First's cells, you'll gain 'Wood Release' and a massive chakra boost. Yakumo's a prime example. Just wait for the surgery, and everything will be fine."
Thinking of Yakumo's strength, Sasuke calmed slightly.
Then he thought of the organization, muttering to himself: "Why hasn't the Leader sent word? Is restoring my dojutsu that difficult?"
He didn't doubt the Leader's sincerity.
First, Shinji, as the Akatsuki's Leader, had fulfilled every promise.
Second, it was Shinji, as 'A,' who stepped in at a critical moment to defeat Orochimaru, saving him and Naruto.
At that moment, footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Sasuke and Sakura both noticed, turning toward the door.
Sakura beamed: "Maybe it's Lady Hokage and Shizune-sensei. I'll check!"
Sasuke said coldly: "No need!"
He initially thought it was Tsunade coming for his surgery, but he quickly sensed the visitor wasn't Tsunade or Shizune.
Sure enough, several Anbu entered Sasuke's room first, fanning out on alert.
Then, with the tap tap of a cane, Danzo shuffled into the room, eyeing Sasuke on the bed with a sinister gaze.
"Danzo?"
Sasuke frowned.
He hadn't expected Danzo. Kakashi had told him that after Danzo's collaboration with Hanzo to attack the Akatsuki was exposed, he lost his advisor position, and his Root was disbanded by the Third, so Sasuke no longer needed to fear him.
Yet here Danzo was, strutting boldly before him.
"Uchiha Sasuke, I'm here to investigate whether you're colluding with the Akatsuki or Orochimaru!"
Danzo's face was cold, stating his purpose as if it were routine.
Sasuke's expression darkened.
Sakura exclaimed: "There must be a misunderstanding! How could Sasuke collude with the Akatsuki or Orochimaru?"
Danzo ignored Sakura, his gaze piercing Sasuke: "Come with me!"
Sasuke cracked his neck: "And if I say no?"
Danzo smirked: "Then I'll have to act myself!"
Investigating Sasuke was an order from the Hokage's office, meant to be delivered by the Anbu, with the process taking place in the Anbu building—procedurally flawless. All Hidden Leaf shinobi were required to comply unconditionally.
Danzo exploited this.
He deliberately accompanied the Anbu, creating the illusion that he was leading the investigation.
He knew the Uchiha's defiance and their hostility toward him, especially Sasuke and Shinji. He was certain his presence would provoke resistance, giving him a legitimate excuse to act and suppress the Uchiha.
These manipulative schemes were second nature to a seasoned leader like him. Even if his intentions were clear, no one could fault him procedurally—he was merely relaying the Hokage's orders!
One of the Anbu, seemingly uneasy, spoke up: "Uchiha Sasuke, this is a direct order from Lady Hokage. Please cooperate!"
Hmph!
Sasuke responded with a cold scoff.
If it were Kakashi or Shizune delivering the order, he might have complied. But Danzo? No way he'd go quietly. Besides, as 'E' of the Akatsuki, he couldn't withstand the village's scrutiny.
Danzo, smug with success, said: "Then I'll have to detain you first!"
Sasuke's open defiance of the Hokage's orders left the Anbu no choice. They drew their blades: "Uchiha Sasuke, don't force us to fight!"
Sasuke sneered at their warnings.
Having witnessed the Anbu's heavy losses against the Akatsuki in past battles, he no longer took them seriously.
As for Danzo, Sasuke was ready to settle old and new grudges!
Danzo barked: "What are you waiting for? Move!"
Sakura pleaded: "Everyone, don't be rash! There's a misunderstanding. I'll find Shizune-sensei, she'll—"
Smack.
Before Sakura could finish, Sasuke struck her neck with a hand chop, knocking her out. He gently laid her on the bed.
Then he said: "Since you're troubling me when I'm in a bad mood, I'll teach you a lesson!"
Whoosh.
With that, Sasuke flashed forward, launching the first attack!
He targeted the nearest Anbu, predicting their blade swing. Dodging with a sidestep, he seized the blade with both hands, then spun to block two other Anbu's strikes. A sweeping kick floored one of them!
Next, he hurled the stolen blade, disrupting the fourth Anbu's attack, and swiftly formed hand seals, unleashing 'Chidori Stream.'
Zzt zzt.
Instantly, dazzling lightning formed a web around Sasuke, striking all four Anbu nearby.
Thud.Thud.Thud.
With low, muffled sounds, the four Anbu collapsed in a haze of smoke.
Only then did Sasuke turn, glaring coldly at Danzo outside the room: "Your turn!"
In the instant Sasuke attacked, Danzo had slipped into the corridor.
The commotion drew patients from nearby rooms. Ringo Ameyuri, Darui, and others gathered in the hallway, watching the spectacle unfold.