Kakashi's lecture didn't last long. Surprisingly, Sasuke seemed to understand quite a few things.
This saved him a lot of talking. After all, when it comes to revenge, he felt that Sasuke would stubbornly argue with him.
But that didn't happen. The kid was simply feeling lost.
Kakashi looked Sasuke over and finally decided to say less and let him be alone to think.
After all, Sasuke now probably needed to think more about his relationship with Naruto.
When Kakashi left, he took another look at Sasuke and couldn't help but sigh deeply.
Although they held a get-together to celebrate Sasuke's discharge from the hospital.
Sasuke himself didn't show up at the gathering. Only Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, and Hatake Satoru ate a meal together.
Kakashi made up a reason for Sasuke's absence and glossed it over.
Although Naruto had a big fight with Sasuke during the day, he instantly forgave Sasuke because of Sasuke's somewhat sudden reconciliation afterward.
So he didn't question Kakashi's made-up reason too much.
Hatake Satoru looked thoughtfully at the empty seat. Sasuke didn't come today, and he probably wouldn't have another chance to come in the future.
Kakashi's words sounded like setting a flag.
Kakashi realized that Hatake Satoru seemed to be looking at him. While telling Naruto to eat more vegetables, he turned his head slightly and looked him up and down in a subtle way.
"Do you want me to tell you not to be picky about food too?"
"How gross. Say those words to kids."
"Hey, I'm not a kid anymore, Satoru!"
Sakura watched the three of them bickering. Although she was worried about Sasuke's situation, she still showed a smile.
After the get-together, Sakura insisted on going home alone. Kakashi and Naruto didn't force her to let them go with her.
There were no unsafe factors in the village at night, and Sakura could protect herself.
The group then left in different directions.
Sasuke returned to his empty home late at night. The things he brought when he was hospitalized were piled up at the door.
He packed the necessities into a small bag, and a photo of Team 7 was placed on the cabinet.
Although it wasn't useful to take it, Sasuke still took out the photo and put it in his bag.
Even though it was impossible to be close companions with them again, he didn't want to throw away and forget the days he spent with them.
After locking the door, Sasuke took a deep breath.
Okay, he couldn't keep his brother waiting any longer.
Although he had made up his mind, when Sasuke walked toward the village gate, he still encountered someone blocking his way.
"It's late now, go home early."
Sasuke subconsciously went around Sakura and walked toward the gate without looking back.
He didn't know why this woman was so sensitive to be blocking there. Her sixth sense was terrifying.
"Why are you leaving? You don't tell us anything. Neither Naruto nor I can figure out what you're thinking."
Sakura said while sobbing softly.
Someone like Naruto, who is not sensitive would not realize, but she could sense Sasuke's weirdness very sharply.
"There's no need. I don't need your understanding."
"I'm different from you. The paths we take in the future will no longer intersect. I originally thought this was truly my path."
"But even now, I am still determined to take revenge. Only the hatred of revenge can be my motivation."
Sasuke paused but said without looking back.
"Is it because you saw that person? I know about Sasuke's family, but..."
No way, Kakashi said all of that, and now someone else has to repeat it again.
Sasuke tilted his head, feeling a bit of a headache. Don't force it if people can't understand each other.
"Thank you, but there are no 'buts.' I want to take revenge on him. That's all."
Sasuke didn't let Sakura say anything else to try to stop him. He just instantly circled behind her and knocked her out with a chop to the neck.
Although Sasuke was a little happy and grateful that Sakura came out to stop him.
But that little bit was almost insignificant compared to his desire to pursue power.
Sasuke put Sakura on a bench not far from the entrance of the village, looked up at the moon hanging in the night sky, and then quickly left.
...
Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu found Sakura sleeping at the village gate when they were patrolling in the morning.
After waking her up, they learned that Sasuke had left the village alone to get revenge on Itachi.
The two quickly reported the information to Tsunade.
Tsunade thought for a moment. She felt that Sasuke's ultimate goal was Uchiha Itachi.
But he shouldn't have a reason to look for Uchiha Itachi now.
Orochimaru had been eyeing Sasuke for a long time. It wasn't impossible for that guy to take advantage of Sasuke's wavering mind to trick him into leaving.
"Although this matter is likely related to two S-rank runaway ninja, the village doesn't have enough manpower to retrieve Sasuke right now."
Most Chunin and Jonin have more important things to do. Sasuke's matter wasn't that big, but it wasn't that small either. It could only be entrusted to a newly promoted Chunin like Shikamaru.
"So I can only ask you to organize a few people to search for Sasuke."
"Sakura's clue is that Sasuke left the village to find Uchiha Itachi, but I think it may be related to Orochimaru. Be more careful during your search."
... ... ...
Tsunade said to Shikamaru, whom she had summoned. Shikamaru had been promoted to Chunin in the previous Chunin Exams.
"Haa... How troublesome. I understand."
He didn't expect that guy to really leave the village and become a traitor.
Nara Shikamaru scratched his head in a headache and turned to leave after replying to her.
He didn't have a deep impression of Sasuke. Besides the fact that his brother destroyed his clan and that he seemed to be quite strong, Shikamaru didn't know much about him.
Going out for revenge directly wasn't incomprehensible, but it was still a bit surprising that someone he knew did it.
After all, men of the same age who always made a grimace and acted cool, weren't very pleasing.
"Ah, but, I have a good candidate to recommend to you, take him with you... Perhaps he should go too."
When Shikamaru had one foot out the door, Tsunade suddenly spoke.
"Haa?!? Are you kidding me!!?"
Naruto was still wearing his pajamas and was woken up in a daze by Shikamaru's knock.
But when he opened the door, he learned the shocking news that Sasuke had defected last night.
Naruto almost immediately thought of Sasuke's somewhat unusual behavior yesterday and bit his lip angrily.
Sakura was the last person to see Sasuke. If he had also gone with her last night, he might have been able to stop Sasuke in the village.
"That guy really...".
"Ah, wait for me, I'll change my clothes and come out!"
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