Chapter 35

Naruto stood in the middle of a vast clearing, sweat dripping down his face. Around him, hundreds of shadow clones paired off in groups, each holding a shimmering orb of chakra in their palms. The Rasengan, a technique that had once been an insurmountable challenge, was now as natural to him as breathing. But today, it wasn't about creating a Rasengan—it was about perfecting it.

"Focus, Naruto," Kakashi called from the sidelines, his visible eye watching intently. He stood with Yamato, both men quietly impressed by Naruto's relentless determination. "You're trying to apply two chakra natures to the Rasengan. Start small. One step at a time."

Yamato nodded, his arms crossed as he observed. "Remember, Naruto, the Rasengan is already an unstable mass of spinning chakra. Adding elemental natures is like throwing oil on a fire. You need absolute control."

Naruto grinned, despite the sweat pouring down his brow. "I get it, I get it," he said, forming a cross seal with his fingers. More clones puffed into existence, quickly joining the already crowded clearing. "You guys ready? Let's do this!"

Each pair of clones held a Rasengan, some glowing with an earthy hue, others swirling with a faint blue shimmer. They worked in unison, their voices murmuring as they tried to stabilize the energy. Every so often, one of the orbs would destabilize, exploding in a small puff of smoke that dispelled the clones around it. But Naruto didn't falter. He simply formed more clones and continued.

From the sidelines, Kakashi spoke quietly to Yamato. "He's already stronger than we were at that age. Honestly, I'm not sure either of us could do what he's attempting."

"He's surpassed me in Wood Release, that's for sure. Watching him feels like watching the First Hokage himself." His gaze softened as he watched Naruto. "But what amazes me most is his spirit. No matter how many times he fails, he never stops."

Naruto's voice broke through their conversation. "Hey! Less chatting, more coaching!"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "You seem to be doing fine without us," he quipped.

Naruto grinned but didn't respond. Instead, he turned his attention back to the clone in front of him. "Alright, let's try Earth first," he muttered, focusing his chakra. The Rasengan in his hand took on a faint brown tint, the energy swirling with a heavier, grounded quality. For a moment, it seemed stable—but then it flickered violently and exploded, sending Naruto skidding backward.

"Oof!" Naruto groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "That was closer, though!"

Kakashi stepped forward, his tone calm but encouraging. "You're getting there, Naruto. Remember, elemental chakra isn't just about adding power. It's about merging it seamlessly with the technique. You need balance."

Naruto nodded, determination lighting up his face. He wiped the sweat from his brow and stood up, summoning more clones. This time, he switched to Water chakra. The Rasengan glowed faintly blue, the energy inside moving with a fluid, almost serene quality. The clone beside him mirrored his actions, the two working in perfect synchronization.

For a moment, the Rasengan held its form. Naruto's eyes widened in excitement. "I think I—"

Before he could finish, the sphere exploded again, sending water droplets spraying in every direction. Naruto landed flat on his back, staring up at the sky. He groaned but laughed, a sound filled with equal parts frustration and amusement.

Yamato approached, kneeling beside him. "You're close, Naruto. I can feel it. But this isn't something that can be rushed. Even the Fourth Hokage struggled with this."

Naruto sat up, his face serious. "Yeah, but I'm not gonna give up. If my dad couldn't do it, then that's all the more reason I have to."

Kakashi's visible eye softened at the mention of Minato. "You've already taken this further than anyone thought possible, Naruto. Just keep pushing, but don't forget to rest."

Naruto nodded, a rare moment of quiet determination washing over him. He stood, forming his cross seal once more. "Alright, break time's over! Let's go again!"

As the clones re-formed and the clearing buzzed with activity, Kakashi and Yamato exchanged a look. It was clear to both of them that Naruto wasn't just trying to master a technique—he was trying to surpass every limit that had ever been placed on him.

From a distance, a faint breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the whispers of something greater. The boy who once struggled to master the basics of ninjutsu was now on the cusp of creating something revolutionary. And in the process, he was becoming something greater than anyone could have imagined.

Sasuke strode through the gates of Konoha with Kimimaro and Jūgo trailing behind him. The villagers glanced his way, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and unease. Sasuke ignored them, his mind preoccupied with the weight of his own dual existence. He was a jōnin of the Hidden Leaf, but also now the de facto leader of the Sound Village—a delicate balance that he maintained for his own purposes. His sharingan remained ever active as he scanned the familiar streets, his thoughts clouded.

He had returned to Konoha for one reason: to leverage its resources and people to aid in his quest. His ultimate goal—killing Itachi Uchiha—had not wavered. Yet, his ties to the village and the people within it complicated his plans. Naruto's unwavering loyalty, Sakura's belief in his redemption, and Kakashi's quiet mentorship were bonds he couldn't sever. Not yet.

Kimimaro coughed lightly behind him, his pale hand gripping his side. Sasuke glanced back briefly. "We're almost there," he said coolly, leading the two toward the Hokage's office. Kimimaro nodded silently, his pride keeping him upright despite his obvious pain.

They reached Tsunade's office, the doors guarded by two Anbu. Sasuke didn't need to speak; the guards stepped aside at his presence, recognizing him as one of Konoha's elite jōnin. He pushed the doors open, revealing Tsunade seated at her desk, papers scattered before her. Shizune stood at her side, her expression neutral but observant.

Tsunade looked up, her sharp gaze meeting Sasuke's. For a moment, silence filled the room, heavy and tense. Then, Tsunade spoke.

"So, you've returned," she said, her tone calm but laced with suspicion. "With... company." Her eyes flicked to Kimimaro and Jūgo.

Sasuke stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Hokage-sama, I've brought Kimimaro Kaguya. His condition is worsening, and despite Naruto's efforts over the years, we need your expertise if he's to survive. He's valuable, not just as a shinobi, but as a person who has much to atone for."

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her gaze hardening. "I know, Sasuke. My eyes and ears are everywhere. I know about your dealings with Orochimaru, and the company you keep. Naruto's word is the only reason I haven't taken action against you."

Sasuke's lips curled into a faint, eerie smile. "Then let me simplify things for you. Orochimaru is dead, Hokage-sama. Gone. I defeated his true form and absorbed him into my Curse Mark. Whatever remnants of him remain are now mine to control."

Shizune gasped softly, her eyes widening in shock. Tsunade, however, remained composed, her fingers steepled as she studied Sasuke.

"You absorbed him?" she repeated, her voice cold and calculating. "And you expect me to simply trust you that he can't escape?"

Sasuke's tone was calm, almost indifferent. "I don't expect trust. But I expect you to understand that I'm not your enemy. Jūgo," he gestured to the large, stoic man behind him, "has agreed to help me and Sakura study the Curse Mark. We're working to find a way to destroy it completely, along with any lingering fragments of Orochimaru."

"And why should I allow this? Why should I trust that you aren't using Orochimaru's power for your own gain?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed.

Sasuke met her gaze evenly, his sharingan swirling faintly. "Because my goals align with Konoha's—for now. Orochimaru's death was necessary, not just for my plans, but for the safety of this village. I have no interest in leaving Konoha."

Tsunade's gaze flickered to Kimimaro, who stood silently, his breathing labored. She leaned forward, her tone softening slightly. "And what about him? What guarantee do I have that he isn't another threat waiting to strike?"

Kimimaro stepped forward, his voice steady despite his weakened state. "I serve Sasuke-sama. My loyalty is to him, and by extension, to Konoha. I have no interest in harming this village."

Tsunade regarded him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. I'll examine him and do what I can to stabilize his condition. But make no mistake, Sasuke—your position here is precarious. I'm allowing this because Naruto believes in you. Don't make me regret it."

"Understood, Hokage-sama." Sasuke inclined his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

Tsunade sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Take him to the hospital. Shizune, make the arrangements."

As Sasuke turned to leave, Jūgo following silently, Tsunade called out one final time. "Sasuke."

He paused, glancing back over his shoulder.

"I'll hold you to your word," she said firmly. "And if you betray this village, not even Naruto will be able to save you."

Sasuke's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Understood."

With that, he and his companions left the office, the tension lingering in the air like a storm waiting to break. Tsunade watched them go, her mind racing. She didn't trust Sasuke—not fully—but for now, she would play along. For now, she would wait and see.