Chapter 41

The Raikage's office was tense, the kind of tension that could snap steel. Naruto and Sasuke stood before the massive man himself, Ay, the Fourth Raikage. His sheer presence was overwhelming, radiating authority and raw power. Beside him stood Darui, calm yet alert, and Mabui, who seemed unfazed by the chaos around her. Sasuke's gaze lingered on Mabui for a moment too long, and he quickly turned away, his ears slightly pink. Naruto noticed and made a mental note to tease him about it later—if they survived.

The Raikage's voice boomed, reverberating through the room. "Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, I'm told. Explain yourselves. Why were you trespassing on our sacred island? How did you find the island?"

Naruto, never one to shy away from authority, stepped forward. "We were shipwrecked! It wasn't our fault. We didn't even know it was sacred."

"Convenient excuse, brat," Ay said. His eyes narrowed, unconvinced.

Sasuke, already growing tired of the formalities, stepped forward, his sharingan blazing. "Enough of this charade." A Chidori sparked to life in his hand, crackling with intensity.

Before Sasuke could take another step, Darui acted. His hand moved swiftly, and a bolt of black lightning surged through the air, heading straight for Sasuke. Sasuke countered instinctively, his Chidori meeting the black lightning in a clash of raw energy. The force pushed Sasuke back, forcing him to one knee. He stared at Darui, shocked. "Black Lightning…?"

The Raikage's lips curled into a smirk, impressed despite himself. "Gutsy, Uchiha, but reckless. Trying to start a war in my village?"

"Wait, wait! Sasuke, stop! Raikage-sama, we didn't mean any harm—" Naruto started and raised his hands, trying to defuse the situation.

But Sasuke cut him off with a gesture of his hand, his gaze locked onto Darui. He stood up slowly, brushing the dirt from his clothes, his sharingan spinning with renewed determination. "Raikage, I have a proposition."

The room fell silent, the audacity of Sasuke's words hanging in the air. Ay leaned forward, his glare intense.

"You've got nerve, brat. Speak, before I end this conversation—and you."

Sasuke didn't flinch. His voice was calm, almost indifferent. "I heard about your predecessor's attempt to secure the Byakugan from the Hyuga Clan. Your village kidnapped a girl I know."

"Careful, Uchiha." The Raikage's face darkened, his fist clenching.

Sasuke raised a hand, as if to wave off the tension. "Relax. That's not the issue. But it sets the table for my proposition." He pointed to Darui. "The man at your right—his Black Lightning intrigues me. He will teach me his technique. And you, Raikage, will teach me as well."

The Raikage shot to his feet, his towering frame casting a shadow over Sasuke. "The insolence! You think you can walk in here and demand training from me and my people?"

Sasuke's sharingan swirled, his gaze unyielding. "In exchange, I offer you the sharingan."

The entire room went still. Even Naruto, who had been trying to calm the situation, froze. "Sasuke, what the hell are you—"

Sasuke continued, ignoring Naruto's protests. "I will remain here as your… guest. Long enough for a woman of your choosing to bear a child. The sharingan will live on in your village."

The Raikage's eyes gleamed with a dangerous hunger. He sat back down, his fingers steepled in thought. "You're serious?"

Sasuke nodded, unwavering. "I can't stay forever, but I'll give you this: I'll train your chosen candidate in the use of the sharingan, once they've unlocked it; furthermore, I'll write a detailed scroll of my clan's techniques to be handed down to the child."

The Raikage's fist slammed onto the surface of his desk, the wood cracking under the force. "You'll stay until the child is born, Uchiha. No less. And in return, I will teach you my Lightning Release Armor. Darui will teach you Black Lightning."

"Deal," Sasuke said immediately.

Naruto stared at Sasuke, his face a mix of horror and disbelief. He blinked and licked his suddenly dry lips. "Sasuke, are you insane? You can't just—"

"Quiet, Naruto," Sasuke said sharply, his voice brooking no argument. "This is my decision."

The Raikage leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. "Good. Then let's begin."

As the meeting concluded, Sasuke turned to leave, his mind already calculating his next steps. Naruto grabbed his arm, pulling him aside. "Sasuke, what are you doing? You can't trust them."

Sasuke's gaze was cold, detached. "This isn't about trust, Naruto. It's about power. The stronger I become, the closer I get to ending this war—and my brother."

Naruto shook his head, his voice low. "You're playing with fire, Sasuke. Or lightning. Whatever. Just don't forget who you are, why we are here."

Sasuke didn't respond. He walked out of the Raikage's office, his thoughts focused on the power he would gain—and the price he would pay for it.

—

The warm scent of freshly cooked ramen wafted through Ichiraku as Ino, Sakura, and Hinata sat at their usual booth. It was a rare moment of peace for the three kunoichi, their schedules so often packed with missions and training. Teuchi and Ayame bustled behind the counter, their chatter blending into the soft hum of the busy restaurant.

Sakura leaned back in her seat, a proud grin on her face as she recounted her battle with Sasori. "So there I was, face to face with one of the most powerful puppeteers Suna had ever produced, Sasori of the Red Sand! He had hundreds of puppets, poison, and even the Third Kazekage's corpse at his disposal, but we still won. Chiyo-sama and I."

Hinata's lavender eyes sparkled with admiration. "That's incredible, Sakura. You've gotten so strong."

Sakura blushed slightly under Hinata's gaze, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear. "It wasn't just me. Chiyo helped a lot. And... well, I guess I've had good teachers."

Ino, however, was only half-listening, her sharp eyes darting between Sakura and Hinata. Something about the way they interacted—Sakura's casual warmth, Hinata's glowing smile—set off alarms in her head. She tapped her fingers on the counter impatiently before speaking up. "You two are awfully cozy," she said with a teasing edge. "What's going on here?"

Sakura and Hinata exchanged a glance, and for a brief moment, neither spoke. Ino narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What? What's that look? What aren't you telling me?" Hinata giggled awkwardly, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. The sound of her laugh seemed to irritate Ino more than it should have. "What's so funny, Hinata?" she snapped, folding her arms defensively.

Sakura placed a calming hand on Ino's shoulder. "Hey, relax. I know this is... sudden, and it might feel a little weird. That's why we wanted to talk to you."

Ino raised an eyebrow, her guard still up. "Talk to me about what?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment, glancing at Hinata, who nodded encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, Sakura continued, "Hinata and I... we're... together. We're still figuring out what it means, but we wanted you to know."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Ino blinked, stunned. She opened her mouth to speak but found she had no idea what to say. Finally, she managed, "Wait. Together together?"

"Yes." Sakura said.

Hinata nodded, her gaze soft but steady.

Ino leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. "Wow. Okay. That's... unexpected." She frowned slightly. "So, you're telling me this because...?"

"Because you're our friend," Sakura said earnestly. "And because... well, I know it might be awkward, considering everything. Naruto used to have feelings for me, and you're with him now. And Hinata... well, she—"

"Used to have a crush on Naruto," Ino finished for her, her tone sharper than she intended. She felt an uncomfortable knot forming in her chest. "Yeah, I know."

"I'm sorry if this makes things difficult for you, Ino. I never meant to—" Hinata looked down, her fingers twisting together nervously.

"It's not about that," Ino interrupted, though she wasn't entirely sure that was true. She sighed, running a hand through her blonde hair. "I mean, I guess it's kind of weird–not because you're together, because you're my friends–but... I'm happy for you both. Really."

Hinata looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "You are?"

"Yeah," Ino said with a small smile. "I mean, it's not like I have any claim over either of you, or any say in your lives. And honestly, if anyone deserves to find some happiness together, it's you two." She paused, her smile turning sly. "Although, I have to say, this is the last thing I expected when I came here today."

Sakura laughed, the tension easing. "You're not the only one."

The three of them shared a quiet moment of understanding, the initial awkwardness fading. Ino leaned forward, her playful demeanor returning. "So, who made the first move?"

Hinata blushed furiously, and Sakura chuckled. "We'll save that story for another day."

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Ino found herself relaxing. The knot in her chest began to loosen. It wasn't what she expected, but she could see the happiness in both of her friends' eyes. And maybe, just maybe, she could get used to this new dynamic.

—

The air atop the mountain crackled with tension, the faint smell of ozone lingering in the cold wind. The storm above was fierce, dark clouds swirling ominously, illuminated by occasional flashes of lightning. Sasuke stood at the edge of the rocky peak, his sharingan spinning as he observed the violent skies. Beside him, Darui leaned casually against a boulder, his sharp eyes fixed on the Uchiha.

"You've got some nerve, kid," Darui said, his voice calm but tinged with intrigue. "I don't train just anyone, you know. Raikage-sama was... hesitant about this arrangement."

Sasuke didn't respond immediately. Instead, he raised his hand, the faint blue glow of lightning chakra crackling at his fingertips. "You were curious about my Kirin," he said finally, his tone measured. "Let me show you."

Darui stood up straight, crossing his arms. "Alright, Uchiha. Impress me."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he focused, his hands moving in precise seals. He extended his arm, and a pulse of concentrated lightning shot upward, tearing through the air like a spear. The clouds above reacted almost instantly, rippling as if alive. Thunder roared, and the sky became a canvas of electrified chaos.

Then, Sasuke made a single hand gesture, and the storm obeyed.

A colossal bolt of lightning descended from the heavens, faster than the eye could follow. It morphed into a monstrous dragon, an ethereal blue with a faint outline of black. IIt struck a boulder on the nearby cliffside, vaporizing it into nothingness. The ground trembled from the sheer force of the attack, and the residual smell of scorched earth filled the air.

Darui whistled, clearly impressed. "Well, damn. That's something else. You're channeling the natural energy of the storm itself. Didn't think anyone outside the Cloud could pull something like that off."

"Your turn." Sasuke turned to him, a faint smirk on his lips.

Darui chuckled, stepping forward. "You've got raw power, kid. But let me show you what control looks like." He formed a single hand seal, and wisps of lightning gathered around him. At first they were electric blue, but then they seemed to darken, taking on an ominous hue. Black streaks of energy began to ripple through the air, crackling with an almost malevolent intensity.

"Black Lightning," Darui said simply, his voice steady. He extended his palm, and a storm of dark lightning surged outward, assuming the shape of a lurching panther and striking the surrounding terrain with precision. The lightning within the panther didn't just destroy—it corroded, leaving jagged, charred scars on the mountain's surface.

Sasuke's sharingan followed every movement, every perturbation of Darui's chakra, analyzing the technique. "It's denser than normal lightning chakra," he observed. "More focused. How do you maintain that level of control?"

Darui raised an eyebrow, impressed by Sasuke's sharp eye. "It's all about chakra flow. You've got to condense it, refine it. Black Lightning isn't just a flashy technique—it's a tool for precision and destruction. Takes practice, though. Years of it."

Sasuke smirked, the faint glow of his Chidori illuminating his face. "I don't have years. Show me."

The two shinobi spent the rest of the night exchanging techniques, the storm above acting as their ever-present training partner. Darui demonstrated the intricate flow required to maintain Black Lightning, his movements deliberate as he sent precise bolts crackling through the air. Sasuke, ever the prodigy, mimicked the technique with startling accuracy, his sharingan picking apart every detail.

Darui watched as Sasuke's Chidori began to shift, taking on a darker hue. It was now a dark violet interspersed with corruscating wisps of black lightning. "Not bad," Darui admitted. "But don't think you can master it in one night. This isn't just about chakra manipulation—it's about discipline."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, the faint glow of his curse mark flaring to life on his neck. "Discipline is something I've never lacked."

The Uchiha raised his hand, summoning a new wave of lightning chakra. The energy twisted and writhed, growing darker as he poured his focus into refining it. For a moment, the storm above seemed to respond, its lightning matching the sinister shade of Sasuke's evolving technique.

Darui frowned, sensing the raw, untamed power. "Careful, Uchiha. You're walking a fine line between control and chaos."

Sasuke didn't reply. Instead, he thrust his hand forward, releasing a bolt of lightning, black as a void, that tore through the air with devastating force. It struck another boulder, obliterating it in an explosion of rock and glass.

Darui let out a low whistle. "Alright, I'll admit it—you're a fast learner. But don't let that sharingan make you cocky. There's a difference between copying and mastering."

"I don't copy. I improve." Sasuke smirked, lowering his hand.

The two stood in silence for a moment, the storm raging around them. Darui finally spoke, his tone more serious. "You've got the power, kid. No doubt about that. But power without purpose? That's a dangerous thing. You'd better know what you're fighting for."

"I know exactly what my purpose is. My fight has been predetermined since I was a boy." Sasuke's smirk faded, replaced by a cold, determined expression.

Darui nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Let's see to it that you survive your training with Raikage-sama, first."

As the storm roared on, the two shinobi continued their training, each pushing the other to their limits. For Sasuke, it was another step closer to the strength he needed to achieve his goals. For Darui, it was a chance to witness the potential of a ninja who refused to be bound by limits. By the time dawn broke, the mountain bore the scars of their battle—charred earth, shattered stone, and the lingering hum of lightning in the air.

—

Naruto stormed into the Raikage's office, the doors slamming open with a loud thud. His eyes burned with frustration as he faced the imposing figure of the Raikage, who sat behind his massive desk, unbothered by the intrusion. Samui, Omoi, and Karui flanked him, their eyes widening at Naruto's audacity. Omoi attempted even now to persuade the blond against this reckless course of action.

"You can't seriously keep Sasuke here!" Naruto yelled, his voice echoing in the room. "This isn't some kind of negotiation—he's not a prisoner or… or a breeding mule!"

The Raikage leaned back in his chair, his massive arms crossed over his chest. His gaze was steady and unyielding. "Sasuke Uchiha is here of his own volition. He agreed to the terms himself. I haven't forced him to do anything."

Naruto clenched his fists, his voice rising. "Yeah, but you're manipulating him! You're dangling your Lightning Release Armor and that Black Lightning over his head! You're just using him!"

The Raikage smirked faintly. "And he's using me. That's how alliances work, kid. It's give and take."

"How can you be so sure you'll ever actually let him leave?" Naruto said briskly, frustration boiling over. "How do I know you're not just going to keep him here forever?"

The Raikage leaned forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over the room. "And why should I trust you, Naruto Uzumaki? You've come into my village, destroyed sacred land, and challenged my shinobi. Your track record isn't exactly pristine."

The tension in the room was palpable. Naruto took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Sasuke's my friend. My teammate. I won't just leave him behind, no matter what deals he's made with you. He belongs in the Leaf."

The Raikage's eyes narrowed, but then a thoughtful expression crossed his face. He glanced at Samui, Omoi, and Karui, who were watching the exchange silently. A sly smile crept across his lips.

"Fine," the Raikage said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "I'll give you my word that Sasuke is free to leave when he chooses. But you'll need some assurance, won't you?" He turned to his team of Chūnin, his smile widening. "You three will accompany Naruto back to the Leaf Village. Consider it an honorary ambassador assignment. And leverage to ensure Sasuke's continued… cooperation."

Samui raised an eyebrow, her calm demeanor barely masking her disbelief. She crossed her arms below her chest. "Raikage-sama, are you serious?"

"You can't be serious! We're not—" Karui's face twisted into a scowl.

The Raikage slammed his hand on the desk, silencing them. "I am dead serious. You'll represent our village in Konoha. And you'll make sure the Leaf knows we mean business. Understood?"

, "Man, this is gonna be such a drag…" Omoi scratched the back of his head, muttering to himself.

Samui sighed, her expression resigned but composed. "Understood, Raikage-sama."

Karui crossed her arms, grumbling under her breath but ultimately nodded as well.

Wait… you're sending them with me?" Naruto blinked, surprised by the sudden turn of events.

The Raikage smirked. "Consider it my gesture of good faith. If we don't hold up our end of the deal, they'll answer for it."

Naruto frowned but nodded slowly. "Alright, fine. But I'm holding you to your word, Raikage. Sasuke better come back when he's ready."

"He will. Now get out of my office before I change my mind." The Raikage leaned back in his chair, his confidence unwavering.

Naruto turned on his heel and left, the three Cloud shinobi reluctantly following him. As they exited the Raikage's tower, Karui muttered angrily, "I can't believe this. Babysitting the loudmouth Leaf ninja? What a nightmare."

Omoi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but at least their food's supposed to be decent. Maybe they've got good snacks…"

Samui remained silent, her sharp eyes focused on Naruto as he led the way. She had a feeling this assignment was going to be more complicated than any of them anticipated.