Two weeks had passed since Jiraiya and Naruto's departure, and the Uchiha training grounds had become Sasuke's personal forge. The air crackled with the energy of his relentless training, the whoosh of his movements echoing through the clearing. He was a whirlwind of motion, practicing Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Shurikenjutsu with a fierce determination.
"Demonic Illusion: Double False Surroundings!" he muttered, his Sharingan blazing as he created illusory duplicates of the surrounding trees, testing his ability to maintain the Genjutsu while in motion. Kakashi, leaning against a tree trunk, his single visible eye narrowed in observation, offered occasional pointers.
"Remember, Sasuke," Kakashi drawled, his voice laced with his usual casual tone, "the key is to layer the illusions, create a sense of disorientation. Like, if you were fighting a really handsome guy, you would want to make him see 2 of you."
Sasuke, his brow furrowed, deactivated the Genjutsu. "Hn," he grunted.
Later that evening, Sasuke's attention shifting to the Rasengan swirling in his palm. "Almost perfect." He had mastered the technique, now capable of wielding it in combat.
His internal interface flickered into view:
(Name: Sasuke Uchiha)
(Age: 13)
(Chakra Reserves: 16250/17100 [Elite-Chunin])
(Chakra Control: 46%)
(Ninjutsu: Proficient)
(Genjutsu: Proficient)
(Taijutsu: Proficient)
(Shurikenjutsu: Intermediate)
(Sharingan: 48/50 [Level 2])
"Elite-Chunin?" Sasuke muttered, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. "What kind of rank is that? Why not just Jonin?" He glared at the invisible interface, as if it could hear him. "This system makes no sense."
Sasuke thought, 'I have to achieve 3-tomoe in Sharingan before Naruto returns. I can't afford to fall behind anymore.'
_______
The sterile white corridors of Konoha Hospital had become a familiar sight for Sasuke. He visited Kiba and Choji regularly, their shared room now a hub of lively conversation. Kiba, his energy returning, regaled them with exaggerated tales of his recovery, while Choji, his appetite returning with a vengeance, devoured mountains of food.
"Sasuke, you're actually… nice person," Kiba said, his eyes wide with disbelief. "It's weird, but… kinda cool."
Choji nodded, his mouth full of rice balls. "Yeah," he mumbled. "Thanks for visiting."
Shikamaru, Ino, Sakura, and Tenten also frequented the room, their interactions with Sasuke now marked by a comfortable camaraderie. Sakura's eyes sparkled whenever he spoke, while Ino engaged him in playful banter.
"You know, Sasuke," Ino purred, her eyes flashing, "you're almost… charming, when you're not being a brooding avenger."
Sakura, her cheeks flushed, elbowed Ino playfully. "Don't listen to her, Sasuke-kun," she said, her voice soft. "You're perfect just the way you are."
_________
At the Hyuga Compound, the atmosphere was markedly different. Neji, his expression focused and determined, sparred with Hiashi, their movements a blur of precise strikes and counters. With him is Hinata, her eyes filled with quiet resolve, practiced her Gentle Fist techniques, her movements fluid and graceful.
Sasuke sought out Rock Lee at the training grounds, his expression serious. "Lee," he said, his voice firm, "I want you to train me in Taijutsu."
Lee's eyes widened, his youthful face alight with enthusiasm. "Sasuke!" he exclaimed, his voice booming. "This is a splendid idea! But… why?"
"I'm interested in learning the Eight Inner Gates," Sasuke replied, his gaze unwavering.
Lee's enthusiasm faltered, replaced by a look of concern. "The Eight Gates?" he said, his voice hushed. "That is a dangerous technique! I cannot teach you without Guy-sensei's permission."
"Then...train me physically," Sasuke said, his voice insistent. "Prepare me for the Eight Gates."
Lee's eyes lit up once more, his youthful energy returning. "Excellent!" he declared, his voice filled with determination. "We will begin immediately! I will train you until you can crush mountains with your bare hands!"
He launched into a series of vigorous warm-up exercises, his green jumpsuit flashing as he moved with incredible speed. Sasuke, though initially taken aback by Lee's boundless energy, joined the training with a renewed sense of purpose.
_________
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen, his remaining arm bandaged, sat at his desk, his expression grave. Before him are Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Shikaku Nara. A letter lay open on the desk, its contents casting a shadow over the room.
"Sunagakure has requested an alliance," Hiruzen said, his voice heavy. "They have suffered significant losses."
Danzo's single visible eye narrowed. "They brought this upon themselves," he hissed, his voice laced with venom. "They attacked Konoha. They should pay the price."
The letter detailed Suna's losses: the Kazekage, Baki, and numerous Shinobi. It requested the return of their captured Shinobi, with compensation, and pleaded that they were also victims of Orochimaru's treachery.
"They are weak," Danzo continued, his voice relentless. "We should strike now, while they are vulnerable."
Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances. "Danzo," Koharu said, her voice laced with caution, "that is… unwise."
Shikaku, his expression thoughtful, spoke up. "An alliance may be beneficial," he said, his voice calm. "Suna is weakened, but they are still a powerful force."
"They betrayed us!" Danzo snarled, his voice rising. "They deserve nothing but destruction!"
Hiruzen raised a hand, silencing the room. "Any decisions regarding Sunagakure," he said, his voice firm, "will be left to Tsunade. She will be the Godaime Hokage, and she will decide our course of action."
Danzo's jaw tightened, his single eye flashing with suppressed fury. He clenched his fist, his nails digging into his palm. 'Tsunade,' he thought, his mind seething with resentment. 'Why must they always choose weakness? I am the only one who can lead Konoha to greatness.'