Chapter 78: Chapter 79: Sasuke’s Resolve – "I Love Konoha"
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Morning at the Hokage's Office
The next day began early in Konoha. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was already at his desk, summoning Yamato to discuss an urgent matter.
Yamato, known for his mastery of the Wood Style, entered the office with a calm demeanor. "Hokage-sama, you called for me?" he asked.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff from his pipe and nodded. "Yes, Tenzo. You're aware of the events during the Chūnin Exams, correct?"
"Yes," Yamato replied seriously. "Although there were some disturbances, the damage was minimal. However..." He paused, his voice tinged with curiosity. "The battle between Naruto and Sunagakure's Tailed Beast significantly altered the terrain of the Forest of Death."
The Hokage chuckled softly. "Indeed. That's why I need you, Yamato."
Yamato tilted his head, confused. "To... restore the forest?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Exactly. You are the only ninja besides Senju Hashirama and Naruto capable of wielding Wood Style. This is your responsibility."
Yamato sighed but managed a smile. "Understood, Hokage-sama. I'll handle it."
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A Discovery in the Forest
Later, Yamato ventured to the Forest of Death to begin his work. But what he found left him baffled.
"This… this can't be right," Yamato muttered, surveying the dense, flourishing greenery. "These trees weren't here yesterday. And this isn't natural growth—it's the result of Wood Style!"
He touched one of the trees, feeling the lingering chakra. "Could it be Naruto?" he wondered aloud. Yamato marveled at the thought. Naruto's Wood Style surpasses mine already?
Without hesitation, Yamato returned to the Hokage to report his findings.
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Sarutobi's Realization
Sarutobi Hiruzen listened carefully as Yamato described the situation. The old Hokage leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative.
"To master such a powerful version of Wood Style in so little time… Naruto truly carries the potential of the First Hokage," Hiruzen murmured. After a moment, he gave Yamato a pointed look. "If anyone asks, say it was your Wood Style. Do not let this spread."
Yamato hesitated but nodded. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
As Yamato left, Jiraiya walked into the office, leading a bruised and battered Sasuke Uchiha. Sarutobi raised an eyebrow. "Jiraiya? You've returned. And with… Sasuke?"
Jiraiya grinned. "Yeah, I'm back. I wanted to ask you about Naruto. How strong is he now?"
The Hokage puffed his pipe and replied, "Much stronger than I was at his age. He's extraordinary."
Jiraiya chuckled. "Figures. He refused to become my disciple and insisted I take this guy instead." He gestured toward Sasuke, who glared in defiance.
Hiruzen glanced at Sasuke, unimpressed. Despite Sasuke's reputation as a genius, the Hokage saw him as lacking the true spark of greatness. "So, what do you plan to do with him?" Hiruzen asked Jiraiya.
Jiraiya scratched his head. "Teach him what I can. But honestly, I'm more interested in guiding Naruto. He's got potential that could shape the future of the ninja world."
Sarutobi nodded in agreement but steered the conversation back to another pressing matter. "Jiraiya, I've been considering stepping down. I want you to become Hokage."
Jiraiya immediately shook his head. "You know I'm not cut out for that, Sensei. But I'll bring Tsunade back. She's better suited for the role."
Hiruzen sighed, relieved. "Thank you, Jiraiya. And about Naruto…"
"I plan to take him with me," Jiraiya interrupted. "He's powerful but still young. He needs guidance."
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A New Challenge for Sasuke
As they walked through the streets of Konoha, Jiraiya glanced back at Sasuke. "Kid, don't look so bitter. You're talented, but you're nowhere near strong enough to face Naruto."
Sasuke frowned but stayed silent, knowing Jiraiya spoke the truth. He finally asked, "What will you teach me?"
Jiraiya smirked. "Not techniques. What you need is knowledge."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Knowledge?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Do you know about the Senju clan?"
"They were the Uchiha's rivals and co-founders of Konoha," Sasuke replied.
"Correct," Jiraiya said. "But here's the thing. The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, didn't trust the Uchiha. He studied your clan in-depth, recording everything he learned about Sharingan, its strengths, and its weaknesses. That knowledge is sealed in Konoha."
Sasuke's eyes widened. "You're saying Tobirama documented how to counter the Uchiha?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Exactly. If you can get access to those records, you'll not only understand the Sharingan better but also learn how to overcome its limitations."
Sasuke clenched his fists, excitement bubbling within him. The idea of surpassing his clan's weaknesses was tantalizing.
"But there's a catch," Jiraiya continued. "You'll need permission from the Third Hokage to access those manuscripts. If you can prove your loyalty to Konoha and secure those records, I'll officially take you on as my disciple."
With that, Jiraiya disappeared in a flash, leaving Sasuke standing alone.
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Sasuke's Resolve
Sasuke turned toward the Hokage building, determination etched on his face. He rehearsed the words he would say. I love Konoha.
The weight of those words felt heavy, but Sasuke knew this was his chance. Not just to learn the secrets of his clan, but to grow stronger—strong enough to rival Naruto.
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