One week later, the air within the Hokage's office was thick with tension. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, remained immersed in his efforts to contact Fugaku Uchiha and strategize a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict.
Meanwhile, Arashi and Sasuke devoted themselves to their training, determined to master the elusive art of infusing their weapons with lightning chakra. For Sasuke, the task seemed insurmountable. Arashi, however, thrived on the challenge, his Rinnegan granting him a unique perspective on the flow and manipulation of chakra.
"Just think of it like climbing a tree or walking on water," Arashi advised, his voice steady and encouraging. "Focus and manipulate your chakra. But tread carefully."
Sasuke, gasping for breath, finally collapsed onto the ground. "I'm... out of chakra," he admitted, exhaustion evident in his voice.
"No worries, take a break," Arashi said with a reassuring smile. "We've made progress, and it's getting dark anyway."
Sasuke watched Arashi, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. 'Why is he so stubborn about this jutsu? It seems impossible.'
Arashi, undeterred, formed the hand seals: Ox, Dog, Rat! He channeled a surge of chakra into his palm, his focus unwavering.
Lightning crackled around his hand, its intensity growing with each passing second. The air crackled with electricity as the energy enveloped the tanto he held. 'This is my only shot,' he thought, his determination burning bright. 'I've expended too much chakra already.'
Sasuke's eyes widened in awe. 'He actually did it... Unbelievable.'
"Agh!" Arashi winced, his grip tightening on the lightning-infused blade. 'It's so heavy.' Despite the searing pain and the blade cutting into his flesh, he managed to aim and unleash the pent-up energy.
Boom!
A deafening blast echoed through the forest as a volatile wave of lightning tore through the ground, racing towards the rock formations and targets.
Boom!
The lightning struck, pulverizing the rocks and obliterating the targets in a spectacular display of power.
Crack...
Above them, the already weakened rock formations began to crumble, threatening to bury them beneath a cascade of debris.
"Run!" Arashi shouted, grabbing Sasuke and pulling him away from the danger zone.
"I'm low on chakra; I can't climb any higher!" Sasuke exclaimed, his voice filled with panic as they scrambled for safety.
With a quick glance back at the crumbling rocks, Arashi tightened his grip on Sasuke's arm, formed a hand seal, and executed a Body Flicker Jutsu, teleporting them both to safety just as the canyon collapsed behind them.
Pant... Pant...
"That was too close," Sasuke gasped, his chest heaving from the adrenaline rush.
Arashi stumbled, his knees buckling as he landed. "Ugh!"
"You saved us," Sasuke acknowledged, looking at Arashi with a newfound respect.
Arashi managed a weak smile. "I couldn't do anything," Sasuke mumbled, his frustration evident.
Lying on the ground, Arashi felt drained but knew they couldn't stay there. "Sasuke, let's head back. I'm wiped out."
"Need a hand?" Sasuke offered.
"Yeah, I'm practically dead. Could you help me out while my chakra restores?"
Sasuke hoisted Arashi up, supporting him as they began the trek back to the village. After a few minutes, Arashi felt his chakra levels replenish enough to walk on his own.
"See you later, Sasuke!"
"Bye!" Sasuke responded, waving before heading home, his own exhaustion catching up with him.
As Arashi strolled back, he spotted Shisui and, with a burst of energy, leaped onto his back. "Shisui-Nii-san!"
"Arashi? Thought you were home by now," Shisui said, surprised but not displeased by the sudden weight on his back.
"Just got back from training with Sasuke. We were working on our ninjutsu," Arashi explained, his voice filled with excitement.
"Really? You created a jutsu?" Shisui exclaimed, impressed. He gently set Arashi down on his feet.
Arashi pouted . "Why'd you put me down? I'm exhausted."
"Was just wondering if this was one of your prank jutsu," Shisui teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"No way!" Arashi protested, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "This jutsu is legit. It's like your Halo Dance, but even better!" He clenched his fist, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Shisui grinned and hoisted Arashi back onto his back. "Better, you say? I can't wait to hear all about it. How does miso ramen for dinner sound?"
"Really? Awesome!" Arashi's face lit up.
"Then let's hear about this amazing jutsu of yours as we head home," Shisui said, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Arashi eagerly launched into a detailed account of his and Sasuke's training session, his voice animated as they walked through the darkening streets of the Uchiha compound. Shisui listened attentively, his pride in his little brother growing with each word.
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Meanwhile, as Shisui and Arashi made their way home, filled with the warmth of shared laughter and anticipation, Sasuke arrived at his own house, a stark contrast to their cheerful atmosphere.
"I'm home," Sasuke announced, his voice devoid of its usual energy.
Mikoto, who had just finished preparing dinner, looked up with a concerned expression. "Sasuke? Are you alright? Come eat, and you can tell me all about it."
"I'll eat later, thank you," Sasuke replied politely, though his tone remained distant.
He trudged upstairs to his room, a heavy weight settling on his shoulders. Once inside, he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling with a mix of frustration and self-doubt.
'I was so useless back there... Arashi had to save my life because I didn't have enough chakra to even walk?'
He closed his eyes, the memory of Arashi's powerful jutsu flashing before him. 'Even then, Arashi was much more powerful than I was. I couldn't even mold my chakra enough for it to be visible, but he destroyed the entire canyon and was still stronger than me.'
"Damn it," Sasuke muttered, clenching his fist in frustration. 'He's so much stronger than me... How can I even begin to compete? I'm nothing compared to him.'
His thoughts spiraled into a vortex of self-doubt, threatening to consume him. But then, as he caught his reflection in the mirror, something shifted within him. His eyes hardened, and his demeanor transformed from defeat to unwavering determination.
'No more,' he vowed silently, his gaze burning with newfound resolve. 'I'll train harder than I've ever trained. I won't stop until I surpass you, Arashi Uchiha!'