Kakashi, concealed in the shadows, nearly lost his balance and teetered off the rooftop.
He could scarcely believe that mere moments ago, he harbored ill feelings toward Sasuke. Now, he clung to the boy as if he were a precious artifact, his gaze voraciously consuming every detail.
Kakashi was left speechless.
Oh, the fickleness of women!
Wasn't it just moments ago that they despised Sasuke, eager to deal him a harsh blow? And yet, this abrupt reversal.
"Boy, heed my words, you squander your potential under Kakashi's tutelage!"
"Embrace me as your mentor! I shall teach you the art of illusion, and I vouch that you shall reign as the most formidable illusionist in all of Konoha... Nay, in the entire ninja world!"
"With Uchiha's Sharingan and your perverse talent for illusion, you shall undoubtedly ascend to become the foremost illusionist in the future!"
Excitement animated Hong, rendering her oblivious to the bafflement gripping her three disciples.
This Sasuke, it seemed, had learned their teacher's illusions!
And it appeared that he had driven their teacher to utter madness with his innate talent.
Was this boy truly as formidable as they perceived?
"Damn it, why are you so certain about Sasuke?"
"Why?" Hong's voice resonated with the triumph of a discoverer.
She hastened to elucidate her astonishing findings to Kakashi.
"Have you ever seen a ninja who can master a jutsu on the first attempt? And not just any jutsu, but an advanced illusion. He learned it not only instantly, but he even ensnared me in my own illusion!"
"A talent such as Sasuke's is wasted under your guidance. Only under my wing can his gift for illusion truly flourish!"
"Upon my disciples, none possess the talent for illusion—only Sasuke. His potential as an illusionist will remain untapped in your care!"
Hong seemed desperate to prevent Sasuke from escaping her grasp. Her hands clamped onto his shoulders, an unyielding grip refusing to relent.
At this juncture, Kakashi made his appearance.
"Red! He belongs to my Team 7!"
Hong retorted with fiery resolve, "Sasuke is under my charge, no matter your argument! Finally, Konoha boasts a ninja of profound illusionary talent!"
"Feh, you all may have found suitable successors, but I, after all these years, have finally discovered a Yakumo. A backward glance..."
"Whatever the case, I will not relinquish Sasuke. Regardless of your reasoning, his illusionary potential shall not be squandered!"
Kakashi looked at Sasuke, and Sasuke gazed back, their silent exchange bearing profound implications.
Kakashi appeared to comprehend Sasuke's intentions—doing so might deliver a serious blow to Hong.
'Perhaps it's best... That sight would be too cruel. I'd rather not witness it.'
With this realization, Kakashi offered a friendly warning to Hong, "Be prepared, Hong!"
With that, Kakashi vanished from sight.
Hong stood momentarily frozen, surprised by Kakashi's quick acquiescence.
She had expected a prolonged struggle with Kakashi!
But Kakashi was gone, leaving Sasuke in her custody.
"Very well, Teacher Hong, let us proceed! I yearn to learn more extraordinary illusions!"
"Of course, feel free to learn to your heart's content under my tutelage!"
A phantom ninja prodigy like Sasuke was a rare find, and Hong was eager to nurture his potential.
Hinata and her companions watching nearby couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Their own mentor had never treated them with such kindness.
Hong's demeanor was delicate and gentle, as if speaking too loudly would disturb Sasuke.
How much could he learn?
Sasuke's sinister smile remained, savoring this victory.
In the evening, as Sasuke walked home, a satisfied smile played across his lips.
"Illusion... truly magnificent!"
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Xi Hihong resembled a desolate old man, perched on a park bench, gazing listlessly at the sunset as if hollowed out.
Behind him, Hinata and the others appeared equally disheartened.
Kakashi sighed from his concealed vantage point.
'I warned her... but she didn't listen!'
Hong continued to mutter to herself.
"Monstrous! He's an absolute monster!"
"That brat... learned all my illusions... in a single afternoon!"
"And his illusionary power... it surpasses mine!"
"Even though he has Sharingan... he only possesses Three Tomoe, not Mangekyo Sharingan. How can his illusions be so potent?"
Recalling those illusions, Hong couldn't deny their verisimilitude, even though she knew they were illusions.
They felt so real, down to the minutest details. The wind against her skin felt unbelievably authentic.
Hong had never encountered such a phenomenon before.
"Is this the prodigy of illusion?"
Ordinary phantom ninjas paled in comparison.
Hinata and her companions witnessed Sasuke's gradual conquest of their teacher, forcing her to endure great suffering.
As disciples, the trio felt despondent.
It was a stark reminder of the vast chasm separating individuals.
Though they had attempted to learn illusions, the complexities proved insurmountable.
In contrast, Sasuke had effortlessly mastered all of their teacher's illusions in a single afternoon.
He had even exceeded their teacher's prowess.
"That monster... I never want to see him again."
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