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Chapter 3: Another Sasuke, Who Is Already Doubting the Truth?
Uzumaki Naruto: "The Sasuke in this world seems to be worse; his eyes don't move at all!"
Uchiha Sasuke: "Idiot, Naruto, shut up!"
Senju Hashirama: "I can't seem to see any difference... Is there a difference between the two worlds?"
Senju Tobirama: "As it currently stands, the Uchiha Sasuke from this parallel world appears more emotionally stable! This isn't right; this isn't Uchiha!"
Everyone in the ninja world was stunned.
Senju Tobirama's words had caught their attention.
The Sasuke from the original world was very emotional at this time.
Fear, despair, sadness, anger, hatred...
All these emotions were intertwined.
But the Uchiha Sasuke from the parallel world didn't seem to have any emotion at all!
On the contrary!
His expression was very calm!
It even appeared as if he was pondering something!
Orochimaru: "Interesting, this Uchiha Sasuke is very different, I wonder what he's thinking now."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Shouldn't the little Sasuke be too agitated, to the point of breaking down?"
Uchiha Mikoto: "Probably not..."
[Uchiha Sasuke was recalling something at that moment.]
[Yesterday afternoon, when school was about to end, Teacher Iruka suddenly announced that they needed to add extra classes!]
[After several hours of continuous classes, school didn't end until it was completely dark.]
[Afterwards, he ran home only to find corpses all over the place.]
[Is there any connection between the two events?]
[Ninja School has never had such a sudden addition of classes before!]
[Why was there a sudden class addition yesterday?]
[And several hours of extra classes at that!]
[Right after this, Uchiha Itachi slaughtered the entire clan!]
[Isn't this too coincidental?]
Boom!
There was an uproar!
Almost everyone's face changed.
Uchiha Sasuke, even after the massacre of his parents and the entire clan by his own brother, was still emotionally stable, calmly contemplating such matters?
Was he actually doubting the truth behind the genocide?
Is this a seven-year-old's line of reasoning?
Uzumaki Naruto: "Was there an extra class at that time? Why can't I remember?"
Haruno Sakura: "I also seem to recall that several classes were suddenly added one day."
Yamanaka Ino: "I have some impressions as well."
Nara Shikamaru: "Interesting, I remember it very clearly; after that unexpected extra class, Sasuke didn't come to school the next day. Is there any connection between these events?"
Iruka: "I remember it too. I was suddenly notified that we had to complete several important lessons on the same day."
Sarutobi Hiruzen broke out in a cold sweat.
Why would Sasuke in the parallel world think of such a thing?
Onoki: "The old man's guess is correct, there is indeed a conspiracy!"
Terumi Mei: "It's incredible that a seven-year-old could come up with these ideas and think calmly at that time!"
Orochimaru: "Sensei Sarutobi, how do you explain this?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was silently cursing in his heart.
This group seemed to think nothing of watching the excitement!
After considering the reasons, Sarutobi Hiruzen began to counter:
"Don't make unfounded accusations!"
"I did notice something unusual in the village. I rallied people to address it, but we were too late."
"In order to prevent the students of the ninja academy from being influenced, we've temporarily increased the number of classes to keep them within the academy."
Tobirama Senju said, "It's a reasonable step. But Hiruzen, your realization of such a significant matter in the village has come late. You've still been negligent."
Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, "What the teacher points out is true—I, as the Hokage, did not respond promptly when the incident occurred suddenly. It's something I must reflect upon."
After speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi heaved a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of the situation was barely manageable.
Gold-framed screen.
[Hiruzen Sarutobi enters the ward, offering the same set of reassurances.]
["I have arranged a place for you in the village center. Someone can assist with moving your belongings. You needn't return to that sorrowful place," he said with a kind expression.]
[However, Sasuke's reaction was unexpected.]
[Sasuke's eyes sparked with resolve as he said, "Master Hokage, I want to return and organize my parents' things."]
["No matter how scared I am, I have to confront the truth. Escaping won't solve anything."]
["I've made my decision!"]
[Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then nodded in agreement.]
["Alright."]
["Sasuke, I am heartened to see you gather your courage."]
["If it proves too overwhelming, do not push yourself."]
["Let me know if you face any hardships. As the village's Hokage, it's my duty to protect every citizen of Konoha!"]
[Sasuke nodded in response: "I will, thank you, Hokage-sama."]
Kakashi Hatake remarked, "Excellent, the Sasuke of this parallel world is not only calmer but more mature as well."
He had gone through the same experience.
Also at the age of seven.
That morning, when he woke up, he discovered his father in a pool of blood.
His father's renowned blade, the White Fang, was embedded in his abdomen.
He couldn't recall what followed.
Dazed, he didn't know what actions he took during that time.
After all, he was only seven and had already been a Chūnin for a year.
Moreover, earlier, there had been harsh public opinion against his father in the village.
In contrast, Sasuke's family had been content the day before the tragedy, only for his brother to later murder their parents and massacre the entire clan.
Despite this, Sasuke from this parallel world could still muster the courage to face reality.
Stronger than Kakashi had been at the same age.
[Later.]
[Sasuke, led by an Anbu, returned to the Uchiha district.]
[The bloodstains had not yet been cleared.]
[Several Anbu, in animal masks, were disposing of the bodies inside a house.]
[Seeing such a horrific sight, Sasuke's breathing became labored.]
[A dormant part of his brain began to activate.]
[His eyes started to throbbing.]
[The emerging shape of the Sharingan became evident in both of his eyes.]
[Sasuke didn't stop; he walked past the blood and towards his house.]