[300 Power Stones Reached!!! Let's Go For A Million!]
Huff... huff... huff... The relentless sprint had made Sasuke, already severely injured, feel even worse.
But he gritted his teeth and endured, his eyes fixed firmly on Gensou.
With the insight granted by his Sharingan, he could distinguish between a living person and an Edo Tensei body.
Combining the information from Naruto and Sakura with his own reaction to Gensou's presence, it was undeniable that this legendary figure, who once rivaled gods and overshadowed the Five Kage, had truly broken free from death and returned to the world.
Such power, such an extraordinary person, even the one he hated so much couldn't compare.
With this in mind, Sasuke didn't hesitate, intercepting Gensou and speaking directly, "I want to become stronger! No matter what method, as long as it makes me stronger, I'm willing to do anything you ask!"
Hearing this, Gensou took a bite of his takoyaki and glanced at Sasuke in surprise.
He hadn't expected Sasuke to come seeking power from him.
Was this kid always so bold?
Wasn't he afraid Gensou would kill him?
Or perhaps it was the confidence from being an Uchiha, from having the Sharingan?
Gensou's guess was quite accurate.
As the sole surviving member of the Uchiha clan in Konoha, bearing the powerful Sharingan, Sasuke knew he was highly coveted by people like Orochimaru, which indirectly made him understand his own importance.
Things of rarity are precious.
No one would ignore an Uchiha.
That was his confidence.
But this time was different.
Gensou wouldn't pamper Sasuke.
An Uchiha? He had seen plenty.
In the past, when the Hagoromo and Uchiha clans had signed a friendship treaty and were essentially allies, he had encountered many Uchiha with similar personalities, possibly even Sasuke's ancestors.
The Sharingan, which seemed formidable in today's shinobi world, was just another tool in his eyes.
Unless it was a Mangekyo Sharingan, it wouldn't catch his attention.
"Kid? Has no one taught you how to properly ask for something?" Gensou said, brushing past Sasuke without another glance.
Despite the historical camaraderie between the Hagoromo and Uchiha clans and numerous intermarriages, Gensou had always found Madara's arrogance distasteful, though he had admired Madara's brother, Izuna.
Until that wretched Tobirama had treacherously attacked and killed him...
The past was the past, and the once-thriving Uchiha clan was now reduced to a single survivor.
For the sake of their historical alliance and Izuna's similar face, Gensou wouldn't harm Sasuke.
Further cooperation, however, depended on Sasuke's actions.
Seeing Gensou's dismissive attitude, Sasuke's face contorted.
Consumed by hatred, his life had always been self-centered.
As a proud Uchiha, even though Kakashi had taught him the Chidori, Sasuke had never called him "teacher," always using his name directly.
Thankfully, Kakashi, having experienced much, didn't mind. Another mentor would likely have shown Sasuke a different attitude.
'Hagoromo Gensou is not like Orochimaru, who covets my body and tolerates any rudeness,' Sasuke quickly realized.
In other matters, he might remain defiant, but for his revenge, he was willing to sacrifice everything! Thinking of his next encounter with Itachi, who would still look down on him, easily breaking his Chidori and mocking his wasted years...
Recalling how Naruto defeated the rampaging One-Tail Jinchuriki Gaara during the Chunin Exams, doing what he couldn't; and how, during the recent mission in the Land of Tea, Naruto was crucial in defeating Aoi Rokusho...
Sasuke clenched his fists in frustration.
Finally, he ran in front of Gensou again, lowering his proud head and bowing deeply.
"Hagoromo-sama, please teach me how to become stronger! I swear by the Uchiha name, as long as I can achieve my revenge, I am willing to do anything for you."
How rare~~ The sky cleared, the rain stopped, and Sasuke didn't feel so self-sufficient for once.
Gensou stopped, finished the last of his takoyaki, and asked, "Kid, do you know who I am?"
"The legendary Hagoromo Gensou!"
"Seems your history knowledge is lacking," Gensou remarked.
If Sasuke had continued his elite education within the Uchiha clan rather than being disrupted by the massacre and then taught by lower-ranked Chunin teachers, his current strength would be higher, and he would understand the historical significance of the Uchiha clan better.
For instance, the relationship between the Uchiha and Hagoromo clans.
If he knew about their long-term alliance, he could play the emotional card, considering Gensou was the clan leader, and Sasuke was the sole Uchiha survivor.
However, Sasuke might not even know about the Hagoromo clan, let alone the significance of his surname.
Never mind.
Gensou shook his head and looked at Sasuke.
"If you want to follow me and seek greater power, you must leave Konoha. Can you do that?"
Sasuke lowered his head in silence, then his eyes showed determination.
Kakashi and Konoha had nothing more to teach him.
Even Kakashi himself had been defeated by Itachi.
Staying with them, he saw no hope.
Only someone more powerful, someone even Itachi would be dimmed by, was worth following.
So... Sasuke raised his head, ready to agree when he heard Naruto and Sakura calling from a distance.
"Sasuke! Where did you go?"
"Sasuke! Where are you?"
"He's been gone so long. Could he be in danger?"
"Naruto, stop jinxing!"
"Sasuke..."
"..."
The voices grew closer.
Sasuke, about to agree, was suddenly flooded with memories of his time with Naruto and Sakura, making the words difficult to say.
"Looks like you're not fully committed," Gensou noted, noticing everything.
"When you're truly ready to cut all ties, come find me at the Valley of End."
With that, Gensou disappeared.
Sasuke, wanting to say something but too late, stared at the spot where Gensou vanished, feeling conflicted.
The next second.
"Sasuke! Finally found you!"
Naruto, the first to spot Sasuke, sighed in relief and ran over, grumbling,
"Where did you go? We haven't even eaten."
Sakura, arriving a bit later, pushed aside the complaining Naruto and asked with concern,
"Sasuke, are you okay? Did your bandages tear?"
"I'm fine."
Sasuke withdrew his gaze, looked calmly at Naruto and Sakura, and said,
"I just went for a walk. Let's go back."
And find an opportunity to settle this once and for all.
(End of Chapter)