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Two black streaks sped through the forest.
Though they had plans to draw attention, Gensou and Sasuke didn't stop as they journeyed through the Land of Fire, continuing their search for sage techniques.
Sage techniques, or rather the use of natural energy, were most famously associated with the three great sacred places.
Apart from these, some individuals or groups had also acquired the ability to utilize natural energy through various opportunities.
For instance, Jugo and the monks of the Fire Temple who possessed the Talent of the Sage Clan.
The next destination for Gensou also had individuals who mastered natural energy and developed incredibly powerful techniques, forcing Konoha to classify these as forbidden techniques and to make an alliance to prevent their dissemination.
Konoha had an agreement with this clan, pledging to send assistance if they were ever attacked.
"Hopefully, this time I'll gain something," Gensou said calmly as he looked towards the towering mountain at the edge of his vision.
This trip served multiple purposes: drawing Konoha's attention away from Jomae Village, familiarizing himself with the Mangekyou Sharingan, further researching Yin-attribute chakra, and solving issues with the development of sage techniques.
Although the Talent of the Sage Clan contained the word "sage," it wasn't true Sage Mode. While it provided some inspiration, it wasn't enough.
Now, he set his sights on Mount Katsuragi.
With renewed determination, Gensou increased his speed towards the mountain.
Sasuke followed silently, keeping pace.
At the Fire Temple, when Kakashi led Teams 3 and 8 from Konoha to the temple, they were first greeted by the sight of the once formidable barrier wall now lying in ruins.
Kurenai, Asuma's girlfriend who had often heard about Chiriku and the Fire Temple, was well aware of the barrier's strength. Looking at the scene, she gravely reminded, "To break the barrier head-on, the person with Sasuke must be exceptionally strong."
No one believed Sasuke alone could have done it, considering his short time away from the village.
"Uchiha..." Kakashi pondered as he led the group into the temple. They were greeted by a monk who led them to Chiriku.
Apart from being slightly weary, Chiriku was unharmed and received the group with folded hands.
Chiriku recognized these veteran Konoha shinobi and wasted no time with formalities.
"I thought Asuma would lead this team," Chiriku remarked.
Kakashi, aware of Asuma and Chiriku's relationship and knowing Asuma's usual role in Fire Temple missions, didn't take offense.
"Asuma's team is on a mission and can't return soon. Due to the report of a Sharingan user, I'm leading this mission."
"So, Chiriku, is it true that Sasuke is accompanied by another Uchiha?" Kakashi asked seriously.
Recalling his confrontation with the masked man, Chiriku nodded solemnly:
"I saw it with my own eyes. That man's eyes were definitely Sharingan. With the Talent of the Sage Clan, I can resist most genjutsu, but facing him, I was ensnared instantly and couldn't break free until he left."
Even Chiriku, a formidable warrior, couldn't resist?
Kakashi frowned.
Even his Sharingan genjutsu might not achieve that.
Kakashi looked at Kurenai, a genjutsu master, who shook her head slightly, indicating she couldn't do it either.
"An Uchiha genjutsu master? Someone like Itachi? Or possibly someone with the Mangekyou Sharingan?" Kakashi speculated.
If it was the latter, things would be much more complicated.
Recalling his battle with Itachi, Kakashi felt a heavy weight.
He then inquired further about the appearance of the masked Uchiha.
Chiriku shook his head, stating the man wore a white whirlpool mask, making it difficult to identify him beyond being an adult male.
However, details about Sasuke from monks who had fought him provided Kakashi's team with clear information.
"Three-tomoe Sharingan, lightning chakra transformation, Chidori techniques. Sasuke, your progress is impressive," Kakashi thought with mixed feelings.
"I expected nothing less from your student, Kakashi!" Guy cheerfully patted Kakashi's shoulder.
Kakashi sighed, "Guy, you didn't need to say that."
Though he knew Guy meant well, Kakashi felt a bit overwhelmed.
"A three-tomoe Sharingan is challenging without a jonin's assistance," Shino stated, finally speaking up.
Adjusting his sunglasses and looking around, Shino realized no one responded to him.
"Again..."
Shino quietly withdrew, feeling a bit isolated.
Despite the lack of immediate acknowledgment, Shino's words rang true. Even though Kiba boasted he could handle Sasuke alone, the jonin knew the difficulty of facing a three-tomoe Sharingan.
"We need to adjust our plan," Kakashi said.
Originally, the three jonin would handle the masked Uchiha, leaving the others to deal with Sasuke. But with Sasuke's strength, they needed to assign a jonin to him as well.
Guy agreed to follow Kakashi's lead, and Kurenai had no objections.
After quickly revising their strategy, Kakashi's team bid farewell to Chiriku and began tracking Sasuke and his companion.
"Byakugan!"
Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the area for any clues within a kilometer radius.
"Hinata-sama..."
Neji, noticing Hinata's determination, also activated his Byakugan, assisting in the search.
Meanwhile, Kiba and Akamaru sniffed around for scents gathered at the Fire Temple.
Shino unleashed his insect swarm to scout the surroundings.
This was why Tsunade specifically included Team 8; they excelled in tracking.
Before long, they found a trail.
Led by Team 8, the group swiftly moved in the direction Gensou and Sasuke had taken, pursuing them through the dense forest.
(End of Chapter)