Hokage: I Confronted the Five Kage Before the System Arrived

Chapter 129: Who Is Truly Arrogant?

To be fair, at this moment, Konoha has not officially labeled Sasuke as a rogue ninja like they typically would for deserters.

The influence of Naruto and others is minimal in this decision; it is more about political considerations.

As the sole surviving member of the Uchiha clan from Konoha, Sasuke's status is too unique.

Even though the outside world mocks that one of Konoha's founders, the last Uchiha, has defected, as long as Konoha's officials do not confirm this, there remains room for maneuver and explanation.

The actual designation of Sasuke as a rogue ninja happened after Danzo took power.

As of now, Sasuke is not considered a rogue ninja.

This means that if Kakashi and his team bring him back to the village, under the leadership of Tsunade as the Hokage and with Danzo not in charge, there is a significant chance for him to return to his former status.

However, as the person involved, Sasuke does not appreciate this.

"Boring," he replied indifferently.

Return to Konoha? What is there worth remembering for him there?

Is it the place that allows him to become stronger, gaining the power to defeat Itachi Uchiha?

He had tried.

But even Kakashi, who taught him ninjutsu, was utterly powerless against Itachi. What use would it be to train under him?

Besides Kakashi, who else in Konoha could teach him?

As for bonds and relationships.

Indeed, Naruto holds an important place in his heart.

But he would not live for Naruto's sake.

Moreover, he now has more bonds.

Hagoromo Anki, Uchiha Izumi, and Uchiha Kei, blood relatives.

And the Hagoromo clan, who never looked at the Uchiha with prejudice like the villagers of Konoha.

In Lockfront Village, he felt a warmth he had long missed. Under Hagoromo Gengetsu's guidance, he could continually improve without worrying about any conspiracies or dangers.

So why should he return to Konoha?

Just because he was once a part of Konoha?

Just because of the so-called Will of Fire?

Seeing Kakashi and his team looking as if they were doing him a favor, Sasuke smirked disdainfully.

They all thought he was arrogant.

But they were the truly arrogant ones.

"It seems we can't reach an agreement."

Kakashi shook his head.

"Well then... attack!"

The sharp sounds of breaking air followed.

Without Naruto present to employ his Talk no Jutsu, the group stopped trying to persuade Sasuke and engaged him in combat as ninja would.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

Sasuke immediately gathered chakra in his throat and spat out flames.

In an instant, a massive fireball, about four to five meters high, shot towards the Konoha group with great momentum.

The team instantly scattered, avoiding the incoming fireball.

Sasuke was not surprised the Great Fireball missed its mark.

Not just him, but many Uchiha ninja's Great Fireball Jutsu had rarely killed anyone.

The reason they continued to use this Fire Style, aside from its small consumption and great power, was mainly to disperse the enemy's formation and disrupt their battle rhythm.

Just like now, knowing that Kakashi's team would approach from both sides of the fireball, Sasuke swiftly threw a barrage of shuriken to block their path in advance.

The sound of clashing metal echoed.

Facing the tricky and nearly indefensible Uchiha shuriken techniques, the Konoha team had to stop and defend again.

Surprisingly, Tenten, who had been silent and low-key, easily evaded the shuriken and unfurled two long scrolls, releasing a torrent of ninja tools towards Sasuke.

Sasuke was a bit surprised but dodged the weapons. Just as he was about to draw his sword, his Sharingan spun rapidly.

In his vision, a green figure was speeding towards him.

"Leaf Strong Hurricane!"

With a powerful sonic boom, a reverse kick carrying tremendous force came at him.

"So fast!"

Even though the Sharingan could see it, the short time was not enough for his body to react. Sasuke could only raise his left hand.

Boom!

The air exploded.

Sasuke's feet dragged out long marks on the ground as he was pushed back.

"Chance!"

Kiba's eyes lit up. He and Akamaru, now transformed, used the Fang Over Fang technique, turning into two high-speed tornadoes that charged at Sasuke.

Sasuke, still retreating, had lightning flash in his hand.

With two swipes, lightning flowed into the spinning tornadoes.

Kiba and Akamaru, feeling the numbing electricity, couldn't maintain their technique and fell to the ground.

"Is the gap really this big?"

Kiba, whose technique had been effortlessly broken, looked up at Sasuke in frustration.

But Sasuke did not even glance at him.

Just steadying himself, Sasuke saw Neji and Hinata in white, their Byakugan activated, attacking with rhythmic strikes.

"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"

Sasuke's Sharingan spun rapidly.

Sharingan versus Byakugan!

The Byakugan's 360-degree vision meant they didn't have to worry about making eye contact with the Sharingan like other ninjas.

With both sides having great insight, the ensuing taijutsu battle was exceptionally fierce.

Neji and Hinata's Gentle Fist, Sasuke's Uchiha-style taijutsu—within moments, they had exchanged countless probing moves, followed by collisions at angles ordinary people couldn't perceive.

However, these "ordinary people" didn't include Guy.

Another passionate cry of youth echoed on the battlefield.

Just as Sasuke deflected Neji and Hinata's attacks and chose not to engage further, Guy's attack pushed him back, avoiding their strikes.

Unexpectedly, Kakashi, who had been out of sight, suddenly appeared behind Sasuke, gripping his neck tightly with one hand and holding a kunai to his temple with the other, calmly declaring:

"It's over, Sasuke."

"Is it?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed.

Chidori Current!

A surge of lightning burst from his body, enveloping him.

Kakashi, taking the brunt of the attack, fell apart into earth and crumbled.

"A Mud Clone. Typical Kakashi."

Having spent time with Kakashi, Sasuke was unsurprised by his fondness for using clones in battle.

He pressed down, and the lightning transformed into a web, forcing back the approaching Konoha ninjas. Scanning his opponents, Sasuke assessed their strength.

"It's still not enough…"

Realizing all he could do was stall for time, Sasuke pulled back his right hand and drew his long sword with a metallic clang.

"No matter what, I must complete the task Hagoromo-sama assigned."

Sasuke's Sharingan spun once more as he prepared to take the initiative, aiming to control the battle's rhythm.

Suddenly, a hand rested on his shoulder.

"Good job."

As these words were spoken, Sasuke tensed, then quickly relaxed.

Hagoromo Gengetsu had made his entrance.