I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

"I'm sorry, but I refuse."

Sasuke's calm voice carried unwavering resolve as he responded without hesitation. The system's warning echoed in his mind, yet he paid it no attention.

How could someone aspiring to become Hokage ever consider seeking refuge in Konoha under such circumstances?

[Mission completed: You have received the reward – Orochimaru's Substitution Technique.]

As Sasuke absorbed the information about his newly acquired jutsu, his initial excitement turned to disappointment. Unlike Orochimaru, who used the substitution technique seamlessly, Sasuke realized he lacked the versatility to use it as a basic maneuver. The chakra consumption for each use was excessively high, relegating the technique to an emergency escape skill rather than a practical combat tool.

"Well, it is what it is," Sasuke muttered, masking his dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile, Naruto, energized by Sasuke's rejection of Orochimaru's offer, called out loudly, "Sasuke wants to become Hokage! Why would he align himself with someone like you?"

Naruto's words left Orochimaru momentarily stunned.

"Hokage?" Orochimaru sneered, recovering quickly. His voice dripped with mockery as he continued, "You? The Hokage? How amusing..."

His laughter rang out, filled with derision. Orochimaru had anticipated that Sasuke's hatred for his clan's massacre would push him toward darkness. To hear that Sasuke aspired to be Hokage instead was entirely unexpected.

"Are you serious about dedicating yourself to a village responsible for your family's destruction?" Orochimaru taunted, shaking his head. "Sarutobi-sensei, you certainly knew how to manipulate your pawns."

"Is it funny?" Sasuke shot back, his expression unwavering. "At least the Hokage doesn't have to roam the ninja world aimlessly like you. Besides, when I become Hokage, I might consider forgiving you, Orochimaru—the rogue ninja of Konoha and one of the legendary Sannin."

Naruto and Sakura exchanged shocked glances at Sasuke's bold words.

"You know my name, yet you didn't recognize me before. Were you too caught up in my abilities?" Orochimaru remarked with a sly grin. "Sasuke, you may possess extraordinary potential, but I assure you, becoming Hokage is beyond your reach. Allow me to present you with a gift..."

Without warning, Orochimaru's neck elongated like a serpent, darting toward Sasuke's neck.

Thanks to his Sharingan's heightened perception and the reflex-enhancing effects of his taijutsu, Sasuke anticipated the move. He countered swiftly with a precise kick to Orochimaru's face.

"Too naïve, Sasuke," Orochimaru chuckled darkly, unphased by the attack. His neck extended further, twisting around Sasuke's leg like a snake before lunging again at his neck.

"Sasuke, watch out!" Naruto yelled, rushing forward to punch Orochimaru while Sakura brandished a kunai, aiming to strike.

However, Orochimaru was unfazed by their combined assault. With a flick of his tongue, he sent both Naruto and Sakura flying backward. Undeterred, he continued his relentless pursuit of Sasuke.

Despite the onslaught, Sasuke remained composed. Forming a one-handed seal, he activated the Substitution Technique just as Orochimaru's fangs closed in. In an instant, Sasuke's body transformed into a wooden log, and his real form reappeared a few meters away.

"One-handed seals? How many talents do you possess, Sasuke?" Orochimaru mused, his voice tinged with genuine intrigue as his elongated neck retracted.

"Naruto, now!" Sasuke called out, preparing another ninjutsu.

Naruto responded immediately, forming seals for a wind-based jutsu. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Sasuke followed suit with his own attack, shouting, "Fire Release: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

The two techniques combined, creating a massive inferno that roared toward Orochimaru like a sea of fire. The sheer intensity of the flames illuminated the forest, forcing Orochimaru to momentarily retreat.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Sakura activated her Water Release technique, enveloping the battlefield in a thick mist.

"Sasuke, Naruto, let's retreat now!" Sakura urged, her chakra nearly depleted. She stumbled toward Sasuke, hoping to escape the dire situation.

"Sakura, retreating won't help," Sasuke cautioned. "Orochimaru's snakes can sense body heat."

As if to prove his point, Orochimaru's voice echoed ominously through the mist, "You can't run, Sasuke..."

Suddenly, Orochimaru's serpent form emerged from the mist, his jaws aiming directly for Sasuke.

Reacting instinctively, Sasuke formed another one-handed seal. This time, his body dissolved into mist, evading Orochimaru's attack entirely. Orochimaru's fangs snapped shut on empty air, drawing an irritated growl from the snake-like ninja.

"Hidden Mist Technique?" Orochimaru muttered, momentarily disoriented.

Taking advantage of Orochimaru's confusion, Sasuke reappeared to his right and delivered a powerful kick, sending him flying. Without wasting a moment, Sasuke completed another seal.

"Lightning Release: Thunder Arrow!"

A bolt of lightning crackled toward Orochimaru with astonishing speed. Simultaneously, Naruto unleashed the Shadow Clone Jutsu, summoning dozens of clones that surrounded Orochimaru, creating an opening for Sasuke and Sakura to escape.

"We're leaving," Sasuke ordered, grabbing Sakura and darting away.

Naruto, seeing Sasuke's retreat, quickly followed. "Forget the scroll," Naruto shouted, tossing a decoy scroll toward Orochimaru.

Moments later, Orochimaru destroyed the clones and retrieved the scroll, only to realize it was fake. A look of contempt crossed his face.

"Futile tricks..." Orochimaru sneered.

Unwilling to let his prey escape, Orochimaru performed a summoning jutsu. A massive serpent appeared, slithering rapidly in pursuit of Sasuke and his team.

Sasuke, his chakra nearly depleted, struggled to keep moving while carrying Sakura. Naruto fought to hold off the serpent but was quickly overwhelmed. Just as all hope seemed lost, Sasuke turned to face Orochimaru one last time.

"Enough games," Sasuke declared, activating his Sharingan to its full power. Despite his exhaustion, his gaze burned with determination.

Orochimaru smirked, clearly impressed. "Show me, then, Uchiha. Show me the strength of a future Hokage."

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