I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

"Sasuke-kun... are you okay?"

Sakura's voice trembled as she addressed Sasuke, her eyes glued to the half of his body now glowing with ominous curse marks. It was the first time she had seen him radiating such a violent aura, and despite his calm tone, a sense of foreboding took root in her heart.

"Don't worry," Sasuke responded coldly, a faint smirk crossing his face. "This kind of power won't control me."

His gaze shifted toward the Sound Ninjas, who were busy forming seals. Sasuke, now fully understanding the Curse Mark's power, harbored no illusions about its allure.

The amplified strength of the first-level Curse Mark wasn't something to boast about. Sasuke was confident that with this power, even Gaara in his current state would pose no threat to him. The temptation of Orochimaru's cursed space was nothing but a joke to him.

He silently thanked this power, for it allowed him to awaken earlier than Naruto. This curse might grant strength, but Sasuke's willpower remained firm, ensuring he retained control.

"Ninja Art: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"

Sasuke's declaration startled Sakura and the others. As two shadow clones emerged with explosive force, the group, including Ino and Shikamaru, could only stare in disbelief.

"Nani? Isn't that Naruto's signature jutsu?" Sakura exclaimed.

"How is Sasuke capable of this technique?" Ino chimed in, her voice laced with shock.

Shikamaru frowned, deeply puzzled.

Sakura, recalling Sasuke's past failure to learn shadow clones, was particularly stunned. Could it be that Sasuke had been practicing in secret all this time?

"Damn," Sakura thought. "Sasuke-kun is already so strong, yet he works even harder in the shadows. I need to step up my game."

[Mission completed. Reward: Naruto's Enhanced Multiple Shadow Clone Technique Version.]

As this system alert echoed in Sasuke's ears, a sneer spread across his face.

"Do you think having three of you will make a difference?" Sound Ninja Sak mocked, his sonic boom device at the ready. "Clones or not, garbage is garbage."

Toss, on the other hand, remained serious but not particularly worried. After all, the Curse Mark's genetic enhancements had limits.

"Garbage?" Sasuke's tone turned icy. "Hah. I'm just experimenting with this jutsu."

With a growl, Sasuke's clones sprang into action, their cold eyes locked on the two Sound Ninjas.

Sak laughed arrogantly, spreading his hands to unleash a polar sonic wave. Yet, Sasuke's clone was faster.

"Lightning Style: Thunder Arrow!"

The shadow clone formed a one-handed seal and released a barrage of electric lightning bolts that struck Sak with terrifying precision. His body convulsed with electricity, and with a scream, he collapsed, his condition uncertain.

Simultaneously, the other shadow clone faced Toss.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

A fierce column of fire erupted from the clone's mouth, forcing Toss to react. Despite being an elite Genin, Toss barely managed to counter the flames with shock waves and dodge in time.

But Sasuke's clone was prepared. With Sharingan activated, it closed the distance and locked eyes with Toss.

Caught in the illusion, Toss hesitated, sensing something was off. His resolve faltered when the clone's face morphed into Orochimaru's.

The sight of Orochimaru's sinister visage drained the color from Toss's face. Before he could retaliate, the clone struck with a chakra-infused kick to Toss's head.

Bang!

Toss crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"Main body, this is for you."

The shadow clone retrieved the Earth Scroll from Toss's belongings, tossed it to Sasuke, and disappeared.

The other clone, having completed its task, dispelled itself as well.

---

"Wow… incredible!" Haruto gasped, his voice filled with awe as he witnessed Sasuke's effortless victory over the Sound Ninja team.

The sheer power Sasuke displayed left Haruto feeling both inspired and disheartened.

"How can I surpass someone like him? How can I confess my feelings to Sakura if I can't even compete with Sasuke?" Haruto thought bitterly.

"Sasuke-kun is amazing!" Ino squealed, rushing forward to embrace him with admiration.

Sasuke's transformation into his cursed state didn't faze her in the least. If anything, it made him even more alluring in her eyes.

"Stop it, Ino!" Sakura snapped, pulling her away. She wanted to ask Sasuke about the curse marks, but her jealousy over Ino's boldness took precedence.

"Are you alright, Sasuke? And what about Naruto? Why isn't he waking up yet?" Shikamaru asked, stepping forward.

Despite the tension, his concern for Naruto remained evident.

Sasuke retracted his Sharingan and smiled faintly. The black markings of the Curse Mark retreated, condensing back into the Heaven's Seal on his neck.

Turning to Naruto, Sasuke's expression grew somber. The red chakra emanating from Naruto was intense, yet he showed no signs of regaining consciousness.

"I hope he pulls through," Sasuke murmured, reflecting on Naruto's difficult childhood as a Jinchuuriki.

But Sasuke wasn't overly worried. He trusted Naruto's mental strength and his ability to resist Orochimaru's temptations.

---

"Shikamaru, take this."

Sasuke tossed the Earth Scroll to Shikamaru.

"Really? Thanks, Sasuke-kun!" Ino exclaimed excitedly, relieved that they now had the necessary scrolls to complete the exam.

Shikamaru, however, sighed and rubbed his temples. He couldn't understand why Ino was so carefree. Sharing such crucial information could easily backfire if Sasuke had ulterior motives.

"Women are such troublesome creatures," Shikamaru muttered under his breath.

---

Meanwhile, Sakura replaced the damp towel on Naruto's forehead, her movements gentle but tinged with worry.

Sasuke remained silent, his gaze fixed on Naruto. He couldn't shake the unease he felt about the red chakra.

---

The Sound Ninja team's defeat at Sasuke's hands had left a lasting impression on everyone. Haruto clenched his fists, vowing to work harder. Ino continued to shower Sasuke with admiration, much to Sakura's chagrin. Shikamaru, ever the strategist, kept a close eye on Sasuke, wary of his growing power.

As for Sasuke, his thoughts were elsewhere. The Curse Mark had given him strength, but it also came with a price. He knew that Orochimaru's shadow loomed over him, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

But for now, Sasuke had a single focus: becoming stronger to protect his friends and achieve his goals.

--------------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Johnwick007

Extra Content Already Available