I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

"Oh, oh...

I've decided!

Sasuke, you will be the rival I pursue and defeat for the rest of my life!

Oh, oh, oh...

This is what Teacher Gai calls youthful passion! I've finally realized something!"

Haruto suddenly sprang to his feet, his voice brimming with enthusiasm despite his battered condition. His over-the-top proclamation caused both Ino and Sakura to twitch the corners of their mouths.

He looked ridiculous—lying on the ground moments ago, bruised and exhausted—yet now bursting with boundless energy.

"Let's go," Sasuke muttered, preparing to respond to Haruto's declaration when his attention suddenly shifted to something in the distance.

"Oh~ relax. I'm not your enemy, Sasuke," a clear, playful voice called out from above.

Sasuke's sharp eyes narrowed as he turned toward the source.

From the shadows of the tree branches, a figure leaped gracefully to the ground. It was Tenten, standing beside Haruto. She glanced at Sasuke with a mix of awe and fear, the air tense between them.

This young Uchiha was ruthless—definitely not someone to underestimate.

"You?" Shikamaru exclaimed, surprised as he followed Sasuke's gaze. His pupils contracted when he noticed Neji standing motionless on a nearby branch.

"Uchiha Sasuke," Neji finally spoke, his tone cold yet composed. "I admit you're a worthy opponent. I hope we have the opportunity to compete someday."

Neji's Hyuga pride wouldn't allow him to target Sasuke's team for their scroll. Despite Sasuke's strength, Neji refused to compromise his honor or rely on underhanded tactics.

"I'm looking forward to it," Sasuke replied with a smirk. The mutual acknowledgment between the two prodigies was enough to trigger an unseen understanding.

"And me, too! Don't forget about me!" Haruto interjected passionately, his voice booming with excitement. "Sasuke, Neji, you're both opponents I want to defeat!"

Sasuke gave Haruto a side-eye glare, feeling a headache brewing. Haruto's obsession with the Eight Gates technique reminded him of the intense rivalry between Kakashi and Gai.

Would this fiery youth always be so energetic?

"Let's move out, everyone," Tenten said abruptly, trying to manage Haruto's overenthusiasm. She turned and signaled her team to leave quickly.

As Team Gai departed, Sasuke turned to Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji. "You should leave as well. We'll stay here until Naruto wakes up, then head for the tower."

Naruto's condition was still uncertain, and Sasuke knew keeping Ino's team there any longer would only slow them down. Besides, Sakura and Ino constantly bickering was grating on his nerves.

"Agreed," Shikamaru replied, nodding. "It's safer for us to move on. Protecting Naruto and Sakura is well within your capabilities, Sasuke."

Ino pouted, clearly reluctant to leave. She wanted to stay by Sasuke's side, but Sakura's sharp glare silenced her.

"Fine, fine!" Ino huffed, glaring back at Sakura. "Sasuke-kun, don't let Sakura take advantage of the situation while we're gone!"

Sasuke sighed, uninterested in their squabbling.

As Team 10 departed, Sakura approached Sasuke. "What should we do next?"

"We need to relocate," Sasuke said, glancing at Naruto, who remained unconscious. "This area is no longer safe."

Sakura nodded, helping Sasuke lift Naruto. Together, they moved two kilometers away, finding a secluded hollow within a large tree to set up camp.

---

The night passed quietly, with Sasuke and Sakura taking turns resting. By morning, both had regained their strength, but Naruto remained comatose. His continued condition deeply worried Sasuke.

With daylight breaking, Sasuke decided to take action.

"Ninja Art: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"

Forming a hand seal, he created three shadow clones. Sasuke kept his chakra reserves controlled, knowing that summoning too many clones would weaken both his physical and chakra strength unnecessarily.

Turning to Sakura, Sasuke instructed, "Stay here with my clone and watch over Naruto. I'll look for food and see if I can find a chance to grab another scroll."

Sakura hesitated briefly before nodding. "Leave it to me. But Sasuke-kun, be careful!"

Acknowledging her concern with a curt nod, Sasuke motioned for one of his clones to follow him. The remaining clones stayed behind to guard Sakura and Naruto.

Sasuke moved swiftly through the forest, his clone trailing him silently. After traveling several hundred meters, Sasuke came to a stop.

"Time to try this technique," he muttered to himself. Holding out his right hand, he began to concentrate his chakra.

Activating his Sharingan, Sasuke's crimson eyes spun as he carefully observed and controlled the chakra flow in his palm.

The shadow clone stepped forward, placing its hands over Sasuke's and stabilizing the swirling energy.

Sasuke smirked, his focus sharp. He was attempting to develop Rasengan—a powerful technique he had learned about through the system. With the clone's assistance, he could accelerate his progress and gain firsthand experience in perfecting the move.

Moments later, a glowing blue sphere of chakra formed in Sasuke's palm.

"Rasengan… Success!" Sasuke whispered, marveling at the spiraling energy.

Just as excitement surged within him, a loud, guttural roar echoed through the forest.

Sasuke's head snapped toward the sound, his Sharingan locking onto a massive black bear chasing a small figure. The person's fiery red hair flashed through the trees.

"Is that… Karin?" Sasuke muttered, recognizing her instantly. "I wasn't expecting to meet her here."

Realizing the danger, Sasuke's chakra flared. He dashed toward the scene, leaving a cloud of white smoke as his shadow clone dispelled itself.

---

Karin stumbled through the forest, panting heavily. The enormous bear snarled as it closed in, its claws slashing through branches like paper.

"Somebody help me!" Karin screamed, her voice shaking with terror.

The bear lunged, its jaws snapping inches from her shoulder. Just as she braced for impact, a blur of movement appeared in her peripheral vision.

Sasuke landed between Karin and the bear, his Sharingan glowing menacingly. Without hesitation, he thrust his newly formed Rasengan into the beast's side.

The powerful impact sent the bear flying, crashing into a nearby tree with a deafening thud.

"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked, turning to Karin.

She nodded, her wide eyes filled with equal parts fear and awe.

---

Back at the tree hollow, Sakura glanced nervously at Naruto's unconscious form. She couldn't help but wonder what Sasuke was dealing with out there.

The night's quiet had been a blessing, but danger lurked everywhere in the Forest of Death.

"Please wake up soon, Naruto," Sakura whispered, adjusting the damp towel on his forehead.

---

The bond between Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto continued to strengthen, even amid the chaos. With each passing moment, the looming threat of Orochimaru's influence grew heavier. Sasuke, however, remained determined. His newfound strength was not just for himself but to protect those he cared about.

As fate intertwined their paths with others, the trials ahead would only test their resolve further.

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