"Kakashi, you awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan as well?"
When they heard Chen Xing's words, Sasuke, Might Guy, and the others stared at Kakashi in shock.
"The Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Kakashi sighed and touched his injured eye.
"I didn't expect you to know about that. It doesn't matter now—the eye has already been taken."
Chen Xing shook his head.
"Stop talking and get to Konoha Hospital. If they replace the damaged tissue quickly enough, your left eye may still be saved. Otherwise, you'll truly become a one-eyed ninja."
Might Guy immediately stepped forward.
"I'll take him there!"
Without waiting for a response, Guy grabbed Kakashi and rushed toward the village at full speed.
Chen Xing watched them leave, speechless.
"He's as impatient as ever."
---
Sasuke stepped forward.
"What happened? Who took Kakashi's Sharingan?"
"You can ask them later."
Chen Xing had no interest in explaining.
"I'm leaving."
Asuma and Kurenai exchanged glances as Chen Xing turned away.
After a brief hesitation, Kurenai called out:
"Asuma, I'll catch up later."
Without waiting for his reply, she followed Chen Xing into the forest.
Asuma watched her leave and let out a bitter sigh.
---
Nearby, Sasuke's fists clenched.
"Uchiha Itachi..."
His Sharingan spun furiously.
"Where is he?!"
Asuma shook his head.
"Itachi escaped."
The answer only fueled Sasuke's rage.
"I'll kill him!"
He immediately charged toward the forest.
"Stop him!"
Asuma shouted.
Several Konoha shinobi intercepted Sasuke before he could leave the village.
"Move!"
Sasuke attacked recklessly, but his anger only made him predictable.
A few moments later, he was pinned to the ground.
Asuma looked down at him.
"Even Kakashi, Guy, and I couldn't defeat Itachi. Running after him now is suicide."
Sasuke gritted his teeth.
His Sharingan burned with hatred, but deep down he knew Asuma was right.
---
Chen Xing paid no attention to Sasuke's outburst.
The conflict between the Uchiha brothers was their own affair.
As he walked through the forest, he sensed a familiar chakra signature approaching.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Moments later, Kurenai emerged from between the trees, looking around for him.
Before she could react, a figure appeared behind her.
An arm wrapped around her waist.
"Looking for me?"
Chen Xing's amused voice sounded beside her ear.
Kurenai's body stiffened instantly.
"You..."
Her face flushed as she glared at him.
---The Flying Thunder God Research
Five days passed.
During that time, Chen Xing rarely left his room. Instead, he focused on studying the Flying Thunder God Technique recorded within the Scroll of Seals.
Although he had not mastered the technique itself, his research had produced results.
Several crystal necklaces lay on the table before him.
Each one contained a Flying Thunder God formula engraved within it.
Chen Xing picked one up and smiled.
"I still can't use the technique perfectly, but these should work as markers."
After remaining indoors for nearly a week, he finally decided to go outside.
---
The afternoon sun blazed over Konoha.
Chen Xing made his way to the Hyūga residence.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Hinata and Hanabi training beneath a large tree.
Hanabi was covered in sweat as she repeatedly attacked with Gentle Fist techniques, trying to land a hit on her sister.
Hinata calmly evaded each strike.
"Chen Xing!"
Hinata noticed him first and immediately ran over.
A bright smile appeared on her face.
Hanabi stopped training and hurried over as well.
"Brother Chen Xing, you finally came out!"