Inside the cave.
Masahiko's gaze swept toward the panel.
As the ending theme song played, lines of text jumped out from above.
[Writing up to here, I hope readers will remember our domain name, Taiwan Novel Network, to accompany you in your leisure and wait for your search.]
Only—
This time, there were more than usual.
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Comprehensive Evaluation—]
[Due to the many characters appearing in this episode, as a villain—]
[performance pay: Special Skill Random Card]
A moment later.
[Full Season Evaluation in Progress—]
[Popularity Rating: S]
[Comprehensive Rating: Seasonal Popularity Lead]
[You have received a performance invitation for the next season of "naruto," positioned as "Villain" and "Mastermind."]
[Reward: Actor's Advanced Cultivation—Senjutsu Chapter]
[Senjutsu Module has been activated.]
Masahiko's gaze narrowed, followed by a burst of wild joy.
The Senjutsu Chapter!
This was exactly what he needed.
These past few days, it wasn't that Masahiko hadn't looked into the situation of the Panda Clan.
Currently, the Iron-Eating Beast Clan was just starting out in terms of Senjutsu cultivation, relying purely on instinct.
Pandas could do that, but humans could not.
If he followed the cultivation method of Iron Palm and the others, he would have to eat bamboo shoots and bamboo for at least ten years to see any results.
Too slow!
After ten years, the Fourth Ninja World War would already be over; why would he still need Sage Mode?
With the Senjutsu Chapter, he could cultivate and experiment with a high margin for error, without worrying about Senjutsu Chakra going out of control.
Thinking of this, a look of excitement appeared in his eyes, but in the next second, Masahiko suppressed his joy.
There was still one reward to draw!
[Consuming "Special Skill Random Card"]
[Obtained: Water Release: Water Mirror Jutsu]
Masahiko didn't recognize the Water Mirror Technique at first, but after a brief recollection, he remembered which one it was.
The Fourth Mizukage's technique.
It could create a water mirror through Chakra, with a very strong defensive mechanism that could even replicate a Tailed Beast's Tailed Beast Ball.
Masahiko was excited at first.
But soon, after comprehending and merging the memories, his excited mood cooled down.
The essence of this technique was "replication," similar to the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, just that the casting method was more special and—
Miraculous.
If Chakra was insufficient, the replicated effect might also be greatly diminished.
Furthermore.
This technique didn't quite align with Masahiko's philosophy.
Masahiko had always leaned toward using deception and speed to avoid enemy attacks, rather than relying on Ninjutsu to counter or tank them.
Of course, as a tactical supplement, it was still decent.
Additionally—
"If I could transform the Water Mirror Technique from replicating enemies to replicating myself, maybe the effect would be better and more suitable for me?"
Masahiko fell into deep thought.
It was a good direction.
However.
For now, the focus was still on cultivating Senjutsu.
As long as he could complete his Senjutsu training, his strength would reach a higher level, allowing him to occupy a more important position on future stages.
Konoha.
Sasuke and Naruto were discharged from the hospital.
One walked in front with a cold and indifferent expression, not caring at all about Naruto following behind.
"Sasuke, wait for me! Sasuke—"
"Stop following me!"
Sasuke suddenly turned around and glared at Naruto.
A few seconds later, he said coldly, "You're annoying!"
Naruto stood frozen in place, unable to speak for a long time, only able to watch as Sasuke walked away with his hands in his pockets.
After a while, he rubbed his eyes and walked dejectedly toward the street.
Naruto didn't know where to go.
He felt like—
Suddenly, he had lost his direction.
But in fact, so was Sasuke.
He walked on the street, feeling very lost.
Sasuke couldn't tell if the Third Hokage's words were comfort or truth, but in his heart, he knew that Teacher Masahiko must have been in great danger at that time.
Otherwise, with Teacher Masahiko's abilities, he would have surely been able to escape from there.
As he walked, he looked up—
Sasuke was stunned.
This is...?
He looked up at the old, familiar house and was momentarily dazed.
It was Teacher's home!
The downstairs area was filled with various colored flowers.
Among them was a bouquet whose colors and species seemed very familiar to Sasuke.
It represented admiration and longing.
His mother had received it before.
Sasuke looked up and saw that the upstairs window was open. His eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly climbed up the wall.
He shouted excitedly, "Teacher! Teacher, you—"
After finally reaching the second floor—
The excitement on Sasuke's face immediately turned into blankness and disappointment. "It's you."
He couldn't recall her name.
He only vaguely remembered that this female Ninja was very close to Masahiko, and their relationship seemed quite good.
Kurenai looked at the child outside the window and sighed softly, "Come in."
"Yes, excuse me."
Sasuke climbed in through the window.
Kurenai Yuhi put down the photo frame in her hand and said, "I know where Masahiko keeps his keys, so I sneaked in to take a look and help tidy up and clean."
"Teacher... is he really not coming back?"
Sasuke's gaze dimmed.
Kurenai Yuhi shook her head and said in a low voice, "I'm not sure. I only returned to the village this morning and haven't had a chance to see Hokage-sama yet. I only know that Hokage-sama is certain Masahiko isn't dead."
She thought for a moment and said, "There's something that perhaps should be given to you."
Kurenai Yuhi opened a cabinet, took out a small box, and handed it to Sasuke.
"Take a look; Masahiko left this for you."
"What is it?"
Sasuke took it, puzzled.
Afterward, he opened the box and was instantly stunned.
The not-so-small box was stuffed full. On top was a greeting card, and underneath was a stack of notebooks.
On the card was written: "Sasuke, another birthday. I'm not sure how you spent them before, but I think right now, you might need these gifts the most."
"Happy birthday. Keep working hard in this new year of your life. You must look forward and run forward!"
"Your teacher, Masahiko Yagyu."
Looking at the card, Sasuke could no longer hold back his emotions.
Kurenai Yuhi let out a long sigh and quietly walked outside.
She knew that at this moment, Sasuke needed some time alone.
From behind her came a voice of grief and sorrow.
"Talking about protecting myself—"
He covered his face and wailed, tears streaming uncontrollably through his fingers. "You promised to help me kill him... Teacher said to avoid exposing the Sharingan too early, to blend in with the world—"
"Liar, you didn't do it!"
Sasuke shouted through his tears.
How he wished Masahiko would jump out at this moment and tell him not to cry.
But—
The entire Room was empty.
He had lost his family once again.
Outside, Kurenai Yuhi leaned against the wooden wall, also unable to hold back her sadness.
She looked at the flower tea bottle and tea set in her hands, her expression growing even dimmer—this set was something she had given to Masahiko.
Now, the flower tea was finished, and only the bottle remained on display.
After a long time.
From inside, Sasuke walked out and said, "Thank you."
"It's nothing. I also have some research on Illusion Threads. If you need help, you can come find me."
Kurenai Yuhi forced a smile.
Sasuke bowed slightly and, without answering, walked straight downstairs.
After watching Sasuke leave, Kurenai Yuhi closed the doors and windows, took a gift for Inoichi, and also headed toward the Konoha Building.
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