49: Chapter 49 Sasuke's Defection and the Formation of the Pursuit TeamUchiha Sasuke has defected!
These six words, like a heavy hammer tempered with extreme cold and frost, slammed down on the atmosphere that had just begun to warm up.
The gentle, apprehensive feeling of returning home that Tsunade had shown on her face froze instantly, replaced by a solemn look as if a storm was brewing.
The ninjas guarding the village entrance cast surprised and uncertain glances at her.They could clearly sense that the aura emanating from this legendary female ninja, which had been restrained just moments before, had suddenly erupted.
That wasn't murderous intent directed at anyone, but rather the absolute calm and iron-fisted state that a top decision-maker instantly switches to when facing a major crisis.
"Back to the Hokage's office."
Tsunade didn't waste a single word.She left those words behind, and in a flash, she disappeared from the spot, speeding towards the red building in the center of the village.
Jiraiya and Shizune exchanged a glance and immediately followed.
Naruto Uzumaki was at the back, watching Tsunade's decisive back, his heart completely unmoved.
Sasuke defected.
The plot has finally begun.
[Ding!You have received 7800 [Solemn] from Tsunade!]
[Ding!You have received 6500 [Worries] from Jiraiya!]
A nice appetizer.
The Hokage's office.
The aura of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, still lingers here, but now its new master has already taken over.
Tsunade sat down in the Hokage's chair, her hands crossed on the table.Her innate leadership aura, befitting the granddaughter of the First Hokage, completely subdued the scene.
"Summon all Jonin here immediately for a meeting!"
Her command was brief and forceful, and the ANBU ninja outside the door responded and left.
In less than ten minutes, the Hokage's office was already full of people.
Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, and representatives from various clans such as Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Choza.
Every face was etched with heaviness.
The news of Sasuke's defection was like adding insult to injury for the village, which had just lost its Hokage, gone through the collapse plan, and was in dire need of rebuilding.
"That's the situation." Tsunade surveyed the room, setting the tone with an unquestionable air."Uchiha Sasuke, a Konoha genin, has defected to Orochimaru, an S-rank rogue ninja.This is not just a simple defection, but a blatant provocation against Konoha and the theft of its fighting strength.We must bring him back before he rejoins Orochimaru."
"But, Lady Tsunade," Nara Shikaku, the Jonin class leader known for his intellect, stepped forward, "Since the other side dared to do this, they must have set up numerous obstacles along the way, and there might even be Orochimaru's confidants providing backup.Sending Jonin to pursue them would make them too conspicuous and easily detected, and besides, the village's defenses are currently weak…"
"So I don't plan to send Jonin."
Tsunade interrupted him.
Her gaze swept over everyone and landed precisely on a listless-looking boy in the corner of the crowd.
Nara Shikamaru.
"Nara Shikamaru."
Shikamaru, whose name was called, froze.For the first time, panic appeared on his face, which always seemed to say "this is troublesome."
"I've reviewed the data.During the Chunin Exams, you demonstrated judgment and a strategic vision far beyond your years." Tsunade's words were devoid of emotion, purely based on factual assessment."You will be the captain for this pursuit mission.You will select the team members yourself; they must be ninjas skilled in tracking and teamwork."
[Ding!You have received 5500 "Shocking" items from Nara Shikamaru!]
[Ding!You have received 4800 [Resistance] from Nara Shikamaru!]
Sending a guy who just got promoted to Chunin to carry out an A-rank mission that concerns the village's reputation?Are you kidding me?
But Shikamaru, seeing Tsunade's undeniable resolve, could only swallow all his complaints.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
He reluctantly agreed.
"Choji, Neji, Kiba Inuzuka." Shikamaru recited the three names almost without thinking.
Choji Akimichi's explosive power, Neji Hyuga's Byakugan reconnaissance, Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru's olfactory tracking.
This was the fastest and most reasonable configuration he could think of.
"Very good." Tsunade nodded."Let's set off immediately.Time is of the essence."
"yes!"
Just as Shikamaru was about to set off with Choji, Kiba, and Neji.
Bang!
The door to the Hokage's office was suddenly pushed open in an almost violent manner.
Naruto Uzumaki stood at the doorway, his chest heaving violently.In his azure eyes burned an unprecedented flame, a mixture of anxiety and worry.
"I want to go too!"
He shouted at Tsunade, his voice hoarse with excitement.
The entire office fell silent instantly.
All eyes were on the blond boy.
"no."
Tsunade blurted it out almost without thinking; her refusal was swift and decisive.
"Naruto, this isn't the time to fool around." Shikamaru frowned, looking at Naruto as if he were an idiot."Do you know how dangerous this mission is?The enemy is the Sound Ninja, Orochimaru's men!You, a Jinchūriki, are running off alone; are you trying to get yourself killed?"
[Ding!You have received 6300 [Resolution] from Tsunade!]
[Ding!You have received 4100 "Impatient" items from Nara Shikamaru!]
Naruto ignored Shikamaru's question.
His performance was just getting into the swing of things.
He walked step by step to the Hokage's desk, placed his hands on the table, leaned forward, and stared intently at Tsunade's face.
The purest and most intense emotion emanating from him moved everyone present.
"Sasuke is my comrade!He's my most important comrade!"
"He's a member of our Class 7!I just promised Sakura I would bring him back!It's a promise we made!"
"If even their companions can't be saved.""If I come back, how can I be Hokage?"
Every word he uttered was filled with the reckless passion and stubbornness unique to young people.
That emotion was so sincere, so infectious.
[Ding!The actor's self-cultivation module has been activated, and the simulation level of the [anxiety] emotion is 95%!]
[Ding!You have received 3500 "Touching" points from Sakura Haruno!]
[Ding!You have received 4200 "Relief" from Kakashi!]
Tsunade stared at the "genuine" face before her, momentarily dazed.
She thought of the rope tree, and she thought of the broken tree.
She remembered how, not long ago, this boy had rescued her from the mire of her past in a way she couldn't comprehend.
This young man believes in "bonds" and "dreams".
And she had just been reborn from this belief.
How could she, at this moment, personally sever his "bonds" and deny his "dreams"?
Reason told her that sending Naruto was too dangerous.
But emotionally, she couldn't refuse.
"Grandma Tsunade!" Seeing her wavering, Naruto added fuel to the fire."You're Hokage too!You should understand that protecting your comrades and guarding the village is the Hokage's duty!"
Naruto.
This word struck Tsunade's softest spot once again.
She closed her eyes and let out a long breath.
"All right."
When she opened her eyes again, all that remained was determination.
"I agree to let you join the pursuit team."
"However, Naruto Uzumaki, I command you in the name of the Fifth Hokage."
Her gaze became incredibly sharp.
You must come back alive.That's the mission!
Naruto's "anxious" face finally broke into a bright smile.
"Yes, Granny Tsunade!"
[Ding!You have received 11,000 units of ultimate [Trust] from Tsunade!]
[Ding!You have received 9800 units of Tsunade's ultimate [Worry]!]
And so, Naruto Uzumaki became the fifth member of the pursuit team.
His addition gave this hastily assembled team an invisible spiritual pillar.
Five teenagers stood at the main gate of Konoha.
Shikamaru confirmed the mission details one last time, then gave the order in a deep voice.
"Set off!"
The five figures transformed into five afterimages and vanished instantly into the dense forest leading out of the village.
At the last moment before leaping out of the village, Naruto subconsciously turned back and glanced at the huge rock wall carved with the portraits of the Hokage of all generations.
His face still held that same unwavering determination to risk everything for his comrades.
But deep within his heart, a cold, emotionless command was quietly issued.
"system."
"Target locked, Uchiha Sasuke."
"The ultimate emotional feast begins now."
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