Naruto: The Otsutsuki Naruto

Tsunade finally agreed to treat Kabuto Yakushi. It wasn't just because of Sasuke's sincere plea, but more so due to Kabuto's offer to return the Senju orphan and Might Guy, who had been reanimated through Edo Tensei. These matters were directly tied to Konoha's interests.

However, treating Kabuto required absolute secrecy. If word got out, it would be difficult to quell unrest among the people.

Thus, the treatment was arranged to take place in an empty house outside Konoha.

Reconstructing spinal nerves—this was an extremely high-difficulty surgery that even Tsunade needed to focus on with every ounce of her concentration.

Outside the house, at the stone steps below, Sasuke sat blindfolded, his hands and feet shackled. Shikaku Nara and Tsunade's guards stood vigilantly nearby.

Shikaku turned to the guards and instructed, "Remember, no one is to speak of Lady Tsunade treating Kabuto."

The guards responded, "Don't worry, Shikaku-san. We understand the importance of discretion."

Shikaku nodded. "Good. Now, I'd like to have a private word with Sasuke. Could you all give us some space?"

The guards hesitated. "But… he's a dangerous individual!"

Shikaku smiled faintly. "It's fine."

Still uneasy, the guards insisted, "At the very least, let us stay where we can see you. Just in case."

Shikaku nodded again. "Alright, let's do that."

The guards retreated to a clearing in the distance, keeping a watchful eye.

With a soft click, Shikaku sat down unhurriedly on the steps and lit a cigarette.

Unlike others, Shikaku knew what the future held. He also understood Sasuke's growth trajectory in the past. Thus, Sasuke's stance tonight didn't surprise him much.

Because deep down, Sasuke was inherently kind—his heart, however, had been consumed by hatred.

Shikaku's exceptional wisdom and vast experience often allowed him to pierce through to the essence of things, including the intricacies of the human heart.

Halfway through his cigarette, Shikaku asked, "Do you regret it?"

Sasuke remained silent, seemingly deliberating.

Amid the swirling smoke, Shikaku's voice was low and steady. "There's no one else here. Speak your true thoughts freely."

Sasuke finally responded, "What I regret is not being strong enough. If I had the power to control everything, I wouldn't have ended up in this position, being manipulated by others."

As expected. Shikaku chuckled knowingly. "You're only putting aside your hatred temporarily for Kabuto's sake. When you have the power to change things, you'll act on it."

Sasuke indirectly admitted, "You could kill me now, and there'd be no future trouble."

Shikaku took a deep drag from his cigarette, his gaze profound. "You say that because you're certain I won't kill you—just like when you stabbed yourself with a blade, judging that I might intervene to stop you."

Sasuke fell silent again.

Shikaku smiled. "Of course, no one can fully predict another's actions. You must have made up your mind back then, ready to die if I didn't stop you."

Sasuke frowned. "Are you saying all this just to flaunt your cleverness?"

"Of course not."

Shikaku extinguished his cigarette in a portable ashtray, then said seriously, "I simply want to offer you some advice as an observer. Do you think I'm qualified to do that?"

Sasuke replied, "Go ahead. I'm listening."

Shikaku began, "Unless you've endured someone's pain, don't preach to them about letting go. At this point, I won't tell you to abandon your hatred. I'll just advise you not to drag innocent people into it."

Sasuke muttered coldly, "Innocent people… Innocent people… But how do you even define that?"

Shikaku explained, "The Uchiha clan's massacre was ordered by Danzo and the Konoha higher-ups, with the Root as the executors. Uchiha Itachi, acting as a double agent, sacrificed himself to collaborate and complete the operation. Most of the individuals involved are no longer alive, yet you direct your anger at all of Konoha."

By now, Sasuke wasn't surprised that Shikaku was in the know. He revealed his inner thoughts, "Ah, in the past, I couldn't tolerate the people of Konoha laughing and enjoying the fruits of Itachi's sacrifice!"

Shikaku responded, "That's your obsession. But no obsession should override universal values. Don't you understand the principle that ignorance absolves one of guilt?"

Sasuke had no retort.

Shikaku added, "The facts also prove that you failed. Targeting all of Konoha not only harms the innocent but also unnecessarily increases the difficulty for yourself. It's a futile endeavor."

"Fine. Let's say you're right about that," Sasuke said sharply. "But what if these so-called innocent people stand in my way and refuse to move, no matter how much I try to dissuade them?"

Shikaku laughed. "In that case, you should be grateful—they haven't given up on you yet."

Sasuke wanted to argue, but Shikaku cut him off. "You might claim you don't care about those people. But severing all bonds and isolating yourself is nothing but self-serving delusion!"

"Take your connection with Kabuto, for instance. Can you truly sever it so easily?"

Once again, Sasuke found his innermost thoughts laid bare. He didn't want to admit it but couldn't refute it either.

In frustration, he countered, "Then tell me—what should I do?"

Shikaku replied, "You can ignore them, but you mustn't harm those who are earnestly trying to bring you back."

Sasuke retorted, "Ignore them? Your words contradict themselves. If they fight me with all their might, yet I can't harm them, how is that any different from telling me to give up on revenge?"

"Whether there's a difference or not is something you'll have to figure out for yourself."

Shikaku slowly stood up and delivered his final piece of advice. "This is my last counsel: always leave some room for maneuver. Never push things to the absolute limit. Otherwise, those who have tolerated and cared for you all this time will find themselves at an impasse—and you'll only end up full of regret. As for who these people are, think carefully about it yourself."

And so, Uchiha Sasuke fell into deep thought.

Creak—the tightly shut door opened.

~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~ 

The story isn't over...

🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters? 

🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world? 

✍️ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?

✨patreon.com/DarkGolds