Chapter 246: The Results of the Root Investigation and Sasuke’s Sharingan

Shortly after Shikaku Nara left, another figure entered the Hokage's office.

This made Natsuro feel a bit of a headache, there were indeed too many things to deal with. He hoped that this meeting would yield a good result.

If it didn't... no, that was impossible. In other words, Natsuro had already made up his mind. In reality, this meeting was merely to inform them of his decision.

Still, Natsuro hoped they would be sensible enough to accept the proposals directly if they saw they were in their favor. Otherwise, resolving the issue with force would feel a bit too much like authoritarian rule.

Rubbing his forehead, Natsuro said, "Come in."

In the next moment, a figure wearing an Anbu mask without any pattern walked in. Natsuro's eyes lit up when he saw it.

It was the same mask type he had worn when he was part of the Anbu. Now, the only one still using it was Sasuke.

So, the raids were finally over after several days?

"Hokage-sama, these are the resources seized from the Foundation, along with a list of all its members," Sasuke said, handing Natsuro a scroll.

Natsuro took the scroll and said, "There's no one else here. Just call me Natsuro."

"Alright, Natsuro," Sasuke said, glancing around to confirm there was no one else. Then he nodded and removed his mask.

It was worth noting that Sasuke was one of the few people, aside from some elders and Naruto, who could casually call Natsuro by his first name.

"That's more like it," Natsuro said as he unrolled the scroll and began reading. His eyebrows quickly furrowed.

The Foundation's resources were far less than Natsuro had expected. It seemed Orochimaru had extorted them heavily at some point. Even so, the total was still meager.

Danzo had even been siphoning resources from his own clan. Many of the Foundation's supplies had come directly from the Shimura clan.

Sasuke's extended raid had mainly focused on confiscating experimental materials, which took considerable time to gather.

It was clear that Danzo's only true goals were to become Hokage and enhance his own strength.

However, Danzo wasn't the type to believe in hard work. Once his abilities reached a certain level, he turned his attention to experiments, hoping to use their results to make himself stronger.

This perspective wasn't entirely wrong. In a world where talent and effort had strict limits, one could understand why he resorted to such methods.

Looking at the long list of experimental materials and results, some of which he had never even heard of, Natsuro couldn't help but feel a bit creeped out.

These experiments would undoubtedly be classified as crimes against humanity in his previous world.

Among the items listed, Natsuro found something he was particularly interested in... Samples of the First Hokage's cells. There were enough for his purposes.

After checking the materials, Natsuro examined the list of Foundation members. Most were unremarkable, but his gaze lingered on one name for a long time.

"Sasuke, all the Foundation members are under control now. How should we handle them?" Sasuke asked, breaking the silence after seeing Natsuro had finished reading the list.

Tapping his forehead, Natsuro hadn't expected to find someone like him here.

That person was Sai, who in the original story had joined the Yamanaka clan through marriage. If not for seeing his name, Natsuro might have completely forgotten about him.

Natsuro felt complicated about Sai. There was no animosity, Sai hadn't even met Ino yet, so there was no reason for hostility.

Likewise, Natsuro didn't feel guilty about taking Sai's original match. First come, first served so there was nothing to feel guilty about.

As long as he didn't actively break up couples who were already together, he wouldn't harbor any regrets.

Finally addressing Sasuke's question, Natsuro said, "Disperse them into the Anbu. Make sure to have the Anbu keep an eye on them."

He had no intention of letting the Foundation members go. Most of them probably didn't even want to stay in the Foundation, they were likely forced to remain because of Danzo's threats and the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.

However, members of the Shimura clan required special attention.

"Got it," Sasuke nodded.

"And this one, Sai, assign him to Yamato's team," Natsuro suddenly said, pointing to Sai's name on the scroll.

Sasuke looked puzzled. While there was no issue with the assignment, why did Natsuro suddenly choose this person?

Was Sai special in some way? Sasuke studied the name but couldn't see what made him unique, aside from looking a bit effeminate.

Noticing Sasuke's confusion, Natsuro explained, "I've known about him before. His abilities are unique and exceptional. If he can be recruited, he'll be a great asset."

Natsuro had thought this through. Without Naruto's influence, Sai was likely still the emotionless individual from before.

This trait reminded Natsuro of Yamato's own childhood, so assigning Sai to Yamato seemed like the best choice.

Even without Naruto's intervention, Natsuro believed Yamato could guide Sai onto the right path.

Given Sai's personality, once he was on the right path, his dedication wouldn't waver, making him a valuable subordinate.

Satisfied, Sasuke nodded in agreement.

"Natsuro, Yamato and I are on the same level. It might be better if you personally assign Sai to his team," Sasuke said after some thought.

"Oh? That's true. You and Yamato are both Anbu squad captains," Natsuro pondered. Promoting Sasuke directly wasn't feasible yet, as the position of Anbu Commander wasn't vacant.

The current Anbu Commander was of the same generation as the elders and long past retirement age.

He'd only stayed on because there wasn't a suitable successor. Since Tsunade hadn't shown much interest in the role, things had been left as they were.

Now, Natsuro just needed to arrange for the Commander to retire with a ceremonial position, freeing up the spot.

"Here, take this. Once the Commander retires, you'll be promoted to assist me. I need someone to monitor Konoha's hidden activities," Natsuro said, handing Sasuke a Hokage's seal of approval.

"Understood," Sasuke nodded.

"By the way, Itachi only ever became a squad captain. You've already surpassed him in every way," Natsuro remarked.

"Comparing us means nothing," Sasuke replied. "I surpassed him when I became a Jonin, but it didn't matter."

"It wasn't that he lacked the strength or ability to rise higher, he just never had the opportunity."

Natsuro nodded. Itachi had essentially reached Jonin-level by becoming a squad captain. Even without the Mangekyo Sharingan, his abilities were remarkable.

Thinking of Itachi brought Natsuro to the Mangekyo.

"How's your Sharingan coming along? Are you close to awakening the Mangekyo?" Natsuro asked.

The difference between a regular Sharingan and a Mangekyo Sharingan was enormous.

"I think I'm close," Sasuke said, his pitch-black eyes transforming into a three-tomoe Sharingan. There was even a faint hint of the Mangekyo pattern forming.

Natsuro observed Sasuke's Sharingan and nodded. He seemed to be just one step away. All he needed was the right trigger.

Natsuro hesitated. He had considered ways to help Sasuke awaken his Mangekyo and even prepared something. However...

After a moment, he asked, "Sasuke, would you consider using the traditional method to awaken the Mangekyo?"

"I'd never use that method," Sasuke replied firmly.

"I see. Then forget it," Natsuro said, relieved he hadn't acted on his earlier plan.

Sasuke was curious and asked, "Natsuro, did you think of a way for me to awaken it?"

"Yes, it was a traditional method, but since you're not interested, there's no need to pursue it," Natsuro replied.

"Can you tell me what it was?" Sasuke asked, intrigued.

"You've heard of the Kurama clan in Konoha, right?" Natsuro asked.

"I have. But as far as I know, they've declined. It's been a long time since anyone in the clan inherited their Kekkei Genkai," Sasuke said. Then, realizing something, he looked at Natsuro in surprise. Could it be...?

Natsuro nodded and said, "Yakumo Kurama. She inherited the Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai, and she owes me a favor. She also promised to help me with something."

"But can she alone really help me awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan?" Sasuke frowned, still skeptical.

"The Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai is unique. The stronger someone's five senses are, the easier it is for them to fall into an illusion, and it's almost impossible to break free, even with the Byakugan," Natsuro explained.

"Not even the Byakugan?" Sasuke was thoroughly shocked this time.

When it came to perception, the Sharingan was no match for the Byakugan. If even the Byakugan couldn't see through such illusions, it likely meant that his Sharingan wouldn't either.

Was there truly a Kekkei Genkai with genjutsu this powerful, outside of the Sharingan?

"Yes, I'm sure. The Byakugan only falls deeper into the illusion," Natsuro confirmed. In his memory, even Neji hadn't been able to escape the Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai using his Byakugan.

So, it was safe to assume neither the Byakugan nor the Sharingan could see through it. Even the Mangekyo Sharingan wasn't necessarily superior to the Byakugan in perception.

Of course, Natsuro wasn't sure whether the Rinnegan or the Tenseigan could break through. Perhaps... they might be able to, since they were undeniably among the most powerful forces in the world.

Seeing Sasuke still reeling from shock, Natsuro's lips curled into a smile as he continued.

"Besides, I wasn't planning to rely solely on the Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai."

Hearing this, Sasuke forced himself to suppress his astonishment and looked at Natsuro.

"You know the Yamanaka clan's Mind Transfer Jutsu, don't you? I know a similar technique," Natsuro said with interest.

"I was planning to use the Spirit Transformation Technique to enter your body and disguise myself as your dark side to carry out some actions."

To be honest, Natsuro was tempted to try this method. He thought it would be quite interesting if it worked as he imagined.

"And I consulted Ino, who has expertise in mental techniques, to ensure that once my soul entered your body, I could make you believe I was a part of you."

As he spoke, Natsuro smiled mischievously at Sasuke, who was now sweating profusely.

"You can probably guess what I would do next, right?"

Sasuke looked at Natsuro as though he were staring at the devil. After swallowing hard, he nodded and said, "You'd use the Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai to make me experience an illusion where I personally kill someone close to me."

Natsuro nodded, confirming Sasuke's guess.

Sasuke wiped the sweat from his brow. He had no doubt about Natsuro's ability to control him after all, Natsuro's strength was well-known to everyone, and Sasuke knew it better than most.

But just hearing Natsuro's plan made Sasuke break out in a cold sweat.

If it were only the Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai, Sasuke thought he might still realize he was in an illusion, even if he couldn't see through it.

But if Natsuro's soul were also inside his body? A genuine soul combined with fake illusions, would he even be able to detect something was wrong?

Knowing Natsuro, once disguised as his dark side, he definitely wouldn't just stay quiet. He'd use words to push Sasuke into utter despair.

And then, in that despair, make Sasuke watch himself kill the person closest to him. Just imagining it, Sasuke felt suffocated.

There was no doubt in Sasuke's mind that such a sequence of events could indeed awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, even without killing someone in reality.

Sasuke felt a surge of relief, thankful that Natsuro hadn't had the chance to use this method.

Still, Sasuke couldn't help but think this approach was no different in essence from the path Itachi had taken.

Even if the method had a high success rate, Sasuke had no intention of using it—and he didn't regret that choice.

Besides, now that Sasuke knew about the method, it wouldn't work on him anymore. He'd see through it and never fall into the depths of despair required for awakening the Mangekyo.

What Sasuke wanted now was to forge a path different from Itachi's, a path of his own. And he had already seen a glimmer of hope.

He vowed to succeed, to prove to Itachi that his path was wrong and unnecessary.

Thinking this, Sasuke glanced at Natsuro again. When it came to those closest to him...

It was probably Natsuro, Naruto, and Kakashi. Did that mean he had planned for him to 'kill' himself?

"What do you think of this method?" Natsuro asked, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of tea, smiling as he spoke.

"It's brilliant and highly likely to succeed," Sasuke admitted.

"I thought so too. I was even planning to ask Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura to help out," Natsuro said with a sly glint in his eyes.

Sasuke didn't say anything more. All he could think was how he truly lived up to his reputation, like a devil.

"What a pity I can't use that method now," Natsuro said with some regret. After all, for him, the result was all that mattered. As long as no one actually died, it was fine.

Sasuke remained silent for a moment before sharing his thoughts with him.

"I see," Natsuro said with a nod, looking at Sasuke. So, this was something Sasuke likely picked up from him.

If you were going to do it, you had to do it thoroughly, leave no room for doubt in negating the other person.

"Well, you'll have to keep working hard then."

"I'm almost there," Sasuke said, clenching his fist. His three-tomoe Sharingan glowed brilliantly, filled with determination. He had seen hope and the path forward. He just needed time, and he was certain he could awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.

"But Itachi might not be able to wait that long," Natsuro suddenly said.

"What?!" Sasuke's eyes widened as he stared at Natsuro.

"I don't think I've mentioned this before, but I encountered Itachi when I fell into that trap. I almost killed him then, though I didn't, I left him gravely injured," Natsuro explained.

"Itachi's health was already in a terrible state, and with that serious injury, he doesn't have much time left."

Sasuke's pupils contracted. Was this really true? He hadn't reached his peak yet; he hadn't had the chance to exact his revenge in person. And now he was being told that Itachi might die of illness before he could?

Sasuke found this outcome hard to accept.

He couldn't blame Natsuro for nearly killing Itachi back then. Natsuro had likely been in danger himself and had no reason to hold back just to preserve Sasuke's chance for revenge.

But now... what was he supposed to do? Should he seek Itachi out immediately? But where would he even start looking? And his Mangekyo Sharingan hadn't awakened yet. He hadn't reached his ideal state.

Did this mean he truly wouldn't get the chance to take his revenge personally?

"Don't worry. When the time comes, Itachi will come looking for you himself. You may not know where he is, but he knows you're in Konoha," Natsuro said, breaking Sasuke's daze.

"Really?" Sasuke asked, staring at him.

"Really," Natsuro nodded. He knew Itachi intended to give his eyes to Sasuke to awaken the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. There was no way Itachi wouldn't come, though he wasn't sure exactly how Itachi planned to find Sasuke.

"That's good, then." Sasuke chose to believe Natsuro.

Now, he had only one thing left to do: shorten the time needed to awaken his Mangekyo Sharingan.

With that in mind, Sasuke put his mask back on. After bidding Natsuro farewell, he left. Sasuke couldn't afford to waste any more time.

Watching Sasuke's retreating figure, Natsuro smiled and nodded before rubbing his forehead.

He knew that after hearing this news, Sasuke likely wouldn't spend much more time with the Anbu for now. This meant Natsuro had essentially lost another capable subordinate.

Hopefully, Itachi would come to find Sasuke soon. From his perspective, even without the Mangekyo, Sasuke's incomplete Sage Mode would already give him enough strength to defeat Itachi.

The only concern was whether Sasuke would accept Itachi's eyes to awaken the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Judging from Sasuke's current mindset, he probably wouldn't want to accept them, which could complicate things.

For now, Natsuro decided to take it one step at a time. If Sasuke refused, so be it.

Sighing, Natsuro glanced at the container holding the First Hokage's cells. Once things settled down, he would deliver them to his original self.

After some time, Shikaku returned to the office and reported on the meeting's progress. Everyone was ready and waiting for Natsuro in the conference room.

This would likely be the last task Natsuro had to handle today.

If it went smoothly, things would become much easier for him in the future.

With that thought, Natsuro followed Shikaku toward the conference room, feeling a sense of anticipation.

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