Sakura's Inner World {2}
How could he possibly feel at ease? Even if someone among them was willing to take on the responsibility of Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't dare to hand it over without worry.
As for the next generation, Kakashi, Might Guy, and Asuma all had their own shortcomings.
Kakashi was too lazy, Asuma lacked sufficient ability, and as for Might…
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't even dare to think about it.
If Might Guy became Hokage, he would undoubtedly swear on his life, tears streaming down his face, thumping his chest in absolute conviction that he was the perfect choice.
And then, the very next day, all of Konoha would be flooded with people shouting about youth, clad in those "vibrantly green bodysuits."
If that scene ever came to pass, his teacher, Lord Tobirama Senju, would probably be so furious he'd come back to life—
And the first thing he'd do would be to strangle Might Guy.
As for the generation after that, based on what he saw so far:
Naruto was a hot-blooded idiot—no chance.
Neji was from the branch family—also no chance.
Shikamaru was decent, but he had the same problem as Kakashi.
Sasuke was consumed by revenge—out of the question.
Only the disciple standing before him had the vision and capability of a Hokage.
But after six or seven years of grooming, he realized—this disciple was a complete lunatic.
Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a wave of despair.
He really wanted to retire...
After discovering that the little girl in front of him was mentally unstable, there were moments when Sarutobi Hiruzen wondered if he had been too sharp-eyed for his own good.
In his lifetime, he had only ever taken three disciples.
And between them, they had indulged in every vice—gambling, alcohol, and debauchery.
Finally, he had taken in a last disciple.
This one was great—didn't touch gambling, alcohol, or debauchery. In fact, they were practically his ideal student, the perfect successor.
But they were insane.
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but think back to that talented young man from years ago, someone nearly flawless except for being utterly lovestruck.
Namikaze Minato.
But the problem was—he was such a damn romantic...
Just so his wife could meet their future son, he actually used the Reaper Death Seal…
Seriously, why? Couldn't he have just stayed alive and raised Naruto properly?
If he really wanted Kushina to see Naruto that badly, couldn't he have secretly used a death row prisoner for an Edo Tensei ritual?
It wasn't like the Second Hokage hadn't done that before…
Sarutobi Hiruzen was feeling exhausted.
"Alright, alright, let's go. I'll personally oversee things tomorrow."
Since it was unclear what unforeseen dangers might arise during the suppression of Inner Sakura, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to be present himself.
He was called the Professor of Ninjutsu, after all, and had at least some understanding of Yin Release.
--
To Sakura's surprise, she had expected the location for suppressing Inner Sakura to be some dark, eerie, underground laboratory with a chilling atmosphere.
Instead, it was the all-too-familiar Third Training Ground.
The sun was shining, the breeze was gentle, and the rustling leaves in the nearby sea of trees made everything feel... peaceful.
Sakura sat at the center of an intricate sealing array, which appeared to be some kind of binding seal formation.
This sensation felt oddly familiar—similar to the feeling she got when staying at Kushina's former home.
And she wasn't wrong.
This sealing array was a recreation based on the notes left behind by Uzumaki Mito, meticulously copied by Tsunade.
To minimize risks during the suppression process, Tsunade had done extensive research in preparation.
Recently, aside from treating Sasuke's recovery, Tsunade had spent the rest of her time studying Yin Release and perfecting this seal formation.
At this moment, the entire Third Training Ground was completely sealed off.
Other than Sakura, the only people present were Tsunade, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Sasuke.
"Sakura, are you ready?"
Tsunade stood as she always did, draped in her familiar green haori with the kanji for "gamble" on the back.
"I'm ready anytime."
Sakura sat cross-legged at the center of the array, her expression calm.
"Then let's begin."
Tsunade glanced at Sasuke, who was standing alert at her side, and gave a slight nod.
"Hm."
Sasuke responded solemnly.
As he spoke, his black eyes turned blood-red, and three tomoe slowly rotated in his pupils.
The Three-Tomoe Sharingan—activated.
Sakura met Sasuke's gaze without hesitation.
The Sharingan was the pinnacle of Yin Release, and as the reincarnation of Indra, Sasuke naturally possessed immense Yin-based chakra.
With Sakura fully opening her mind, Sasuke easily entered her inner world.
--
Clear skies.
White clouds.
Towering buildings.
Skyscrapers.
A massive iron bird roared overhead, flying past Sasuke with a deafening sound.
He was momentarily dazed.
Where… was this?
As he looked around at the towering cityscape, the busy streets filled with people and vehicles, Sasuke was utterly stunned.
Sakura's inner world…
Was it always this bizarre?
"Ahhh~~~!"
A soft pink blur let out a startled yelp.
It was a little girl, about six or seven years old, who had tripped and fallen.
"Are you alright…?"
Sasuke instinctively reached out to help the fallen girl up—
And the next moment, he froze.
This was… Sakura?!
The little girl in front of him was none other than six- or seven-year-old Sakura!
She was dressed in children's clothing, her expression pure and innocent.
Seeing this, Sasuke felt an odd sense of disorientation.
"Thank you, big brother!"
Little Sakura beamed at him with a bright, carefree smile.
"You really are something… Thank you, young man."
A woman ran over from not far away—seemingly Little Sakura's mother—thanking Sasuke as she scooped the child into her arms.
But upon seeing her, Sasuke was stunned again.
Though she had changed significantly, it was still obvious—
This was a thirty-year-old adult Sakura!
Holding Little Sakura in her arms, Adult Sakura looked at the dazed, almost dumbfounded Sasuke with a hint of curiosity.
She quickly thanked him and hurried off.
Sasuke vaguely heard her muttering something like, "What a shame… so young, yet already an idiot."
Sasuke snapped out of his trance and looked around, his body slightly trembling—
Everywhere.
Everywhere.
Everywhere—
It was all Sakura!
A schoolgirl Sakura in uniform, carrying a backpack on her way to class…
An office worker Sakura in a business suit, rushing to work…
A mascot Sakura in a plush costume, handing out flyers on the street…
A butcher Sakura, cigarette in mouth, looking like she owned a meat stall…
A bakery Sakura with a sweet smile, working behind the counter…
Even a driver Sakura, stuck in traffic, angrily shouting at another driver Sakura in front of her.
And the other driver Sakura wasn't backing down—firing back with equal aggression.
Sasuke listened to the heated exchange between the two driver Sakuras, feeling a deep sense of unease.
Then, his gaze shifted to a telephone pole nearby—
A large ad was pasted on it, featuring a Sakura with a giant headshot, and bold letters reading:
"WANTED: LARGE SUM FOR A CHILD!"
Seeing this, Sasuke was immediately outraged.
Indecent! Absolutely indecent!
…But for some reason, he still couldn't help but take another look.
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