Pursuit

Iruka continued saying a few words of encouragement to everyone before leaving.

However, Kuro remained fixated on the news of Sasuke's early graduation.

This changes everything.

Sasuke isn't like Danzo or the Uchiha clan, though his significance in this world is just as profound. He's different, unique.

Sasuke is the reincarnation of Indra's chakra and one of the central protagonists of this world. The entire history of the Ninja World is deeply tied to him.

But now, the life trajectory of someone so crucial had drastically shifted.

And Kuro couldn't help but wonder what the future would look like.

Sasuke graduated early, while Naruto remained the same. That meant the two wouldn't be part of the same team in the future. Without that bond as squadmates, it would be hard for them to form a deep connection as they did in the original storyline.

For now, Naruto's attitude toward Sasuke was marked by envy, jealousy, and a touch of hatred.

Nothing pleasant.

With Indra's and Ashura's fates guiding their lives, both were destined to become mortal enemies.

But without the emotional ties of the original anime, would Naruto still obsess over Sasuke? Would he try to convince him to return to Konoha?

It didn't seem likely.

Now that the Uchiha clan still existed, Sasuke shouldn't become a rogue ninja. As an ally of the village, how could he transform into Naruto's mortal enemy?

Could it be that Indra's and Ashura's fates were consumed when the system forged the crystals?

It was similar to what happened at the Hokage Mountain, but Kuro wasn't sure.

To forge the crystals, the system only needed Indra's and Ashura's chakra, along with tissue samples from Naruto and Sasuke.

If their fate had already been forged into material, there should be accessories related to that bond.

However, fate didn't seem to have broken, so how could they become mortal enemies?

He thought of several possibilities until he reached one that chilled his blood:

One of the worst possible outcomes for Itachi.

He didn't want to think about it anymore.

The idea that things could spiral into such a dark situation felt too cruel, especially for Itachi.

Additionally, it wouldn't be good for Konoha or anyone, really.

But at the same time, a smile appeared on his face.

'Why am I complicating this so much? If they end up hating each other, I can just grab them both and beat some sense into them.'

That idea made him feel better, and his mood improved considerably.

...

Some time passed, and the class bell rang.

Mizuki entered the classroom with a textbook and began the lesson. Naruto, as expected, still hadn't arrived.

Kuro wasn't the least bit worried. Naruto had a habit of arriving late. If he wasn't sleeping in some corner, he was probably plotting a prank.

He stopped thinking about him and turned his gaze toward Shino, who was sitting in a corner of the classroom.

Shino Aburame...

This boy, despite being unremarkable, had incredible strength. Since his debut as a ninja, he had never lost a battle.

Moreover, as a member of the Aburame clan, his body was different from that of ordinary people. From birth, he had been offered as a host for parasitic insects, mastering secret techniques to control them.

What could be forged with his body?

It was a question Kuro had pondered for a long time. He had tried in the past, but without success.

Now that his intensive training had ended, he had more freedom.

And Kuro was willing to take advantage of it.

Gradually, a plan began to form in his mind.

....

Soon night fell, and the academy bell rang, marking the end of classes.

Kuro's classmates ran out of the classroom, excited to go home or simply enjoy the night. After saying goodbye to Shikamaru and other friends, Kuro also left, blending into the crowd.

However, upon reaching a remote alley, he used the Shadow Clone Jutsu to create a clone that returned home normally.

Meanwhile, he put on a fake mask and used the Transformation Jutsu to take on the appearance of a random man he had seen in his previous life.

With the "All-Seeing Book," he confirmed Shino's location and began following him.

Shino walked slowly, allowing Kuro to catch up quickly. However, he was in no hurry to act.

There were too many people nearby, and any movement would draw attention, attracting Konoha's security team. Kuro knew he had to wait.

The Aburame clan lived in a lush forest, an ideal place to breed insects and practice their secret techniques.

In that area, houses were spaced apart or completely isolated, making it perfect for acting without witnesses.

Kuro planned to move once they were inside the forest. The difference in strength between them was considerable, and with just one swift move, he could achieve his goal.

....

About thirty minutes passed.

The twilight grew darker, and Kuro, keeping hidden, followed Shino into the forest. Ensuring no one was around, he used the "All-Seeing Book" to confirm the area was clear.

This is the perfect moment.

There were about 20 minutes left to reach the Aburame clan's residence. If they went further, the likelihood of encountering other clan members would increase dramatically.

With silent movements, he approached Shino. Reaching a few steps away, he lunged like an assassin, extending his right hand to pluck a strand of hair from Shino's head.

He was about to succeed when suddenly, several fat leeches fell from the branches onto his path.

Kuro reacted instantly, stopping with one foot and retreating just in time.

"..."

The leeches hit the ground, writhing and wriggling. Their thick, white bodies looked like fish flopping on the shore.

So close.

Kuro let out a sigh of relief, but his heart raced as he saw Shino turning around. Surrounding him was a dense swarm of insects floating in the air.

The Aburame clan's secret technique allowed its members to use parasitic insects from a young age, giving them a combat advantage long before other clans.

Shino put his hands in his pockets and, with a calm expression, asked:

"Who are you?"

The high collar of his jacket, his dark glasses, and his covered chin gave him a mysterious air.

Kuro raised his hands, showing a neutral smile.

"I'm just someone who got lost around here."

Shino adjusted the frame of his glasses, and his voice grew more severe.

"This forest is a place where the Aburame clan breeds insects. Since you entered, my insects have been reporting your position to me. So… explain yourself, or my insects will devour you."

Kuro remained silent, assessing the situation.

This calmness, this judgment ability… and this secret technique… Shino is truly impressive.

But, at the end of the day… he was still a child.

A cold light flashed in Kuro's eyes. In an instant, his figure vanished and appeared in front of Shino.

Got it!

He reached out and grabbed a lock of Shino's hair. Just as he was about to retreat, several kunai flew from the forest, aiming directly at him and blocking his escape route.

Damn it!

With no other choice, Kuro changed direction, rolling to the side to dodge the kunai. As he did, a notification from the system sounded in his mind.

[Special material "Insect Hair" detected.

This material allows the forging of the special accessory "Insect Nest."

Do you wish to proceed with the forging?]

"No," he responded mentally as he quickly got up, scanning his surroundings.

In front of Shino, a new figure appeared, a young man staring at him emotionlessly.

________

Time: If you're craving more (and I know you are!), I have just what you need. On my Patreon, you'll find exclusive chapters. Join our community and be the first to discover what happens next!

👉 [patreon.com/Athome790]

Your support fuels me. Thank you for the support! 💖