Chapter 124: Hot Temper

Rear Mountain of the Uchiha Compound

"Hmph, how do I know you're not lying to me?" Sasuke's rationality returned slightly when he saw the smile on Kabuto's face, a smile that made Sasuke feel deeply uncomfortable.

"I'm not lying. Perhaps you don't know, but during this Chunin Exam, Orochimaru used a forbidden jutsu to bring the First and Second Hokage back to the world of the living during his fight with the Third Hokage," Kabuto said, unhurried.

"What...?" Sasuke had been ordered to pursue the Sand-nin when the Chunin Exams were interrupted, and then he was bitten by Orochimaru. When he woke up, Orochimaru's invasion had already ended. The Jonin knew about the forbidden jutsu Orochimaru used, but they wouldn't just go around telling everyone, so Sasuke was unaware of this.

"It's not your fault you don't know. You were unconscious at the time, so you missed a lot of things," Kabuto said, spreading his hands with a look of regret. "How about it? Think of it as a transaction. You offer your body, and Lord Orochimaru will give you the power to defeat Uchiha Itachi and help you revive your family."

"Then, since the First and Second Hokage were revived, why were they fighting for Orochimaru?" Sasuke spotted a flaw. If they were truly revived, why would they, as Hokage, help Orochimaru?

"How perceptive, Sasuke," Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses. "This jutsu is actually part of Lord Orochimaru's research into immortality, so it has some additional uses. When this jutsu is fully developed, it will be possible to truly revive the dead."

"In other words, this jutsu isn't complete yet. Come find me when Orochimaru finishes developing it," Sasuke said, immediately understanding. Kabuto was just trying to pull a fast one.

Kabuto was speechless. Neither power nor resurrection could tempt Sasuke. He could only say, "You're just wasting your talent in Konoha. Lord Orochimaru will give you the power of revenge and the chance to revive your family. You'll never achieve that in Konoha."

Sasuke remained silent, closing his eyes in thought. It was true, as Kabuto said, that he wouldn't find such a forbidden jutsu in Konoha. A single condition wouldn't be enough to tempt Sasuke, but the two together made him waver slightly. Both conditions were things Sasuke desired, but neither was perfect. What should he choose...?

Seeing Sasuke lost in thought, Kabuto knew he was wavering. He tossed a vial and a scroll to Sasuke. "This is a 'Mind Awakening Pill.' It can help you awaken Cursed Seal Level Two."

Sasuke caught the vial and scroll, looking at Kabuto with confusion.

"This drug can help you awaken Cursed Seal Level Two, but it will only last a few minutes, and then you'll die. But don't worry, I have a sealing jutsu here that can put you in a state of suspended animation, suppressing the side effects. So, when you've made your decision, open that scroll, and I'll contact you. That's all. I'll be going now," Kabuto said, waving to Sasuke before disappearing.

Seeing Sasuke's wavering, Kabuto directly placed the key to increasing his strength in Sasuke's hands. Kabuto was truly opportunistic, seizing the moment of Sasuke's hesitation to give him the drug that could currently enhance his power, subjecting him to the constant temptation of increased strength, coupled with the hope of resurrection, slowly eroding Sasuke's resolve.

After Kabuto left, Sasuke stared at the vial, filled with conflict. He put the vial away and resumed his furious training.

Konoha's Main Gate

"The mission is finally over," Sakura said, gazing at Konoha's gate with a sigh of relief. Every time she returned from a mission, seeing that gate filled her with a sense of relaxation.

"Has it changed much? It's even more prosperous than before," Tsunade said, also remarking on the bustling streets of Konoha.

"Let's go. We need to report to the Third Hokage first," Jiraiya said, then turned to Naruto. "Naruto, you go home and rest."

"What about me?" Sakura asked.

"Sakura, you come with us. It seems you're eager, too," Tsunade said.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Sakura nodded vigorously. They had agreed that she could be promoted to Chunin after completing the mission. With Tsunade returning to take on the role of Fifth Hokage, the village would soon be back on track, and the genin would probably be busy again.

As they walked down the street, the older villagers who recognized Tsunade were filled with disbelief, followed by excited greetings. The younger ones didn't know who Tsunade was, but when the older villagers told them she was Tsunade-sama, one of the Sannin, they also showed respect. Although they hadn't seen her before, they had heard of the Sannin's exploits.

Inside the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage looked at Tsunade and said with a sigh, "You're back."

"Hmph," Tsunade snorted, sitting down on a nearby sofa.

"Lord Third Hokage, greetings," Shizune said politely.

"Third Hokage, where's my stuff?" Sakura asked, holding out her hand.

"Haha, here's your Chunin appointment scroll," the Third Hokage said, handing Sakura a scroll he had prepared beforehand.

"Hey, old man, hurry up and get to the point," Tsunade said impatiently, seeing the Third Hokage dragging things out by explaining to Sakura the responsibilities of a Chunin.

The Third Hokage glanced at Tsunade and said to Shizune and Sakura, "You two, please leave us."

"Yes," Sakura and Shizune replied.

After Shizune and Sakura left, Tsunade spoke, "You know about this incident, don't you, old man?"

"What incident?" The Third Hokage asked, looking slightly puzzled.

"Huh? Jiraiya, you didn't tattle to the old man?" Tsunade turned to Jiraiya, her gaze filled with extreme distrust, making Jiraiya look somewhat embarrassed.

"Ahem... No, I didn't. To prevent the information from being intercepted, it's better for you to tell him yourself," Jiraiya said, coughing dryly.

"Then I'll make it simple. Someone high up in the village knew you were going to ask me to become Hokage and tried to assassinate me," Tsunade said, dropping the bombshell.

"That's impossible," the Third Hokage denied emphatically, then, seeing Tsunade's unwavering gaze, said, "Tell me everything. Do you have any other information?"

"That's it. The ninja who came this time had been following me for several days. He took the mission at the underground exchange. The bounty was 50 million ryo. I was ambushed right when you were asking me to return and take up the position of Hokage. I can only suspect that someone in the village who knew about it was responsible. I don't believe it's a coincidence," Tsunade said firmly.

"Hmm... Only five people knew I was asking you to return and become Hokage. Besides Jiraiya and me, there were only the two advisors and Danzo," the Third Hokage said after some thought.

"Don't you have any idea who it is, old man?" Tsunade sneered.

"Are you saying...?" The Third Hokage said, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Danzo," Tsunade said, slamming her hand on the Third Hokage's desk.

Jiraiya shivered involuntarily, seeing Tsunade's fiery temper. She was still the same as before, fearlessly confronting anyone who crossed her, regardless of their position.

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