Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Sasuke Defected



When Kirito applied to assist in Lee's surgery, Tsunade agreed without hesitation. Kirito's unique ability to enhance cellular activity with his yang-attribute chakra made him an invaluable asset.

Lee's operation was complex, involving the removal of bone fragments lodged near nerves and blood vessels in his left hand and foot. The greatest challenge was keeping Lee's nervous system active throughout the procedure.

In the original timeline, Lee's operation was dangerous because fragments had entered his main nervous system. Failure meant paralysis—or worse, death. With Kirito's support, the success rate of Lee's surgery rose to over 90%.

For Kirito, the operation was also an opportunity to learn advanced medical techniques directly from Tsunade. Every skill he mastered in healing and saving lives was another tool in his arsenal.

"Lee, how are you feeling?" TenTen asked, setting down a basket of fruit on the table in Lee's hospital room.

"Great! I'll succeed tomorrow!" Lee clenched his fist. "With everyone's support, my youthful fire will burn brighter than ever!"

"It's good to be optimistic," Kirito said. "But I'll tell you this—thanks to my involvement, the surgery's success rate is now over 90%."

"Really?" TenTen's eyes widened. "That's amazing! You're the best, Kirito!"

"That's a relief," Lee said with a deep exhale. Even though he had resolved to go through with the surgery, hearing Kirito's reassurance made his heart lighter.

"Don't think about missions just yet," TenTen warned. "After surgery, your focus should be on recovery."

"TenTen's right," Kirito added. "Pushing yourself too soon could cause irreversible damage. Better to heal completely than regret later."

Lee hesitated. He was desperate to catch up with Kirito, whose promotion to Chunin had widened the gap between them. But the advice made sense. Achieving his dreams required patience and careful planning.

Later that evening, Kirito sat atop the hospital roof, gazing over the lights of Konoha. His thoughts lingered on Sasuke's defection.

From one perspective, leaving Konoha seemed logical for Sasuke. With Sakura apprenticed to Tsunade and Naruto under Jiraiya's wing, staying would leave Sasuke under Kakashi—a stark disadvantage compared to Orochimaru's power.

In leaving, Sasuke not only fueled Naruto's determination but also received the training he sought. Orochimaru taught him techniques that far surpassed what Kakashi could offer in their limited time together.

Kirito reflected on Naruto's growth during his time with Jiraiya. The progress felt... underwhelming compared to Sasuke's exponential improvement under Orochimaru.

[If that's the case, why stop him? Let him leave, seek power, and play his part in the world's unfolding events.]

With that thought, Kirito resolved not to intervene.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of Konoha, the Sound Four ambushed Sasuke. They overpowered him with ease, leaving him bruised and battered.

"Don't act superior," Tayuya sneered, "You don't even know how to control the curse mark properly. It's eating away at you."

"Remember why you're here, Uchiha Sasuke," Sakon added, his voice cutting. "Your purpose isn't to stagnate in this village. It's to gain power—to defeat Itachi. This village is a cage, and these bonds are chains holding you back."

Sasuke staggered to his feet, the Sound Four's words searing into his mind. Power. Revenge. Itachi.

The memory of his last encounter with Itachi burned within him. He had been utterly humiliated, and even Naruto—once the weakest in their class—was catching up to him. His pride couldn't bear it.

Returning to his room, Sasuke packed his belongings and gazed at the photo of Team Seven. A bitter smile crossed his lips as he placed it atop his packed bag. He had made his decision.

On the road leading out of Konoha, Sasuke encountered Sakura. She had been waiting, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded for him to stay.

"Sasuke, don't go! You don't have to leave! We'll figure this out together!"

"Sakura," Sasuke said softly, "thank you."

Before she could respond, he knocked her unconscious and gently laid her on a bench.

He knew Sakura's feelings for him, and he appreciated them in his own way. But his path was solitary—a road paved with vengeance and suffering.

With one last look at the village he was leaving behind, Sasuke disappeared into the night.

The next morning, the alarm was raised. News of Sasuke's defection spread rapidly through the village.

Tsunade immediately summoned Shikamaru, now a Chunin, to assemble a retrieval team. Despite the urgency, Kirito remained at the hospital, preparing for Lee's operation. His duty was clear—ensuring Lee's successful recovery.

[Once the surgery is over, I'll step in if needed. Until then, the retrieval team will have to manage.]

As Sasuke's shadow loomed over Konoha, Kirito focused on the life in front of him, knowing the village's fate would unfold regardless of his choice.

(End of Chapter)

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