Chapter 208: I Just Want to Give You a Chance, a Chance to Become Stronger
As soon as the two met, the atmosphere became extremely tense.
"Byakuya, you're back."
Sasuke looked at Byakuya, his tone carrying a hint of provocation.
"Yeah, I'm back."
Byakuya nodded, a trace of battle intent showing in his eyes.
He knew that sooner or later, there would be a battle between him and Sasuke.
"Sasuke, I heard you became the Vice Captain of the Police Force. Your strength has improved quite a bit."
Byakuya spoke with a smile, but his tone was brimming with provocation.
"So what? Byakuya, do you really think you're still a match for me?"
Sasuke let out a cold snort, a hint of disdain flickering in his eyes.
The atmosphere between the two grew increasingly tense, as if a battle could erupt at any moment.
Just then, a figure suddenly appeared before them.
"What are you two doing here?"
Danzo looked at them with a somber expression.
"Lord Danzo."
Both Sasuke and Byakuya lowered their heads. They knew Danzo was a high-level administrator of Konoha Village and not someone they could afford to offend.
Danzo looked at them, took a deep breath, and then spoke slowly: "You are both Ninjas of Konoha Village. You should be united and help one another, not fighting here."
Byakuya and Sasuke both nodded, acknowledging they were in the wrong.
However, at that moment, Sasuke suddenly made a startling decision.
"Lord Danzo, I have decided to leave Konoha Village."
Sasuke's tone was incredibly firm, as if he had already given the decision deep thought.
"What?!"
Both Danzo and Byakuya were stunned; they hadn't expected Sasuke to make such a choice.
"Sasuke, are you crazy?! You're the Vice Captain of the Konoha Military Police Force!"
Byakuya exclaimed, unable to comprehend Sasuke's reasoning.
"I've already decided, Byakuya."
Sasuke glanced at Byakuya and then turned to leave.
He was going to seek greater power to surpass Byakuya and prove himself.
However, he didn't know that the power he sought was a trap set by Orochimaru to seize his body.
"Sasuke..."
Byakuya stared blankly at Sasuke's departing back, his heart filled with confusion and worry.
He understood that Sasuke's departure wasn't just because of their competition and hostility, but also because of the deep-seated loneliness and confusion in his heart.
"Byakuya, we must bring Sasuke back."
Danzo's voice rang in his ear. Byakuya snapped back to his senses, looked at Danzo's determined eyes, and nodded.
They followed the traces Sasuke left behind, their hearts burning with anxiety along the way.
They knew that if Sasuke fell into Orochimaru's hands, the consequences would be unimaginable.
However, while they were tracking him, they were suddenly attacked.
A group of masked Anbu suddenly appeared before them, a hint of killing intent revealing itself in their eyes.
"Who are you?!"
Byakuya cried out, sensing the hostility from the other side.
"We are members of 'Root,' ordered to eliminate those who get in the way."
The lead Anbu spoke coldly, then waved a hand, and the other Anbu launched their attacks at Byakuya and his companion.
"What?!"
Byakuya and Shikamaru were both stunned; they hadn't expected these Anbu to actually attack them.
Furthermore, they were part of Minato's direct Anbu forces—why would they attack his own son?
Byakuya's heart was filled with doubt and anger, but he knew now was not the time for such thoughts.
He had to escape these Anbu attacks as quickly as possible and continue tracking Sasuke.
However, the strength of these Anbu was not to be underestimated; their attacks were incredibly swift, catching Byakuya and the others off guard.
In this moment of crisis, three figures suddenly appeared before them.
"Byakuya, are you guys okay?"
Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee arrived. Seeing Byakuya and the others in trouble, they immediately came to support them.
"You guys arrived just in time!"
Byakuya was overjoyed to see them. He knew that with their help, they would surely be able to break free from these Anbu's attacks.
"You three, escort Byakuya and continue tracking Sasuke. We'll hold off these Anbu!"
Neji finished speaking and, along with Tenten and Rock Lee, launched an attack against the Anbu.
Their strength was formidable, and they soon engaged the Anbu in a fierce battle.
Byakuya took the opportunity to break free from the Anbu's encirclement and continued tracking Sasuke.
He was anxious throughout the journey, fearing that Sasuke might meet with disaster.
Finally, he arrived at the tower where Sasuke was located.
However, when he reached the top of the tower, he found Sasuke already in grave danger.
Orochimaru stood before Sasuke, a bizarre smile on his face.
"Sasuke, you've finally come."
Orochimaru looked at Sasuke, a hint of greed flashing in his eyes.
"Orochimaru, what do you want with me?"
Sasuke looked at Orochimaru warily, sensing the dangerous aura emanating from him.
"I just want to give you an opportunity—an opportunity to gain even greater power."