On the rooftop of Konoha Hospital, Sasuke and Naruto were locked in a heated battle.
During the Chunin Exams, Naruto had displayed incredible power, summoning Gamabunta to fight Gaara, leaving Sasuke feeling deeply shaken.
More recently, Uchiha Itachi had come to Konoha, not for Sasuke, his estranged brother, but for Naruto. This disregard further amplified Sasuke's frustration and sense of inferiority.
Witnessing the former "dead last" grow to such heights left the self-proclaimed genius feeling unbalanced.
As soon as Sasuke recovered consciousness, he urgently called Naruto to the hospital rooftop, where a disagreement escalated into a fight.
In the heat of the battle, Sasuke unleashed the Chidori, a technique he had learned from Kakashi, while Naruto responded with the Rasengan, a skill taught by Jiraiya.
The clash nearly ended in mutual destruction, but Kakashi arrived just in time to stop them, averting a tragedy.
When Shigeo Aburame arrived at the rooftop, the fight was already over.
Sasuke, realizing he had fallen behind Naruto in strength, left silently after being reprimanded by Kakashi. Naruto, too, faced a scolding before leaving the hospital with Shigeo.
On the way back, Naruto was visibly upset.
"Damn Sasuke, always looking down on me. What makes him think he's better than me?"
Shigeo couldn't help but chuckle.
"You're not worse than him in any way, Naruto. In fact, you're even more reckless. Using the Rasengan—a jutsu your father created—against a comrade? Really?"
"Uh…"
Naruto's face turned red with embarrassment, and he lowered his head in shame.
"Sorry, Shigeo-dad. I don't know what came over me... I'm really sorry!"
"You don't owe me an apology."
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses and ruffled Naruto's hair.
"You should apologize to Jiraiya-sensei for misusing the technique he taught you. Reflect on that."
"I understand!"
Naruto nodded earnestly.
"I'll think it over and apologize to Jiraiya-sensei. Shigeo-dad, do you know where he is?"
"At the hospital."
Shigeo's lips curled into a smile.
"He's been admitted due to his usual... issues. He'll need some time to recover. For now, let's head home for lunch. You can visit him in the afternoon."
"Alright!"
...
After lunch, Konan prepared a basket of fruit, which Naruto eagerly took to visit Jiraiya at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Shigeo took a nap and later went to work at the Konoha Police Force.
Upon entering his office, he found an unexpected visitor—Sasuke.
Shigeo chuckled.
"Well, well. What a rare guest. Sasuke-kun, fresh out of the hospital, not resting up? What brings you here?"
"..."
Sasuke was silent for a moment before speaking.
"I heard you were the one who brought me back to Konoha. Is that true?"
"Hmm?" Shigeo raised an eyebrow. "Are you here to thank me? That's unnecessary. Protecting villagers is the Police Force's duty."
"No, I'm not here to thank you."
Sasuke's expression turned serious.
"I need power. Let me join the Special Ops. I'm willing to pay any price!"
"Oh? You want to join the Special Ops?"
Shigeo chuckled again and asked, "Do you even know the requirements for joining?"
"..."
Sasuke fell silent, clearly unaware of the criteria.
Shigeo explained.
"First, you must be a Chunin to join the Police Force. Then, only those with exceptional skills and courage can stand out among thousands of members to become part of Special Ops. And you..."
He didn't finish, but Sasuke got the message.
"Isn't there any other way?"
"There is."
Shigeo grinned.
"You can start with the village militia. Once you make Chunin, join the Police Force, and after three to five years of training, you might qualify for Special Ops. I believe you can do it!"
"No, that's too long!"
Sasuke's face darkened.
"I can't wait that long. I have to avenge myself against that man. Isn't there a faster way? You knew my father, didn't you?"
"Well... since you're so insistent..."
Shigeo pondered for a moment, adjusted his sunglasses, and narrowed his eyes.
"There's a mission only you can complete. It's dangerous, but if you succeed, I can make an exception for you."
"I'll do it!" Sasuke replied without hesitation.
"Whatever the mission is, no matter how dangerous, I don't care. Tell me!"
"Good, I like your spirit."
Shigeo nodded approvingly.
"Alright, here's the mission. The Sound Village that attacked Konoha was established by Orochimaru. That village shouldn't exist anymore."
He slammed his palm on the desk, making a loud thud.
"No one who harms Konoha gets away unscathed. We need to find that village and destroy it—along with Orochimaru!"
Sasuke frowned. "You want me to find the Sound Village and Orochimaru?"
"Ha! Of course not."
Shigeo waved his hand dismissively.
"I've sent many people, and none have found it. You won't either. But don't worry—someone will lead you there."
"Who?"
"Orochimaru."
"..."
The mention of Orochimaru made Sasuke recall the encounter in the Forest of Death. He quickly pieced it together.
"You're saying Orochimaru wants my bloodline and eyes. So you plan to use me as bait?"
"Exactly."
Shigeo nodded without hesitation.
"Orochimaru sees you as prey. He'll come for you, likely using your desire for revenge to lure you in with promises of power."
"..."
Sasuke fell silent again.
Seeing his hesitation, Shigeo smiled.
"Don't worry. Orochimaru was severely injured by me last time. He probably won't come in person but will send his subordinates instead. You just need to pretend to agree and follow them."
"I understand."
Sasuke nodded. "Once I locate the Sound Village and Orochimaru's base, how do I contact you?"
"You won't need to. Just take this."
Shigeo extended his hand, and a bloodworm emerged from his palm, burrowing into Sasuke's hair.
"With that, I can track your location at all times. Once the mission is complete, I'll personally come to retrieve you. For now, you can leave."
"Leave? What should I do until then?"
"Whatever you want!"
Shigeo shrugged with a smile.
"As bait, even if you do nothing, Orochimaru won't let you go. My advice? Get a good night's sleep so you'll be ready later."
"..."