Sasuke was incredibly intelligent, and it didn't take long for him to understand Shigeo Aburame's veiled message:
The enemy would strike at night!
This was obvious. The Konoha Police Force wasn't just for show.
Unless the enemy was utterly reckless or planning to declare an all-out war against Konoha, they wouldn't dare act in broad daylight.
The only viable option for them was to sneak into Konoha under the cover of darkness.
As the "bait," Sasuke's role was simply to appear in their sight at the right time, luring them to take the bait.
Once he figured this out, Sasuke rested for the entire afternoon. By evening, he began wandering around the village.
But just as he was perched on a branch of a large tree, resting, a steel wire suddenly shot out, pinning him firmly against the trunk.
At the same time, Kakashi appeared before him.
Sasuke struggled but couldn't break free. Annoyed, he demanded,
"What's the meaning of this?"
Kakashi remained calm and unbothered.
"If I let you wander freely, wouldn't you just run off? You're not exactly the type to sit quietly and listen to lectures, are you? Sasuke, forget about this whole revenge business."
"What?" Sasuke's face immediately darkened.
But Kakashi continued as if he hadn't noticed.
"Sigh… Over the years, I've met so many people like you, who constantly talk about revenge. Let me tell you—things don't end well for them. It's always tragic."
"…"
Sasuke stayed silent, but his furious expression made it clear he wasn't buying Kakashi's words.
Unperturbed, Kakashi pressed on,
"Seeking revenge only deepens your pain and sorrow. Even if you succeed, all you're left with is emptiness."
"Shut up! What do you know?"
Unable to hold back any longer, Sasuke lashed out.
"Stop pretending to understand! If someone killed the person you cherished the most, how would you feel? Only then would you realize how ridiculous your words are!"
"Well, funny you should say that."
Kakashi's expression didn't change; he even smiled faintly.
"It just so happens that everyone I cherished is already gone. They were killed long ago."
"…"
Sasuke was taken aback.
Kakashi's demeanor turned serious.
"I've lived longer than you and through a much harsher era. I've experienced the pain of loss countless times."
He paused, reflecting.
"Sigh… In a way, both of us are unlucky. But we're not the most unfortunate, are we? After all, we've both found important comrades, haven't we?"
"…"
Still silent, Sasuke couldn't help but think of Naruto and Sakura. Their faces surfaced in his mind, softening his expression.
Seeing this, Kakashi released the wire binding Sasuke and spoke again.
"It's because you've experienced loss that you should treasure what you have. Chidori was born from the strength you gained when you found something worth protecting.
"That power isn't meant for hurting your comrades or seeking revenge.
"You should think carefully about how to use it and whether what I've said is true."
With that, Kakashi vanished using the Body Flicker Technique, leaving Sasuke deep in thought.
By the time he snapped out of it, night had fallen, and the moon hung high in the sky.
Suddenly, three figures descended from above, surrounding him.
Noticing their Sound Village forehead protectors, Sasuke immediately realized: the "fish" had taken the bait.
He smirked coldly, dismissing Kakashi's earlier lecture.
"Who are you?"
The trio didn't realize Sasuke's question was rhetorical and introduced themselves.
"We are the Sound Four! I'm Kidomaru of the East Gate!"
"Sakon and Ukon of the West Gate!"
"And Jirobo of the South Gate!"
There should've been a fourth, Tayuya of the North Gate, but she was already being used by Orochimaru, so she couldn't come.
Now reduced to the Sound Three, they attacked Sasuke immediately after introducing themselves.
The battle began with intense taijutsu exchanges.
Sasuke gained the upper hand, sending Kidomaru and Jirobo flying into Sakon and Ukon, knocking them over and kicking up a cloud of dust.
But when the dust settled, Sasuke was shocked to see that the three he had struck were now just wooden logs.
**Substitution Jutsu!**
Turning around, Sasuke saw Kidomaru and the others standing behind him, unharmed.
His expression darkened.
"I'm not in the mood for games. Keep this up, and I won't hold back!"
"Hah!"
Sakon and Ukon scoffed, tauntingly beckoning Sasuke with a finger.
"You're weak. Stop making empty threats. Come on, try me! I'll use your ribcage to make beautiful music!"
Provoked, Sasuke charged at them, resuming the fight.
This time, however, he struggled, even using his signature Lion's Barrage to no avail. He was countered effortlessly and found himself dangling upside down.
Covered in injuries, Sasuke glared at his opponent, his disbelief evident.
How had they withstood his powerful attacks without a scratch?
Sakon and Ukon sneered.
"Why does Orochimaru-sama even want someone like you? Compared to Kimimaro, you're worthless.
"Staying in this pathetic village will only hold you back. You'll never grow stronger!"
"…"
Still silent, Sasuke stared at them in shock.
Kidomaru added,
"Come with us. Orochimaru-sama will grant you power. Dragging you back by force is pointless. It's your choice."
"What's it gonna be? Coming or not?"
Sakon tossed Sasuke aside impatiently.
"If you're this weak, I'm tempted to kill you myself. Staying in this nursery of a village, playing nice with your friends—have you forgotten about Itachi Uchiha?
"To gain something, you must lose something. This village is your cage. Cut those ties and gain real strength. Don't forget your goal!"
With that, they vanished, leaving Sasuke alone.
Watching them disappear, a mocking smile spread across Sasuke's face.
"A bunch of pawns being used by someone else, lecturing me? Even Orochimaru is just a loser in front of him.
"Still, this works perfectly—now no one will suspect a thing!"
*(Chapter End)*