Leaving Konoha

Sasuke recuperated at home for three days, increasing his weighted load to two thousand kilograms. This journey away from the village would be an excellent training opportunity. He would first adapt to the new weight in the Land of Fire, then head to the Land of Iron to forge his own Chakra weapons. After that, he would travel through the various countries, spar with rogue ninja from each nation, and copy more ninjutsu—especially the Lightning Release techniques of Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning.

He had decent ninjutsu for both his Fire and Water Chakra natures. Most of his Fire Style Ninjutsu came from the Uchiha Clan's collection and Kakashi's instruction, while his Water Style Ninjutsu came from the Scroll of Seals, along with techniques Kakashi had copied over the years. However, he still did not dare use many of the Second Hokage's techniques recorded in the Scroll of Seals. They were far too conspicuous. He would wait until he had a chance to view the Scroll of Seals openly before using them; for now, he was merely practicing them, not using them in actual combat. Besides, the Second Hokage's techniques were too advanced—mostly A-rank, with some even S-rank—and consumed enormous amounts of Chakra. Sasuke did not dare use them lightly. He paid close attention to his Chakra consumption in battle.

Despite how formidable Sasuke had looked in his fight with Naruto, Tsunade had rated him only at the level of an elite Chunin. Naturally, he had not revealed all of his methods, but at most, he could reach the level of a Special Jonin. His Chakra reserves were also insufficient; in a prolonged battle, he would certainly be at a disadvantage. Sasuke did not arrogantly think himself exceptional. Instead, he intended to continue training hard. He still needed to temper his willpower to keep awakening his eyes.

Ever since Itachi Uchiha had used Tsukuyomi on him last time, his spiritual power had grown considerably. He also had a feeling that over the next three years, his spiritual power would undergo explosive growth. Perhaps Sasuke's own still-maturing soul was beginning to exert its strength. But feelings were unreliable; only what was in his hands truly belonged to him. So he would not stop moving forward.

Three days later, Sasuke packed everything he needed, most of it stored in Sealing Scrolls. He carried only a small bag himself, filled with dry rations and water. Once everything was in order, he shut the door to his home and set off at dawn. Without informing anyone, he went straight to Konoha's gates. They had only just opened when he presented his proof of departure and stepped beyond them.

After walking several dozen paces, Sasuke turned back for one last look, then continued forward with renewed determination. In three years, he would return as a true powerhouse and carry out his revenge plan. He would not let Danzo go, nor would he allow him to become the next Hokage. That was the account he owed the Uchiha Clan.

Sakura stood atop the wall, watching Sasuke's retreating figure with red-rimmed eyes. Kakashi and Naruto stood beside her. They had all arrived early. They understood Sasuke well, so they had come before the gates opened.

"You two need to work hard as well. When Sasuke returns, he'll be strong—a truly strong person. If you don't put in the effort, he'll leave you far behind." Kakashi patted both of them on the shoulders.

"Of course. I'll surpass him." Naruto had always regarded Sasuke as his goal, as a genius. But after their fight, he realized that he had not worked as hard as Sasuke, nor as hard as Rock Lee. Sakura said nothing. Once Sasuke had disappeared from sight, she turned and left as well. Starting today, she would train under Tsunade. In three years, she absolutely could not hold Sasuke back. She would become strong too.

From that day onward, all three members of Team 7 embarked on their own paths toward strength. When they gathered again three years later, they would shine brilliantly and astonish the entire ninja world. Thinking of this, Kakashi also departed. His three subordinates—or rather, his students—had all left. He could not afford to slack off either, or he would easily embarrass himself in three years.

Sasuke's steps were exceptionally firm. Since coming to this world, he had enjoyed relatively smooth progress thanks to the advantage of foresight. But if he wanted to become strong, he could not rely on such things. He had to become powerful himself. Though he had never been defeated, he had fled many times. In his battles against Orochimaru and Gaara, for example, he had never fought to the end. He had always made arrangements beforehand; otherwise, he did not know how long he could fight or how long he could endure. Even during his battle with Naruto, he had not allowed Naruto to use the Summoning Technique.

Sasuke wanted a Summoning Animal as well, but now was not the time. He would wait until he was stronger before attempting a reverse summoning. If he encountered an excellent Summoning Animal but lacked the strength to earn its recognition, that would be a disaster. It would be better to deal with that before returning to Konoha.

Walking along the main road, Sasuke admired the scenery of the Land of Fire. This country truly possessed greater advantages than the others. Its climate alone was vastly better, and it also had abundant land and a large population. Not long after leaving, he saw a merchant caravan traveling toward Konoha, escorted by a small squad of ninja. Though he did not recognize them, Sasuke wore his Konoha Forehead Protector around his neck, so both sides exchanged friendly nods.

The Land of Fire also had bandits and robbers, though not many. Still, they were not easy to eliminate. The Land of Fire was simply too vast, and Konoha could not extend its reach to every corner. It could only protect the main trade routes and the safety of nobles and dignitaries, while also guarding the borders. The Land of Fire's borders were enormous, and it occupied the central region of the ninja world, effectively surrounded by the four great nations. Small countries lay between them, of course. This was intentional on everyone's part, and it was also why those small nations could continue to exist.

Sasuke was heading toward the Land of Iron in the northeast of the Land of Fire. Along the way, he would persist in his training, traveling for half the day and training for the other half. After all, he was still within the Land of Fire, where it was relatively much safer. Once he began traveling through other countries, he could not continue like this. Training could leave him exhausted, and that would be dangerous in foreign lands.

After traveling for half a day, Sasuke surveyed his surroundings and finally chose a mountain not far from the roadside. He would train here today, and he could camp in the mountain overnight. Ninja were not particularly fussy; it did not matter where they stayed. Safety was what mattered most. When Sasuke reached the foot of the mountain, he selected a campsite, began setting traps to protect it, and only then started preparing lunch.

He caught a rabbit, cleaned it, and set it over the fire to roast. Then he took out some dry rations, water, and quite a few seasonings. He had only been away from Konoha for half a day, so there was no need to live too austerely. His training required plenty of food and nutrition as well, so whenever he could eat well, he would eat well.