Naruto's actions drew countless sidelong glances.
Everyone who learned the news was dumbfounded, scarcely daring to believe their ears.
"Hey, did you hear? Naruto Uzumaki defected!"
"Huh? The strongest genius of the village's new generation, the Fourth's son—why would he defect?! There has to be some misunderstanding!"
"How could it be a misunderstanding? He's an outstanding ninja. He knows exactly what leaving the village without authorization means, not to mention that he took those heinous criminals out of the prison with him!"
More and more people learned the news, and they could only look at one another in silence.
Numerous powerful ninja mobilized, tracking Naruto's whereabouts.
They had to bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki back to the village!
"Naruto... you really chose this path after all..."
Sasuke stood among the crowd, fully equipped and ready to depart.
Even now, he was unwilling to believe it.
The Fourth's only son had actually betrayed everyone and fled the Shinobi World's greatest power...
"I once mocked Orochimaru, saying that betraying a village full of powerful people was the stupidest decision possible. Yet Naruto ended up taking this path too." Sasuke's face tightened as he clenched his teeth.
"Sasuke, I suggest you don't participate in this operation. You don't seem to be in very good condition." Itachi glanced at Sasuke.
"I have to go. That guy who's fought me for so many years thinks he can just ditch me and leave? What a joke! Even if I have to break his legs, I'll drag him back to the village!"
Nearby, Hyuga Neji also stood among the team, ready to move out.
Neji gave Sasuke an exceptionally calm look. "Honestly, I never expected Lady Hinata to defect with Naruto in the end."
Both Neji and Sasuke knew that Hinata had intended to defect.
Ever since Hinata