A Deep Talk with Sasuke

Neji led Sasuke to the basement, found a spot to sit, and gestured for Sasuke to sit down as well.

Once both were seated, Neji said gravely to Sasuke, "Sasuke, you're about ten years old now, right? You should have some understanding of this world, of Konoha, of ninja, and of the current situation."

Seeing Sasuke remain silent, Neji continued, "You're not an idiot who just believes whatever others say, are you?"

The previous sentence was manageable, but the next one made Sasuke's blood pressure rise again. However, he managed to suppress his urge to act.

Neji nodded inwardly, thinking, The kid's improving. He stopped teasing Sasuke and spoke formally, "A year ago, the Uchiha were massacred. On the surface, Uchiha Itachi did it, but anyone who isn't an idiot knows that a powerhouse like Konoha's number one clan, with dozens of Jonin, over a hundred Chunin, and hundreds of Genin, couldn't possibly be wiped out by a single thirteen-year-old ninja?"

Sasuke's head shot up instantly, his eyes fixed on Neji, unconsciously turning blood-red! He said in a low voice, "Tell me the truth!"

Neji didn't rush to answer Sasuke's question. Instead, he tempted him, "About the truth of the Uchiha massacre, about the secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan, about the learning method for the S-rank ninjutsu I used on you today, I can tell you everything!!"

Seeing Sasuke's increasingly crimson eyes and his anxious state, Neji continued, "300 million Ryo, a friendly price!!"

Hearing Neji talk about money, Sasuke felt like killing him. Without any hesitation, Sasuke said directly, "I'll give you the money, just tell me the truth quickly!"

Seeing Sasuke agree so readily, treating money like dirt, Neji wasted no more time and said gravely, "Strictly speaking, there were four forces involved in the massacre of your Uchiha clan that day: Uchiha Itachi, Konoha's Root, Konoha's Anbu, and the mysterious organization outside the village, 'Akatsuki'."

Before Sasuke could ask, Neji continued, "Among the four forces, Uchiha Itachi, Konoha's Root, and the mysterious organization 'Akatsuki' actually participated in the slaughter of the Uchiha clan. Konoha's Anbu was responsible for blocking the news and preventing other factions and civilians in the village from finding out. Don't ask me how I know; I possess the Hyuga clan's strongest Byakugan."

Sasuke fell silent again. Just as Neji said, he wasn't an idiot. He knew the strength the Uchiha clan possessed back then and understood how it was impossible for Uchiha Itachi alone to wipe out the clan. He had simply been unwilling to think about these things, deceiving himself all along!

But hearing Neji's words, knowing that two core organizations of the village, "Root and Anbu," were involved in the massacre, and that other organizations or factions in the village claiming complete ignorance were also lying, yet they had truly stood by and watched, making no move to help the Uchiha clan, allowing them to perish.

A deep chill washed over him. The Uchiha clan, nearly a thousand strong, massacred in a single night within the village. This was the so-called Konohagakure, the so-called Will of Fire, the so-called unity, the so-called comrades!!

But why didn't they kill him too? Why leave him alive alone? Sasuke muttered to himself, appearing deranged!

Neji's voice arrived at the opportune moment, "It's because of Uchiha Itachi. He wanted to protect you. He was willing to kill everyone, including his parents and clan members, but he was unwilling to kill you! He wanted you to live."

Sasuke fell into silence, unsure of what he was thinking. Neji didn't disturb him. After about fifteen minutes, Sasuke, having calmed down, spoke, "I understand. I won't act rashly until I become stronger. Tell me the secret of the Mangekyo Sharingan."

Seeing Sasuke, who had regained his calm but whose eyes had now become tomoe Sharingan, Neji cursed him inwardly as a cheater. He then replied, "The Mangekyo Sharingan is an advanced form of the ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan. Only those with exceptional talent can awaken it after experiencing extreme stimulation, such as personally killing someone they hold dearest!"

Hearing that the way to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan was so evil and insane! Recalling Uchiha Itachi's actions, Sasuke instantly understood everything and deeply repulsed and abhorred this method of seeking power.

His fists were already bleeding from clenching too hard, yet he was unaware, showing how great his inner turmoil was at that moment.

Neji was genuinely afraid that Sasuke would be too stimulated and awaken his three-tomoe Sharingan as well! Otherwise, another person's mentality would collapse.

Fortunately, this didn't happen. The calmed Sasuke's desire for power increased by another level, and he urgently said, "Whatever the cost, teach me the strongest ninjutsu!"

Sasuke was a rather stubborn person, but thinking about it, it seemed like Uchiha were generally quite stubborn. Moreover, after such a drastic change, it was considered that Sasuke had a good amount of restraint for not awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan immediately.

However, Neji was quite happy inwardly. 300 million Ryo had arrived!

For the next period of time, Neji kept his word and taught Sasuke the Lightning Release Chakra Stimulation Method, Chidori, Chidori Stream, Raikiri, and other ninjutsu, along with some ideas for ninjutsu development, all at once.

After receiving so many training methods, Sasuke once again became engrossed in his practice, forgetting to eat and sleep. Neji could only helplessly instruct Haku to keep a close eye on Sasuke, lest he train himself into ruin!

After more than a year of living together, Haku had become very familiar with both Sasuke and Neji, and the notion of being a hostage was no longer relevant.

However, the quiet Haku remained as inconspicuous as ever, always silently watching Neji and Sasuke's diligent training. Occasionally, he would help out.

Meanwhile, the intelligence regarding the massive commotion caused by Sasuke and Neji's sparring, after being reported through various channels, finally reached the hands of Konoha's two prominent leaders, the Hokage and Danzo.

The two had different opinions on the matter, but neither took immediate action. Instead, they ordered increased surveillance and intelligence gathering on Sasuke and Neji, especially Uchiha Sasuke.

Neji's name also appeared in Shimura Danzo's hands for the first time, drawing his attention.

Writing a new book is not easy. Please collect and recommend!