Sarutobi Hiruzen was in no hurry.
Second Pillar still had his uses; at the very least, the Indra Chakra within him held considerable value.
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew full well that it would not be easy for Second Pillar to come to harm. At least within the Ninja World, he was still under the Sage of Six Paths' watch.
And Indra himself was, in truth, a protagonist no less important than Asura, with fortune of his own.
"You don't need to worry."
"I'll make the trip myself and bring Sasuke back when the time comes."
Judging by the Life Card's reaction, Sarutobi Hiruzen guessed that Second Pillar had most likely been teleported to some remote corner, very far from Konoha.
"You just wait here for news."
That was what Sarutobi Hiruzen said.
He still had to do the Uchiha family this favor. Besides, Second Pillar was a future enforcer he had already set his sights on.
Though Uchiha Itachi was uneasy, he still had to obey the Third Hokage's orders.
"Yes, Lord Third!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, transforming into a blue-white beam of light and vanishing from the spot.
Elsewhere, Sasuke woke from his dizziness and immediately became alert.
"Where is this...?"
Sasuke got to his feet. He felt somewhat weak, but with the instincts of a ninja trainee, he carefully surveyed his surroundings.
He discovered that this was not anywhere he had ever visited or even heard of. An unknown mist blanketed the area, making it almost impossible to see even one's hand in front of one's face.
Second Pillar tried taking two steps forward and noticed what seemed to be a light ahead!
After walking for a while, Second Pillar reached the source of the light.
"This is..."
Second Pillar looked up and saw an enormous gate, lavishly and exquisitely