Kakashi's mind raced. Pros and cons, risks, truth and lies, opportunities... countless thoughts collided.
Let Naruto and Sasuke leave with this Kuchiki Byakuya, a man of unknown origins and unfathomable strength? The risk was too great!
Yet the power he had displayed and his knowledge of the "Visored power" seemed genuine.
And if the Pure Soul Court truly existed and opposed Las Noches, it would undoubtedly be a ray of light in the darkness for Konoha and the entire Shinobi World!
Perhaps he could probe further, negotiate terms...
"Where is the Pure Soul Court? How do we get there? Why are you inviting them? And how can you guarantee their safety?" Kakashi fired off his questions.
Kuchiki Byakuya stopped without turning around. His cool voice drifted back on the wind. "The Pure Soul Court lies beyond ordinary reach.
"Those who wish to come, I shall personally guide.
"My purpose? To purify and guide those of extraordinary nature, to maintain balance-these have always been my duties.
"As for their safety..."
He turned his head slightly, revealing a sliver of his handsome, icy profile.
"In the Pure Soul Court, they need face only their own power and the doubts within their hearts.
"Outside enemies... are not yet worthy of setting foot in our domain."
With that, he lifted a foot to leave.
"I'll go!"
A hoarse, resolute voice rang out.
It was Sasuke.
He abruptly stood up. Purple light flickered violently beneath the bandages over his left eye, and his face held a mixture of pain, hatred, and the madness of someone staking everything on one last chance.
"As long as I can get stronger! As long as I can control this power! As long as I can... get my revenge! I'll go!"
"Sasuke!" Sakura cried.
Kakashi's brows knitted tightly.
Naruto stared