This was the level of strength Naruto had once expected Sasuke to attain at the very least.
It was also a height Sasuke could easily reach now.
Sasuke naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Naruto's words.
But all things considered,
Sasuke was still rather stubborn—or, to put it another way, a bit of an idiot.
He probably couldn't accept it all at once.
And he was even more upset that Naruto wouldn't let him join the Allied Shinobi Forces.
After Naruto left with Utakata and Karin,
Sasuke, standing atop the platform, wore a deeply displeased expression.
"Sasuke-kun, I understand how you feel, but I think Naruto is right. I don't know what the core issue is between you and your brother, but in the end, it's something you need to face yourself—if you truly want to help Naruto!"
Neji, standing nearby, could clearly see what Sasuke was thinking. With a solemn look between his brows, he spoke in an utterly calm voice.
Sasuke turned to glance at Neji.
A trace of displeasure flickered in his dark eyes.
For some reason,
the people at Naruto's side, like Karin and Utakata,
had never stirred any feelings in Sasuke.
But Neji Hyuga was different.
Ever since the night Sasuke defected,
he had especially disliked this genius boy of the Hyuga Clan.
Perhaps it was because they had both once belonged to Konoha's most prestigious ninja clans, and both carried the title of clan genius.
In any case,
Sasuke simply couldn't bring himself to like Neji.
And as it happened,
Neji felt the same way.
It was only for Naruto's sake
that he put up with it.
Otherwise,
Neji wouldn't have wanted to deal with this proud young master of the Uchiha Clan!
That pride of the great clans ran deep in their bones.