Can't Think of One, No Title

On the third day after returning to the Hidden Leaf Village, Ling clearly felt that the atmosphere in the village had changed. Anbu patrols had grown more frequent, and even ordinary villagers were whispering among themselves, talking about the last two survivors of the Uchiha Clan.

"Have you heard? Sasuke Uchiha has been leaving the village alone a lot lately..."

"Shh! Keep your voice down. You can't just say things like that."

As Ling walked down the street, he took in every word of those discussions. The system's countdown hung over his heart like the sword of Damocles. There were only twenty days left.

[Hidden mission: Stop Sasuke from defecting]

[Time remaining: 20 days]

[Mission hint: Orochimaru's temptation is corroding Sasuke's will]

That afternoon, Ling found Sasuke at the training ground. He was practicing Chidori like a madman, the lightning almost tearing the entire training ground apart.

"Training like that will only hurt you," Ling warned.

Sasuke stopped and looked coldly at Ling. "Weaklings have no right to criticize how I train."

"Obsessing over power will only make you lose your way." Ling tried to persuade him. "Revenge isn't all there is to life."

A flash of scarlet crossed Sasuke's eyes. "You don't understand at all! How could you possibly understand the pain of watching your entire clan get slaughtered with your own eyes!"

"I really don't," Ling said calmly. "But I do know that someone blinded by hatred will only end up hurting the people who care about him."

Sasuke gave a cold laugh and turned to leave.

"Wait." Ling stopped him. "What if... I had a way to help you grow stronger quickly, without relying on Orochimaru?"

Sasuke's footsteps came to a halt.

That night, Ling went alone to the Hokage's office. Tsunade was reviewing documents, with Shizune assisting at her side.

"Coming to see me this late—what is it?" Tsunade put down her pen.

Ling took a deep breath. "I want to apply to use the Scroll of Seals."

Tsunade's gaze instantly sharpened. "Do you know what that is?"

"A scroll that records forbidden techniques." Ling met her eyes openly. "But I have a reason I must do this."

Shizune could not help speaking up. "Only the Hokage and the advisors can access the Scroll of Seals..."

"Let me hear your reason," Tsunade interrupted Shizune.

Ling told her about Sasuke's situation and his own worries. He concealed the existence of the system, but emphasized the threat Orochimaru posed to Sasuke.

Tsunade pondered for a long time before finally sighing. "I can make an exception and let you view part of its contents. But there are two conditions. First, I must be present. Second, you may not record it or teach it to anyone else."

"That's enough." Ling nodded in agreement.

[Ding! Special permission obtained: right to view the Scroll of Seals]

[Hidden reward triggered: Forbidden technique analysis ability (beginner)]

This unexpected delight lifted Ling's spirits. With this ability, he might really be able to find a way to help Sasuke.

The next day, under Tsunade's supervision, Ling began reading the Scroll of Seals. The forbidden techniques recorded on the scroll opened his eyes.

[S-rank forbidden technique detected: Dead Demon Consuming Seal]

[Analysis completion: 1%... 2%...]

[S-rank forbidden technique detected: Flying Thunder God Technique]

[Analysis completion: 1%... 3%...]

Although the analysis speed was very slow, the system's assistance allowed Ling to understand the basic principles of these forbidden techniques. He paid particular attention to techniques that could rapidly increase strength.

"Looks like you're very interested in the Flying Thunder God." Tsunade noticed where Ling's gaze lingered.

"Space-time ninjutsu really is fascinating," Ling answered truthfully.

Tsunade shook her head. "This technique demands an extremely high level of talent from the user. Since the Second and the Fourth, no one has been able to master it completely."

Ling did not lose heart. With the system's assistance, he felt he might have a chance.

After three days of research, Ling finally found a technique that might suit Sasuke—Lightning Release: Lightning Body Flicker. It was an A-rank ninjutsu that combined Lightning Release Activation with the Body Flicker Technique, greatly increasing speed.

[Lightning Release: Lightning Body Flicker analysis complete]

[Improvement suggestion: combine with Sharingan dynamic vision]

[New technique: Lightning Release: Sharingan Body Flicker]

Ling immediately began working on improving the technique. With the Sharingan's assistance, he quickly grasped the key points.

One week later, Ling found Sasuke again. This time, he directly demonstrated the technique he had just mastered.

"Watch closely."

Lightning flashed, and Ling's figure instantly appeared at the other end of the training ground, so fast he could barely be seen.

Sasuke's Sharingan activated on its own. "This is..."

"Lightning Release: Sharingan Body Flicker," Ling explained. "It combines Lightning Release Activation with the Sharingan's dynamic vision, allowing you to unleash extreme speed in an instant."

Interest finally appeared in Sasuke's eyes. "You're going to teach me this technique?"

"That's right." Ling nodded. "But there's one condition—you have to promise me you won't go to Orochimaru."

Sasuke was silent for a long time before finally nodding slowly. "I promise."

Over the next ten days, Ling began guiding Sasuke in training the Sharingan Body Flicker. Sasuke's talent was truly astonishing, and he quickly grasped the essentials.

[Hidden mission progress updated]

[Sasuke's willingness to defect: 35% (continuing to decline)]

Seeing the system prompt, Ling breathed a slight sigh of relief. But just as he thought things were improving, an accident happened.

Late on the fifteenth night, Ling was jolted awake by an urgent system alert.

[Warning! Orochimaru chakra detected approaching]

[Coordinates: Uchiha Clan Compound]

Ling immediately got up and sped toward the Uchiha Clan Compound. When he arrived, he saw Orochimaru facing off against Sasuke.

"Sasuke, the appointed time has come." Orochimaru's voice was full of temptation. "Come with me. I can give you the power for revenge."

Sasuke gripped his kunai tightly, struggle in his eyes. "I..."

"Don't listen to him!" Ling appeared and interrupted. "Orochimaru only wants to take your body!"

When Orochimaru saw Ling, killing intent flashed in his eyes. "You again, brat. This time, I won't let you get in my way."

A battle was on the verge of breaking out. But just then, an unexpected figure appeared.

"That's enough, Orochimaru."

Kakashi appeared with an Anbu squad, surrounding Orochimaru completely.

Orochimaru sneered. "Looks like we won't be having our talk tonight. But Sasuke, remember what I said—when you crave power, you can come to me anytime."

With that, he turned into a cloud of white smoke and vanished.

Sasuke stood where he was, his expression shifting uncertainly. Ling could feel that the scales in his heart had begun to tilt again.

This storm was far from over.