Tsunade finally agreed to treat Kabuto Yakushi, not only because of Sasuke's sincerity, but also because Kabuto Yakushi had offered to return the "Senju orphan" and "Might Guy resurrected through Impure World Reincarnation." Both directly concerned Konoha's interests!
But Kabuto's treatment had to remain absolutely confidential. If word got out, it would be difficult to calm the public.
And so, an empty house outside Konoha was chosen as the treatment site.
Reconstructing spinal nerves was an extraordinarily difficult operation, one that demanded even Tsunade's complete concentration.
Below the stone steps outside the house, Sasuke stood blindfolded, his hands and feet shackled, while Shikaku and Tsunade's guards kept watch nearby.
Shikaku looked at the guards and instructed them, "Remember, no one must hear that Lady Tsunade is treating Kabuto..."
"Don't worry, Mr. Shikaku," the guards replied. "We know what we can and can't say."
Shikaku nodded. "Good. There are a few things I'd like to discuss with Sasuke in private. Would you give us a moment?"
The guards hesitated. "But... he's dangerous!"
Shikaku smiled faintly. "It's fine."
Still uneasy, the guards insisted, "Then at least let us stay within sight, just in case anything goes wrong!"
Shikaku nodded. "All right, let's do that."
The guards withdrew to an open area farther away.
Click! Shikaku sat unhurriedly on the steps and lit a cigarette.
Unlike the others, he knew what happened in the future, and he also understood the path Sasuke had once taken as he grew.
That was why Sasuke's declaration tonight had not particularly surprised him.
Sasuke was kind at heart; hatred had simply filled that heart.
Shikaku's exceptional intelligence and wealth of experience often allowed him to cut straight to the essence of things, including people's hearts.
Half a cigarette later, Shikaku asked, "Do you regret it?"
"..." Sasuke