With Uchiha Itachi leading the way, Sasuke and Boruto entered the Hokage Building without encountering a single obstacle.
The Anbu Ninja stationed along the way glanced over, immediately recognized Itachi's attire, and made no attempt to stop them.
Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, had personally issued orders long ago: given Uchiha Itachi's special status, he had unrestricted access throughout Konoha, unimpeded by any checkpoint, barrier, or restriction.
Thus, no one stepped forward to stop them, and the three went straight to the Hokage Office.
The office door was gently pushed open. Inside, the atmosphere was solemn. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen Sarutobi happened to be sitting together, discussing matters in low voices.
Ever since the Sky Screen disappeared, Konoha High Command had remained on edge, constantly guarding against unknown threats.
As Itachi entered with the two visitors, three pairs of eyes instantly fixed on the doorway.
The moment they saw Sasuke's and Boruto's faces-
Whoosh!
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen Sarutobi all blanched, their pupils contracting. Their composure vanished in an instant, and all three shot to their feet!
Disbelief covered their faces, their eyes filled with utter shock!
Tsunade stared at the tall, mature Sasuke Uchiha before her, who was missing his left arm. Completely stunned, she blurted out:
"How is this possible? That face... that's unmistakably Sasuke! No! This is all wrong!"
The Sasuke currently living in the village was not even ten years old, still a young child!
Yet the man before them was clearly an adult, his eyes weathered-a powerful fighter who had plainly survived countless battles to the death!
Nothing matched up!
Beside her, Hiruzen Sarutobi had the most experience and the steadiest perception. After examining him carefully, he slowly shook his head, his voice full of shock:
"It's not a Transformation Technique. There isn't the slightest fluctuation