At Orochimaru's words, delight surged through Sasuke, but he stared at Snake Aunt in confusion.
"You're just letting me leave? Aren't you afraid I'll take them away and never come back?"
Snake Aunt smiled with pursed lips. "No."
"Why?"
Sasuke's delicate brows furrowed at Orochimaru's response.
"First, you still need one more injection to complete the treatment."
"Second, haven't you always wanted to fight me at full strength? Once you've gathered your teammates and come back, I promise you that fight."
"And third..." Snake Aunt smiled. "Not only do I have intelligence on Uchiha Itachi, but there's also a secret I haven't told you."
"Uchiha Itachi."
Hearing that hated name, Sasuke finally understood why Orochimaru felt so comfortable letting him leave the base.
"Understood."
Having so easily persuaded Sasuke, Snake Aunt let a smile slip out. "Go on. Those research bases are quite far from the Land of Fields. Be back within ten days."
"Hmph."
Sasuke snorted, picked up the slender Kusanagi Sword, and strode out of the room.
After leaving the underground base, Sasuke untied his hair ribbon and used it to secure the Kusanagi Sword at his waist. Then he got his bearings and swiftly departed.
He had spent two years there, accompanying Snake Aunt to several research bases along the way, and had naturally taken note of the talented people in them.
This time, his destination was none other than Base Four, and his target was Karin of the Uzumaki Clan.
To avenge his parents and clansmen, Sasuke had hardened his heart and left his former home, even accidentally killing the person he loved most.
Every bit of it had been for revenge. Although Sasuke found Karin rather annoying, her abilities had left a lasting impression on him.
A girl had declared her intention to pursue him