Over those ten days, Sasuke and Haku grew even closer.
They really did feel like intimate confidants.
On the appointed day, Naruto and Sasuke said goodbye to Haku.
Although Haku did not know what the two intended to do in Konoha, Haku knew how powerful the village in the Land of Fire was.
So when they parted, Haku made a point of reminding them to be careful.
For this return to Konoha, Naruto brought along the Sound Four: Sakon, Kidomaru, Tayuya, and Jirobo.
Sasuke, meanwhile, brought his three teammates: Karin, Suigetsu, and Jūgo.
It was not that they could be much help. Rather, this was their official return to Konoha, and having not even one or two respectable Jonin accompanying them would look rather shabby.
Since taking up their posts at the Ninja Academy in the Land of Waves, Sakon and the others had rarely ventured out.
They were all delighted to be able to accompany Naruto again.
Karin, Suigetsu, and Jūgo also came from Snake Aunt's base. Though they were not particularly close to the others, they knew one another, so the atmosphere along the way was not awkward.
In the forest, Naruto and Sasuke led the group forward.
Glancing back at their companions, Sasuke could not help saying quietly to Naruto, "Orochimaru really does support you. Just look-the pillars of the Land of Waves are all trusted people from Otogakure."
Naruto smiled and nodded. "Snake Aunt and I are kindred spirits in the life sciences. It's only natural for Snake Aunt to support me like this."
"That's true."
Seeming to recall something, Sasuke looked at Naruto. "You said the Akatsuki would attack Konoha in the next few days. Do you have any plans?"
Naruto fell silent for a moment before answering, "Once we reach the outskirts of Konoha,