After returning to Konoha, Asuma's squad immediately delivered an urgent report to Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage. The Sacred Lord, the bizarre Dark Release, the ancient Water-Heaven Faith, and the conspiracy targeting Ling's bloodline all drew her close attention. She ordered heightened security throughout the village and dispatched the Anbu to investigate the relevant intelligence in secret, while designating the Thousand-Draw Stone ruins a high-priority site.
Ling's outstanding performance on the mission and the potential threat he faced earned him special attention from Tsunade. Along with allocating more resources to him, she warned him not to leave the village alone for the time being.
However, Konoha's peace did not last long. An oppressive undercurrent was brewing, and at its center was Sasuke Uchiha, who had just recovered and left the hospital.
His crushing defeat in the Chunin Ninja Exams, Itachi's overwhelming strength, and the stagnation of his own power gnawed at Sasuke's heart like venomous snakes. His hunger for power had reached the height of obsession. When the Sound Four appeared before him, tempting him with the power Orochimaru had granted them and telling him that "time was running out," the last thread holding Sasuke together finally snapped.
One dark night, Sasuke knocked out Sakura when she came to stop him, then followed the Sound Four without hesitation and defected from Konoha.
The news struck like a thunderclap through a Konoha still recovering from its wounds. Furious, Tsunade immediately ordered a pursuit.
Yet the first to give chase was Naruto Uzumaki. Unable to accept Sasuke's departure, he displayed astonishing resolve and speed, even persuading Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, and Kiba, who had just returned from a mission, to form an impromptu squad. Disregarding orders, they rushed out ahead of everyone else.
Ling stood atop Hokage Rock, watching coldly as the village stirred