Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno looked at Shihōin Naraku with hopeful eyes, hoping he would give them the answer they most wanted to hear.
But Naraku's answer disappointed them. "Come back? Sasuke Uchiha is a Rogue Ninja from Konoha. Can he just come back whenever he wants?"
"And even if Konoha were willing to take him back, Sasuke Uchiha certainly wouldn't want to return to the village."
"You should know about the tragedy of the Uchiha Clan's massacre. Sasuke took the burden of revenge upon himself. He won't come back before he gets his revenge."
Naruto and Sakura both fell silent. They had long known about the Uchiha Clan's massacre, and of course they understood that Sasuke had defected from Konoha to seek revenge against his older brother.
Sasuke had even gone so far as to turn to Orochimaru, all to gain greater power so he could kill his older brother-Uchiha Itachi.
"I'll definitely bring Sasuke back!"
Naruto's gaze was resolute. Those words were not only for himself, but also for Sakura beside him.
A faint, bitter smile appeared on Sakura Haruno's face, but she did not know what to say.
"Heh, I really like your courage, Naruto."
Naraku asked unhurriedly, "Even if you find Sasuke again, how will you bring him back?"
"Hmph! Even if I have to break Sasuke's legs, I'll bring him back."
"Yes, I acknowledge your determination." Naraku nodded. In this regard, Naruto really did keep his word. He had never stopped chasing after Sasuke. "But there's a problem. Sasuke killed Orochimaru. Do you think you can beat Sasuke with your current strength?"
Naruto raised his head proudly. "Of course I can! Naraku, don't forget that I just mastered a super-powerful new Ninjutsu!"
But before he had even finished speaking, Naruto lowered his head dejectedly. "But