Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 11: Uchiha Sasuke

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS THEMES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE. (it doesn't actually happen tho)

-chapter begin-

The Hokage office was a spacious room, filled with the aura of authority. The walls were lined with portraits of previous Hokages, their stern faces watching over the room. A large wooden desk stood at the center, cluttered with scrolls, mission reports, and maps. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the paperwork scattered about. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, sat behind the desk, his expression serious as he reviewed the documents.

Kakashi stood before Minato, his face serious and eyes sharp beneath his forehead protector. "Sensei, I request individual solo missions for Sasuke and Naori," he said, his voice steady.

Minato raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "That's a lot of paperwork for two Genin. What's the reason?"

Kakashi sighed, his gaze dropping momentarily. "Sasuke dedicated three years of his life to rigorous training, all to catch up to two people," he began, a hint of sadness in his tone. "And when he finally faced them, he realized he wasn't even close."

Minato's expression softened slightly as he started preparing the paperwork for Sasuke. "And Naori?"

"Naori has been training intensely to keep up with Madara and to avenge her parents," Kakashi explained, his voice tinged with concern. "With Madara gone and this recent defeat, she's teetering on the edge. If she spirals into vengeance, it'll consume her completely, leaving her empty afterward."

Minato nodded thoughtfully, finishing the paperwork for Sasuke. "What rank missions would be appropriate for them?"

"A-Rank," Kakashi replied without hesitation.

Minato nodded again, handing Kakashi a scroll. "Sasuke will head to a place called Taki no Gawa. There's a small village there, Takigakure no Sato, under attack by a man known as the 'warlord'. Sasuke will get the rest of the details from the village head."

Kakashi accepted the scroll, then looked at Minato expectantly. "And Naori?"

Minato handed him another scroll. "Naori will go to Hana no Kuni. There are reports of a 'spirit' that can control nature, using it to kill those it deems intruders. It's believed to be behind the many disappearances of people entering Hana no Kuni."

Kakashi nodded, taking both scrolls and tucking them into his vest. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll make sure they're prepared."

As he turned to leave, Minato's voice stopped him. "Kakashi, make sure they know they're not alone. They're part of a team, and we all care about them."

Kakashi looked back, a small, grateful smile on his lips. "I will, Sensei. Thank you." With that, he exited the room, the weight of his responsibility heavy on his shoulders but his resolve unwavering.

-Uchiha Compound-

Sasuke stood on his balcony, the weight of Chishiohime pressing lightly against the wooden railing. His face remained stoic, but his eyes burned with unspoken fury. He had poured his soul into training to surpass Madara, yet he couldn't even defeat a blind Madara who had held back. He had sworn to kill Itachi, but he couldn't even land a blow.

Was he the problem? Were his efforts futile? Or were Madara and Itachi simply insurmountable monsters? These thoughts swirled in his mind, a storm of doubt and frustration, until a soft humming sound from behind him broke the silence. He turned to see Kakashi leaning casually against the wall, two scrolls in hand.

"Sasuke," Kakashi greeted, his visible eye crinkling in a smile.

"What is it?" Sasuke's voice was flat, but he failed to hide his anger.