Let It Begin

26. Sasuke vs Danzo

Hello, hello! Sorry for the one-day delay. I had no idea how to end this chapter. I wanted to publish it yesterday, but I wasn't quite happy with it yet, so I just kept going until I found the right ending for this chapter. This chapter is a bit longer than usual, but I think that's okay.

Enjoy!

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Samurai Bridge is located in the Land of Iron. It was built out of blue stones and features a large gate at one end, somewhat resembling a torii, emblazoned with the kanji for samurai. On top of the gate was a large stone statue of a sheathed sword, with weights hanging on both ends.

"Sasuke Uchiha, eh..." Danzo called out his name as he and Sakura stood before him, stopping him from returning to the Leaf Village. With Karin's guidance, they had managed to catch up to him this time without any distractions. Recognizing that it was not safe for her, Karin went into hiding—far enough not to get caught in the middle of their fight, but close enough to observe the battle.

"Fu, Torune, back me up," Danzo ordered as he revealed his sealed right arm. "I'm going to undo the seal."

"Leave this to me, Sasuke," Sakura said, stepping forward, her eyes fierce with resolve. Prepared for battle, she drew out her katana and took her position.

Torune quickly threw a few kunai toward them, which Sakura easily repelled with a swift motion, her katana gleaming under the setting sun. Using this distraction, Fu sneaked behind them and attempted to use the Mind Body Switch Jutsu on Sakura, but he failed, as she quickly dashed behind him.

Sensing her behind him, he quickly reacted, took out his katana, and spun around to slash at her. However, Sakura stopped him by grabbing his hand. She attempted to use her monstrous strength to punch him, but Torune threw a kunai at her, forcing her to release Fu. She immediately let go of her opponent and flipped out of the way just in time, narrowly avoiding the sharp blade that embedded itself into the earth where she had just stood.

"Sensory ability and that hand sign you just made remind me of an old friend-rival of mine back at the village... You must be of the Yamanaka clan," Sakura declared, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. The air around them crackled with intensity, showcasing the fierce determination of all involved.

"That worthless Jutsu won't work on me. Ino used it on me during our chunin exam battle, and I forced her to release it," Sakura continued, her voice steady and filled with conviction. The legacy of her training and battles surged through her, igniting her spirit. She knew who she was, and she wouldn't be so easily taken down.

"It was you?! And the rumor was true?!" Fu gasped in disbelief, his composure faltering for a brief moment. "I heard the story of how a genin had been able to pull something like that off. I didn't want to believe it for a second."

Seeing they shouldn't underestimate Sakura, Torune removed his gloves and whispered a strategy to Fu. It was time for him to use Rinkaichu. They both charged at Sakura with synchronized movements, their experience and intent clear in their eyes. They advanced like two shadows merging into one, but Sakura was ready. With each step, she channeled her resolve, amplifying her chakra.

Sensing their approach, she took a deep breath and focused her energy. As Fu slashed with his kunai, Sakura ducked and wove, her movements mimicking water flowing around rocks in a stream. The blade whizzed past her, narrowly missing.

Determined not to let the moment slip away, Sakura propelled herself into a powerful counterattack. She pivoted smoothly on her heel, channeling her chakra into her legs, and dashed toward Fu with blinding speed.