THE PATH OF LIFE || U. SASUKE

CHAPTER 32

"And that goal has something to do with Shirazaki Y/N" Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Yatsuragi. He had already sensed the connection between Yatsuragi's objectives

"Perceptive as always" Yatsuragi's response confirmed Hiruzen's suspicions, acknowledging the link between his goals and Y/N.

The sinister smile on Yatsuragi's face sent shivers down Hiruzen's spine, reminding him of the darkness that had consumed his former student.

"Don't do something you will regret, Yatsuragi" With conviction in his voice, Hiruzen issued a warning to Yatsuragi, urging him to reconsider his actions.

He hoped to reach the remnants of the person he once knew, appealing to the flicker of goodness that might still reside within Yatsuragi's heart.

Yatsuragi smiled "This will be the last time you see me, sensei"

Hiruzen widened his eyes recognizing the meaning as Orochimaru smiled in delight "You put your hopes on me too high, Yatsu-chan"

Yatsuragi's smile held a chilling certainty, as if he had made peace with the path he had chosen. The acknowledgement of his imminent departure from Hiruzen's life conveyed a sense of finality that sent a shiver down the elder shinobi's spine.

Yatsuragi's sharp gaze remained fixed on the battle unfolding beyond the confines of the barriers. The sight before him was a clash of titanic proportions, a historic duel between the Third Hokage and the reanimated First and Second Hokage.

As Yatsuragi observed the fierce battle taking place outside the barriers, a chilling amusement danced in his eyes.

He knew full well of Orochimaru's formidable capabilities and how they overwhelmed the Third Hokage.

The fight showcased the power disparity between them, tipping the scales in Orochimaru's favor.

The third hokage's gaze met Yatsuragi's, recognizing the twisted pleasure that glimmered in his former student's eyes. Yatsuragi had always possessed a penchant for observing events from the sidelines.

It was a sight that saddened and disappointed him, a reminder of the choices Yatsuragi had made and the path he had embraced.

In the midst of the chaos and conflict, the Hokage's voice resounded with conviction. He boldly addressed Yatsuragi, unafraid to confront his former student's twisted ideology. The weight of his words carried the regrets of a mentor who had once hoped for a different future for Yatsuragi.

"One of the reasons I didn't choose you to be the Fourth Hokage was because of your twisted ideology," the Hokage stated firmly. The sentiment behind his words was clear—the Hokage had recognized the darkness that had consumed Yatsuragi, rendering him unfit for the position of Hokage.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he contemplated the complex relationship he shared with Yatsuragi, his former teammate and friend. In the past, they had shared a deep bond, united by their pursuit of knowledge and power.

Orochimaru acknowledged Yatsuragi's formidable strength, knowing that he surpassed him in many aspects.

However, their paths diverged when Yatsuragi defected from Konoha, betraying their shared allegiance. Orochimaru had harbored ambitions of becoming the Fourth Hokage, seeing himself as the rightful successor to Hiruzen.

"If you weren't so adamant about that person you would have achieved something great" The melancholy tone in the Hokage's voice lingered as he addressed Yatsuragi, his former student, with a tinge of regret. The weight of the choices they had made and the consequences that followed were palpable in the air.