The Hokage's office held a familiar air of organized chaos, scrolls stacked precariously on shelves and the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering. Before Sasuke lay a summoning contract, its aged parchment bearing the intricate seal of Shikkotsu Forest. With a decisive movement, he inscribed his name alongside those who had forged a pact with the Great Slug Sage.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, a knowing glint in her eyes. "There. You can now summon Katsuyu. Though," she added with a hint of amusement playing on her lips, "make sure you call forth a small one for now. With your current chakra reserves, summoning the Boss Slug is…well, let's just say it would be a rather brief appearance."
Sasuke's gaze flickered towards the Hokage, a barely perceptible twitch at the corner of his mouth betraying a touch of annoyance at the pointed remark about his chakra. He offered no retort, however, his focus already shifting to the task at hand.
Performing the necessary hand seals with practiced ease, he slammed his palm onto the desk. A puff of white smoke erupted, and when it cleared, a miniature Katsuyu, no larger than thirty centimeters, rested on the polished wood.
The tiny slug turned its eyes towards Tsunade, its voice a soft, melodic hum. "You summoned me, Tsunade-sama?"
"No, Katsuyu," the Hokage replied, gesturing towards Sasuke. "This is your new contractor. Uchiha Sasuke."
Katsuyu's attention now turned to the young Chunin. Despite the diminutive size of the slug before him, Sasuke offered a respectful bow. "Lady Katsuyu," he addressed her, the honorific genuine.
He was well aware of the immense power and wisdom the seemingly small creature possessed.
Tsunade elaborated, "Sasuke wishes to learn Senjutsu, Katsuyu. I hope you will be able to guide him."
Katsuyu's gaze lingered on Sasuke for a moment. "Indeed," she mused, her voice thoughtful. "He possesses a rather potent chakra, already exhibiting a slight melding with natural energy. A promising foundation."
She then turned back to Tsunade. "Is he to be your student, Tsunade-sama?"
Tsunade waved a dismissive hand. "No, not in the traditional sense. However, I recognized his aptitude for Senjutsu and felt it would be a regrettable waste to ignore such potential. Hence my request."
Katsuyu nodded in understanding. Turning her attention back to Sasuke, she said, "Whenever you feel ready to begin your training, you may summon me. Alternatively, you can utilize the Reverse Summoning technique to travel directly to Shikkotsu Forest."
A thoughtful expression crossed Sasuke's face. "I… I would like to bid farewell to my friends before I depart. I intend to dedicate myself fully to this training, even if it requires a year or two."
Tsunade's expression softened slightly. "That is understandable, Sasuke. Go then. Prepare yourself as needed before you embark on this endeavor."
With a respectful bow to Tsunade and another, deeper inclination towards the tiny yet venerable Katsuyu, Sasuke offered a small nod to Shizune, acknowledging her presence without breaking his stride. He then turned and exited the Hokage's office, the weight of his impending departure settling upon him.
His first destination was the Konoha Hospital. He knew Sakura, Ino, Hinata, and Tenten often spent time there, either assisting with medical duties under Tsunade's tutelage or visiting patients. The familiar sterile scent and the hushed activity within the hospital walls were a stark contrast to the anticipation thrumming within him regarding his future training.
He found the four kunoichi in a quiet ward, diligently attending to their tasks. Sakura's brow was furrowed in concentration as she meticulously cleaned a wound, while Ino offered a comforting word to a recovering villager. Hinata quietly assisted Tenten in organizing medical supplies.
His arrival drew their attention.
Sakura's eyes widened slightly, a soft smile gracing her lips. Ino's head snapped up, her usual playful demeanor softening with a hint of concern. Hinata's cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she met his gaze, and Tenten offered a curious nod.
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura greeted him, setting aside her supplies. "Is everything alright?"
"Sasuke?" Ino echoed, her voice carrying a note of inquiry.
He offered them a gentle smile, a genuine warmth that had become more frequent in recent times. "Yes, everything is fine. In fact, I came to say goodbye."
A ripple of surprise went through the group. "Goodbye?" Ino questioned, her brow furrowing. "Where are you going?"
Sasuke explained his arrangement with Tsunade, the opportunity to learn Senjutsu in Shikkotsu Forest under Katsuyu's guidance. He spoke of the potential for immense growth, the chance to truly elevate his power beyond its current limits.
As he spoke, he watched their reactions. Sakura's initial surprise gave way to an expression of quiet understanding and support. Ino, though a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes, nodded resolutely. Hinata's gaze held a mixture of admiration and a touch of longing, while Tenten offered words of encouragement.
Though they knew about Katsuyu, summon of their teacher Tsunade from Shikkotsu Forest but about Senjutsu, they knew nothing as of yet.
He spent a brief but meaningful time with each of them, exchanging a few heartfelt words. He acknowledged the unspoken feelings that lingered between him and Sakura and Ino, offering a promise to return stronger, a future where perhaps those nascent emotions could be explored more fully. To Hinata and Tenten, he offered his sincere respect for their dedication and growth.
Leaving the hospital, a bittersweet feeling settled in his chest. He valued these connections, these friendships that had blossomed in the wake of the changes his presence had wrought. He knew his extended absence would be felt, but the pursuit of greater power, a path he felt compelled to walk, necessitated this temporary separation.
His next stops were to seek out Neji, Rock Lee, Naruto, and the others. He found Neji engaged in rigorous training, his movements precise and fluid. Lee, as always, was pushing his physical limits with unwavering determination. Naruto, surprisingly, was meditating with a newfound focus, a faint orange glow emanating from within him.
He shared his news with each of them, explaining his upcoming training. Neji offered a curt nod of understanding, acknowledging the strategic importance of such an opportunity. Lee, ever the enthusiastic comrade, pumped his fist and declared his unwavering belief in Sasuke's success, promising to train even harder in his absence.
Naruto, his eyes now a startling mix of blue and a hint of orange, offered a confident grin. "Go get stronger, Sasuke! I'll catch up to you in no time!"
He also met choji but kiba, shino and shikamaru were on mission with all kunoichi of konoha 12 are mostly focused on Medical Ninjutsu, they didn't take much missions.
Sasuke also wants to meet Kakashi but he was ever so busy for quite sometime and Sasuke don't know when he will return.
As the day drew to a close, Sasuke found himself standing at the uchiha training ground after took everything he needed from his house, the familiar ground skyline silhouetted against the setting sun. A sense of anticipation and determination filled him.
He was embarking on a journey into the unknown, a path that held the promise of immense power but also significant challenges. He carried with him the well wishes of his friends, the unspoken hopes of those he cared for, and the unwavering resolve to become strong enough to not let the likes of Madara and Kaguya Otsutsuki to even appear.
Then with a final, lingering look at the village he had come to call home, Sasuke performed the Reverse Summoning jutsu. A swirl of white smoke enveloped him, and in the next instant, he was gone, leaving behind the familiar world for the verdant depths of Shikkotsu Forest.