Three massive demonic gates erupted from the ground. The thick, heavy doors resembled walls as they blocked the path of the purple lightning. On impact, the demonic gates crumbled like paper, scattering into fragments. However, due to their interference, the purple lightning deviated from its original path, obliterating trees in its new trajectory before finally dissipating into thin air.
"Sakura..."
Naruto called out weakly from behind. The Sword of Kusanagi had been pulled out and was now lying on the ground nearby. The wound on his chest had stopped bleeding, and his external injuries had mostly healed. However, his internal wounds were not recovering nearly as quickly.
"Phew..."
Sakura let out a long breath, the heavy pressure around her vanishing instantly. Seeing that Naruto, though weakened, was no longer in danger, she finally relaxed and tightly wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm glad you're okay."
"Heh, Sakura... I'm still in really rough shape, y'know," Naruto said with a slight blush. Despite his excitement, he gently reminded her.
"You almost scared me to death just now!"
Sakura slumped onto the ground, her expression betraying deep exhaustion. In her fury, she had directly manipulated the power of nature against Orochimaru, draining much of her strength. She hadn't felt it earlier, but now that she'd relaxed, fatigue overwhelmed her.
"Cough... I said I'm fine already!"
Naruto chuckled, yet a trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. "I may not have abilities as powerful as Sasuke's or others', but my vitality is strong enough to protect you. As long as I'm around, no one's gonna lay a hand on you ever again!"
"Don't talk such nonsense! Yes, your Life Regeneration grants incredible endurance, but that doesn't make you immortal. If your heart gets damaged, although you won't die, recovery takes time. What if your head got hurt? Would you still be able to heal?"
Looking at Naruto's pale complexion, Sakura spoke earnestly, "No more reckless stuff like this next time, understand?"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it!" Naruto replied with a smile, but one look at his face told Sakura he wasn't taking her words seriously at all. After thinking for a moment, she decided not to press further—better to simply be extra cautious in the future and never recklessly put herself or her teammates in danger again.
"Hey, Sasuke, why haven't you said anything?" Naruto turned toward the silent figure beside him, clearly puzzled by his silence.
"You're feeling frustrated, aren't you?" Sakura immediately guessed what he was thinking just by looking at his expression.
"I used to think I was strong... but now I see just how powerless I really am." Sasuke looked up, offering a bitterly self-mocking smile. "I could only watch helplessly while Naruto was injured. I couldn't do anything. If it hadn't been for your quick rescue, I'd have already been marked by Orochimaru's Cursed Seal by now."
Chapter 178: Sasuke Awakens the Mangekyō [Part One]
"...So I really am that weak, huh?"
"Damn it!"
Sasuke balled both hands into fists so hard his nails dug into his palms, but he didn't flinch. Naruto had taken a hit protecting Sakura and ended up seriously injured. While Sakura had power that could shake the world, Sasuke felt helpless when facing Orochimaru. Never before had he desired strength this intensely.
"You're not weak, Sasuke — it's all about what you're comparing yourself to!"
Sakura thought she should try to comfort Sasuke regarding his current mindset. The Uchiha have always been known for their intense emotions — they can easily fall into darkness over a moment of despair. She really didn't want to see Sasuke fall back into his old tragic fate after finally breaking free from it.
"You might think I'm powerful, but my strength comes from special circumstances. Haven't you noticed yet? I almost never use that kind of power. For the most part, I rely on it only as backup. How should I explain it... Tremendous power demands an equally strong mind to control it. My current abilities aren't enough to properly manage that force; one misstep and I'd blow myself — maybe even the entire Earth — sky-high. That's why I try not to use it in regular fights — I'm scared it might spiral out of control if I do. Like earlier, if Naruto hadn't called me back, I probably would've blown up the whole of Konoha while consumed by rage."
As she spoke, Sakura rolled up her right sleeve slightly, revealing her forearm. What used to be smooth, fair skin was now covered with crack-like marks, glowing faintly with deep purple energy flowing between them — a sight both eerie and terrifying.
"Look here," she continued. "Earlier, I used only part of that power, yet my fragile body still suffered severe damage, nearly shattering entirely. If I'd held on even a bit longer, there wouldn't have been anything left of me but my soul. What I unleashed before was merely a drop in the ocean compared to my full strength. Power's awesome — until it blows up in your face."
"Sasuke, I know you long for greater power, but before that, I hope you'll carefully consider whether you can truly bear and master it. Please don't regret your choice only after being devoured by that power itself!"
"Hey Sasuke, you're our friend. If you really wish to grow stronger, me — Sakura — and everyone else will walk this path with you. Right now we may not stand a chance against Orochimaru, but that's because we're still young. Our future holds endless possibilities, doesn't it?"
Naruto locked eyes with Sasuke and said, "One day, we'll not only catch up to Orochimaru — we'll blow right past him completely. I hope you'll walk this path together with us all, rather than abandoning the bonds among us just for the sake of power."
"Tch, you two worry way too much. Yeah, I want to get stronger — no doubt about that. But I know one thing for sure: power doesn't come free. Strength gained through effort is the only kind you can truly trust — sudden power dropped from the sky? Not reliable at all."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>