Chapter 329: Another Me
Naruto explained his situation using concise, clear language. After listening carefully, Sasuke finally understood this intelligence he had to believe—the Naruto before him was actually Naruto carrying future memories.
Returning from the future with memories intact? Was this the Otsutsuki clan's ability? Sasuke cautiously considered. He knew among the Otsutsuki there indeed existed powerful beings capable of manipulating time.
"You don't need to maintain vigilance toward me," Naruto saw through his concerns. "I just want to know why you came to this era, and moreover, it seems related to me?"
Sasuke lightly sighed. Now he finally understood why this young Naruto's words and conduct felt so familiar. If he treated the youth before him as the Seventh Hokage from his own space-time, that previous discord and strangeness indeed receded considerably.
Since the other had already been frank, he should also explain his purpose—this would simplify matters greatly.
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After hearing Sasuke's explanation, Naruto understood the current situation. In other words, those Otsutsuki aliens he'd thought wouldn't invade for many more years were now coming to capture him?!
Learning this intelligence, Naruto broke into cold sweat somewhat.
"So before Urashiki attacks, we must both stay by your side to prevent him targeting Nine-Tails." Sasuke's tone was extremely serious. "Naruto, the current you absolutely isn't his match."
Six Paths-level enemy... Rinnegan was standard equipment, plus possessing Kekkei Mora-level abilities... This was Naruto's understanding of the Otsutsuki formed through hearsay. That's how casual observers were—he lacked clear concepts about the Otsutsuki's true strength.
Though the current Naruto could already perfectly use Nine-Tails' power, he clearly knew he hadn't yet obtained Six Paths power. Facing such a powerful enemy, Naruto felt his chances were slim.
At this moment, Naruto couldn't help somewhat regretting not watching Boruto. Who could have imagined the anime he watched was actually his previous life?
Of course, if Naruto knew Otsutsuki Urashiki's actual performance in Boruto, perhaps he wouldn't worry so much.
If this Sasuke before him's strength matched the level at Shippuden's conclusion... Naruto felt he'd probably have to count on him this time.
"...Right," Sasuke suddenly remembered an important question. "You said earlier I'm not this world's Sasuke... How did you recognize I'm not this timeline's self?"
Sasuke raised another doubt. He thought about how Jiraiya said earlier there were no recent missing-nin defections, meaning this world's "Uchiha Sasuke's" defection had already been stopped by Naruto.
"Well..." Naruto's expression became quite remarkable yet vaguely carried anticipation. Why could he tell this Sasuke wasn't this world's "Uchiha Sasuke"? This question was simply too easy—anyone whose eyes weren't blind could see...
"Naruto? Who is this person? Why is he following you around?"
A clearly urgent girl's voice suddenly came from behind. Sasuke looked toward the sound, seeing a black-haired, black-eyed girl standing not far away, examining him with vigilant gaze.
Somehow, this girl gave him a peculiar sense of familiarity. What surprised him more was the girl quickly stepping forward and actually pulling Naruto behind herself in front of him, her movements carrying undeniable protective meaning.
In Sasuke's view, this excessive protection and vigilance appeared quite abnormal. From Satsuki's perspective, what she saw was Naruto conversing with a suspicious person whose face was heavily concealed by clothing—immediately raising her alertness.
"Who are you? Why are you following Naruto around?" Satsuki's voice was cold, eyes carrying scrutiny.
"It's nothing... Satsuki-chan," Naruto hastily reassured. "Just my mission target. Jiraiya-sensei assigned me a monitoring mission just now. No need to worry about me. I still have some matters to discuss. If you're uneasy, you can watch from the side."
What must be faced must ultimately be faced. Naruto stepped forward again. After gentle reassurance, Satsuki reluctantly nodded, but her gaze still tightly fixed on this mysterious person.
"...Um, let me introduce you," Naruto turned toward Sasuke, tone somewhat subtle. "This is... Uchiha Satsuki... she's a girl. Now you understand, right?"
Hearing Naruto introducing her to the other party, Satsuki had no objections, but this introduction method left her somewhat confused. Why specially emphasize gender?
Uchiha Sasuke, who'd just appeared thoughtful, after brief silence, his face suddenly became completely expressionless.
"...No, I don't really understand."
Hearing this response, Satsuki couldn't help frowning. This guy's attitude was far too rude.
"...You need to learn to accept reality," Naruto was advising. "Parallel universe—theoretically, all things are possible."
Uchiha Sasuke looked expressionlessly toward Satsuki standing behind Naruto, still maintaining vigilance toward him. "You—though this is sudden, could you please introduce yourself?"
"Huh? Why should I do that?" Satsuki refused without hesitation.
"...Satsuki-chan, please still say something," Naruto intervened timely. "Like class assignments and ninja academy—name, favorite food and disliked things, then dreams... just these."
Satsuki froze momentarily, but because it was Naruto's request, she immediately nodded, turning toward Uchiha Sasuke. Though her tone remained cold, she still cooperated saying:
"My name is Uchiha Satsuki. Things I like are... tomatoes and rice balls with bonito flakes. I dislike very sweet desserts. My dream is... I won't mention this one..."
Finishing, Satsuki's ear tips faintly flushed, obviously somewhat embarrassed mentioning that dream. Naruto looked toward Uchiha Sasuke, discovering that originally expressionless face seemed to have an imperceptible tremor. Looked like another strong dose was needed.
"It's fine, Satsuki-chan," Naruto gently proposed. "If you don't want to mention your dream, switch to a different dream, or ambition works too."
"Eh? Like that? Alright then." Though not understanding why Naruto would propose this, Satsuki still agreed. After carefully contemplating a moment, she solemnly spoke.
"I want to revive the Uchiha clan. Then," her voice abruptly turned cold, "I must personally kill one person..."
Though the memory was somewhat distant, thinking of that person's actions back then, Satsuki's eyes still unconsciously took on fierce killing intent.