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"Human Path":
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In the forest north of the Valley of the End, Kakashi was traversing between trees with Pakkun, the smallest of the ninja dogs.
"It’s no use, Kakashi."
Pakkun stopped, sniffed around, and explained to Kakashi, "Because of the heavy rain, the scent has vanished. At this rate, we won’t be able to find any clues."
"Thanks for your effort, Pakkun."
Kakashi didn’t stop, looked back at Pakkun, and said, "Let’s try searching the area between the Valley of the End and the Field Country next."
Pakkun quickly followed with his short legs, responding, "Got it, but you owe me the latest snacks and shampoo from the Inuzuka clan."
"Sure, sure."
Kakashi replied half-heartedly.
Since receiving Sasuke’s information in the Hokage’s office, he had been rushing over non-stop.
He didn’t hold much hope because if clues were that easy to find, Orochimaru would have already found them.
However, he couldn’t rest easy without checking for himself.
Among the three kids of Team 7, he undoubtedly favored Sasuke a bit more.
Not only because Sasuke was more like him in terms of being a ninja, more suitable to learn his jutsus and combat style.
Not just because of the Sharingan issue, owing a huge favor to the Uchiha.
But also because he saw his younger self in Sasuke.
Both carrying heavy burdens of hatred, both wandering lost.
Only back then, he was essentially saved by Obito and Rin.
While Sasuke, despite forming a deep bond with Naruto, still couldn’t escape the abyss of hatred.
It’s uncertain whose experience was more tragic, Sasuke’s or his own.
Recently, seeing Sasuke growing increasingly restless as Naruto’s power improved, he found no good solution.
After all, aside from the Jinchuriki, no one’s power can be achieved overnight.
Yet, he never expected this disciple, whom he had placed his hopes on, to directly defect.
Orochimaru’s action was undoubtedly stealing the beetroot he had been cultivating.
Perhaps I was too weak, directly losing to Uchiha Itachi, a junior, making Sasuke see no hope in revenge.
Such thoughts occasionally surfaced in his mind.
However, that’s as far as it went.
Well, my selling point is being lackadaisical, right?
Afterward, he once again solidified his persona.
Going to Orochimaru might actually be okay.
Based on the information, Orochimaru’s reincarnation had a time limit; at least Sasuke would be safe in the short term.
Who knew an accident would happen like this.
He could only hope Sasuke was alright.
Don’t let me lose a comrade again.
Unfortunately, as expected, after searching the forest for half a day, both man and dog found no trace of Sasuke.
"Let’s take a break, Pakkun."
At this moment, they arrived at a sparse clearing, and Kakashi called out before sitting down to rest.
Suddenly, a laugh-like call came from the distant sky.
Kakashi immediately went on alert and looked up.
He saw a giant owl gliding down from the sky, with two people standing on its back.
Kakashi recognized Sasuke from a distance based on the silhouette.
"Well, this is an unexpected surprise."
After muttering to himself, Kakashi moved his headband to reveal his Sharingan, ready for battle.
Gurē, carrying the uncle and nephew, gradually descended to a hundred meters above the ground.
If a battle ensued, this height would provide plenty of room for maneuver for both parties.
"Gurēgurēgurē... That little dog looks delicious."
Gurē showed no interest in Kakashi but was excitedly looking at Pakkun.
Pakkun quickly jumped into Kakashi’s arms, shouting at the fearsome bird in the sky, "Don’t call me a cute little dog!"
"Gurēgurēgurē... As food, you’re quite cute indeed." Gurē candidly expressed his praise.
"Kakashi, I’ll be heading back then."
Poof!
Pakkun dispelled the summoning and disappeared.
"Hey, don’t scare my ninja dogs."
Kakashi sternly watched the two men and one bird in the sky but casually said, "Yo, Sasuke, you really like to wander off, don’t you?"
"Hmph."
Sasuke, with his arms crossed, looked down at Kakashi and coldly replied, "I’m not here to waste time talking to you, Kakashi."
"Really not cute at all."
Kakashi was accustomed to Sasuke’s attitude and turned his gaze to the man beside Sasuke, asking, "Aren’t you going to introduce the person beside you? Since we’ve met here, it seems I’ll have to take you back."
"I won’t be going back anymore." Sasuke remained unmoved.
"Nice to meet you, Kakashi-san." Uchiha Kaito interrupted the teacher-student dialogue, "I am Uchiha Kaito, Sasuke’s uncle."
"Nice to meet you, Uchiha-san." Kakashi politely responded, "Sasuke’s uncle, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before."
Uchiha Kaito was unlike the Uchihas Kakashi knew; his demeanor was not arrogant but rather polite and gentle.
"I did not become a ninja and left the Leaf Village to travel more than a decade ago," Kaito explained with warmth.
"I see."
Kakashi did not express whether he believed this or not but asked, "Since Sasuke mentioned he won’t be returning to the Leaf, where do you plan to take Sasuke?"
Uchiha Kaito patted Sasuke’s shoulder, continuing, "Initially, I planned to visit my family in the Leaf, but I met this child nearby. Then, he told me the Uchiha clan no longer exists."
"What a pity."
While saying this, Kakashi thought it was really troublesome.
Kakashi became more serious at this point.
The relationship between the Leaf and the Uchihas was a complicated account, and he had no right to comment on it.
"Don’t worry, Kakashi-san." Uchiha Kaito tried to reassure, "I have no intention of fighting you."
"That’s a relief then."
Kakashi relaxed his body but remained on guard internally.
Uchiha Kaito spoke again, "However, this child is not in a condition to return to the Leaf right now. Let him train with me. We specifically came to inform you about this and to also thank you for your previous guidance to him."
"Well, no need for thanks, after all, I am Sasuke’s teacher," Kakashi replied with a smile shaped like a crescent moon.
"However, Uchiha-san, you could also bring Sasuke back to the Leaf with you and continue to teach him."
"Do you really think so, Kakashi-san?" Uchiha Kaito also smiled.
"You must know something about the complicated relationship between the Leaf and the Uchihas. So, I better not add to the chaos by returning, especially since I’m not an active ninja of the Leaf."
"As for this child, Sasuke." Uchiha Kaito looked at Sasuke’s tense little face.
"When he’s capable of protecting himself, I won’t interfere with his decisions."
"Is that so?"
Kakashi also looked at Sasuke and asked, "Sasuke, what do you say?"