Inside the training ground.
Since returning, Sasuke had not left, entirely intent on staying there.
Once Kimimaro brought the fitness equipment Sasuke needed, Sasuke immediately began his training.
Physical training was far more challenging than mastering chakra or ninjutsu.
Starting with 500 kilograms, Sasuke gradually increased the load.
Yet, within just a few hours, Sasuke's initial strength of 500 kilograms had doubled.
During strength training, Sasuke felt as if his body had no limits.
Every time he was utterly exhausted, an inexplicable force surged through him.
This force quickly rejuvenated his body.
As his strength increased, his stamina seemed to recover as well.
Although not fully restored, it was enough to continue his training.
Kimimaro stood guard at the entrance of the training ground.
Watching Sasuke drenched in sweat, Kimimaro couldn't help but admire him.
"Not only does he have extraordinary talent, but also exceptional perseverance!"
"Lord Sasuke truly deserves his current power it is not solely reliant on talent."
"Such relentless dedication to training is not something ordinary people possess."
As he spoke, Kimimaro also began his own training.
He was attempting to control the chakra of the Tailed Beast.
Sasuke had already taught him the method to control the Three-Tails' chakra, using multiple seals on his body.
By unlocking different seals, the Tailed Beast's chakra would leak out.
He could control as much as he could manage. If he exceeded his limit and the Tailed Beast's chakra rampaged, he would lose consciousness.
This training seemed simple but was extremely challenging in practice.
It required incredibly delicate control.
In this regard, Kimimaro needed much more time to hone his skills.
As Sasuke continued to use the fitness equipment to enhance his physique, the rhythmic sound of the equipment echoed through the training ground, never stopping.
A punch landed on the power-testing machine specially provided by Orochimaru.
Sasuke looked at the displayed number.
Two thousand kilograms.
While his initial strength had doubled within hours, it now took nearly eight hours to double his strength again.
The rate of improvement seemed slower.
However, Sasuke could vividly feel the changes in his body.
The sensation of every cell in his body cheering excitedly made Sasuke incredibly exhilarated.
For a moment, Sasuke seemed addicted to physical training.
It was far more thrilling than training chakra.
After hours of intense effort, Sasuke decided to rest for a few hours.
And naturally, he used the Wood Release training method during his rest.
The limits of his Wood Release, a Kekkei Genkai, felt close to breaking through. If he were lucky, this session might push it beyond its limit.
Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and began controlling the flow of Wood Release chakra within his body.
Sasuke could clearly feel his cells rejuvenating under the nourishment of the Wood Release chakra.
Perhaps this was why his natural healing ability had grown so formidable. Wood Release chakra seemed inherently therapeutic.
Time passed, second by second.
At that moment, Orochimaru, engaged in some research, suddenly lifted his head.
Sensing the eerie chakra fluctuations, he murmured, "Could it be... him?"
Orochimaru turned and headed toward the base's entrance.
Upon arriving, he saw the entrance violently forced open.
The Sound Four, tasked with guarding the base, were all lying on the ground. Though still alive, their minds were clearly muddled.
This was a sign of falling under a genjutsu.
A voice suddenly came from above the base.
Orochimaru looked up to see two figures standing upside down on the ceiling.
"Itachi Uchiha and... Kisame Hoshigaki!"
"These two... what are they here for?"
"Are they after Sasuke?"
Frowning deeply, Orochimaru stared intently at Itachi.
The next moment, Itachi spoke indifferently, "Thank you for taking care of my brother during this time."
"I'm not here for you. I'm here for my brother. I need to talk to him."
"Orochimaru, this has nothing to do with you. It's best if you stay out of it!"
Itachi's tone was commanding and domineering.
Instead of anger, Orochimaru chuckled.
"My people won't interfere. But there's someone who might try to stop you that's Sasuke's man, and I can't control him!"
Landing on the ground, Itachi waved dismissively. "Don't worry about it. No one can stop me from seeing my brother."
The terrifying aura Itachi exuded at that moment was truly overwhelming.
Perhaps Itachi really was invincible now.
Passing by Orochimaru, Itachi had already locked onto Sasuke's chakra. Though it had been a long, long time since they'd last met, he could sense it immediately.
Walking through the long corridor with flickering dim lights, the underground base appeared eerie and menacing.
Kisame muttered, "Does Orochimaru really need to make his base look ?"
Using such a setting to intimidate others might work on ordinary ninja.
But for true powerhouses, it was a pointless effort.
Arriving at the entrance of the training ground, Kimimaro suddenly awoke. His palms emitted bone blades.
"Who's there?" Kimimaro was shocked that someone had managed to infiltrate this place.
How was this possible?
With the defenses set up by Orochimaru, such a silent intrusion shouldn't have been possible.
Itachi calmly stated his name, looking at Kimimaro.
No one else had dared to block their path so far, yet Kimimaro stood firm.
Clearly, he was the one unpredictable factor in this base.
His loyalty to Sasuke was apparent. Knowing someone was by Sasuke's side, Itachi felt reassured.
"I need to talk to my brother. Don't block my way, or I won't hold back!"
However, to Kimimaro, it didn't matter who it was. Without Lord Sasuke's orders, no one could pass through him.
Just then, Sasuke's voice echoed.
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