Naruto's sharp gaze swept over the black-robed figure.
Even with his newly attained powers as the Thunder God, he still couldn't discern anything about the mysterious figure with black robe.
[Friendly Reminder: The black robe is crafted by the system. Unless the system's permissions are granted, even this system cannot probe its details.]
Hearing this, Naruto nodded slightly, though doubt crept into his mind.
'It seems that it is not easy to deal with!'
Both possessing systems, but Naruto was in the open while the black-robed figure remained shrouded in secrecy. Acting rashly without knowing the opponent's capabilities might lead to falling into a trap. For now, Naruto decided to bide his time, ease the tension, and wait for the right moment to act.
With this thought, Naruto withdrew his probing gaze and approached Sasuke with a warm smile, "Sasuke, it's been so long! You've grown stronger… congratulations!"
After all the worrying he had done for Sasuke, Naruto's joy at seeing him again was genuine.
Or rather, Naruto's heartfelt emotions extended to every subordinates and ally under his command.
He opened his arms and hugged Sasuke tightly, and Sasuke returned the embrace just as firmly.
"Sure enough, you're alive! This is wonderful!"
Sasuke's voice trembled with emotion.
Now that the Uchiha Clan has been exterminated, Naruto was the only person left who truly understood Sasuke on a deep level. Seeing Naruto safe and sound was all that mattered to him.
Through his Divine Sense, Naruto didn't need to look at the black-robed figure directly to sense even the subtlest movements. He could also feel Sasuke's heartbeat and emotional state.
It was clear… Sasuke wasn't lying. This realization brought immense relief to Naruto.
Originally, Naruto had worried that Sasuke might have been brainwashed by the black-robed figure. Now, it seemed those concerns were unnecessary.
Seeing Sasuke unharmed put Naruto's mind at ease.
"I'm sorry, it was my own schemes and actions that pushed you farther and farther away. But now, I've achieved completion… I'm capable of protecting everything. Welcome back!"
Naruto said sincerely.
Sasuke shook his head, "After everything I've been through, I've come to understand the truth. If not for you, I might have gone astray. I know the lengths you went to for my sake, the painstaking efforts… but... I can't stay by your side anymore..."
"Can't stay? Why not?" Naruto's voice carried confusion.
Then, as though something occurred to him, he pressed further, "Is it because you still can't forgive Itachi? If that's the case, I can handle it…"
After all, regardless of whether Itachi was vilified or manipulated, the Uchiha massacre was a very real tragedy.
But if it were Naruto, he would have forgiven Itachi… not out of naivety or misplaced mercy, but because he now had the ability to revive the fallen members of the Uchiha Clan. He could rebuild a world where no one had to suffer.
This was both the responsibility and the obligation of a true leader.
But before Naruto could finish, Sasuke cut him off, "It's not just about not being able to forgive Itachi… it's mainly because of her!"
Though Sasuke was still bitter about Itachi, he no longer sought revenge. Everything Itachi had done for him left Sasuke with no grounds to demand retribution.
Over the past half-month, Sasuke had come to terms with everything and shared the full story with Orochimaru.
The real reason he couldn't return to Naruto's side was the black-robed figure.
Having already sworn to dedicate the rest of his life to the black-robed figure unconditionally, Sasuke couldn't betray the person who had treated him with such kindness.
This time, Sasuke had brought the Black-Robed Figure here not for confrontation but to resolve the tensions between Naruto and the black-robed figure… this so-called clash of fates.
"Because of her?"
Naruto followed Sasuke's gaze and looked at the black-robed figure, recalling what Orochimaru had told him about their relationship.
After a moment of thought, Naruto spoke firmly, "Sasuke, I support your decisions, but there's one condition: I need to know who she is before I can trust her with you."
Sasuke wanted to argue, but seeing Naruto's unwavering resolve, he turned to the black-robed figure and said, "What if..."
However, before he could finish his words, the black-robed figure interrupted him.
"No, it's impossible!"
Her resolute refusal left Sasuke momentarily stunned.
As far as Sasuke could remember, this was the first time that the black-robed figure had rejected him so decisively.
"Sasuke, you've seen it yourself. She refuses to show her true face. From what I can tell, even you don't fully understand her. How can I possibly trust someone like that with you?"
Naruto smirked coldly.
Though Naruto genuinely wanted Sasuke to find happiness, this secretive and evasive figure reeked of instability.
If the black-robed figure couldn't open up, how could Naruto place blind faith in her?
Let's not forget… she also possessed a system. Her current lack of aggression might only be due to her desire to exploit Naruto's power.
What if she grew strong enough through her system to become uncontrollable? Then what?
Naruto wasn't the type to let his fate rest in someone else's hands.
He had more than himself to think about now… he had followers, comrades, and a world to protect. Sacrificing everything for Sasuke's sake was simply not an option.
"Sasuke, stop being naïve!"
"But…"
Sasuke clenched his fists, unable to find the words to argue. He turned to the black-robed figure, his expression full of confusion, "Why can't you just be honest with him?"
In his opinion, Naruto had already shown willingness to resolve things peacefully. But the black-robed figure's excessive caution and evasiveness only made reconciliation impossible.
The black-robed figure hesitated before saying, "Sasuke, if I reveal my true identity, I won't be able to stay with you anymore. Please, don't force me."
Sasuke's response was resolute, "No matter who you are, or what you look like, I'll accept you wholeheartedly! Once things are settled between you and Naruto, we can retreat to the secluded place together, like we agreed."
The black-robed figure shook her head, "No. That won't happen. If I have to reveal myself, I'd rather leave. Forget it... I'll just go on my own..."
After saying that, the black-robed figure turned around and was about to leave.
"Wait! I promised to spend the rest of my life with you."
Sasuke, sensing the situation spiraling out of control, immediately tried to follow her.
But before they could take more than a few steps, a barrier of lightning formed in front of them, blocking their path.
"Naruto, what are you doing?"
Sasuke demanded, "Can't we just leave and live quietly in the mountains?"
Naruto sighed and said, "Sasuke, you're oversimplifying things. I understand how you feel, and I want to support you. But I also have to consider everyone who depends on me. This person isn't just an ordinary person. Letting her go would be like setting a tiger free into the wild. If I can't find out who she is today, even if it means killing her and earning your hatred for the rest of my life, I'll do it without regret."
The involvement of a system introduced too many unknowns, leaving Naruto no choice.
What intrigued him most, however, was the Black-Robed Figure's cryptic statement: "If I reveal my true self, I can't stay with you."
This implied that Naruto and Sasuke might have seen her true face before. Yet, no matter how hard Naruto searched his memories, he couldn't recall anyone resembling her.
No matter what, at this point, Naruto only had one thought.
'Better to be safe than sorry. All unstable elements must be rooted out.'