In his past life, he only learned some Ninjutsu from Orochimaru, but what made him most formidable was his enthusiasm for scientific research.
.............
The group led by Sasuke and Kimimaro advanced at a decent speed. Their figures swiftly shuttled through the forest, and the overlapping branches didn't pose any hindrance to them.
"Up ahead is the Valley of the End. Once we pass it, we'll be out of the Land of Fire's turf."
Suddenly, their view broadened. A wide waterfall seemed to rush down from the sky, scouring the ground and converging into a river. Two tall humanoid stone statues stood on either side of the waterfall, inspiring awe at first sight.
"Wow~ I didn't take a close look last time. These two stone statues are really imposing."
"These are the stone statues of Hashirama Senju, the pioneer of Konoha Village and the God of Ninja, and Madara Uchiha, the Asura of the ninja world. Legend has it that they had a great battle in the Valley of the End, which ended with Madara Uchiha's defeat."
Kimimaro explained this history to everyone, and his eyes subtly glanced in Sasuke's direction. Sasuke remained the same as always, with no change in his expression.
"(⊙o⊙) Wow, amazing. Are they the legendary Ninja? Your ancestors are quite something."
Sakon came up and teased.
With such powerful ancestors protecting him, it's no wonder this guy is not one of us.
"Enough chit - chat. Let's hurry up. If we keep dawdling, the Konoha Ninja will catch up."
"Let's go!"
Just as they were about to set off, they heard a noise from behind.
"The Konoha guys are fast. It seems we have to wait a while before we can leave now."
Kidōmaru stuck out his tongue and gently licked the Kunai in his hand, with a sneering smile on his face. These pampered Konoha guys are so stupid as to come to us on their own. As long as our Sasuke doesn't show mercy, he's confident he can wipe them out. It all depends on what Sasuke decides.
Sasuke had a gloomy face and looked unhappy. He didn't want to repeat the same mistake, so he set off early in the morning without any delay, hoping to leave with his group. Unexpectedly, Naruto chased after them so fast!
When Naruto and his group saw that blue - and - white figure, their hearts started pounding.
The two groups were now facing each other on either side of the waterfall.
Shikamaru looked at these people in front of him. Just from their confident attitude, he knew they were highly skilled.
"Hey! Sasuke, what on earth are you doing? Are you still in your right mind? Why are you going with these strange guys? Where are you going?"
In response to Naruto's a series of questions, Sasuke didn't answer. He showed an indifferent look as if it had nothing to do with Naruto.
"None of your business."
"None of my business?! We grew up together. Don't I even have the right to care about you?"
He balled his fists up tightly, desperately holding back the raging anger inside him.
"My lord Sasuke, why waste words on them? These rookies can be taken care of in one encounter. You don't have to worry. Leave them to me."
Facing such arrogant and provocative words, Naruto and his group looked annoyed. They were, after all, Konoha Ninja. Why should they be belittled by these unknown guys?
"Hey!"
"You creepy guy! Who are you calling a brat!"
Kiba couldn't hold it in any longer. He looked like he was about to rush up and start a fight, but Neji held him back.
Neji knew that in this situation, they could only rely on Naruto. This was a matter between him and Sasuke, and it was hard for outsiders to get involved.
Sasuke looked at the stubborn Naruto. This guy never gave up until he achieved his goal, so he thought there was no way he could leave.
"Stay away from here. I'll deal with Naruto myself!"
"But Lord Sasuke, we must ensure your safety."
Kimimaro frowned. He'd also heard of this yellow - haired brat. Isn't he the Jinchūriki of the Nine - Tailed Fox?
What if the Nine - Tails' Power suddenly erupts and hurts Lord Sasuke during the battle? How can they explain it to Lord Orochimaru?
"Your name is Kimimaro, right? Do you think I'll lose to this brat?"
Even though it was a question, when facing Sasuke's powerful aura and the unyielding strength in his words, Kimimaro still backed down.
"Yes. Please be more careful."
Shikamaru secretly rejoiced at seeing the Sound Ninjas splitting up. These guys seemed to be good at coordinating, so their separation in the battle would be an advantage for their side to win.
"Should we also separate, Shikamaru?"
"Yeah. It seems impossible to bring Sasuke back unless we deal with these guys."
As the people around him each found their opponents, only Naruto and Sasuke were left facing each other beside the broad waterfall in the Valley of the End.
"Do we really have to have this fight?"
Naruto lowered his eyes, feeling sad. If it were a normal match or sparring session, he'd be glad to fight his friend, rather than in this tense atmosphere.
"As long as you let me go quietly, this fight can be avoided."
"Humph! You stubborn guy. It seems there's no other way."
"Naruto, I've always been curious. What on earth gives you the idea that you can keep me here?"
Sasuke showed a mocking look. In fact, he wanted to provoke Naruto here to bring out his potential.
Since the battle was inevitable, he wanted to gain the maximum benefit from it.
Naruto, this kid, has the huge Chakra reservoir of the Nine - Tailed Fox, but so far, his way of using it has been rather crude. If you don't push him, you'll never know how much potential he has!
"I taught you at least 80% of your Ninjutsu. What gives you the confidence?"
Naruto gritted his teeth and stared at the person in front of him. He felt that Sasuke had suddenly become so strange.
If his leaving was an unavoidable choice to cooperate with Orochimaru because of Aniki Itachi, then who is this pretty boy in front of him, looking so disdainful?
"Just try me and you'll know if I have the ability!"
With that, Naruto formed Hand Seals with both hands and instantly created five clones. The six of them stepped onto the broad river in the Valley of the End simultaneously.
..............
Meanwhile, in other battlefields in the Valley of the End.
"You'll be in trouble if you're not focused on the battle in front of you."
Rock Lee posed in his signature stance but found that Kimimaro was absent - minded and kept glancing in Sasuke's direction.
"Humph! Let's see what you're capable of."
Kimimaro pulled out a spinal bone from behind and held it. His eyes full of arrogance, he quickly slid his hand along the bone from top to bottom.
...
"Yo~ Poor stray dog, you were the noisiest just now. Now you're all by yourself. If you kneel down and beg for mercy, I might just spare your life."
"What? I'll never do that! Just wait with your neck clean!"
...
"Ah~ How annoying! Why do I always end up with women as my rivals?"
Tayuya caught the look of disgust on Shikamaru's face and her expression soured.
...