In an Underground Lair.
Orochimaru, having recently transferred into a new vessel, was seen writhing in pain within the dim confines of his room.
His new vessel, though stronger than the last one, was not yet fully compatible with him, this caused him constant agony.
Despite his discomfort, his obsession with acquiring Sasuke Uchiha's body remained undeterred. He wanted the Uchiha more than anything in his life.
He summoned the Sound Four, Jirōbō, Kidōmaru, Sakon, and Tayuya, and their leader, Kimimaro.
"Bring Sasuke to me," Orochimaru commanded the five of them in an almost mad voice..
"Even if Kakashi stands in your way, I trust in your abilities… and in Kimimaro's." He believed that with Kimimaro, there wouldn't be any problem in bringing Sasuke back.
The Sound Four exchanged glances, each confident in their own strength. While Kimimaro, the ever-silent, nodded once, his loyalty to Orochimaru was unquestionable.
….
Under the cover of night, the Sound Four and Kimimaro approached Konoha's borders. Utilizing their previous knowledge of the village's defenses and their own stealth techniques, they slipped past the guards and made their way to Kakashi's training ground, where the spies had often seen Sasuke training alone.
There, they found Sasuke, his Sharingan active as he practiced his forms.
"Uchiha Sasuke," Tayuya called out, stepping into the training ground. "Orochimaru-sama desires your body. Come with us."
Sasuke paused, eyeing the sudden intruders. "I'm not interested," he replied coldly.
"Tell Orochimaru to find another vessel." He definitely would not sacrifice for Orochimaru, he wasn't that desperate, and with Kakashi's guidance, he is becoming stronger than ever.
He wouldn't give his body to a loser like Orochimaru.
"You think you have a choice?" Jirōbō sneered at Sasuke.
Then, without warning, the Sound Four activated their Cursed Seals, their bodies transforming as they prepared for battle.
As The Battle Begins
Sasuke was unfazed and activated his own Cursed Seal, the Serpent Seal which was gifted by Kakashi. A dark aura enveloped him as he prepared to face the attackers.
Kidōmaru launched a barrage of spider webs, aiming to immobilize Sasuke. Sasuke swiftly dodged, weaving through the threads and closing the distance. He unleashed a strong Chidori and pierced through Kidōmaru's defenses delivering a fatal blow.
Jirōbō charged, attempting to overpower Sasuke with brute strength. Sasuke countered with a combination of taijutsu and lightning-based attacks, exploiting Jirōbō's slower movements. A well-placed Chidori to the chest ended the battle between them.
From a distance, Kakashi observed the fight, his Sharingan tracking every move. Beside him, Naruto, Kurenai, and Anko watched with concern.
"Shouldn't we help him?" Naruto asked, clenching his fists.
"Sasuke needs to handle this on his own. It's part of his growth." Kakashi shook his head, but he also wanted to know how strong Sasuke had become.
With only Sakon and Tayuya remaining, the two attempted to retreat, realizing they were outmatched. However, before they could escape, two fast spears of purple lightning pierced their hearts.
Kakashi stepped into the clearing, his hand crackling with residual purple lightning.
"Well done, Sasuke," he praised. "But save your strength. There's one more opponent."
From the shadows, Kimimaro emerged, his expression unreadable.
"So, you were the one watching," Kakashi noted, as he recognized Kimimaro. "Sasuke, this is your final test. Defeat him, and you'll learn the truth about your clan."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his determination skyrocketing. He has been waiting for this for a very long time.
Kimimaro stepped out from the shadows and directly activated his Cursed Seal, his body undergoing a grotesque transformation. Bones protruded from his skin as he prepared for battle.
Kakashi stepped back, activating the barrier that he had already set around the training ground a long time ago to contain the fight.
Kimimaro attacked with his Dance of the Larch, and bones started shooting from his body in a deadly barrage. Sasuke dodged, countering with a Fireball Jutsu, which Kimimaro deflected with his bone shield.
The two clashed repeatedly, Sasuke utilizing his Chidori and Sharingan to anticipate Kimimaro's moves. Kimimaro responded with his Dance of the Clematis, wielding a bone sword with deadly precision.
Despite his illness, Kimimaro's attacks were relentless. Sasuke pushed to his limits, and activated the second level of his Cursed Seal, gaining a surge of power.
With enhanced speed and strength, Sasuke launched a final Chidori, piercing through Kimimaro's defenses and delivering a decisive blow.
Kimimaro staggered, his body succumbing to his illness. He collapsed with a faint smile on his lips, content with his loyalty to Orochimaru but also regretful that he couldn't fulfill Orochimaru's wish for Sasuke's body.
Kakashi deactivated the barrier, approaching Sasuke.
"You've done well," he commended. He was very satisfied with Sasuke's skills far surpassing the canon ones.
"Now, let's discuss the truth about the Uchiha clan," Kakashi said, hoping that knowing the truth may stimulate him and possibly awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Sasuke nodded, ready to uncover the secrets that had bothered him for so long.
The aftermath of the battle against the Sound Four and Kimimaro left the training ground in disarray. Sasuke stood amidst the debris, his chest heaving, and his eyes narrowed. The confrontation had stirred something deep within him.
Kakashi left him some time to catch his breath, and then spoke
"Sasuke," he began, "there's evidence there that you need to see."
He handed Sasuke a scroll, its seal was already broken. Inside were documents, the evidence of the elders' complicity in the Uchiha massacre. Details of meetings, orders, and decisions that led to the clan's downfall. Though most of them were about Danzo using tricks to weaken the Uchiha's influence.