Chapter 53: Sakura: I'm Here to Take You Home
Akiyama Makoto immediately chose to use a guidance.
He had guessed earlier that Danzō might make a move on him, but he hadn't expected him to be so blatant about it. Was it because Sarutobi Hiruzen was still alive before that Danzō had restrained himself? Moreover, the current situation wasn't just Danzō causing trouble; the original plot was now in tatters. Makoto needed to sort things out.
First, why wouldn't Danzō let him go, especially when he had already become a medical ninja? Medical-nin were among the most harmless groups of people. Wasn't Danzō being a bit too petty by not even letting him off the hook? Why hadn't he made a move during the Ino simulation?
Makoto seriously considered the differences and finally felt he had found the conclusion. In the last simulation, Yamanaka Fū had indeed seriously injured him. Perhaps in Danzō's eyes, he had learned his lesson. This time, he had killed Fū in self-defense and had become famous because of it. Did Danzō feel that he had challenged his authority and wanted to make an example out of him?
At this point, Makoto didn't hold out much hope for the outcome of this simulation. With this thought, he stopped trying to guess Danzō's motives. Since it was confirmed that this guy would make a move on him no matter what, he would just have to prepare for it in advance in the next simulation.
The most important question was the original Team 7. Could the three of them, now separated, still grow to their original potential? Makoto decided to focus the rest of the simulation on this.
With that in mind, he input a series of guidance texts. The simulation then began anew.
[Before Tsunade's return, Danzō sends you to the Sand Village along with their prisoners of war. You use the same trick as before and, with your prior experience, gain Chiyo's trust, quickly becoming a medical ninja second only to her in skill.]
[At the same time, you display your talent for ninja tool design and puppet creation. Your status within the Sand Village rises steadily, with your influence catching up to Baki's.]
So Baki didn't die this time... Makoto felt it would be difficult for him to reach the high position of Kazekage's advisor like before. But it didn't matter. He was more concerned with intelligence from Konoha.
[Because of your special relationship with Konoha, the Sand Village's upper echelons often ask for your advice on matters concerning Konoha. After Tsunade returns and becomes Hokage, they even begin a medical ninjutsu exchange program with Konoha.]
[Through this exchange, you learn that Sasuke continues to train under Kakashi, Naruto continues to train under Jiraiya, and Sakura has become Tsunade's apprentice.]
[But all of this no longer has anything to do with you. Although you have great influence in the Sand Village, you are still restricted from leaving.]
Seeing this, Makoto's heart sank. "We're screwed," he muttered.
It was no longer a question of Naruto and Sasuke being unable to motivate each other. What kind of growth could Sasuke achieve under Kakashi's tutelage? Would he even reach the level of an Elite Jōnin in three years? Why hadn't Orochimaru taken him? Was it because he didn't participate in the Chūnin Exams, so Orochimaru never had the chance to give him the Cursed Seal?
The original Sasuke, after three years with Orochimaru, had become the "White Robe Sasuke," whose excellent fundamentals, combined with the Cursed Seal of Heaven, a three-tomoe Sharingan, and having absorbed Orochimaru, gave him the capital to challenge Kage-level powerhouses. The Sasuke who trained under Kakashi would have no such opportunity. The Kakashi of this time didn't even know his own eye was a Mangekyō Sharingan. Was the future of the world now solely dependent on Naruto?
On the other hand, Sakura becoming Tsunade's apprentice this early was something he couldn't figure out. As for Naruto, he wasn't too worried. His growth path was very simple and clear. Once he learned Sage Mode and completed his reconciliation with the Nine-Tails, he would already possess ninety-nine percent of his original strength. The only remaining problem was, without Sasuke's cooperation, how would Naruto defeat that series of bosses?
After thinking for a long time, Makoto realized there was no point in considering these things. He would just treat this simulation as purely for intelligence gathering. After all, without a child, he couldn't even save the results; he could only rely on his own memory.
...Wait a minute. Why not try that?
He had always wanted to test whether he could have a child with someone other than the designated simulation target. Now seemed like a good opportunity. As for the subject... it would have to be Temari.
And so, Makoto completed his final simulation guidance.
[Konoha 65: After your position has stabilized, you begin to pursue Temari.]
[Temari is responsible for the Sand Village's foreign affairs, and at this time, their greatest diplomatic need is to maintain their alliance with Konoha. Seeking your advice becomes her most frequent activity. Temari also values her relationship with her family, and you are not afraid of Gaara, maintaining a good relationship with him by using Naruto as a common topic.]
[Your persona aligns with what Temari looks for in a partner, and your relationship quickly becomes intimate.]
Makoto let out a long breath. Now it all depended on whether he could have a child with Temari and whether he could save the results of this simulation. Although it was rude to experiment on a Temari he had never even met, well... it was just a simulation.
But just as he thought he would spend the rest of his life lying low in the Sand Village, a sudden change occurred.
[Chiyo dies while searching for her grandson, Sasori of the Red Sand. You become the strongest medical ninja in the Sand Village, and you are now in charge of the medical ninjutsu exchange with Konoha.]
[After learning of this situation, Tsunade sends Kakashi, Sasuke, Sakura, and Yamato to support you and to express Konoha's goodwill.]
[Sakura pulls you into a deserted corner, expresses how much she has missed you with a hug, and whispers in your ear: "Makoto, I'm here to take you home!"]
[It turns out that although Tsunade has become Hokage, she lacks enough capable subordinates. You, a genius who should have been used by Konoha, have become a target she values greatly.]
Seeing this, it dawned on Makoto. He seemed to understand why Tsunade had taken Sakura as an apprentice so quickly. It was to use their relationship to bring a genius like him back! But... should he return to Konoha?
[This matter is quickly discovered by Temari. The short-tempered Temari begins to argue with Sakura right in front of you, claiming that you and she are already a couple, a relationship which Sakura denies.]
Ah, this... Makoto didn't know whether to laugh or cry. How did he end up in a messy love triangle plot? He really hadn't caused this intentionally. He had thought the next time he saw Sakura would be during the Kazekage Rescue arc. What should he do now? Should he go back to Konoha?
Just then, the new plot development once again exceeded his expectations.
[Konoha 65: Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame arrive in the Sand Village, intending to take Sasuke away. The entire Sand Village mobilizes, beginning the Sasuke Rescue Mission.]
Seeing this, Makoto rolled his eyes.
Rescue what? This is ridiculous.
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