Although he had already witnessed Sasuke's stubbornness countless times in the original story, seeing it in person was another matter entirely.
Every time Sasuke wore that "I am the strongest in the world" expression, charging forward with reckless arrogance, only to be beaten half to death, it was laughable.
But watching it directly with his own eyes, Kenya found himself utterly speechless.
This brat… if he dyed his hair yellow, he could pass off as Kurosaki Ichigo in a cameo.
When Kenya muttered this, Sasuke's agitation eased slightly. He hesitated for a moment, then asked in a low voice:
"Did you fight him?"
"It doesn't matter whether I win or lose against him," Kenya replied calmly, retracting the thread of energy that bound Sasuke. "Because I've never once thought of avenging the Uchiha clan."
Sasuke's fleeting calm shattered instantly. His voice trembled with anger.
"What are you saying!? Aren't you also from the Uchiha? Why—?"
"First," Kenya cut him off, his tone sharp, "I had no relatives in the Uchiha clan even four years ago. Second, I don't care about your so-called clan 'glory.' So don't put your ideals on me, Sasuke."
He silenced Sasuke once more, sealing his words before releasing him again.
Kenya then smiled faintly. "But if it's revenge you want, I won't stop you."
Sasuke's nails dug into his palms until they bled. His fists trembled, but his gaze burned with desperate determination.
"Then… will you train me?"
Kakashi's guidance was no longer enough. Sasuke already felt he had surpassed his teacher.
But Kenya… Kenya was different. He possessed the strength to rival a Hokage, had even suppressed tailed beasts, and he too carried Uchiha blood.
Who else could possibly guide Sasuke better?
"It's a pity," Kenya sighed, "I've had my fill of being a teacher."
The words struck Sasuke like ice water, shattering his hope.
But before he could storm away, Kenya added leisurely:
"Still, there's someone else—someone more suited. You've already seen him."
Kenya pointed to the back of Sasuke's neck.
Sasuke's eyelids twitched violently. His hand shot up to cover the curse mark on his shoulder. His lips pressed into a thin line.
"You mean… Orochimaru?"
Kenya chuckled. "Perverted as he is, that man truly excels at raising disciples. The only danger is his… habit. He changes bodies every so often, and what he craves most is the blood of the Uchiha."
He leaned in slightly, voice carrying an almost hypnotic cadence. "So, Sasuke… are you willing to take that risk?"
His words carried the same eerie persuasion as when he was "Aizen." They sank deep, bypassing reason, lodging themselves in the subconscious.
Sasuke clenched his teeth until blood seeped from his gums. His voice was resolute, burning with hatred.
"As long as it lets me kill him, I don't care if I have to sell my soul to the devil!"
Kenya's smile deepened. If only Indra's soul had already awakened in you, I could slay him for you myself… but for now, you must be pushed to grow.
He clasped his hands together. "Bakudō #58: Kakushitsuiseki."
Blue light enveloped them, and in an instant, the world shifted.
Sasuke found himself staring at an eerie forest on the northwest border of the Land of Fire. Deep within stood a temple—ordinary at first glance, yet exuding an ominous aura.
The vision surged forward, piercing into its depths.
There, hidden among the Sound Four, were Kabuto and Orochimaru themselves.
Kenya dismissed the spell and turned back to Sasuke.
"That's where he is. Six kilometers northwest, at ten o'clock."
Sasuke bit his lip hard, then turned to leave.
"Wait."
Kenya's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"As a fellow clansman… I'll give you a small parting gift. Something I hope you'll find useful."
Sasuke frowned but obeyed, lowering his head cautiously.
A faint light shimmered at Kenya's chest as the Hōgyoku slowly floated forth.
Even Sasuke, without refined perception, could feel the overwhelming energy it radiated—alien, indescribable, yet intoxicating.
"This is the Hōgyoku. It draws out hidden potential. I've never tried using it on a shinobi before… so I'll ask once. Do you accept the risk, Sasuke?"
But the boy didn't hesitate for a second.
"At this point, do you really need to ask? If it gives me power, then even if I have to hand over my soul, I don't care!"
Kenya's lips curled. "Good."
He pressed his palm forward. The Hōgyoku's brilliance poured into Sasuke's body, vanishing within him.
When Sasuke rose again, his appearance hadn't drastically changed. But his Sharingan had—two tomoe had evolved into three. His hair seemed subtly longer, and from his body leaked an overwhelming Yin chakra.
Sasuke stared at his trembling hands, his breath quickening.
"This… this power…"
It was like wandering endlessly in a desert, only to stumble upon an oasis. His blood surged. His very soul trembled.
Kenya, watching, thought silently: As expected. The Hōgyoku can awaken potential—but it is still incomplete. For greater evolution, more is required.
Aloud, he said calmly, "That's enough. Go, Sasuke."
Sasuke was silent for a long moment before finally muttering, "...Thank you."
Kenya waved it off with a mysterious smile. "Don't thank me yet. One day, I'll come to collect that debt."
Sasuke froze at his words, but didn't dwell on them. With a burst of speed, he vanished into the night.