Chapter 144: Sasuke's Confusion and the Sand Ninja
"Oh right, Jiraiya-sensei, please take the Third to the medical center. The equipment there should still be intact. I also want to go check on Naruto," Xia Li said.
"Huh? Why don't you rest for a while?" Jiraiya couldn't help but ask in surprise.
In his view, Xia Li should have been completely exhausted.
Before he arrived, Jiraiya didn't think Xia Li had been idle. After arriving, he used Flying Thunder God to save the Third Hokage, then immediately began treating his injuries. And even after all that, he still hadn't stopped moving.
"When would I even have time to rest? I trust them, sure—but just to be safe, I need to see him myself," Xia Li replied, sensing the state of his chakra as he spoke. Then he stuffed a soldier pill into his mouth.
"…Sorry to trouble you." Jiraiya sighed and didn't stop him. He had wanted to go in Xia Li's place, but he simply couldn't—he didn't know Flying Thunder God. By the time he got there, everything would already be over.
Without another word, Xia Li vanished on the spot.
Jiraiya stared at where he had disappeared for a moment, then carried the Third Hokage toward the medical center.
When Xia Li appeared beside Naruto, he immediately noticed the situation.
The shattered trees around them told of a fierce battle.
Naruto was unconscious. Beside him lay Sakura, also passed out—it seemed she had done everything she could.
"Xia Li, you're late this time," Sasuke said, noticing him and clapping his hands lightly.
Xia Li looked at the three Sand ninja tied up by Sasuke and smiled slightly. This was already better than the original—he had actually captured them alive.
But… Gaara had passed out?
Xia Li frowned slightly as he looked at Gaara. He was indeed unconscious, but something about it felt strange.
"You did this?" Xia Li asked.
"…No." Sasuke was silent for a moment, then glanced at Naruto. "I just finished things off. Most of it was Naruto. He's… gotten really strong."
There was a hint of complexity in Sasuke's tone. Not only had he been surpassed—he felt like he might be completely left behind.
"Tch. Feeling like you can't keep up with Naruto anymore?" Xia Li asked.
"…Yeah." Sasuke turned his head away.
"At this stage, you really are inferior to Naruto," Xia Li said bluntly, offering no comfort.
Sasuke fell silent.
"But you don't need to worry too much," Xia Li continued. "Naruto grows fast, but his talent isn't actually that great. You've felt it, haven't you? He reached this level mainly because of shadow clones and his own effort."
"But being able to use shadow clones is his advantage. There's nothing wrong with using your strengths," Sasuke countered.
"Of course. It's a nearly unique advantage. But Naruto has already reached the limit of what his current foundation can support. Even if he learns something like your Chidori, the boost will be limited. If he wants to go further, he needs a stronger foundation—and that's your opportunity."
Xia Li looked at him seriously. "So don't underestimate yourself. Your fundamentals are solid. With your talent, catching up to Naruto isn't hard. Whether you can surpass him—that depends on you."
"Fundamentals…" Sasuke looked at his hands.
Did he really have talent?
With Xia Li around, he could hardly feel it. Others praised him, and now even Xia Li said so—but he still couldn't quite believe it.
"Still, staying in Team 7 doing ordinary missions won't help you much. After this is over, I'll have Kakashi send you to the ANBU for some experience," Xia Li said after thinking for a moment.
"ANBU… the place you used to be?" Sasuke was startled, recalling Xia Li's nickname—the "Little White Fang" of Konoha.
"Yes."
"…Thank you," Sasuke said quietly.
"Haha, then think about how you're going to thank me," Xia Li laughed, ruffling Sasuke's already messy hair.
Sasuke didn't resist. After a long silence, he finally asked, "Why are you helping me? We don't even have any real connection."
"…Why?" Xia Li froze, then thought for a moment.
In the end, he shook his head. "There are a lot of reasons. I see you guys who graduated this year as my younger siblings. Helping you is only natural, right?"
In truth, Xia Li simply wanted to help characters he liked—but he couldn't explain that, leading Sasuke to misunderstand.
"…Brother?" Sasuke's eyes flickered before he quickly turned away.
Suddenly, Sasuke asked, "What happened to Ino?"
Xia Li froze for a moment, then his face flushed slightly. "Uh… special circumstances."
It was the first time Sasuke had seen Xia Li look awkward. The corner of his mouth lifted faintly.
So he had weaknesses too.
Xia Li suddenly frowned.
He sensed someone approaching quickly.
Enemy or ally?
Either way, they had to be cautious.
After their conversation, Sasuke immediately hid Naruto and Sakura, then slipped into the shadows.
Xia Li stood by the three Sand ninja and swallowed another pill, staying alert.
Soon, he confirmed—
The newcomer was an enemy.
The person hesitated, clearly waiting for a chance to strike and rescue the Sand trio.
"I suggest you come out," Xia Li said coldly. "Otherwise, one of the Sand ninja might lose a limb. These are the Fourth Kazekage's children, right? If they all die, will you be punished when you go back?"
His voice cut through the wind and reached the hidden figure.
Baki froze.
He knew he had been exposed and had no choice but to step out.
He also knew—he had no chance of saving them anymore.
His gaze fell on Xia Li… and the blade pressed against Gaara's neck.
Shock filled his eyes.
Why hadn't the automatic sand defense activated? Why wasn't Gaara awake? Why hadn't Shukaku gone berserk?
Xia Li roughly guessed the reason—
Naruto.
The battle must have exhausted both Gaara and Shukaku.
"Please, spare them. I know this was Orochimaru's plan—we were deceived too," Baki said urgently.
"You killed Hayate Gekkō, didn't you?" Xia Li suddenly asked.
Baki stiffened, then nodded with some guilt.
"So now you're saying you were the victims and expect forgiveness?" Xia Li sneered. "You're thinking too much."
"…What do you want? As long as you don't harm Gaara and the others and send them back, we'll agree to anything," Baki said through gritted teeth.
"That's not for me alone to decide. Go back to Sunagakure and prepare your apology. Let us see your sincerity."
"…Deal!" Baki quickly agreed, afraid Xia Li might change his mind.
Then he left immediately.
"Alright, you can come out now," Xia Li said after confirming Baki was gone.
"Xia Li…" Sasuke hesitated.
"I'll take you back. Don't think too much about it—this is higher-level politics," Xia Li said.
"…Okay." Sasuke nodded.
Soon, Xia Li brought everyone back to Konoha.
Chapter 145: Speaking on Naruto's Behalf
The Third Hokage's injuries weren't severe, and he woke up the next day. However, according to the medical staff, his recovery would still take time.
At that moment, the ward was crowded.
Most of those present were elite jonin, with a few highly respected figures at the front—two advisors, Homura and Koharu, and leading them… Danzo.
They were arguing about how to deal with the three Sand ninja.
The advisors believed they should be returned to avoid war, while negotiating benefits.
Danzo disagreed. He believed they should be killed and the One-Tail extracted, using it to display Konoha's power if Sunagakure chose war.
The argument dragged on endlessly.
The Third Hokage lay in bed, rubbing his temples helplessly.
Finally—
"Ahem."
He coughed, and the room fell silent.
After all, he was still Hokage.
"I've already discussed this matter with Xia Li," he said. "Given my current condition, I'll let Xia Li speak on my behalf."
He gestured.
Xia Li stepped forward.
"You may speak for me," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
"…Understood."
Everyone present was shocked.
The meaning was obvious.
Some jonin glanced at Danzo—some confused, some mocking.
Even Jiraiya, leaning by the window with his arms crossed, opened his eyes in surprise.
Danzo's face darkened.
"Hiruzen, he's only thirteen!"
"I know," the Third Hokage replied calmly. "I'm just not feeling well, so I asked Xia Li to explain."
Danzo snorted but said nothing more.
The two advisors, however, examined Xia Li carefully.
They found him… suitable.
He was Jiraiya's student—his identity was solid. His strength was already remarkable and would only grow stronger. He had played a key role in the current situation.
But still—
He was too young.
Perhaps… too young to bear such responsibility.
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