Sasuke's hazy gaze fell on Xia Li. He listened to Xia Li's words in a daze. He saw the godlike Susanoo—but he also saw that "god" being cut apart by the Vacuum Wave.
At that moment, the corner of Sasuke's mouth lifted slightly. He slowly closed his eyes. He could no longer suppress the exhaustion in his heart and, like Kakashi, fell into a deep sleep.
"So strong…" Kurenai and Asuma exchanged a glance. They had only reopened their eyes after leaving the battlefield, so they witnessed everything that followed.
They had previously fought Itachi and Kisame and knew how powerful they were. But once Xia Li arrived, the situation seemed to reverse in an instant.
Asuma, in particular, was stunned. As a Wind Release user, he had never imagined that his Vacuum Wave could pierce through the terrifying Susanoo.
In his eyes, that overwhelming power had seemed invincible—yet in front of Xia Li, it was as fragile as paper.
So the gentle Xia Li who used to pick up Ino… had already become this strong?
Asuma stood there, momentarily dazed.
Of course, it wasn't their fault. They didn't know that Itachi was already running low on stamina, nor how much energy using Tsukuyomi twice would consume.
Xia Li, however, knew Itachi's condition well. That was why he held such an advantage in this battle.
Xia Li understood clearly: all of his attacks had been seen through. Even his extreme speed didn't seem fast in Itachi's eyes. The problem was—although Itachi could see through his moves, his body couldn't keep up.
Next time, things wouldn't be this easy. Itachi had already gathered information on him. A ninja like Itachi would definitely find a way to counter him.
Without a decisive method, dealing with Itachi would only become harder. Xia Li felt a headache coming on.
Still, this battle proved one thing—he could defeat him.
Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi never found an opportunity to be used. Forcing Amaterasu would only waste ocular power, and its hit rate was too low against someone as fast as Xia Li. Even Itachi wouldn't use it recklessly.
As for Susanoo—it ultimately lost to the Vacuum Wave. While Vacuum Wave wasn't as destructive overall as Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, it maximized cutting power against a single target.
Perfect for slicing through something like Susanoo's "shell."
Even so, Xia Li knew he couldn't lower his guard. A ninja like Itachi could kill with the slightest opening.
"Let me see," Xia Li said as he took Sasuke and checked his condition.
He frowned.
The physical injuries weren't serious—but the mental damage caused by Tsukuyomi was extremely complex.
And the brain was a delicate area. Without timely treatment, it could lead to brain death.
Treating this kind of injury required not only advanced medical skill, but also extremely precise chakra control.
Xia Li sighed inwardly, cursing Tsukuyomi for being so unreasonable. He then checked Kakashi—and, as expected, the situation was the same.
"Is it serious?" Might Guy asked anxiously.
"Yes, very serious. I need to see the head of the medical department," Xia Li replied.
He had the chakra control—but not the medical expertise. The medical chief had the skill—but lacked sufficient chakra precision.
Normally, injuries like this required Tsunade herself.
However, Xia Li believed that if he worked together with the medical chief, there was a good chance of success.
"I'll carry them to the hospital!" Guy shouted, picking up Kakashi and Sasuke and sprinting toward the medical center.
The others twitched at the corners of their eyes but said nothing.
"Then, Asuma, Kurenai—you two continue your date. I'm heading to the hospital," Xia Li said with a smile.
Kurenai blushed slightly, while Asuma laughed and then suddenly turned serious.
"Xia Li… thank you for saving that stubborn old man of ours," Asuma said, bowing deeply while holding Kurenai.
Xia Li paused, then accepted it.
"You're welcome. It's what I should do," he replied sincerely.
"If you ever need us… especially when you aim for that position… just say the word. We'll fully support you," Asuma said seriously.
"Deal. I'll head to the hospital now—otherwise Guy will be waiting there," Xia Li said with a smile before leaving.
Asuma and Kurenai watched his back, both sighing at how outstanding he was—so young, so strong, so perfect.
"Do you really know nothing about that position?" Kurenai asked.
"I know a lot—but I can't live up to it. Even if the old man paved the way, I couldn't walk it," Asuma said helplessly.
His strength wasn't enough, and he wasn't truly passionate about becoming Hokage.
If someone like Xia Li took the role, it would be ideal.
Kurenai nodded.
"Alright then, where should we go for our next date?" Asuma suddenly grinned.
Kurenai sighed. "Asuma… what time is it? You still want to date?"
They both laughed.
"In that case, let's patrol the village and buy some things along the way," she said.
"Sounds good!" Asuma nodded.
And so, under the excuse of patrol duty, the two continued their "date."
At the hospital—
"Xia Li, you're late! Youth waits for no one!" Guy shouted energetically.
"I had something to discuss with Asuma. Hand them over to the nurses," Xia Li said, glancing at Kakashi and Sasuke, who were nearly shaken awake by Guy.
The nurse looked horrified.
"Please be gentler with patients next time!" she said.
Guy scratched his head, confused.
"Guy, report this to the Third Hokage. I'll discuss the treatment plan," Xia Li said.
"Leave it to me!" Guy gave a thumbs-up, flashing his bright smile.
Meanwhile, outside Konoha—
Kisame set Itachi down.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine," Itachi said, though he looked terrible.
"You shouldn't have used Tsukuyomi twice," Kisame complained.
"I was careless… I didn't expect someone like that in Konoha," Itachi said, recalling Xia Li.
A fighter who didn't rely on vision. Someone whose speed couldn't be matched. Someone immune to his Mangekyō abilities.
Unless he forced a stronger Susanoo—but that would cost him his life before Sasuke matured.
That… was unacceptable.
He closed his eyes.
This encounter had likely weakened the hatred he tried to instill in Sasuke. His "invincible" image was gone.
Still—as long as Sasuke hated him, things could continue.
Back in Konoha's hospital—
A treatment plan was established. The medical chief supervised, while Xia Li carried out the procedure.
Though slow, the treatment was effective.
Xia Li also learned rapidly during the process.
Finally, under guidance, both Kakashi and Sasuke woke up.
"Interesting… master and student, hospitalized at the same time by the same person," Xia Li joked, sitting beside them.
"Itachi…" both muttered.
Kakashi was thinking about the true power of the Sharingan—genjutsu, Susanoo…
Could he reach that level?
Sasuke, meanwhile, recalled the moment Susanoo was cut apart.
That scene shattered his nightmare.
The "invincible" Itachi… had been defeated.
That meant—
He wasn't unreachable.
Even in pain, hope ignited in Sasuke's heart.
If Xia Li could do it now…
Then someday—
He could too.
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