novel-bin Chapter 342 Astonishment
Chapter 342 Astonishment
Sasuke Uchiha, who had fought alongside Kakashi Hatake on numerous arduous missions, knew his mentor intimately. The instant Kakashi swiftly locked onto Itachi Uchiha with his agile movements, Sasuke immediately understood: it must be Kakashi's Shadow Clone Technique! This unspoken understanding wasn't accidental; it stemmed from their deep trust in each other and the telepathic connection cultivated through long years of fighting side-by-side.
It's well known that Kakashi Hatake is adept at using clones to probe his opponents' strengths and weaknesses, and his exceptional combat strategy is truly admirable. In fierce battles, he always skillfully utilizes various advantageous conditions, adapting flexibly to decisively defeat powerful enemies. It is precisely through this outstanding ability and strategy that Kakashi has repeatedly turned danger into safety and achieved victory. Now, facing the formidable Uchiha Itachi, Kakashi unhesitatingly unleashed this ultimate technique, undoubtedly demonstrating his confidence in his own abilities and his high level of trust in teamwork.
Kakashi Hatake's use of Fire Release to attack Itachi Uchiha wasn't just a simple attack; it was also a tactic to obscure Itachi's vision. After creating shadow clones, Kakashi concealed himself, preparing to assist Sasuke Uchiha in a decisive blow. This was the perfect way to help Sasuke defeat Itachi in one fell swoop.
Sasuke Uchiha's body trembled slightly, like a candle flame flickering in the wind. His eyes widened as he stared intently at Itachi Uchiha, whose chest he had pierced with his Chidori and who was now on the verge of death. At that moment, the raging, uncontrollable flame of revenge deep within him, like a volcano, erupted suddenly like a flood bursting its banks.
Memories of his past with Itachi Uchiha flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie. Those carefree days spent laughing and playing in the village, that close, brotherly bond—all now distant and hazy memories. However, the brutal massacre of the Uchiha clan was like a merciless sword, severing all that beauty and planting a deep seed of hatred in Sasuke's heart.
Today, after countless hardships, Sasuke has finally completed his long and arduous journey of revenge. However, after avenging his great grudge, he did not feel the satisfaction and relief he had expected. Instead, he fell into an unprecedented emptiness. At this moment, he was like a traveler who had lost his way, standing blankly and helplessly on this desolate land.
Itachi Uchiha seemed completely oblivious to the excruciating pain from Sasuke Uchiha's piercing chest. His body trembled slightly, but he showed no sign of backing down. Blood gushed from the wound, staining his clothes red, yet his gaze remained steadfastly fixed on his younger brother, his blood relative, standing so close to him.
A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, a smile that seemed to hold endless meaning and emotion. He gazed silently at Sasuke, a fleeting hint of relief in his eyes like a shooting star, replaced by an extraordinary calm and serenity. This expression was enigmatic, as if he had already seen through everything, or perhaps resignedly accepted his fate.
In that brief yet seemingly endless exchange of glances, time seemed to freeze. The surrounding air grew unusually heavy, with only the complex and unfathomable emotions flowing silently between the two. Deep within Itachi Uchiha's heart, a fierce struggle might be unfolding, but on the surface, he maintained an awe-inspiring composure.
Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows that veiled the world in mystery. Within this tranquil forest, a massive tree stood like a guardian. At that moment, a figure silently concealed itself atop its trunk—it was Hyuga Kanan!
His sharp, hawk-like gaze was fixed on his target not far below—Uchiha Itachi. However, unlike ordinary people, Hyuga Kanan's lips curled up slightly, revealing an enigmatic, playful smile.
After a close and detailed observation, Hyuga Kanan realized that although the person in front of him was exactly the same as Uchiha Itachi in terms of the ninjutsu he used, his unique bloodline limit, and even the fighting habits he displayed in every move, it was certain that this person was not the real Uchiha Itachi, nor was he any form of clone of him.
In fact, Hyuga Kanan, with his keen insight, had already seen through the deception. It turned out that the other party was using some incredibly ingenious ninjutsu technique to cleverly separate a portion of their own chakra and infuse it into this individual who resembled Uchiha Itachi. In this way, the person gained unparalleled fighting power like Uchiha Itachi, able to unleash a variety of exquisite ninjutsu techniques at will.
That's why, when Xiang Jianan first sensed this person, he could clearly feel two completely different yet intertwined chakra fluctuations emanating from the other's body. This strange phenomenon undoubtedly further confirmed his previous guess—there must be a meticulously planned conspiracy behind it.
As expected, Sasuke Uchiha suddenly pulled his clenched hand out, as if using all his strength. With this movement, his opponent, who had been standing, collapsed to the ground as if struck by a heavy blow. However, something unexpected happened—in the instant he fell, his opponent's body began to undergo an astonishing transformation!
First, his body gradually twisted and deformed, then his facial features were as if kneaded and reshaped by an invisible hand. In the blink of an eye, the once familiar figure completely disappeared, replaced by a completely unfamiliar face. This sudden change left Uchiha Sasuke, who was immersed in his feelings, speechless with astonishment, his expression extremely grim.
Meanwhile, Kakashi Hatake, who had been observing the situation from the shadows, witnessed everything. When he noticed Sasuke Uchiha's incredulous and extremely pale face, a strong sense of unease welled up within him. Almost without hesitation, Kakashi Hatake quickly appeared beside Sasuke, his eyes also revealing undisguised astonishment.
Just then, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Chiyo appeared like lightning, quickly arriving beside the two people. Chiyo looked closely, and when she recognized the face of the person lying on the ground, a look of astonishment crossed her face. She exclaimed, "This is Yura, a Jonin from Sunagakure! He has always been responsible for the crucial outer defense of Sunagakure. After the Akatsuki's blatant attack on our village, he mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Everyone assumed he had been murdered. Who would have thought we would meet him here today? Even more perplexing is that he is disguised as Itachi Uchiha, fighting us to the death! What happened? What secrets are hidden here?" Chiyo frowned, filled with doubt, trying to find answers in this bizarre scene. Naruto and Sakura, standing nearby, were also visibly surprised, equally bewildered by this sudden turn of events.
Sasuke Uchiha stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief, as if the entire world had collapsed at that moment. He stood there dumbfounded, his body trembling slightly, completely unable to comprehend what was happening before his eyes.
He had always firmly believed that he had successfully defeated the man who had once caused him so much pain and filled him with such hatred—Uchiha Itachi. He had poured countless efforts and sweat into the fight, enduring one thrilling battle after another, to finally reach this point. He thought that with Uchiha Itachi's death, the hatred and obsession in his heart would be released, and he would be able to let go of the past and start a new life.
However, reality was so cruel and merciless that it shattered all his illusions and expectations. He couldn't understand why things had come to this. Was everything before just a lie? He couldn't help but fall into deep self-doubt, questioning his abilities like never before.
At this moment, Uchiha Sasuke felt utterly lost and confused, unsure how to face this outcome. The knot in his heart, which he thought he had untied, now felt increasingly heavy, almost suffocating him. He suddenly felt like a lonely, helpless child, lost in a vast darkness, unable to find his way forward.
Kakashi Hatake's sharp eyes seemed to see through everything; he keenly sensed the confusion and bewilderment deep within Sasuke Uchiha's heart. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, gently patted Sasuke's slightly thin shoulder, and said in a gentle yet firm tone, "Sasuke, don't feel lost or helpless. We have now obtained clues about the enemy's whereabouts, which is undoubtedly a significant breakthrough. Remember, our resounding victory in this encounter proves our strength is not to be underestimated. Therefore, when we meet again, I firmly believe that with our wisdom, courage, and teamwork, we can repeat today's glory and firmly grasp victory! Right now, your most crucial task is to fully adjust your state, rebuild your unwavering belief, sharpen your skills, and be ready for any future challenges and trials. Only in this way can you remain invincible on the fierce and brutal battlefield!"
Upon hearing this, Sasuke Uchiha once again revealed a determined expression. He held firm to his belief that he would definitely carry out his revenge.