Chapter 126 Everyone rushes to each other

At night, the stars were like bright gems inlaid in the sky. The party venue was illuminated by several lanterns, and the warm orange light sprinkled on everyone's face.

The laughter gradually died down, replaced by a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. Some people leaned against the big tree, looking up at the starry sky, their thoughts seemed to drift far away; others still sat together, talking in low voices, sharing the dreams and aspirations buried deep in their hearts.

Naruto sat quietly by the side, his hands behind his back, letting the breeze gently brush across his face. He looked at his companions tenderly, his heart filled with emotion. Over the years, they had gone through countless hardships and obstacles together, growing and progressing together in the wind and rain.

In essence, Naruto and Shikamaru now have similar temperaments, and they both avoid trouble. Just like when Naruto first joined Team 7, he once confided that his dream was to live a relaxed and comfortable life, and he didn't want to be entangled by too many responsibilities and troubles. He even wanted to "let it go". However, there are some things he knows he can't escape and must face. Naruto exhaled deeply, as if to dispel the boredom in his heart.

At this time, Sasuke slowly walked to Naruto's side and sat down silently. Both of them remained silent, just staring at the starry sky quietly. The vast universe seemed to hide the answers they were looking for.

After a while, Sasuke broke the silence and said, "Naruto, no matter what we encounter in the future, we must face it together."

At this time, Naruto suddenly asked Sasuke: "Sasuke, what do you think about the previous matter?"

Sasuke was slightly startled. He knew what Naruto was referring to. He frowned, his eyes still looking at the starry sky. After a moment of silence, he said, "Naruto, after the last duel with Itachi, I realized that my strength is still far behind his. My desire for power has never been so strong. I am eager to get more powerful power. But at the same time, I don't want to leave your side. The time spent with my friends and the days fighting side by side with you are also extremely precious to me."

Naruto listened to Sasuke quietly. He could feel Sasuke's inner struggle. He whispered, "Sasuke, I am also ready to leave the village. The growth of a ninja requires not only hard work, but also more life-and-death struggles. The village is too peaceful. It is not suitable for the two of us."

Sasuke turned around and looked at Naruto in surprise after hearing what he said: "Naruto, you are leaving the village too? Why?"

Naruto said with a firm gaze, "Sasuke, we all need to grow up and become stronger. Although it is safe in the village, the opportunities for us to gain experience are limited. We are like young eagles raised in captivity. Only when we truly fly into the vast sky and experience those storms and life-and-death crises, can our wings be truly full."

Sasuke frowned, thought for a moment and then said: "But the outside world is very dangerous, full of various unknown enemies."

Naruto smiled and said, "It is precisely because of the danger that it is the best training ground for us. We cannot always live under the protection of the village. We must actively seek out challenges that can push us to our limits."

Then Sasuke seemed to have made a decision. He said with a firm look in his eyes: "Then I will go with you."

After listening to Sasuke's words, Naruto shook his head helplessly and said earnestly: "Sasuke, everyone has their own path. You need to explore your own path, and I can only walk my own path. Although we are best partners, some growth must be experienced alone."

Sasuke frowned and said anxiously: "But, Naruto, we have been through so much together, we have fought together, and faced difficulties together. Why can't we embark on a new journey together now?"

Naruto looked at Sasuke and explained seriously: "Sasuke, we all have our own knots to untie and our own strengths to find. If we stay together all the time, we may rely on each other and fail to truly break through ourselves. I hope you can find your true self on your own path and gain the power you desire."

Sasuke was silent. He knew that what Naruto said made sense, but he still felt reluctant. He bit his lip and said slowly after a while: "I understand, Naruto. But I believe that our paths will eventually cross again."

After the meeting, Naruto stood quietly, following the backs of his companions as they walked away. Those familiar figures carried the countless times they had spent together.

A breeze blew by, lifting his golden hair. Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly, and silently said in his heart: "Goodbye, my friends. This separation is for us to become stronger on our respective paths. I will embark on my own journey with this longing and concern."

His eyes revealed a hint of determination and reluctance, until the figures of his companions completely disappeared from his sight. Naruto then turned around and walked in the opposite direction of his companions, each step was steady and powerful, as if announcing the demise of the Root.

In the Root's base, Danzo's face was terribly gloomy. His wrinkled face was now covered by dark clouds, giving off a chilling aura. He had spent a lot of manpower and energy, and after careful planning, he had sent out a full 130 men to carry out this mission. He thought he had a sure win and could bring the target back and control it in his own hands. But unexpectedly, all 130 men were wiped out, while their target returned to the village safely, as if mocking his incompetence.

Danzo clenched his fist tightly, veins popping out on the back of his hand, as if he wanted to crush all the anger and unwillingness in his clenched fist. He gritted his teeth and said, "Damn it! How is this possible? How could those people be so vulnerable?" There was endless anger and disbelief in his voice.

The subordinate beside him lowered his head and said cautiously: "Sir, it seems that the opponent's strength is far beyond our expectations. Moreover, from the scene, all our people died from the Ice Release Bloodline Limit." When Danzo heard the words "Ice Release Bloodline Limit", a trace of astonishment flashed in his eyes, and then he fell into deep thought. In his cognition, there are not many people who have the Ice Release Bloodline Limit. He began to check the possible objects in his mind one by one, trying to find out who ruined his good deeds. Then, the ice sculpture mask from many years ago suddenly appeared in his mind. The mask seemed to have a mysterious and cold aura, and every pattern seemed to tell a story from the past.

Danzo's eyes became darker and darker. He clenched his teeth and squeezed out a few words: "Could it be him?"