Chapter 48

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Chapter 48: Is being a Genin in Konoha That Frightening?

On the gold-framed screen starts the playback of Sasuke's experiences in the parallel world.

The seventh team has just returned from the Land of Waves.

As soon as they arrived, Kakashi heads straight to the village, immediately announcing the team's disbandment before quickly leaving.

"Mr. Kakashi, why are you in such a rush?" Naruto asks, with a puzzled look.

Normally, Kakashi is known for being several hours late, so his urgency today is out of character.

Sasuke is aware that Kakashi is probably eager to investigate the incident involving Konoha's White Fang.

Without much discussion, the three decide to head home to rest.

At an intersection, Sasuke's gaze sharpens.

He spots a couple of ninjas from the Sand Shinobi apparently in conflict with the Third Hokage's grandson.

"Ah! Now that's something worth watching!" he thinks.

For some reason, he feels that it would be good if the Third Hokage's grandson got a beating.

Spotting Naruto's close relationship with the Third Hokage's grandson, Sasuke knows he can't let Naruto intervene.

"Hey Naruto, want to join me for dinner? My treat," Sasuke offers, pointing down the road.

"Hmph! I have five million taels now. I should be the one treating you today!" Naruto boasts, his newfound wealth clearly boosting his confidence.

As they are about to turn away, a cry for help from Konohamaru stops them in their tracks.

Inwardly, Sasuke sighs.

Naruto immediately dashes back to help.

"Why would Sasuke want Konohamaru to be beaten?" Uzumaki Naruto wonders aloud at Sasuke's indifference.

"You super idiot, didn't you get the point?" Uchiha Sasuke retorts.

"Sasuke over there suspects the person behind the Uchiha massacre might be..." Nara Shikamaru trail off, implying the gravity of the suspicion.

"Hehe, Minato, your son definitely hasn't inherited your intelligence," Orochimaru teases.

"... Naruto, his mind is indeed a wonder," Namikaze Minato laments his son's reasoning.

Most can see the hostility the parallel world's Sasuke harbors towards the Third Hokage and the Sarutobi clan.

When Naruto tries to save Konohamaru, he suddenly trips.

"Damn it! Something tripped me up!" Naruto exclaims in frustration, utterly baffled.

Sasuke approaches, although reluctant.

He might not care about the Third Hokage's grandson and might even secretly wish for him to take a beating, but he can't stand by while his teammate, Naruto, struggles.

"Naruto, you need to think before you act and observe more closely. The enemy is from Sunagakure and can manipulate puppets with Chakra threads from a distance," Sasuke instructs.

"Ah? What is a Chakra thread? And how is it used to manipulate the puppet?" Naruto asks, scratching his head in confusion.

Sasuke is at a loss for words, "Naruto, read more books when you have time, at least get some common sense."

Sasuke wonders how Naruto could have possibly graduated from the ninja school with such a lack of knowledge.

"Hehe, is this all a Genin from Konoha can do?" Kankuro arrogantly choked Konohamaru's neck, having shifted from grabbing his collar.

Sasuke silently agreed with a nod.

"Here you go!"

"Brother Naruto... I, I can't breathe..." Konohamaru's face started turning red.

"Damn it, let go of Konohamaru!" Naruto cast a Shadow Clone Jutsu and began forming a Rasengan, the blue sphere quickly taking shape in his hand.

"What is this?!" Kankuro's pupils narrowed.

Chakra formed into a physical sphere; how was it possible that this brash Genin from Konoha could master such high-level ninjutsu!

As Naruto charged at him with Rasengan in hand, Kankuro tried his old tricks but failed to obstruct Naruto, who easily dodged with a leap.

Seeing Naruto approach, Kankuro hastened to dodge.

Boom! The Rasengan hit the wall behind Kankuro, and it collapsed.

Gulp! Kankuro swallowed hard as cold sweat beaded on his forehead. If that attack had hit him, he might have died on the spot!

This kid!

"Little devil, you've angered me!" Kankuro pulled the bandages violently, ready to use the puppet on his back.

Patter! Sudden and crisp sounds interrupted.

Kankuro couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

"I suggest you stand still and don't move, otherwise your head might fall off," Sasuke advised.

"What are you talking about? I..." Kankuro moved and felt his neck hit something thin.

Upon closer inspection, he realized his neck was ensnared by steel wire. Several shurikens had been thrown into the walls, with steel wires attached, wrapping around his neck. Any further movement might have decapitated him!

Kankuro, looking at Sasuke, dared not move a muscle. Were all Genin from Konoha this formidable?

"This beautiful lady, I would also advise your teammates to stay calm. When you're not in your own village, it's better to be cautious," Sasuke said with a charming smile to Temari.

Buzz! Temari's heartbeat quickened.

So handsome, and so well spoken!

"Ahem, I apologize for my brother's behavior," Temari said awkwardly, avoiding looking at Sasuke.

"Huh? He's your brother? It's really... well, it's not obvious..." Sasuke glanced at Temari, then at Kankuro.

These two were siblings? Kankuro's appearance didn't exactly do Sunagakure's reputation any favors.

Kankuro retorted, "Damn it! How do I damage the image of a Sand Shinobi?"

Gaara chimed in with agreement, "I think he's right."

Temari could hardly contain a laugh. "Puff... cough cough, sorry, Kankuro, I couldn't help it!"

Kankuro fell silent. This place was no longer hospitable.