Sasuke followed Jiraiya on the journey to find Tsunade.
Their first stop was Tanzaku Town. The reason? Rumors had been spreading that a high-roller recently showed up at the local casino.
The description matched perfectly—blonde twin-tails, an impressive figure, two women accompanying her, and a pet pig in her arms. Putting all the clues together, Jiraiya was sure—it had to be Tsunade.
Along the way, Jiraiya took the opportunity to teach Sasuke how to better control her chakra.
As expected, Sasuke didn't disappoint. Her learning speed was astonishing, and she often grasped more than what was taught.
More than once, before Jiraiya could finish explaining the finer points, Sasuke had already understood the core principles.
It reminded Jiraiya of what it felt like when he used to teach Minato Namikaze.
The same extraordinary talent. The same sharp insight.
To Jiraiya, Sasuke was like a dried-out sponge—desperately soaking up knowledge at a terrifying pace.
Within just a week, Jiraiya felt mentally drained. Sasuke's rapid progress was overwhelming.
It made him seriously consider whether he should pass on Minato's jutsu to Uchiha Sasuke.
By all rights, the Rasengan—Minato's original creation—should be passed down to his son, Naruto Uzumaki.
But… Naruto was now with Orochimaru.
Jiraiya wrestled with the idea, but couldn't make a final decision. He decided to observe Sasuke a little longer.
Tanzaku Town, located within the Land of Fire, was the largest hub of commerce and entertainment. It attracted wealthy merchants, nobles, and even off-duty shinobi looking for a break.
"We'll meet at the hot spring inn before it gets dark."
Jiraiya cheerfully pulled out a few bills and stuffed them into Sasuke's hand.
"I'm going to gather some information about Tsunade. You can explore the area or have some fun while I'm gone."
"Are you going to drink with girls?"
Sasuke brushed aside a strand of hair near her temple and replied calmly, "It's fine. I understand. I won't say anything."
"W-Who told you that?"
Jiraiya's smile twitched. Being exposed so easily made him feel oddly guilty.
"Kakashi-sensei."
Sasuke said flatly,
"Before we left, he told me you have a habit of visiting those kinds of places and that I should keep an eye on you."
"Damn that Kakashi... Just wait till I get back, he's in for it!"
Jiraiya grumbled under his breath, then cleared his throat and said,
"Anyway, this is a mature ninja's way of gathering intel. You're still young. Someday, you'll understand. Got it, little girl?"
"Then I'll go train."
Sasuke frowned slightly. She didn't want to waste time on meaningless activities.
But Jiraiya clapped a firm hand on her shoulder and spoke with rare seriousness,
"Listen, little girl. This is the lesson I want to teach you— Sometimes, a proper break helps your mind and body recover. Only with rest can you push forward even harder."
"You're telling me to rest?" Sasuke asked.
"Exactly. Treat today like a vacation. Go and enjoy yourself."
Jiraiya knew that if he didn't frame it like this, Sasuke would never agree to take a break.
So he added, "What's waiting for you next... is even harsher training!"
With that, Jiraiya waved and walked away happily, disappearing into the crowd.
"Harsher training, huh..."
Sasuke took a deep breath, then smiled softly.
"Guess I'll relax a little, just this once."
Ever since Naruto Uzumaki betrayed the village, she hadn't relaxed for a single moment.
But during this time, training under Jiraiya had slowly shifted her mindset. Not only had she learned a great deal, but she could also feel herself growing stronger with each passing day.
These days were tough—harsh on the body and exhausting to the mind.
So, taking this rare opportunity, Sasuke decided to rest for a day and prepare herself for the even more intense training ahead.
Tanzaku Town was truly bustling.
The streets were lined with dazzling shops and colorful stalls, offering all kinds of goods.
Even Sasuke, who came from the Hidden Leaf Village, couldn't help but be a little overwhelmed.
After all, she was still a teenage girl, and she lingered at every shop, reluctant to leave.
With a candied apple in her mouth, Sasuke wandered through the marketplace. Suddenly, her eyes landed on a small shop tucked away in one of the side alleys.
She didn't know why, but she felt drawn to it—an invisible pull that made her walk toward it without thinking.
The shop wasn't very big. In fact, it was modest in size, almost hidden within the narrow alley of the vibrant commercial street.
Inside the shop sat an old man dressed like a tourist — wearing a plaid shirt and beach shorts, casually humming an unfamiliar tune. He seemed to be in quite a good mood.
What made Sasuke feel uneasy was the strange item on the stall's counter — a glass filled with a thick, eerie liquid.
Sasuke wasn't sure how to describe it.
The substance inside the cup moved with a viscous, oily flow, as if turbulent waves churned within it. Sparks of what looked like lightning flickered faintly through the surface.
"Welcome, young lady~"
The old man stopped humming and looked up, his gaze deep and knowing.
"I'm guessing… you've come here because you thirst for power, haven't you?"
"Thirst for power? What do you mean?"
Sasuke immediately grew alert, secretly tightening her grip on a kunai. Her whole body tensed.
"No need to be so on edge, little Uchiha girl~"
The old man crossed one leg over the other, smiling with ease.
"I'm no villain. It's just that this shop only appears to those who seek power. That's the rule."
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
Without hesitation, Sasuke turned to leave.
"Have you truly made up your mind?"
The old man made no move to stop her. His voice was calm, almost casual.
"Once you walk out that door… you won't be able to return. And with that, you'll lose a certain 'opportunity' — forever."
Hearing this, Sasuke, who was about to step forward, suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Young lady of the Uchiha clan, deep inside, you are longing for power."
The old man spoke slowly, almost like a demon, "Your clan was slaughtered to the last. You are one of the few remaining bloodlines. Your friend betrayed the village, and you were powerless to stop it. Uchiha Sasuke, have you made up your mind now? To leave, or to stay—the choice is yours."
There was no denying that the old man's words struck right at Sasuke's deepest vulnerability.
She took a deep breath, then turned to look at the elder standing by the stall. "What opportunity?"
The old man pointed to the stall, to the cup filled with slippery, thick liquid, smiling, "This is your chance. A chance to step into a whole new world."
"What is this?" Sasuke frowned and asked.
"We call it 'Beyonder potion.' It allows one to enter the world of the Beyonder."
The corners of the old man's lips lifted slightly, as if watching a fish take the bait. He said, "Your friend drank a similar potion and has already become a Beyonder. The gap between you and him will soon widen. This potion of the 'Tyrant' pathway can give you Beyonder ability."
"Tyrant? Then, what pathway is Naruto?"
Sasuke lifted the cup and asked.
"He is a Door pathway Beyonder," the old man said calmly.
"If I drink this, will I gain power?"
Sasuke held the cup tightly, still hesitating.
"Of course~"
The old man looked exactly like a salesman, earnestly persuading, "Soon, the entire ninja world will undergo a huge change, and you all will be the first pioneers!"
"Alright, I trust you!"
Sasuke herself wasn't really sure why she believed the old man, but without hesitation, she drank the liquid in the cup in one gulp.
The path of the tyrant.
Sequence 9: Sailor!
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