Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 444 Uchiha Sasuke Arrives

Near that secluded, tranquil, and mysterious training ground, a ninja squad clad in black ninja attire, moving with ghostly agility, was silently approaching. They were the young team carefully selected and dispatched by Lady Tsunade before Pain's breathtaking attack on Konoha. The members of this squad all came from the various prestigious clans of Konoha, each a highly regarded and promising young talent from their respective families.

Leading the procession was Uchiha Sasuke, with his cold, handsome face and sharp eyes. He moved with agility, his steps light yet firm, as if each stride could shatter the void. His long, glossy black hair flowed in the wind, exuding an innate air of untamed arrogance. He gripped the incredibly sharp Kusanagi sword tightly in his hand, its blade gleaming with a chilling light.

Following Sasuke were his teammates, equally formidable, each possessing unique skills and extraordinary strength. Some excelled in ninjutsu manipulation, capable of unleashing powerful fire or water attacks in an instant; others were masters of taijutsu, agile and with boundless power in their punches and kicks; still others possessed unique secret techniques, enabling them to unleash extraordinary moves beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. These young ninjas, though young, were among the most talented members of the Konoha ninja clans. At this moment, their expressions were serious, and they marched intently towards their training grounds, their hearts filled with a sense of mission and responsibility.

In fact, when the Hyuga clan resolutely left Konoha, many members of Konoha ninja clans were also arranged to travel with the Hyuga clan, leaving Konoha behind. Over the years, despite being far from home, they have never forgotten their roots. Through various secretive and ingenious methods, they have continuously relayed news from the outside world back to their clan relatives in Konoha.

It was precisely because of this invisible information link that the various clans of Konoha gradually gained a clear understanding of the mysterious stronghold established by Hyuga Kanan. According to the reports that came back, this stronghold was like a secluded paradise, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, birdsong and fragrant flowers, where people lived in peace and harmony. There was no smoke of war or cruel struggle here, only a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and mutually supportive neighborly relations.

In this dreamlike place, resources are abundant and fairly distributed, allowing everyone to fully utilize their talents and receive the respect and rewards they deserve. Children can run and play freely, while adults work diligently, building this land full of hope together. Moreover, it is said that Hyuga Kanan has established a series of fair and just rules and systems to ensure the orderly operation and long-term stability of the entire base.

It is no exaggeration to say that the mysterious and unique training ground, personally crafted by Hyuga Kanan, has become the last sanctuary and beacon of hope for the many clans of Konoha to continue their lineage. This training ground carries the hard work and expectations of countless generations; it is like an impregnable fortress, protecting the long-standing bloodlines and skills of each clan. For this reason, many Konoha clans regard it as their most precious and indispensable foundation.

When chilling news arrived—that the Akatsuki was sharpening its knives, preparing a devastating attack on Konoha—the many Konoha clans sprang into action. After careful consideration, they resolutely decided to send their younger generation, those yet to become full-fledged ninjas, to the training grounds established by Hyuga Kanan. They knew that if Konoha were to fall to the Akatsuki's relentless onslaught, as long as these future stars of their clans could safely remain in their training grounds, their clans would still have a chance to continue their lineage, never to be extinguished.

Moreover, the intelligence coming from various channels was even more exhilarating: the generous and selfless Hyuga Kanan had unreservedly imparted his unparalleled training method to everyone in the training grounds! This meant that the clan members here could also study this exquisite technique and improve their own strength. Such enticing conditions undoubtedly further solidified the determination of the various clans, ultimately leading to the spectacular scene of the large-scale migration of the younger generation of the clans to the Hyuga Kanan base.

After careful consideration, Tsunade resolutely decided to entrust the massive relocation to Sasuke Uchiha, allowing him to lead the group. Tsunade had her own reasons for making this arrangement. She truly did not want to see the Uchiha clan of Konoha disappear silently and completely into the vast river of ninja history. After all, Sasuke Uchiha was now the only remaining Uchiha member in Konoha, and he bore the mission of continuing the bloodline and glory of this ancient clan.

Tsunade knew all too well that Konoha owed the Uchiha clan far too much. The inhumane massacre of the clan by the village's higher-ups still lingered like a sharp thorn in her heart. As the new Hokage, she felt a deep sense of guilt towards the Uchiha clan. Meanwhile, young Sasuke Uchiha was at a crucial stage of his development, desperately needing better guidance and more opportunities for experience. Therefore, Tsunade firmly believed that the base meticulously built by Kana Hyuga would provide Sasuke with the most suitable guidance and training, helping him continuously break through his limitations, grow stronger, and ultimately become a truly powerful and trustworthy ninja.

In truth, Sasuke Uchiha was acutely aware that his growth seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier, trapped in a stagnant state from which he could not break through. His former teacher, Kakashi Hatake, who had once provided him with much help and guidance, now offered negligible support for his development. However, the flame of revenge within Sasuke's heart never died out—he wanted to personally slay Itachi Uchiha, the culprit responsible for the massacre of the Uchiha clan! But facing such a formidable enemy with his current strength was simply a pipe dream, utterly futile.

Therefore, Sasuke Uchiha knew that he desperately needed a more powerful and profound education and guidance. Only in this way could he break through the seemingly insurmountable bottleneck in his strength and achieve a qualitative leap and improvement. Only then would he have enough confidence and resources to face Itachi Uchiha and complete this life-or-death duel concerning the blood feud between his clans.

Back then, when Hyuga Neji returned to Konoha, the powerful aura emanating from him was awe-inspiring. That aura was like a surging wave, crashing against people's hearts one after another.

Sasuke Uchiha, who had always considered himself a genius, felt a surge of envy and jealousy after witnessing Neji Hyuga's astonishing strength firsthand. Although he acknowledged from the bottom of his heart that Neji was indeed a true genius, Sasuke simply refused to believe that his own talent was inferior to Neji's.

However, the facts are undeniable: Hyuga Neji's remarkable achievements are inseparable from the meticulous guidance and patient instruction he received from Hyuga Kana, hailed as the strongest ninja in the world, from a young age. It was thanks to this master's guidance that Hyuga Neji was able to advance rapidly on his training path, quickly growing into the revered figure he is today. If Uchiha Sasuke had received such guidance, he would certainly not be weaker than Hyuga Neji. He would undoubtedly possess the strength to defeat Uchiha Itachi and make him repent for his clan's actions.

After careful consideration, Tsunade entrusted Sasuke with an important task: leading a group of children to the secret base established by Hyuga Kanan. Furthermore, Tsunade secretly told Sasuke that once they arrived at the base, they could train there peacefully for a period of time.

Sasuke Uchiha readily agreed to the arrangement. On one hand, he knew he bore the heavy responsibility of ensuring the children's safe arrival at their destination; on the other hand, he was secretly delighted at the opportunity to train diligently under Kanan Hyuga. After all, Kanan Hyuga was a renowned master in the ninja world, whose unique skills and profound power had always been admired and revered by countless ninjas.

Sasuke Uchiha secretly resolved to complete this escort mission perfectly and to make full use of this precious time to improve his strength under the guidance of Kanan Hyuga, so that he could face more challenges and difficulties in the future.

When Sasuke finally arrived at the designated mysterious location after overcoming numerous hardships, the scene before him caused him to frown slightly, a hint of confusion on his face. Looking around, he saw only desolation, without a trace of human habitation. Sasuke muttered to himself, filled with doubt, "How could this be? Did I really go to the wrong place?"

Filled with doubt, Sasuke carefully took out the mission scroll containing the crucial information from his pocket once more. He slowly unfurled it, his eyes fixed intently on the address recorded within, meticulously checking it word by word. However, after a careful comparison, he was surprised to find that the address on the scroll was exactly as described.

This result plunged Sasuke's already anxious heart into despair, and a deep sense of worry began to spread through his mind. "Could it be... could it be that Konoha failed to obtain Hyuga Kanan's true address? Or did something happen here that caused everyone to leave?" Countless questions flooded his mind like a tide, making Sasuke feel extremely agitated.