After leaving the hospital with Karin, Sakura Haruno felt a bit more relaxed for the time being. Some things couldn't be rushed and needed to develop slowly. All in all, this was a good start.
Yakumo could take Sasuke's place in her plans. So now, everything was ready. All that was left was to train Yakumo a bit, and then it would be fine. Sakura didn't intend for Yakumo to participate in combat when capturing the Tailed Beasts; her role was simply to be able to trap them.
"Sakura," Karin spoke up.
"Hmm?" Sakura, pulled from her thoughts, responded.
"Um, Yakumo... she wasn't lying. Her chakra feels very comfortable," Karin said. "Are you thinking of including her in... that matter too?"
"Mm, I know. It doesn't matter even if she lies. But don't let her fool you. Her abilities are terrifying; her genjutsu is even more frightening than the Uchiha clan's," Sakura cautioned.
"Mm," Karin nodded.
"How about this," Sakura said, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Tomorrow, I'll ask Tsunade-sensei to find you a genjutsu teacher to teach you some genjutsu. It doesn't matter if you learn it well or not; the main thing is to be able to cope if you encounter genjutsu."
"But, aren't we already a team?" Karin asked, puzzled.
"That doesn't matter. Although Yakumo has some ninja basics, she's still far from ready. So, there probably won't be many missions next. I'll spend more time figuring out how to help Yakumo develop some combat strength, while you can go learn some genjutsu," Sakura calculated.
"What about you?" Karin asked. "If her genjutsu is very strong, will you be affected?"
"Me?" Sakura smiled. "Although Yakumo's genjutsu is very strong, it has no effect on me at all. You don't need to worry. Just do as I say."
"Mm," Karin nodded obediently.
Just then, three figures suddenly appeared in front of Sakura Haruno and Karin, blocking their path.
Sakura narrowed her eyes at the three. "What do you want?"
Appearing before Sakura were the members of Team Ten: Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino.
"We came to find you to understand the situation," Shikamaru stepped forward and said.
"What do you want to understand?" Sakura asked, feigning ignorance.
"This isn't the place to talk. Please come with us," Shikamaru said again.
"Hmph," Sakura sneered. "I have things to do tomorrow and really don't have the time. Sorry."
Sakura didn't want to say much more. She hadn't expected Sasuke to defect at this point in time. However, upon careful calculation, it was quite reasonable. Back then, she had used the Impure World Reincarnation to dispel his obsession with revenge and his illusions about Orochimaru.
However, Sasuke was not a patient person. After not receiving the desired response for a long time, he ultimately couldn't resist the temptation Orochimaru offered. Cause and effect. It seemed she had considered too little back then. If Sasuke could be tricked with just a few words, why would Naruto have painstakingly pursued him for three years?
"No, you must come. Everyone is waiting," Ino said, her face pale. "Please, for the sake of us taking action for you back then."
"..." Sakura knew she was referring to the time when the village had besieged her, and they had risked being labeled as rogue ninja to help her. Thinking of this, Sakura's heart was touched. Forget it. It's better to let her give up sooner. Only Naruto would have that kind of great perseverance to pursue Sasuke.
"Lead the way," Sakura said, then turned to Karin beside her. "You go back and rest well first. Tomorrow is the first day."
"Mm," Karin nodded, preparing to leave.
"Um, Karin should come too," Shikamaru spoke up again. "Speaking of which, we are all comrades. You helped a lot with Sakura's matter back then. I think you should also be involved in this."
Actually, Shikamaru's intention was to have Karin persuade Sakura. Although he didn't know if Karin would persuade her, it was always good to be prepared.
"Alright then, Karin can come too," Sakura said helplessly.
Subsequently, Sakura followed Team Ten towards a certain location. When they stopped, Sakura looked around, slightly stunned.
This was none other than the Ninja Academy. Although she hadn't been here for three years, she had studied here together with them for the previous few years.
Then, the group walked into the school. Shikamaru said as they walked, "It took Ino a lot of effort to invite them all here."
"Them?" Sakura paused and asked, "Who else?"
"Members of Team Eight and Team Three," Shikamaru replied.
"Pfft..." Sakura couldn't help but laugh.
Ino looked at the laughing Sakura, clenched her fists, but said nothing.
Indeed, Sakura thought with some emotion. The wheels of history are not so easily diverted. I didn't expect Ino to be the one to do this. But it's a futile effort. And it's even more futile than the original gathering. Forget it, I'll just join in the fun.
As they followed Shikamaru's group into Kurenai's former classroom, Sakura saw a group of familiar faces sitting in the tiered classroom seats. They then looked in unison at Sakura, who had just entered.
Being stared at by so many eyes, Sakura felt no discomfort at all. She walked confidently into the classroom and greeted them, "Yo, it's so late. What are you all gathered here for?"
After a moment of silence, Neji stood up and asked, "Has Sasuke Uchiha defected?"
The room fell silent. The people here weren't actually that close to Sasuke. But Ino had a good relationship with Team Eight. And Team Three was here because of Neji. Although Neji and Sasuke didn't usually interact much, there was a sense of mutual appreciation between them. So, this was why Team Three was here.
"Probably," Sakura said with a shrug.
"Probably?" Neji's expression was serious. "Does that mean it hasn't been confirmed yet?"
"Actually, the village hasn't confirmed it. He hasn't been listed as a rogue ninja yet, just as a missing person," Sakura said, looking around at her peers from the same cohort. She then continued, "But based on my understanding of him, he has effectively defected."
"What on earth happened? Why would that guy defect for no reason?" Kiba stood up impatiently and asked.
"The reasons are complicated, and it also involves some village secrets, so it's not convenient for me to explain," Sakura said, stretching lazily. "So, what are your intentions?"
Everyone was silent. Finally, Shikamaru spoke, "You just said Sasuke is only listed as a missing person by the village, right?"
"That's right." Sakura then added, "But don't get your hopes up too high. Although the village hasn't classified him as a rogue ninja, his actions are essentially those of a rogue ninja. Because the current Hokage is Tsunade-sensei, I can persuade Master not to issue an assassination order. But if he does anything that harms the village's interests, I'm afraid even the Hokage will find it difficult to protect him."
"Since he hasn't been listed as a rogue ninja, then let's bring him back before he does anything against the village's interests," Shikamaru said.
"Hmm? Shikamaru, since when did you care so much about Sasuke?" Sakura asked curiously.
"Sakura!" Neji suddenly reprimanded. "Don't you know that last time the village besieged you, it was Sasuke who went around lobbying us to rescue you? I don't know what happened to you, but your current attitude really annoys me."
It was Sasuke... Sakura's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Sasuke to be the one lobbying them last time. She hadn't expected the proud Sasuke to actually swallow his pride and seek their help.
Instantly, Sakura's heavily guarded heart was fiercely pierced. For the sake of that ultimate goal, was what she was doing now really right? But... if the ultimate goal was achieved, what meaning would any of this have now?
Sakura closed her eyes, two conflicting thoughts constantly colliding. What should she do? Sakura felt somewhat lost.
"If you don't see us as comrades, then that's it for this matter. We'll figure out a way ourselves," Neji said coldly.
The remaining people—Hinata, Shino, Choji, Tenten, and Lee—were all watching Sakura, waiting for her answer.
"...."
Sakura was silent for a long time. She opened her eyes and uttered a name: "Orochimaru."
Forget it, let nature take its course. I really can't be truly ruthless... as long as it doesn't affect my ultimate goal.
"Oro... Orochimaru?" Everyone was stunned.
Sakura nodded. "Yes. A ninja who, like the Fifth Hokage, is one of the Sannin. Also the mastermind behind the last Chunin Exams incident. Sasuke has probably gone to find him."
Everyone looked at each other. No one had expected Sasuke to actually go and seek refuge with an enemy who had invaded Konoha. If discovered, he would definitely be classified as a rogue ninja. They all fell silent.