Chapter 124: Mangekyō Sharingan?

Chapter 124: Mangekyō Sharingan?

Chapter 124: Mangekyō Sharingan?

Swish! Swish! Two dark figures swiftly darted through the forest.

Though they had planned to alert the target, it didn't mean they had to wait idly. Hagoromo Gengetsu and Sasuke were traversing the Fire Country, continuing their search for Sage Techniques.

In the ninja world, the most famous users of Sage Techniques, or rather the use of natural energy, were the Three Great Sage Regions. Besides these, there were other individuals or groups who, through chance, also gained the ability to utilize natural energy. Examples include Jūgo and the monks of the Fire Temple, known for their Sage Talent.

The destination for Hagoromo Gengetsu this time was another place where people had mastered natural energy, even developing extremely powerful techniques that Konoha had deemed forbidden, prohibiting their dissemination. Konoha had even signed an alliance with them, pledging to send reinforcements if this clan was ever attacked.

"I hope we find something valuable this time," Hagoromo Gengetsu said, looking towards the towering mountain in the distance.

This journey wasn't just about drawing Konoha's attention away to keep the secrets of Lockfront Village hidden; it was also to familiarize himself with the Mangekyō Sharingan and further analyze Yin Chakra. He also sought solutions for the issues faced in developing Sage Techniques.

Although the so-called "Sage Talent" had "Sage" in its name, it wasn't the same as Sage Mode. He had gained some inspiration from it, but it wasn't enough. Now, his focus was on the nearby Mt. Katsuragi.

With a determined gaze, Hagoromo Gengetsu quickened his pace towards the mountain, with Sasuke silently following.

Meanwhile, at the Fire Temple...

As Kakashi led Team 3 and Team 8 from Konoha to the temple, they were greeted by the sight of the once formidable Sealing Iron Wall, now a scene of devastation and ruin. Yūhi Kurenai, Asuma's girlfriend and familiar with the temple and its inhabitants, knew the Iron Wall's reputation for repelling many outsiders.

"Not bad for your student, Kakashi!" Guy encouraged, patting Kakashi's shoulder.

Kakashi sighed, "Guy, you didn't have to say that." He knew Guy meant well, but the compliment felt heavy.

Shino then spoke up, "A three-tomoe Sharingan... without a jonin, it will be hard to handle."

But as he glanced around, no one responded, making Shino retreat into silence.

Although unspoken, Shino's observation was accurate. Even if Kiba confidently claimed he could handle Sasuke alone, Kakashi, Kurenai, and Guy, who had witnessed Uchiha battles, knew the challenge a three-tomoe Sharingan posed.

"It seems we need to adjust our strategy," Kakashi concluded. The initial plan was for the three jonin to confront the masked Uchiha, with the rest handling Sasuke. But Sasuke's strength exceeded expectations, requiring a jonin's involvement.

Guy and Kurenai agreed, trusting Kakashi's judgment. After finalizing a new strategy, the team said their goodbyes to Chiriku and began tracking the duo.

"Byakugan!" Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the area for clues.

Nearby, Neji, noticing Hinata's determined expression, activated his Byakugan to assist. Kiba and Akamaru sniffed around for scents, while Shino unleashed his insects to scout.

This was precisely why Tsunade had insisted on bringing Team 8; they excelled at tracking.

Soon, they found leads. Guided by Team 8, the group followed the trail in the direction Hagoromo Gengetsu and Sasuke had taken.