Chapter 137: Konoha’s S-Rank Rogue Ninja: Uchiha Sasuke

Chapter 137: Konoha’s S-Rank Rogue Ninja: Uchiha Sasuke

Chapter 137: Konoha's S-Rank Rogue Ninja: Uchiha Sasuke

Konoha, Hokage's Office.

After returning to the village, Kakashi, the team leader of this mission, immediately went to the Hokage's office to report the mission failure and the entire process to the Fifth Hokage:

"That's the full report on this mission. I'm sorry, Lady Hokage, we failed to complete the task."

Tsunade, seated at the Hokage's desk, listened to the report with a serious expression and waved her hand, saying, "According to what you've said, if that masked man has the Mangekyō Sharingan, it's understandable why the mission failed."

Every Uchiha with a Mangekyō Sharingan is a troublesome opponent. The most recent examples are Uchiha Itachi and, before him, Uchiha Madara. As a descendant of the Senju clan, Tsunade understood the power of such individuals well. Given the presence of a Mangekyō Sharingan, the fact that there were no casualties in the squad was already a relief to her. However...

"When did another Uchiha with Mangekyō Sharingan appear? And why is he involved with Uchiha Sasuke and the mysterious Hagoromo Gengetsu?"

"Kakashi..."

As Kakashi, who had been contemplating new ideas for his Sharingan, was about to leave, Tsunade called him back.

He turned to see Tsunade's serious expression as she said, "Given the current situation, we can no longer ignore Sasuke. I will formally declare Sasuke as a Konoha S-rank rogue ninja."

As an ally, the Fire Temple, which had suffered losses, needed an explanation. Sasuke, being one of the main perpetrators, had too many witnesses. Not declaring him a rogue ninja would severely damage Konoha's credibility.

Though reluctant, Tsunade had no choice. Danzo's decision to declare Sasuke a rogue ninja wasn't wrong in retrospect. At the time, Sasuke had behaved, targeting enemies like Orochimaru, Deidara, and Itachi, who were on Konoha's blacklist. But when news of Sasuke's attack on the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki spread, it necessitated action to avoid conflict with the Cloud Village.

Kakashi, understanding Tsunade's dilemma, nodded after a moment of silence. "I understand."

He had anticipated this day since Sasuke left the village. Now, he could only hope Naruto wouldn't be too devastated or hold onto unrealistic hopes.