Path Not Taken 118

Uchiha Sasuke

I've heard rumors that Naruto has returned to Konoha.

Uchiha Sasuke

(Could this change everything?)

Orochimaru

It would seem so... after killing Azula, I might add.

Orochimaru

Quite the interesting development, wouldn't you say?

Uchiha Sasuke

I thought you said Azula was immortal?

Uchiha Sasuke

Another one of your lies?

Orochimaru

I also mentioned that Tsunade might know of a way to kill the supposedly unkillable Azula.

Orochimaru

My intel suggests our dear Naruto was on an S-class mission specifically to eliminate the queen of fire.

Uchiha Sasuke

Naruto... Instead of facing me directly, he sent an Earth clone that I barely defeated!

Uchiha Sasuke

(Was he toying with me this entire time?)

Orochimaru

Akatsuki is also stepping up their game. The two-tailed and four-tailed beasts have been captured.

Orochimaru

Only the seven, eight, and nine-tailed beasts remain.

Orochimaru

Itachi will soon move to capture Naruto...

Orochimaru

What will you do now, Sasuke-kun?

Uchiha Sasuke

I'm going to find out what's really going on.

Uchiha Sasuke

And if Itachi is coming for Naruto... then my path is clear.