The domineering Uchiha drove the Third Hokage mad!

Chapter 374 Sasuke…we thought…

Two figures suddenly appeared at the temporary camp on the border of the Land of Water.

Several ninjas from the Land of Water immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Uchiha Mitsunaga's figure, not daring to breathe loudly.

Uchiha Mitsumine smiled gently and gestured, "No need for formalities. I'll just take a stroll. You may continue your patrol!"

Seeing Sasuke's furrowed brows and pale face, Uchiha Mitsumine casually unleashed a burst of chakra!

Sasuke Uchiha instantly felt the stinging sensation in his eyes completely disappear, and his internal injuries slowly healed under the nourishment of chakra.

He moved his limbs, his joints made a slight "click" sound, and his strength was even fully restored.

"Father, I feel much better!"

Uchiha Mitsunori gently patted his shoulder, his eyes filled with satisfaction: "I've taken care of the matter in Iwagakure. You are a prince of the Land of Water, and more importantly, the heir to the Uchiha clan. The battlefield is where you will grow. Go back; your comrades are waiting for you."

Just then, hurried footsteps came from the other end of the camp, and two figures rushed over.

Naruto was wearing an orange jacket, his hair was a little messy from the wind, and his face was full of anxiety and worry.

He caught sight of Uchiha Mitsunaga beside him and immediately bowed respectfully, placing his hands at his sides: "Mitsunaga-sensei!"

Sakura Haruno's bangs were soaked with sweat and clung to her forehead. Her eyes were as red as cherries soaked in blood, and long eyelashes were still stained with wet tears, indicating that she had been crying for a long time.

She rushed to Sasuke, looking him up and down: "Sasuke, are you alright? Is anything wrong? Did the people from Iwagakure do anything to you?"

Naruto joined in, beaming, and patted Sasuke's arm hard: "Sasuke, that's great! We're so glad you're alright! We thought... you weren't coming back..."

Seeing the two men's concerned expressions, Sasuke Uchiha's gaze softened considerably.

He subconsciously raised his hand and gently patted Sakura Haruno's palm, his movements slightly clumsy: "Sakura, I'm fine, I'm sorry to have worried you."

This gentle reassurance calmed Sakura Haruno down a bit.

She sniffled, trying to hold back her tears, but still couldn't help sobbing, "It's alright... It's alright... You don't know how scared I was when I heard the news that you'd been taken away by the yellow earth..."

Just then, two steady figures ran out from deep within the camp.

Uchiha Shisui was wearing a dark blue Uchiha clan uniform, his Sharingan eyes swirling in their sockets, his face filled with deep remorse.

Kakashi's eyebrows drooped, and his arms trembled slightly. He had just returned from out of town and rushed over immediately upon hearing the news.

Uchiha Shisui walked up to him and knelt down on one knee with a "plop".

His knees slammed against the ground with a dull thud, carrying a deep sense of apology and self-reproach: "Lord Mimine, I have failed in my duty. I failed to protect Sasuke, leaving him in grave danger. Please punish me!"

As an elder of the Uchiha clan and a trusted subordinate of Mitsunori, he should have taken good care of Sasuke. However, due to a moment of negligence, Iwagakure had an opportunity to take advantage of him. If it weren't for Mitsunori's timely arrival, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Kakashi felt guilty and lowered his head even further. He was in charge of border security but failed to detect Huang Tu's ambush, which indirectly led to Sasuke's kidnapping. He was filled with remorse.

The air in the camp instantly became heavy, and even the sound of the campfire seemed clearer. The ninjas on duty held their breath, lowered their heads, and dared not look at Mikado, for fear of his anger.

Uchiha Mitsunori looked at the two kneeling on the ground, his eyes showing no anger, but rather a gentle tolerance.

He spoke slowly, smiling gently, "Sasuke's abduction is not your fault. Get up."

Shisui and Kakashi were stunned for a moment, their eyes filled with surprise.

"Iwagakure had been plotting this for a long time, and they used despicable methods like poisoning and kidnapping. Anyone would have fallen for it."

"These are extraordinary times, and you've all been very busy. It's already quite an achievement that you've managed to balance the border and the refugees. It's understandable that the Hidden Stone Village, skilled in Earth Release techniques, failed to detect you."

"But sir... I..."

Uchiha Shisui wanted to say something more, but was interrupted.

A cold glint flashed in Uchiha Mitsunori's eyes as he calmly said, "You don't need to blame yourselves. Just be more careful and strengthen your defenses in the future. Protecting Sasuke is important, but protecting the people on the border and the land of the Land of Water is your true duty."

Shisui and Kakashi exchanged a glance, their guilt gradually fading and their gazes hardening.

They stood up and bowed respectfully: "Thank you for your understanding, sir! We will be extra careful and vigilant in the future, and will never allow such a thing to happen again!"

Uchiha Mitsunori nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Sasuke, his expression turning serious: "Iwagakure will not act rashly in the near future. You will stay here with Shisui and Kakashi to guard the border, hone your skills, and gain experience. Remember, true strength lies not only in the power of your strength, but also in your determination and responsibility to protect."

"Yes, Father, I understand!"

Sasuke Uchiha nodded emphatically, his Sharingan gleaming with unwavering determination.

He will never put himself in danger again, nor will he let those around him worry.

Uchiha Sanfeng said no more and turned to look at the night outside the camp.

The distant mountains were outlined in a blurry shape in the night, and the night breeze carried the fragrance of grass and trees.

Then, with a slight movement, he disappeared from everyone's sight.

Because he still needs to return to the Land of Water... to spend time with Kurotsuchi, the little beauty from Iwagakure!

Watching the three peaks of the Uchiha clan disappear, Shisui and Kakashi exchanged a glance and smiled with relief.

Uchiha Shisui gently patted Sasuke's arm and earnestly advised, "Sasuke, you must be careful in the future. If anything unexpected happens, notify me and Kakashi immediately."

"Don't worry, Shisui-senpai, Kakashi-sensei." Sasuke nodded firmly in response.

Kakashi adjusted his headband and smiled in response, "I will redeploy border security, increase patrols, and strengthen detection of Earth Release ninjutsu, so that the enemy will no longer have any opportunity to exploit."

Naruto walked up with a smile and patted Sasuke on the shoulder: "Sasuke, that's great! Now we can fight together again! From now on, we'll take turns patrolling and look after each other!"

Sakura Haruno smiled with relief and murmured shyly, "Sasuke, I'll stay by your side... and together we'll protect the border..."

Sasuke Uchiha looked at the two of them and smiled confidently, "Once I'm familiar with the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan... I will protect you... and teach Iwagakure a lesson..."