Hinata: I'm in charge of Konoha.

Chapter 97 The Endgame

Hinata's decision to let Tosu go wasn't out of kindness, but because she had sensed the changes in Sasuke, whom Sakura had hidden away.

A chakra that did not belong to him was gradually eroding his body.

Curse Seal.

Orochimaru's incomplete Sage Mode.

Those who are marked with the cursed seal will become one of Orochimaru's vessels.

"Hinata, it's so good that you could come!"

Seeing that Hinata had crushed all the enemies, Ino immediately breathed a sigh of relief, ran quickly to Hinata, and excitedly spoke.

"I'm sorry, Ino, let's catch up another time."

"Now there's one more problem."

Hinata shook her head at Ino, then ignored Ino's questioning gaze and walked straight toward Sasuke, who was hidden in the tree hole by Sakura.

Everyone looked puzzled upon seeing this.

The enemy has been dealt with, so what do you mean there's still one problem?

However, just as Hinata parted the vines covering the tree hole, a dark shadow suddenly darted out!

Upon closer inspection, everyone realized that it was none other than Sasuke, the very person the Sound Ninja had been longing for!

However, Sasuke was acting extremely strangely at this moment.

Flame-like patterns eroded half of his body, and his entire body exuded a chilling, twisted chakra, with faint purple flames appearing and disappearing!

"This is... Sasuke?"

Choji looked at Sasuke, who seemed ominous, and couldn't help but feel afraid.

It's no wonder Choji is cowardly; Sasuke's current state is truly terrifying.

Hinata narrowed her eyes slightly.

Cursed Seal Phase 1 —

"Sakura, tell me."

Who did your hair?

The first thing Sasuke did upon appearing was to look at his teammates.

"Sasuke————"

Sakura was about to explain when Sasuke suddenly turned his gaze to Hinata.

A pair of scarlet Sharingan with two tomoe slowly rotated in his eyes.

"Hinata, did you do this?"

"After all, only you would have such a perverse sense of humor —"

"but----"

boom! ! !

Before he could finish speaking, Sasuke, who had just been so powerful that he inspired fear, was sent flying backward, crashing heavily onto the giant tree with a painful groan!

"Are you awake now?"

Hinata stepped forward, looking at the arrogant Sasuke with a displeased expression. Her fist was still emitting wisps of smoke, and she was undoubtedly the one who caused Sasuke to be sent flying by a single punch.

What do you mean by saying only I have this kind of perverse taste?

Is that how you see me?

Looks like I'll have to give you a good workout!

"Wake up, I'm awake—"

With a single punch, Sasuke's arrogant aura vanished completely, and even his haughty eyes became much clearer. He subconsciously swallowed as he looked at Hinata, who was rubbing her hands together and walking towards him.

What did I just say?

No, I don't think you're awake.

"I need to sleep a little longer."

Hinata looked at Sasuke, who was trying to bluff his way out, with a cold smile, and raised her fist once again.

boom!

With a single punch, Sasuke screamed in pain, now sporting a bruised eye socket.

"Wait, wait a minute!"

"I can explain!"

Sasuke struggled to his feet, retreating repeatedly, trying to beg for mercy.

boom!

Another punch!

Sasuke did a triple and a half somersault in mid-air with an elegant posture, his Byakugan rolling, and a faint glint of tears on his lips, adding a beautiful special effect to this spinning jump!

Sasuke crashed heavily to the ground, wincing in pain.

"Sasuke, you've gone too far!"

"Hinata came here to help us!"

"How dare you say that about Hinata!"

Even Sakura, who usually likes Sasuke, couldn't help but stand up and criticize him at this moment.

"It's okay."

Kind-hearted people are often misunderstood.

"Sakura doesn't need to worry about it."

"Yes, and Ino too."

Upon seeing this, Hinata took Sakura's hand and her face immediately showed emotion. Finally, she didn't forget to take Ino along as well.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!"

"What do you mean Ino is still here?!"

"It's like I was given away for free!"

Seeing that the situation had finally calmed down thanks to Hinata's powerful appearance, Ino breathed a sigh of relief, but upon hearing Hinata's words, she was immediately furious.

"My beautiful girl, you are of course the one I cherish most."

Seeing that Ino was unhappy, Hinata immediately let go of Sakura, instead put her arm around Ino's waist, held her hand, and spoke gently.

"—I don't know why, but I always feel like Hinata is a bit like a jerk."

Ino responded without any expression.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Sakura, do I look like a jerk?"

Hinata immediately shook her head and turned to Sakura to ask a question.

"—Yes, is there?"

Sakura scratched her cheek a little embarrassedly.

Although Hinata just saved her, judging from her current actions—

Sakura didn't say anything.

"Hmph, whatever."

"I have something to do, so I'll be going now. When those two guys wake up, tell Naruto that he owes me a favor."

"And that Rock Lee guy, he actually failed against this kind of trash. I'll tell Mr. Kai about this."

"Let him reflect on his own actions."

Hinata gave a soft hum and then explained the remaining matters to Sakura.

"Okay, I've got it."

"Hinata, where are you going?"

Sakura answered each question one by one, and finally looked at Hinata with a puzzled expression.

"Of course, I'm going to avenge you three."

Hearing Hinata's answer, Sakura's eyes narrowed.

A terrifying figure, neither man nor woman, appeared in her mind.

Hinata's enemy was clearly not the Sound Ninja trio who had just been defeated. So the culprit behind all this was "Hinata, that person is too strong."

Sakura grabbed Hinata's wrist and shook her head.

"If we have to make Hinata face such a terrifying enemy just to avenge us."

"Let's not seek revenge for this."

"I would rather Hinata be in danger than seek revenge."

Hearing Sakura's words, even Hinata was taken aback.

She never expected Sakura to think that way.

"Ah, that might not be up to Sakura, after all, Kakashi is already gone."

"But don't worry, Sakura."

"I'll be back soon."

Hinata pulled her wrist out of Sakura's hand and pinched Sakura's cheek with a smile.

Without lingering any longer, Hinata sensed the fluctuations of the mark from the Flying Thunder God Blade she had given to Kakashi.

See you at the Central Tower!