Chapter 10
As the dust settled and the echoes of the battle faded into the night, Obito retreated into the darkness from whence he came. The intensity of Sasuke's last attack had made it clear that the cost of continuing the fight would be too high. The message was clear: Konoha was not to be underestimated.
Sasuke stood firm until Obito's presence was no longer felt, but the strain of the battle and the use of such a powerful jutsu took its toll. His wounds, not yet fully healed, reopened, and a trickle of blood seeped through his clothing. The pain was sharp, a stark reminder of his mortality.
Naruto was at his side in an instant, concern etched across his face. "Sasuke!" he called out, his voice tinged with panic.
Sasuke's knees buckled, and he would have fallen if not for Naruto's quick reflexes. "I'm... fine," Sasuke gritted out, though the paleness of his face told a different story.
Sakura rushed over, her medical kit already in hand. "Don't be stubborn, Sasuke. You need to be treated immediately," she scolded, her tone professional yet laced with worry.
Kakashi approached, his Sharingan deactivated, a frown on his face. "You pushed yourself too hard. We need to get you back to the hospital."
Hinata, Neji, and the others converged, ready to provide support. They had all prepared for this, knowing the risks involved when facing someone like Obito.
Sasuke, prideful and reluctant to show weakness, tried to wave them off. "It's just a scratch," he insisted, though his voice lacked its usual conviction.
Naruto, however, wasn't having any of it. "You're not fooling anyone, Sasuke. Let Sakura do her job," he said firmly, his blue eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination.
Sasuke finally relented, allowing Sakura to tend to his wounds. Her hands glowed with green chakra as she worked to stem the bleeding and repair the damage. The rest of the team stood guard, vigilant for any signs of a renewed attack, though it seemed Obito had truly withdrawn.
As Sakura worked, Tsunade arrived, having been informed of the situation. She took over, her expertise as a medical ninja and the Hokage bringing a sense of calm to the tense atmosphere.
"You did well tonight, all of you," Tsunade said, her voice carrying the weight of her experience. "But this isn't over. We must remain alert."
Sasuke, now stabilized, looked up at Naruto and managed a faint smirk. "Seems I owe you one," he murmured.
Naruto shook his head, his hand finding Sasuke's. "We're in this together, remember? No debts between us."
The group, their spirits lifted by the small exchange, began to relax slightly, though they remained ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. They were shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, and they would face whatever challenges came their way—as a team, as a family.
As the night wore on, they returned to the village, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that the threat of Obito loomed over them, but also filled with the unshakeable belief that together, they could overcome anything.