Naruto: Konoha's Psychic

Inoiki calmly shook his head. "It's no use, Naruto. If capturing him had been possible, I'd have already restrained him myself. I fought Sasuke just minutes ago—and while we were clashing, Orochimaru and Kabuto took the opportunity to flee the hideout."

He paused, then added, "Once they escaped, there was no point in trying to hold Sasuke. They can summon him at any time, anywhere, using the Reverse Summoning Technique. Even if we chased after him, we'd never catch up. He's long gone—far beyond our reach now."

Naruto stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief. He turned sharply to Inoiki. "Are you saying Sasuke escaped—using that same summoning technique?"

Inoiki gave a silent nod.

Naruto's expression twisted with anger. "You knew Orochimaru and Kabuto could use Reverse Summoning, and you still let them get away? Why didn't you stop them? Sasuke only escaped because you were careless! You didn't take enough precautions, Inoiki! This is on you!"

Inoiki remained calm, unshaken by the outburst. He knew Naruto was speaking from frustration and heartbreak more than reason.

"Listen, Naruto," he said quietly. "The day Sasuke abandoned Konoha, he also betrayed my trust. I let him go because I didn't want to interfere with the path he chose for himself. That's the last bit of respect I could offer him—as a friend."

He paused, eyes steady on Naruto.

"But do you know why I still chased after him—even when I didn't want to? Because of you. You're my friend, and so is he. I don't want him to fall so far that redemption is no longer possible… where death becomes the only way out."

Inoiki's voice grew heavier, more resolute.

"I've given Sasuke three months. That's all. Time to finish what he believes he has to do. If he hasn't taken his revenge by then, I'll go after him myself. And I'll bring him back—only because it matters to you."

He stepped forward.

"Whether Sasuke returns to Konoha or not doesn't matter to me. As long as he stays within the boundaries of my principles—my values—he remains my friend. But if he crosses that line… if he becomes something I can't stand behind... then I'll be the first to take him down."

His eyes locked with Naruto's.

"Do you understand me?"

Naruto stood silent, his expression a storm of anger and grief. He said nothing.

Inoiki glanced at him, his voice low but firm. "Go cool off, Naruto."

With that, he turned and walked toward Sai, who was still restrained. He stopped in front of him and asked, "Tell me—was your mission from Danzo to eliminate Sasuke?"

Sai didn't respond. But the thought flickered in his mind—just long enough for Inoiki to catch it using his psychokinesis.

Kakashi stepped up beside Inoiki.

Inoiki turned to him. "It's confirmed. Danzo sent him to kill Sasuke."

Kakashi gave a slow nod. He wasn't shocked. This was exactly the kind of underhanded move he had come to expect from Danzo.

Without another word, the two of them began checking the contents of Sai's gear. Most of it was standard field equipment—but two items stood out.

The first was a personal bingo book: a hit list of targets, each with detailed profiles. Sasuke's name and file were included.

The second was far more disturbing—an envelope containing sensitive intel on Konoha's own ANBU operatives.

Kakashi picked it up and scanned its contents. His face, previously calm, tensed with visible shock.

This wasn't standard manipulation. This was betrayal.

He looked at Inoiki, his voice low and tight. "Danzo gave this to Sai? To use as leverage with Orochimaru?"

Inoiki didn't answer. He didn't need to.

The silence between them said it all.

Inoiki wasn't surprised. As a transmigrator to this world, certain key events were etched into his memory—and this was one of them. Even before opening the envelope, he had known exactly what it contained: sensitive information on Konoha's ANBU operatives.

Calmly, he turned to Kakashi. "We just need to report this to the Hokage. Whatever happens after that is out of our hands."

Kakashi nodded, slipping the envelope securely into his jacket.

Inoiki then looked down at Sai. "You failed to assassinate Sasuke. That means your mission is a failure, correct?"

Sai gave a silent nod.

"Then you'll return with us to Konoha—without resistance," Inoiki said. "Your fate will be decided by the Hokage."

With a wave of his hand, Inoiki released the mental pressure binding Sai. Still, his gaze remained locked on him, and Sai could feel it—Inoiki's Observation Haki keeping him under constant watch.

With no more loose ends to tie up, the team turned and began the journey back to Konoha.

That night, after a long day of traveling, the group finally stopped to rest. As the campfire flickered under the dark sky, Inoiki took it upon himself to prepare a meal for everyone. While carefully tending to the food, Naruto quietly approached and stood beside him.

"I want to apologize for what I said this afternoon," Naruto said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "I was angry and not thinking straight. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

Inoiki met his gaze and gave a small, reassuring smile. "It's alright. We've known each other since we were kids—I'm not going to hold a grudge over something so small. You're my friend, after all."

Despite Inoiki's kindness, Naruto's sadness lingered, and the atmosphere between them remained somewhat heavy. Words became scarce, and the conversation soon fell silent. Sakura, too, was quiet, sharing in the subdued mood.

Once they finished their meal, Inoiki took careful measures to secure Sai. He bound him tightly and sealed his chakra, ensuring that Sai wouldn't be able to escape even if he tried. The group then settled in for the night, each taking turns standing guard to keep watch over their resting place.

When dawn broke, the team packed up and resumed their journey toward Konoha. Inoiki walked at the front of the group, alongside Kakashi, leading the way with steady determination.

By lunchtime, something unexpected occurred—Sai suddenly remembered his brother and, with renewed purpose, decided to follow Naruto, just as he had in the original story.

----

Want to get daily updates and read chapters on a daily basis? Then join my Patreon!

Patreon Link: https://[email protected]/Hkj822

Join Discord Link: https://discord.gg/P3eXz2Er