*Chapter 57: The Third Hokage Wants to See You*

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Outside the Ninja Academy, murmurs of Mizuki's betrayal filled the air. Parents voiced concerns, questioning the academy's ability to safeguard their children. Despite their grumblings, they continued escorting their kids inside.

Sasuke listened to the chatter with a calm, detached demeanor.

"Everything is unfolding as expected," he thought, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

He had orchestrated the circumstances leading to Mizuki’s betrayal. Every piece was falling into place, and the next act of the play was about to begin.

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*A Curious Encounter*

Sasuke slowed his pace, allowing most students to enter the academy before him. Near the entrance, he spotted a familiar figure in orange.

Naruto Uzumaki was leaning against the wall, humming to himself while scanning the surroundings.

"Sasuke!" Naruto’s face lit up as he ran toward him.

"I’ve been waiting for you! If we’re late, Iruka-sensei will give me an earful!"

Sasuke waved dismissively. "You go ahead. I’ll join you later."

Naruto’s excitement dimmed. "But I waited so long for you!"

"I have my reasons, Naruto. Just trust me and go in," Sasuke said firmly.

A soft chime echoed in Sasuke’s mind: *+1*.

Naruto pouted but reluctantly complied. "Fine... but don’t blame me if there’s no seat next to me!"

As Naruto disappeared into the academy, Sasuke stood motionless outside the gate. Time ticked by, and whispers filled the classroom as students speculated about Sasuke’s absence.

Naruto, however, was unfazed. "Sasuke must have his reasons," he thought, though a small part of him hoped this meant fewer girls crowding his idolized friend.

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*Summoned by the Hokage*

After what seemed like an eternity, two familiar figures appeared on the horizon: Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki.

Spotting Sasuke, they exchanged surprised glances.

"Uchiha Sasuke, the Third Hokage wants to see you," Kotetsu announced with a formal tone.

Sasuke’s reaction was immediate and composed. "Alright."

*+1.*

Kotetsu blinked in surprise. "You’re not going to ask why?"

Sasuke’s gaze was steady. "Do you know why the Third Hokage wants to see me?"

*+5.*

Caught off guard by Sasuke’s confidence, Kotetsu chuckled nervously. "You’re... not wrong."

Izumo, smiling, gestured for Sasuke to follow. "Let’s not keep Lord Hokage waiting."

As they made their way to the Hokage’s office, an eerie silence settled over the group. Sasuke’s unwavering composure left the two escorts hesitant to break it.

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*Meeting the Hokage*

The journey ended at the Hokage’s office. Kotetsu knocked on the door.

"Come in," came Hiruzen Sarutobi’s familiar voice.

Inside, the Third Hokage sat behind his desk, puffing on his pipe, his eyes keenly observing Sasuke.

"Lord Hokage, Uchiha Sasuke has been brought here," Kotetsu reported with a bow.

Hiruzen waved them off. "Leave us. I’d like to speak with Sasuke alone."

The two escorts obeyed, vanishing from the room.

Now, it was just the Third Hokage and Sasuke.

"Sasuke," Hiruzen began, exhaling a plume of smoke, "do you know why I summoned you?"

"I do," Sasuke replied confidently, his expression unreadable.

*+5.*

Hiruzen’s brow arched slightly. Most people hesitated or claimed ignorance when faced with such a question. Sasuke’s certainty intrigued him.

"Then tell me," Hiruzen said, leaning forward. "Why do you think you’re here?"

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(End of chapter)