Chapter 161: Romantic
"Change?" Sasuke repeated with a growl in his throat. "What do you know about change?"
In those moments, vulnerability cracked through the surface of his steely persona. It was clear that pain and anger were propelling him forward.
Instincts like those were simple for Arthur to manipulate.
"I'll give you time to think," Kakashi said with a heavy sigh.
He nodded slightly before vanishing into the distance. As the finality of Kakashi's figure faded from Arthur's vision, Arthur emerged from his concealment, now aware that the coast was clear.
This would be his moment. Sasuke was isolated, filled with anger and ambition, and the absence of Jada's flying raijin mark meant this was a well-calculated opportunity—the opening to seize his target.
"Who the heck are you?" Sasuke growled upon seeing Arthur's approaching figure.
"Why don't you relax for once?" Arthur responded, unshaken. His voice was smooth and composed, resonant with authority. "I happened to eavesdrop on that conversation, and you're right; you don't need friends or teammates. They'll only hold you back..."
Sasuke's surprise mottled with intrigue, yet he contradicted hotly, "What do you know? You don't understand anything!"
Arthur insisted, "On the contrary, boy, I understand a lot. You want power, and you won't find it trapped in this village. You're meant for something greater—something that these walls can't contain."
Sasuke's irritation shifted; it began to unravel in response to Arthur's words, revealing vulnerability beneath the hardened exterior. He was teetering on desperation now.