Sunrise painted the eastern sky, its light streaming through the window of the Uchiha residence, awakening Sasuke. Sunlight warmed his face. He slowly awoke, sat up, dressed in a black, long-sleeved shirt bearing the Uchiha crest and white shorts, grabbed his shoulder bag, and ran downstairs. He paused only to put on his sandals outside before heading for the door. His mother, Mikoto, saw him leaving from the kitchen.
"Sasuke, where are you going?" she called, hurrying after him.
Sasuke glanced back. "To the Hyūga compound, Mother."
"Oh. Well, wouldn't you like something to eat first?" Mikoto suggested.
"No thanks, Mom. I'm not hungry yet," he replied, continuing toward the door.
"Sasuke, wait!" Mikoto called, but he was already gone. She sighed, relieved he was going to spend time with Hanabi and Hinata.
Fugaku entered the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Looks like someone's been spending a lot of time with the Hyuga girls, eh?" he remarked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Mikoto chuckled. "Let him be. If it helps him open up, I'm all for it."
Fugaku shrugged. "Yeah, well, he's always out and back by noon. At least he's reliable about that." He paused, his expression softening. "He's growing up, Mikoto. Finding his own way."
Mikoto nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. And those Hyūga girls… they seem to have a calming effect on him. It's probably a good influence." She paused, a hint of worry in her voice. "But I still worry about him. The weight of the clan, the expectations…"
Fugaku chuckled. "I wouldn't worry too much. He's getting stronger every day."
"Really? What makes you say that?" Mikoto asked, surprised.
"He showed me his fireball jutsu yesterday," Fugaku said proudly. "And this time, it was perfect. Remember when he was struggling even with a simple one? Now, it's as good as Itachi's was at the same age." He smiled. "He might not have gotten it on the first try, but he's managed to rival his brother's skill."
Mikoto smiled warmly. "That's wonderful, Fugaku. Truly wonderful. It's good to see him finding something positive to focus on." She paused, her gaze drifting toward the empty doorway. "Perhaps the Hyuga girls aren't such a bad influence after all."
Fugaku nodded, pushing himself away from the doorframe. "Indeed. I expected it; they are the daughters of Hiashi and Hanashi Hyuga, so it makes sense that he would grow stronger as well."
Meanwhile, the midday sun beat down as Sasuke ran through the Uchiha compound, passing fellow Uchiha—children playing, adults eating or drinking, and some elders. He reached the entrance gate and arrived at the Hyuga compound. The entrance gate to the Hyuga district was heavily guarded, but the guards, knowing Sasuke and his relationship with the heiresses, let him pass. The meticulously kept gardens hummed with a quiet energy, a stark contrast to the intensity he felt within himself.
Sasuke found Hanabi and Hinata sparring, their taijutsu precise and elegant. Natsu Hyuga, a Hyuga maid and caretaker of Hinata and Hanabi, watched over them.
She noticed Sasuke and bowed. "Oh, hi there, Uchiha… I didn't expect you this early," Natsu said.
Sasuke, struck by her beauty, looked away, blushing. He thought, "All Hyūga women are beautiful, just like the Uchiha."
"Oh… I was planning on taking Hanabi and Hinata to the village," he said, looking at his feet.
Natsu, noticing his blush, giggled. "Oh really? A date, perhaps?"
Sasuke, flustered, shook his head. "It was just friendly bonding," he stammered, still blushing.
Natsu giggled. "Relax, Sasuke, I'm just kidding."
Still embarrassed, Sasuke asked, "Ahm… how are you? I've never seen you before."
"Oh, sorry, this is our first meeting," Natsu said. "I'm Natsu Hyuga, caretaker of Mistresses Hinata and Hanabi." She bowed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Natsu-san," Sasuke replied, feeling more at ease. He admired her composure; even amused by his fluster, she remained professional.
Natsu smiled. "The pleasure is all mine, Sasuke-kun. The young ladies are quite fond of you, you know. They talk about you quite often."
Sasuke blushed. "They… they do?"
"Indeed," Natsu confirmed, smiling. "Hinata-sama is particularly enthusiastic. Hanabi-sama is quite bold when she mentions you."
Sasuke was speechless. He hadn't considered his visits had such a noticeable effect. It wasn't just training; a genuine connection, a friendship he cherished, seemed to be forming reciprocally.
"Well," he managed, clearing his throat, "I… I enjoy spending time with them, too. They're very… good friends." He emphasized "friends."
"I understand," Natsu said softly, gazing toward Hanabi and Hinata, who were now resting. "Perhaps more than just friendly bonding?"
Sasuke sputtered, bright red. "N-no! It's… it's just… friendly," he insisted unconvincingly.
Natsu chuckled. "I understand, Sasuke-kun. Secrets are best kept between friends." She changed the subject. "Shall I inform the young ladies of your arrival?"
Sasuke, still flustered but relieved she wasn't pressing him, nodded. "Yes, please. Thank you, Natsu-san."
Hanabi and Hinata's sparring match ended in a draw, as they hadn't been sparring seriously. Both were breathing heavily.
Natsu and Sasuke noticed. "Oh, it seems the sparring is over," Natsu said, gathering towels. Turning to Sasuke, she said, "Come, let's greet them." Sasuke nodded happily.
"Okay!" Hanabi chirped, already practically bouncing with anticipation. Hinata, quieter but equally excited, nodded her agreement. The three of them, with Natsu's quiet approval, set off towards the village gate.
The midday sun warmed their backs as they walked, the sounds of the village growing louder with each step. Sasuke, walking between the Hyūga sisters, felt a comfortable ease he hadn't anticipated. The earlier nervousness had completely vanished, replaced by a genuine happiness at spending time with his friends. He found himself glancing at Hinata and Hanabi, enjoying their easy laughter and playful bickering over which path to take through the bustling market.
The market was a riot of color and sound. Vendors hawked their wares, their voices a vibrant chorus mingling with shoppers' chatter and the bleating of nearby goats. The air was thick with the scents of roasting meats, sweet pastries, and exotic spices. Hinata, ever cautious, walked close to Sasuke, occasionally glancing up at him with a shy smile. Hanabi, in contrast, darted off, exploring every stall with boundless energy, occasionally returning with a trinket or a sample of some delicious treat.
Sasuke found himself charmed by their contrasting personalities. Hinata's quiet grace was a calming balm to Hanabi's vibrant enthusiasm. They complemented each other perfectly, their differences creating a dynamic that was both engaging and comforting. He bought them colorful hair ornaments—a delicate silver flower for Hinata and a bold crimson ribbon for Hanabi—and watched with a warm smile as they adorned themselves.
They reached a dango stall, a fragrant haven of sweet delights. Hanabi immediately chose a strawberry dango, while Hinata politely accepted the assortment Sasuke had selected. Sasuke chose a couple of plain dango. After purchasing their dangos, they sat on a bench near a playground—Hanabi on the left, Sasuke in the middle, and Hinata on the right—and began eating.
"What should we do after our dangos? Should we go train at our spot by the riverside?" Hanabi asked, gesturing.
Sasuke, taking a bite of his dango, said, "That's a good idea. The day is still young."
Hinata suggested, "Perhaps we could explore the riverbank a little more before training? It's lovely, and the flowers are in bloom."
Hanabi readily agreed. "Yeah! A picnic by the river! I have extra snacks!" She patted her surprisingly heavy bag.
Sasuke smiled. A relaxing picnic appealed to him; the day's earlier intensity faded in the warm sun and gentle breeze.
Hinata whispered, pointing to a bird, "Look, Sasuke-kun. It's beautiful."
Sasuke looked; the bird was colorful and flew gracefully. Hanabi, finishing her dango, also admired it. Captivated, Sasuke momentarily forgot their training plans, lost in the moment. Sharing this quiet time felt more precious than training.
After a few minutes, Hanabi stood, energized. "Okay, let's go! I'm itching to spar!" She bounced.
Hinata stood, blushing slightly. "Yes, let's go, Hanabi. And let's not get too carried away," she teased.
With renewed energy, the three friends set off for the riverbank, following a forest path. Hanabi, ever the leader, forged a path through the dappled sunlight, her laughter echoing. Hinata, more reserved but equally excited, trailed close behind, occasionally pointing out wildflowers or butterflies. Sasuke, walking between them, felt a profound sense of contentment. The simple act of walking with his friends, the sunlight on his skin, the sounds of nature, filled him with quiet joy. As they continued, they heard a noise from beyond the trees.
"What was that sound...?" Hanabi said, looking around.
"I think it's coming from over there…" Hinata said, pointing.
"Should we check it out?" Sasuke asked. They nodded. "Okay, I'll lead; we mustn't be seen…"
They moved silently behind the trees. Four kids—one fat, three thin—were bullying a blonde-haired boy with whiskers—Naruto Uzumaki.
"Wait, is that the kid from the picture shop yesterday?" Hanabi said, remembering their previous visit.
"Yes," Hinata agreed.
Sasuke remained silent, observing.
"Hey, give us some money, loser…" one bully said.
"Yeah, or we'll beat you…" another added.
Sasuke's silence stemmed from assessment. Naruto, despite his distress, held his spirit unbroken. The bullies were relentless, their laughter harsh in the peaceful forest. He recognized the dynamic—similar situations within the Uchiha clan, the hierarchies, the unspoken rules of power. This was a microcosm of the larger world, a smaller, less deadly version of his daily battles. The difference: he wasn't obligated to observe.
After a moment, Sasuke spoke, his voice low but firm, "Hanabi, Hinata, stay back. I'll handle this."
The sisters exchanged worried glances but obeyed. Sasuke was about to drop to the ground on the opposite side of the clearing. But before he could, a scream cut through the air.
"Hey you, leave him alone, you jerks!" a female voice shouted.
The four boys turned. Sasuke and Hanabi turned to their left. They saw a pink-haired girl with a red ribbon, seemingly their age—Sakura Haruno.
"Be it, lady… a little girl has no business here…" one bully mocked.
Sakura, enraged, dashed at one, punching him unconscious. Naruto, Sasuke, Hanabi, and Hinata were shocked.
The remaining bullies, stunned, looked at each other, fear flickering in their eyes. Sakura, fists clenched, stood defiantly, her stance radiating unexpected strength. Naruto, wide-eyed but relieved, scrambled back, awe replacing his fear. Sasuke, impressed, remained hidden. He hadn't expected intervention, let alone such decisive force. Hanabi, impressed by Sakura's bravery, related to her fiery personality. Hinata, too, was impressed, hoping she could be as brave.
The three watched Sakura's poised stance, her controlled breathing. She was no ordinary girl; she possessed surprising skill beyond mere street-fighting.
Scared, the bullies backed away. "W-we… we didn't mean to…" one stuttered, his bravado gone.
Sakura didn't relent. "Next time, think before you act," she warned sharply. "Leave him alone." She cracked her knuckles.
"Let's leave… this girl is insane…" one muttered. They fled. Sakura turned to Naruto, offering a hand.
Sakura took a deep breath and turned to Naruto, speaking worriedly. "Are you alright?" she asked, her tone softening.
Naruto, shaken but relieved, nodded, taking her hand. "Y-yeah," he mumbled, smiling slightly. "Thank you…" he said, blushing.
Sasuke, Hanabi, and Hinata watched. Hanabi turned to Sasuke. "Should we go down and introduce ourselves...?"
Sasuke smirked. "No, let's leave them be…" He said calmly, then turned to Hanabi and Hinata. "Come, let's go to the riverside now…"
The three left, heading towards the riverbank, the sounds of the market fading. The encounter with Sakura and Naruto lingered, an unspoken question hanging between them. A comfortable silence settled, broken only by rustling leaves and bird chirps.
Hanabi broke the silence. "That pink-haired girl… was something else," she said, awestruck. "She really stood her ground. I've never seen anyone take down bullies so quickly."
Hinata nodded. "She was very brave," she murmured, "And strong. Her punch was incredible."
Sasuke remained silent for a moment. Sakura's intervention had disrupted his plans, but he was surprisingly unbothered. He appreciated the elegance of her decisive action. She hadn't hesitated; she had acted instinctively, purely, and powerfully. He respected that.
Hanabi peppered Sasuke and Hinata with questions about Sakura. "Do you think she's a ninja?" she asked, curious. "She was really strong!"
Hinata offered a considered response. "I don't know. She certainly possesses remarkable skill, but her style was different from anything I've seen before. It wasn't purely taijutsu, yet incredibly effective."
"I don't think it's any type of taijutsu… it's more like street fighting, and I don't think she's a ninja," Sasuke said calmly. "I didn't sense any chakra; it's probably just her temper."
Hinata steered the conversation towards their original plans. "Regardless of who she is, she helped someone in need," she said softly. "That's what matters."
Hanabi agreed. "Yeah, she's cool. Maybe we'll see her again," she mused. "I wonder if she'd spar with us?"
Sasuke, however, remained thoughtful. Sakura's actions had sparked something within him—a recognition of strength that transcended the ninja world. It wasn't just her physical prowess; it was her courage, her unwavering resolve. This resonated deeply with him, a quiet echo of his clan's values, even if tainted by conflict and tragedy. He wondered about her, about the life that had shaped her, about the strength that burned within her.
They finally reached the riverbank, sunlight dappling through the leaves to create a mosaic of light and shadow. They set down their picnic, the aroma of Hanabi's extra snacks mingling with the fresh scent of the river. As they ate, they continued discussing Sakura and her surprising intervention, their initial plans for training drifting into a comparison of different fighting styles.
Hanabi, Hinata, and Sasuke warmed up, preparing to spar. They began their training.
Hanabi, ever competitive, challenged Sasuke. Ready to be defeated again, Sasuke braced himself. Hanabi said smugly, cracking her knuckles.
"Hmph… Let's just see about that then…" Sasuke retorted smugly.
Hinata, already prepared, remained silent.
"Okay, then… let's have a three-way fight," Hanabi said, challenging them both. Hinata and Sasuke nodded.
The three simultaneously activated their dōjutsu: Hinata and Hanabi their Byakugan, Sasuke his one-tomoe Sharingan.
The three-way spar began in a flurry of motion. Hanabi, with her Byakugan's enhanced vision, anticipated Sasuke's movements, aiming precise strikes at his weak points. Sasuke, his Sharingan tracking her every move, countered with speed and precision, his taijutsu honed over years of rigorous training. Hinata, her Byakugan providing unparalleled awareness, weaved between them, her gentle but powerful jūken finding gaps in their defenses.
Hanabi's aggressive style contrasted sharply with Hinata's measured precision. Hanabi aimed for quick, decisive blows, while Hinata focused on disrupting their flow, using the Gentle Fist to strike pressure points and momentarily disable her opponents. Sasuke, caught between the two, faced an unprecedented challenge. Hanabi's relentless attacks pushed his defenses to the limit, while Hinata's subtle strikes chipped away at his stamina.
The battle raged for several minutes, a whirlwind of motion and counter-motion, punctuated by the thud of fists and the soft but distinct sounds of Hinata's jūken connecting. Sasuke, despite his considerable skill, found himself on the defensive, Hanabi's constant pressure preventing a decisive counterattack. He relied on his reflexes and experience, narrowly avoiding her strikes and using his Sharingan to read her intent.
Hinata, taking advantage of an opening created by Sasuke's defensive maneuvering, landed a well-placed blow on Hanabi's pressure point, causing her to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Sasuke launched a quick attack, catching Hanabi off-guard. He delivered a solid blow, knocking her back, before quickly dodging Hinata's counterstrike.
The battle continued, a dynamic interplay of offense and defense. Hinata's precision and careful tactics were a perfect counterpoint to Hanabi's raw power, while Sasuke's speed and agility allowed him to navigate their combined assault. Neither gained a clear advantage; they were evenly matched. The spar was less about winning and more about pushing each other's limits and refining their skills.
After another exhausting exchange, the three collapsed onto the grass, panting but exhilarated. They had pushed themselves to their limits, learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses. A comfortable silence followed, broken only by the gentle sounds of the river.
"That was… intense," Hanabi said, grinning. "But amazing. I think I've improved my taijutsu a bit."
Hinata nodded, blushing slightly. "Me too. Your attacks forced me to react faster."
Sasuke, wiping sweat from his brow, agreed. "I learned a lot from both of you. It's much harder to fight two of you at once, even if you're not working together."
Hanabi laughed. "Teamwork makes the dream work, right, Hinata?"
Hinata smiled, a rare display of mischief. "Something like that. I think we could take down several genin together."
Sasuke smiled. This wasn't just training; it was a bonding experience. They pushed, learned from, and supported each other. Their friendship and camaraderie were stronger than ever. The afternoon sun warmed them, and the sound of the river provided a soothing background to their quiet contentment. They were friends, and their shared training was a testament to their bond. Their adventures were far from over.
The hours flew by in a blur of movement and exertion. They pushed each other to their limits, striving for improvement, their teamwork seamless and fluid. The setting sun cast long shadows as they finally rested, exhausted but satisfied. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the moon and stars appeared. The three remained on the riverbank, lying down in the grass side-by-side—Sasuke in the middle, Hinata on the left, and Hanabi on the right—looking at the sky.
"Look guys, the sky is so beautiful…" Hinata said, gazing at the starlit sky.
Hanabi hummed in agreement, her gaze drifting across the vast expanse. "It is," she murmured, tracing the constellations with her finger. "I wonder what kind of stories the stars tell."
Sasuke, unusually quiet, found himself strangely at peace. The intensity of his daily life, the constant pressure, seemed to melt away under the quiet influence of the night sky and the comforting presence of his friends. He, too, gazed at the stars, each pinprick of light a reminder of the universe's vastness and the insignificance of individual struggles.
A comfortable silence settled over them, filled not with emptiness, but with a shared sense of wonder and camaraderie. The earlier sparring match, the unexpected encounter with Sakura, even his own internal conflicts, faded into the background, replaced by the simple, shared experience of appreciating the beauty of the night.
"Hey, look guys, that star formation looks like a puppy!" Hanabi said, pointing.
Hinata giggled. "It does," she agreed, smiling gently. "Maybe it's a star puppy guarding the night sky."
Sasuke chuckled. The image of a star puppy felt fitting for this moment of tranquility. He relaxed further, the tension unwinding.
Sasuke pointed. "That looks like a cat…" he said calmly.
Hanabi peered intently. "Hmm, a cat? I see more of a grumpy badger… or perhaps a particularly fluffy owl," she declared mischievously.
Hinata giggled. "Perhaps it's all three," she suggested. "A magical creature guarding the constellations."
Sasuke smiled. The lightheartedness was a welcome respite from the weight of his responsibilities. He felt a warmth spread through him, a feeling he hadn't realized he'd been missing.
"A magical creature, huh? Maybe you're right," he mused, his voice softer than usual. "Perhaps it holds the key to understanding the universe… or maybe it just really likes napping amongst the stars."
They continued their playful banter, their voices low and hushed. They imagined other shapes in the stars, creating their own whimsical constellations. The night sky, once vast and mysterious, transformed into a canvas for their shared imagination.
"I wish we could remain like this forever," Sasuke said calmly, looking at the stars. "Always friends, till the end…"
Hinata blushed and spoke gently, "Yeah, I hope we remain like this forever."
Hanabi sat up. "How about we make a promise to each other that no matter what happens, we will always be together?" She offered a pinky swear.
Hinata and Sasuke looked at each other, then smiled warmly at Hanabi. "Sure, let's always be friends until the end…" Sasuke said, pinky swearing, as Hinata and Hanabi did the same.
The night air grew cooler, the stars brighter. A comfortable silence settled over them, punctuated only by crickets and the gentle lapping of water. Hanabi, ever restless, eventually broke the spell.
"We should probably head back," she said reluctantly. "It's getting late."
A comfortable silence settled, the lingering warmth of their shared experience a comforting blanket against the cooling night air. The moon cast long shadows, transforming the familiar forest path into a mystical passage. They didn't speak much; the unspoken understanding between them was stronger than any words. Each step was a shared rhythm, a silent testament to their bond.
As they emerged from the forest and approached the village, Hanabi, ever the pragmatist, broke the silence. "So," she said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "about that three-way spar… I think I need to work on my defense against the Gentle Fist. Hinata, your precision is… unnerving."
Hinata blushed, a shy smile playing on her lips. "And you, Hanabi, your aggression is… overwhelming. I need to improve my reaction time."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "And I need to work on my stamina. Fighting both of you simultaneously is… a unique challenge. But a good one." He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Hinata added, "I wonder if that pink-haired girl would be willing to spar with us sometime. Her style is… intriguing." Her eyes lit up. "That would be amazing! Imagine the possibilities! Three different fighting styles colliding!"
Hinata, more reserved, offered a hesitant agreement. "If she's willing, of course. But I think we should focus on our own training first. We still have much to learn from each other."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. Hinata's practicality was a reassuring anchor in Hanabi's whirlwind of enthusiasm. "If that happens, we can easily beat her. She has no taijutsu experience; that thing she did back then was pure instinct," he said to Hanabi and Hinata.
Hanabi scoffed, "Instinct? That instinct nearly knocked out one of those bullies with a single punch! I wouldn't underestimate her."
Hinata, ever the voice of reason, interjected, "Hanabi's right. While it may have been instinct, her strength and precision were remarkable. We shouldn't dismiss her abilities so easily."
Sasuke frowned. "Because those bullies had no battle experience; of course she would knock one of them out," he said, correcting his friends. "If one of us had handled those bullies, we could easily have beaten them without trying."
Hanabi rolled her eyes. "You're both missing the point. It wasn't just about knocking out some inexperienced bullies; it was about her confidence, her decisiveness. She acted without hesitation, with pure, raw power. That's something to be respected, even if it was instinct."
Hinata nodded thoughtfully. "She had a certain… elegance in her movements, even in the midst of a fight. It wasn't just brute force; there was a calculated precision to her strike."
Sasuke laughed, "Calculating precision? What are you talking about, Hinata? That was brute force! It's like saying an amateur with no fighting experience can beat a fighter with ten years of experience. It doesn't matter if that amateur is talented; we'd be demolished by a fighter with ten years of experience," he said, facepalming.
Hanabi rolled her eyes. "You're so stubborn, Sasuke. We're not saying she could beat you right now. We're saying she has potential. Think about it—what if she trained? What if she honed that raw power? She could become incredibly strong."
Hinata nodded gently. "Exactly. It's about recognizing potential, not dismissing it. Besides," she added with a small smile, "a little friendly sparring couldn't hurt. It might even help us improve our own skills by facing a completely different fighting style."
Sasuke remained unconvinced, but he grudgingly admitted, "Fine. If she wants to spar, and if she doesn't cry after a single punch from us, then maybe I'll consider your points. But I'm still betting she'll be completely outmatched by not just me, but also the two of you."
They reached the Hyuga compound gates, the guards nodding respectfully as they passed. The familiar sight of the meticulously kept gardens, bathed in the moonlight, offered a sense of peace.
"Well, this is it, Sasuke… We'll see you tomorrow then," Hinata said, blushing.
Sasuke smiled warmly. "Yeah, you two, I'll see you tomorrow too," he said calmly.
Hanabi smiled mischievously. "Yeah, try not to miss us, Sasuke," she said.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Hanabi," he replied.
They said their goodbyes at the entrance, a silent promise of future training sessions and shared adventures hanging in the air. As Sasuke walked back towards the Uchiha compound, the night air felt crisp and clean. The events of the day—the market, the unexpected encounter with Sakura and Naruto, the exhilarating three-way spar under the setting sun, the peaceful contemplation of the stars—left him with a feeling of profound contentment.
Sasuke felt stronger, not just physically but emotionally. His friendships with Hinata and Hanabi were a source of unwavering support, a quiet strength he relied on, a comforting contrast to the often harsh realities of his life. He was grateful for their presence, their laughter, and their companionship. Sasuke reached the Uchiha gates, pausing for a moment to look back at the Hyuga compound. The moon illuminated the serene gardens, casting a peaceful glow on the quiet buildings. He knew he would return, not just for training but for the simple joy of being with his friends.
Sasuke walked through the gates, the quiet strength of the night enfolding him. He was surprised by how silent the Uchiha compound was; he knew it was night, but that didn't mean there shouldn't be some noise in the streets. As he entered the gate, his eyes widened as he saw many Uchiha on the ground; he saw blood everywhere, as if they had been murdered.
"What the hell happened here…?" Sasuke said, looking at his surroundings.
A wave of nausea washed over Sasuke. The scene was horrific: bodies lay scattered, some twisted at unnatural angles, others still, their faces frozen in expressions of terror or agony. The air hung heavy with the coppery tang of blood, a stark contrast to the peaceful serenity he'd felt only moments before. He recognized several of the fallen Uchiha—elders, young children, even some of his own clanmates he'd trained alongside.
Panic clawed at him, but he fought it down, forcing himself to assess the situation. This wasn't a random attack; this was a massacre, a systematic, brutal slaughter. He cautiously approached a body, his hand hovering over the cold, lifeless form of an elderly woman he vaguely remembered from childhood. Her eyes, wide and vacant, stared up at the moonlit sky.
He knelt beside her, his gaze sweeping across the carnage. There were no signs of a struggle, no weapons left behind, just the overwhelming evidence of swift, efficient killing. This wasn't the work of bandits or rogue ninjas; this was something… different, something chillingly precise and calculated.
A choked sob escaped him. He couldn't allow himself to break down now. He had to find answers, he had to find whoever was responsible for this carnage. He needed to protect what remained of his clan. But first, he needed help. A chilling realization dawned on him: this wasn't the work of a single person, or even a small group. This was a meticulously planned operation, executed with precision and cold-blooded efficiency. Someone knew the Uchiha compound's layout, its defenses, and its inhabitants intimately—an insider.
This might be a nightmare; if so, he had to wake up. Sasuke ran towards his house as fast as he could, each footstep echoing on the ground. He had to hurry home, making sure his parents were still alive. As he reached his home, he noticed the unsettling quiet. He slowly opened the door and saw that it was pitch black inside. He walked towards the living room, slowly opened the door, and saw his parents dead. Itachi was standing behind them, holding his sword, wearing his ANBU uniform.
To be continued.