"Because I'm your brother, Indra…"
"Because I'm your brother, Indra…"
Those words echoed through Sasuke's mind in a maddening loop.
"You're the Sage's eldest son, Asura?"
Sasuke stared at Naruto in disbelief. Naruto nodded.
"And I'm the second son, Indra?"
He pointed at himself. Naruto nodded again, and Sasuke fell silent.
A reincarnated older brother… just dropped in out of nowhere. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet.
Sasuke stared at Naruto, bewildered, and tentatively said:
"Brother?"
"Hey, good boy."
Naruto's voice was smooth and reassuring.
Sasuke snapped back to attention, his face dark as coal.
---
According to Naruto, the Uzumaki were also descendants of Asura. His current body held part of Asura's past chakra. When Asura's identity reawakened, Naruto regained that chakra—and then he found his brother—the reincarnation of Indra: Uchiha Sasuke.
That's why, Naruto explained, he had called him "brother" in the hospital.
And why Naruto's physical strength is so overwhelming—he inherited the Sage's physical prowess.
Not just Sasuke—but even Kurama sensed something familiar:
"No wonder your chakra smells so familiar. It really is Asura's chakra."
It was a convincing claim—Naruto's words had undeniable logic.
It makes sense … Naruto is the reincarnation of Asura. But I'm not Indra! I'm not suppose to be…
Where Asura's chakra actually ended up, Naruto didn't know. He certainly hadn't gained it all. Maybe it went somewhere else—or no one knows.
Kurama believing it was just because Naruto had tricked him—establishing the idea early on caused the fox to accept it on faith.
But really, Naruto's strength came from training in the Turtle‑Style martial arts, and mastering ki—not from being Asura incarnate.
---
"So, bro…" Sasuke's voice cracked, unable to get the word out.
Deep down, he rejected it—calling Naruto "brother" felt wrong.
Sure, he didn't hate Naruto—but calling him sibling? Something blocked him.
Could it be true… that I'm Indra's reincarnation?
Sasuke realized he felt guilty—the first thing someone who regained his past life's memories would do is look for his brother.
Yet here he was, unable to even say the word "brother."
"If saying that bothers you, just call me… Naruto."
Naruto was gracious, patting Sasuke's shoulder with a knowing, "I get it" look.
Seeing that expression, Sasuke felt even more ashamed.
He silently vowed: I'll… try to be better to him from now on.
Naruto grinned inside—barely containing his excitement.
---
"Finally," Naruto said, shifting to a serious tone, "about that person who pitted us against each other."
"Based on my research… I've found—he's still alive."
Sasuke's heart skipped.
That means he's been alive for centuries?
"He's hidden well… but I caught traces."
"He's manipulated all three Shinobi Wars from behind the scenes."
For Sasuke, talk of the Shinobi Wars felt like ancient history; he hadn't even seen true battle yet.
"I suspect the deaths of the First and Second Hokage are linked to him."
He recalled the events—Senju Hashirama's mysterious passing soon after the Valley of the End… Tobirama's bizarre death after fighting the Gold and Silver Brothers during a retreat.
Maybe it was one of the Six Paths… or something else…
Naruto didn't confirm, but hung the accusation in the air like a dark challenge.
"Do you know his purpose?"
Sasuke swallowed.
He's powerful… and I'm weak.
The memories of the Night of the Uchiha massacre flashed through his mind—the sense of helplessness was sickening.
"No," Naruto shook his head, "There's too little intel to know yet. But he's clearly plotting something massive."
"So what do I do?"
"You just train hard. Get stronger."
He pounded his chest confidently, grinning.
Sasuke was speechless—but thought: I need to train… because I'm too weak.
"Once you awaken your past-life memories, you'll become incredibly powerful."
Naruto tried to encourage him.
Sasuke thought: If I do awaken... first thing's first: kill Naruto.
How dare you use genjutsu to read my thoughts.
Naruto feigned innocence:
"I wouldn't do that—really."
Sasuke silently judged: Liar.
---
Their conversation lasted until near dawn. It was too late to travel back—so Naruto stayed at Sasuke's—his large household made that easy.
Lying in bed, Sasuke stole a glance at the empty rooms around Naruto's.
At least the place feels a little livelier now.
He pulled the covers up, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought:
Brother…
---
Morning, 5 a.m.
Sakura stood alone at Training Field 44. A cold wind rattled her to the bone.
Where are they?? I'm freezing my butt off!
Time dragged.
Finally, at 9 a.m.—they arrived.
"Sorry, Sakura." Naruto grinned mischievously.
"We just… lost our way on the road of life."
"You're not mad, I hope?"
"No, it's okay." Sakura forced a delicate, lady-like smile—trying to remain composed in front of Sasuke.
Inside she screamed:
This is why you made me wait here at dawn??
I'm gonna freeze to death, you jerks!
---
"Where's Kakashi‑sensei?" Sakura snapped.
This world is so unfair…
Naruto pointed off toward the entrance as he spoke.
Soon, Kakashi crested the edge—white-haired and calm.
"Morning," Kakashi lifted a hand in greeting.
"Sorry I was late—I lost my way on the road of life."
Sakura boiled over.
"That's exactly what you two said earlier!" she yelled.
"You're obviously in cahoots!"
Sasuke pulled at his ear.
She's so loud.