Chapter 21 – Steps Forward
The night air over Konoha was cool, but already soft hints of dawn stretched across the sky. A pale orange glow brushed against the rooftops, chasing away the stars. On one of those rooftops — the one belonging to Naruto's small, slightly messy apartment — two figures sat side by side.
Naruto and Sasuke.
They hadn't spoken much after their talk the night before. Words felt unnecessary. They sat with their backs against the worn wooden rail, staring at the endless stretch of sky. Somewhere deep inside, each of them could feel the weight of something far larger than themselves pressing down. The memories of a war that had never happened in this timeline, flashes of battles against gods, and a bond that had been reforged countless times across lives — all of it left them in silence.
And yet, that silence wasn't heavy. It was strangely… comforting.
When the first light of morning finally touched their faces, Naruto let out a small sigh and stretched his arms wide.
"Guess we survived another day," he muttered, half to himself.
Sasuke glanced at him, his face calm as ever, but his dark eyes carried that subtle weight. "…You say that like it's something new."
Naruto chuckled. "It is. You and me… surviving together? That's new."
For a moment, Sasuke said nothing, his gaze following the orange horizon. Then, almost too soft for Naruto to catch: "…Yeah."
---
A Return to Routine
By mid-morning, the village had fully awakened. The market streets were alive with vendors shouting, shinobi hurrying across rooftops, children chasing each other through alleys. Konoha looked… normal. Almost too normal, considering how much Naruto and Sasuke carried inside their chests.
Naruto's stomach growled loudly enough to turn heads. "Alright, that's it. I need ramen!" he shouted, his usual grin sparking back to life.
Sasuke gave him a side glance. "This early?"
"It's never too early for ramen."
Without waiting, Naruto darted down toward Ichiraku's familiar stand. The aroma of broth and noodles wafted out before he even pulled the curtain aside. Teuchi looked up with a wide smile.
"Naruto! You're up and about already, eh? Tsunade-sama said you should be resting."
"Resting is for old people! Give me miso pork, double!"
Ayame poked her head out from behind the counter and laughed softly. "It's good to see you back, Naruto. And—" her eyes shifted to Sasuke, who slipped quietly into the seat beside Naruto. For a moment, her expression softened, as if she wanted to say something more, but she just gave a polite nod. "…Welcome home."
Sasuke didn't answer, but he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.
As steaming bowls of ramen were set down, Naruto dug in with his usual ferocity. Sasuke ate slower, quietly, but every now and then, his eyes flickered toward Naruto — almost as though grounding himself in that noisy, stubborn energy.
It was ordinary. It was peaceful. And for both of them, it was exactly what they needed.
---
Village Reactions
But peace never lasted long.
As they walked back through the streets later, whispers followed them. Villagers' voices, hushed but sharp, carried behind their backs.
"That's Uchiha Sasuke, isn't it?"
"…He returned to the village?"
"I heard he went after Orochimaru…"
"Dangerous. Once a traitor—"
"—but they say Naruto brought him back."
Naruto clenched his fists. He hated the way they talked, like Sasuke was a criminal standing on trial. He opened his mouth, ready to shout back, but Sasuke's low voice cut him off.
"Don't."
Naruto blinked. Sasuke's eyes were steady, unreadable.
"Words won't change their minds," Sasuke said simply.
Naruto bit his lip, frustration boiling, but then slowly let out a breath. "Fine. But one day, they'll see the real you. I'll make sure of it."
For just an instant, Sasuke's expression shifted — a tiny crack in his stoic mask, something soft flickering in his eyes. He didn't reply, but he didn't need to.
---
Familiar Faces
They hadn't gone far before familiar voices called out.
"Yo, Naruto! Sasuke!"
Shikamaru and Hinata approached from across the street. Shikamaru had his usual lazy slouch, but there was relief in his eyes. Hinata, on the other hand, looked almost too nervous to speak, her fingers pressing together.
Naruto brightened immediately. "Shikamaru! Hinata! Man, it's good to see you guys!"
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, though his lips twitched into a faint smirk. "You look alive enough. That's something."
Hinata's gaze shifted shyly toward Naruto, her cheeks coloring. "I-I'm glad… you're okay. Both of you."
Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Heh, thanks, Hinata. Don't worry, we're tougher than we look!"
Sasuke gave a small nod of acknowledgment, saying nothing. But Hinata noticed his quietness, her pale eyes lingering on him for just a second longer than usual — as though she could sense something… different about him.
Shikamaru, sharp as always, didn't miss it either. He studied the two of them for a moment, then sighed. "You two are acting weird. Don't know why, but… just don't go doing anything troublesome."
Naruto grinned wide. "No promises!"
---
Shared Thoughts
Later that evening, back on the rooftop of the apartment, the village noise softened into the background hum of cicadas. Naruto leaned back, arms folded behind his head, staring up at the first stars.
"You notice?" he asked quietly.
"…What."
"Everyone. The way they look at us. The way they… don't get it." His voice was unusually calm.
Sasuke closed his eyes briefly. "They wouldn't understand. Not yet."
A pause. Then Naruto's face hardened slightly, more serious than usual. "…We remember the war. We remember that fight. But after that—blank. Nothing. Like someone erased it."
Sasuke's gaze dropped to the ground, his jaw tightening. "And we don't know why."
Naruto sat up, his eyes burning with determination. "Then we figure it out. Step by step. One problem at a time. Until we get to the truth."
For a long moment, Sasuke didn't answer. Then, finally, his eyes turned toward Naruto, sharp but steady. "…Hn. Agreed."
The two of them sat in silence again, but this time it was an unspoken promise binding them.
---
Closing Cliffhanger
Just as the night seemed to settle, a sudden knock came at the apartment door below.
"Naruto! Sasuke!"
It was Shizune's voice, urgent.
Both boys exchanged a look and descended quickly. When Naruto opened the door, Shizune's expression was tight.
"There's been a report. Orochimaru's movements have been detected near the border."
The air turned heavy instantly. Naruto's grin faded, Sasuke's fists clenched. The world of peace they had for a brief moment cracked wide open.
Their steps forward… had only just begun.
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