Chapter 10

As I moved to retreat indoors, my eyes widened in shock, beholding a lethal torrent of kunai soaring towards me like a swarm of deadly hornets. My Sharingan flared to life in response to the impending peril, allowing me to perceive the gleam of the setting sun reflecting off the cold metal. My heart thundered in my chest, adrenaline surging through my veins like a tidal wave. Instinct compelled my body to move, striving to evade the barrage, but my efforts were futile against the overwhelming onslaught. As the deadly projectiles neared, the grim specter of death loomed ever closer.

Without warning, a blur of motion materialized at my side. A member of the ANBU Black Ops, garbed in an emblematic hawk mask and fortified armor, interposed themselves between my body and the murderous rain of kunai. With astounding speed and precision, they deflected the attack, the sound of clattering metal punctuating each interception. Turning to face me, the ANBU operative's eyes remained serious behind the mask. "Are you alright, Sasuke?"

I nodded, breath still ragged from the close call. "Yes, thank you. But who-"

Interrupting my question, the ANBU raised a hand, silencing me. "There's no time. Your attacker is still out there, and we need to get you to safety."

As we prepared to depart the scene, a new figure materialized from the shadows, obstructing our escape. A Hidden Cloud Village ninja emerged, his distinct headband unmistakable even in the fading light. My heart plummeted as I recognized the would-be assassin.

Shit. I was eight years old. Hinata had been eight when the Cloud attempted to kidnap her, right? Was this a part of that kidnapping attempt? I frowned, pondering my recent obliviousness to any visiting ambassador from the Cloud Village. Admittedly, I seldom ventured out of the Uchiha Clan compound aside from spending time with Shikamaru and Chouji or attending class. Had I missed something in the Hokage's office? Reflecting on my tasks from the past week, I recalled delivering messages to other offices that hinted at a foreign visit. At the time, it seemed insignificant.

Cursing myself, I resolved to become more observant in the future. My introspection was interrupted as a palpable wave of murderous intent filled the air, and the Cloud ninja spoke.

"Running away won't save the Uchiha," he taunted, his voice saturated with menace. "I didn't expect the ANBU to interfere, but it won't matter in the end."

The ANBU operative retained their composure, their pale mask concealing any emotions. "Your mission ends here," they responded firmly. "You won't get another chance to harm him."

The Cloud ninja lunged into action, displaying his impressive speed and agility. The ANBU responded in kind, initiating a fierce and intricate dance of battle. Despite my Sharingan, their movements were so rapid that I struggled to track the fight. Unrelenting, the Cloud ninja unleashed a storm of taijutsu techniques, his limbs a blur as he executed a tempestuous flurry of kicks and punches. The ANBU countered with their expertise in Fire Release ninjutsu, hurling scorching waves of flame to neutralize the Cloud ninja's relentless assault.

Both combatants intensified their attacks, verbal barbs becoming increasingly caustic. "You can't keep up with me, ANBU!" the Cloud ninja roared, his arrogance evident. "Soon, the Uchiha will be mine!"

The ANBU operative remained unshaken, their voice unwavering and focused. "You underestimate us, Cloud scum. Your efforts will be in vain."

The battle raged, neither fighter willing to yield. The Cloud ninja, proficient in weaponry, drew a pair of electrified kunai knives and hurled them towards the ANBU. In response, the ANBU deftly dodged the attack and retaliated with a fireball that bathed the night in a hellish glow. The Cloud ninja evaded the fireball with a nimble leap, closing the gap between himself and the ANBU. He struck with precision, his fist crackling with electricity as it connected, sending the ANBU reeling backward. Undeterred, the ANBU conjured a flock of flame-formed birds that spiraled towards their adversary.

Acknowledging the skill behind the fiery attack, the Cloud ninja twisted and leaped, narrowly avoiding the blazing barrage. He countered with a ferocious lightning jutsu, a bolt of electricity snapping from his fingertips. The ANBU was compelled to raise a barrier of fire to defend against the strike, the air heavy with the scent of charred earth and ozone. As the two shinobi engaged in their battle, I found myself paralyzed. I thought that the trauma of that night so long ago would have passed, but I felt myself frozen in fear. All I could think of was Itachi’s red eyes and death. All I could do was watch helplessly as the ANBU fought to defend me.

The relentless clash began to take its toll, fatigue etching itself into the movements of both fighters. The ANBU, their chakra reserves dwindling, summoned a massive firestorm, hoping to engulf the Cloud ninja in its searing embrace. The blaze roared, its intense heat warping the surrounding air. The Cloud ninja, battered and bruised, had little choice but to face the attack head-on. Encased in a cloak of lightning, he charged through the inferno, the heat searing his skin and leaving it charred and cracked. Driven by unwavering determination, he emerged from the firestorm, severely injured but still standing.

The ANBU, their chakra reserves nearly exhausted, staggered back, steeling themselves for a final stand. Sensing weakness, the Cloud ninja mustered the remnants of his strength for a devastating lightning technique. Electrical energy arced through the air, seeking its target with deadly accuracy. Caught off-guard by the sudden burst of power from the wounded Cloud ninja, the ANBU struggled to create a final protective barrier. The searing lightning strike overwhelmed their defenses, encasing the ANBU in a prison of electricity.

I stared in horror as the ANBU's body convulsed, the acrid odor of burning flesh pervading the air. As the lightning subsided, the ANBU crumpled to the ground, lifeless. The valiant guardian who had risked everything to protect me was gone, and I was consumed by a deep sense of grief and responsibility. I did not have long too grieve because even as the fallen ANBU's body lay lifeless on the ground, the Cloud ninja, severely injured yet resolute, glared at me with predatory intent. Gritting his teeth, he snarled, "You won't escape me, Uchiha. Your fate is sealed."

The thought of being kidnapped by this merciless assassin filled me with terror, but I refused to succumb to my fears. No. I would not be paralyzed by fear. I had to survive. Determination surged through me, empowering me to take action. With adrenaline pumping through my veins, I sprinted away from the scene, attempting to flee from the relentless pursuit of the Cloud ninja. Though battered and burned, the Cloud ninja's determination was unyielding. He mustered what remained of his strength and chased after me, a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolding beneath the moonlit sky. As the sound of his footsteps echoed in my ears, I knew I couldn't outrun him forever; I needed a plan.

As I raced through the familiar streets of the Uchiha Clan compound, an idea took shape in my mind. I would lead the Cloud ninja to the armory, where the genin had stored my family’s vast array of weapons and powerful artifacts. With luck, my pursuer’s injuries would grant me the upper hand I needed to turn the tide and defeat my pursuer. As the chase continued, I felt my muscles strain and my breath grow ragged. I was still beyond exhausted from training with the Hokage earlier that day. Where was he? Certainly he would have felt the battle that had been ongoing. There must have been something that had drawn his attention elsewhere. I didn’t have time to think about that.

My muscles burned. Yet, I pushed on, driven by the will to survive. The distance between the Cloud ninja and me gradually increased, giving me hope that I might yet succeed in my desperate plan. Finally, the Uchiha Clan armory loomed before me, an imposing structure built of fresh stone and adorned with the emblem of my proud lineage. I sprinted through the open entrance, disappearing into the dimly lit interior. I could hear the Cloud ninja's labored breathing drawing closer, a chilling reminder that death pursued me at every turn.

Inside the armory, an array of deadly weapons and powerful artifacts lined the walls, their formidable presence a testament to the Uchiha Clan's might. As the Cloud ninja entered, his injuries finally taking their toll, I saw my opportunity. Hiding in the shadows, I prepared to strike.

The Cloud ninja scanned the room, his breathing labored and body trembling from the exertion and pain. Sensing my presence, he growled, "You can't hide forever, Uchiha. I'll find you, and when I do, you'll beg for death's embrace."

Summoning my courage, I stepped out from the shadows and caught him off guard. I had grabbed a razor-sharp sword from a nearby weapons rack, its blade glinting menacingly in the moonlight that filtered through the armory's narrow windows. With determination burning in my eyes, I faced the Cloud ninja, our final confrontation about to unfold.

With every fiber of my being, I mustered the strength to lunge forward, my sword aimed for his heart. The Cloud ninja attempted to dodge, but he seemed to move as if in slow motion. I could see the faintest hints of his chakra wafting off his body as I felt a deep euphoria blossom in my eyes. I could tell, I had awakened the second stage of my sharingan. I smirked.

The Cloud Ninja was unprepared for my newfound speed and his injuries had taken their toll. As my blade found its mark, a mixture of shock and pain contorted his features. Blood welled from the deep wound, the metallic scent tainting the air. As the Cloud ninja's life ebbed away, a bitter satisfaction welled up within me. I had avenged the fallen ANBU and protected myself from the clutches of a remorseless killer.

The Cloud ninja lay lifeless on the ground, his chest heaving as the last breath escaped his body. My heart pounded in my chest, the weight of what I had just done sinking in. I had killed him. The moment replayed in my mind, the memory etched forever in my mind due to the sharingan; the sound of steel piercing flesh, the look of surprise in his eyes as he realized his life was coming to an end, and the heavy thud as he collapsed to the ground. A surge of conflicting emotions washed over me.

Relief that the threat had been eliminated, sadness for taking a life, and the crushing weight of responsibility. As a professor of philosophy, I had spent countless hours debating the ethics of taking a life, pondering the various perspectives and arguments. Now, I found myself facing the very same ethical quandary, but this time it was not merely theoretical.

In the heat of the moment, I had acted to protect not only myself but also the others who would have undoubtedly been caught in the crossfire of this battle. I had avenged the anbu who had died protecting me. The Cloud ninja had made his intentions clear: he wished myself and my village, and he would have stopped at nothing to achieve that goal. In that context, my actions could be viewed as self-defense, a justifiable response to a direct threat.

Yet, as I stared down at his lifeless body, I couldn't help but feel the weight of taking a life. Was there another way I could have handled the situation, a way that didn't involve ending the life of another human being? Perhaps if I were more skilled, I could have incapacitated him, sparing his life while still ensuring the safety of myself and others. I could have saved the ANBU from earlier. These thoughts swirled in my mind, but I knew I couldn't change the past.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I lay in my hospital bed, the sterile white walls and scent of disinfectant surrounding me, as I tried to process the harrowing events that had led me here. The memories of the kidnapping attempt by the Cloud Shinobi weighed on me, along with the moral implications of taking a life. I had barely begun to process these thoughts when the door to my hospital room creaked open, revealing my friends Shikamaru and Chouji stepping inside.

Their faces were etched with concern, relief, and determination. Chouji, his cheeks flushed with worry, approached the side of my bed. "Hey, Sasuke," he said, his voice tinged with care. "How are you feeling?"

"Still a bit shaken, but I'm on the mend," I replied, appreciating the comfort their presence provided.

Shikamaru's furrowed brow and narrowed eyes indicated that his keen intellect was already at work. He wasted no time in addressing the matter at hand. "We heard about the Cloud Shinobi attack. Can you walk us through what happened?"

Taking a deep breath, I recounted the harrowing events, from the sudden appearance of the Cloud Shinobi to the fierce battle that ensued between him and the ANBU ninja who had stepped in to protect me. I described the ANBU ninja's selfless sacrifice and the Cloud Shinobi's injuries, which had given me the chance to turn the tables on my attacker.

As I narrated the story, my friends listened with rapt attention. Chouji's eyes widened with each new detail, while Shikamaru's expression became increasingly serious. When I finally finished, Chouji sighed heavily. "That sounds like a terrifying ordeal. I'm just glad you're okay, Sasuke."

Shikamaru, however, was already deep in thought, trying to decipher the implications of the attack. "It's strange that a Cloud Shinobi would try to kidnap you," he mused. "There has to be a reason behind it."

"Yeah," I agreed, allowing confusion to enter my voice. "I don't understand their motives either."

Chouji's somber expression signaled that he had more troubling news to share. "There's something else you should know. Hinata Hyuuga is in another hospital room. I overheard some nurses talking about her being attacked by Cloud Shinobi too."

The revelation sent a chill down my spine. It seemed my suspicions had been correct. Still, my mind turned towards my memories of the girl. She was kind and gentle from what I knew, not suited for the life of a shinobi at all; I had focused most of my attention on being friends wish Shikamaru and Chouji, and I suppose my rivalry with Kiba, but for the most part had ignored the girls in class. I frowned, was this an oversight? Maybe. Regardless, I felt my heart go out to Hinata.

Shikamaru's dark eyes narrowed further as his analytical mind went into overdrive. "This can't be a coincidence. Cloud Shinobi targeting both you and Hinata? Something's going on. Dad hasn’t been home since he was summoned in the middle of the night."

Chouji's fist clenched, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with steely determination. "We'll help you get to the bottom of this, Sasuke. You can count on us."

My heart swelled with gratitude for their unwavering loyalty even though I internally knew the reason behind the kidnapping attempt. Or did I? This was a totally different world without Naruto. Even with the blobs trying to keep me somewhat on track, this was still different.

"I appreciate your support," I said sincerely. "Together, we'll uncover the truth behind these attacks and protect our village."

As the golden afternoon light filtered through the window, casting warm shadows on the floor, the three of us exchanged ideas and theories. We delved into the implications of the events, our conversation flowing with ease and camaraderie. Shikamaru's strategic expertise, Chouji's keen insights, and my own philosophical perspective blended seamlessly as we tried to untangle the intricate web of political and social dynamics that could be at play.

We considered the possibility that the Cloud Shinobi were after the unique abilities possessed by members of the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans, or that they sought to destabilize Konoha by targeting its future leaders. Our discussion explored various motives, but our determination to protect our village and friends only grew stronger.

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Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, arms folded. "We'll need to gather more information and stay vigilant. It's important we work together and support each other."

Chouji nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're a team, and we'll face this together, whatever it takes."

As Chouji said this, my mind turned towards the future. A team. Without Naruto, who would be my future genin team? It’s true that I expected that my training with the Third Hokage would greatly push me forward, but did I want to graduate early? Meh, that was a question for another time. I turned my attention back to my friends.

As our conversation carried on, I could feel the bond between myself and my friends grow deeper. We knew that the challenges we would face would be difficult and fraught with danger, but with our combined strength and unwavering support for each other, we felt ready to confront whatever lay ahead.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the room in an orange glow, Shikamaru and Chouji reluctantly took their leave. "We should get some rest," Shikamaru suggested. "We'll need to be at our best if we're going to uncover the truth and protect the village."

Chouji gave me an encouraging smile. "Take care, Sasuke. We'll be here for you."

I gave him an encouraging smile and stared at the ceiling as they left. My mind kept replaying the Cloud Ninja’s death. The blood. The look in his eyes. I swallowed. I needed something to take my mind off of it. With a sigh. I pulled myself out of bed. Or at least I would have…save for the pure fear that ran down my spines. I scowled and activated my sharingan. There, upon the ground, was a massive blob. It seemed that reality considered my visiting Hinata to be a breaking of existence. Fuck that.

With a scowl, I forced my feet over the bed and stepped directly on the blob. Immediately, I felt a massive amount of chakra leave my body. Still, I could keep moving which I supposed was enough. I looked down at the blob and noticed it immediately began to dissipate once it had fed upon my chakra. I really wish I knew what they were doing with all that. I shook my head and focused on my task.

My legs were slightly wobbly as I stepped out of the hospital bed, still recovering from the ordeal of the kidnapping attempt. With a deep breath, I steadied myself and resolved to visit Hinata, who had suffered a similar experience at the hands of the Cloud Shinobi. I wanted to ensure her well-being and offer support, even if we hadn't interacted much in the past.

As I made my way through the sterile, brightly lit corridors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation about our upcoming conversation. While Hinata and I had been classmates at the academy, we had never really spoken to one another. I knew her to be kind and gentle, but beyond that, she remained somewhat of a mystery to me.

Upon reaching her hospital room, I was greeted by a pair of stoic Hyuuga guards stationed at the door. Their gazes were wary, but they allowed me to approach after a brief explanation of my intentions.

"Could you please ask Hinata if it's okay for me to visit her?" I requested politely.

One of the guards nodded, disappearing into the room for a moment before returning with Hinata's assent. With a grateful nod, I stepped inside. The atmosphere of Hinata's room was warm and soothing, the soft light from the bedside lamp casting a golden glow on her delicate features. She looked up at me with surprise and curiosity as I entered, her pale lavender eyes widening slightly.

"Sasuke," she greeted me softly, her voice tinged with curiosity even as her eyes shifted shyly away, “I-I wasn’t expecting to see you, but I’m glad you stopped by. Are you okay after…”

As her voice trailed off, I could tell the girl was still recovering from the trauma of what had happened to her. I would need to be careful so as to not upset her.

"I'm doing better," I replied, my tone gentle to match hers. "I wanted to check on you and see how you were doing after your own encounter with the Cloud Shinobi."

Her cheeks flushed with a hint of pink as she looked away, a subtle sign of her gratitude. "T-thank you, Sasuke. I'm recovering, but it was a frightening experience."

I nodded. The event had been…terrifying. I swallowed, “Well…let’s talk about something else if that’s okay?”

She gave a grateful nod. Our discussion then shifted to our time at the academy, where we exchanged anecdotes about our training and experiences with our classmates.

"Have you had any challenges during your time at the academy?" I asked, genuinely curious to learn more about Hinata's experiences.

Hinata hesitated before answering, her voice soft but steady. "I-I sometimes struggle with self-confidence, especially with the expectations that come from being part of the Hyuuga clan. But I'm trying to improve and become stronger!"

She said the last statement with a fierce look in her eyes that surprised me. Perhaps there was a true shinobi under her shy exterior after all. I nodded, empathizing with her struggle. "I can understand that. There's a lot of pressure when you come from a prominent clan. But it's admirable that you're working to overcome your challenges."

We continued talking about our experiences, Hinata sharing stories about her gentle yet resolute nature and her dedication to helping others. Our conversation revealed the common ground between us, building a bond of understanding and mutual respect. As our conversation drew to a close, I suggested that we meet again at the academy once we had both recovered. Hinata agreed, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. "I would like that, Sasuke. It's nice to have someone who understands what I've been through."

"I'm looking forward to it, Hinata," I said with a smile, “Well, it’s getting late and I need to head back to my room. Rest well.”

“You as well, Sasuke!” she responded with a smile. I gave an encouraging smile and returned to my room.

xxxxxx

The next day, I made my way down the hall of the Hokage Tower. As I walked towards the Hokage's office, my heart pounded in my chest. The memory of the recent ordeal still haunted me, and I couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility for the ANBU shinobi's death. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on me, but I was determined to recount the event accurately to the Third Hokage, hoping to gain his wisdom and insight.

Upon entering the office, I saw the Hokage standing by the window, gazing out over the village. He turned to face me, and his expression was a mixture of concern and determination.

"Sasuke," he began, "I heard about the incident with the Cloud Shinobi. Come, sit down, and tell me everything that happened."

I took a deep breath and began recounting the events in as much detail as I could remember. My voice trembled slightly as I spoke about the ANBU shinobi who had saved me, and the ensuing struggle that led to his death. As I described my desperate attempt to evade the Cloud Shinobi and the trap I set to kill him, I noticed the Hokage's brow furrow with concern. I braced myself for criticism, but it never came. Instead, the Third Hokage said, "Sasuke, you were put in an incredibly difficult situation, and yet you managed to protect yourself and the village. I am both relieved and proud of how you handled yourself."

I swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond to his words. Instead, I pressed on with my questions. "Hiruzen-sensei, why did the Cloud Shinobi try to kidnap me? And what should I do to protect myself in the future?"

The Hokage paused for a moment, his expression growing more serious. "Sasuke, I believe the Cloud Shinobi targeted you because of your Sharingan. It's a rare and powerful kekkei genkai, and there are those who would stop at nothing to obtain it."

My eyes narrowed at the confirmation of what I already knew. The Hokage continued, "You must always be on guard, Sasuke. Train diligently and strengthen your abilities, so that you can protect yourself and those around you. We'll also assign ANBU to keep a close watch over you, but ultimately, your safety will depend on your own strength and vigilance."

He paused, considering me carefully before continuing. "But Sasuke, I want you to understand that this incident wasn't your fault. The world we live in can be cruel and unforgiving, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, tragedy still strikes."

His words resonated with my philosophical understanding of ethics and the human condition, and I found some small comfort in them. The Hokage continued, "It's essential for you to process the emotions you're feeling after such a traumatic event. It's natural to grieve and feel guilt, but remember that you mustn't let these emotions consume you."

As I listened, I realized that the Hokage wasn't only concerned about my physical safety but also my mental and emotional well-being. It was clear that he genuinely cared for my welfare, which was both heartening and humbling.

"I understand, Sensei," I replied quietly. "I will do my best to grow stronger and protect myself, and I will honor the memory of the ANBU shinobi who saved me by working tirelessly to prevent such tragedies in the future."

The Third Hokage smiled gently, and there was a glint of pride in his eyes. "I have faith in you, Sasuke. Remember that you have the support of the entire village behind you, and I am confident that you will overcome any challenge that comes your way."

I gave a smile and nodded, “Thank you, Lord Third.”

He nodded and I turned, recognizing that I had been dismissed. As I exited the office, I felt something prickle along my spine. I immediately activated my sharingan, but, to my surprise, there were no blobs to be seen. Instead, I heard the tell-tale sound of a cane tapping against the floor as an elderly man made his way down the hall. I immediately deactivated my sharingan as I felt bile rise in my throat.

Danzo.

I stepped to the side as he seemed to be making his way to the Hokage’s office, but he paused as he noted me. In a rasping voice he spoke, “Excellent work, young Uchiha.”

I frowned. I did not desire his approval. He seemed to take note of my frown and merely smirked as he continued walking.

His attention this early was one thing I absolutely did not want.

xxxx

During the next school day, as the sun cast a warm glow over the academy courtyard, I observed Hinata Hyuga sitting alone on a shaded bench during lunch break. Her slender fingers toyed with the hem of her jacket, her gaze distant and contemplative. I turned to Shikamaru and Chouji, who were unpacking their lunches, and said, "Hey, I mentioned to Hinata the other day that she should join us for lunch. Would you guys mind if I invite her over now?"

The two exchanged nods of approval, and I approached Hinata with a friendly smile. As I neared her, the dappled sunlight danced across Hinata's lavender eyes, and I asked, "Hinata, would you like to join us for lunch today?" I hoped that my smile was warm and inviting.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hesitated for a moment, clearly not anticipating that I would follow through with the invitation. "O-oh, um, sure, Sasuke-kun. Thank you," she stammered, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks like the blossoming of cherry blossoms.

As we walked back over to where Shikamaru and Chouji had settled under a towering oak tree, I sensed Hinata's nervous energy. Wanting to put her at ease, I initiated a conversation about the academy's latest training sessions, and soon, we were delving into the intricacies of various ninjutsu techniques. Hinata's grasp of her clan's Gentle Fist style and her extensive theoretical knowledge of chakra control were genuinely impressive.

Upon reaching our friends, Shikamaru greeted Hinata warmly, his usual languid grin gracing his face. "Hey, Hinata. It's great to have you join us today."

Chouji, already snacking on a bag of chips, offered some to Hinata. "Yeah, welcome, Hinata! Care for some chips?"

"Thank you, Chouji," she replied, accepting a chip with a small, grateful smile. The conversation flowed easily, with Shikamaru sharing stories about his family and Chouji discussing his love for various foods. Hinata, though still a little shy, began to open up, and I could see the beginnings of a genuine friendship forming between us.

As we chatted about our favorite jutsu and aspirations as future shinobi, I found myself comparing our experiences with those of my past life as a philosophy professor. The camaraderie we shared over lunch was a stark contrast to the intellectual discussions I once had with my colleagues, but it was no less valuable. These friendships and shared moments helped shape us as individuals, and I recognized the importance of forging these bonds in the ninja world.

Hinata's gaze shifted to the academy's training field, her eyes narrowing with concentration. "You know, I've been struggling with my chakra control lately. Despite diligent practice, I can't seem to master it," she confessed, her voice laced with frustration.

Chouji, having demolished another bag of chips, pondered her predicament. "Well, we could all practice together sometime. Maybe we can help each other overcome our weaknesses."

Hinata's eyes sparkled at the suggestion, and she nodded eagerly. "I'd really appreciate that, Chouji. Thank you."

As we finished our lunch and began gathering our belongings, Shikamaru addressed Hinata with a relaxed smile. "You know, Hinata, it's nice having you here with us. We should do this more often."

A delicate pink blush tinted her cheeks, but she smiled warmly in response. "T-thank you, Shikamaru. I'd really enjoy that."

As the four of us ambled back to the academy, our laughter and lively conversation filled the air.

Xxxx

As the sun stretched its rays across the early morning sky, I arrived at the training grounds, eager for another day of learning under the guidance of the Third Hokage.

The Hokage stood in the center of the field, his eyes closed as he gathered his thoughts. The expression on his wizened face suggested a calm focus, and his posture exuded an air of authority. When he opened his eyes and saw me, a warm, grandfatherly smile formed on his lips. "Ah, Sasuke, you're here. Today, we will be working on something I believe will help you further develop your skills."

I nodded, my curiosity piqued. The Hokage studied me for a moment, his eyes lingering on my own. "During your encounter with the Cloud shinobi, I understand that you awakened the second tomoe of your Sharingan. This advancement has granted you the ability to perceive chakra flows more precisely, which we can use to your advantage."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at the recognition of my accomplishment mixed with a hint of still lingering guilt over the death of the ANBU member who had saved me. However, I quickly refocused my attention on the Hokage, eager to learn how to utilize my newfound abilities.

"Today, we will practice the tree walking exercise," the Hokage announced, gesturing towards a tall tree nearby. "This technique requires precise chakra control and will help you become more attuned to your chakra usage."

My eyes widened. This was absolutely a difference in canon. I swallowed hard. In the series Sasuke had not learned the tree walking exercise until he was twelve. It was wild to think I would be learning it this early; then again, my decisions had set me on a different path than canon Sasuke…

I eyed the tree, my determination steeling within me. The Hokage explained the fundamentals of the exercise: to walk up the trunk of the tree, I would need to focus a steady flow of chakra to the soles of my feet, creating a powerful adhesive force that would keep me from falling. If I could maintain the right balance of chakra, I would be able to walk up the tree with ease. We approached the tree, and the Hokage said in his wizened voice, “Activate your Sharingan and observe what I am doing. Your kekkei genkai will give you a deeper understanding on how to perform the technique.”

I nodded and observed as the Third. demonstrated the technique flawlessly, climbing the tree with graceful, fluid motions. I watched with my Sharingan, taking note of how the chakra flowed easily through his body towards the tree. When he reached the halfway point, he stopped and turned to face me. "Now, it's your turn, Sasuke. Remember to focus on controlling the flow of chakra to your feet."

Taking a deep breath, I concentrated on the task at hand. As I moved towards the tree, I felt a small scowl cross my face as I saw a line of blobs appear along the line of the tree’s surface. This would make things more difficult with how they drained my chakra. I would have to be careful. Carefully channeling my chakra to my feet, I placed one foot on the tree's trunk, testing my grip. As I took my first steps, I felt my chakra instantly drop, the blobs sucking the lifeforce from me. I took a deep breath and continued onwards. I would not let this deter me. As I took more steps, the blobs began to dissipate. And though I felt my chakra drop to about half my capacity, soon I made my way about a fourth of the way up the tree.

However, my initial attempt was not as successful as I had hoped. I managed to climb a short distance, but my chakra control faltered, and I lost my grip, tumbling back to the ground.

"Remember, Sasuke, chakra control is the key," the Hokage reminded me, his voice gentle but firm. "Find the right balance, and you will succeed."

Easy for him to say. He didn’t have eldritch creatures attempting to sabotage him. With a scowl and determined to master the technique, I picked myself up and tried again. Each attempt brought me closer to success, and with the help of my Sharingan, I could better gauge the necessary amount of chakra needed to maintain my grip on the tree.

As the sun continued to climb, so did I. I gradually ascended higher, my chakra control becoming more refined with each attempt. The Hokage observed my progress, offering guidance and encouragement when needed. Eventually, after countless attempts, I reached the halfway point on the tree, my chakra control steady and precise.

"Well done, Sasuke," the Hokage praised, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You've come a long way in such a short time. However, remember that this exercise is just the beginning. As you continue to refine your chakra control, you'll be able to perform even more complex techniques and jutsu."

I nodded, my heart swelling with determination. Fuck the blobs. I would overcome them no matter what.

As we descended from the tree, the Hokage placed a hand on my shoulder. "You should be proud of your progress, Sasuke. Your Sharingan's ability to perceive chakra flows will be a powerful asset in your training and future missions."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," I replied, bowing my head in gratitude. Despite the emotional turmoil surrounding our relationship, I couldn't deny the wisdom and guidance he provided as a mentor.

We continued to train throughout the day, focusing on other chakra control exercises and fundamental jutsu. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues, we concluded our training session.

As we walked back to the village, the Hokage shared his thoughts on the path that lay ahead. "Sasuke, remember that with great power comes great responsibility. Your Sharingan, your skills, and the knowledge you gain are all tools that can be used for good or ill. It is up to you to choose the right path and uphold the values of the Leaf Village."

I struggled to hold back a laugh. While I appreciated his words, I couldn’t help but wonder if this meant the Third Hokage would die soon. It took a great deal of my strength not to refer to him as “Uncle Ben” with my next words. I gave him a smile and nodded, “As you say, Sensei.”

I took his words to heart, knowing that he spoke from a lifetime of experience. This world was fraught with danger and conflict, but I was determined to use my newfound abilities to create a better future for the people of Konoha.

That night, as I lay in bed, my thoughts drifted to the day's training and the challenges that awaited me. The road ahead would be long and arduous, but with each passing day, I was growing stronger and more capable. And as I drifted off to sleep, I vowed that I would use my strength to protect my friends, my village, and the values I held dear. I would become a Hokage that could prevent tragedies like the one that had befallen my clan and ensure that no one would have to suffer as I had.

With great power comes great responsibility indeed.

-End Chapter