For some reason, I can see the complaints about Sasuke being out of character coming and so I want to address it before the complaints do come.
You know how in the fandom, they sometimes make Sasuke out to be a real jerk? Like this big-headed guy who gets a kick out of teasing his teammates just to show off or because he thinks he's better? And they love painting him as this insanely envious dude who's like, "Teach me that move, loser."
But I feel Sasuke is far from the way he is portrayed. At least, before the Curse mark and the Tsukiyomi happened.
There was a Reddit post about it the other day that really shone light on it. If you look at how he acted at the first half of part one, you'd think he is a saint.
- Naruto was always bugging Sasuke, always challenging him and throwing names at him just because Sasuke was getting the girls' attention—attention he totally didn't want. So Sasuke usually gave Naruto a hard time as a way to hit back at him. Imagine Sasuke trying to do his own thing, and here comes this class clown, the worst student who never took things seriously, screaming in his face every day. No one would reply kindly to someone shouting in their face just out of jealousy.
- Sasuke then gets placed on a team with with a girl who's all about getting him to notice her and that same goofball from before. I mean, picture yourself in a group project with those two—no fun. But now Sasuke is stuck with them for months if not for years.
- When Naruto attacks him while he is eating and minding his own buisness, Sasuke managed to break free without getting angry at Naruto, and he didn't bring it up again. I don't think anyone would be as forgiving as he was in that case. The guy just wanted to eat in peace.
- Sasuke then is the first one to give Naruto food in the bell test, risking angering Kakashi.
- Sasuke goes to the extent of sacrificing himself and even though Naruto cries when he learns that Sasuke is alive, he still treats him the same way after the arc and still gets jealous whenever anyone mentions Sasuke and is jealous instead of you know, being kind to the guy that literally threw his life goal and ambition to save him?
- Sasuke continue to prioritize protecting his teammates, in the chunin exams and in the battle against Gaara, he comes to respect Naruto and says that he wants to fight him the most.
It's not until he gets mindraped by Itachi, combined with the curse mark and the sound four kicking his butt, that he goes bad, but he was a pretty nice individual before.
So no, I don't think he is out of character in this story.
Rant's over. Sorry for that!
Of Hostility and Prejudice :
As the team journeyed back to Konoha, the air was initially tense due to the presence of former enemies turned temporary allies. However, later on, an unexpected camaraderie began to form between Kakashi and Zabuza. They found common ground in their experiences as seasoned shinobi, and soon, the tension dissipated as they engaged in friendly conversations, swapping stories of their past battles and adventures. It was almost as if their recent deadly confrontation had never occurred.
Haku's presence with the team also brought unexpected changes. At first, Sasuke was guarded and cautious around her, particularly when she interacted with Amaya. However, a heartfelt apology and a serious conversation with Amaya allowed him to let his guard down. Slowly but surely, he began to tolerate Haku.
As they parted ways, Haku hugged Amaya tightly, their bond now evident. "Grow strong, Amaya," she said with a warm smile. "And I will do the same. If fate brings us to the battlefield again, it will be as allies then you can show me how far you've come!"
Amaya grinned back at her newfound friend, feeling the warmth of camaraderie between them. She glanced at her teammates, a sense of unity filling her heart. "You better keep up, Haku, or we'll leave you in the dust!" she playfully teased, which earned a laugh from Haku.
With determination in her voice, Haku declared, "Don't worry, I won't fall behind. I still have someone precious to protect."
As Zabuza bid farewell to Amaya, he acknowledged the growth he had witnessed in her. "I learned a lot from you, kid," he admitted, hinting at the subtle changes that had touched his heart during their journey. "We will meet again."
With that, the rogue ninja duo turned and walked away, disappearing into the distance. The team stood together, watching them go. Then, Kakashi broke the silence with his casual remark, downplaying their recent encounter with rogue ninjas.
"Meh, just another day in the life of a shinobi," he said with a nonchalant tone. His face scrunched up in thought, "But I could've sworn there is something I am forgetting, something about killing or capturing missing nin on sight." He then shrugged and started walking once more.
His statement brought knowing smiles to the faces of his genin, understanding that their sensei had chosen compassion and a different path from what the rules dictated. They knew that they had acted out of their own sense of justice and empathy, proving that sometimes, the bonds forged between people were more powerful than any rules set in stone.
Upon their return to Konoha, the Hokage greeted Team 7 with a mix of exasperation, pride, and a hint of reprimand. While impressed by their remarkable performance in an A-ranked mission and facing formidable opponents, he couldn't overlook their recklessness. However, he also recognized that having Kakashi as their sensei provided a sense of control and stability, and the mission had forged unbreakable ties with the Wave Country, offering valuable trade opportunities and economic prosperity due to Wave's strategic position.
Word spread quickly within the village about Team 7's achievements in Wave. To Amaya's disappointment, most villagers attributed their success solely to her teammates and their experienced sensei. Some even claimed that she was merely riding on their coattails. Despite her hopes that this mission might earn her some recognition, it seemed that the villagers' hatred ran deep.
"You should stop seeking their acknowledgement," Sasuke advised as they strolled through the village days later, making their way to the training ground to meet Kakashi. "The villagers are too ignorant. Your focus should be on getting stronger."
Amaya remained silent, torn between her desire for acknowledgement and the harsh reality of the villagers' prejudices. How could she not seek their acknowledgement, when it was the very thing she yearned for all this time? She wanted nothing more than to prove that she was not a demon, but a skilled and dedicated ninja, deserving of respect and recognition.
Shikamaru, walking alongside her, decided to interject with his wise insight. "I know it's troublesome," he said, "but you should find solace in knowing that you changed people's lives for the better. The Konoha populace doesn't need to acknowledge it for your actions to be significant. The people of Wave are grateful, and their lives have improved thanks to your efforts."
Amaya contemplated Shikamaru's words, finding some comfort in the impact she had made beyond the borders of Konoha. She realized that her actions had made a difference in the lives of those she had helped, even if the villagers at home failed to acknowledge it.
Conversing along the way to training, they were unexpectedly interrupted by a couple of chunin who decided to taunt Amaya. The cruel words stung, and she fought the frustration bubbling inside her, trying not to let it show.
"Demon brat, acting all happy that you did an A-ranked mission," one of the chunin sneered. "I can't see how the Hokage allows you to be a ninja and leech off this team's success."
Amaya's fists clenched tightly, but she forced herself to keep her composure, her eyes downcast to hide her emotions. The relentless taunts and prejudices she faced daily were wearing her down.
Sasuke's eyes flashed a deep crimson, the Sharingan spinning menacingly as he glared at the chunin. His voice turned cold and razor-sharp, warning them to back off. "I suggest you walk away," he said sternly, "or you will regret it. You have my word."
The chunin hesitated for a moment, mesmerized and slightly intimidated by the fiery gaze of the Sharingan. The warning glare on the nara's heir face seemed to add to the effect. Realizing the seriousness in both genins -now decisively notorious after successfully completing an A-ranked mission, their threats had more weight than anyone that isn't a jonin, and so the chunin promptly retreated, leaving Amaya and her teammates in peace.
Amaya tried not to meet her teammates' eyes. "You didn't need to do that... I had it under control," she murmured. "But... thank you." She added.
Sasuke gave a slight nod, not saying much, but his gesture spoke volumes. He understood the impact of the villagers' prejudice on Amaya and couldn't stand to see her hurt. In his own way, he was silently showing his support and willingness to defend her from any harm.
At the training ground, the sun shone brightly overhead as Team 7 patiently waited for Kakashi. Time seemed to stretch, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. They had been eager to begin their training and learn more about their unique abilities. However, minutes turned into what felt like hours, and Kakashi was nowhere to be seen.
Of Life-work balance and Hobby seeking:
Finally, the silver-haired jonin appeared, strolling leisurely towards them. "Sorry for the delay," he said nonchalantly, "I got caught up in some Hokage business."
Sasuke couldn't help but roll his eyes, while Amaya simply sighed. They were ready to begin their training.
"All right, team," Kakashi began, "I will be working with Sasuke to help him unlock the full potential of his Sharingan. And Amaya, I'll help you learn more about those fascinating chains you manifested during the battle with Haku."
Both genin perked up, excitement bubbling inside them. But before they could start, Kakashi raised his hand to stop them. "Hold on, not so fast," he said with a smirk. "We have a different mission for today."
"Mission?" Amaya questioned, her curiosity piqued.
"That's right," Kakashi continued, "From what I already gathered previously, what you told me and what Shikamaru also informed me is that neither of you have any hobbies aside from training. As a shinobi, it's important to have a balance in your life, and that includes having hobbies and activities you enjoy outside of missions and training."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "And what does that have to do with our training?"
"Everything," Kakashi replied. "Your mission is to find a hobby. I won't train either of you until you've discovered something you genuinely enjoy doing."
Amaya and Sasuke exchanged glances, slightly miffed at the unexpected twist. They had been ready to dive into training, not embark on a search for hobbies.
"But, sensei," Amaya protested, "We're here to become stronger ninjas, not to find hobbies!"
Kakashi eye-smiled, "Trust me, this is an essential part of becoming stronger. Hobbies can help you relax, unwind, and recharge. Plus, it'll give you something to enjoy outside of the intensity of training and missions."
Sasuke crossed his arms, looking unconvinced. "What hobbies do you have, Kakashi-sensei?"
The jounin's visible eye crinkled into a smile, "I enjoy reading and baking."
"Baking?" Amaya repeated, surprised.
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed, "It's a relaxing activity for me, and I find joy in creating something with my own hands."
The two genin exchanged puzzled glances. They hadn't expected Kakashi to have such mundane hobbies.
"But enough about me," Kakashi said, returning to the task at hand. "Go out and explore. Try different things and find something that speaks to you. That's your mission." He added, "And no, Amaya, reading chakra theory doesn't count." He told her when she was about to protest again.
Sasuke and Amaya were less than thrilled when Kakashi presented them with the mission to find hobbies. They both thought it was a waste of time and believed they should be training instead. However, they couldn't refuse their sensei's orders, so they set out on their mission with grumbles and eye rolls.
As they walked through the village, trying to think of activities to attempt, they stumbled upon an advertisement for a pottery class.
"Hey, look at this," Amaya said, pointing to a colorful poster on the wall. "Pottery class. It could be a total disaster, but at least it's something."
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Fine, but don't blame me if it turns out to be a waste of time."
They reluctantly made their way to the pottery class, both unsure of what to expect. As they entered the studio, they were greeted by an enthusiastic instructor who handed them aprons and showed them to their seats. The room was filled with spinning pottery wheels, shelves of clay, and pottery pieces in various stages of completion.
Amaya couldn't help but chuckle at Sasuke's bewildered expression. "Ready to make some masterpieces?" she teased.
He scowled back at her. "This is ridiculous."
The instructor began demonstrating how to shape the clay on the spinning wheel. "Just relax and let the clay guide your hands," she said, her smile a bit strained as she looked at Amaya, but to her credit she was professional and wasn't being rude, which Amaya appreciated.
Sasuke and Amaya reluctantly started working on their pottery, trying their best to follow the instructor's guidance. The results were far from perfect - Amaya's clay lump resembled something more like a misshapen bowl, and Sasuke's looked like a lopsided vase.
They exchanged amused glances, and for a brief moment, they forgot about the pressure of being shinobi. a grin made its way into Amaya's face, and Sasuke's lips twitched into a smile.
"Okay, this is actually kind of fun," Amaya admitted, surprising herself with the genuine enjoyment she felt.
Sasuke nodded, a rare sign of agreement. "I guess it's not so bad."
As the class continued, they let go of their initial reluctance and embraced the joy of making a mess with clay. Their competitive spirits kicked in as they playfully challenged each other to see who could create the silliest pottery.
Amaya sculpted a clay figure that bore a striking resemblance to Kakashi, making Sasuke actually laugh.
"You win this round," Sasuke admitted defeat.
They continued shaping and molding their clay, completely engrossed in the activity. As the class came to an end, the instructor admired their creations with a smile. "You two have a real knack for pottery. I hope you'll consider coming back for another class."
Sasuke and Amaya exchanged glances, both surprised by how much fun they had together. We won't, was their silent agreement. They didn't voice that however. It was fun overall, but not what they were looking for.
As Amaya and Sasuke walked through the busy streets of Konoha, they suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out to them. Turning around, they saw Choji approaching with a friendly smile.
"Hey, Amaya, Sasuke! Long time no see!" Choji exclaimed, his cheerful demeanor infectious as always.
"Hey, Choji! How have you been?" Amaya asked. Although they hadn't talked much before, Choji wasn't ever rude to her, even as some of his friend group took pleasure in bullying her, making her red hair even more of a sore spot and outcast position sting even more.
These painful memories stirred within her, but she made a concerted effort to conceal them, responding with a smile toward the friendly Akimichi as he engaged in conversation.
"I've been great! Training hard and enjoying lots of good food," Choji replied, patting his full stomach.
Sasuke smirked. "Of course, that's what you do best, isn't it?"
Choji chuckled. "You know it!"
They chatted for a while, catching up on each other's lives and sharing stories about their recent missions. Choji told them about his team consisting of Kiba, Sakura and him.
They talked about their missions and how mundane D-ranks were. Choji's eyes lit up when they mentioned their successful A-ranked mission in the Wave Country.
"Wow, that's amazing! You guys are really becoming strong ninja," Choji praised, giving them both a thumbs up.
Amaya blushed at the compliment, feeling a sense of pride swell inside her. "Thanks, Choji. It was tough, but we managed to make it together as a team."
"You always do," Choji said warmly. "You guys make a great team. Shikamaru never ceases to praise you. He likes it in team 7 and that makes me happy." He told them and the duo found their heats warming at that. Amaya was aware of the deep bond between Shikamaru and Choji, and the realization that Shikamaru spoke highly of them to his closest friend filled her with unexpected warmth.
As they continued their conversation, Choji mentioned that he had taken up cooking as a hobby recently. "It's really fun, and the best part is getting to eat all the delicious food I make!" he said with a grin.
Amaya and Sasuke exchanged curious glances. "Cooking, huh? We never really thought about it," Amaya admitted.
Choji nodded enthusiastically. "You should try it! It's a great way to relax and unwind after missions. Plus, it's rewarding to see the smiles on people's faces when they enjoy your cooking."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "It sounds troublesome."
Choji chuckled. "Looks like Shika has been rubbing off on you." He said, referencing their Nara's friend catchphrase. "Well, it can be sometimes, but it's worth it. And besides, once you get the hang of it, you can whip up some quick and easy dishes. I can teach you some of my favorite recipes if you're interested!"
Amaya and Sasuke looked at each other, considering Choji's suggestion. Surprisingly, they found themselves intrigued by the idea. Cooking could be a way to fulfill Kakashi's mission.
"Alright, Choji, we'll give it a try," Amaya said with a smile.
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Yeah, why not? Might as well try it out since we're doing this mission."
Choji beamed at their response. "Great! You won't regret it, I promise. Cooking is not just about making food; it's about creating something with your own hands and sharing it with others."
The sun was just beginning to set as Amaya and Sasuke made their way to the Uchiha clan compound. Amaya and Sasuke stood side by side in the kitchen, both looking a bit unsure of themselves. Cooking was a skill they had picked up through growing up alone, but it was never something they did for leisure.
"I can't believe we're doing this as a potential hobby," Sasuke muttered.
Amaya chuckled, trying to ease the tension. "Come on, it can't be that bad. We've been on missions, right? Cooking should be a piece of cake compared to that. Besides, it could be fun!"
Sasuke nodded, trying to put on a confident front. "Right, piece of cake," he repeated, even though the prospect of taking cooking as a hobby sounded ridiculous to him.
"Alright, let's see... Choji said we should start with a simple stir-fry," Amaya said, scanning the list. "We need vegetables, tofu, and some sauce."
Amaya glanced at the recipe book in front of them and then at the ingredients on the counter. "Okay, so we need to start by chopping the vegetables," she said, trying to sound confident.
Sasuke picked up a knife and started chopping the onions, surprisingly skillful in his movements. "I guess our ninja training comes in handy here," he remarked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Amaya nodded in agreement, her hands swiftly working to dice the bell peppers.
They discovered that they weren't as terrible at cooking as they had feared. In fact, they found themselves working surprisingly well together, effortlessly falling into a rhythm as they moved around the kitchen.
Amaya grinned as she watched Sasuke carefully follow the recipe, his brow furrowing in concentration. "You know, for someone who claims not to want any hobbies, you seem to be taking this pretty seriously," she teased.
Sasuke shot her a sideways glance, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Shut up, you're taking this equally as seriously, besides it's just cooking!" he muttered.
Amaya's lips curved up in amusement, enjoying the rare sight of Sasuke being flustered. "Well, whatever you say, Mr. Serious. But I have to admit, you're doing a great job."
"Hey, Sasuke, can you pass me the salt?" Amaya asked a bit later, holding out her hand without looking.
Sasuke handed her the salt shaker. "You know, this feels weirdly... nice," he admitted.
Amaya smiled, her eyes shining with satisfaction. "Yeah, who would've thought that we could actually enjoy cooking together?"
They tasted their creation, and to their surprise, it was delicious. The flavors melded together perfectly, and they exchanged proud glances.
"I guess we're not as terrible at this as we thought," Sasuke remarked, a genuine smile forming on his face.
"Definitely not. In fact, I'd say we make a pretty good team in the kitchen too!"
As they finished cooking, they set the table and sat down to enjoy their homemade meal. It was a simple dish, but it felt special to them because they had made it together.
"This is actually really nice," Amaya said, savoring the flavor of their creation.
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is. I still don't think cooking would be a hobby for me though."
"I don't know Sasuke, I might try it out again sometimes."
"Suit yourself, don't count on me to be there next time to make the meal better." Sasuke teased, ignoring Amaya's indignant protest.
The next day, Amaya and Sasuke found themselves in a sunny garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush had randomly stumbled upon Ino, their acquaintance from the academy and she had enthusiastically recommended gardening as their next hobby, and they decided to give it a try, hoping it would be as enjoyable as cooking had been.
To Amaya, Ino was never mean to her. In fact, there were times when Ino stood up for her. Amaya thought they could have been good friends, but they grew apart because of their different interests. Ino didn't understand why Amaya focused so much on getting stronger, and she believed they should enjoy life more. Meanwhile, Amaya was really dedicated to training and didn't care much about the things Ino and all the other girls liked to do – or at least, she told herself that.
As they got their hands dirty, planting seeds and tending to the plants, Ino showed up with a cheerful smile."Hey there, handsome! Ready to get your hands dirty?" Ino teased, shooting Sasuke a flirty look.
Sasuke ignored her, clearly not as pleased with her presence as Ino seemed to be with his. Amaya rolled her eyes playfully, a hint of unexpected jealousy creeping into her expression. "Oh, please, Ino. Can you stop flirting for a second and just help us with gardening?" she said, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Ino laughed, enjoying the sight of Amaya's blush. "Don't be so grumpy, Amaya. I was just teasing," she said with a mischievous wink.
Amaya huffed but couldn't help but smile. "Fine, fine. Just help us out," she replied.
Ino chuckled, clearly enjoying their reactions. "You know, I can't help but notice the two of you spending so much time together lately," she said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Sasuke and Amaya exchanged embarrassed glances, and Amaya tried to play it off. "Oh, it's just because we're teammates, you know," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Ino laughed, not buying it for a second. "Teammates, huh? Sure looks like something more to me," she teased.
Sasuke shifted uncomfortably. "We're just friends, you're reading too much into it, Ino." he muttered, trying to hide his discomfort.
Ino laughed, enjoying their reactions. "Oh, come on! There's no need to be thorny with each other. Gardening can be a romantic endeavor, you know," she said, playfully nudging Amaya.
Amaya huffed, trying to focus on the task at hand. "Let's just get started," she said, grabbing a shovel and digging a small hole for a plant.
Ino grinned, taking the opportunity to make a flower pun. "Looks like love is taking root here," she said with a wink, earning a groan from Sasuke.
As they started working, Ino offered them guidance and advice. She made gardening puns every chance she got, and while Sasuke tried to keep a straight face, Amaya found herself smiling at Ino's playful antics.
"Amaya, you're a natural at this! You and Sasuke are really blossoming together," Ino teased, causing Amaya to blush again.
Sasuke rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. "You're really pushing it with these puns, Ino," he said.
Ino shrugged, still grinning. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. But you have to admit, you two are pretty cute together," she teased, giving them a knowing look.
As they continued to work together in the garden, Ino's teasing subsided, and she focused on helping them learn the art of gardening. She showed them how to properly plant and care for the flowers, offering guidance and encouragement along the way.
Amaya and Sasuke found themselves getting lost in the rhythm of gardening, discovering a shared sense of calm and satisfaction as they nurtured the plants together. Ino's presence was a welcome addition, bringing a light-hearted and fun atmosphere to their gardening session.
As the day came to an end, Ino smiled at the progress they had made. "See? You guys are naturals at this. I told you gardening could be fun," she said, her tone now sincere.
Amaya and Sasuke exchanged glances, feeling grateful for Ino's help and her ability to bring out the best in them.
"Thanks, Ino. We actually enjoyed this," Amaya admitted.
As Amaya and Sasuke walked away from the garden, they couldn't help but engage in banter, each teasing the other about their mishaps in their latest activities.
"Come on, Sasuke. You have to admit, you were a bit too enthusiastic with that watering can," Amaya grinned, nudging him playfully.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, matching her playful tone. "Oh, please like you're one to talk, loser. I saw your attempt at planting those flowers. They looked like they were ready to revolt."
Amaya huffed in mock indignation. "Hey, they turned out fine, didn't they? At least I wasn't struggling with a rolling pin in the kitchen," she shot back, barely able to contain her laughter.
"At least I didn't break any pots," He shot, referencing their less-than-stellar experience with pottery.
Amaya shot him a mock glare. "Yeah, well, that pottery class was a disaster waiting to happen. Who knew making a simple bowl could be so complicated?"
Sasuke smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're just mad because your bowl looked more like a lopsided plate."
Amaya rolled her eyes but then grinned. "And you're one to talk. Your 'vase' was more like a squashed watermelon."
Their friendly banter was interrupted when they spotted Hinata walking with her sensei, Kurenai. Hinata seemed surprised to see them and greeted them with a shy smile.
"Hey, Hinata," Amaya said, waving. "Long time no see."
Back in the academy, Hinata had been a classmate of theirs, although they hadn't interacted much with her. She was a quiet and reserved girl, always leaving promptly as soon as the bell rang and arriving right on time when classes began. Even during lunch breaks, she would depart the academy in the company of a member from her clan.
Despite their limited encounters, Hinata had never shown any hostility towards Amaya.
Hinata's eyes brightened. "Amaya," She then turned to the Uchiha,"Sasuke! It's nice to see you again."
Kurenai, who had been observing the exchange, approached them with a warm smile. "Oh so you're Kakashi's kids, I heard about your successful A-ranked mission. Impressive work."
Sasuke nodded in acknowledgment, his usually stoic expression showing a hint of pride.
Amaya smiled, feeling a surge of accomplishment. "Yeah, we really did a fantastic job!"
Sasuke inclined his head slightly. "We did what needed to be done."
Amaya playfully nudged Sasuke's side with a smirk. "Oh, come on, now you're being modest? I remember how you couldn't stop showing off your Sharingan when it finally kicked in that you've unlocked it"
Sasuke let out an exaggerated sigh and rolled his eyes. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Amaya."
Hinata and Kurenai exchanged amused glances at their playful banter. "It sounds like you two have been busy," Hinata commented with a soft chuckle.
Amaya grinned mischievously. "Oh, you have no idea. We've become quite the experts at gardening and pottery."
Sasuke shot her a teasing smirk. "And don't forget our gourmet cooking skills."
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise. "You tried cooking?"
Amaya nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, we did. And let's just say, the kitchen may never be the same again."
Kurenai chuckled at their banter. "It's important to have hobbies outside of training. It can be quite refreshing."
As the conversation flowed, Amaya couldn't help but notice a wistful look in Hinata's eyes. "Hey, Hinata, do you have a hobby?" she asked.
Hinata's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she cast her gaze downwards. "Well, I enjoy stargazing," she admitted shyly.
Amaya's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "Stargazing, huh? That sounds really nice."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "It does sound peaceful." He paused for a moment, as if recalling something. "Sort of like Shikamaru's cloud watching that we never got around to trying," he added, glancing at Amaya, hinting at the missed opportunity to engage in that activity with their Nara friend.
Amaya felt a twinge of regret. "You're right, we should've given it a shot as our first hobby idea."
Kurenai smiled. "Regardless, Stargazing is a wonderful hobby. It allows you to connect with the beauty of the universe."
Amaya's smile returned. "Well, Sasuke, looks like we've got another hobby to explore."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Sure, why not? We've tried everything else after all."
Of Vulnerabilities and Open Wounds:
As the day neared its rear end, and Sasuke and Amaya left after being invited by Hinata to a good star-gazing spot she had found, they found themselves seated at Ichiraku Ramen, a popular spot in Konoha. Amaya grinned as she looked at the menu, her eyes filled with excitement. "You have to try the ramen here, Sasuke. It's amazing!" she said enthusiastically.
Sasuke, however, looked skeptical. "Ramen? Now? Are you serious?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.
Amaya nodded vigorously. "Yes! It's a must-try in Konoha. Trust me, you won't regret it," she assured him.
Sasuke hesitated for a moment but finally relented, agreeing to give it a try. When the bowls of steaming ramen arrived, Amaya watched Sasuke closely as he took his first bite. His eyes widened in surprise, and a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"It's... not bad," he admitted, somewhat grudgingly. "In fact, it's pretty good."
Amaya laughed, delighted that he seemed to be enjoying it. "See, I told you! It's a popular choice for a reason," she said.
As they enjoyed their meal, Amaya couldn't help but share their recent experiences with Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen. She animatedly told him about all the different activities they tried, from pottery to gardening and stargazing. Teuchi listened with a warm smile, happy for her and glad to see her spending time with her teammates.
After a while, their conversation took a more serious turn. Sasuke asked Amaya about how she managed to keep her anger contained during their encounter with Haku. He was intrigued by her ability to spare her enemy, especially considering how strong her desire for revenge was.
Amaya hesitated for a moment, before opening up. "I won't lie, Sasuke. I hated Haku at that moment. I wanted nothing more than to end her," she admitted. "But then I saw that she was just a misguided soul, driven by a twisted loyalty to Zabuza. There was purity in her heart, a glimmer of hope for change."
Amaya continued, "I realized that death is a part of our lives as ninjas. Revenge would have only left me hollow in the end. Killing Haku wouldn't have brought back the people she had already taken, and it wouldn't have changed what she did to you. Instead, I chose to spare her because of my gut feeling, my belief that she could change for the better."
Sasuke listened intently, processing her words. "So, you spared her because of your gut feeling?" he asked.
Amaya nodded. "Yes, even though my anger and desire for revenge were overwhelming, I chose to listen to that gut feeling. And in the end, sparing her felt like the right thing to do," she explained.
Sasuke nodded, understanding her point of view, even if it stung a bit that she wouldn't have taken revenge for him. It was a decision that required great strength and conviction, and he respected her for it. A decision he probably would never be able to make.
When he started speaking next his voice trembled with the weight of his emotions, and his eyes betrayed the pain he carried within, surprising Amaya. "Itachi... he was my big brother, and we were close," he began, his words coming out reluctantly. "He was incredibly skilled and talented, a prodigy in our clan. I admired him, looked up to him, and wanted to be just like him."
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions before continuing. "But then... he snapped. He killed our entire clan, leaving only me alive. He spared me for some twisted reason, and ever since that day, revenge has consumed me. It's the only thing I can think about. It's my sole purpose."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he looked away, trying to hide the pain in his gaze. "I just don't understand how you managed to resist that urge," he said, his voice tinged with confusion and frustration. "In fact, how do you take all the insults, the glares, the hatred from the villagers, all that mistreatment and abuse for years and yet not feel the need for revenge?"
As Sasuke spoke of his burning desire for revenge, Amaya could sense the intensity of his emotions. It was clear that this goal consumed him, becoming the driving force in his life. She could see the pain and conflict in his eyes as he questioned how she managed to resist the same urge.
Amaya took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking gently, "Sasuke, what Itachi did was unforgivable, and I can't even begin to imagine the pain and anger you must feel. Revenge is a natural reaction to such a tragedy, and I don't blame you for wanting it."
"But..." she continued, "It's not like I never thought about revenge, about treating the villagers the way they treated me. I wanted nothing but to lash out at them. But the hokage told me stories, he listened to my feelings. He taught me that revenge is a path that leads to darkness and despair." She says, "Sometimes, when doubt creeps into my mind, I tell myself that he only says that to secure my loyalty, to protect the village." She paused, a touch of pain on her face. "But I truly believe revenge can consume you, and in the end, it won't bring back anything, it won't fill the void of our childhoods." She held his gaze intently. "Itachi's actions were his own, and the Uchiha clan's history is filled with pain and suffering. But continuing revenge won't bring peace or closure to anyone."
Amaya took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Besides, my mother is my biggest inspiration, she was a kind woman. I wanted to honor her memory without losing myself in the process. It wasn't easy, and it still isn't. But I believe she would want her daughter to be forgiving, to bring hope and positive change instead of more pain."
Sasuke listened intently, his eyes searching hers for understanding. Amaya always kept surprising him, she really was wiser than her years. Deep inside, he knew his own mother would want him to be a force of good, to not succumb to the overwhelming feelings of revenge and what sort of twisted ideas it might push him to do, yet…
"I don't know if I can ever forgive Itachi," he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "But I do know that my pursuit of revenge has isolated me, pushed me away from seeking any connections." until now…
Amaya reached out and placed a hand on his, offering a supportive squeeze. "It's okay to feel anger and pain, Sasuke. You don't have to forgive Itachi right now, or ever. But maybe... maybe there's a way to find closure and move forward without losing yourself to vengeance."
She paused for a moment before continuing, "You're not alone, Sasuke. You have your friends, your teammates. We care about you, and we want to help you through this."
Sasuke looked at her, his eyes softening with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. He didn't have all the answers. But in that moment, he felt a glimmer of hope, knowing that he had someone who understood and cared.
Amaya then took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and relief as she decided to share her deepest secret with Sasuke. It seemed only fitting after her Uchiha teammate had opened his heart like an open book.
"Sasuke, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice slightly shaky. "The reason why the village hates me, why I've been labeled as a demon, is because... the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine-Tails, the Kyubi, inside me when I was just a baby."
Her heart raced as she confessed this deeply-held truth, her voice trembling with the weight of vulnerability. She wasn't sure how Sasuke would react, fearing that unveiling this hidden part of herself might transform their relationship. She had feared that if her teammates knew the truth, they would see her as a threat, just like the villagers did.
But she had come to realize that hiding this part of herself was isolating her from the people she cared about.
"I've guarded this secret out of fear of how you and others might view me," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Kyubi was a force too immense to defeat outright. So, the Fourth Hokage resorted to the next best option: sealing it within an Uzumaki orphan, someone who couldn't object or resist, transferring the burden to them instead." Clenching her fists, she felt a resurgence of anger, taking a brief pause to regain her composure.
"I didn't want to burden you with this, but I trust you, Sasuke. You've shown me your vulnerabilities, and I want to do the same." Amaya paused, her eyes searching Sasuke's face for any sign of judgment or rejection. But all she found was understanding and empathy.
"Sasuke, I know we come from different backgrounds and have our own struggles, but we're not so different after all," she said, her voice gaining strength. "We both carry pain and burdens, and we both want to become stronger."
"I don't see you as a monster," Sasuke said quietly, his hand gently reaching out to take hers. "You barely win our sparring matches. Not exactly monster material." His tone carried a teasing note, and Amaya found herself unable to contain her laughter.
"Way to ruin the moment, jerk, you just had to go and say that," she retorted, her tone light. "How about you stop being a bastard for once and say something nice? You know, like 'Having the Kyubi inside you doesn't define who you are, Amaya,' or 'We all have our demons to face, Amaya. We'll help each other face them.' But no, you just had to be a bastard about it!"
"Fine, you asked for it: 'Amaya, you shine brighter than any demon,'" he teased, his lips curving into a faint smirk as he countered her banter.
"Really? Since when did you have a sense of humor, Sasuke?" She arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
As they finished their meal at Ichiraku ramen, Amaya felt a newfound sense of closeness with Sasuke. They had shared their vulnerabilities and fears, and in doing so, they had grown closer as teammates and friends. The path ahead might still be uncertain and challenging, but with each other's support, she knew they could face whatever came their way.
