Chapter 15: The Night the Uchiha Left

"Itachi," his father greeted him, his tone authoritative, as always. "You're late. We have matters to discuss."

But Itachi didn't sit. He didn't bow in respect as he usually did. Instead, he looked directly at his father, his gaze sharp, unyielding. "Why, Father?" Itachi's voice was quiet, but the intensity in it made both his parents pause. "Why did you have to involve the children in your plan?"

Mikoto's eyes widened in confusion. "What are you talking about, Itachi?" she asked, stepping forward, her voice laced with worry. "What plan? What is going on?"

Itachi glanced at his mother, his heart aching for the pain he was about to cause her, but there was no turning back now. He had to confront his father—he had to stop this before it was too late. "Father's plan," Itachi began, turning back to Fugaku. "To kill Naruto. To use the Nine Tails as a weapon of war and seal it into another host once the damage is done."

Mikoto gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "What? No… that's impossible. We can't sacrifice Naruto. He's Kushina's son!"

Fugaku's expression remained cold and hard, though his eyes flickered with a brief hint of irritation. "It's already been decided," he growled, rising slowly from his seat. "It is what's best for the clan. The Uchiha will rise again, and Konoha will finally respect us."

Itachi clenched his fists, his voice trembling with both anger and desperation. "And at what cost, Father? The seal on the Nine Tails won't hold. You'll have to sacrifice someone every twenty years just to keep it contained. You're damning the village—and the clan!"

Fugaku glared at him, his presence commanding, but Itachi stood his ground. "It's none of your concern, Itachi," his father growled, stepping closer. "This is what must be done. You have no right to question me. You think you know better?"

Mikoto, now visibly shaking, stepped between her husband and son. "No, Fugaku," she whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. "We cannot sacrifice Naruto. He's just a boy! Kushina and Minato gave their lives for him."

Fugaku's glare shifted to Mikoto, his eyes darkening with frustration. "Enough," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "It's already been decided. There's no turning back."

But then, his gaze shifted to Itachi, a look of suspicion crossing his features. "I take it you've saved the boy, haven't you?" Fugaku asked coldly, his lips curling into a sneer. "You've betrayed your own clan."

Itachi's eyes hardened, and he nodded. "I've done what's right," he said firmly. "This plan of yours will lead to ruin. But there's another way."

Fugaku's eyes flashed with anger, and he stepped closer, his fists clenched. "Another way?" he mocked. "What foolishness are you spouting now, Itachi?"

"I've made a deal with the Third Hokage," Itachi said, his voice calm but filled with the weight of his decision. "Half of the Uchiha can be relocated to another area in the Land of Fire. A safe place where they can sort things out—away from Konoha. It's a chance to rebuild, to avoid bloodshed. Slowly, we can come back to the village… peacefully."

Fugaku's face twisted with fury, his eyes blazing. "You dare betray the clan for such a weak offer?! You would sacrifice our power, our pride, for what? Peace?" He spat the word like it was poison. "You're a fool, Itachi. A weak, naive fool."

Itachi's heart clenched, but he remained calm. "I understand what you think of me, Father. But this is the only way to save the clan. I won't let you destroy everything for the sake of revenge."

The room was thick with tension, both men standing inches apart, ready to strike. Fugaku's hand twitched, his Sharingan flickering with violent intent.

Mikoto, trembling, stepped between them, her hands raised. "Stop this!" she cried. "Please, don't do this! Not like this!"

But before she could say more, Fugaku backhanded her with a swift, cold strike, sending her to the floor, unconscious. Itachi's eyes widened in horror, his body tensing as he instinctively reached for her.

"Mother!" he gasped, dropping to one knee to check on her. She was breathing, but the sight of her lying there made his heart ache.

Fugaku, breathing heavily, looked down at his son, his face set in grim determination. "This is the path you've chosen, Itachi," he said darkly. "But I won't die at the hands of my own son… not in the way you think."

Itachi stood slowly, his fists clenched at his sides as his father raised his hand, signaling for him to stop. "I'll make this easy for you," Fugaku continued, his voice softening. "Your mother… she'll think I tried to kill you. That you had no choice but to defend yourself." He knelt, his eyes filled with a strange mixture of regret and resolve. "Promise me one thing, Itachi."

Itachi swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "What?"

Fugaku's voice lowered, his tone almost pleading. "Keep Naruto and Sasuke safe. Protect the clan… where I failed."

Itachi's breath caught in his throat as he stared down at his father. The man who had raised him, the man who had taught him everything, was now asking for his death. He could see it in his father's eyes—there was no going back. This was the end.

"You are now the head of the Uchiha, Itachi," Fugaku said, his voice barely a whisper. "Guide them where I could not."

With a heavy heart, Itachi took a step forward, his hand trembling as he reached for his blade. His mother, still unconscious on the floor, remained silent, spared from witnessing the final moment between father and son.

Fugaku closed his eyes, his head bowed. "Do what must be done," he whispered.

Itachi's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, his heart aching as he prepared to strike. For the future of the village, for his brother, and for peace… he raised the blade.

The night was silent, save for the soft sound of a blade cutting through the air.

The Uchiha clan was never the same again.

Sasuke's eyes flickered open, his vision blurry as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. The gentle swaying motion beneath him and the rhythmic clopping of horses' hooves echoed softly in his ears. The last thing he remembered was standing with Naruto in the dining room, but now… this was different. His head was resting on something warm—his mother's lap.

"Sasuke," came the soft, trembling voice of Mikoto. As soon as she noticed he was awake, she wrapped her arms tightly around him, pulling him close. "Oh, thank goodness you're awake."

Sasuke blinked, the confusion settling in like a heavy fog. He tried to sit up, but his head was spinning. "Mother… what happened?" he asked, his voice weak, his throat dry.

Mikoto stroked his hair, her hands shaking slightly as she held him. "You've been unconscious for a while. We're… we're on our way to a new place."

Her voice cracked as she spoke, and Sasuke could hear the strain in her words. Then, suddenly, the memories came rushing back. His father… dying. The argument. The chaos. Sasuke sat up quickly, his eyes wide as panic set in. "Where's Father?" he demanded, his heart racing. "What happened to him?"

Before his mother could answer, Itachi's voice cut through the tense air. "Sasuke."

Sasuke turned his head and saw Itachi sitting at the front of the wagon, his face calm, but there was something in his brother's eyes that told Sasuke everything wasn't okay.

"Itachi… where's Father?" Sasuke's voice trembled, demanding the truth.

Itachi sighed deeply, his gaze turning away for a moment before he spoke. "Father is gone, Sasuke," he said quietly. "There's something you need to understand."

Sasuke's chest tightened as he shook his head in disbelief. "Gone? What do you mean gone? What happened?" His voice grew louder, his emotions spiraling out of control. "Tell me, Itachi!"

Itachi turned back to face his younger brother, his expression unreadable but his tone calm and deliberate. "Father had a plan," he explained. "He intended to use Naruto—to use the Nine-Tails—to start a war. He wanted to seal the beast into another host, but the seal wouldn't hold. It would have required sacrifices every few decades to maintain control."

Sasuke's eyes widened in horror. "What? That doesn't make sense! Why would he—?" His voice cracked as he tried to process the terrible reality of what his father had been planning.

"It was what he believed was best for the Uchiha clan," Itachi continued, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "But I couldn't allow it to happen. I made a deal with the Third Hokage to relocate our clan to a different part of the Land of Fire, where we can live in peace for a while."

"But… Naruto?" Sasuke's voice dropped to a whisper, his heart sinking. "What about him? Why couldn't we…?"

Itachi's gaze softened, but he shook his head. "I couldn't take Naruto with us, Sasuke. The village still needs him." He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "This isn't forever. The Uchiha will return to Konoha in time. But for now, this is how it has to be."

Sasuke's heart ached, his chest tightening as tears welled in his eyes. "Why?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Why does it have to be this way? Why can't we go back?"

Itachi leaned forward, resting a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Because right now, the clan's survival depends on it. You are the new hope of the Uchiha. I will guide you, but you are our future. One day, you will understand why this had to be done."

Sasuke wiped his eyes, sniffling as he tried to hold back the tears. "I don't care about that," he muttered, his voice cracking with frustration. "I just want to see Naruto. Can't I at least visit him?"

Itachi's expression hardened, and he shook his head firmly. "No. It's not time yet."

"But why?" Sasuke pleaded, his fists clenching in his lap. "I don't care about anything else. I just want to see my brother!"

"It's not safe for you to return to Konoha yet," Itachi said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You have a duty to the clan, Sasuke. You must stay focused."

Sasuke's heart sank, frustration boiling inside him, but he knew better than to argue with Itachi. He slumped back down, his head resting in his mother's lap again. Mikoto's hand gently stroked his hair, her own sorrow evident in the way she held her youngest son close.

"We're almost there," Itachi said quietly, turning his gaze back to the road. "We've found a place where we can rebuild. A small compound near a village where we can trade. It will be quiet… safe."

Sasuke said nothing, his mind racing as the wagon continued to move along the road. He wanted to scream, to fight, to demand answers, but the exhaustion and grief weighing him down were too much to bear.

By the time they arrived at the new compound, the sun was beginning to set. The remaining Uchiha members were already there, unloading supplies and setting up their new homes. It was quiet, almost eerily so. The air was heavy with the loss of their former lives in Konoha, but there was a sense of duty and determination among the survivors.

Itachi helped Sasuke out of the wagon, and together, they walked toward the main house, where they would be living. The compound was smaller than what they were used to, but it was functional. Itachi gestured for Sasuke to help unload the supplies, and without a word, Sasuke followed his brother's lead.

The days that followed blurred into a routine that quickly became monotonous. Training, studying, eating, and occasionally helping the other Uchiha members settle in. Sasuke found the days dragging on, the repetition dulling his mind, but he pushed through it, knowing he had to become stronger. It was what his father would have wanted.

But every night, before he went to bed, Sasuke would sit by the window, staring at the stars, wondering what Naruto was doing. He asked Itachi every chance he got, pleading with him to let him visit Konoha—just for a little while, just to see his brother.

"Itachi," Sasuke began one evening, his voice quiet but insistent. "Can I please visit Naruto? Just for a day?"

Itachi, sitting at the table, glanced up from the scroll he was reading. His expression was unreadable, as always, but Sasuke could see the tension in his eyes. "No, Sasuke. Not yet."

"Why not?" Sasuke's voice was filled with frustration, his hands clenching into fists. "I don't care about anything else. I just want to see him!"

"You can't go back yet," Itachi said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "It's too dangerous. You need to focus on your training and your duty to the clan."

Sasuke's fists trembled with frustration, but he knew there was no point in arguing. He slumped back in his seat, staring at the floor. "I just want things to go back to the way they were," he muttered under his breath.

Itachi sighed, standing up and walking over to his brother. He placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, his voice softening. "I know you miss him, Sasuke. But you have to trust me. One day, you'll see Naruto again. But for now, you need to stay strong."

Sasuke looked up at his brother, his eyes filled with determination and sadness. "I will," he whispered. "But when that day comes, I'll be ready."

Itachi nodded, his eyes reflecting both pride and sorrow. "I know you will."

Years drifted by like the leaves on the wind. Sasuke had grown in both strength and knowledge under his brother's watchful eye. Itachi had trained him well, imparting techniques that would ensure the future of the Uchiha clan. Lightning Release, advanced jutsu, and the mastery of his Sharingan were now second nature to Sasuke. He had even dabbled in genjutsu, though it was never his strong suit. The once quiet compound had come alive with the rhythm of training, and Sasuke found himself not just as a student but also a teacher, training the younger and less experienced members of the Uchiha clan.

One evening, the air was still, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the compound. Sasuke was in the training yard, overseeing a sparring session between two young Uchiha members. His sharp eyes caught every movement, correcting their form with precise instructions.

"Your stance is too wide. Tighten it up or you'll lose balance," Sasuke called out, crossing his arms as he watched them closely.

The two nodded, adjusting as they resumed their sparring. Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on them until he sensed a familiar presence behind him. He turned, already knowing who it was.

Itachi stood there, his expression calm and unreadable as always. In his hands, he held a scroll, the seal of the Leaf Village prominently displayed on the front. Sasuke raised an eyebrow, curious but not speaking right away.

Itachi stepped forward, holding the scroll out to his younger brother. "Sasuke," he said in that quiet, steady tone he always used. "I have good news."

Sasuke's interest piqued, and he took the scroll from Itachi's hands, unsealing it carefully. "What is it?" he asked, glancing up at his brother before looking back down at the scroll.

"The Third Hokage has requested that we begin sending some of the Uchiha back to Konoha," Itachi explained, watching his brother's reaction closely. "He has specifically requested you."

Sasuke's eyes widened as he scanned the scroll's contents, disbelief flashing across his face. "Me? I've been chosen?"

Itachi nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes. You're the first. The Third Hokage believes it's time for the Uchiha to reintegrate into the village… starting with you."

Sasuke's hands trembled slightly as he held the scroll, emotions swirling inside him. The thought of returning to Konoha, of finally seeing Naruto again after all these years, made his heart race. Without warning, Sasuke rushed forward and hugged his brother tightly, something he hadn't done in years.

"Thank you, Itachi," Sasuke whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for everything."

Itachi's eyes softened as he returned the hug, his hand resting on Sasuke's back. "You've earned this, Sasuke," he said quietly. "I'm proud of you."

Sasuke pulled back slightly, his eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "I'll finally get to see Naruto again," he said, a smile breaking across his face. "It's been so long."

Itachi nodded, his gaze fond. "Yes. And you've worked hard to get to this point. The clan is proud of you, Sasuke."

Word quickly spread through the compound, and before long, the Uchiha clan members gathered around to celebrate Sasuke's departure. It was a rare moment of joy, with laughter and chants filling the air. Sasuke stood at the center of it all, receiving well-wishes from his cousins, brothers, and those he had trained over the years.

"You'll do great, Sasuke!" one of the younger Uchiha called out, his voice filled with admiration.

"Bring honor to the clan!" another cheered, raising a cup in celebration.

Sasuke smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging. For so long, this compound had been his world, but now, he was finally going back to the village where it had all begun.

Later that evening, as the celebrations quieted down, Sasuke sat with his mother and Itachi, the three of them enjoying a rare moment of peace together.

Mikoto, her eyes filled with pride and affection, reached out and touched Sasuke's hand. "I'm so proud of you," she said softly. "You've grown into a fine young man. Your father would have been proud too."

Sasuke smiled, a hint of sadness in his expression at the mention of his father. "I'll make sure to keep the clan's honor intact, Mother," he promised.

Mikoto nodded, her eyes glistening. "I know you will. Just… make sure to take care of yourself, Sasuke. The village is different now, but I'm sure you'll fit right in."

Sasuke chuckled softly. "I will, Mother. And I'll write to you every day. I'll keep you updated on how Naruto's doing too." He smirked, leaning back in his seat. "I hope he hasn't fallen behind. Knowing him, he's probably wasted all his time reading those naughty books."

Itachi and Mikoto both chuckled at that, the tension easing as they shared the lighthearted moment. "Knowing Naruto, he's either slacking off or causing trouble," Itachi said with a smile. "But I'm sure he's grown stronger too. You'll see soon enough."

Sasuke nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of the reunion. He couldn't wait to see Naruto again, to test his own skills against his brother and rival. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

As the night drew to a close, Mikoto hugged her son tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Be safe, Sasuke," she murmured. "And remember, no matter where you go, this will always be your home."

Sasuke hugged her back, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I'll remember, Mother."

Finally, it was time for him to go. The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke over the compound, Sasuke stood at the gates, his belongings packed and his heart full of excitement. The Uchiha clan gathered one last time to see him off, their faces filled with pride as they waved goodbye.

Itachi stood by his side, his hand resting on Sasuke's shoulder. "This is your journey now, Sasuke," he said quietly. "Make the most of it."

Sasuke looked up at his brother, nodding with determination. "I will," he said, his voice resolute. "And I'll make you proud."

With that, Sasuke turned and began his journey back to Konoha, his heart racing with the promise of what awaited him—the reunion with Naruto, the chance to prove his strength, and the hope of rebuilding the future of the Uchiha clan.

Sasuke stepped through the gates of Konoha, a place that should have felt familiar, but instead, it filled him with a strange sense of unease. Everything looked the same—the bustling streets, the familiar shops, the faces of villagers going about their day—but somehow, it all felt different. It had been so many years since he'd last set foot in the village, and now, standing there, he couldn't help but feel like an outsider. He shook the feeling off, refocusing his thoughts on the one thing that mattered most: seeing Naruto again.

He pulled out the notes Itachi had given him, glancing at the instructions. According to his brother, he'd be living in a small apartment nearby. Sasuke headed there, unpacked his few belongings, and settled into his new space. The apartment was simple—barely furnished with only the basics—but it would do for now.

Once he was unpacked, Sasuke decided to explore the village. Konoha had changed very little from what he could see, though the memories of his childhood came rushing back with every step. He walked past the academy, the training grounds, and even the old ramen stand where he and Naruto used to hang out. The nostalgia gnawed at him, but there was also an unfamiliar weight in the air, a tension he couldn't quite place.

Tomorrow, he'd officially attend the academy again. That thought brought a smile to his face. But for now, he wanted to see Naruto. Sasuke pulled out another piece of paper—this one containing Naruto's address. He hadn't seen his brother in years, and the thought of finally reuniting with him made Sasuke's heart race.

He made his way to Naruto's apartment, knocking firmly on the door. At first, there was no answer. Frowning, Sasuke knocked again, louder this time. Still nothing. Annoyance bubbled up inside him, and he knocked repeatedly, but the silence on the other side persisted.

"Where the hell is he?" Sasuke muttered under his breath, sighing in frustration. After a few more minutes of no response, he figured Naruto was probably at the academy, training with a special instructor. "Typical Naruto," Sasuke thought, shaking his head.

With nothing left to do, Sasuke decided to head back to his apartment and rest, preparing himself for his first day back at the academy. He was determined to see Naruto, but that would have to wait until tomorrow.

The next morning, Sasuke arrived at the academy early, his heart pounding with anticipation. He found a seat near the front, sitting quietly as he waited for the others to arrive. He was excited—not just to see Naruto, but to reconnect with his old classmates, to return to the life he had left behind.

But as the students began to trickle into the classroom, something felt… off. Everyone who walked in took one look at Sasuke and immediately sat as far away from him as possible. Some whispered to each other, throwing him suspicious glances. Sasuke frowned, confused by their reactions. It wasn't the warm welcome he had expected.

"What the hell's going on?" he muttered to himself.

The room slowly filled up with students, but none of them approached him. Sasuke could hear the murmurs, the snide comments about him being "a waste of space,Why won't Naruto just die."He wanted to know why they were saying that about Naruto even though he wasn't even here.

Before he could dwell on it any longer, the door burst open, and a familiar voice rang out.

"Sasuke!" a pink-haired girl screamed, storming into the room.

Sasuke blinked in surprise, recognizing Sakura immediately. But before he could greet her, Sakura rushed at him with her fist pulled back, fury blazing in her eyes.

"You jerk!" she shouted, slamming her fist into his face with surprising force.

The impact sent Sasuke flying off his chair, crashing into the wall behind him. He groaned, rubbing his head as he sat up, bewildered.

"What the hell was that for?" he asked, wincing as he stood.

Sakura glared at him, her hands balled into fists. "How dare you transform into Sasuke just to mess with us, Naruto! You've gone too far this time!" she screamed, pointing accusingly at him.

Sasuke's eyes widened. "Wait—what?" He took a step back, his mind racing. "You think I'm Naruto?"

Sakura wasn't listening. She lunged forward, her fist aiming for his face again, but Sasuke was ready this time. He dodged her attack, quickly parrying her movements and tripping her, sending her sprawling onto the floor.

"Sakura, stop!" Sasuke shouted, holding his hands up defensively. "It's me—Sasuke! I'm back!"

But she didn't listen. Sakura scrambled to her feet, her face red with anger. "Nice try, Naruto! We're not falling for your stupid pranks this time!"

The rest of the class erupted into whispers, and soon, the entire room was filled with accusations.

"Naruto, you're such an idiot!"

"Why would you do this? It's not funny!"

"How dare you pretend to be Sasuke? He died years ago!"

Sasuke's heart dropped at their words. They thought he was dead? He clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him.

"I'm not dead!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "And I'm not Naruto!"

But no one believed him. The students continued to glare at him, their expressions full of disdain.

"Just get out of here, Naruto! You're a waste of space!"

"How dare you pretend to be Sasuke? He was a hero!"

Sasuke's blood boiled at the insult, not just toward himself but also toward Naruto. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the door to the classroom slammed open again.

"Enough!" a voice roared.

Iruka-sensei stormed into the room, slamming his hands on the desk with a loud thud. The room immediately fell silent, all eyes turning to the teacher.

"I don't know what's gotten into you all," Iruka said, his voice firm. "But that's enough."

The students shuffled nervously in their seats, glancing between Iruka and Sasuke.

"This isn't Naruto," Iruka continued, his gaze sweeping across the room. "This is Sasuke Uchiha. He's returned to the village."

A stunned silence fell over the class. Everyone stared at Sasuke, their mouths hanging open in shock. Sakura, who had been about to attack him again, froze, her fists dropping to her sides as her face paled.

Sasuke stood there, breathing heavily, still trying to process what had just happened. His eyes swept across the room, meeting the stunned faces of his former classmates.

"Welcome back, Sasuke," Iruka said, his tone softer now. "It's been a long time."

Sasuke nodded, his eyes lingering on the students who had just moments ago been accusing him of being someone else. The tension in the room was thick, the weight of his return hanging heavily in the air.

As the silence stretched on, Sasuke couldn't help but feel a deep sense of discomfort. He was back in Konoha, but everything was different now. And as he looked around at the faces staring back at him, he realized that the path ahead would not be as easy as he had imagined.

The room that had been silent just moments ago now erupted into a storm of voices, all directed at Sasuke. The students, who had once accused him of being Naruto in disguise, were now swarming around him, their expressions filled with shock, excitement, and confusion.

"We're so sorry, Sasuke!" one of the boys said, his voice trembling with a mix of relief and guilt. "We didn't know it was really you!"

"Where have you been all this time?" another chimed in, eyes wide as if seeing a ghost. "We thought you were dead!"

But before Sasuke could answer, another student piped up, their voice tinged with disbelief. "Why would you even care about Naruto after what he did?"

Sasuke frowned, his confusion deepening. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with uncertainty.

The students all started talking at once, their words blending together in a chaotic mess of rumors and stories. One voice, however, cut through the noise.

"Haven't you heard? Naruto went crazy! They say he killed half of the Uchiha clan because he was jealous of you!" a boy from the back shouted.

Sasuke's heart skipped a beat. "What?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "That doesn't make any sense."

"It's true!" another student exclaimed, stepping forward. "They say Naruto went on a rampage, and ever since, he's been fully possessed by the Nine-Tails. He's not the same anymore."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? Naruto would never do something like that."

But the students didn't stop. They kept bombarding him with more and more exaggerated tales, each one more embellished than the last.

"Naruto has fox ears and a tail now!" one girl cried out. "People say he's turning into the Nine-Tails!"

"And he's been attacking random villagers!" another boy added, his voice filled with fear. "Everyone says he's dangerous!"

Sasuke felt like his head was spinning. Each story contradicted everything he knew about Naruto. The Naruto he remembered was reckless, sure, but he wasn't a monster. This... this didn't make sense. And no one was giving him any real answers.

"That's not true," Sasuke muttered, shaking his head. "None of that is true."

But the students weren't listening. They were too caught up in their own rumors and hysteria.

"Why would you even want to see him?" one of the students asked, their voice dripping with disdain. "Naruto's gone crazy. He's dangerous now!"

Sasuke clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. "Where is he?" he demanded, his voice louder this time. "Where's Naruto?"

But no one answered him. They either ignored his question or looked away, unwilling to speak about Naruto. The fangirls that had once worshipped Sasuke were now clinging to him, crying and hugging him, their voices full of relief that he was back. But their tears, their apologies, and their overwhelming attention only made Sasuke feel more lost.

"We prayed every day that you'd come back!" one of the girls sobbed, clutching his arm tightly. "We knew you couldn't be dead!"

Another girl wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her face wet with tears. "Thank the heavens you're here, Sasuke-kun! We missed you so much!"

Sasuke stood there, surrounded by them, his heart pounding, but the weight of the rumors and stories about Naruto was too much. He couldn't focus on their apologies or their tears. All he could think about was what had happened to his brother.

"Enough," Sasuke muttered under his breath, but no one heard him over the noise.

The students kept talking, their voices a relentless wave of chatter. His head swirled with questions—what had really happened to Naruto? Why was everyone talking about him like he was some kind of monster? And why wouldn't anyone answer him when he asked where Naruto was?

Finally, Sasuke couldn't take it anymore. "Where. Is. Naruto?!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the classroom.

The room fell silent again, but this time, no one spoke. The students averted their gazes, their faces filled with discomfort, and still, no one answered him. The silence was deafening, and Sasuke's frustration bubbled over.

"Why won't anyone tell me where he is?" he asked, his voice breaking slightly. "I came back here to see him, and all I hear are these insane rumors. What's going on?"

But once again, no one answered. It was as if Naruto had become a ghost, a forbidden topic no one dared to speak of.

Suddenly, Iruka-sensei slammed his hand down on his desk, the loud thud commanding everyone's attention. The entire class turned to look at him, startled by the sudden noise.

"That's enough!" Iruka shouted, his voice firm and authoritative. "Everyone calm down right now."

The students immediately fell silent, backing away from Sasuke as Iruka stepped forward, his face stern.

"Sasuke has just returned to the village, and all of you are bombarding him with wild rumors and stories," Iruka said, his voice carrying the weight of a teacher fed up with the chaos. "This is not how we welcome back one of our own."

He turned to Sasuke, his expression softening slightly. "Sasuke, there are things going on in the village that you need to be aware of. But this isn't the place to discuss it."

Sasuke nodded, his heart still pounding. "I need to know what happened to Naruto, Iruka-sensei."

Iruka hesitated for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "I understand, Sasuke. I'll tell you what I can, but right now, focus on getting settled back in. There's a lot to talk about."

Sasuke glanced around the classroom, taking in the shocked expressions of his classmates. His mind was racing, but at least he had calmed the storm of rumors for now.

"Alright," Sasuke said quietly, his voice steady but filled with resolve. "I'll wait. But I need answers soon."

Iruka nodded, his face serious. "You'll get them. Just not here."

With that, the class slowly resumed its usual rhythm, but the tension hung in the air like a thick fog. Sasuke sat down, his mind still spinning with questions, but he knew that soon, he'd have the answers he desperately sought.

And when he found out what had happened to Naruto, he would face it head-on—no matter what.

During lunch, Sasuke sat alone at a table, his mind racing with the rumors and stories that had been thrown at him all morning. The air was thick with tension, and he could feel the curious stares of his classmates on him, but he didn't care. He needed answers—real answers. Not more wild speculation and exaggerated tales. He stood up and approached a group of students sitting nearby, their hushed whispers falling silent as he drew near.

"Tell me what you know about Naruto," Sasuke demanded, his voice sharp and cold.

The students exchanged uneasy glances, their faces betraying the nervousness they felt. No one wanted to be the first to speak, but the weight of Sasuke's glare was unbearable. Finally, one of the boys, clearly hesitant, spoke up.

"Sasuke… you should just forget about Naruto," the boy said, his voice shaky. "Everyone thinks… he's dangerous."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his frustration growing. "Dangerous? I don't care what you think about him. I want the truth. What actually happened? Don't give me those ridiculous rumors."

The group looked at each other again, their faces pale. They knew they couldn't keep the secret much longer. One of the girls, her voice barely above a whisper, spoke next.

"We… we didn't really know what happened to the Uchiha," she admitted, looking down at her hands. "All we had were rumors, and… and our parents told us things."

Sasuke frowned, his patience running thin. "What did your parents tell you?"

The girl took a deep breath, her eyes filled with discomfort. "They told us… that Naruto killed half your clan. They said he went berserk—something about the Nine-Tails possessing him completely—and that he… he killed you too."

The words hit Sasuke like a punch to the gut. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as anger welled up inside him. "That's not true," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.

"We didn't know what to believe!" another student piped up, his voice defensive. "The whole village was scared. No one knew what really happened to the Uchiha, and when we asked, our parents said that Naruto was to blame. They told us to stay away from him… that he was dangerous."

"They told you to stay away?" Sasuke's voice trembled with barely controlled rage. "So you just… what? Ignored him? Let him live with everyone thinking he was a monster?"

The group shifted uncomfortably, none of them able to meet Sasuke's gaze. "We didn't know what else to do," one of the boys said quietly. "We just… believed what we were told."

Sasuke's breath hitched as he fought to keep his emotions in check. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He had been gone, away from Konoha, while his best friend—his brother—had been living in hell, cast out by the very people he had tried to protect. And now, they were telling him they had done nothing but turn their backs on him.

"So you hurt my brother," Sasuke said, his voice thick with emotion. "You isolated him, accused him, without ever even asking him what really happened." His fists clenched tighter, his knuckles white from the force. "All of you… you just turned your backs on him."

The students froze, their faces filled with guilt and shame, but none of them dared to speak. They had no defense, no justification for their actions.

"Naruto—my brother," Sasuke continued, his voice rising as the tears finally fell from his eyes, "the one who was always there for me, the one I trusted more than anyone… and you abandoned him!"

The group flinched at his words, but no one moved. No one spoke. They had no excuses. Sasuke's heart pounded in his chest, the betrayal burning deep inside him. He stood, trembling with rage.

"You're the ones who don't deserve to be in the same village as him!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "You called him dangerous, but you're the ones who pushed him away! You're the waste of space!"

The students sat in stunned silence, too ashamed to respond. Sasuke glared at them, his chest heaving with anger.

"I want to know where he is," Sasuke demanded, his voice sharp. "Where is Naruto now? You've pushed him away from the academy—where did you push him to?"

There was a long pause. The silence was suffocating, and Sasuke's eyes darted between the students, waiting for someone—anyone—to speak. Finally, Sakura, who had been sitting quietly, stood up. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice unsteady.

"He's… he's having special training," Sakura said, her eyes filled with remorse. "He's with a woman named Anko. I'm sorry, Sasuke… that's all I know."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Anko?" he repeated, his voice low.

"Yeah," Sakura continued, nervously wringing her hands. "She's a special jōnin. She's… not well-liked in the village either. They say she worked with some ninja terrorists before, or something like that. I don't know all the details, but… she's been training Naruto."

Sasuke didn't respond. He just stared at her, his mind racing. At least now he had something—a lead. But it wasn't enough to quell the anger burning inside him. He muttered to himself, his voice barely audible. "At least someone is doing something for him…"

Without another word, Sasuke stood, his appetite completely gone. He picked up his tray, dumped his uneaten food, and left the courtyard. His heart was heavy, his mind consumed with thoughts of Naruto.

The days passed in a blur, each one more frustrating than the last. Sasuke went to the academy, completed his classes, but the only thing on his mind was Naruto. Every day after school, he made his way to Naruto's apartment, hoping to catch a glimpse of his brother, but every time, the apartment remained empty.

Sasuke would sit outside, waiting for Naruto to come back. Waiting for a chance to speak to him, to hear the truth from his own mouth. But Naruto never showed.

This routine continued day after day, Sasuke's frustration growing with each passing moment. He couldn't shake the anger that had settled deep inside him—the anger at the village, at the students, at the parents who had spread lies about Naruto, and most of all, at himself. He had left Naruto behind, and now his brother was paying the price.

And until he found Naruto, until he had the answers he needed, Sasuke knew he wouldn't rest.

Sasuke sat slumped near Naruto's door, his knees drawn up to his chest, head buried in them. He came here every day now, hoping for a glimpse, for a chance to finally see his brother again. The routine had become a habit, something to hold on to in a world that no longer felt familiar. He didn't know what he would say if Naruto ever showed up. But he kept coming, hoping.

The faint sound of footsteps broke through the silence. Sasuke lifted his head, his tired eyes narrowing as he looked down the hallway. There he was—Naruto, approaching slowly, but he looked different. His usual orange jumpsuit clashed awkwardly with the two new, undeniable features: foxy ears perched atop his head, and a tail that swayed behind him. It was unmistakable—the transformation had begun. Kurama's influence was showing.

Naruto's gaze was empty, devoid of the usual spark of life. His eyes, once so full of energy and mischief, now looked hollow. As soon as Naruto's eyes met Sasuke's, there was no flicker of recognition, no happiness—just cold, emotionless indifference.

"Naruto," Sasuke whispered, his voice filled with relief and sadness.

"Sasuke," Naruto said, his voice flat, as if the name meant nothing to him anymore.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Both of them stood still, taking in the sight of one another. Sasuke got to his feet, his heart pounding. The Naruto he had longed to see for years was finally standing before him, but something was terribly wrong. The distance between them wasn't just physical—it was like a chasm had opened between them, one that couldn't easily be crossed.

Naruto turned away, his hand placing the key into the lock, but Sasuke couldn't let it end like this. He took a step forward, reaching out. "Naruto, wait—"

Naruto yanked the key out of the door and stepped back, his foxy ears twitching with agitation. His lips curled into a snarl as he glared at Sasuke with pure hatred. "Get away from me, you bastard," he spat, his voice laced with venom.

Sasuke froze, stunned by the sheer anger in Naruto's words. "What? Naruto, I—"

"Don't even try," Naruto snapped, his voice rising as he backed away from the door. "You think we can just go back to the way things were? Live together like brothers again, huh? You think after everything, we can just have fun, like none of this ever happened?" His fists clenched, and his eyes gleamed with raw fury. "You abandoned me!"

Sasuke's chest tightened, the accusation hitting him like a physical blow. "Naruto, I didn't abandon you," Sasuke pleaded. "It wasn't my fault! I wanted to take you with me, but I couldn't! There were things I couldn't control…"

Naruto's teeth gritted as his body trembled with anger. His voice was thick with emotion, the pain in his words undeniable. "You left me to rot in this hell! You left me to deal with everything alone! All those years, and you—what, you just decided to come back when it's convenient for you?"

"It's not like that!" Sasuke shouted back, his heart aching with every word. "Naruto, I'm sorry! I know what you've been through, but I'm here now! I want to fix things, I want to make it right!"

Naruto's face twisted with bitterness as Kurama's voice echoed in his mind, a low growl vibrating through his thoughts. Don't trust him, the fox sneered. The red-eyed Uchiha only cares about power. He'll use you like the rest of them. He's not your brother—he's just another one of those cursed Uchiha, clinging to a lost legacy.

Sasuke kept trying, his voice growing more desperate. "Naruto, please, listen to me! I don't care about the clan's power, I don't care about any of that! You're my brother, I just want us to be together again!"

But Naruto could barely hear Sasuke over the noise in his head. Kurama's voice grew louder, more insistent. Kill him, the beast urged. End this once and for all. He's here to manipulate you, to take advantage of your weakness. You know what needs to be done.

Naruto's head spun, his emotions spiraling out of control. His fists clenched and unclenched, torn between his anger and the memories of the bond he had once shared with Sasuke. He couldn't think clearly, his thoughts were being pulled in two different directions, the tug-of-war in his mind making him feel like he was drowning.

"Stop it!" Naruto shouted suddenly, his hands clutching his head as he tried to shut out the voices. "I can't—! I can't think right now!"

Sasuke took a step closer, his hand reaching out. "Naruto, just talk to me—"

Naruto jerked away from him, his eyes blazing with fury. "No!" he roared, his voice trembling. "You don't get to be here. You don't get to just show up and act like we're still brothers. No brother would abandon me and leave me to this nightmare!"

Sasuke's heart shattered as he listened to the brokenness in Naruto's voice. He had known that coming back wouldn't be easy, but he hadn't expected this—this raw, painful rejection from the one person he had thought would understand.

"But you're still my brother," Sasuke whispered, his voice breaking. "I've never stopped thinking of you as my brother."

Naruto's eyes softened for a fraction of a second, but the moment passed quickly. He straightened, his face hardening once again. "I'll let it slide this time," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "You're lucky you're still that kid from back then. But next time we meet..." His eyes flickered with a deadly intensity. "Don't expect me to hold back."

And with that, Naruto vanished in a blur, using the body flicker technique to disappear from sight.

Sasuke stood frozen, his hand still outstretched in the empty space where Naruto had just been. He didn't even have time to react. The words, the rejection—they stung more than any battle wound he had ever endured. His mind raced, trying to process everything that had just happened.

Meanwhile, Naruto was running. Running as fast as his legs would carry him. He leaped over the gates of Konoha, his heart pounding in his chest, his mind a storm of confusion and anger. He didn't know where he was going—he just needed to get out, to escape. The village, the memories, Sasuke… it was all too much.

As he ran through the dense forests outside the village, the memories of his time with Sasuke, of their brotherhood, flashed through his mind. But every time those memories surfaced, they were met with the crushing realization that it was all gone now—just a distant past that could never be reclaimed.

"I can't go back," Naruto muttered to himself, his voice shaky as he continued to sprint through the trees. "I won't go back, only to be abandoned again."

He kept running, the wind whipping through his hair as the sun began to set on the horizon.

Tayuya was making her way toward Konoha, the familiar weight of the compass in her hand. The path had been steady, leading her closer and closer to the village, when suddenly, the needle veered sharply off course. She furrowed her brow, watching as the compass pointed not toward Konoha's gates, but toward the forest beyond.

"Well, this is new," she muttered to herself, adjusting her course. Whoever had tampered with Orochimaru's curse mark wasn't inside Konoha. Interesting.

As she followed the compass's direction, Tayuya moved quietly, her sharp eyes scanning the area ahead. It wasn't long before she spotted him—a boy with wild blonde hair, fox ears, and a tail swaying behind him. He was relentlessly punching a tree, his fists slamming into the bark with brutal force, his voice filled with frustration as he screamed out one name over and over again.

"Sasuke!"

Tayuya smirked, her interest piqued. She circled around, keeping her distance, but the compass never wavered. It was always pointing directly at him.

"So, you're the target," she muttered under her breath, watching him carefully. "He must be the one who's messing with the curse mark. This is too easy."

Naruto didn't seem to notice her presence at all, too absorbed in his own turmoil. His fists kept striking the tree, his knuckles bloody, as he screamed Sasuke's name again. Tayuya's smirk deepened. Whatever was going on, this kid was clearly unstable—and that made her job even easier.

She moved to a nearby lake, sitting down on a large rock as she pulled out her flute. The boy was clearly stressed, and she knew just the way to handle him. Bringing the instrument to her lips, she began to play, her fingers moving gracefully over the notes. The melody was soft and soothing, a lullaby that carried through the trees and into the clearing where Naruto stood.

Naruto's ears twitched at the sound of the music, his fists pausing mid-strike as the melody reached him. His anger seemed to drain away, replaced by a sudden calm. The music… it was beautiful. Without thinking, he started walking toward it, the sound drawing him in like a moth to a flame.

Tayuya noticed his approach and allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. She kept playing, the notes lilting through the air, her eyes watching him carefully as he came closer. When he finally emerged from the trees, she stopped playing for a moment, looking up at him with a gentle smile.

"Hey there," she said, her voice sweet and soft. "You look like you've been going through something tough. Why don't you sit down?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment, his fox ears twitching as he looked at the red-haired girl. He didn't know her, but the calmness from her music lingered in his mind. After a moment, he sat down beside her, his shoulders slumping.

"Yeah," Naruto muttered, his voice low. "I've been… going through some things."

Tayuya's smile widened as she patted her lap. "Why don't you lie down? You look exhausted. Get some rest."

Naruto blinked, surprised by the offer. But the soft melody still played in his head, and everything felt so calm. Too calm. He yawned, his eyes growing heavy, the tension in his body loosening. Slowly, he laid his head in her lap, feeling strangely at peace.

Tayuya brought the flute back to her lips and resumed playing, this time infusing her melody with a subtle genjutsu. It wasn't a combat-level genjutsu, but it was enough to lull someone who wasn't on guard. She wasn't worried—Naruto seemed too emotionally drained to notice anything out of the ordinary.

The soothing notes continued to flow from her flute, and Naruto's eyes fluttered, growing heavier with each passing second. His breathing slowed, and he let out a soft yawn.

"Can I… can I take a nap?" Naruto murmured, his voice barely audible as his eyelids drooped.

Tayuya stopped playing for a moment and leaned down, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Of course," she whispered, brushing a strand of his hair from his forehead. "Go ahead. You deserve to rest."

Naruto's eyes finally closed, and within moments, he was asleep, his breathing slow and even. Tayuya couldn't help but chuckle softly as she looked down at him, her fingers still gripping the flute.

"This is almost too easy," she muttered to herself, setting the flute aside.

She quickly set to work, pulling out a coil of rope from her pack. As carefully as possible, she began wrapping the rope around Naruto's sleeping body, securing his arms and legs so he wouldn't be able to struggle when he woke up.

Tayuya paused for a moment, glancing at Naruto's neck. Her eyes narrowed as she brushed his hair aside, revealing the faint trace of a mark—the curse mark. A smirk spread across her face.

"So, you're the one," she whispered, satisfied. "The little thief."

Satisfied with her handiwork, Tayuya sat back, still playing her calming tune while Naruto slept soundly in her trap. This mission had turned out to be far easier than she had anticipated, and she couldn't wait to bring the boy—and the stolen curse mark—back to Orochimaru.

"You really should be more careful who you trust," Tayuya said to Naruto's unconscious form, her voice filled with mock sympathy. "But don't worry. You won't have to worry about your problems much longer."

She stood up, glancing down at the bound boy before slinging him over her shoulder. With a final look at the lake, Tayuya turned and started her journey back, humming the same melody that had lulled Naruto into his deep sleep.

Author's Notes:Thank you all so much for your continued support! Tayuya is finally here, and I'm excited to dive into her narrative with the upcoming chapters. I've got a lot planned for her, and I can't wait to share it with you. That said, I'll be treading carefully to make sure everything comes together the way I want it to.

I also want to apologize for the delay in getting this chapter out—I know I've been moving a bit slower lately, but I appreciate your patience. Your support means the world to me, and I'm really excited for what's to come. Stay tuned for more, and as always, thank you for reading!