/ "Dialogue." /
/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /
/ "Flashback Dialogue or background." /
/ "Emphasis on a word." /
I agree, no more predicting early updates. I had written this a few days ago, but when I went edit it, I just ended up basically rewriting almost everything to be better.
Cats.
Even in this world, cats were still cats. And just like back home, many people loved them.
As a child, Sasuke and his older brother often visited the abandoned city of Sora-Ku to see a family friend known as Nekobaa. It was usually for errands, but he only went because his brother got tired of hearing him nag about wanting to go.
He wondered if it was something about this particular country that allowed so many cats to roam freely. It couldn't be sanitary, but he didn't mind watching them prowl about. Cats, to him, were independent and quiet—always watching. Always alert.
Their reflexes were faster than snakes, and to him, that was impressive.
'Nekobaa…'
He hoped she was okay. Living in that strange town couldn't have been safe. He made a mental note to return someday, to restore order, so that people like her could live outside military villages without fear.
Before him, three cats had run out of the unkempt grass. They appeared messy and a tad stray. It was clear they wanted food, and despite the towering human before them, it seemed worth the risk. Sasuke had no food to offer, but he knelt down and stared at them with a faint smile. He flicked his fingers, wondering if they would dare approach the so-called big, bad human.
Interestingly, despite traveling together, they didn't seem like siblings. All three were a mix of different breeds.
The first, closest to him, was brown and gray, with black stripes on its back and green eyes. It looked innocent and seemed to rely on its cuteness to ask for food. Perhaps that had worked in the past, but Sasuke had nothing to give.
The second, right next to it, was orange and unmistakably the oddball. It played, tumbled around, and gnawed at its companion's ear. It seemed completely unconcerned with the person in front of it.
Lastly, there was the most cautious of the trio. Sleek, pitch-black, and cleaner than the other two, it looked pristine, with hazel-gold eyes. It stayed behind, observing carefully. But as Sasuke showed no signs of aggression, it stepped past its companions and approached him. He knew how to pet a feline properly—not like with dogs, who enjoyed rougher gestures. One hand, gently rubbing its back, careful not to get to get too close to the tail.
[~PURR] [~PURR]
There was a gentle motoring sound as rubbed its head against his hand. The fur so soft, and so elegant.
"Y-You're here early!"
All of the cats then scattered, fading into the grass. They weren't as welcoming to the newcomer as they had been with him. And that was smart—how could they have known if the devil was a predator or not?
Sasuke turned around. The voice had come from the Queen, Akeno Himejima. It was a little before noon, and they were supposed to meet at noon, here, at the base of a mossy wind of stairs that led to her home.
He wore normal clothes. His black jacket, his navy blue shirt, his black pants, and his black shoes. And that had been enough for anything, any fight, any training, even if death came, it was good enough.
Akeno, on the other hand was... purple.
Vibrant, glowing, shining, and... purple. A variety of the shade was all around the girl.
Those violet eyes of hers were warmer than they had ever been. They reflected well with the amethyst necklace on her neck, and her lavender dress swayed gently with the breeze. Even her plum-colored dress shoes were the color of royalty.
Even her hair, which was normally tied up, was down. But its length and darkness matched well with the outfit she had chosen for this day.
This was not something someone would have worn if they were planning to fight or train. Instead, it had been more fitting for someone who looked like they still had life inside of them, as opposed to her male counterpart, who had looked like the very representative of death itself.
Clearly, this day was not going to be a productive day of getting stronger, which was usually what Sasuke did on his days alone. After all, he had so much to prepare for, and so did she. But this day, at this time, it appeared whatever she had planned excluded all of that. It had seemed to just be about him and her. And truthfully, he wasn't sure how to feel about it.
"Do I look strange?" Akeno asked, a light reddening on her face. "I don't think you've ever seen me outside of my school uniform or miko garb." Her tone was back to being shy. It was good that in moments of battle, she was composed, but it was odd to him that when things were calmer, her hesitation and nervousness came back out, as opposed to a life-or-death situation.
Sasuke replied fast, "I recognize you, enough. Though, I thought you would have worn some... armor instead." He looked down at her, as if inspecting, head to toe, and that caused her to look away. "You look fine for today, whatever today was supposed to be."
It was no surprise to anyone that Uchiha Sasuke lacked proper social commentary. Anyone could see that she had wanted a more positive reception, as she had spent all morning preparing herself. Instead, she got a more neutral one. He wasn't trying to be rude, truly. He simply did not know what to properly say. Lying wasn't an option for him, either.
"Let's get going, then." She said with her smile, "I like that you're here earlier, that means we have more time for the day."
Akeno then yanked him forward, a bright laughter coming from her, "C'mon, before they find us!"
He stared back, his expression unamused, "Before who finds us?"
As a reward for doing so well in the battle, Azazel had given everyone permission to take the day off. Coincidentally, he only did this after finding out that today was the day the Queen had planned to spend time with her fellow club member. Sasuke was unsure of how everyone had found out so quickly, suspecting someone might have overheard them, but it was too late to figure out who.
Since most people were at work or school, the crowds were thinner. They walked together through a shopping district, her arm looped through his, though it was mostly her holding onto him. He never shopped with others or did much of anything with others, but she had wanted to browse. She wished to look at antiques—items that could decorate her home, her shrine.
He recalled a word she had said, one he did not recognize.
"...What is a miko?" Sasuke asked. Judging from the context, it was no doubt some hobby or interest of hers.
Akeno's steps slowed as she turned to him. The sudden mention of one of her core lifestyles lit up her face with excitement. "That's the name of the attire I wear when performing my priestess duties or when I am fighting. People recognize me as the one who organizes ceremonies, purifies spirits, and maintains the shrine for the Shinto gods."
There was an undeniable sense of pride and warmth in her voice as she explained. Sasuke could see it, and he found the discipline intriguing, though the concept of worshipping something remained entirely foreign to him.
"…Shinto…" Sasuke said aloud, his tone uncertain. His understanding of gods, spirits, and mythology was rooted in devils, angels, fallen angels, dragons, vampires, and even Norse deities. He had no doubt heard the word before, but had not read too deeply into it. It was not doubt more of an unfamiliar theology compared to some of the other religions.
He raised an eyebrow. "They are part of…?"
"The religion of this country," Akeno explained simply, tilting her head slightly. "I figured you'd know that, since you're from here as well."
His mind paused, but he quickly nodded, silently cursing himself, 'I should have known that.'
Sasuke's response came quickly. "Right, they have more than one god. They are... polytheistic." The statement was correct, but the way he said it made him feel unsure, as if he had studied the concept but never been tested on it. "You serve all of them, right? Then is there one you prefer? One you like the most? Surely they can't all be the same. They're gods, not people. No more than a mother chooses to love a favorite child."
The idea of worship—of dedicating oneself to something higher, intangible—was foreign to him. He could understand loyalty to family, comrades, or duty to a cause, but the work of priests and priestesses was something he could never relate to.
Akeno stopped, and for a moment, he wondered if she was going to press him further. Instead, she tilted her head, lost in thought. "Perhaps the Sun Goddess—Amaterasu," she said, then quickly added, "Or her younger brother, the warrior Susanoo-no-Mikoto." That seemed to settle it, until her eyes lit up again. "But I love the moon, too! So, maybe… Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto." She turned to him suddenly. "...Do you have one?" she asked.
The Uchiha froze, his face blanking entirely. For a moment, he didn't know what he'd just heard or how to respond. Never before had he experienced such a complete lack of words. It was as if he knew nothing at all.
Eventually, he forced out something—anything.
"...I like them all."
Akeno grinned, her teasing nature emerging as she caught the lack of understanding in his eyes. "Even Izanami-no-Mikoto? The one who ate the food of the dead, now trapped in the underworld and only allowed to leave under strict conditions?"
Sasuke nodded, his mouth tightening as he pretended to understand. "...Even her.""
They stood frozen. She looked at him, her hand covering her mouth. "Keep that face…" she said, amused by his tense expression. Sasuke frowned, but before he could say anything, she said, "Come inside."
He glanced over and saw a strange setup. It was a small booth with a curtain blocking the entrance. She walked through it confidently, leaving him to follow. Inside was a leather seat positioned before a large screen.
"…What is this?" he asked.
"A photo booth," she replied, as though explaining fire to a caveman. "Get ready!"
FLASH
Sasuke stared, confused. "Wha—"
FLASH
His expression shifted to irritation. "What is—"
FLASH
He was visibly angry now. "Why—"
FLASH
Confusion, irritation, and anger—those were the faces captured during the three rapid photos. Meanwhile, Akeno smiled in every shot, giggled in one, and even gasped playfully in another. When the photos printed, Sasuke looked at them, utterly unsure of what had just happened. She, on the other hand, couldn't stop laughing as she held the strip of images, clearly delighted by his reaction.
They were suspended in their own world, removed from the ocean where they were born, confined within this safe, glass box. Their predators were gone—nothing could eat them here, nor, perhaps, could they harm each other. But they were all so small, it seemed unlikely. Did they feel safe? Did they know they were no longer where they belonged? Did they miss home? Did they miss the ocean? Or did they sense, in some instinctive way, that they were now in a place they didn't belong?
Sasuke stared into the glass, his reflection merging with the water.
It felt wrong to confine creatures meant for the vastness of the sea, yet there was undeniable beauty in seeing them up close. No land animal had such unique patterns and colors. Some of these were even accustomed to the dark, deep depths of the ocean, and would never enjoy this much visibility, or the sight of humans.
He had never been to an aquarium before. Zoos, yes—animals displayed behind bars, yes. But this? This was something else entirely. He wasn't sure what to make of it.
'They're just fish.' He had remind himself.
Akeno was equally fascinated, as were the other visitors, especially the children. She pointed suddenly, "A lemon shark!" They both wondered how something like a shark could exist in this large tank filled with other. smaller creatures which in the wild would normally be prey, "Have you ever seen one up close before?"
Sasuke thought for a moment, a frown coming to his face, 'I have.' he remembered. There was one person—Itachi's blue-skinned, strange-looking partner. Kisame. That was his name. He was a shark, or a man, or a shark-man of sorts. No one had ever truly understood. But there was no doubt he had some strange connection to the sea. Even in the shinobi world, he was out of the ordinary.
"No, never this close." He answered, "What about you? You've never been to this... place before?"
She shook her head. "I was born in this city and spent many years growing up, but I don't recall ever coming here. Maybe I went when I was a child, but I can't remember. Rias wanted to attend Kuoh Academy, and so I moved with her, but I never had a reason to come."
"…Why is that? You seem to love this place, whatever it's supposed to be." Sasuke then narrowed his eyes at the sight of a starfish resting on the ground ,'What purpose do these things even have?'
The Queen shrugged lightly, her smile soft. "I guess I had no one to go with," she said, glancing at him. "But now I do."
[DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS]
A sign he recognized, one with a message he agreed with. Akeno seemed to agree as well—until she spotted an eel she hoped to capture the attention of. It moved so smoothly through the water, but Sasuke felt conflicted. As a child, he had been told that eels could dangerously shock any children foolish enough to touch them. Apparently, it was true, though the glass between them offered protection against any careless movements.
They came across an open-touch section where visitors were encouraged to interact with some of the marine life by gently brushing their fingers against certain species. The Uchiha kept his distance, not feeling a desire to recklessly touch starfish and sea cucumbers. Who knows if they were potentially hazardous?
Akeno, on the other hand, approached eagerly, her fingers lightly skimming over a starfish. She turned back to him and gestured for him to join her.
He paused, considering for a moment. If he could brazenly fight Kaguya or attack the Five-Kage Summit, then a mere starfish was hardly something to be concerned about. Sasuke relented, refusing to let himself be seen as someone unwilling to touch a harmless sea creature.
The surface felt rough beneath his fingers, its texture unexpected—neither unpleasant nor particularly enjoyable, but something entirely neutral and strange.
"See?" She said with a grin, clearly amused. "Not so bad."
Sasuke withdrew his hand, glancing at her with his blank stare, "It's a rock with limbs."
The aquarium was quieter than expected, and that suited them perfectly. In the more secluded rooms, the silence made it feel as though the entire ocean belonged to just the two of them. The soothing sound of water filtering through the tanks filled the air, and the dim lighting came almost entirely from the exhibits themselves. They didn't speak, and did not need to.
Sasuke didn't mind the silence—it often spoke on his behalf. Akeno seemed to appreciate it too, freed from the pressure of overthinking or feeling the need to fill the quiet with words. In truth, he enjoyed the silence as much as she did.
Despite her usual confident demeanor, there was no denying she was a bit nervous. After all, she had been the one to ask him for this day. No doubt a flutter of heat lingered in her stomach, growing brighter as the day progressed and they remained alone together. It had been going well—perhaps too well. She hadn't expected him to be so willing to indulge in things he might usually dismiss as a waste of time.
GRRRR
RUMBLE
And suddenly, for her, everything went from peaceful to… terrible.
"…Are you starving?" Sasuke asked, his tone flat. Not are you hungry, but are you starving, and somehow, that made it worse.
Akeno stuttered, her cheeks already red. "N-No... I mean…" She glanced at the clock, grasping for some excuse. "It is approaching the afternoon... Are you?"
Sasuke, ever the socially aware and considerate person surely must have known that a day like this was to save your appetite and to hold out until the person you are spending the day with was also hungry at the time.
"No."
She lied, "I can wait until later. I was rushing out this morning and barely had time to eat before we left."
He saw right through her words but wasn't going to make it a big deal. If she didn't want to eat, then he had no reason to either.
GRRRR
RUMBLE
Those black eyes of his dropped to her stomach.
"Ara…" Akeno's cheeks burned as she crossed her arms defensively. "My eyes are up here…"
He replied as if the words were observations in his mind, "Your stomach is somehow louder than the water..."
It wasn't meant to be rude, but there was clearly a certain social etiquette he still had yet to understand.
Akeno laughed awkwardly, brushing a hand through her hair in an attempt to recover. Before she could muster a proper response, he decided to make the decision for both of them.
"Let's get something then."
There was nothing special about it. No one would expect food from a place showcasing living creatures to be fancy or something to look forward to. It was decent enough and filling. Rice, beef, vegetables, and tea. Sasuke, however, had to ask for water, since, apparently, only Akeno was capable of making tea worth drinking in this entire world. That small little detail was enough to make her forget the earlier embarrassment, even though there had been nothing to be embarrassed about.
"I would've imagined they'd serve fish," Sasuke said, finishing the last of his thinly sliced beef.
Akeno smile and tilted her, "Now, wouldn't that be too cruel?"
He didn't think so, but perhaps he was wrong. She had already finished long before him, which was unusual, as she had been trained to eat "properly"—meaning slowly and at the pace of whomever she was dining with. Yet with him, she didn't always seem to be on edge about adhering to the etiquette she had learned in the Underworld.
It was just-different with him.
The Queen leaned forward, there was one small dish left un touched, it was simple, strawberries, topped with this white cream that he was unaware of it, "Do you like sweets?" she asked.
Sasuke glanced down and observed it. It was mostly fruit, but he assumed the cream was just sugar—likely far too sweet for his liking. Food, in general, was never one of his common indulgences. That was more Naruto's domain, with his salty obsession with ramen, which the Uchiha didn't particularly mind but never craved too much for.
"No," he replied, "But I'm not entirely sure what this is."
It was a simple dessert—strawberries and cream—and not in a vast quantity either. Seeing how she had paid for the food, even though he had offered, made him think it might be worth trying, at least one bite. After all, it wasn't a particularly dramatic situation. He took a cautious, small spoonful. Even when it came to unknown food, the shinobi had to calculate. The cool sweetness of the cream didn't surprise him, but it was balanced by the faint tartness of the strawberries. It wasn't unpleasant, yet he quickly decided that a small amount was more than enough.
Akeno had finished the rest of the dessert, and the two sat in a comfortable silence. Across from them, they watched a live show where seals leaped in and out of the water, performing tricks for children while their handlers—or trainers, or whatever they were called—directed the spectacle.
"You did well," Sasuke said suddenly. "In your battle against Diodora and the Old-Satan Faction. You kept yourself composed, even as the situation changed. Plus, when Rias lost herself, you took command. You have leadership skills." His tone was flat, almost monotone, more like an employer praising an employee than a peer offering compliments. But his words were truthful.
Akeno bowed her head slightly, a small smirk forming. "I appreciate your words. After all, I was only doing it to earn your praise." she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm and playfulness.
"…I didn't mean it in a bad way." h
Akeno covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. "I know. Even though you like to be hard on us."
He crossed his legs and replied, "Mostly you."
She blinked, surprised. "Huh?"
"I like to be hard on you. Mostly you."
Normally, she would have made a joke or teased him, especially given his choice of words, but something about his tone made her listen carefully instead.
Sasuke clarified, "I've watched all of you for some time—the way you fight, the way you think, and likely how you'll perform in the future. Out of everyone, you have the most promising future as a leader by far."
She opened her mouth to ask further, but he continued. "Rias is strong at strategy before a battle, but she loses herself when her plans fail. The others… they can't step up in the same way. Hyoudou loses control at the thought of defeat. Kiba charges in recklessly. Xenovia lacks confidence."
His gaze met hers, unwavering. "It's up to you to guide them all."
Akeno paused, unsure if he was just being nice. But she quickly dismissed the thought—Sasuke never said anything just to be kind. If he offered a compliment, it was because he believed it and could back it up.
Her professionalism? Yes, she had learned from the best. Her beauty? Yes, she was secure in her appearance, idolized at school and beyond. Her strength? Perhaps not as strong as Rias, but close enough to debate. Her leadership, though? She hadn't even realized he had noticed. She thought he had been too preoccupied fighting his own battles to see hers.
"…Thank you," she finally said, deciding there was no need to overthink it further, "That means a lot coming from you."
Sasuke then sharpened his tone, "You need to be better, though. Perhaps you and I could train together, one-on-one. There needs to be someone capable of raising your peerage without me being there. And since Hyoudou cannot even seem to get his emotions undercontrol, it has to be."
"Ara, one-on-one with you? We could have been doing that for some time."
"Who trained you in the underworld?" He then asked.
And that, changed the mood entirely.
The Queen frowned, her fingers slowly tightening, "It was... not a fun time. But you're right, I need to keep improving. We should train, though. I'd much prefer you as opposed to anyone else."
He stared at her, seeing as she changed the conversation, "... Did something happen in the Underworld?" Sasuke asked, his black eyes locking with hers.
She paused, "No... I just. I'd prefer if we didn't talk about that, if that's okay."
It was a mystery, and he was curious to figure our what happened with the person who trained her. They all had someone to work with. Issei had Tannin, Kiba had a Knight from Sirzechs peerage. But he was unsure who had trained her. And of course he was concerned, and wondered if something bad ahad happened. Stil, he would not press an issue she clearly did not wish to speak about.
"Understood."
~Purr~
~Purr~
Sasuke felt a gentle rubbing against his leg and glanced down. One of the cats from earlier—the black one—had followed him all the way here. He knelt down, gently rubbed its head, and allowed a small smile to cross his face.
'This one would like some fish.'
The sun hung low in the sky, though it wasn't late in the day. Summer had passed, and now fall was slipping away as well. Nights came earlier, and daylight faded faster. Winter was approaching, with its cold and dark skies—a cherished season in this world.
Back home, though, it had been more of a nuisance. Sasuke had never cared much for the cold. As a shinobi, it made travel harder, battles more grueling, and snow-covered roads often impassable. Sleeping outside, which was common, had been miserable. And now, it carried the difficult memories from his brief time in the Land of Iron.
Yet, in this world, winter seemed to hold a special meaning for many.
From the very beginning of the day, it had been clear that privacy was not going to be part of it. Sasuke had felt it—the unmistakable sensation of being watched. Even though his Rinnegan wasn't active, as he preferred to keep his appearance as normal as possible, his instincts told him they were being observed.
He didn't need to see the pursuers. He already knew who they were.
Akeno had realized it from the beginning, though she chose not to call out their stalkers.
She grabbed his arm suddenly and leaned in close, her voice soft, "Let them whisper."
The Uchiha had grown annoyed by the constant watching from these supposed friends and comrades. He gave her a nod and a smirk. "And what did you have in mind?" he asked.
Without answering, Akeno brushed up against him, wrapping her arm through his and leaning into his side. He glanced down at her, his expression skeptical.
"…What are you doing?"
She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "This is what they don't want to see."
Sasuke glanced around and spotted a nearby alley. Grabbing her arm, he said abruptly, "Let's lose them," his tone sharp with irritation. The two darted into the narrow pathway, their quick movements making it difficult for their pursuers to follow while staying hidden. The alley was too cramped for those trying to remain unseen, and Sasuke and Akeno's pace was too swift. They emerged onto a quiet residential street, and Sasuke allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction, certain they had lost the trail.
The Queen's laughter rang out, You get annoyed just as easily as I thought," she said between breaths. "But it's nice to know I'm not the reason this time."
Sasuke stopped and turned, raising an unimpressed eyebrow. "You need to run more," he said bluntly. "That wasn't even far."
Akeno leaned against the wall, a smirk forming on her face, "I'll run more… if you're watching."
He stared at her, his expression flat. There it was again—that playful tone, the sly teasing. It had been missing recently, replaced by a quiet shyness that didn't suit her.
There street brightened, and the two stared toward the west.
"A beautiful sunset," She said softly. Her eyes then traced to him, "...Want to go see it? Back at my shrine?"
Sasuke had almost asked why—what was the point? Sunsets weren't rare; they happened every day. And staring at the sun wasn't exactly good for you. He simply didn't see anything productive about it. Then again, the entire day hadn't been particularly productive.
But he wouldn't say that. She had clearly found some form of amusement in it all, and since it was getting late, perhaps ending the day like this wasn't so bad after all.
"Sure."
One might say he was learning fast. If someone like her were to invite someone back to her home, they would be an idiot to not accept.
They walked back in the direction where the day had begun. Children were running home, tugging on jackets as the chill settled in, and outdoor shops were closing early. The streets buzzed with a quiet energy as everyone seemed to be preparing for the holidays. Sasuke had noticed that, despite the many different faiths—or even the lack of faith—people here often celebrated certain religious anniversaries. It wasn't about belief either. It was social, a chance for fun and connection, a way to feel involved.
Akeno glanced at him, and from the corner of his eye, Sasuke caught the faint movement of her lips as if she were about to speak. It was clear she was hesitating, likely about to ask if she could ask him something—a habit that always mildly annoyed him. People often sought permission to speak to him, intimidated by his demeanor. The Queen, however, asked the proper way. Perhaps spending time with him had made her feel more confident, less intimidated, and instead, genuinely curious about who he was.
"…Do you come from a military family?"
That was a random question.
He raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
She shrugged lightly. "You wake up early, you're disciplined, you keep your apartment clean—so I've heard—and you train every day. That seems to be all you focus on. Is that how you were raised, or is it just part of your village's culture?"
A military background. A strict, disciplined upbringing. A clan known for its precision and strength. The memories came as if they had happened yesterday. That feeling around his father, that feeling around the Konoha Police.
"Yes." He replied, "That could be a better way to describe it." Sasuke then paused, his eyes narrowing with suspicion, "... Who told you my apartment is clean? You've never been there. No one has."
Akeno smiled, clearly pleased by his reaction. "Oh, just someone who's been inside."
The Queen was not as good as lying as he was.
"My goodness!"
A voice interrupted them—loud, obnoxious, and rasping with age. The sound was so grating to the Uchiha's ears that, for a moment, he thought it might shatter glass.
They turned to see the source of the voice, their reactions entirely opposite.
It was unfortunate to see the Chief Norse God. He stood there, his expression as smug as ever, his clothing somehow more ridiculous than the twisted attitude he carried around with him. Odin rubbed his chin and walked closer. "The brat with the sharp tone," The deity said, "And you, my lady. How delightful it is to see you frolicking about in the wild. Though, I shouldn't be too surprised—you've brought your pet human to escort you, haven't you?"
The Uchiha spoke, his tone as cold as Asgard. "You're far from home, God. Let's hope you've learned to keep your hands to yourself this time. When a child isn't taught to not touch a hot stove the first time, they will burn themselves eventually."
All Gods are children.
Akeno, meanwhile, bowed, keeping her professional attitude as a devil, "Odin-sama," she spoke, in a gentle tone, "What brings you to the human world?"
Odin's grin widened further. "It has been centuries since I ventured down here," he said. Then, with an odd gesture, he licked his lips. "But I must admit, my day has already been made. I spent it admiring some of the finest pair of women's chests I've ever seen—gracious ladies serving me sake. You humans certainly know what you like and aren't afraid to flaunt it." He then eyed Sasuke with his mischief, "Now, I find myself stumbling upon all kinds of interesting things."
"What I find interesting," The Uchiha began, "Is wondering when you're planning to begone for another few centuries."
The god ignored the words. Instead, he lowered himself, reaching for Akeno's hand in what was apparently meant to be a gesture of respect. It was a tradition, perhaps—when meeting a high-status woman, to kiss her hand as a sign of respect. "We didn't have the chance to properly meet, my dear," Odin said, "The battle was such a nuisance, and a beauty like you deserves the utmost—"
Sasuke didn't let him finish. With a firm motion, he grasped her hand and yanked it back, avoiding Odin's icy, chapped lips. His tone was daring as he spoke, "Keep your gestures to yourself."
Akeno appeared bewildered by the tension but offered a soft smile. "Sasuke-kun, it's fine. It's an honor to meet the God of the North." Her hand extended outward, and Odin shook it, his amused eyes never leaving the human.
"Odin-sama! We told you not to run off!"
A new voice interrupted them, belonging to a woman—the Valkyrie, as they called her. Her name was Rossweisse, and she was decent enough. Not loud, not annoying, and had the strength to back up her title as a representative of the Norse religion. But Sasuke had less of an opinion of her simply because of the fact that she was at Odin's side. Then again, she often had to apologize on his behalf and did not defend all of his actions.
"Please, my Lord, do not wander off your own." Spoke a third figure.
In the corner of his eye, he saw Akeno jolt. He looked at her, and then he looked toward the new voice. He was clearly a warrior, and a Fallen Angel. His aura so immense he did not even need his Rinnegan to to sense it. The man was grizzled, with a thick beard and slicked-back black hair, dressed sharply in a suit. He was also tall, taller than Sasuke even.
The man saw both of them and also flinched, "Akeno..." he said with recognition, "... What are you doing here?"
Akeno did not bow, nor did she smile, nor did she even extend her hand. Instead, she answered with a venomous tone, "I live here. A better question to ask is what are you doing here?"
Rossweisse straightened her posture and sighed. "We are guarding Lord Odin-sama. It was not our intention to disturb the local Gremory territory."
"Akeno," The man said again, this time with more weight. "I mean, what are you doing out here alone… with him?"
Sasuke was used to being looked down upon in this world. Perhaps it was because he was human, or perhaps it was due to his growing reputation. But he was taken a back by the question, as though the man were judging his character without truly knowing him. He kept his composure but sharply retorted, "What am I doing here? What are you doing here, with him?"
The Uchiha's gaze shifted to Odin. "He's the one who shouldn't be alone with her. Or do you Fallen Angels turn a blind eye to his antics because some god wills it?"
Odin chuckled. "Sour as a grape, this one. I already admitted my wrongdoing, child."
Akeno ignored the two and spoke directly toward the man, "And what is wrong with him? Azazel has full confidence in him, and Rias—" she stopped herself, her expression hardening as she gritted her teeth. "I do not need to explain anything to you, Baraqiel. And you have no right to question my decisions!"
"And what is wrong with him?" Akeno asked, "Azazel has full confidence in him, and Rias—" She stopped herself, her tone growing sharper. "I do not need to explain anything to you, Baraqiel. And you have no right to question my decisions!"
'Baraqiel?'
"I have a duty," Baraqiel said after a pause, "As your father..."
The words only added fuel to the fire.
Akeno's tone turned dark, colder than Sasuke had ever heard it. "You came here at this perfect time, catching us together." She looked to the ground, her expression flickering with pain. "Yet when there were other times you should have been here, you were... gone." Her voice grew harsher, "Don't worry. My life isn't in danger, and even if it was, I do not need you. Not anymore."
She suddenly then ran passed them all. It was not like her to storm off when heavily emotional. It had all happened so fast, but the pain and the choice of words she had used only made them all realize how truly hurt she had become. Now, there was just an awkward silence between the four, who were in a pause from the sudden shift.
Eventually, the Norse God gave his sharp attitude, "Are you not going to go after her, child?" Odin asked, rubbing his chin, "Some companion you are..."
Rosseweisse sighed, "Lord Odin, please do not judge, It is not our place, and we do not know the situation at hand."
Sasuke replied bluntly, "I will not," he said. "I'm upset at her now. Leaving me with you three is the cruelest thing she could have done."
With that, he brushed past them, leaving their suddenly insulted expressions behind as he disappeared down the street.
This was not the direction toward home. Then again, home was technically through the Dimensional Gap, a place without direction. Regardless, he wasn't on the path toward his apartment, which was where he had originally intended to end the night.
'Go home.' he told himself. Why linger here? There was no real productive reason to stay. His instincts urged him to return, yet here he was, back where the day had begun.
They had missed the sunset together, but the moon hung high now. Sasuke tried to think of some reason to justify being here—some proper explanation. He didn't want to pry, but he needed to convince himself it was worth standing here.
'That god...' he thought with disdain. 'He must have done something.' Yes, maybe. He shook his head. 'No.'
Was she even home? His Rinnegan came to be, the first time today. And from this distance, he could sense someone was close. Very close, in fact. There was also a light up the stairs. Was it her? Likely.
'Go home.' he told himself again.
And this time, he turned around and did just that.
[~PURR] [~PURR]
The cats were back. All three of them.
They stared at him for a moment, until they realized he still had no food to offer. Once again, they turned their attention to one another. The orange one jumped onto the back of its pitch-black companion, perhaps wanting to play or to mate.
It didn't go well.
The black cat turned sharply, hissing and swatting at the orange one repeatedly until it backed off. Frustrated, the orange cat redirected its energy, lunging at the black-and-white feline and biting its ear once more.
[~PURR] [~PURR]
Like before, it brushed against him. He knelt down and began to pet it as he had before, his hand careful not to venture into the areas he knew it wouldn't like—the vulnerable stomach, paws, or nose. Instead, he gently caressed its back, moving his hand up and down until it reached the back of its head. Slowly, he lowered his palm, wrapping his hand around its neck and using his fingers to brush the other side.
A soft, motoring sound emerged from the cat, signaling he was doing well.
Then, his grip suddenly… tightened.
He pressed further.
He began to… squeeze.
The cat opened its eyes. Its hazel-gold, eyes. They did not see a smiling young man, as they had before. No, they saw his eyes. His one purple, and one red eyes. These, were eyes that could not be deceived.
Throughout the entire day, he had been being watched by his own comrades. He hated it, he truly did. He was supposed to be the one watching, listening, observing. Instead, he was now the one being seen.
This was no cat!
This was a spy!
Before his eyes, a magic circle began to form beneath the supposed feline. Sasuke immediately released his grip and stepped back, his expression unchanging as he observed the transformation. The creature's body grew, stretching and shifting, taller and wider, until it no longer resembled a simple black cat. Instead, it took the shape of a woman, her figure unmistakable except for the tail that remained, and those same golden eyes .
The figure stumbled as she stood, gripping her throat, coughing and gasping for air.
"Cuhhh… cuhhh…" Kuroka rasped, her voice, "Y-You… Who would treat such a beautiful creature like that?"
Sasuke's gaze lowered, his tone cold. "You're no beautiful creature," he replied sharply. "I appreciate cats—not frauds."
He would never harm a true animal like that. It was against his ethics, his values. Cats were sweet, innocent beings. This, however, was a devil in disguise.
Kuroka deadpanned. "I mean myself!"
He sighed, "I'm not in the mood. How long have you been watching me? Who sent you to me? And how long have you been doing it?" The thought came, he had never seen her cat form like this. Who knows how long she had been observing him? It could have been before today, even before they met. That no doubt was concerning. Had he not activated his dojutsu, he may have never found out.
The Nekoshou spat, "I was wondering what you were doing." she said innocently enough, "And what is wrong with being apart of your day? You didn't even seem too interested in that Fallen Angel girl."
Sasuke wasn't convinced. "Why are you watching me?" he demanded, his tone cold and sharp.
"I heard you took down the Sekiryuutei when he lost his mind," Kuroka said, her smirk returning as she leaned slightly closer. "Vali confirmed it. Are you really that powerful? A human taking down a dragon—are you even real?"
"Dragons are mindless beasts." Sasuke replied. He was no expert, but there was some accuracy in that statement. Dragons sought battle and strength in the same way Hyoudou fixated on lust. It was their nature, the singular focus that defined their existence. A single-minded obsession. However, most of his knowledge came from his experiences with Evil Dragons, creatures far more instinctual and primal than any other form of their kind.
Kuroka crossed her arms and lied through her teeth, "I was worried about my sister." It didn't seem like she was still trying to deiceve him, but she was. It was clear there was another motive for her sudden interest in the human.
"You're just obsessed with me," he replied coldly. "If I could defeat a mindless dragon, what would you have to worry about? What enemy is out there that has you so concerned?"
"Maybe I am," The devil admitted with a wider smirk. "What if I so?"
Sasuke's tone dropped further, ice-cold now. "Do that again—spy on me—and I'll do something neither of us wants. For your sister's sake, don't tempt me." His eyes narrowed. "Are you spying for Vali?"
"He doesn't know I'm here," Kuroka replied, rubbing her neck with mock annoyance, "Right when you had your hand on the right spot too… I was enjoying that."
"Don't play with me," Sasuke snapped, his voice sharp with irritation. "I'm not in the mood."
"Oh, I noticed," Kuroka said slyly, her grin almost playful. "Fallen Angel-kun stormed off after seeing her father. Is that why you came back here? To comfort her?" She tilted her head, her mocking tone clear. "I had no idea someone like you was capable of affection."
"I'm not," Sasuke replied bluntly. "And quit trying to change the subject. What are you doing here? I won't ask again."
The devil finally admitted it, "I wanted to see you—more of you. To… evaluate you. But don't worry about it, for now," she said with a teasing smile. "And I can see you still haven't utilized your chakra for senjutsu. Still putting it off? Do you not wish to grow stronger to protect my imouto? I thought we had a deal."
To grow stronger. He scoffed at that. There was no one who knew that better than him.
Sasuke didn't respond immediately. There was no one at the Tepes Castle who could teach him magic—no one who could guide him in using senjutsu or channeling his immense chakra for other purposes. Everything had to be run through Euclid, and that had quickly become tedious.
He stared at Kuroka, his Sharingan instinctively analyzing the flow of natural energy and chakra coursing through her body.
Now she could be useful.
"That magic you utilize," he said, his tone sharp. "Show it to me."
Kuroka tilted her head, her golden eyes gleaming with intrigue. "I've seen you use magic."
"Your magic," Sasuke clarified. "Show me how to use chakra for it."
"And what do I get out of it?" she asked, her smirk returning.
The Shinobi crossed his arms and smirked in response. "That's it? You want to know more about me? Fine. That can work for me, but don't expect me to hold up my end if you can't show me what I need. And if you refuse, you'll learn nothing—nor will I let you catch me off guard again."
Kuroka twirled her thumbs and tilted her head, clearly pretending to contemplate the decision. Her playfulness was a lie, but Sasuke knew she wasn't entirely harmless. She was a wanted criminal, yes, but also a fellow member of the Khaos Brigade. Reporting her might have been an obligation, but gaining her knowledge was far more practical. She was the ideal candidate to teach him what others couldn't.
She then inspected her black painted nails, "…My schedule is fairly busy," she said, the lie as obvious as her grin.
"And if I catch you watching me again," The human warned, his tone sharp and cold, "I'll make sure you stay in that cat form forever."
"Will you adopt me?" she teased, her grin widening mischievously.
"Tomorrow," Sasuke said firmly, "Be here tomorrow."
This was where she lived?
At the entrance stood a small wooden gate, just large enough for an average person to pass through. The area beyond was flat, with three wooden buildings arranged thoughtfully—two aligned north to south, and one at the far end facing east to west. Their curved roofs and intricate architecture, crafted mostly from wood, were unmistakably traditional.
To him, the design seemed familiar, almost nostalgic.
Across the area—on the walls, the ground, and the structures—were small ornaments and symbols, each adding detail and depth to the shrine's atmosphere. Among the features was a strange, highly decorated box. A palanquin, they would call it. Near the edge of the grounds stood a small fountain, its gentle stream of running water providing a soothing sound. Chimes hung nearby, and when a breeze passed through, the sound was even more pleasant to the ears.
When he reached the door, he hesitated before knocking. Opening it outright wasn't his way—he had no reason to barge in uninvited.
Sasuke knocked, firmly, but was not attempting to punch the entrance down. No one answered.
He considered leaving. Perhaps she wasn't home, despite the lights being on. He knocked again, louder this time, but still no response.
It was then his eyes inspected the doorway, 'She left it open?' He had not even noticed but there was a crack to it. As if maybe, when she ran back home, she was so distressed she had not even closed her front door properly. I
'Just go home.' He told himself, but he did not. There was a pause before he stepped inside. The space was quiet, and no one was around. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Though he had never been here before, it looked normal enough. Everything was clean and organized, clearly cared for. There was fruit arranged neatly on the table and a pot sitting on the stove, unused and waiting to be turned on. Still, the feeling of being somewhere he didn't belong lingered in his mind.
Sasuke spoke loud, "You really left me with those three? I thought we were comrades." His tone was dry, an attempt at humor. Perhaps she would have appreciated it—if she could hear him.
The faint sound of running water reached his ears, and he noticed the glow of light under a doorway. A shower was running. Realizing her whereabouts, Sasuke quickly moved into the living room.
His eyes landed on a photo frame sitting on a nearby shelf. Picking it up, he studied the image carefully. It showed Akeno holding a young girl, perhaps no more than two or three years old. He wondered if it was a younger sibling, though he didn't recall her ever mentioning one. A distant relative, perhaps—a niece or a cousin? Or maybe just a random child she had taken a picture with. He wasn't sure.
The sound of running water stopped, snapping his attention back to the present. Realizing she would soon emerge, he decided to make his presence known, not wanting to catch her off guard.
"I let myself in," he said loudly enough for her to hear from down the hall. "I wasn't sure what happened with you."
There was a pause, and then her voice came, tinged with confusion. "…Sasuke-kun?" she asked hesitantly.
He smirked slightly, his eyes still on the photo. "I was worried if that god used some spell on you to make you fall back like that. I had to make sure you weren't running off to wherever his domain is." It was a joke, but no laughter came.
"Let me put something on." she had replied with.
'Good idea.' he thought.
A few moments later, Akeno returned. Her hair was dry, and she was wearing an all-white robe. She leaned against the wall, a small smile on her face, "You didn't have to come all this way. But, I made it back, and thank you for... checking up on me." She appeared well, with a smile, but it was not the one she had earlier on in the day. When today he began, she had a real smile. One anyone could recognize.
Sasuke spoke, almost narrating, "You didn't seem like yourself. I thought maybe something was off." He then showed her the photo and asked, "Who is the girl?"
The Queen's expression softened, "Me." she answered.
He appeared dumbfounded, "I know it's you. But who is this?" he pointed to the girl, the child. The one in her arms.
"... Me." she said again.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "... You're both of these people?"
Akeno almost giggled, "I'm the smaller one." she clarified, "That's my mother holding me."
What.
His eyes narrowed as he inspected the picture more closely, his gaze scanning every detail.
"... Your clone?"
"My mother."
There was one detail he had not noticed, and it was definitely ironic for someone like him to not see it.
Sasuke smiled faintly and placed the photo back on the table. "Your eyes," he said. "Yours are violet. Hers are brown."
When he had seen her father, he had wondered how someone like him could be related to her. There had been no obvious resemblance at the time. But now he realized that Baraqiel did share one striking feature—a feature that had been passed down to her and, perhaps, her most defining one. Those vivid, violet eyes. Still, everything else appeared exact. They were twins, no, clones even.
"Almost identical." He concluded, "Not even my own brother and myself resembled each other that close."
"Do you have any pictures of your mother?" She asked. "I bet you look like more like yours than you realize."
He thought about that for a moment. According to Obito, his subordinate had destroyed Konoha. And when Sasuke returned, he had seen the changes for himself. If the village had been destroyed, then the Uchiha clan grounds were likely gone as well. No trace would remain of the people who had once lived there, he expected. That meant his childhood home, the memories, the pictures, and the remnants of his clan were all gone too.
"A natural disaster had come to my village," Sasuke explained, "I have no pictures of anyone."
She frowned at that, "That's terrible."
"Perhaps I can show you, later." he said, "If you wish. I can show you what both of my parents looked like you." He then looked down, "But you may be right. It's been some time since I have seen either of them."
"I'd love that." Akeno said sweetly, though she was unsure how he was going to show her if he had no pictures of them, "And your brother, too." she added. That would be a bit more complex, given the... history with all of that. He suddenly regretted the offer, but did not take it back. There was no reason to really be hesitant about it either way. She had no idea of what had happened.
A sudden wash of sadness overcame her then. It had not been that long ago but Akeno had ran out on him. Seeing her father had caused an emotional episode. And she had left her date alone, with them, and it hurt, since today was not supposed to end like that. Her mind raced, unsure of what to do, she was hurt, clearly, and now she felt guilty, and had no idea what to do.
The soft sound of something dropping broke the silence.
Sasuke did not turn his head, but his eyes flicked toward the reflection against the window. In it, he saw the white robe Akeno had been wearing now lying on the ground. She stood just beyond the hallway, her figure partially obscured in shadow, and it was clear she likely had nothing else on.
'... What was she doing now?'
He was bewildered. Ever since coming to know the woman, she had carried herself with a certain composure. She appeared confident, professional, and, overall, a strong person. However, today had made it evident that while Akeno was all of those things, she was also vulnerable and deeply hurt.
He didn't know why she had acted that way with her father, but there was something deeply traumatizing there. He had seen it. Everyone had.
However, why she had disrobed herself, and was standing there in the cold? He did not know, nor was he going to confront her on the issue.
It struck him as strange—odd, undignified, and, in his mind, foolish.
But then that word hit him as well. Foolish.
"Sasuke-kun..." she said, trying to have him face her.
Had he been a weaker man, he might have turned around, walked up to her, and taken advantage of whatever it was she seemed to be "offering."
But he was not weaker, nor did he want to walk up to her, and nor did he want to know what she was offering.
For a moment, the Uchiha thought about what to do in this situation. His instinct told him to scold her, as he would in the past. Just simply tell her she was being foolish, and then leave. That's what he wanted to do initially. But that is not what he wanted to do. He thought of other ways, maybe, something, anything, would be better than giving a scolding.
He saw his reflection in the photo of her and her mother. And then the word went through his mind.
Foolish.
Sasuke decided then to speak, not to her and her... decision. No, he decided to speak, about himself. His tone was calm, composed, and now, reflective. Which was rare, since he often did not speak about his past.
"A few years ago, when I was younger, my... comrades at the time and I entered a local tournament. Just the three of us. But when we arrived, we met all kinds of people we'd never even known existed. Most of them were from our village or nearby ones. A lot of them already knew who I was. One guy, from another team—a complete idiot—challenged me the second I arrived."
"He was the biggest fool I had ever seen. His clothes, his hair, and even his eyebrows—everything about him just screamed how much of a complete fool he was. And yet, this fool wanted to fight me. In front of my team, no less. He had the audacity to challenge me."
Sasuke shook his head slightly, the hint of amusement on his face.
"I gave him five minutes," he continued. "If he could survive that long against me, he'd have my respect."
Akeno saw his silence and asked, "And how long did it take you?"
"The truth was... I could not even last five minutes against him. I had lost. No matter how foolish he acted, or appeared, he took me down in front of my own comrades. I accepted his challenge, underestimated him, and in the end, I had been the true fool all along."
Rock Lee.
The Chunin Exams.
She found it hard to imagine him losing, let alone losing in a fight. It was even harder to imagine him embarrassing himself, or being a true fool, as he described it.
"And since then, I've lost many more times. Been a fool more times than I can count. I was undignified, reckless—I didn't think things through. I ended up hurting myself and those around me."
He paused, his gaze lowering slightly.
"And the worst part? I didn't learn anything. I just kept being the biggest fool one could be. Until it caught up with me."
After another long pause, Sasuke spoke, "Dignity. Professionalism. Composure. And thinking things through. That is what separates you from everyone else I've come to meet here. All of them... they have something they lack. But you? You have all those things. I wish, in my most... explosive moments, I could have been like that. I would have been much better off. I would have valued myself—and my life—a lot more."
People handle there issues in there own way. For him, it had been violence, vengeance, blood and hate.
Akeno glanced down at herself, her expression softening as she suddenly realized the foolishness of her actions. She had hoped disrobing herself, being naked, exposing her body would make her feel better, or maybe she thought he would like her more. It was difficult to say, but it was her way of dealing with her problems, but it was the wrong way. And he, would not let her be a fool, like he had been.
But now, with his words resonating in her mind, she saw an opportunity to pull herself together. To remember who she was. To reclaim her dignity and sense of self worth.
It was a relief to know, as far as she could tell, that he hadn't seen her in such a vulnerable state. That allowed her to correct her mistake without letting the weight of further embarrassment settle upon her.
Eventually, he turned to face her, his dark eyes meeting hers. A smile had come to face, as he was able to now recognize the person in front of him.
"I should get going."
The Queen paused, but knew that was likely for the best, for tonight. She smiled and gave a nod, "You should. It is late, and someone might see you come out in the morning and think the wrong way." Akeno walked up to him, and her tone went soft, "I apologize for today. My father, he and I... it's not good." She had wanted to say more, but, it felt like too much of a burden at the moment.
Sasuke smirked, "You should be sorry." he said playfully, "I was having such a good time." He gave her one of his infamous smiles. Everyone knew he was handsome, there was no denying it. But few had ever seen the expression on his face like now. It was so different, and no doubt his best feature. Even better than those colorful eyes he would rarely show.
Akeno blushed once more, even she could not be composed against it, "Ara, I had no idea you were so easy to please... or easy to forgive. I suppose we could... I mean I should-"
He cut her off, "Nope. No excuses." The human said sternly, "You will just have to make it up to me, again. Some other time, though."
She nodded, avoiding his eyes, "Another time."
When he left, he did not look back. There was no need to, no need to be unsure or to check up on her with one last glance. The day was over, and the late night was coming. A part of her wanted him to stay, a part of her wanted to talk to him about what was bothering her, but not tonight. Today had been an emotional ride, and she wanted sleep. But there was room to speak to him about it. All she had to do, was to ask, and to not be afraid.
The memories of her father, and her mother were painful. It was difficult to bring up issues like these to others.
Perhaps Sasuke could understand what that was like.