Welcome

An exciting new chapter

Here we go

Chapter 13: A Fractured Reflection

Saruyo Uchiha awoke to the dim morning light filtering through her curtains. As she sat up, her eyes fell upon the broken mirror she had shattered the previous night. Her reflection was fractured, distorted—just like the thoughts running through her mind.

"I should buy a new one," she murmured to herself, stretching as she ran her hands down her body, feeling the movement beneath her nightshirt.

Slipping out of bed, she walked across the hall and pushed open another door. The sight before her made her pause—Naruto and Ino lay on the bed together. Ino's arms wrapped around him, pressing his face against her ample chest, both of them lost in deep sleep.

"So they had sex," Saruyo observed flatly.

She turned on her heel, exiting the room with a deep sigh. A twinge of something unsettled her, an emotion she wasn't ready to name. Leaning against the wall, she muttered to herself, "I wanted to give it to him… my first time. But now, I can't. Not yet. But someday… I will."

The memories of last night clouded her mind—the news of her brother's involvement in the brutal bank massacre. It wasn't just a robbery. It was a slaughter. Everyone inside had been killed.

The weight of her surname bore down on her. She moved to the bathroom, splashing cold water onto her face before brushing her teeth. As she stared into the mirror, she recalled checking Facebook late at night—her feed flooded with hateful comments directed at the Uchiha name. Her hands clenched into fists.

"That bastard… he disgraced our clan's name."

Saruyo ripped off her nightshirt, her bare skin exposed to the cool air. Her fists trembled with rage.

"I'll kill him."

Her resolve hardened.

Dressing swiftly, she made her way downstairs where Kushina was already waiting for her.

"Saruyo," Kushina called.

"Yes?" Saruyo responded, her tone collected.

Kushina narrowed her eyes. "You're incredibly tense. Something's been off with you ever since the bank was robbed. Or… are you upset that Ino slept with Naruto?"

Saruyo remained expressionless. "No, Aunt Kushina. Naruto deserves happiness. I told Ino last night she could do it with him."

Kushina's eyes widened in surprise. "You… told her to?"

Saruyo nodded, her voice unwavering. "Because I can't give that to him yet."

Kushina sighed. "Then you're angry about the bank robbery. I read the news. I heard Itachi Uchiha was involved." She paused, watching Saruyo's reaction. "Am I right?"

A silence stretched between them before Saruyo finally admitted, "Yes. Itachi Uchiha… was my brother."

Kushina's face softened. "I see… So he was the one who slaughtered his clan and left his sister behind."

A deep breath escaped Saruyo's lips as Kushina stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Take it easy, Saruyo."

Saruyo didn't respond, her cold, unwavering expression masking the storm inside her.

Ino stirred in her sleep, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she felt Naruto's head resting against her soft chest. Her fingers lazily brushed through his golden locks as she reminisced about the night before.

"That was the best sex I've ever had," she thought to herself. "Naruto may be incredibly shy, but he's got a beast inside him."

She let out a small giggle before shaking Naruto awake. He stirred, blinking up at her, and immediately flushed red as the memories of the previous night hit him.

"I-Ino…" he stammered, his face burning.

Ino smirked. "Naruto-kun, this is what sex is like."

Naruto's blush deepened. "I… I didn't expect it to be like that."

Ino laughed, sitting up and stretching. "What were you expecting?"

Naruto couldn't respond, too embarrassed, as he quickly got out of bed. Ino watched him with amusement, grinning to herself.

As soon as he left, she whispered, "I've never felt this way with any other man. From now on, I'm giving myself only to Naruto… and I'll turn him into a true pervert."

At breakfast, everyone sat around the table. Naruto was noticeably shy, avoiding eye contact with Ino, while Saruyo watched with a cold, unreadable expression.

Saruyo's voice was sharp with jealousy. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

Naruto blushed even harder, while Ino grinned smugly. "Of course he did. He was with me, after all."

Saruyo's eyes narrowed. "I wasn't talking to you."

Ino laughed. "Oh? Are you jealous that I took your little demon, Naruto?"

Saruyo's eye twitched. "You're a pervert."

Ino stuck out her tongue playfully. Saruyo's patience snapped as she lunged at her, but Ino bolted from her seat, running through the house in genuine fear.

"Naruto, save me! That icy demon is going to kill me!" Ino shouted.

Kushina laughed, watching the chaos unfold as Naruto looked away, still embarrassed. She turned to him with a teasing grin. "So, Naruto, did you have fun?"

Naruto's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Even you, Mom?! Stop it!"

Meanwhile, Ino and Saruyo continued their chase. Saruyo finally caught up, grabbing Ino by her long blonde hair.

"So, what were you saying about jealousy?" Saruyo hissed.

Ino struggled but smirked. "Let go, you icy queen!" She retaliated by yanking on Saruyo's long black hair, both of them locked in a fierce hair-pulling battle.

Naruto watched, flustered, as Kushina leaned back with a chuckle. "Congratulations, Naruto. You've got two lovers now. When are you bringing home the third?"

Naruto groaned, burying his face in his hands as Ino and Saruyo continued to bicker.

Ino huffed. "Just a few more days, and Naruto-kun won't be shy anymore. I'll turn him into a full-fledged pervert."

Saruyo scowled. "Like you?"

Ino smirked. "Just watch, Icy Queen."

The atmosphere in the house had shifted. After the morning chaos, the three prepared to head out for the day. Ino selected a striking outfit—a tight, red crop top that emphasized her curves, paired with a short, black skirt that showed off her toned legs. She smirked at her reflection, adjusting her long, blonde hair as she admired herself.

Saruyo, in contrast, opted for a dark blue, form-fitting blouse with long sleeves, coupled with sleek, black jeans that hugged her figure. Her midnight-black hair cascaded down her back, enhancing her mysterious aura. Her cold expression remained, yet there was a subtle tension in her stance.

Naruto, unaware of the silent rivalry brewing between the two girls, threw on a simple white t-shirt that clung slightly to his toned body, along with dark jeans. He stretched, yawning, oblivious to the way Ino was eyeing him.

Ino turned away, her face heating up slightly. 'Damn… why does he look so good in just a simple t-shirt?' she thought to herself. Then, an idea struck her, and she smirked wickedly. 'He's still too innocent. I'll mold him into my little pervert. This is going to be fun.'

She chuckled softly to herself before making a bold declaration in her mind. 'And I'll make sure we do it every night.'

As they piled into the car, Saruyo took the driver's seat, her fingers gripping the wheel with practiced ease. Naruto sat in the front passenger seat, casually scrolling through his phone. Ino, full of energy, settled beside Saruyo, eager to tease both of them.

The ride was mostly quiet, but Ino noticed something off about Saruyo. She seemed deep in thought, her cold gaze fixed on the road ahead. Ino leaned closer and whispered into her ear with a mischievous grin.

"You know," Ino murmured, her voice sultry, "Naruto has a monster inside him."

Saruyo blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

Ino smirked. "It's twenty-five centimeters long."

Saruyo nearly slammed the brakes but caught herself, her cheeks tinged pink. "Tch… Seriously?" she muttered.

Ino giggled. "Yep. And trust me, I've tested it." She flipped her hair dramatically. "In our time together, I noticed something—he loves breasts. He never lets go of them."

Saruyo's grip on the steering wheel tightened, her icy demeanor cracking just slightly.

"He also has insane stamina," Ino continued with a teasing lilt. "We went for four hours straight. Sure, I was the one in control, but still… it was amazing. He'll satisfy you."

Saruyo exhaled sharply. "You're annoying."

Ino burst into laughter. "I'll be doing it with him every day from now on. You're going to be so jealous."

Saruyo ignored her, focusing on the road, but the conversation stirred something unfamiliar inside her.

Meanwhile, Naruto's scrolling came to an abrupt halt as a news article caught his eye. His breath hitched as he read the headline:

Uchiha Clan Member Involved in Bank Massacre

His eyes widened as he saw the name.

Itachi Uchiha.

Naruto's mind raced. He didn't know much about the Uchiha clan, but the photo accompanying the article made his heart pound. The man in the picture bore a striking resemblance to Saruyo.

He subtly glanced toward her, watching as she drove, her face unreadable. 'Could he be… her brother?'

The weight of the revelation pressed against him, but he chose to remain silent.

Meanwhile, Saruyo, still battling her emotions from Ino's teasing, found her thoughts spiraling toward her own turmoil.

'Why did you do this, Itachi?' she thought bitterly.

The car continued down the road, but tension lingered between them, unseen yet palpable.

.

As Saruyo stepped out of the car, her mind was elsewhere, completely detached from her surroundings. She was in another world, indifferent to everything happening around her. Meanwhile, Ino had latched onto Naruto's arm, pressing it between her ample chest, making the shy boy blush furiously.

"Naruto-kun, you like them, don't you?" Ino teased, smirking mischievously.

Naruto stammered, his face turning crimson. "I-I..."

Ino giggled. "Come on, don't be shy! Last night, you couldn't stop sucking on them like a little baby."

Naruto's entire face burned red as he flailed his hands, mortified. "I-I didn't—!"

Ino leaned over and whispered in his ear. "As you know, Saruyu also has big breasts… maybe even bigger than mine. You'll enjoy it, won't you, Naruto-kun?"

Before Naruto could respond, Saruyo suddenly pulled him away from Ino's grip, her icy gaze locking onto the blonde girl. "Don't bother him," she said coldly.

Ino merely grinned. "This is fun."

As they walked through the campus, whispers filled the air. Saruyo, Naruto, and Ino all heard it—the murmurs, the hushed voices carrying fear and disdain.

"Isn't that the sister of the murderer?"

"Yeah... I'm afraid she'll kill us all one day."

"The Uchiha clan is nothing but a bunch of arrogant killers."

"Her brother slaughtered his whole family... What if she does the same?"

Saruyo's grip on her fist tightened, her knuckles turning white. Naruto and Ino both noticed her tense posture, the subtle anger simmering beneath her cold exterior. A girl nearby whispered to her friend, her voice filled with disbelief.

"How is that beautiful boy with that ice-cold executioner?"

Her friend scoffed. "She must have threatened him or something."

Saruyo's fury boiled inside her, but she remained composed. Instead of lashing out, she simply grabbed Naruto's hand, tightening her grip as if to ground herself. Naruto's heart ached for her. He could see the pain she refused to show. Ino, too, felt a pang of sympathy.

"Naruto, Ino," Saruyo suddenly said.

Both of them looked at her, concern evident in their eyes.

"Continue the day without me. I don't feel like staying. I have important matters to take care of."

Naruto frowned. "But, Saruyo—"

"Don't," she cut him off, her voice unwavering. "It doesn't matter."

Naruto's eyes softened. "But it does. You shouldn't care about what they say. We're here for you."

Ino nodded firmly. "Naruto-kun is right. You're not alone."

For the first time in a while, Saruyo's icy demeanor melted just a little. A small, almost imperceptible smile formed on her lips. Without a word, she pulled both of them into a rare embrace. Ino took full advantage, pressing her face against Saruyo's chest with a satisfied sigh.

"So big... so soft..."

Saruyo stiffened before glaring down at the blonde. "Get off me, you pervert."

Ino giggled but didn't move. "Mmm... let me enjoy this a little longer."

Naruto, meanwhile, was completely trapped, his face pressed into Saruyo's chest. His muffled voice came out weakly. "S-Saruyo... I can't breathe..."

Saruyo sighed and released them both. "Enough."

Ino pouted but stepped back. "You're no fun."

Saruyo placed a hand on Naruto's cheek, her eyes sharp yet oddly tender. "I'll be fine. Just go."

Naruto still looked unsure. "But, Saruyo—"

Before he could protest further, she leaned in and placed a light kiss on his lips. Naruto froze, his brain short-circuiting. Ino watched with wide eyes before smirking.

"Oh? Maybe I should join in too."

Saruyo immediately shoved her away. "Back off, Ino."

Ino giggled as she leaned back, completely amused. "Fine, fine. But you better not disappear for too long."

Without another word, Saruyo turned and walked away, leaving the campus behind. Naruto and Ino watched her go, both feeling a sense of unease.

Ino sighed, crossing her arms. "She may be cold as ice, but she doesn't deserve this."

Naruto nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll help her... no matter what."

Ino glanced at him before looking in the direction Saruyu went. Saruyu... what are you going to do now? What?

As Saruyo got into her car, she drove straight to the sports arcade where she and Naruto used to hang out. Upon entering, she was met with the familiar, sly smirk of Orochimaru, the owner of the arcade.

"Oh, Saruyo," Orochimaru sneered. "You used to come here with that sweet little boyfriend of yours, Naruto, and that blonde girl—his second lover."

Saruyo ignored his teasing and went straight to the point. "Listen, I need to know something."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"You know what happened last night," she stated. "The bank was robbed. Everyone inside was slaughtered. And Itachi Uchiha is involved, isn't he?"

Orochimaru's smirk widened. "Yes, indeed."

"Saruyu's eyes grew sharper. "I was once a member of the Akatsuki, a gang of ruthless assassins. You know where he is. I want you to take me to him."

The arcade filled with Orochimaru's eerie laughter, echoing through the sports hall. His laughter was uncontrollable, sending chills down the spines of those present. Saruyo's expression darkened, her patience wearing thin.

"I can't believe it! Little Saruyo wants to face Itachi Uchiha!" Orochimaru cackled. The entire arcade joined in his laughter, mocking her.

Saruyo clenched her fist, then, with one swift motion, struck the wall beside her, shattering a portion of it. The arcade fell silent instantly, all eyes on her.

Her icy voice cut through the air. "You will take me to him. Or else."

Meanwhile, back at the college, Ino sat beside Naruto as usual, determined to make him more sociable—or rather, the kind of pervert she desired.

Leaning in, she whispered into his ear. "Naruto-kun."

Naruto turned to her, confused. "What?"

Ino smirked. "How about I introduce you to my friends? Maybe I'll even let you have fun with them."

Naruto's face turned beet red. "W-What?!"

Ino giggled. "After this lecture, instead of just spending time alone with me, you could enjoy yourself more."

Naruto stammered, his mind in turmoil. "I-I don't know about that..."

Ino pouted playfully. "Come on, Naruto-kun. I want you to be more social. And the first step is meeting my naughty friends."

Naruto, still blushing, muttered, "So you're a pervert too, Ino?"

She grinned mischievously. "Of course. And I plan to make you just like me."

Before he could protest, Ino pressed herself closer to him, slipping his arm between her chest. "You like them, don't you?"

Naruto's face burned with embarrassment, but he didn't pull away like he usually did. He was actually... enjoying it.

Ino noticed this, smirking to herself. It's starting.

Orochimaru leaned back with a sly grin, his serpentine eyes gleaming as he spoke. "Considering I was once a member of the Akatsuki, I can tell you some information. But I can't guarantee accuracy. They move frequently. After all, they're an extremely dangerous organization."

He chuckled darkly before his expression turned more sinister. "But Saruyo, if you ever fell into their hands with that alluring body of yours, they'd have their way with you. They'd break you, make you theirs, and you'd end up carrying their children."

Saruyo's expression remained icy, but a flicker of disgust and anger flashed in her eyes. She clenched her fists, suppressing the rage that bubbled inside her.

"Listen," Orochimaru continued, "the last time they were seen, they were in the western district. But Itachi—he's far too cautious. A criminal of his level knows how to stay hidden, especially now that his name is being whispered everywhere. People are terrified."

He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Lady Tsunade, the mayor of this city, has put her best police and intelligence officers on the trail of him. But they haven't come up with anything. However, the last confirmed sighting of Itachi was in the northern part of the city, near the [Sweets] on [Public Street]."

Orochimaru's smirk returned. "I don't have solid proof that he's still there. But I rely on patterns, and Itachi has been seen in that area more than once. If you truly want to find him, that's where I'd start. Maybe you'll get lucky. Or maybe you won't."

Without a word, Saruyo took the slip of paper with the address, turned on her heel, and walked away. She exited the arcade and got into her car. Orochimaru watched her go, shaking his head with amusement. "She's truly stubborn."

Elsewhere, in a dimly lit room, Itachi Uchiha sat alone. The only sound was the soft clink of a glass as he lifted it to his lips, taking a slow sip of water. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly as a strange feeling crept over him.

He placed the glass down and exhaled, staring into the darkness. "I feel it... I'm going to meet someone today."

A sudden sharp cough hit his body. He covered his mouth, his breathing unsteady for a moment. When the fit passed, he leaned back,

"Who will it be, I wonder?" he murmured, a faint smirk forming on his lips as he gazed into the abyss.

Saruyo Uchiha gripped the steering wheel tightly, her cold, piercing eyes locked onto the road ahead. The city lights blurred as she sped through the streets, her mind focused on one goal—finding Itachi. The traitor, the murderer, her brother who had killed their clan and abandoned her as a child. And now, just last night, he had struck again. A bank robbery, a massacre. Itachi and his men had slaughtered everyone inside, leaving no survivors.

The news was everywhere. People whispered about the Uchihas, about how their name had been stained with blood once again. Criminals. Killers. Monsters. Fear and hatred surrounded the name of her once-great clan. Itachi had destroyed everything they stood for, and she would never forgive him.

Saruyo's grip tightened. Orochimaru had given her a lead—Itachi was hiding somewhere near the underground fight clubs. She had already extracted the location from him. Without hesitation, she pressed her foot down on the accelerator, determined to reach him before he could disappear again.

Back in the darkness, Itachi sat silently in a dimly lit hideout. His senses were sharp as ever, and he noticed something unusual—the distant hum of an approaching car. His eyes narrowed. No one ever came looking for him. "Strange..." he muttered. "Who could it be?"

After classes ended, Ino wasted no time pulling Naruto along, her grip firm as she led him through campus. "Come on, Naruto-kun!" she chirped, her excitement evident. Meanwhile, from a distance, Hinata watched, her heart pounding. She clenched her fists, whispering, "Soon, Naruto-kun... I'll be with you." She had already spoken with her father, making the difficult choice to give up her future as the Hyuga heiress—if it meant being with Naruto, she was willing to do anything.

Ino continued dragging Naruto through the campus, waving eagerly at three approaching girls. As they arrived, Naruto's face turned bright red. The three were stunning, each with a different kind of allure.

"Who's this handsome guy?" asked the dark-skinned woman with a teasing smirk.

Ino grinned, pulling Naruto close and pressing him against her. "This is my boyfriend, Naruto!"

Naruto nearly choked. "I-I-Ino!"

The red-haired girl adjusted her glasses. "Karin. And wow, Ino, this one's different. Usually, your guys look like they're starving for us."

Mabui chuckled. "Naruto has a harem? Now that's interesting."

Fuu tilted her head. "Wanna be my friend, Naruto?"

Naruto stammered, "S-sure..."

Ino smirked and leaned in to whisper to the girls. "He's too shy. I want to turn him into someone more... fun. You guys are as wild as me, so let's help him out."

Mabui grinned. "I'm in."

Karin smirked. "Sounds like a challenge."

Fuu giggled. "This is gonna be fun!"

Before Naruto could protest, Ino grabbed his hand. "Let's go somewhere more private."

Naruto gulped. "P-private?!"

Mabui took his other hand. "Come on, boy. It'll be fun."

Karin adjusted her glasses, smirking. "Time for your transformation, Naruto."

Naruto had no idea what was coming next. His innocent days were officially over.

Saruyo gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white as she sped down the empty road. The location Orochimaru had given her was just ahead—a decayed, abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. She could feel the weight of her past pressing against her chest, her heartbeat steady but cold. Tonight, she would face the man who had stolen everything from her.

Pulling up in front of the warehouse, she turned off the engine and exhaled sharply. "Itachi..." she muttered under her breath, her icy demeanor unshaken. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders as she stepped out, her boots clicking against the cracked pavement. She adjusted her coat and strode forward, her breath visible in the cold night air.

The warehouse loomed before her, its rusted doors slightly ajar. Steeling herself, she pushed them open, stepping into the dimly lit interior. Dust hung thick in the air, and the scent of rusted metal and decay filled her nostrils. Her sharp eyes scanned the darkness, every muscle in her body tensed for the inevitable confrontation.

A flicker of movement. A familiar voice.

"So... it is you who came to visit me."

A single fluorescent light buzzed to life, illuminating the figure standing at the far end of the room. Itachi Uchiha. He looked almost unchanged from the last time she had seen him, his dark eyes unreadable, his posture relaxed yet brimming with danger. He wore a black T-shirt with bold white letters across the chest: REBELLION.

Saruyo's cold gaze met his without flinching. "Itachi..."

He tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "My little sister. You've grown. What are you now? Early twenties? You look..." His eyes roamed over her figure. "Well-developed."

Disgust flared in her chest, but she buried it beneath layers of ice. "You don't get to talk to me like we're family," she said, her voice as sharp as a blade.

Itachi chuckled, stepping forward leisurely. "Oh? And why is that? Because I killed our clan? Because I took away your perfect little life?" He shrugged, his voice void of remorse. "I told you my reason. I wanted to test my abilities. It was necessary."

Saruyo clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "And now? You robbed a bank. Killed everyone inside. The world sees you as nothing but a criminal—a disgrace to the Uchiha name. Don't you feel anything?"

"No," he said simply. "I don't care about the Uchiha name. I don't care about reputation. I care about power. This city is rotten, and I will be the one to control it."

That was all she needed to hear.

In a flash, she lunged at him, her fist aimed directly at his face. But before she could land a hit, he was gone—vanished like a ghost. Her instincts screamed at her, and she twisted just in time to see him reappear behind her.

"You're fast," he admitted, catching her wrist effortlessly, "but you're still a decade too young to challenge me."

With terrifying strength, he twisted her arm and slammed her against the cold concrete wall. The impact sent a shockwave of pain through her body, but she refused to cry out. Blood dripped from the corner of her mouth as she lifted her head, her glare unwavering.

"Being a girl doesn't mean I can't kill you," she spat.

Itachi's lips curled into an amused smirk. "Kill me? Saruyo, I could break you right now if I wanted."

She moved to attack again, but he was faster. With a swift motion, he grabbed a fistful of her long black hair and yanked her backward, slamming her onto the ground. Dust scattered into the air as she gasped sharply. He pressed his foot down on her wrist, pinning her in place.

"If you think you can stop me, you're delusional," he murmured, his voice eerily calm. "Go home, Saruyo. Find a husband. Have some children. That's what you're meant for. Not this."

Her heart pounded—not from fear, but from rage.

Then, he said something that made her blood freeze.

"Besides... you've already caught yourself a fine little companion, haven't you? That blonde-haired boy. Naruto."

Her breath hitched. How did he know about Naruto?

Itachi smirked at her silence, then released her, turning toward the exit. "You can't stop me, little sister. Walk away while you still can."

With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving Saruyu lying on the cold warehouse floor, her body achin

Naruto and Ino's friends had finished getting dressed, the air still filled with the residual heat from their time together. Naruto's face was red, his mind racing as he tried to process everything that had just happened. Ino, on the other hand, was slowly stretching, a cocky smile on her lips as she turned to the others.

"That was amazing," she said, flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "What did you all think?"

Karin adjusted her outfit, her red hair slightly disheveled, and smirked. "He's way better than any of your previous guys, Ino. I can see why you're so into him."

Mabui chuckled, her deep brown skin glowing slightly as she leaned against the wall. "Yeah, he's a beast, even though he acts all innocent."

Fuu nodded in agreement, her bright green eyes glimmering with mischief. "That was the best experience of my life," she admitted, stretching her arms.

Naruto, still blushing furiously, fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, his hands trembling slightly. Ino turned to him, smirking knowingly as she placed a hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks.

"Believe me, Fuu," Ino said, flashing a wicked grin, "you saying that after only one time is really saying something." She giggled as Naruto gulped nervously.

After they finished dressing, Ino turned to her friends. "I'll see you all later," she said as each girl took turns kissing Naruto before leaving. His face was completely red by the time they were gone. Ino, satisfied with his flustered expression, grabbed his hand and started leading him away.

"Come on, Naruto-kun," she said playfully, pulling him along.

As they walked through the quiet halls, Naruto instinctively held onto Ino, his hand resting near her chest. Ino smirked knowingly, pressing his arm between her breasts. He stiffened immediately, his entire body going tense.

"Oh? I see you're getting used to this," Ino teased in her mind, holding back a chuckle. "Time to mold you into the perfect pervert."

Meanwhile, somewhere else in the city, Saruyo sat in her car, her body tense with frustration. The city lights flickered outside, casting shadows over her sharp features. Blood smeared her hands, and she wiped it away with a tissue, staring at the crimson stains with cold indifference. Her hand ached terribly, the dull throbbing intensifying with every small movement.

"That bastard," she muttered under her breath, her icy tone laced with irritation. She clenched her jaw, gripping her wounded hand tightly. "I can't believe I lost to him."

Her reflection stared back at her in the rearview mirror—bruised, bloodied, but still composed. Her cold, calculating eyes burned with a fierce determination.

"I need to get stronger," she murmured.

She started the car, wincing slightly as pain shot through her arm. The streets were quiet at this hour, the occasional flicker of neon lights the only source of movement. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white.

"Damn it... it hurts."

Memories of Itachi flooded her mind—the once-beloved older brother who had been her world. The one who had protected her, guided her, only to shatter everything when he destroyed their clan. The weight of his betrayal pressed down on her chest like a boulder.

Her grip on the wheel tightened. She refused to let her emotions show, but the sting in her eyes betrayed her.

No. I won't cry. I'm stronger than this.

His words echoed in her mind: "Get married, have kids…"

A scoff escaped her lips. "Is that really what I was meant for? Is that all I am?"

She exhaled deeply, shaking her head as she pushed the thoughts away. "How annoying…"

Saruyo leaned back against the seat, staring blankly at the city skyline. The pain in her body was nothing compared to the turmoil within her mind. But she knew one thing for certain—she wouldn't let this defeat define her.

"I need to train harder," she said firmly. "I need to be stronger."

With that, she shifted gears and sped off into the night, determination burning in her cold, unwavering gaze.

As Naruto and Ino arrived home, the warm glow of the household lights greeted them. Kushina stood near the entrance, her arms crossed, an inquisitive look in her sharp eyes.

"Where's Saruyo? Didn't she come with you?" Kushina asked, her voice calm yet tinged with concern.

Ino shrugged casually. "She took the car this morning. She said she didn't feel like attending lectures today. Mentioned she had something important to take care of. She hasn't come back yet?"

Kushina frowned, worry flashing across her face. Something important… In her heart, she already feared the answer. Saruyo, you didn't…

Maintaining a smile, Kushina turned her attention back to Ino and Naruto. "So, what did you two do today?"

Naruto flushed instantly, his entire body stiffening. Ino, on the other hand, smirked and wrapped an arm around his waist, pressing herself against him. "After classes, I introduced Naruto to my friends. We all had a good time… really good time." Her eyes glinted mischievously. "We made sure to give him plenty of experience."

Naruto's face turned a deeper shade of red. He fidgeted, unable to meet Kushina's gaze.

Kushina blinked, her lips parting slightly in shock. "You what?"

Ino giggled, clearly enjoying Naruto's embarrassment. "Oh come on, Auntie Kushina. I'm just helping Naruto grow out of his shyness. Don't worry, he's in good hands." She leaned in, kissing Naruto's cheek. "Tonight, we're continuing his lessons. Right, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto swallowed hard, unsure how to respond, while Kushina pinched the bridge of her nose. That girl is really serious about corrupting him…

Hours passed, the house growing quieter as the night stretched on. The clock ticked past midnight when the sound of the front door unlocking broke the silence.

Saruyo entered, stepping inside with a deliberate, slow gait. The moment Kushina turned to look at her, her sharp motherly eyes caught the crimson stains on Saruyo's clothing.

"Saruyo," Kushina's voice dropped into a serious tone. "Where were you all this time?"

Saruyo exhaled and closed the door behind her. "I was… out."

Kushina's gaze traveled down to Saruyo's hands—her knuckles scraped, faint traces of dried blood visible despite an attempt to wipe them clean. "You went to him, didn't you?"

Saruyo remained silent.

Kushina stepped forward, reaching for her, but her touch was soft, almost hesitant. "You're hurt," she murmured, her voice gentle now. "Come, let me take care of it."

Without resistance, Saruyo allowed herself to be led upstairs. The bathroom light was warm, casting their reflections in the mirror.

After taking a quick shower, Saruyo sat on the edge of the bed in Kushina's room, now dressed in a loose, comfortable tank top and shorts. Her long black hair, damp from the water, cascaded down her shoulders. The soft fabric of her top outlined her delicate yet strong frame, her bruises now more visible in the light.

Kushina knelt beside her, carefully wrapping fresh bandages around Saruyo's wrist. "You shouldn't have gone alone," she murmured. "I know how much this pains you. I know how much you want to face him. But you're still healing."

Saruyo clenched her jaw. "I had to. I couldn't let it go. I wanted answers… and I wanted to fight. But…" She exhaled sharply, gripping her knee. "He was stronger than me. I thought I had trained enough, but he still overpowered me."

Kushina's heart ached at the frustration lacing Saruyo's words. She reached forward and wrapped her arms around the younger woman, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "You're not alone in this, Saruyo. You have me. You have Naruto. Even Ino. We're your family now. You don't have to bear this alone."

For a long moment, Saruyo remained still. Then, slowly, she leaned into Kushina's warmth, her forehead resting against the older woman's shoulder. Her pride refused to let the tears fall, but she allowed herself this brief moment of vulnerability.

Kushina stroked her hair gently. "Don't let his words get to you. You are strong. You are not defined by his actions. And most importantly, you are not alone."

Saruyo took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "Thank you… Aunt Kushina. I needed that."

Kushina smiled softly, pressing a kiss to Saruyo's forehead before pulling away. "Now, get some rest. And tomorrow, we'll figure out what to do next."

As Saruyo laid down, Kushina whispered one last thing. "Oh… and try to keep an eye on Naruto before Ino completely corrupts him."

Saruyo let out a quiet chuckle, exhaustion pulling her into sleep. "No promises."

the end

I want your opinion

And your comments

And in the next chapter, I will turn Naruto into a pervert and he will not be shy anymore, as Ino finally brought him out of his shell.

let's go