Chapter 6
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the village as Naruto walked purposefully toward the orphanage, his usual energy undiminished. Trailing slightly behind him was Sasuke Uchiha. Naruto had invited him along, saying it would be "good for him" to see the kids. Sasuke wasn't sure how that made sense. But somehow, he still followed. To see the children, of course.
Or rather… to see Hinata.
When they arrived, the orphanage was peaceful. Some children were already napping, their plushies tucked beside them, while others were still awake, playing or chatting quietly. That peace didn't last long. The moment Naruto stepped inside; the room exploded with excitement.
"Naruto-nii!"
"It's Naruto!"
Laughter and delighted squeals filled the air as the awake children rushed toward him, grabbing at his arms and clothes. Naruto grinned, ruffling their hair and giving each of them his attention.
Sasuke entered a moment later. For a brief second, the room went silent. The children—who had been so loud for Naruto—paused, staring at him. Their tiny faces were a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Then, just as quickly, they turned back to Naruto and continued their excitement as if Sasuke's presence was nothing more than a passing breeze.
Sasuke exhaled quietly. He should have expected that.
Just as Sasuke was about to move toward a quieter corner of the room, something unexpected happened. A small girl—no older than five—stood a few feet away, clutching a plushie tightly in her arms.
Not just any plushie. A Susanoo plushie. Her big, round eyes locked onto Sasuke. For a moment, she didn't move. Then, slowly but surely, she started walking toward him.
Sasuke stood still, watching as she approached. Her tiny legs carried her with determination, and when she reached him, she lifted the plushie high above her head—as high as her short arms would allow.
"Look!" she babbled excitedly. "He has pretty, black hair like you! And a pretty face like you! And—" she hugged the plushie close, bouncing slightly on her feet, "—a super cool chakra companion!"
Sasuke stared at her. He had no idea how to respond.
Did she just call his Susanoo a 'cool chakra companion'?