After the sword fighting session ended, Mikoto's voice cut through their laughter as she called everyone to get ready. Though unsure of where they were headed, Natsu obeyed without question. He was intrigued when Mikoto handed him a new, neatly folded outfit, a clear signal that something special was about to happen.
Natsu's Outfit Description
As Natsu donned the outfit, he couldn't help but feel a sense of transformation. The ensemble was traditional yet practical, embodying both heritage and purpose.
Top:
Natsu wore a kimono-style jacket with long, flowing sleeves that tapered at the wrists, allowing flexibility in his movements. The dark fabric was sleek, the deep shade exuding a quiet but potent intensity. The front of the jacket remained slightly open, revealing a lighter, fitted inner layer. The contrast provided both depth to the outfit and a metaphorical hint at the hidden depths of Natsu's character.
Belt:
A wide, white obi wrapped around his waist, securing the outfit with a tight knot. It provided not just stability to the attire, but also a visual representation of the core strength Natsu was cultivating. The carefully tied obi served as both a symbolic and functional element, ready to hold weapons or supplies.
Pants:
Natsu's pants were dark and closely fitted, narrowing at the ankles. Made from a resilient yet lightweight material, they allowed for fluid movement—essential for both stealth and combat.
Footwear:
Natsu's open-toed sandals were simple but effective, enabling quick and silent movement. Their minimalist design was practical and suitable for a shinobi whose mission demanded agility.
Hair:
Natsu's naturally red hair, concealed by Mikoto's charm, appeared as a deep black, reflecting her desire to protect him. His long, slightly unkempt hair added an air of mystery and a hint of rebellion, an outward expression of the inner conflicts he harbored.
Back Design:
On the back of the jacket, the Uchiha clan symbol was boldly embroidered, its contrasting colors giving it prominence. This emblem silently proclaimed Natsu's connection to the clan, acknowledging the legacy he was now part of.
The Forest and Emotional Reactions
Natsu stepped outside, adjusting the new attire. His mind was still mulling over where Mikoto was leading them, but he couldn't ignore the looks he received. Sasuke stared, his eyes sharp with recognition and silent approval, as if acknowledging a shift in Natsu. It wasn't just about the outfit—it was about what it signified. Natsu felt a connection to the clan, something he'd never quite admitted to himself before.
Kiyomi's reaction was even more pronounced. She opened her mouth as if to make a teasing remark, but nothing came out. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. Her usual confidence seemed to falter in the face of whatever unspoken feelings were stirring inside her. Natsu noticed, a subtle smile forming on his lips, realizing that Kiyomi was struggling with emotions she didn't know how to handle.
Mikoto, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but smile knowingly. Her eyes flicked from Natsu to Kiyomi, and she suppressed a chuckle, recognizing her daughter's sudden crush. "Now, kid, let's go," she said, a hint of amusement lacing her voice.
Natsu, Sasuke, and Kiyomi followed Mikoto in silence, their anticipation and curiosity hanging in the air. As they made their way through the village and into the dense forest on its outskirts, the surroundings slowly shifted. The path grew narrower, and the scent of pine mingled with the damp earth. Natsu's heart began to beat faster, the familiarity of the forest growing stronger with every step. It was as if each breath of the cool air carried memories, echoes of another time.
As they ventured deeper, the trees seemed to whisper. Natsu's eyes flickered with recognition—an old tree stump, half-buried rocks covered in moss, a hidden creek running silently along the path. Each landmark sent a jolt through his chest, stirring something deep within. He felt both comfort and unease, like walking in the ghost of a dream he couldn't fully grasp.
He stopped momentarily, his hand brushing against the rough bark of a tree, a shiver running down his spine. "I… I've been here before," he muttered under his breath, the words escaping without him fully intending them to.
Mikoto, walking just ahead, glanced over her shoulder. There was a softness in her gaze, an acknowledgment of the truth in Natsu's words. "Yes," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "This place is special—more than you know."
Natsu's heart pounded harder. His fingers clenched involuntarily, his senses heightened as emotions he couldn't name flooded over him. A bittersweet mixture of nostalgia, confusion, and longing coursed through him. It wasn't just the place that felt familiar—it was the sensation of belonging, the echoes of something lost and found again.
Beside him, Sasuke's normally impassive expression softened slightly. It was as if Sasuke could sense Natsu's emotional turmoil, recognizing it in some unspoken way. Without words, Sasuke's presence seemed to say, I understand.
Kiyomi, despite her shyness moments ago, now looked at Natsu with a newfound gentleness. Her teasing facade had faded, replaced by genuine curiosity and perhaps empathy. Her blush deepened, and she awkwardly fidgeted with her fingers, as if she wanted to reach out but wasn't sure how to cross the distance between them.
As they reached a clearing within the forest, Natsu felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The area was encircled by tall, ancient trees, their branches swaying gently as if in greeting. A gentle breeze brushed past, and with it came an overwhelming sense of familiarity—a feeling that he had stood here before, that this place held significance beyond what words could convey.
As Natsu followed Mikoto, Sasuke, and Kiyomi into the clearing, he became increasingly aware of the children playing around the waterfall. Their laughter and joyful shouts created a melody that seemed to weave itself into the sound of the cascading water. It was a scene so serene and beautiful that it almost felt like a dream.
But as he observed the children more closely, Natsu's eyes were drawn to a common detail on each of their shirts—the Uchiha clan symbol. The familiar red-and-white fan stood out starkly against the children's dark clothes, like a mark of unity tying them all together. He noticed it on every child, no exceptions, and the sight stirred something deep within him.
The realization hit him hard. These weren't just random children from the village—every single one of them was an Uchiha. Natsu felt a wave of emotion swell within him, a mixture of nostalgia and sadness, as if he had stumbled upon a long-lost memory of a time when the Uchiha clan was whole, their bonds unbroken. It was a vision of what could have been—a glimpse into a world that had once existed but now only remained in the echoes of the past.
The sight of the Uchiha symbols brought an ache to his chest. Natsu felt a longing that he couldn't fully understand, a need to protect this place and the children in it. It was as if he was meant to be here—as if he had a responsibility to this clan, to these children, and to the legacy that tied them all together. The weight of that responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, but it also brought a sense of purpose that he hadn't felt before.
He remembered last night with even greater clarity now. He had wandered into this place alone, feeling drawn to it by an invisible thread. He remembered seeing the waterfall and feeling the same intense emotions, though there had been no children then—only the silence of the night and the moonlight reflecting off the water. The absence of the children last night only emphasized their significance now, as if the forest itself had been waiting for this moment to reveal its secrets.
Beside him, Sasuke seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the waterfall. He didn't speak, but Natsu could sense the unspoken connection Sasuke felt to this place. Sasuke's posture was tense, his fists clenched at his sides, as if he, too, was grappling with the weight of the past and its implications for their future.
As Natsu stood there, lost in the swirl of emotions and memories, he felt a gentle nudge against his back. It was subtle at first, almost hesitant, but then a firm push sent him stumbling forward. He barely had time to register what was happening before he found himself falling, arms flailing as he struggled to regain his balance. The next thing he knew, cold water enveloped him, sending a shock through his system.
After Natsu stood dripping in the shallow pool, trying to make sense of what had just happened, he heard the unmistakable giggles and noticed the amused expressions on everyone's faces. Kiyomi's laughter rang out, clear and unabashed. Her eyes sparkled with a playful mischief that she rarely let others see, especially around her family. In that moment, her usual guarded demeanor seemed to fall away, replaced by a joyful openness.
"You…" Natsu muttered, a smile already tugging at his lips as he wiped water from his face. "Did you really just push me?"
Kiyomi tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably, the corners of her mouth twitching upward despite her efforts. She threw her hands over her mouth, giggling uncontrollably. She gave a small, apologetic shrug but didn't seem all that sorry. There was a slight blush on her cheeks that made her look surprisingly innocent—something Natsu wasn't used to seeing in her.
"I couldn't resist," she said, still giggling. "You just looked so serious…"
Natsu took a step forward, the water sloshing around his legs. "You know, you could've just told me to smile," he said, his voice holding a mock sternness. "Instead of nearly drowning me."
"It wasn't that deep!" Kiyomi protested, a defensive grin spreading across her face. "See? I checked first." She pointed to the shallow area he had fallen into, clearly proud of her foresight.
Natsu shook his head, letting out a low chuckle. "Lucky for you," he said with a raised eyebrow. "But I'll get you back for this, just you wait."
Kiyomi's grin widened, and she looked ready to dart away in case Natsu followed through on his threat. Her eyes shifted nervously between him and the path behind her, debating whether to flee or stand her ground.
Sasuke, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, let out a long-suffering sigh. He crossed his arms and muttered, "You two are hopeless," though his tone betrayed no real annoyance. There was a softness to his words, as if he found some comfort in their playfulness, even if he would never admit it out loud.
The lighthearted tension reached its peak when Natsu suddenly splashed water at Kiyomi. She gasped, more out of surprise than anything else, and stumbled backward, trying to regain her balance on the muddy bank. For a moment, it looked like she might fall in herself, but she managed to steady herself at the last second, letting out an indignant huff.
"You're terrible!" she exclaimed, shaking water from her arms with an exaggerated pout. But the smile in her eyes gave her away—she wasn't really upset.
"I told you I'd get you back," Natsu replied with a grin, still standing knee-deep in the pool. He took a few steps back toward the edge, enjoying the way Kiyomi's expression shifted between defiance and nervousness.
Kiyomi glanced around as if trying to find an escape route, but the muddy terrain left her at a disadvantage. She huffed, wiping a few drops of water from her cheek and letting out an exasperated laugh. "You win this time," she admitted grudgingly, her voice tinged with a reluctant admiration.
Natsu climbed out of the water, feeling surprisingly at ease despite the playful skirmish. He couldn't help but smile at Kiyomi's reaction, noting the way her usual confidence had given way to something softer and more genuine. It was a rare moment of connection, and Natsu found himself appreciating it more than he expected.
Standing nearby, Sasuke rolled his eyes at their antics, but there was a hint of something akin to envy in his expression. It was as if he longed to join in but didn't quite know how to bridge the gap between himself and the others.
And Mikoto, who had been watching quietly from the sidelines, allowed herself a rare, affectionate smile. She didn't say anything, simply letting the scene play out without the usual guidance or reminders. Her silence was a silent acknowledgment that, in this moment, training and responsibilities could wait.
After splashing Kiyomi and watching her retreat in mock annoyance, Natsu couldn't resist the urge to chase her, his playful instincts taking over. As he darted through the clearing, something caught his eye and brought him to a sudden halt. He looked around more closely, noticing something unusual that he hadn't registered before: not all of the children playing in the clearing had the characteristic black hair of the Uchiha clan.
Some children had blonde hair, others a shade of purple, and a few had hair colors in between. The sight was so unexpected that Natsu almost forgot about the chase. He blinked, trying to make sense of it. The Uchiha were known for their distinctive dark features, especially their hair, which was usually black or a very dark brown. Seeing children with lighter or more vibrant hair colors was strange—almost unsettling.
Natsu felt a sense of curiosity tugging at him, urging him to find out more. He approached a small group of five children who were gathering near the edge of the clearing, seemingly preparing to play a game of tag. The children hadn't noticed him yet, their focus on deciding who would be "it." Kiyomi and Sasuke, sensing his shift in attention, stopped and followed him, curiosity evident on their faces as well.
As Natsu got closer, the children's laughter and chatter faded, their eyes slowly shifting toward the newcomer. Natsu could see a mixture of emotions in their expressions—curiosity, surprise, and a hint of apprehension. It was clear that they weren't used to seeing someone unfamiliar among them.
Clearing his throat, Natsu gave them a small smile, trying to appear as approachable as possible. "Hey," he began, his voice gentle. "I'm Natsu. What are you all playing?"
The children didn't respond immediately. Instead, they stared at him with wide eyes, as if trying to process his presence. Natsu felt a twinge of uncertainty. It wasn't that he expected them to recognize him, but the way they looked at him—as if he were someone completely foreign—was a little unsettling.
Finally, one of the children, a boy with blonde hair and a bold red Uchiha symbol on his shirt, seemed to find his voice. "You're… new," he said, almost as if he were stating a fact he couldn't quite believe. His eyes flicked from Natsu to Kiyomi and Sasuke, as if looking for confirmation.
Another child, a girl with light purple hair tied in a loose ponytail, tilted her head in curiosity. "Are you really an Uchiha?" she asked, her voice hesitant but laced with genuine interest. She glanced at the emblem on his back, but her skepticism lingered in her expression.
Natsu opened his mouth to answer but paused, momentarily at a loss for words. He felt Sasuke's presence at his side, and it gave him a small boost of confidence. He straightened slightly, meeting the children's gazes head-on.
"I am," he replied, his voice steady. "I've been… away for a while, but I'm here now."
The children exchanged glances, their expressions softening slightly, but their surprise hadn't entirely faded. Natsu could see the questions in their eyes—the confusion about why they hadn't seen him before, the curiosity about his sudden appearance, and the tentative wonder about what his presence might mean.
Kiyomi, noticing the tension, took a step forward and crossed her arms. "Well, don't just stand there staring," she said, her voice carrying a tone of mock authority. "He's one of us, so don't make him feel awkward."
The children seemed to relax at her words, their shoulders lowering as the initial tension began to fade. One of them, a younger boy with dark brown hair, shuffled his feet nervously before looking up at Natsu with a shy smile. "Do… do you want to play tag with us?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Natsu felt a warmth spread through him, the awkwardness melting away as he gave the boy a nod. "Sure," he said, his smile growing. "But you all better watch out, because I'm pretty fast."
The children's eyes lit up, the unease of meeting someone new slowly replaced by excitement at the prospect of a new playmate. The boy with blonde hair grinned, his previous hesitation forgotten. "Alright," he declared, clapping his hands together. "But I'm not going to be 'it' first!"
The group quickly dissolved into playful arguments about who would be the tagger, the children's laughter filling the air once more. Natsu felt a weight lift off his chest, the strangeness of the situation giving way to a sense of acceptance and belonging.
As he watched them prepare, he couldn't help but glance back at Kiyomi and Sasuke. Kiyomi gave him an approving nod, her earlier shyness replaced by a newfound sense of pride. Sasuke, as always, tried to keep his expression neutral, but there was a softness in his eyes that hadn't been there before.
For a moment, Natsu forgot about his questions, his doubts, and the confusion that still lingered in his mind. Surrounded by these children and their laughter, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time—a sense of home, a feeling of connection to this place and these people.
The children's acceptance of him, despite their initial hesitation, was a small victory—a step toward understanding his place in this world. And as the game of tag began, with Kiyomi volunteering to be "it" first, Natsu couldn't help but smile, ready to embrace whatever came next.
After playing for about an hour, the children took a break by the water's edge. Natsu, feeling more at ease with them now, couldn't shake his curiosity any longer. He took a deep breath and asked the question that had been on his mind since they met.
"So… I never got your names," Natsu said, trying to sound casual but feeling a bit nervous.
The children exchanged glances before the boy with black hair and purple-tipped ends spoke up first. "I'm Lee," he said with a grin, his confidence clear.
Beside him, a girl with similar black hair and purple tips added, "And I'm Tenten," her voice firm and self-assured.
Natsu blinked, a flicker of recognition passing through his mind. Lee and Tenten? Where have I heard those names before? he wondered, the familiarity tugging at the edges of his thoughts.
The two blonde children spoke next. The girl, her hair slightly lighter, introduced herself as "Jun," her voice carrying a cheerful tone. The boy beside her, with similar blonde hair, followed with, "Hansha," his voice quieter but filled with warmth.
Finally, the girl with fully purple hair, who had been observing quietly, spoke up. "I'm Hitomi," she said, her voice soft but clear.
Natsu nodded, repeating their names in his head to commit them to memory. But despite learning their names, he still felt a nagging curiosity about their differences. The names Lee and Tenten felt strangely familiar, as if they belonged to people he should remember, but couldn't quite place. And then there was the matter of their hair colors—something that seemed so out of place for the Uchiha.
Gathering his courage, Natsu decided to ask a question that had been bothering him. "Do you all… have parents?" he asked hesitantly, hoping not to sound intrusive.
The children exchanged another series of looks before Lee answered for the group. "No," he said simply. "We're orphans. But it's not so bad—we take care of each other, like brothers and sisters." There was a note of pride in his voice as he spoke, and Natsu could see the unspoken bond between them in the way they looked at each other.
Kiyomi, noticing Natsu's hesitation, gave him a reassuring nudge, silently encouraging him to continue. Sasuke, as usual, stayed quiet, his expression neutral, but his eyes revealed a deeper understanding of the situation.
Still curious about the children's appearances, Natsu took a deep breath and asked his final question. "Why do some of you have purple and blonde hair?" he asked cautiously, unsure if the question might come across as rude.
The children didn't seem offended, only thoughtful. Hitomi, the girl with fully purple hair, spoke up again. "We don't really know why," she said with a small shrug. "Some of us were just born like this, and others… their hair changed over time. But we're all still Uchiha, no matter what."
Jun, the blonde girl, nodded in agreement. "It doesn't matter to us," she said with a bright smile. "We're family, and that's what's important."
Natsu listened, feeling a mix of emotions. There was so much he didn't understand, and yet these children's acceptance of their differences and their bond as a family resonated deeply with him. It wasn't about blood or appearance—it was about loyalty and love.
He didn't push further, choosing instead to respect the answers they had given him. As they continued to rest by the water's edge, Natsu felt a strange sense of contentment settle over him. Despite the mysteries that still lingered, he was grateful for this glimpse into the life of the Uchiha clan and the connection he was beginning to feel with these children.
As Natsu observed the children, a lingering thought took root in his mind. The children with purple hair—Hitomi, and those like Lee and Tenten with black hair tipped in purple—weren't just an anomaly. The more he considered it, the more he began to question if they were, in fact, always Uchiha. His instincts told him that these children belonged to the clan, but something didn't sit right. He recalled how, in the future he once knew, Lee and Tenten never had last names. It wasn't just a simple omission; it felt deliberate, as if there had been an effort to conceal or erase something. Could it be that they were born into the Uchiha, but for some reason, their last names had been hidden? What could have happened to force such an erasure of identity?
Natsu's thoughts swirled with possibilities. If these children were always Uchiha, then why go to such lengths to obscure their lineage? He knew that the Uchiha clan was proud of its heritage and that names carried weight and history. For a member of the clan to have no last name was unheard of, unless there had been a conscious decision to sever those ties.
Did something happen to the clan? Natsu wondered, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. Had there been some event or tragedy that forced these children to live in secrecy, to adopt new identities or forget their true heritage? The idea was unsettling, but it seemed to fit with what he was seeing. But then, another thought struck him with chilling clarity: Wait… but the Uchiha clan was already destroyed.
The realization sent a jolt through Natsu. He remembered the Uchiha massacre, a devastating tragedy that had marked history. If these children were truly Uchiha, how did Lee and Tenten survive? The question twisted in his mind. Had they managed to escape somehow, hiding under new identities and abandoning their names? Did they hide their last names to protect themselves? But why would it have been necessary?
The questions multiplied, and the more he thought about it, the more it seemed that something drastic must have happened—something that forced them to sever their ties to the Uchiha name. The Uchiha clan was known for its pride and traditions; concealing or erasing a name wasn't just unusual—it was a desperate move, one meant to safeguard or shield them from something far more dangerous.
As these thoughts churned, another piece of the puzzle surfaced in Natsu's mind, adding yet another layer to the mystery. He recalled something else about Lee and Tenten: their unusually low chakra levels, even below what an average person should have. This detail, which had always seemed like an oddity in the future he knew, took on a new significance now. The Uchiha were known for their strong chakra reserves, so why were these two different? Was their chakra suppressed as a result of whatever had forced them to abandon their identities? Or was something else at play, something that had been done to them to keep their bloodline abilities from awakening?
He couldn't help but feel a strange empathy for them. He, too, was wrestling with a hidden past, a life of secrets and unspoken truths. And now, he felt a growing responsibility to uncover what had happened to these children, not just for his own understanding, but to help them find the answers they didn't even know they needed.
In his heart, Natsu knew that these children were Uchiha. Their bonds, their loyalty, and the emblem they wore proudly on their backs were evidence enough. But something had driven the clan to hide parts of their identities—to protect them or to shield them from something unknown. If they were hidden survivors of the clan's downfall, what danger had made it necessary to erase their past?
The mystery weighed heavily on Natsu's mind, and he resolved to find out what had happened. He didn't know when or how, but he was certain that the truth was out there, waiting to be uncovered. And in the meantime, he would watch over these children, protecting them as best as he could until the answers revealed themselves.
With that silent promise to himself, Natsu let out a slow breath, trying to focus on the present moment. The children's laughter still filled the air, and for now, that was enough. But deep down, he couldn't ignore the questions that lingered—questions that would continue to drive him forward, no matter where the path led.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing, Mikoto appeared, calling her children back. Her voice was warm yet firm, a gentle reminder that the day was ending. "It's time to head home," she said, smiling at the group of kids as they reluctantly began to gather their things.
Natsu, Sasuke, and Kiyomi turned to their new friends, exchanging goodbyes. Sasuke gave a curt nod, his way of acknowledging the bond they'd formed in the short time they'd spent together. Kiyomi was more animated, giving them a bright smile and a wave, promising to come back and play again. Natsu lingered a moment longer, feeling a connection to these children that he couldn't quite explain.
"See you next time," Natsu said, trying to keep his tone light, though a weight settled in his chest. As the kids waved back, he followed Sasuke and Kiyomi, feeling the cool evening breeze brush against his skin.
As they walked away from the clearing, Natsu's thoughts began to churn. The puzzle pieces in his mind felt closer to fitting together, but something still eluded him. Why do some of the Uchiha children have blonde hair? he wondered. The Uchiha were known for their distinctive dark hair, a trait almost as iconic as their eyes. But Jun's hair was undeniably blonde, and there had to be a reason for it.
Natsu sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, feeling the strain of all these questions without answers. He couldn't help but think, If only Naruto were here soon… But then, a sudden pang of pain shot through his chest, catching him off guard. It was a deep, aching sensation that mirrored what he had felt when he met a young Hinata—a strange sense of familiarity and longing.
Why is my heart hurting like this? he thought, confused. Natsu couldn't recall a moment in the future where Naruto had made friends with Jun, so why did he feel this way? It was as if his soul recognized something his mind couldn't remember. And it wasn't just Jun's blonde hair that perplexed him—it was the feeling that there were memories missing, gaps that were deliberately left unfilled.
It's like something, or someone, is trying to erase their tracks, he thought, a chill running down his spine. But why? Why would anyone go to such lengths to erase these children's pasts, to hide their names and even alter their appearances? Natsu couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something crucial, something that connected all these scattered pieces.
His mind wandered to the Nine-Tails, sealed within him. The fox was ancient and cunning, a creature that had seen and experienced much of the world's history. Maybe the Nine-Tails knows something, he considered. If there was anyone who might hold answers to these mysteries, it could very well be the entity that resided within him. But getting the Nine-Tails to share anything would be no easy feat.
As they continued down the path, the evening light fading into dusk, Natsu resolved to delve deeper into these questions. He needed to understand why these children's lives were so entangled with the past and why their memories seemed to be unraveling before him. And if the Nine-Tails held the key to these secrets, Natsu knew he had to find a way to make the fox talk.
For now, though, he would keep these worries to himself. There was still so much he didn't understand, and burdening Sasuke or Kiyomi with his doubts wouldn't help. But deep down, he felt a growing sense of urgency—a feeling that time was running out to uncover the truth.
As the night settled around them, Natsu walked on, the laughter of the children still echoing faintly in his mind, a reminder of the mysteries yet to be solved.
As Natsu continued walking with Sasuke and Kiyomi, his thoughts turned to the young girl walking beside him. He found himself glancing at her, studying her features, her expressions, and the way she interacted with Sasuke. There was something so familiar about Kiyomi, yet it didn't align with the future he knew. He remembered every significant detail about Sasuke's life in the timeline he came from, and there was one glaring inconsistency—Sasuke never had a sister.
Natsu's heart sank as he realized this. Kiyomi wasn't alive in the future, and in all the memories Naruto had, there was no mention of her, no trace of a sister in Sasuke's life. It was as if Kiyomi had never existed, which made her presence now all the more confusing. What's going on? he wondered, a sense of dread creeping in.
Kiyomi was real, standing here with them, sharing playful jabs with Sasuke and talking to Natsu with a familiarity that made it clear she had been part of Sasuke's life for a long time. But the future Natsu remembered was devoid of her existence, and that gap in memory felt like an open wound—something that had been cut out and buried deep.
How could Sasuke not have a sister in the future? he questioned internally. Had something happened to her? And if so, why was there no trace of her? No mention, no memories, nothing at all to suggest she had ever been there? The thought sent a shiver down Natsu's spine, and the weight of the mysteries surrounding these children grew heavier.
For the first time, Natsu felt that there was more at play than just hidden identities and erased pasts. The absence of Kiyomi in the future, combined with the erased last names and altered appearances of the other children, suggested that something or someone had been actively working to change the narrative—to erase these lives from history.
But why? And for what purpose?
The questions continued to swirl in his mind, and the answers seemed farther away than ever. Yet, despite the confusion and the uncertainty, one thing was clear to Natsu: he couldn't let this go. He had to find out what had happened to Kiyomi, to the other children, and to the future that seemed so drastically different from the present he was experiencing now.
As the darkness of night settled in, Natsu kept walking, his resolve hardening with each step. He wouldn't let these children's stories be forgotten or erased. He would uncover the truth, no matter what it took.
Mikoto led Natsu through the Uchiha household, her presence warm and reassuring. When she stopped in front of a large sliding door and opened it, Natsu felt a sense of familiarity mixed with awe. The room was spacious, far larger than what he was accustomed to, and elegantly decorated with the understated refinement characteristic of the Uchiha. The neatly arranged futons, the traditional wooden floors, and the soft glow from the paper lanterns gave the room a calm and inviting atmosphere.
As Natsu stepped inside, he couldn't help but be reminded of just how wealthy and influential the Uchiha clan was. It was easy to forget in the middle of his musings about the children and their hidden identities, but being here was a stark reminder of the clan's prominence.
Mikoto gave a gentle smile. "Good night, all of you," she said, her voice soft but firm. There was a motherly affection in her tone that made Natsu feel welcome and safe in this place, despite the lingering questions in his mind. Sasuke and Kiyomi both murmured their good nights, and Natsu did the same, trying to sound as natural as possible.
When Mikoto left and the door slid shut behind her, the room settled into a hushed quiet. Sasuke seemed absorbed in his thoughts, lying down on his futon with his back turned, while Kiyomi was still wide awake, her eyes reflecting the dim light. She rolled over slightly, her curiosity apparent.
After a moment of silence, Kiyomi's voice cut through the stillness. "Natsu," she said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of suspicion. "Why were you staring at Jun so much today?"
Natsu blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't realized his gaze had been so obvious, but Kiyomi's sharp observation made it clear that he hadn't been as discreet as he thought. He quickly scrambled to come up with an explanation, his mind racing. He couldn't very well tell Kiyomi about the odd connection he felt to Jun or the sense of familiarity that seemed tied to his missing memories.
So, he did the only thing he could think of—he lied. "Well," Natsu began, trying to sound casual, "it's just… Sasuke was too shy to talk to her, and I felt the same way, I guess."
Kiyomi looked at him skeptically for a moment, studying his face as if searching for any hint of insincerity. Natsu kept his expression neutral, hoping she wouldn't press further. Finally, Kiyomi let out a small sigh, seeming to accept his answer—at least for now.
As Kiyomi asked her question, the quiet room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Natsu's response. Natsu stole a quick glance at Sasuke, and he couldn't help but notice the faint blush spreading across his face. Sasuke's normally composed demeanor cracked slightly, revealing a rare moment of vulnerability. He kept his back turned and stayed silent, but the telltale redness on his cheeks said more than words ever could.
Natsu felt a small pang of sympathy for Sasuke. It was clear that Sasuke had found Jun pretty, and the sudden attention to the topic must have flustered him. It was one of those moments where Sasuke's young age and inexperience shone through, a stark contrast to the future Natsu remembered of the proud, stoic shinobi.
To save Sasuke from further embarrassment, Natsu quickly offered his fabricated explanation about them both being too shy to talk to her. Sasuke didn't say anything, his silence serving as a quiet acceptance of the excuse, but the faint blush lingering on his face showed that Kiyomi's question had hit close to home.
Kiyomi, seemingly satisfied with Natsu's response, sighed and settled into her futon. "Boys are so weird," she muttered, pulling her blanket up and rolling over, a slight smile on her lips.
Natsu cast one last look at Sasuke, whose blush was slowly fading, and then turned his attention back to the ceiling. He felt relieved that the situation had passed without further awkwardness, but there was also something endearing about seeing Sasuke act like a normal boy—someone who could be flustered by a pretty girl, just like anyone else.
As the night settled in, the room grew quiet once more, leaving Natsu with his thoughts and the faint feeling of camaraderie that came from sharing these small, human moments with Sasuke and Kiyomi.