Sasuke sat in a haze, his thoughts swirling in a void. He found himself at the Nakano residence for what was supposed to be a tutoring session, but the atmosphere felt...off. The room was empty except for Yotsuba, who was lost in her own world, scribbling away on her paper like a carefree child. Today had weighed heavily on him, more than he had anticipated. The recent fight he had loomed over him, a dark cloud of worry. The sisters were in deep danger, and he felt utterly lost on how to move forward.
'Shit.' Sasuke mused. He was brought out of his thoughts by Yotsuba, looking at him as if to ask "what's wrong?"
"Yes?" He stared back.
"Is everything all good? You haven't gone to collect the rest yet." Yotsuba said concerned.
Sasuke shut his eyes and let out a deep breath. "I'm not really up for it today. Let's just do some one-on-one and wrap things up." He rose from his place and made his way over, plopping down beside her. "I've got a question," he said suddenly, catching her off guard.
"Shoot!" Yotsuba gleamed.
"I wanna to reach out to Nino, yet every time I try to find the right approach, it feels like she'll blow it out of proportion. I'm want to understand the reason behind her intense dislike for me. If this tension continues, I won't be able to offer her any support." Yotsuba pondered for a moment, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
A light smile played on her lips. "She'll come around eventually. You haven't done anything to hurt her right?"
Sasuke nodded.
"Exactly, so continue treating her the way you always have. She'll soften up eventually."
Sasuke pondered Yotsuba's words. "But how long will it take?" He muttered.
At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase. To their surprise, it was Nino making his way down. Sasuke, noticing this, seized the moment without hesitation. He was determined to resolve things once and for all.
"Nino." Sasuke called out, earning a look from the pink haired girl as if to say, what do you want.
"Got a second." Yotsuba, noticing that Sasuke is taking his chance now, left to go upstairs.
"No. I'm not joini-"
"This isn't about tutoring."
Nino contemplated his proposal for a moment before finally relenting. She settled into the seat across from him in the cozy corner of the couch.
"What?" She said coldly.
"What's up? Why, won't you allow me to tutor you?" Sasuke asked.
Nino raised a brow. Why is he asking that? Her voice portrayed how annoyed she was. "How many times do I have to say it? We don't need a damn tutor."
Sasuke sensed there was more beneath the surface, so he pressed on. "Is it because I'm stepping into your family space?"
Nino let out an exasperated sigh, her arms crossed defiantly. "...Yes. I don't appreciate how close you are with the others, especially Yotsuba and Ichika."
Sasuke's expression tightened. "I was just lending a hand. Can you really fault them for seeing me as a friend? To them, I've become part of their circle. Why can't you view me the same way?"
Nino hesitated, her frown deepening. The air hung heavy with silence for a moment before she spoke again. "I dislike the thought of outsiders infiltrating our family. People can be cruel, sticking around only when things are good and vanishing when it gets tough."
Sasuke pondered her words. "But how can you assume I'm like that? It would be better if you gave me a chance. Let me help you."
Nino's irritation flared. "No, I see right through you. You use your charm to win over any girl you fancy, then toss them aside like broken toys. This conversation is over." She stood up from the couch, her back to him as she began to walk away.
"We're not finished," Sasuke countered, his voice steady. "I spent a long time alone. My older brother committed a terrible act—he took the lives of my entire family, leaving me behind. Anger consumed me, and I pushed everyone away, convinced that solitude was the safest path. After all, if no one is around, no one can hurt you. I resented anyone trying to break through my walls, even my closest friend. That made me cold and selfish. But my best friend didn't give up on me. Thanks to them, I found my way back to happiness. What I want you to understand is that, in time, even your sisters will forge their own friendships. They're not here to tear your family apart. I'm not here to do that either. I genuinely want to see you succeed and graduate alongside your sisters."
Nino's eyes widened as she absorbed his words, taken aback by the depth of his story. She hadn't anticipated such vulnerability from him. As she looked at Sasuke, a wave of guilt washed over her for having judged him so harshly. Sasuke met her gaze, offering a gentle smile that softened the tension in the room.
Sasuke extended his hand for a handshake, his voice warm and inviting. "Let me help you." Nino felt a wave of emotion wash over her; here was someone who didn't judge her for her past mistakes. With a deep breath, she chose to accept his offer, stepping closer to grasp his hand.
"You're not obligated to attend the sessions if you're still not interested, but remember, I'm just a call away if you need support. And think about your sisters—they deserve the chance to learn. You can't keep stalling their education just because you're not fond of the tutor. It's a bit immature, don't you think?" Sasuke laughed lightly, making Nino's cheeks flush. Embarrassed, she quickly averted her gaze and returned to her tasks.
"Whatever."
Sasuke felt a growing urge to leave after some time had passed. He exchanged heartfelt farewells with Nino before stepping out into the world. As he walked toward his apartment, his mind began to swirl with reflections.
"At least I managed to get Nino to change. She really is quite adorable. I hope she can join a tutor session next time," he mused, his thoughts drifting back to the earlier events of the day—the fight with that damn janitor.
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Sasuke approached janitor Ayato and lightly tapped him on the shoulder. As the janitor turned around, he unexpectedly swung a punch at Sasuke. Reacting swiftly, Sasuke leaped back and caught sight of a ninja tool strapped to the janitor's arm.
"So, you're the one targeting the girls. You won't get past me," Sasuke declared, sprinting towards Ayato as they engaged in a fierce exchange of blows. Fists and feet flew in a whirlwind of movement, dodges and blocks executed at a pace that left the cameras struggling to keep up. Suddenly, Ayato unleashed a menacing ice jutsu, a powerful technique from the long-extinct Yuki clan. Despite their demise, Ayato wielded the jutsu with astonishing strength. Sasuke realized he had to finish this fight quickly to return to class.
Positioned on opposite ends, Sasuke fixed his gaze on Ayato before breaking the silence. "So, what's the deal with wanting the girls? Is it for ransom?"
Ayato paused, contemplating his response. "And if that's exactly what we're after?"
With a flicker of his Sharingan, Sasuke delved into Ayato's memories. "I understand now." His voice was steady as he activated his mangekyou, the familiar tomoe gradually transforming into the complex design that defined his extraordinary eyes. Ensnaring Ayato in a genjutsu, he approached him and whispered a few chilling words.
4:45 P.M.
Same day as fight with Ayato
Ayato staggered into the boss's office, his body a canvas of bruises and cuts.
"Lord Draven."
Draven's brow furrowed in confusion as he took in Ayato's battered form. He had specifically instructed Ayato to hold off for a few days before proceeding with the kidnapping. Now, it seemed, he had paid a heavy price.
"I thought I told you to wait—" Draven began, but Ayato cut him off.
"I bring a message from... Sasuke Uchiha. He says; enjoy hell." In an instant, Ayato ignited in black flames, engulfing the facility in an inferno that consumed everything in its path, leaving no one to escape the fire that never goes out.