News of the Uchiha Clan's annihilation—and Shimura Danzō's betrayal from the shadows of Konoha—spread across the ninja world like wildfire, shocking everyone.
Konoha Village was thrown into chaos.
The sudden loss of one of its strongest clans left the village weakened and unstable, a fact even ordinary citizens could sense. The other four great ninja villages began watching closely, some even preparing to move.
"Red Sun Society's Kira? He made Sarutobi Hiruzen bow and sacrifice Shimura Danzō?"
"He called Konoha his territory—and said he'd kill anyone who dares to touch it?"
"One of the Sannin, Jiraiya, is already stationed at the border."
"Forget it. Let's just leave Konoha alone for now. We've got our own problems."
Information about the Uchiha massacre spread through spies and messengers, reaching the desks of every Kage in the five great nations. Konoha immediately went on high alert, reinforcing its borders.
Jiraiya, upon hearing the news, rushed back to the village, bringing much-needed stability.
Though Konoha was wounded, its spirit still burned bright—and its fangs were sharp.
After careful consideration, the other villages decided not to start a war. Slowly, things began to calm down.
Life went on.
At the Ninja Academy, Uchiha Sasuke finally returned to class after disappearing for a while.
His classmates stared at him with pity and unease.
Sasuke's face was cold—he looked like a completely different person.
"Sasuke, come with me."
Naruto, who had been chatting with Hinata about what to do after school—training or maybe a date—noticed Sasuke and frowned.
"What do you want?"
Sasuke glared at him like a wounded beast, his eyes burning with hostility.
"Just come with me!"
Naruto didn't back down. His expression hardened, his voice sharper.
The aura he gave off made Sasuke flinch.
Memories of all the times Naruto had beaten him flashed through Sasuke's mind. Without realizing it, he stood up.
Naruto turned and walked out first.
Sasuke followed, still fuming—but that cold edge in his expression faltered.
Their classmates buzzed with excitement and hurried after them, eager to watch.
On the training field, the two faced each other.
"I heard you're an orphan now," Naruto said with a smirk.
The crowd gasped. That line cut deep—too deep.
"What did you say?"
Sasuke's breath grew ragged. His eyes burned red with anger and pain.
He thought he'd come to terms with his loss—but Naruto's words ripped the wound open again.
Every day since, he'd cursed Shimura Danzō's name. His hatred had festered, eating him alive.
And now Naruto had the nerve to provoke him.
"I don't want anything," Naruto said calmly. "I just don't like you."
"When I see someone I don't like, I beat them until I feel better."
He clenched his fists and grinned coldly.
Sasuke stepped back, rage boiling over.
This was the first time Naruto had ever started a fight with him. Usually, it was the other way around.
"Damn you, Uzumaki Naruto!"
Sasuke's fury exploded.
He couldn't stand it—he'd lost everything, and now Naruto was mocking him?
"You hate me, right? You're angry. You're miserable. You think the world's unfair because I'm bullying you now, huh?"
Naruto's tone turned sharp. "I don't care about your anger, your pain, or your suffering."
"My fists are bigger. I'm stronger. If I want to beat you, I will. Whether you're miserable or not—it's none of my business."
Boom!
Naruto vanished and appeared in front of Sasuke in an instant, slamming his fist into his face.
"Damn it, I'll kill you!"
Sasuke roared and charged forward, forming hand seals mid-run.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!
A massive blaze roared toward Naruto—but it hit nothing but air.
Naruto moved faster, kicking Sasuke aside like it was nothing.
Sasuke hit the ground hard, rolled, and pushed himself up again. His face was bruised, his heart aching.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Naruto's punches came fast—each one painful but not deadly.
"Wow, Naruto's brutal," one student whispered. "He really is the demon king of our year."
"Poor Sasuke," another said. "He's been through enough already. Should we call a teacher?"
Even Sakura couldn't stand to watch anymore.
"Stop it, Naruto! You'll kill him!" she cried, running forward.
But Hinata stayed silent. Her pale eyes followed Naruto's movements—steady, understanding.
Thud!
Sasuke crashed to the ground again, his body covered in bruises. He gasped for air, too weak to get up.
"Sasuke!" Sakura knelt beside him, panicked.
Naruto walked over slowly.
"You can't even beat me," he said coldly. "Don't even think about revenge."
"When you're strong enough to defeat me, then you can talk about avenging anyone. For now, you're just weak."
Sasuke looked up at him—anger, pain, and something else flickering in his eyes.
"And one more thing…" Naruto said quietly. "I'm an orphan too."
He brushed the dirt off his clothes, turned around, and walked away.
Sasuke's body trembled. His eyes followed Naruto's back, filled with conflict.
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