The Uchiha training grounds, a secluded clearing within the compound, echoed with the sharp metallic thwip of shuriken striking their targets. A few days had passed since Sasuke's hospital visit, and the village was slowly returning to its rhythm, though the scars of the Konoha Crush remained. Sasuke stood at the far end of the clearing, his dark eyes focused, his movements precise and efficient as he hurled shuriken at a series of wooden targets. His brow was furrowed, a flicker of frustration in his gaze.
"My shurikenjutsu," he murmured, his voice low, "remains unchanged at 'Adept' level. It's as if time has stood still for this skill." He retrieved his shuriken, his fingers tracing the sharp edges. "I've focused so much on my chakra reverses and control and Sharingan, I've neglected the basics."
He paused, his gaze drifting towards the sky, where wisps of white clouds drifted lazily across the azure expanse. "I wonder how Naruto and Jiraiya are faring," he mused. "Has their journey changed as well? And… where are Itachi and Kisame? They should have arrived by now." A shadow crossed his face, a hint of unease in his eyes. "The timeline is diverging more than I anticipated."
"Even though I didn't try to change it."
He resumed his practice, the thwip of shuriken punctuating the quiet afternoon. The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the clearing, and Sasuke's thoughts drifted towards home, where he sought a moment of respite.
______
As he approached his house, the sounds of raised voices reached his ears. He frowned, his footsteps quickening. Upon entering, he found Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka in the midst of a heated, yet oddly playful, argument.
"I told you, Ino-pig!" Sakura exclaimed, her emerald eyes flashing, her pink hair swaying as she gestured wildly. "I'm making Sasuke-kun's lunch! He needs proper nourishment after training!"
"Like your cooking is 'proper nourishment,' forehead-girl!" Ino retorted, her sapphire eyes narrowed, her blonde hair shimmering in the afternoon light. "I'm the one who knows what he likes! Besides, I got the best ingredients!"
They stood in the center of Sasuke's living room, a chaotic array of cooking utensils and ingredients spread across the table. Sakura held a bento box, its contents emitting a fragrant aroma, while Ino brandished a plate piled high with colorful vegetables.
'How come they entered in my house. Who give them the keys of my house?'
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of confusion and mild exasperation. "What are you two doing in my house?" he asked, his voice flat. "And why are you fighting?"
Sakura and Ino turned towards him, their faces flushed, their argument momentarily forgotten. "Sasuke-kun!" they chorused, their voices a blend of surprise and delight.
Ino, her cheeks tinged pink, smoothed down her hair and offered a dazzling smile. "We were just… preparing lunch for you," she said, her voice laced with a hint of playful defiance.
Sakura, her expression determined, stepped forward, holding out her bento box. "I made it myself," she said, her voice earnest. "It's full of healthy ingredients that will replenish your energy."
Both of them internally thought, 'He's so kind and caring now. I like him even more.'
Sasuke's gaze shifted between the two girls, his expression unreadable, but a faint flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. Internally, he thought, 'They're… fighting over me? This is…not unexpected, but it's kind of warmth feel...'
Ino, sensing a moment of opportunity, sidled closer to Sasuke, her arm brushing against his. "I brought the best ingredients," she purred, her voice low. "And I know exactly how to prepare them to your liking."
Sakura, not to be outdone, stepped forward, her eyes flashing with determination. "Don't listen to her, Sasuke-kun!" she exclaimed. "My cooking is far superior! And I made sure to include your favorite tomatoes!"
'Do I like tomatoes more, maybe real Sasuke did.'
A playful tug-of-war ensued, with each girl trying to steer Sasuke towards their respective culinary offerings. They bickered and teased, their voices a blend of playful rivalry and genuine affection.
"My bento is more balanced!" Sakura insisted, her cheeks flushed. "It has all the nutrients you need!"
"But mine has more flavor!" Ino countered, her eyes sparkling. "And I added a special ingredient that will make you crave more!"
Sasuke, though maintaining his stoic facade, was inwardly amused by their antics. He had never experienced such open displays of affection in his past life, and a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
The atmosphere in his house, usually filled with a oppressive silence, was now light and vibrant, filled with the warmth of their presence.
Sakura, in a moment of playful boldness, grabbed Sasuke's arm and tugged him towards the table. "Come on, Sasuke-kun!" she exclaimed. "Try my bento! You won't regret it!"
Ino, not to be outdone, grabbed his other arm, her eyes flashing with playful determination. "No, Sasuke-kun!" she countered. "Try my dish! It's the best!"
They continued their playful tug-of-war, their voices a blend of affectionate teasing and genuine enthusiasm. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the scene, transforming Sasuke's usually somber home into a haven of lighthearted camaraderie.
He found himself caught in the middle of their playful rivalry, a silent observer of their affection, a faint sense of warmth spreading through his chest. He was loved, and despite his attempts to remain aloof, he found himself enjoying the moment.