(Few Days Later)
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the tatami mats of Sasuke's living room, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air. He sat, legs crossed, a scroll detailing advanced Kenjutsu techniques unfurled before him, yet his mind was far from the intricate diagrams and flowing script. 'This timeline…' he mused, a faint furrow creasing his brow. 'It's a labyrinth of altered paths, a delicate dance of cause and effect.'
The original story, a grim tapestry of vengeance and loss, felt like a distant, distorted memory. Orochimaru's cursed seal, the desperate pursuit of power, the hollow victory against Itachi—all of it seemed alien, a nightmare from a forgotten life. Now, he found himself in a world where bonds were forged, not broken, where the specter of Orochimaru's influence was fading, and where the future remained tantalizingly unwritten.
'The Kusanagi…' he thought, his gaze drifting to the empty katana rack in the corner of his room. 'A weapon of unparalleled sharpness, a conduit for Orochimaru's dark ambition. But that path is closed to me now. I need a blade, a true blade, one that resonates with my own strength, my own chakra.'
He had begun his Kenjutsu training in earnest, recognizing the limitations of relying solely on Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. The katana, while versatile, felt inadequate, a tool for practice rather than a weapon of war. He needed something more, something that could withstand the raw power of his Lightning Chakra, something that could cleave through the defenses of his most formidable opponents.
A gentle voice broke through his reverie, a familiar warmth that chased away the lingering shadows. "Sasuke-kun? Are you alright? I've been calling you for minutes."
He blinked, his attention snapping back to the present. Sakura stood in the doorway, a bento box clutched in her hands, her expression a mixture of concern and gentle amusement. A faint blush colored her cheeks, a testament to the unspoken feelings that lingered between them.
"Ah, Sakura," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Forgive me. I was… lost in thought."
"Lost in very deep thoughts, apparently," she teased, stepping into the room. "What were you thinking about?"
"Just… the future," he replied, rising to his feet. "And… swords."
"Swords?" Sakura tilted her head, her emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What about them?"
"I was wondering where I could find a truly exceptional blade," he explained, gesturing towards the empty katana rack.
Sakura's expression softened. "Well, I don't know much about swords," she admitted, placing the bento box on the low table. "But I do know about food. I brought you Lunch."
They settled onto the tatami mats, the aroma of Sakura's cooking filling the room. They spoke of trivial things, of training regimens and team dynamics, of the latest gossip from the village. Sasuke found himself drawn to her easy laughter, her genuine concern. It was a stark contrast to the isolation he had once embraced, a reminder of the bonds he had forged in his new life.
As they finished the meal, the conversation drifted back to Sasuke's quest for a new weapon.
"You know," he said, his gaze drifting towards the window, "I remember hearing about a pair of swords, the Kiba blades. They were wielded by a shinobi named Raiga kurosaki."
"Raiga?" Sakura frowned, her brow furrowed in thought. "I don't think I've heard of him."
"He's… a bit of an obscure figure," Sasuke explained. "He used the Kiba blades, twin swords that were said to be incredibly sharp and conductive to Lightning Chakra. They were part of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, or something similar."
____
(Evening Same Day)
Sasuke thought, a flicker of realization crossing his face. "But that's… that event is far in the future, if it even happens in this timeline. The 'Kurosaki Family Removal Arc,' I think it was called. Raiga was controlling a village called Kagero."
He sighed, the weight of his quest settling upon him. "It's too far away. I need a blade now. I should check the mission counter. Perhaps there's a C-rank mission around Kagero Village. It's the only lead I have right now."
"Since as Chunin I can do C-rank missions solo."
He stood, a sense of renewed purpose filling him. The quest for a worthy blade was more than just a search for a weapon; it was a symbol of his determination to forge his own path, to carve his own destiny in this ever-changing world.