Chapter 17: Chapter 17
An Unexpected Friendship
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," Sasuke said, his voice tinged with embarrassment after receiving Naruto's apology. He had, after all, been spying on Naruto's training for a while before being caught.
After introducing himself, Sasuke stood awkwardly, unsure of what to say or do next. Despite his cold exterior, he was just a curious little boy at heart. Growing up under the shadow of his prodigious older brother, Itachi, Sasuke had always felt the pressure to excel. He had been training in ninjutsu since he was a child, far surpassing his peers in skill and knowledge. Yet, despite his efforts, Naruto's raw power had left him shaken.
He couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and frustration. Sasuke had always considered himself the most talented boy of his age in Konoha. But now, standing before Naruto, he felt outmatched for the first time.
"You... how can you be so strong?" Sasuke finally asked, his voice hesitant. As soon as the words left his mouth, his cheeks flushed, and he turned his head away, too embarrassed to meet Naruto's gaze.
Naruto had heard the villagers whisper about the Uchiha clan—how they were arrogant, aloof, and ruthless, especially the Konoha Military Police Force they led. The Uchiha were known for their strict adherence to the law, often leaving little room for compassion. Their reputation in Konoha was far from favorable.
But Sasuke didn't strike Naruto as cold or unapproachable. Instead, he seemed like a tsundere—a boy who acted tough but was secretly soft-hearted. This Uchiha was clearly fascinated by power, and Naruto saw an opportunity.
"Because I practice every day," Naruto replied with a gentle smile. "That's how I've gotten stronger."
The scene reminded Naruto of his first meeting with Rock Lee. Back then, Lee had been eager to learn from Naruto, and the two had formed a bond through training. Perhaps Sasuke could become a similar ally.
"Practice? I've been training with my brother," Sasuke said, frowning. He didn't want to admit that his talent might pale in comparison to Naruto's. Reluctantly, he added, "What was that earlier? Was that your chakra? Why did it feel so oppressive? Was it... murderous intent? Have you killed someone?"
Sasuke recalled his brother's words: truly powerful ninjas were often tempered by bloodshed. They carried an aura of death that could overwhelm their enemies. The pressure Naruto had exuded earlier felt eerily similar, and Sasuke couldn't fathom how someone their age could possess such a presence.
"No, that wasn't murderous intent," Naruto explained calmly. "Think of it as a way of using chakra. By gathering chakra around your body and combining it with your own aura, you can create a sense of pressure similar to murderous intent. Since I practice swordsmanship, my posture and chakra work together to create that effect."
Naruto's explanation was a clever cover for his Reiatsu, which shared similarities with chakra. Sasuke listened intently, his envy growing. He wanted to ask more about Naruto's training methods but hesitated, his pride getting in the way.
The Uchiha were known for their arrogance, and Sasuke was no exception. Yet, beneath his aloof demeanor, he was deeply curious about Naruto's strength.
Seeing Sasuke's internal struggle, Naruto decided to take the initiative. "I'm heading back now. If you're interested, how about we train here tomorrow at noon?"
Sasuke's eyes lit up, though he tried to maintain his composure. He nodded coolly, though the corners of his mouth betrayed a hint of a smile. "Alright. I'll show you the proud ninjutsu of the Uchiha clan," he said, puffing out his chest.
"I'm looking forward to it," Naruto replied with a warm smile. He waved goodbye and left the training ground, leaving Sasuke standing there, lost in thought.
Sasuke's Reflections
As Naruto's figure disappeared into the distance, Sasuke found himself staring after him, a strange feeling stirring in his chest. Naruto was the first person his age who had treated him with such kindness and sincerity. For as long as Sasuke could remember, the Uchiha clan had been isolated, their reputation as the Konoha Military Police Force earning them more fear than respect. The villagers often avoided them, and even other children kept their distance.
Sasuke had grown up in the shadow of his clan's legacy, surrounded by expectations and pressure. His brother, Itachi, was a prodigy, and Sasuke had always strived to live up to that standard. But despite his efforts, he often felt alone.
Naruto, on the other hand, had faced a different kind of isolation. Sasuke had heard the whispers about him—how he was seen as the Nine-Tails' container, a monster to be feared. Yet, despite everything, Naruto had greeted him with a smile. It was a smile that felt genuine, untainted by the prejudice Sasuke had grown accustomed to.
"How does he manage to smile like that, even after everything he's been through?" Sasuke murmured to himself.
The Uchiha Household
That evening, the Uchiha family gathered around the large dining table. Uchiha Mikoto, Sasuke's mother, served an array of delicious dishes, filling the room with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. The atmosphere was warm, a rare moment of peace for the Uchiha clan.
"Itachi, how are things at the ANBU?" Uchiha Fugaku, Sasuke's father, asked as he took a sip of tea.
"Everything is as usual," Itachi replied, his voice calm. "Though I've been busy lately. I haven't had much time to spend with Sasuke." He reached over and ruffled Sasuke's hair affectionately.
Fugaku turned to Sasuke. "And you, Sasuke? How was your day?"
Sasuke hesitated for a moment before answering. "I met someone... interesting today. A boy named Uzumaki Naruto. He's about my age, but he's really strong."
"Naruto Uzumaki?" Mikoto's eyes widened slightly. She exchanged a glance with Fugaku, a flicker of recognition passing between them. "Could he be... Kushina's son?"
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible. The Fourth Hokage and Kushina were close to our family. But after their deaths, Naruto was placed under the Third Hokage's care. We haven't been able to intervene, given the... tensions between the Uchiha and the village."
Mikoto's expression softened with sadness. "That poor boy. He's been through so much."
Itachi, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Sasuke, what's Naruto like?"
Sasuke described his encounter with Naruto, from the overwhelming pressure of his Reiatsu to his impressive swordsmanship. "He said he practices every day," Sasuke concluded. "I'm going to train with him tomorrow. I want to see how he does it."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed in interest. "A technique that can directly affect someone's aura? That's impressive. It seems Naruto has inherited his parents' talents. He could become a very powerful ninja."
Itachi smiled faintly. "I'd like to meet him someday. He sounds... intriguing."
Naruto's Plans
As Naruto walked home, his mind was already working on his next steps. Sasuke's interest in his abilities was a valuable opportunity. If he could form a bond with the Uchiha heir, it might open doors to resources and knowledge that would otherwise be out of reach. The Uchiha clan was known for their wealth and their vast collection of ninjutsu. Even if Naruto's chakra control was currently hindered by Kyuubi's interference, he knew that mastering ninjutsu would be crucial in the future.
For now, though, Naruto focused on the immediate goal: building trust with Sasuke. The Uchiha boy was proud, but Naruto sensed a loneliness in him that mirrored his own. If he played his cards right, Sasuke could become a powerful ally.
As the sun set over Konoha, Naruto's smile returned. The pieces were falling into place, and he was one step closer to his ultimate goal.
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