Double Comparison: Two Sasukes, One Shinobi World

[abyssalmandate]

Uchiha Obito: "Pfft! HAHAHAHAHA! Kakashi, you idiot! You've actually been insulted by your own student!"

Jiraiya: "Hahahaha! I really didn't expect Sasuke to give him that answer!"

Yuhi Kurenai: "That response... Ahem. It's certainly an interesting way to evaluate your instructor."

Shiranui Genma: "I can't take it anymore! My guiding jonin being told to return to the Academy by his own student? This is going to haunt him forever!"

Ebisu adjusted his glasses, struggling to maintain his composure. "Kakashi, would you like me to recommend a few remedial courses? Perhaps a few more years at the Ninja Academy would do you some good."

Might Guy clutched his stomach. "KAKASHI! YOUR EXPRESSION! HAHAHAHA! I NEVER THOUGHT I'D LIVE TO SEE THE DAY WHEN YOU'D BE DEFEATED SO COMPLETELY IN AN ARGUMENT!"

Minato smiled apologetically at his former student. "Although Sasuke's answer was rather amusing, Kakashi, I have to admit that your physical condition could use some improvement."

Uzumaki Kushina laughed without restraint. "HAHAHAHA! Kakashi, you've finally met someone who can leave you speechless!"

The comparison space erupted into laughter.

Kakashi stood with dark lines covering his forehead. His teeth ground together as he stared at the golden screen, silently wishing he could travel to that parallel world and give Sasuke a proper beating.

That little brat!

He could tolerate being mocked by Obito. He could even endure Guy's endless challenges and Jiraiya's shameless teasing.

But being told to return to the Ninja Academy by a twelve-year-old student?

That was an insult he would remember for a very long time.

"Laugh all you want," Kakashi muttered. "I hope none of you ever have to teach that kid."

Obito wiped a tear from his eye. "Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't mind teaching him a few things myself."

"Such as?"

"How to annoy you even more."

Kakashi closed his eyes.

He already regretted asking.

On the golden screen, Kakashi remained frozen for several seconds.

Eventually, he seemed to process what Sasuke had actually said. His eye twitched, and the smile he had been wearing disappeared.

"What nonsense are you talking about?!"

He had given Sasuke two choices: Naruto could return to the Ninja Academy, or Sakura could return to the Ninja Academy.

Yet this brat had somehow managed to choose a third option.

I gave you two choices, and you decided to evaluate my qualifications instead?!

Sasuke, however, appeared entirely unbothered.

"I think you're in poor health, Kakashi-sensei. You should probably take some time to recover. As for the guidance you can provide us, I'm afraid it may be somewhat limited."

He had delivered the words politely enough, but the meaning was unmistakable.

Kakashi felt as though his vision had darkened.

Limited guidance?

Did that mean Sasuke thought he was too strong to need an instructor?

He had been called a genius since childhood. He had earned the title of Copy Ninja, become a jonin at a young age, and built his reputation through countless dangerous missions.

When had anyone last suggested that he wasn't qualified to teach a Genin?

And now this child was telling him that his guidance might be of limited value!

Kakashi took a slow breath.

Sasuke. Uchiha Sasuke. I will remember this.

"Ahem. I was joking," Sasuke added after noticing the increasingly murderous look in Kakashi's eye.

He straightened his expression and returned to the matter at hand.

"Letting me choose which teammate gets sent back is the real test, isn't it?"

Kakashi's expression changed slightly.

Sasuke continued.

"If I actually choose one of them, then I'm accepting the idea that my own success is worth sacrificing a teammate. If teamwork is the purpose of this exercise, choosing someone to abandon would defeat the entire point."

He looked directly at Kakashi.

"Isn't that right, Kakashi-sensei?"

In the comparison space, Minato nodded appreciatively.

"Clever. He's seen through the purpose of the test."

Orochimaru chuckled.

"Sasuke was able to uncover the truth behind Hiruzen's public image simply by reading books and observing the village's history. Did anyone really expect him to miss something as straightforward as this?"

Jiraiya folded his arms.

"Recognizing the test's purpose is one thing. But it doesn't necessarily tell us how he feels about Naruto and Sakura. He could have reached the correct conclusion without actually valuing either of them."

"That's true," Minato agreed. "We'll have to see what he does after the test."

On the golden screen, Kakashi's expression finally relaxed.

"It seems you understand the purpose of my assessment."

He put away his earlier irritation and adopted a more serious tone.

"Sasuke, no matter how strong a shinobi becomes, there's a limit to what one person can accomplish alone. Even someone as talented as you will eventually encounter an opponent you can't defeat by yourself. That's why you need teammates."

Sasuke nodded.

"I agree with the principle. I'm not convinced that this particular test demonstrated it very well."

Kakashi's smile faltered again.

Can this kid stop finding new ways to insult me?

Sasuke continued before his instructor could respond.

"After assessing the abilities of the three of us, I decided that Naruto and Sakura would be more effective observing from a distance while I engaged you directly. Naruto could use his clones to watch your movements, while Sakura could look for openings and provide information. I would handle the direct confrontation."

He paused briefly.

"That was the most reasonable approach based on our respective strengths. Naruto simply refused to follow it."

"HEY!" Naruto protested from the side. "You make it sound like I was the problem!"

"You charged at Kakashi-sensei without waiting for the others."

"Because I wanted to help!"

"And you got caught."

Naruto opened his mouth, then shut it again.

"...That doesn't mean my idea was bad!"

"No," Sasuke replied. "It means your execution was bad."

Sakura pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh.

Kakashi stood silently, considering Sasuke's explanation.

On the one hand, the boy's reasoning was sound. Against an opponent of Kakashi's level, forcing two inexperienced Genin into close combat could easily have resulted in unnecessary injuries. Using Naruto's clones for reconnaissance and Sakura's observations to identify openings was a sensible approach.

On the other hand, Sasuke's proposed formation still placed most of the burden on himself.

Kakashi had wanted to see whether the three children could cooperate under pressure. Sasuke had instead calculated how to use their individual abilities while minimizing their direct involvement.

It was a tactical improvement, but not quite the lesson Kakashi had intended to teach.

"Your reasoning isn't wrong," Kakashi admitted. "However, teamwork isn't simply about assigning everyone the task they're best suited for. It's also about learning to adapt when things don't go according to plan."

Sasuke considered that for a moment.

"Then that's what we should train."

Kakashi blinked.

He had expected an argument.

Instead, Sasuke had accepted the useful part of his criticism without conceding the point he had challenged.

This kid really is difficult.

In the comparison space, Tobirama crossed his arms.

"Actually, Sasuke's reasoning is perfectly valid under certain circumstances. If the difference in strength between the combatants is too great, sending weaker teammates into the fight can be counterproductive."

He glanced toward Hashirama.

"Consider your battles with Madara. There are situations where the most useful contribution another shinobi can make is to stay out of the main confrontation and prevent others from interfering."

Hashirama scratched his cheek.

"That's true, but I wouldn't want everyone to spend the entire battle watching me fight."

"Your opponents would probably appreciate it if they did."

Orochimaru smiled.

"When the difference in strength is sufficiently large, teamwork cannot simply erase it. The real question is whether Sasuke can recognize when to fight alone and when to rely on others."

Minato looked back at the golden screen.

"I hope he learns to value his companions, rather than merely calculating how best to use their abilities."

Kakashi remained quiet.

He understood Minato's concern. A shinobi could acknowledge that teammates were useful without genuinely trusting them. There was a difference between cooperating because it improved one's chances of victory and cooperating because one believed the people beside him mattered.

The two approaches could produce similar results in an ordinary mission.

They could lead to very different decisions when things went wrong.

On the golden screen, Kakashi finally put an end to the discussion.

"Fine. All three of you pass."

Naruto's face lit up immediately.

"Really?!"

"Yes, Naruto. You heard me."

"YES! I KNEW IT!"

Sakura breathed a sigh of relief, while Sasuke merely nodded.

The first stage of their lives as a team had officially ended.

However, as Kakashi watched the three Genin begin to relax, he found himself thinking that Sasuke's response had revealed more than the battle itself.

The boy had no problem challenging his instructor. He was confident enough to question the test, but he had also recognized Naruto and Sakura's contributions rather than treating their failure to obtain a bell as proof that they were useless.

That was encouraging.

What remained to be seen was whether he could carry that attitude into a real mission, when the consequences of a mistake would be far more serious than returning to the Academy.

For now, Kakashi decided, he would take the result as a promising start.

Unfortunately, Sasuke was not finished with him.

The boy looked at Kakashi from head to toe, as if making a final assessment of his instructor's condition.

Then he spoke.

"By the way, Kakashi-sensei, if you're already this exhausted after a training exercise, why don't you return to the Ninja Academy and train for a few more years? It might be better to wait until you're in good health before becoming a jonin instructor."

Kakashi froze.

The clearing fell silent.

Naruto stared at Sasuke.

Sakura slowly turned toward Kakashi, her expression caught somewhere between horror and the desperate desire to laugh.

Then Naruto burst out laughing.

"HAHAHAHA! SASUKE, YOU REALLY SAID IT AGAIN!"

Kakashi's eye twitched violently.

This brat is going to be the death of me.

The comparison space erupted once more.

Obito was practically doubled over.

"PFFT! HAHAHAHAHA! KAKASHI, YOU IDIOT! YOUR OWN STUDENT THINKS YOU'RE UNFIT TO TEACH!"

Jiraiya laughed so hard that he had to wipe his eyes.

"I genuinely didn't expect Sasuke to double down! He had already made his point, but apparently humiliating Kakashi wasn't enough!"

Yuhi Kurenai covered her mouth.

"Perhaps Sasuke believes that constructive criticism should be repeated until the recipient finally understands it."

"That's not constructive criticism!" Kakashi snapped.

Ebisu adjusted his glasses with exaggerated seriousness.

"Kakashi, I can arrange for you to attend a few refresher courses at the Academy. We shouldn't allow our younger generation to suffer from inadequate instruction."

Guy slapped Kakashi on the back.

"MY RIVAL! THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY! YOU CAN RETURN TO YOUR ROOTS, IMPROVE YOUR FOUNDATIONS, AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF ANEW!"

Kakashi staggered forward.

"Guy, if you hit me like that again, I'll make sure you're the one returning to the Academy."

Minato tried to look sympathetic, but the smile on his face betrayed him.

"Kakashi, perhaps you should take the advice to heart."

"Sensei, you're supposed to be on my side!"

"I am. That's why I'm concerned about your health."

"You don't sound concerned!"

Kushina laughed, while Orochimaru observed the silver-haired jonin with open amusement.

"It's fascinating. Sasuke has managed to turn the conclusion of a bell test into an assessment of the instructor's professional competence."

"Please," Kakashi muttered, "don't encourage him."

Obito leaned closer, grinning.

"Oh, I think the kid has a bright future."

Kakashi seriously considered whether the comparison space might permit him to strangle someone.

The golden screen faded, and the silver-framed screen began displaying the story of the original Sasuke.

After Team Seven had been formed, the three Genin spent a month carrying out D-rank missions. They pulled weeds, cleaned rubbish from rivers, searched for lost pets, and performed the many small tasks that paid little but gave newly formed teams a chance to learn how to work together.

Kakashi supervised them with his usual relaxed attitude, often appearing more interested in his book than in the work itself.

Naruto soon grew tired of the routine.

He wanted a real mission, something that would prove he was more than a child who spent his days cleaning up after other people. After enough complaints and persistent demands, Team Seven finally received a C-rank escort mission.

Their client was Tazuna, a bridge builder from the Land of Waves.

What began as an apparently straightforward assignment soon turned into something far more dangerous.

The team encountered Zabuza Momochi, a missing-nin from the Hidden Mist, and Kakashi was forced into a serious battle. The confrontation revealed the limits of Naruto and Sasuke's experience, but it also pushed both boys into situations that demanded more of them than their Academy training ever had.

After the first encounter, Kakashi began training them in chakra control by having them climb trees without using their hands.

Sasuke advanced quickly, while Naruto struggled before finding his own method of improvement.

During their second confrontation with Zabuza, Sasuke awakened his Sharingan in the heat of battle, and Naruto drew upon the Nine-Tails' chakra. Together, they managed to outmaneuver their opponent and create an opening for Kakashi.

Yet the mission ended in tragedy.

Haku, who had fought to protect Zabuza, died after intercepting Kakashi's Lightning Cutter.

Zabuza, devastated by Haku's death, turned against Gato and his men. The Demon of the Hidden Mist killed Gato before succumbing to his own wounds, bringing the confrontation to a bitter end.

The silver screen went dark.

For a moment, the comparison space remained quiet.

The difference between the two versions of Team Seven was already apparent.

In the original world, Sasuke's growth had been shaped by danger, rivalry, and the pressure of fighting opponents whose abilities he barely understood. His Sharingan had awakened during a desperate battle, and much of his progress had come through hardship he could neither predict nor control.

The parallel Sasuke, by contrast, had spent years preparing himself before his first major mission. He had entered the team with greater reserves, broader knowledge, and techniques that allowed him to challenge Kakashi far earlier than his original counterpart could have.

Yet the two worlds had reached a similar starting point.

Team Seven had been formed.

Their real missions were about to begin.

And whatever differences separated the two Sasukes, neither could afford to underestimate what awaited them beyond the village.

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[abyssalmandate]

Nara Shikamaru watched the two screens with a thoughtful expression.

"Both Naruto and Sasuke are improving incredibly quickly. Their fighting abilities are already far beyond what I'd expect from ordinary Genin."

Inuzuka Kiba nodded, then scratched his head in confusion.

"Sasuke getting stronger quickly isn't surprising. He's been a genius since the Academy. But Naruto? The dead-last is suddenly throwing around Shadow Clones like they're nothing!"

"That's because Naruto possesses an enormous amount of chakra," Shino explained. "The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique is classified as a forbidden technique precisely because dividing one's chakra among so many clones can be dangerous. Naruto can use it on a large scale because his reserves are exceptional."

Hashirama smiled warmly.

"That child has Uzumaki blood, and he's also the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki. It makes sense that his chakra reserves would be extraordinary."

Tobirama, however, was studying the silver-framed screen with a different concern in mind.

"The original Sasuke's development is considerably slower than that of his counterpart. He didn't begin tree-climbing and water-walking exercises until he was twelve, while the parallel Sasuke had already mastered those fundamentals years earlier."

Madara gave a dismissive snort.

"More than that. The parallel Sasuke had already awakened his Two-Tomoe Sharingan at seven and was using it with considerable proficiency. The original Sasuke's Sharingan has only recently begun to develop."

He paused, looking almost offended by the comparison.

"It's quite a difference. I've never seen two versions of the same Uchiha develop their Sharingan at such different rates."

Fugaku nodded thoughtfully.

"Still, considering the circumstances in which the original Sasuke grew up, his progress isn't poor. He trained hard and showed considerable talent. It's simply that his counterpart began much earlier and had a clearer direction."

Mikoto smiled as she watched the golden screen.

"What makes me happiest is that Sasuke seems to have grown up in a healthier environment. He's confident enough to challenge Kakashi, but he also knows how to appreciate what his teacher has given him."

Kushina's gaze settled on the parallel Naruto.

"And he protects Naruto, too! Did you notice how quickly he included him in his plans? He's not treating him like a burden at all."

Minato smiled. "Their relationship is certainly developing differently."

Terumi Mei, meanwhile, was thinking about a very different pair of characters.

"I'm still surprised by Zabuza. The man built his reputation as a ruthless killer, yet he ultimately sacrificed everything for Haku. I wonder how much of that side of him he would have shown if their lives had taken a different turn."

The battle in the Land of Waves had left a strong impression on the spectators. The coordination between Naruto and Sasuke had been impressive, but the bond between Zabuza and Haku had given the confrontation its emotional weight.

Not everyone, however, was interested in reflecting on the battle.

Ghost of the Mist, Suigetsu Hozuki, leaned forward eagerly.

"Wait a second. If the Kubikiribocho was left behind in the Land of Waves after Zabuza died, does that mean it's still there? Excellent! I'll have to go and retrieve it!"

Zabuza's expression darkened.

"Don't even think about it."

Suigetsu grinned. "Come on, Senior Zabuza! It's not like you're using it anymore!"

"Keep talking, and I'll find a way to kill you from beyond the grave."

Suigetsu's grin widened, although he did lean back slightly.

Orochimaru turned his attention to the golden screen.

"I wonder whether the parallel Sasuke will receive a mission to the Land of Waves as well. Given his abilities, the encounter with Zabuza and Haku could develop very differently."

Zabuza remained silent.

His counterpart in that world would have to contend with a Sasuke who was already capable of fighting Kakashi on nearly equal terms. Even if Zabuza and Haku worked together, the battle would be far more dangerous than the one he remembered.

For the first time, he found himself genuinely curious about what the parallel world would bring.

The golden-framed screen gradually lit up.

The story returned to the parallel world, where Team Seven had begun its first month of D-rank missions.

For most newly formed teams, such assignments were an unavoidable part of becoming a shinobi. They were simple, repetitive jobs intended to teach Genin discipline, cooperation, and the responsibilities that came with serving the village.

For Sasuke, however, they were an inefficient use of time.

He had no intention of spending his days pulling weeds and searching for lost pets when he could be improving his combat abilities.

So he found a solution.

Shadow Clones.

Soon, the routine assignments were being completed by clones while the original members of Team Seven focused on training. Naruto quickly followed Sasuke's example, and even Sakura learned the technique under his guidance.

With the tedious work taken care of, they could spend their time on something far more valuable.

Training under Kakashi.

Of course, Kakashi soon discovered that his students had become considerably more demanding.

Naruto, in particular, had been bothered by the difference between his own performance and Sasuke's during the bell test. After seeing Sasuke fight Kakashi so closely, he began pestering their instructor for stronger techniques.

"Come on, Kakashi-sensei! Teach me something powerful! I don't want to spend all my time doing basic exercises!"

Kakashi looked at him over the top of his book.

"Before you start asking for powerful techniques, you should learn to control the chakra you already have."

"Then teach me how!"

"Very well. We're starting with tree climbing."

Naruto stared at him.

"Tree climbing? That's it?"

"That's it."

Naruto looked ready to argue, but Kakashi had already turned toward a nearby tree.

"Climb to the top without using your hands. Use only your chakra to keep your feet attached to the trunk. If you can't manage that, there's little point in learning more advanced techniques."

Naruto grumbled, but he eventually got to work.

Unfortunately for him, Sasuke had already mastered the exercise long ago.

Sakura, meanwhile, succeeded on her first attempt.

She climbed the tree with little difficulty, demonstrating the excellent chakra control that had distinguished her from the beginning.

Kakashi watched her descend, visibly impressed.

"Good work, Sakura. Your chakra control is excellent."

Sakura smiled. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei!"

Naruto stared at her in disbelief.

"Wait! You can already do it?!"

Sakura folded her arms. "Some of us actually paid attention during the Academy lessons, Naruto."

"That's not fair!"

"It's not supposed to be fair. You just need to practice."

Naruto turned back toward the tree and charged at it again.

A moment later, he slid down the trunk.

Kakashi sighed.

"Perhaps you should stop trying to defeat the tree through sheer enthusiasm."

Sasuke watched Naruto's repeated attempts for a moment before turning toward Kakashi.

"Sakura's control is considerably better than Naruto's. Her progress will depend less on increasing her reserves and more on refining the way she uses them."

Kakashi nodded.

"That's what I was thinking. Sakura has a strong foundation in theory, and her chakra control is already excellent. With the right training, she could develop a talent for medical ninjutsu."

Sakura's eyes widened.

"Medical ninjutsu?"

"It's only a possibility for now," Kakashi explained. "But it would make good use of your strengths. If you're interested, we can begin by teaching you the principles of Yang Release and the control required for medical techniques."

Sakura considered the suggestion, then nodded firmly.

"I want to try!"

"Good. We'll start with the fundamentals. Don't expect to master them overnight."

"I understand!"

Sasuke was satisfied with the decision. Instead of forcing Sakura to imitate his own training, Kakashi was identifying a direction suited to her abilities. If she developed medical ninjutsu alongside her existing skills, she could become an invaluable member of Team Seven.

Naruto, meanwhile, continued battling the tree.

His determination was admirable.

His technique needed work.

With Sakura beginning her specialized training and Naruto occupied with chakra control, Sasuke returned to his regular physical training with Kakashi.

Their daily sessions focused on close combat, movement, reaction speed, and practical fighting experience.

Sasuke's theoretical knowledge was extensive, and his chakra control was already excellent. His elemental techniques had also developed rapidly. But he knew that possessing powerful ninjutsu was not enough.

Against a skilled opponent, the smallest mistake in close combat could leave him unable to use any technique at all.

He needed experience against someone who could exploit those mistakes.

Kakashi was an ideal opponent.

Unfortunately, Kakashi was beginning to regret agreeing to the arrangement.

Their sparring sessions had grown increasingly intense. Sasuke paid attention to every exchange, adjusted his tactics between rounds, and rarely made the same mistake twice. Whenever Kakashi demonstrated a counter, Sasuke studied it until he understood the underlying principle, then incorporated it into his next attempt.

There was little opportunity for Kakashi to relax.

And even less opportunity to read his book.

After another demanding exchange, Kakashi stepped back and raised a hand.

"Hold on. Give me a moment."

Sasuke stopped.

Then he looked at his instructor with unmistakable suspicion.

"Sensei, are you out of chakra again?"

Kakashi's eye twitched.

"Again? What do you mean, again?"

"You've been saying that rather frequently."

"Because we've been training for hours!"

Sasuke stared at him.

How hypocritical. He's always running out of chakra.

Kakashi rolled his visible eye and sat down beneath a tree.

"I need a short break."

Sasuke sighed, reached into his pouch, and pulled out a military ration pill. He tossed it toward Kakashi, who caught it by reflex.

"This is my treat. You don't have to spend your own money."

Kakashi examined the pill.

"That's surprisingly considerate of you."

"Eat it, then we can continue."

Kakashi's hand stopped halfway to his mouth.

"...What?"

"After you eat it, we'll resume training."

Kakashi stared at the pill as though it had personally betrayed him.

I really want to die.

He had served in ANBU, carried out dangerous missions, fought missing-nin, and survived situations in which a single mistake would have cost him his life.

Yet he had never felt as exhausted as he did while serving as the guiding jonin of this team.

His students had somehow found a way to outsource their D-rank missions to Shadow Clones, and now Sasuke was treating their training schedule like a military operation that could not be interrupted.

Kakashi looked up at the sky.

Being an instructor is supposed to be easier than ANBU. Who came up with that idea?

Sasuke folded his arms.

"Are you going to eat it?"

Kakashi swallowed the ration pill.

"Fine. Let's continue."

He had no intention of letting a twelve-year-old see him surrender.

That would be unbearable.

In the comparison space, Kushina was laughing again.

"Look at Kakashi's face! He's starting to regret becoming a teacher!"

Guy shook his fist enthusiastically.

"KAKASHI! YOUTH REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE! YOU CANNOT EXPECT YOUR STUDENTS TO IMPROVE IF YOU KEEP ASKING FOR BREAKS!"

Kakashi turned toward him.

"Guy, you're welcome to take my place."

"Wonderful! I'd be delighted to train Sasuke!"

Kakashi immediately regretted speaking.

Obito burst out laughing.

"You've done it now, Kakashi! Your eternal rival is going to steal your student!"

"I would happily give him away."

"That's not very responsible of you."

"Neither is your existence."

Kurenai shook her head, smiling.

"Poor Kakashi. I knew guiding Genin was demanding, but I didn't expect it to be this exhausting."

Uzuki Yugao nodded sympathetically.

"If Sasuke can make Kakashi feel more tired than he did in ANBU, he's certainly an unusual student."

Naruto watched the golden screen with a mixture of disbelief and envy.

"Why did we spend so much time doing D-rank missions? We could've used Shadow Clones too!"

Sakura gave him a flat look.

"Because our Sasuke didn't teach us how to use them, and you certainly weren't going to figure it out on your own."

"Hey!"

Iruka chuckled.

"At least the parallel Sasuke found a way to make his team more productive. Though I suspect Kakashi will need a vacation before long."

Minato's smile was gentle.

"Perhaps this is good for Kakashi. He's been relying on his experience for a long time. Having students who constantly force him to adapt may help him improve as well."

Kakashi sighed.

"I don't need to improve. I need a full night's sleep."

Obito leaned over.

"You should ask Sasuke for permission."

Kakashi ignored him.

The golden screen continued.

Over the following days, Sasuke's combat experience improved steadily, though not quite as effortlessly as an outside observer might have assumed.

His knowledge gave him a considerable advantage. He understood the principles behind many techniques and could often identify the purpose of an opponent's movements after seeing them once or twice. But recognizing a technique and responding to it under pressure were two different things.

Kakashi made certain he understood that distinction.

During their early sparring sessions, Sasuke repeatedly found himself forced onto the defensive. He could predict some of Kakashi's attacks, only to discover that the jonin had deliberately presented an opening to draw out a counterattack. On other occasions, Sasuke correctly identified what Kakashi intended to do but moved a fraction too slowly to take advantage of it.

His knowledge wasn't the problem. His body hadn't yet caught up with his understanding.

After one particularly frustrating exchange, Kakashi knocked Sasuke's legs out from under him and placed a practice kunai against his shoulder.

"Dead," Kakashi announced.

Sasuke stared at the kunai, then at his instructor.

"I knew you were going to sweep my legs."

"Really? Then why didn't you stop me?"

"Because I committed to the wrong response when you shifted your weight."

"Good. At least you know what went wrong."

Kakashi withdrew the kunai and stepped back.

"Knowing the correct answer afterward doesn't count for much in a real fight. You have to recognize the situation while it's happening, and your body has to respond before your opponent takes advantage of your hesitation."

Sasuke rose, brushing the dirt from his clothes.

"Again."

Kakashi's eye curved.

"That's what I like to hear."

They resumed.

The next exchange ended with Sasuke on the ground again, but this time he managed to twist away before Kakashi could secure the same hold. He still lost the exchange, yet he had corrected one mistake and exposed another.

They repeated the process until the light began to fade.

Sasuke reviewed every encounter afterward, sometimes discussing his decisions with Kakashi and sometimes working through them alone. His Shadow Clones helped him examine different approaches and repeat routine exercises, but the experience wasn't a substitute for facing an opponent who could adapt to him. Kakashi could recognize the patterns in Sasuke's responses, deliberately change his tactics, and punish the slightest sign that Sasuke had become too comfortable.

Gradually, Sasuke stopped making the same mistakes.

He learned to preserve his balance while attacking, to avoid committing all his weight to a single movement, and to keep enough chakra in reserve to respond when a technique failed. He also became better at recognizing when an apparent opening was a trap.

The improvement was obvious, but it came through repetition. Every small gain was built on a mistake he had identified and worked to correct.

Kakashi found the process both impressive and exhausting.

Most children needed to be reminded to practice. Sasuke needed to be reminded that practice also required rest.

Then Kakashi introduced him to the Lightning Release stimulation technique.

He explained how carefully controlled lightning-natured chakra could stimulate the body and improve its response speed. The method required a precise understanding of chakra circulation, and mistakes could cause muscle damage or disrupt the body's normal functions. Kakashi therefore insisted that Sasuke begin with the smallest possible amount of chakra.

"Don't try to increase your speed yet," he warned. "First, learn to maintain a stable flow without letting the current spread unpredictably. If you can't control it while standing still, you have no business using it in combat."

Sasuke listened carefully before beginning.

His first attempt produced only a brief flicker of electricity before the chakra flow became uneven. He stopped immediately, reviewed what he had felt, and adjusted the circulation.

The second attempt lasted longer.

On the third, he managed to maintain a weak but stable current for several seconds.

Kakashi watched closely, ready to intervene if the flow became dangerous. Sasuke's control was remarkable for his age, but even he needed time to distinguish between a stable current and one that merely felt stable.

They continued until Sasuke's control began to deteriorate.

"That's enough for today," Kakashi said.

"I can continue."

"And your control is already getting worse. Stop."

Sasuke glanced at his hands. The remaining sparks faded as he released the chakra.

After a moment, he nodded. "Understood."

He wasn't pleased to stop, but he understood the reason. Pushing past the point where he could maintain precise control would teach him bad habits at best and injure him at worst.

The following day, he began again.

This time, he established the current more quickly. Over several sessions, he learned to maintain it while walking, then while changing direction, and eventually during basic footwork exercises. Each new step introduced another difficulty. Moving changed the tension in his muscles, disrupted his rhythm, and forced him to maintain control while dividing his attention.

He was making rapid progress, but he hadn't mastered the technique. He had established a foundation that he could continue developing.

One evening, after watching Sasuke maintain a controlled current throughout a short sequence of movements, Kakashi finally asked the question that had been bothering him.

"How are you learning this so quickly?"

Sasuke let the current fade before answering.

"The underlying principles aren't entirely new to me. I've spent years training chakra control, and I've already studied the theory behind Lightning Release. That makes it easier to understand what you're teaching. But knowing the theory isn't enough. I still have to train until I can apply it without losing control."

Kakashi considered that answer.

It was a far more reasonable explanation than the one he had begun to suspect—that Sasuke could simply master any technique after seeing it once.

"You've clearly put a great deal of work into your fundamentals," Kakashi admitted. "Most Genin your age haven't had nearly as much practice."

"That's why I started early."

Sasuke's answer was simple, but it explained much of the difference between him and his original counterpart. He hadn't become capable overnight. He had spent years building the foundation that now allowed him to learn advanced techniques more efficiently.

After a brief pause, Sasuke added, "And I'm grateful that you taught me this, Kakashi-sensei. It's useful, and I wouldn't have been able to practice it properly without your guidance. I'll treat you to barbecue tonight. Order whatever you like."

Kakashi's expression softened.

At least this kid appreciates what he's being taught.

"Very well. I'll take you up on that offer."

Sasuke nodded. "Good. After dinner, we can work on maintaining the current during faster movements."

Kakashi's smile disappeared.

"After dinner?"

"Of course. I still need to improve my control."

Kakashi stared at him for a moment before looking toward the sky.

He had spent years in ANBU, survived countless dangerous missions, and fought opponents who had genuinely intended to kill him. Yet somehow, training a twelve-year-old Uchiha was beginning to feel more exhausting than any of it.

I should have negotiated for a higher salary.

And Sasuke, apparently oblivious to his instructor's suffering, had already begun planning tomorrow's training schedule.

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[Lillie Jones]

Absolute Cinema
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[abyssalmandate]

In the comparison space, the Fourth Raikage stared at the golden screen with undisguised excitement.

"Hey! I knew Uchiha Sasuke was talented, but this is ridiculous! He's already making progress with Lightning Release stimulation techniques!"

He leaned forward, his broad shoulders tense with enthusiasm.

"That technique is the foundation of our Lightning Release Chakra Mode! Even in Cloud, where we specialize in Lightning Release, mastering the necessary chakra control takes considerable time. Nobody can learn it properly in a single day!"

Darui scratched his cheek.

"Lord Raikage, it took me more than a month just to get a basic grasp of it. And that was after you personally supervised my training."

"Exactly!"

The Fourth Raikage slapped his armrest.

"If this Uchiha Sasuke belonged to Cloud, I'd name him the next Raikage right now! We wouldn't even need a selection!"

The declaration stunned the audience.

A village leader was so impressed by Sasuke's potential that he was willing to appoint him as his successor on the spot. It was an extraordinary endorsement, even coming from the famously enthusiastic Fourth Raikage.

However, after considering Sasuke's achievements, few could dismiss the Raikage's enthusiasm entirely.

The young Uchiha had demonstrated remarkable chakra control, an advanced Sharingan, impressive elemental ninjutsu, and the ability to adapt rapidly under a veteran jonin's instruction. More importantly, his progress wasn't merely the result of natural talent. Years of preparation had given him a foundation that allowed him to absorb new knowledge at an astonishing rate.

Onoki stroked his beard, looking increasingly serious.

"Uchiha Sasuke's growth is frightening. When he first graduated from the Academy, he was already capable of fighting Hatake Kakashi on relatively even terms. Now, under Kakashi's guidance, he's continuing to improve at a pace that most shinobi couldn't hope to match."

Terumi Mei nodded.

"If he maintains that pace, he could reach the level of the Five Kage within a few years. Of course, combat experience and the ability to lead a village are separate matters, but his potential is undeniable."

Zabuza remained silent.

He had already been worried about facing the parallel Sasuke. Hearing the other Kage discuss how quickly the boy was improving only made him more uncomfortable.

If I ever run into that version of Sasuke, I'd better make sure I have an escape route.

He had struggled enough against Kakashi in his own world. The thought of facing an Uchiha who could challenge Kakashi while still a Genin was hardly encouraging.

And if Sasuke continued to grow at this rate, Zabuza wasn't sure how much longer his reputation as a dangerous missing-nin would protect him.

---

【Night fell, and Sasuke kept his promise to treat Team Seven to barbecue.】

【The four members of Kakashi's team arrived at the restaurant together. By coincidence, they encountered the teams led by Sarutobi Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai, who had also chosen the restaurant for dinner.】

【Asuma greeted them enthusiastically. When he learned that Sasuke was treating his teammates, he waved away the bill before anyone could object.】

【"Don't worry about it. Tonight's on me!"】

【With that, the twelve Genin and their three jonin settled around several adjoining tables.】

【Hinata sat to Sasuke's left. Ino claimed the seat on his right, arguing that Sakura already had plenty of opportunities to spend time with him during training.】

【Sakura protested, but after a brief argument, she ended up sitting beside Ino.】

【Naruto, Kiba, and the others watched the arrangement from across the table with varying degrees of envy.】

Kiba ground his teeth.

"Unbelievable. He gets to sit between two of the prettiest girls in our year, and Hinata's on his other side!"

Shino adjusted his glasses.

"Technically, Hinata is on his left, and Ino is on his right. Your statement is inaccurate."

"That's not the point, Shino!"

Naruto leaned across the table, looking from Hinata to Ino and then to Sasuke.

"Hey, Sasuke! How come you get all the attention? What's your secret?"

Sasuke glanced at him.

"Try taking a shower and speaking to people without shouting in their faces."

Naruto looked offended.

"I do take showers!"

"Then work on the second part."

Sakura covered her mouth to hide a laugh, while Ino openly giggled. Hinata lowered her head, her cheeks turning pink.

Even Kiba couldn't argue with that one.

【Meanwhile, Sasuke had already begun grilling the meat.】

【His movements were practiced, and he kept track of which pieces were ready without letting the others burn. He divided the food among his companions, placing portions in front of Sakura, Ino, and Hinata before serving himself.】

【Ino and Sakura ate at a fairly ordinary pace, occasionally arguing over which pieces looked best. Sasuke, who had become accustomed to their habits, simply gave them more whenever they finished.】

【Hinata, however, was another matter.】

【She accepted each portion Sasuke placed in front of her with a quiet thank-you, her cheeks faintly red. Despite her shy demeanor, she ate steadily, showing an appetite that seemed almost impossible to reconcile with her small frame.】

【Sasuke had grown familiar with this side of her. At first, he had been surprised by how much she could eat. Now, he merely kept the grill supplied and made sure she had enough food.】

Does she have some Akimichi blood somewhere in her family tree?

The thought crossed his mind as Hinata finished another plate.

He glanced at her, then at the growing pile of empty dishes.

No, that's probably unfair to the Akimichi. At this rate, she might be able to compete with Chōji himself.

Fortunately, the food was going to good use. Hinata had been training more consistently, and the increased appetite was helping her recover from the extra effort.

She looked up when Sasuke placed another piece of meat in front of her.

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

"You're welcome. Eat as much as you need."

Hinata nodded, then quietly returned to her meal.

Across the table, Naruto watched the exchange with a mixture of admiration and bewilderment.

How does he make it look so easy? Whenever I talk to a girl, I end up getting yelled at!

Sakura noticed his expression.

"Don't even think about copying him, Naruto."

"Why not?!"

"Because you'll probably start by shouting at Hinata and asking why she doesn't eat faster."

"I wouldn't do that!"

Kiba snorted.

"You absolutely would."

Their argument dissolved into laughter, leaving Hinata even more embarrassed.

Sasuke continued grilling the meat as if nothing unusual had happened.

---

【At the neighboring table, Asuma had been trying to keep a conversation going with Kurenai.】

【He had started with ordinary topics: the weather, recent missions, and the quality of the restaurant's food. Unfortunately, each subject seemed to lead to a brief answer before the conversation stalled again.】

【Asuma scratched his cheek, struggling to find something else to discuss.】

Why is this so difficult? I've faced dangerous enemies without blinking, but talking to Kurenai is somehow harder than that.

He took a breath and tried again.

"By the way, Kurenai, how are your students doing? With you guiding them, they must be improving quickly."

Kurenai paused, then sighed.

"Honestly, I'm not sure how much credit I can take."

Asuma looked at her in surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"Each of them already has a fighting style tied to their clan's techniques. Hinata has the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist, Kiba works with his ninken, and Shino specializes in his insects. I can help them improve their combat experience, but I can't exactly teach them how to use techniques that I don't understand myself."

She glanced toward the other tables.

"Sometimes I wonder whether I'm doing enough as their guiding jonin."

Asuma's expression softened.

"Kurenai…"

She continued before he could find the right words.

"Look at Kakashi's team. Sasuke is always training with him, and Naruto seems to have become much more disciplined. Even Sakura is receiving specialized instruction. Kakashi may look exhausted every time I see him, but at least it's obvious that his students are making progress."

Kurenai lowered her gaze.

"I only became a jonin this year. Sometimes I wonder whether the Third Hokage made the right decision in assigning me to Team Eight."

Asuma frowned.

He knew that Kurenai took her responsibilities seriously. She wasn't complaining because the work was difficult; she was worried that she wasn't giving her students everything they needed.

He wanted to reassure her, but he wasn't sure how.

"You shouldn't judge yourself by Kakashi's standards," he said at last. "His experience is unusual, and his students have their own circumstances. You're still learning how to guide a team, too."

Kurenai smiled faintly.

"That's kind of you to say."

Asuma rubbed the back of his neck.

That was supposed to sound more reassuring.

He reached for his drink, hoping the next topic would come more naturally.

Unfortunately, the conversation had already attracted the attention of someone sitting nearby.

Sasuke's movements slowed slightly as he listened.

He remembered Hinata mentioning that Kurenai had only recently become a jonin. At the time, he hadn't thought much of it. Now, however, something about the arrangement caught his attention.

Sarutobi Asuma was the Third Hokage's son, and he had been assigned to lead the next generation of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, the heirs of three of Konoha's most influential clans.

Kurenai, meanwhile, led Hinata, the future heiress of the Hyuga clan, alongside Kiba and Shino, whose clans possessed their own valuable inherited techniques.

Two teams. Five major clans represented. And at the center of one team was the Hokage's son.

Sasuke glanced at Asuma, who was still struggling to keep his conversation with Kurenai going.

Is this really just a coincidence?

He couldn't judge Asuma's qualifications from a dinner conversation, nor could he conclude that Hiruzen had arranged the teams for political reasons. There might be perfectly reasonable explanations for both assignments.

But there was another possibility.

The Third Hokage isn't just assigning jonin to Genin. He's placing people in positions where they can build relationships with the next generation of Konoha's leadership.

If Asuma was expected to become an influential figure in the future, leading the Ino-Shika-Chō heirs would give him years to earn their trust. If his relationship with Kurenai developed further, that could strengthen his connections to another important part of the village.

Perhaps Hiruzen was simply preparing his son for greater responsibilities.

Or perhaps he was quietly preparing the village to accept his son as a successor.

Sasuke couldn't know which explanation was correct. Still, one question followed naturally from the other.

If Asuma is being positioned to inherit something, what exactly is he being prepared to inherit?

The Hokage's hat?

Sasuke looked at Asuma again.

He might be the Third's son, but that doesn't make him qualified to lead a village.

He returned his attention to the grill, leaving the thought unresolved. He had no reason to accuse Hiruzen of anything based on suspicion alone. But if the old man's intentions really did extend beyond ordinary team assignments, the consequences would eventually become apparent.

And the question would be worth asking again.

---

Orochimaru's smile widened as he watched Sasuke's expression.

"How interesting. It seems the boy has arrived at a question that our esteemed Third Hokage would rather not answer."

Hiruzen frowned.

"And what question would that be?"

"Whether you are preparing your son to become Hokage."

The accusation silenced several conversations around them.

Then Onoki began to laugh.

"Ha! I was wondering how long it would take someone to notice! Sarutobi, you have the heirs of three major clans placed under your son, and now we learn that the other team leader is a woman he's pursuing. Even if you didn't arrange all of it deliberately, you couldn't have asked for a more convenient position for him."

"Those are ordinary team assignments!" Hiruzen snapped. "Asuma was given Team Ten because his abilities and circumstances made him a suitable instructor. Kurenai has her own strengths. There is no conspiracy here."

"Then let us suppose you're telling the truth," Onoki replied. "What happens if Asuma eventually decides he wants the hat?"

Hiruzen's expression hardened.

"Then he'll have to prove himself worthy of it."

The Fourth Raikage folded his arms.

"Good. Because being the Hokage's son isn't enough. My father was the Third Raikage, but that didn't mean I could simply inherit his position. I had to demonstrate that I could shoulder the responsibilities of the office and master the strength required to defend Cloud."

He leaned forward, his voice growing more forceful.

"If Asuma wants to become Hokage, let him prove that he can protect Konoha against its enemies. Let him show that he can make decisions when the lives of thousands are at stake. Let him demonstrate that the village can trust him when the situation becomes desperate. Being born into the right family doesn't answer any of those questions."

Rasa nodded.

"A village leader needs more than strength, of course. Judgment, responsibility, and the ability to unite people are equally important. But the principle remains the same. A successor must earn the position."

Onoki stroked his beard.

"That's precisely why the arrangement looks suspicious. Asuma is already being placed in a position where he can build relationships with influential clans. If those relationships later become the foundation of his claim to the hat, people will naturally wonder whether he earned their support or was carefully positioned to obtain it."

Hiruzen's expression grew grim.

"Building relationships with the village's clans isn't a crime. Nor is giving a young jonin the opportunity to prove himself. If Asuma succeeds, it will be because he has earned the trust of his comrades, not because I ordered them to support him."

"Then you agree that he would have to earn it," Orochimaru said smoothly.

"Of course!"

"Excellent. We have established the standard. Now we only need to determine whether your son meets it."

Hiruzen turned on him.

"Orochimaru!"

"What? I haven't accused him of anything. I'm asking the same question everyone else is asking."

Jiraiya sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"That's the problem. You're asking it with that smile on your face."

Orochimaru ignored him.

The Fourth Raikage, however, wasn't finished.

"Frankly, I don't see why Asuma should even be discussed as a candidate yet. He's a jonin, yes, but that alone doesn't put him on the same level as the Five Kage. If he wants to lead Konoha, he has a great deal to prove."

"Don't confuse being a Kage with being the strongest person in the village," Hiruzen retorted. "The Hokage must be powerful enough to defend Konoha, but strength without judgment is just another danger. A capable leader must understand the village, earn its trust, and take responsibility for its people."

For once, Onoki didn't immediately interrupt.

That answer was reasonable. It was also precisely why the question was difficult.

A village could not select its leader based on bloodline alone. But neither could it ignore experience, political support, or the relationships a candidate had built over a lifetime. Even a worthy candidate needed the village to believe in them.

And if Asuma had been given an unusually favorable opportunity to build those relationships, people would naturally question what it meant.

Huang Tu finally spoke up.

"Father, isn't it a little early to argue about this? Asuma hasn't even said that he wants to become Hokage."

Onoki waved him away.

"I'm discussing the principle, not claiming that the boy has already announced his ambitions!"

Then he glanced at Hiruzen again.

"Still, Sarutobi, if your son ever does seek the position, I hope you judge him by the same standard you would apply to anyone else."

Hiruzen held his gaze.

"I would."

The answer came without hesitation, but the room had already moved beyond the question of whether Hiruzen was secretly planning a succession.

The more important question was whether Asuma could ever justify such an expectation.

---

Orochimaru leaned back, looking amused.

"Then perhaps we should consider the boy himself rather than continue speculating about his father's intentions."

Hiruzen's brow twitched.

"You were the one who started this."

"And now I'm suggesting we examine the matter fairly."

"You've never examined anything fairly in your life!"

Jiraiya burst out laughing.

Meanwhile, the Fourth Raikage looked as though he had just thought of something entertaining.

"If Asuma really does become Hokage one day, perhaps I'll have to visit Konoha personally to congratulate him."

Onoki grinned.

"Don't forget to bring a gift. A new training ground might be appropriate. He'll need somewhere to practice before he can hope to defend his village."

Rasa allowed himself a small smile.

"Perhaps we should wait until he's actually a candidate before preparing the ceremony."

"That's no fun," Onoki replied.

Hiruzen shut his eyes and took a long breath.

These people would turn a routine team assignment into an international incident.

Yet even as he listened to their laughter, the question lingered. He could dismiss the accusations of nepotism, and he could insist that Asuma would have to earn any position he sought. But the moment the possibility of succession had been raised, it could no longer be treated as a simple joke.

The Hokage's hat was not a family heirloom.

If Asuma ever wanted it, he would have to prove that the village could entrust its future to him.

And if Hiruzen wanted to defend his son's reputation, he would have to let Asuma answer that question through his own actions.

---

The argument might have continued, but another voice interrupted from the back of the comparison space.

"Old man, I'm having fun out here. You don't have to worry about me!"

Onoki froze.

That voice—

He turned sharply toward the speaker.

"Deidara?! Where have you been hiding?!"

Deidara grinned, looking entirely pleased with himself.

"What's with the interrogation? I'm enjoying my freedom. You should try it sometime!"

Onoki's face turned red.

"You little brat! When I get my hands on you—"

"Lord Onoki," Sasori said quietly, "you may want to lower your voice."

Deidara glanced at him.

"What? I'm not saying anything important."

Sasori's expression remained cold.

"That's precisely the problem. You have a habit of saying more than you should."

The reminder carried an unspoken warning. Pain had already instructed the members of Akatsuki to be careful about what they revealed in the comparison space. Their identities and activities were not things to discuss casually in front of the world's most powerful shinobi.

Deidara understood well enough to stop before he said anything incriminating.

"Relax, Brother Scorpion. I know where to draw the line."

Sasori didn't look convinced.

Elsewhere, Chiyo had gone completely still.

Her eyes were fixed on Sasori.

"...Sasori?"

For a moment, the old kunoichi seemed to forget the arguments surrounding her. The sight of her grandson was enough to pull her attention away from everything else.

Sasori, however, didn't turn toward her.

The space between them remained untouched by words, even as the comparison continued to reveal secrets, expose old grudges, and drag the world's most powerful shinobi into arguments they would never have had in ordinary circumstances
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[Lillie Jones]

Absolute Cinema

 

[abyssalmandate]

The comparison space was still buzzing with discussion about the parallel Sasuke's performance during the bell test.

His talent was already frightening enough. He had mastered techniques that would take ordinary shinobi weeks of practice, and his ability to analyze an opponent in the middle of battle had impressed even the most experienced ninja present.

However, the latest developments had revealed another side of his character.

His strength was not the only thing worth watching.

"That Uchiha brat is becoming more interesting by the minute," Orochimaru remarked, his golden eyes fixed on the golden-framed screen. "He knows how to make people lower their guard while quietly leading them toward the conclusion he wants."

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "You're making him sound like a seasoned politician. He's still a genin."

"Age has little to do with it. Watch what happens next."

On the screen, the parallel Team Seven had joined Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yūhi for a barbecue. What should have been an ordinary meal between young shinobi and their instructors was about to become considerably more complicated.

Tobirama Senju, meanwhile, had found another reason to interrogate Hiruzen.

"Before we continue, I want to clarify something."

Hiruzen sighed. "Why do I feel as though every question you ask is going to make my life more difficult?"

"Because you know me well enough to anticipate the answer."

Tobirama pointed toward the golden screen.

"Your son leads the heirs of the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans. Kurenai, meanwhile, leads the Hyuga heiress alongside members of the Inuzuka and Aburame clans. Those are six children from influential families, all placed under two relatively young jonin. Was this arrangement based entirely on their abilities, or did you have other considerations?"

The atmosphere in the comparison space shifted.

Asuma was the Third Hokage's son. His assignment placed him at the head of the Ino-Shika-Chō formation, a traditional combination whose members had cooperated for generations. Kurenai's team was similarly valuable, bringing together a Byakugan user, a tracker, and a shinobi whose insects could gather information.

Both arrangements made sense.

That was precisely why the question was difficult to dismiss.

Hiruzen took a slow breath before answering.

"The Ino-Shika-Chō formation is an established tradition. The three clans have worked together for generations, and Asuma's familiarity with their methods makes him a suitable instructor. As for Kurenai, her genjutsu specialization complements Team Eight's reconnaissance capabilities. Hinata can locate targets, Kiba can track them, and Shino's insects can gather information from a distance."

"Those are reasonable explanations," Tobirama replied. "But I asked whether there were other considerations."

Hiruzen's expression grew more serious.

"Are you suggesting I should refuse to appoint my own son simply because he is related to me?"

"No. I am suggesting that you must be especially careful when making decisions involving your family. You should neither favor him nor deny him a legitimate opportunity merely to prove that you are impartial. The same standard must apply to everyone."

Onoki nodded. "For once, I agree with the Second Hokage. Connections can open doors, but they cannot make a person qualified to lead a village."

The Fourth Raikage snorted. "If Asuma wants to become Hokage someday, he can prove himself. No one should receive the hat simply because of his father's surname."

Terumi Mei glanced at him with a faint smile.

"That's a fine principle, coming from a village where the Raikage's position has also been passed down through a family tradition."

The Raikage's expression darkened. "Are you looking for a fight?"

"Not at all. I was admiring your commitment to fairness."

A few spectators laughed.

Hiruzen rubbed his forehead. Somehow, any discussion of his son eventually became a discussion about his own leadership.

Still, Tobirama had raised a legitimate concern. The Hokage's decisions affected the entire village, and even a reasonable appointment could create doubts if its reasoning was never explained.

On the golden screen, however, the boy who had inadvertently—or perhaps deliberately—drawn attention to this problem was enjoying his dinner.

---

The barbecue restaurant was filled with the aroma of sizzling meat and the lively chatter of young shinobi.

Naruto was already reaching for another serving, Kiba was arguing with him over the last piece, and Choji had quietly secured a substantial portion of the food before either boy could interfere.

Sasuke sat beside the grill, turning the meat at precisely the right moment. He distributed the cooked portions around the table, making sure that everyone had something to eat.

Hinata sat to his left, enjoying the meal with considerably more enthusiasm than her usual shy demeanor suggested. Ino had claimed the seat on his right, apparently determined not to let Sakura take her place.

Sakura sat beside Ino, occasionally glancing toward Sasuke as he placed another plate on the table.

"You're surprisingly good at this," she remarked.

"Cooking isn't difficult once you learn when to turn the meat," Sasuke replied. "Keeping Naruto from eating everything before it's ready is the real challenge."

"Hey! I heard that!"

"Then prove me wrong. Wait until the next batch is cooked."

Naruto stared at the grill, visibly struggling with the suggestion.

Kiba burst out laughing. "He's actually considering it!"

"Shut up, Kiba!"

Even Shino seemed faintly amused by their argument.

For a while, the conversation remained light. The young shinobi compared training experiences, argued over who had completed the most missions, and competed for the best pieces of meat. Asuma and Kurenai sat nearby, watching their students settle into the kind of easy familiarity that often took a team months to develop.

Yet the two instructors had concerns of their own.

Kurenai had only recently been promoted to jonin. Although she was confident in her genjutsu abilities, leading a team presented a different challenge from completing missions as an individual shinobi.

Her students each possessed specialized talents, and she was still figuring out how to develop them together.

"Sometimes I look at Kakashi's team and wonder whether I'm approaching this the wrong way," she admitted to Asuma. "He already has his students training together and adjusting to one another. I'm still working out the best way to guide each of mine."

Asuma took a drag from his cigarette, then remembered where they were and moved it away from the table.

"Kakashi's situation isn't exactly ordinary. That Uchiha kid seems to have been preparing for this long before he graduated. You shouldn't compare your first few weeks as a team leader with his results."

"I know, but Hinata needs more confidence in her abilities, Kiba needs to learn when to restrain himself, and Shino often works best without drawing attention to what he's doing. They approach problems in completely different ways."

"That isn't necessarily a disadvantage. You've got three specialists. Once you learn how to make their strengths complement one another, they'll be difficult to deal with."

Kurenai smiled slightly. "You make it sound simple."

"It isn't. I'm just trying to stop you from worrying before you've had a chance to get started."

She appreciated the reassurance. Asuma wasn't the most polished speaker, but he had a way of making difficult things seem manageable. He was an experienced jonin who had earned his reputation through actual missions, and Kurenai respected his judgment.

Still, something about her recent assignment had been bothering her.

She had been promoted shortly before Team Eight was formed. The Hokage himself had approved her placement as their instructor, and she was proud that he had entrusted her with such a promising group of students.

At the time, she had assumed her genjutsu specialization was the main reason for the decision.

Now, after hearing more about the other teams, she found herself wondering whether she had overlooked something.

Across the table, Sasuke was listening without appearing to pay much attention.

He had already noticed how convenient the team arrangements were.

Asuma led the heirs of the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance. Kurenai led the Hyuga heiress alongside members of the Inuzuka and Aburame clans. Both teams represented relationships that could prove valuable to the village leadership.

That did not prove that Hiruzen had deliberately arranged everything for political reasons. There were perfectly practical explanations for both teams, and Sasuke had no evidence that Asuma had influenced Kurenai's appointment.

But he understood something about people: a question did not need to be answered immediately to change how someone viewed a situation. Sometimes, simply asking it was enough to make them examine things they had previously accepted without a second thought.

He picked up a freshly cooked piece of meat and placed it on Hinata's plate.

"By the way, Kurenai-sensei, congratulations again on your promotion."

Kurenai turned toward him. "Thank you, Sasuke."

"Hinata told me you've been helping her improve her control over the Gentle Fist's movements. Your genjutsu should be useful for a team built around reconnaissance, too. You can interfere with an enemy's perception while Hinata locates targets and Kiba and Shino gather information."

Hinata paused with her chopsticks halfway to her mouth.

"I did?"

Sasuke glanced at her.

"Didn't you mention how much you appreciated her guidance?"

"I-I mean, Kurenai-sensei has been helping me a great deal," Hinata said, her cheeks turning pink. "I might have said something like that."

Kurenai smiled at her student. "I'm glad you think so, Hinata. You're making good progress yourself."

Sasuke nodded, as though a thought had just occurred to him.

"The Hokage certainly seems to have put some thought into your assignment. He must have had a good reason for choosing you to lead this team so soon after your promotion."

Kurenai's smile softened, though a trace of uncertainty remained.

"I hope I can live up to his expectations."

"Why wouldn't you?" Asuma asked. "You earned your promotion."

"I know that." Kurenai hesitated before continuing. "It's just that I've been wondering why I was selected for this particular team. I understand the practical reasons, but I've never actually asked the Hokage what he expects me to accomplish with them."

Sasuke tilted his head.

"Perhaps you should ask him. If he selected you because of your abilities, understanding exactly what he expects from you would help you lead the team better."

Then, as though the thought had only just occurred to him, he added, "Unless Asuma-sensei happened to recommend you?"

Asuma nearly choked on his drink.

"Why would you bring me into this?"

Sasuke looked genuinely puzzled. "I didn't mean anything by it. Asuma-sensei is the Hokage's son, and he's an experienced jonin. I thought he might have offered advice about team assignments. Is that unusual?"

The question was perfectly reasonable. That was what made it so irritating.

"No," Asuma replied after a moment. "But I didn't recommend Kurenai. Her promotion and assignment were the Hokage's decisions."

"Oh, I see."

Sasuke nodded and returned his attention to the grill.

"Then there's nothing to worry about. Kurenai-sensei earned her position, after all."

He had said nothing accusatory. In fact, he had just defended Kurenai's qualifications and accepted Asuma's explanation.

But the question had already been planted.

Kurenai glanced at Asuma, not with outright suspicion, but with the natural desire to understand how the decision had been made. Asuma, meanwhile, found himself wondering why an Uchiha genin had suddenly taken such an interest in the Hokage's appointments.

Sasuke calmly flipped another piece of meat.

There we go. Just a couple of eye drops, and suddenly everyone's looking a little more carefully.

His expression remained perfectly innocent.

I haven't accused anyone of anything. I merely helped Kurenai-sensei ask a reasonable question. If Asuma really had nothing to do with it, then the matter ends there.

He placed the cooked meat on a plate and offered it to Hinata.

And if there's something worth finding, they'll have to explain it themselves.

From the outside, he was simply a polite young man who respected his instructor. Inside, he was quite satisfied with the evening's progress.

After all, sometimes the easiest way to make someone notice a suspicious detail was not to point at it directly.

It was to put a few eye drops in their eyes and let them discover it for themselves.

---

The comparison space erupted into a mixture of laughter and incredulous commentary.

"Did you see that?" Orochimaru asked, looking thoroughly entertained. "He barely said anything directly about Asuma, yet Kurenai began questioning the circumstances of her appointment."

Terumi Mei folded her arms. "He praised her qualifications first. That made the suggestion that she deserved an explanation sound like support rather than suspicion."

"Because it was support," Yugao Uzuki replied. "Kurenai has every right to understand why she was assigned to that team. There's nothing wrong with asking the Hokage."

"Of course there isn't," Orochimaru said. "The interesting part is how Sasuke brought it up."

Temari gave a small, knowing smile. "He didn't accuse Asuma of anything. He simply helped Kurenai arrive at the question herself. If she becomes suspicious, Sasuke can claim he merely encouraged her to seek the truth."

Samui nodded. "And if the Hokage gives a satisfactory explanation, Sasuke loses nothing. Kurenai still gets an answer. If the explanation is vague, however, the doubt may grow."

Iruka frowned. "You're all talking as if this is some brilliant strategy, but we're still guessing at Sasuke's intentions. He might genuinely believe Kurenai deserves an explanation."

"Those possibilities aren't mutually exclusive," Orochimaru replied. "He may believe she deserves an answer and still recognize that asking the question could create tension."

Guy clenched his fists. "Even so, I would rather see young shinobi develop through the power of honest effort and the bonds of friendship!"

"That sounds nice," Tsunade replied, "but a shinobi's decisions don't stop having political consequences just because their intentions are good."

Jiraiya looked toward the screen. "The real question is whether Sasuke has a specific reason to distrust Hiruzen's decision, or whether he's simply testing how the people around him respond."

Naruto, who had been listening with increasing irritation, finally spoke up.

"Why does everyone keep acting like Sasuke is doing something terrible? He said Kurenai-sensei deserves an explanation. She does! If the old man has a good reason, he can just tell her."

Sakura nodded. "That's true, but Sasuke definitely knew how to phrase it. He didn't directly accuse Asuma of influencing the appointment. He praised Kurenai until she started thinking about it herself."

Ino glanced toward the golden screen. "And he made sure she asked Asuma while they were sitting together. If Asuma had lied or gotten defensive, that would've been interesting."

"Or uncomfortable," Hinata said softly. "Asuma-sensei didn't seem to know what she was talking about."

"Exactly," Iruka replied. "Which is why we shouldn't decide he's guilty of anything."

At the front of the room, Tobirama's expression remained stern.

"Sasuke's method is manipulative, but the question itself is legitimate. An instructor should understand why a team was assigned to them, particularly when that team includes heirs to important clans."

Hiruzen looked displeased. "He is encouraging suspicion without evidence. A village cannot function if every appointment is treated as a political conspiracy."

"And a village cannot function if its leaders expect everyone to accept their decisions without asking questions," Tobirama answered. "You must be able to explain your choices."

Hiruzen fell silent.

He knew his decisions were not always easy to justify to everyone. The Hokage had to balance talent, mission requirements, clan traditions, and the village's long-term stability. Even a perfectly reasonable appointment could look suspicious when viewed from the wrong angle.

Still, he did not like the possibility that Sasuke was deliberately trying to weaken trust between Konoha's shinobi.

The boy was too young to understand every consequence of the game he might be playing.

Or perhaps he understood more than Hiruzen wanted to admit.

---

On the golden screen, Kurenai's conversation with Asuma continued as the other students concentrated on their meal.

"I'm not questioning whether I can lead Team Eight," she explained. "I want to understand what the Hokage expects me to accomplish with them. If he selected me because of my genjutsu, then I need to know how he wants that ability incorporated into the team's missions."

Asuma nodded. "That's a reasonable question. You should ask him."

"And you really didn't speak to him about my assignment?"

"No. I didn't." Asuma gave her a slightly weary smile. "Kurenai, if I'd recommended you, I'd tell you. You know me better than that."

She looked at him for a moment before relaxing.

"I suppose I do. I'm sorry if it sounded as though I suspected you of interfering."

"It's fine. I'd rather you ask me directly than spend a month wondering about it."

Kurenai let out a small laugh. "That sounds like something you would say."

"Because it's sensible."

"Then perhaps I should take your advice and speak with the Hokage."

"Do that. Whatever his reason, you deserve to know what he expects from you."

Nearby, Sasuke placed another plate on the table.

"More meat, Kurenai-sensei?"

She looked at him and smiled. "Thank you, Sasuke."

Asuma watched the exchange. Sasuke's manner was impeccable. He had not insulted anyone, made an accusation, or even raised his voice. He had simply offered a series of reasonable comments that led Kurenai toward a particular conclusion.

Perhaps it was innocent.

Perhaps it wasn't.

Asuma could not be certain, and that uncertainty bothered him more than an open challenge would have.

He had spent enough time around shinobi to know that a polite smile did not always reveal what someone was thinking.

Sasuke, meanwhile, returned to the conversation at the table as though nothing unusual had happened.

Naruto was arguing with Kiba again, Ino was trying to claim the last piece of grilled meat, and Sakura was telling both boys to stop behaving like children. Hinata quietly offered Sasuke a portion of her own food, which he accepted with a nod.

The atmosphere remained warm and ordinary.

That was the clever part.

If anyone asked what Sasuke had done, the answer would be simple: he had praised Kurenai, encouraged her to seek clarification, and reminded her that she deserved to understand her assignment.

None of those things was wrong.

Whether he had chosen his words for another purpose was a different question entirely.

---

Back in the comparison space, Tobirama looked at Hiruzen once more.

"You see the problem?"

Hiruzen sighed. "I see that a young Uchiha has discovered how to make a conversation considerably more troublesome than it needs to be."

"That is not the problem I meant."

"I know."

Tobirama's expression did not soften.

"If Kurenai asks you why she was assigned to Team Eight, you should give her an honest answer. If her qualifications were the reason, explain them. If there were other considerations, then those should be examined as well."

"And if Sasuke is deliberately trying to make her suspicious of me?"

"Then you should still answer the question."

Hiruzen looked at his predecessor and gave a reluctant nod.

He disliked being placed on the defensive by a boy who had not even completed his first week as a genin. Nevertheless, he could not deny that Kurenai's question deserved a proper response.

Orochimaru chuckled.

"How fascinating. Sasuke may not have uncovered any wrongdoing, but he has ensured that the decision will be examined. Even if his suspicion proves unfounded, the question will not simply disappear."

"That doesn't make his method admirable," Tsunade said.

"No," Orochimaru agreed. "It merely makes it effective."

Minato watched the golden screen with a thoughtful expression. He did not want to assume the worst of Sasuke, but the boy's choice of words was too deliberate to dismiss entirely.

Kushina leaned toward him. "Do you think he's trying to drive a wedge between Asuma and the Hokage?"

"Possibly. Or he may be testing the relationships around him, trying to understand who has influence and how decisions are made." Minato paused. "Either way, he hasn't established that Asuma did anything wrong."

"Then the answer is simple," Kushina said. "Let Kurenai ask, let the Hokage answer, and see what happens."

Tobirama gave her a brief nod of approval.

"Precisely. Suspicion is not proof, but neither should it be silenced merely because it is inconvenient."

On the golden screen, Sasuke laughed at something Naruto had said. His expression was relaxed, and he looked every bit like a talented young shinobi enjoying dinner with his teammates.

Only a few people in the comparison space continued to watch him closely.

They had begun to understand that the most dangerous thing about this Sasuke was not necessarily his strength, nor even his intelligence.

It was his ability to make a person believe that an idea had been their own.

And for now, no one could say with certainty whether he was exposing a genuine problem or simply planting the seed of one.

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[Lillie Jones]

Absolute Cinema
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[abyssalmandate]

The atmosphere around Kurenai Yūhi and Asuma Sarutobi had grown increasingly awkward.

Asuma had repeatedly denied having anything to do with Kurenai's assignment, but his explanations had done little to settle her concerns. Now that the possibility had entered her mind, every hesitation and every change in his expression seemed suspicious.

The conversation that had begun as a casual dinner was turning into something neither of them had expected.

Gradually, the other people at the table fell silent. Even the usual arguments between Naruto and Kiba died down as the tension became impossible to ignore.

Kakashi finally looked up from his food.

He had spent most of the evening eating quietly, hoping to recover some of the chakra he had lost during his exhausting training session with Sasuke. After the day's ordeal, he had neither the energy nor the inclination to involve himself in someone else's personal affairs.

Unfortunately, the sight of Asuma and Kurenai sitting across from each other with increasingly uncomfortable expressions caught his attention.

He looked between them.

"Asuma, what did you do to make Kurenai angry this time?"

Asuma turned toward him. "What?"

Kakashi scratched the back of his head.

"Well, if it isn't anything serious, why don't you apologize and admit you were wrong? Then you can both get back to enjoying dinner."

He said it with the casual confidence of someone offering a simple solution to an ordinary problem.

After all, he had seen this sort of situation plenty of times. Obito and Rin had occasionally gotten into arguments, and he had always believed that a straightforward apology was the quickest way to settle things.

Unfortunately, Kakashi had failed to notice one rather important detail.

He had absolutely no idea what they were arguing about.

Across the table, Sasuke nearly sighed into his drink.

No wonder Kakashi-sensei is still single despite being so handsome.

The man could analyze an enemy's movements, copy complicated ninjutsu after seeing them once, and devise countermeasures in the middle of a battle.

Yet when it came to relationships, he apparently possessed the observational skills of a particularly dense rock.

If Asuma apologizes now, he'll only make things worse.

Kakashi's suggestion had not solved the problem.

It had just handed Asuma a shovel and encouraged him to dig.

The comparison space immediately erupted.

Hatake Kakashi stared at the screen, then slowly turned toward the people around him.

"...Was there actually something wrong with what I said?"

Uzumaki Kushina slapped her forehead.

"Kakashi! Are you planning to remain single for the rest of your life? Because at this rate, you're doing an excellent job of preparing for it!"

Iruka looked genuinely confused.

"Wait a moment. I thought apologizing was usually the right thing to do. If you've upset someone, shouldn't you apologize?"

Tsunade gave him a look that suggested he had just failed the most basic examination of human interaction.

"Idiot. It depends on what you're apologizing for."

She pointed at the screen.

"Imagine that Kurenai suspects Asuma has interfered with her assignment. She wants an honest explanation, not a meaningless apology. If Asuma apologizes without explaining anything, what is she supposed to conclude? That he admits to doing something wrong but doesn't want to tell her what it was?"

Ebisu adjusted his glasses, looking increasingly troubled.

"Then what should he do? Keep denying it? If she doesn't believe him, won't that just make things worse?"

"Perhaps he should have avoided creating the misunderstanding in the first place!" Kushina exclaimed. "If he genuinely had nothing to do with it, he should explain that clearly and give her a reason to believe him instead of blindly apologizing for something he didn't do!"

Terumi Mei nodded.

"There's another problem. You might think you're helping by giving someone what you believe is the correct response, but have you considered whether it addresses what the other person actually wants?"

She smiled at Kakashi.

"Sometimes, the worst thing you can do is confidently offer advice about a situation you don't understand."

Several male shinobi around the room suddenly looked enlightened.

Kakashi, meanwhile, seemed to be experiencing a personal crisis.

"...That might explain why my attempts to persuade Obito and Rin to stop arguing never worked."

Uchiha Obito's face darkened.

"Kakashi!"

He had spent years blaming the Copy Ninja for his miserable childhood experiences. Now, apparently, the culprit had confessed to yet another offense.

"You bastard! So you were the reason those arguments never ended!"

"I didn't say that!"

"You just admitted it!"

"I said I might have contributed!"

"That's even worse!"

Rin watched them bicker with a helpless smile.

Some things, it seemed, would never change.

Jiraiya stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"I see. There's a lot to learn here. With a little polishing, I could probably turn this into a chapter for Make-Out Paradise."

Tsunade's fist slammed into his head.

"Try writing that garbage, and I'll give you something worth writing about!"

While Jiraiya complained about the injustice of being attacked for his literary ambitions, the golden screen continued playing.

As Sasuke had predicted, Kakashi's suggestion only made matters worse.

Asuma looked at Kurenai, who was already staring at him with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. Under Kakashi's expectant gaze, he finally tried to follow the advice.

"Kurenai, if I've upset you, then I'm sorry."

For a moment, Kurenai said nothing.

Then her expression hardened.

"You're sorry?"

Asuma blinked. "Well, yes. I don't want us to argue over this."

"Then why didn't you just tell me what happened?"

"I already told you. I didn't recommend you for the position!"

"And I told you that I'm not accusing you of anything! I want to understand why the Hokage chose me for this assignment!"

Her voice rose despite her attempt to remain composed.

Asuma stared at her, increasingly bewildered.

He had denied influencing her assignment. He had assured her that she deserved her promotion. He had even agreed that she should speak with the Hokage.

What else was he supposed to say?

And why had apologizing somehow made the situation worse?

Kakashi slowly lowered his chopsticks.

What?

He looked between the two of them, his visible eye widening slightly.

Didn't I just suggest that he apologize? Why is Kurenai even angrier now?

Across the table, Sasuke quietly continued eating.

Exactly as expected.

After a little while, Kurenai finally took a breath and managed to calm herself.

Sasuke decided that it was time to intervene.

"Kurenai-sensei, please don't be too upset. I think Asuma-sensei was trying to help."

Kurenai turned toward him.

Sasuke continued before Asuma could interrupt.

"And I believe in your abilities. Even if nobody had recommended you for the position, I think you could still have earned it through your own achievements."

Kurenai's expression softened slightly.

"Thank you, Sasuke."

He offered her a reassuring smile.

"You're leading Team Eight now. I think you should treat this as an opportunity to prove yourself. Hinata, Kiba, and Shino each have their own strengths, and you have the experience and abilities to help them work together. I'm sure you'll become an excellent jonin instructor."

For the first time since the argument had begun, Kurenai looked genuinely pleased.

Then she turned toward Asuma again.

"Who asked for your help, anyway?"

Asuma's shoulders slumped.

He had thought the situation was improving.

Apparently, he had been mistaken.

Back in the comparison space, several spectators struggled to contain their laughter.

"That was impressive," Orochimaru remarked. "Sasuke managed to calm Kurenai down while making Asuma look even more troublesome."

"He did reassure her that she had earned her position," Minato pointed out. "That part was sincere enough, at least on the surface."

"Perhaps it was sincere," Jiraiya said. "But he also chose the perfect moment to say it. Kurenai was upset, Asuma had just made matters worse, and Sasuke stepped in as the reasonable one."

Tsunade crossed her arms.

"The boy understands that people don't always respond to facts alone. Timing matters. So does how you make someone feel when you give them those facts."

Kushina shook her head.

"Still, Asuma really needs to learn when to stop talking."

Asuma, who had been watching his parallel self suffer, looked offended.

"Why am I getting blamed for this? I didn't even do anything!"

"That's precisely the problem," Shiranui Genma replied. "You keep trying to fix a situation without understanding what needs fixing."

Asuma opened his mouth, then closed it again.

He disliked how reasonable that sounded.

On the screen, Kurenai had already returned her attention to Sasuke.

"Sasuke, you and Hinata get along well, don't you?" she asked with a faint smile. "Just make sure you treat her properly. I don't want her ending up like me, still single at my age."

Hinata nearly dropped her chopsticks.

"K-Kurenai-sensei!"

Ino immediately leaned forward.

"Wait, what about me? Sasuke should treat all the girls properly!"

Sakura gave her a sidelong glance. "You're making it sound like you've already decided he's supposed to treat you specially."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Naruto looked between them, completely lost.

"Why are you all talking about Sasuke getting married? We're still genin!"

Kiba laughed so hard that he nearly knocked over his drink.

Sasuke, meanwhile, gave Kurenai a thoughtful look.

"How old is Kurenai-sensei, anyway? If she were my girlfriend, I think half the village would hate me."

For a brief moment, the table went silent.

Then Kurenai burst out laughing.

"You're certainly bold enough to say that in front of Hinata!"

Hinata's face turned bright red.

"S-Sasuke-kun..."

Sasuke merely smiled and returned to the grill.

The tension that had hung over the table finally began to dissipate. Even Asuma managed to relax a little, though he still looked uncertain about how the evening had gone so badly.

He cast a grateful glance at Sasuke.

Without the boy's intervention, he suspected Kurenai might have left the restaurant in anger.

"He's thanking him already?" Jiraiya asked, incredulous.

Orochimaru's smile widened.

"Of course. Sasuke has played both sides rather well. He helped create the tension, then stepped in at the right moment to appear understanding and supportive."

Iruka frowned. "But he did help Kurenai feel better. Surely that counts for something."

"It does," Minato replied. "We shouldn't assume every kind action is false simply because it also serves another purpose. The problem is that Sasuke seems to be using Asuma's gratitude to keep himself beyond suspicion."

Kakashi stared at the screen.

"So I made things worse, Sasuke made them better, and now Asuma is grateful to him?"

"That's about right," Guy said solemnly.

Kakashi looked down at his hands.

"...I think I'd rather fight a S-rank missing-nin."

"At least you'd know what the enemy was trying to do," Genma said.

Tsunade shook her head.

"A group of jonin being led around by a genin. What a promising generation we're raising."

Kushina pointed at the screen.

"And all because Kakashi thought apologizing was a universal solution!"

"Why am I still being blamed for this?" Kakashi protested.

Obito folded his arms.

"Because you deserve it!"

The laughter continued for several moments before the golden screen shifted to the next scene.

With dinner drawing to a close, Kurenai prepared to leave.

Asuma immediately stood.

"Let me walk you home."

"No, thank you."

He paused.

"Kurenai—"

"I'd like to go by myself tonight."

Her tone was firm but not openly hostile. She had calmed down, yet she still wanted time to think about the conversation and her upcoming responsibilities as Team Eight's instructor.

Asuma hesitated before sitting back down.

"All right. Get home safely."

Kurenai nodded and left the restaurant.

Asuma watched her disappear through the doorway, then released a long sigh.

He had no idea how a perfectly ordinary dinner had turned into such a confusing mess. He had explained himself repeatedly, apologized when Kakashi suggested it, and even agreed that Kurenai deserved an answer from the Hokage.

Yet she had still left alone.

Sasuke approached him a moment later.

"Don't worry too much, Asuma-sensei. Give Kurenai-sensei a few days to calm down. Once she's had some time to think, you can explain things again."

Asuma rubbed the back of his neck.

"You think that'll work?"

"I do. You were trying to help her, after all. I'm sure she'll understand once she's had a chance to think about it."

Asuma looked at the young Uchiha with genuine gratitude.

"Thank you, Sasuke. If you hadn't stepped in today, I honestly don't know what I would've done."

Sasuke smiled modestly.

"It was nothing, sensei."

Nothing at all.

He watched Asuma turn toward the counter to pay for the meal.

Give it a few days, let things cool down, and then explain everything again. That should be enough to remind Kurenai-sensei of the very question she's trying to put aside.

Sasuke's smile remained pleasant.

I don't believe you two will be getting along quite so easily for a while.

Jiraiya's voice echoed in the comparison space.

"That is vicious."

Iruka looked genuinely troubled. "If he keeps doing this, he might prevent them from resolving the misunderstanding at all."

Onoki stroked his beard.

"That Uchiha has a powerful desire for revenge. He doesn't simply want to strike at someone and be done with it. He wants the consequences to linger."

The Fourth Raikage grunted.

"And he doesn't forget who he's targeting."

Asuma's face darkened as he watched the golden screen.

"Uchiha Sasuke, you little—"

The next words were swallowed by a burst of furious muttering.

Shiranui Genma glanced at him.

"Careful, Asuma. Your language is becoming rather colorful."

"Would you like to trade places with me?"

"No, I'm quite comfortable where I am."

At the counter, Asuma looked over the bill and frowned.

"Choji, did you eat two or three times your usual amount today?"

Choji stared at him in confusion.

"I don't think so. I just ate normally."

Asuma looked at the total again.

"Then why is the bill so high?"

Choji began counting the plates he had eaten from, apparently trying to determine whether he had somehow forgotten an entire serving.

Beside Sasuke, little Hinata had gone very quiet.

Her cheeks were pink, and she was carefully avoiding looking at the bill.

Sasuke noticed.

He gently patted her head, but said nothing.

Hinata lowered her eyes, looking even more embarrassed.

Asuma, unaware of the real reason for the unexpectedly large bill, reluctantly paid and left the counter.

Sasuke felt no guilt whatsoever.

Why should I?

He looked around the restaurant, remembering the Uchiha district and the people who had once lived there.

So many members of my clan are dead. Our properties have disappeared, and even our homes have been occupied by others.

His expression remained calm, but his thoughts were cold.

If someone expects me to forget all of that simply because the village has decided to move on, they're mistaken.

He glanced toward the doorway through which Kurenai had departed, then back at Asuma.

This is only the beginning.

The golden screen slowly faded, leaving the comparison space unusually quiet.

For all the humor of the evening, the spectators had seen something that was harder to laugh away.

Parallel Sasuke could smile, offer reassurance, and behave like an ordinary young shinobi enjoying dinner with his friends. He could even help someone who was genuinely upset.

But beneath that pleasant exterior, he was keeping track of old grievances and looking for ways to make others feel the consequences.

Whether his suspicions about the village leadership were justified remained uncertain.

His resentment, however, was unmistakable.

And as Asuma discovered to his discomfort, a person could thank Sasuke for his help without realizing that the same help might have made his problems harder to escape.

Enjoying the story? Drop a Power Stone and leave a comment—I'd love to hear what you think haha!

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Want to read ahead? Get up to 50 advance chapters with the Abyssal Overlord tier on my Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/c/AbyssalMandate

Thanks for reading and supporting!

 

[Lillie Jones]

nobody's laughing at Golden Sasuke Uchina now, Which he's just getting warmed up and the consequences for Konoha sins / grievances from Sasuke Uchina aren't forgiven or forgotten at all but they will be catastrophic for the Konoha village plot armored "Will of Fire " getting ripped off the hedges and rot of Konoha exposed.
Continue on
Cheers!