My Techniques are a bit off

"I trust you."

Link placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. After completing a standard healing procedure, he followed it up with a Delicate Illness Extraction Technique and said, "I've spoken to the Third Hokage. He'll come to talk to you soon."

"I understand," Sasuke replied with a nod. He trusted his companion enough to believe there was no ill intent, so he wasn't worried about what the conversation might entail.

"When the time comes, don't hold back," Link said with a smile. "Make any requests you have. I doubt the Third Hokage will refuse you."

Sasuke's mood lightened a little.

"Don't pressure yourself too much," Link said, releasing his grip and sitting on a nearby chair. He noticed a peeled apple on the bedside table, grabbed it, and took a bite.

It was surprisingly sweet.

Munching on the apple, Link added, "With my techniques to assist you, you'll eventually surpass him. But don't keep thinking you have to face everything alone—"

Outside, Sakura was pressed against the door, watching Link eat the apple she had peeled. Her forehead veins throbbed in frustration.

Sasuke glanced briefly toward the door, ensuring it was shut and soundproof enough that their conversation couldn't be overheard.

"What do you think about Sakura?" Link asked with a sly smile, aware of the girl outside. "If you're thinking about restoring the Uchiha clan, choosing the right wife is a necessary step."

"I'll ask your father for advice next time."

Link often summoned Fugaku to let him and Sasuke talk. Despite being a schemer with rebellious ambitions in life, Fugaku had genuinely loved his children. That love had driven him to willingly die by Itachi's hand.

After experiencing death, Fugaku had become much more laid-back. Aside from his lingering resentment toward Konoha, he didn't seem to care much about other matters.

After all, in his eyes, the Uchiha had only two surviving members—one a perpetrator of their downfall, and the other someone he hoped would live a more normal life.

"Let's discuss that after I deal with Itachi and Danzo," Sasuke said, turning his face away, his demeanor as stubborn as ever.

"I think Sakura likes you quite a bit," Link teased, throwing the apple core into the trash.

"I don't like her," Sasuke replied firmly.

His dislike was genuine, stemming from her naive personality, lack of strength, and past remarks about orphans. For Sasuke, dislike meant dislike—there was no gray area.

"Fair enough," Link said, not pushing the matter. After all, in the manga, Sakura had pursued Sasuke for years before finally achieving her goal, enduring countless rejections, a near-death experience, and even getting stabbed by him.

Even in the spin-off, The Scarlet Spring, Sakura had followed Sasuke during his travels and only returned to Konoha after having a child. As a single mother, she continued waiting for Sasuke, who was rarely home, all without a family photo to display.

Her sheer persistence was beyond what most people could endure, so there was no rush to pair them up now.

Unaware of the storm he had inadvertently attracted, Sasuke sat on the bed and said, "Once I become a Chunin, I plan to join the Anbu."

"My combat experience is far inferior to his," he added, determination shining in his eyes as he outlined his next steps.

The truth about his clan's downfall, coupled with the return of his father, had slightly tempered his thirst for vengeance, leaving him looking more like a normal 12-year-old boy.

Link listened quietly, nodding as Sasuke finished. He stood and said, "It's late. Get some rest."

As he reached the door, he paused.

"I'll find your mother soon," he added before leaving.

The time he had set aside for summoning practice had been consumed by the Konoha Crush. With three years left before the Akatsuki's global ambitions began, it was time to return to his daily training routine.

Sasuke watched Link's silhouette disappear behind the door. For a while, he sat silently before softly muttering, "Thank you."

He felt indebted to Link in ways that words couldn't fully express. His gratitude seemed too light compared to the weight of everything Link had done for him.

At the same time, Sasuke's feelings were complicated. Being cared for and protected was a new experience that conflicted with his desire to be the one protecting others.

…

Late Night, Hospital Room

A breeze swept through the room, and a masked figure appeared beside Sasuke's bed.

The next moment, the masked figure froze as a kunai silently pressed against his neck.

"An Anbu outfit, huh?" Sasuke's expression was icy, his Sharingan glowing. "Who are you?"

"Splash!" The figure dissolved into ink, spilling onto the floor.

Sasuke dodged the mess with a quick spin, stepping into the intruder's space and bringing his kunai back to their throat.

"Don't think your tricks can fool these eyes," Sasuke said coldly.

"Ah, the Sharingan," the masked figure muttered, seemingly giving up resistance. As Sasuke removed the mask, a pale, expressionless face was revealed.

"I'm here as a representative of Root," the boy said flatly. "We're inviting you to join us, Sasuke Uchiha."

Root? That means...

Sasuke's face darkened with a flicker of killing intent. However, after a few seconds of tension, he lowered his kunai and stepped back.

"What is this 'Root' you speak of?" he asked.

The boy, who appeared to be about Sasuke's age, forced an awkward, emotionless smile.

"The roots buried deep underground exist to protect Konoha above," he explained.

"That smile is disgusting," Sasuke retorted.

"Apologies. I'm still learning how to smile," the boy replied, immediately returning to his neutral expression. "If you want power—"

Is this a chance to meet Danzo? A chance for revenge? Or...

Sasuke wrestled with his thoughts. He hadn't expected such an opportunity to come so quickly, but—

He had just promised Link not to act rashly.

Steeling himself, he said coldly, "Get out."

"If you change your mind," the boy said without any apparent emotion, placing a scroll on the bedside table, "use the code inside to contact us."

With that, he vanished out the window.

~~~

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