In Iruka's class, Haruto flipped through the textbook bored, eyes blank. His thoughts: What is Itachi doing now...?
Naruto leaned over. "Boss, Sasuke's been acting weird lately."
Haruto blinked, returning to reality. "What's wrong? Did you notice something?"
Naruto scratched his head. "He's been absent-minded. Doesn't even argue with me anymore. It's… off."
After class, Haruto found Sasuke. "Sasuke, what's going on with you lately?"
Sasuke hesitated, then slowly spoke. "Mom and Dad are acting strange. Itachi's... colder. I asked them what's wrong, but they won't tell me. I have a really bad feeling, Haruto."
Haruto sighed inwardly. Adults always think kids don't understand. But kids are the most sensitive.He forced a smile. "Don't think too much. Maybe Itachi had a fight with your parents or something."
Even Haruto didn't believe what he just said. You can't tell him the truth. Not yet. Otherwise, Itachi's efforts would be wasted.
Sasuke smiled slightly. Haruto stared at that smile. Maybe that's the last time I'll ever see it.
One morning, Sasuke didn't come to school. Haruto knew. It's happened.
News spread like wildfire. The Uchiha clan—exterminated. Only one survivor: Uchiha Sasuke. The killer—his older brother, Uchiha Itachi.
Rumors ran wild in the village. Haruto clenched his fists. I want to yell the truth… but I can't. For Itachi's sake. He's risking everything.
Now Haruto understood why Sasuke would want to destroy Konoha later.
The next day, Haruto and Naruto visited Sasuke in the hospital.
Naruto didn't joke. He just stood there, nervous. "Sasuke, you…"
Sasuke glared at them. "Leave."
He knocked the fruit off the table. "I said—go!"
Naruto was about to say something, but Haruto stopped him. "Let's go. He needs time alone."
Walking out, Haruto clenched his fists. Again, I'm powerless.
Back inside, Sasuke lay still. "Dad… Mom…" His voice changed. "And… Itachi."
Naruto walked beside Haruto with a heavy heart. "…Boss. Sasuke…"
Sure enough, this was Naruto—the one who could feel the pain in others' hearts.
Seeing Naruto's expression, Haruto encouraged him: "Naruto, whether Sasuke can come out of this shadow… it's up to you."
"Oh? Boss, what should I do?" Naruto's energy returned instantly.
Haruto thought for a moment, then offered a completely unreliable idea. "Go annoy him. Distract him. That's the only way to pull him out of his grief."
A few days later, Sasuke finally came back to school. But he was colder. He didn't speak to anyone. He just stared silently out the window. After school, Sasuke walked home alone.
Suddenly—Naruto jumped out and blocked his path.
"Seduction Jutsu!"A cloud of smoke—and a naked Naruto appeared.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "You're annoying, crane tail. I don't want to talk to you."
But the fact that Sasuke responded made Naruto even more excited. He changed his voice, pretending to be a girl: "Sasuke~!"
Sasuke felt a chill crawl up his spine. "I said move."
Naruto stood his ground. Sasuke's anger finally exploded. "I SAID MOVE!!"
Naruto returned to normal. He raised his fists. "Then fight me, Sasuke."
"…You asked for it, crane tail."
Sasuke threw a solid punch. Naruto was beaten—hard. No question.
Afterward, Sasuke stood over him. "Now you see the difference between us. I'm not interested in fighting you."
But Naruto just smiled. "…What are you smiling at, crane tail?"
Naruto, bruised and bloody, looked up at him. "You beat me up. Do you feel better, Sasuke?"
Sasuke froze. This guy… this guy…
Something welled up in Sasuke's eyes. He turned, face twisted. "Bastard!"
He ran away. Haruto had watched the whole thing from a distance. His eyes… slightly wet.
This is Naruto. He may be dumb sometimes… but his kindness can move anyone.
That evening, Sasuke returned to the cold Uchiha compound. He practiced every day, late into the night. Because he didn't want to go home.
The Uchiha residence was vast—But now empty, no voices no footsteps, just silence.
Every house he passed… He remembered someone—Uncle, Aunt, Father, Mother. He stepped into his home. Everything was as it used to be, and Sasuke couldn't pretend anymore.
He squatted in the corner. His body trembled. Then—He cried. Louder and louder alone.
Suddenly, a voice came from the room. "I didn't expect Sasuke to be a crybaby."
That annoying voice— "Naruto Uzumaki, what are you doing at my house?"
"I brought him here." Haruto also appeared from the corner.
"I suddenly realized, Sasuke, you live in such a big house all alone. What a waste. Naruto and I live in rooms smaller than ten square meters. So, we decided to snatch your property. From now on, this room is mine, and that one is Naruto's. All our stuff's already moved in."
Sasuke glared at them, furious. "I don't need you. Get out!" "I'm sorry." Haruto didn't even flinch."I said—I'm bullying the Uchiha clan. And since you're the only one left, I'm taking your house.If you want us gone… beat me first."
"That's right!" Naruto added. "I've never lived in such a huge house. I already claimed that room.If you want to kick me out, you'll have to beat me and the boss." The two of them stood side by side, full of smug energy, like total bullies.
Sasuke stared at them, speechless.
"Oh, right," Haruto suddenly remembered something. "Today's really my lucky day.I not only got a free house, I also picked up a huge birthday cake."
He pulled out a giant birthday cake from the corner and placed it on the table. "Well, Naruto and I can't finish all of this. Considering Sasuke's generous donation of two properties, I'll allow you to eat with us. I'm a good person like that."
"…Haruto, Naruto…" Sasuke's tears, which had just stopped, flowed again.