NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Sasuke's vow
***Aftermath of the Uchiha Massacre***
In the wake of the Uchiha massacre, Itachi Uchiha was branded a rogue ninja, a pariah who had brutally slaughtered his own clan.
Sasuke, his younger brother, was rushed to the hospital, fighting to cope with the horrific reality he had witnessed.
My mother and I took on the somber responsibility of overseeing the burial of the deceased Uchiha clan members. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, even if I knew that the faces around me were not the ones I remembered.
To honor their memory and fit in with the grieving crowd, I feigned tears, aware that everyone knew my mother and I had been close to the Uchiha. We were expected to bear the weight of the collective pain.
As I stood among the mourners, I quietly recorded everything I had learned about Itachi's pact with Danzo and Hiruzen. Those old men, who had played such a pivotal role in this tragedy, needed to witness their reputations crumble slowly. They should not be allowed to escape the consequences of their actions.
After the burial, I accompanied my classmates and Iruka-sensei to the hospital to check on Sasuke. However, he remained unconscious, trapped in the nightmares of what he had seen. Weeks passed before Sasuke finally regained consciousness. My friends and I visited him daily, offering our support as he navigated his grief.
One day, I joined him at the burial site of our fallen friends and family. As I hugged him tightly, I felt his body tremble with sobs. "Naruto, do you know why my brother killed everyone?" he asked, his voice heavy with sorrow.
"I don't know the reasons behind his actions, but I do know one thing: he couldn't bring himself to kill you," I replied, trying to provide some comfort.
"And he was in pain while doing it," I added, hoping to shed light on Itachi's struggle.
"No, I don't believe that, Naruto. I'll kill him!" Sasuke declared, determination hardening his features.
"Then let's make you stronger so you can confront him," I vowed, aware of the depth of his anger and desire for revenge.
"Okay, Sasuke, I'll train you, but you need to understand that it won't be easy. You'll have to endure a lot to get stronger."
"Give me your best shot, Naruto," he replied, a fierce resolve replacing the cheerful boy I once knew. In those moments, it became clear to me that Sasuke was no longer a child; he had transformed into a man, driven by a desire for strength and revenge.
"Okay, Sasuke, my mom suggested that you move into our home for a while. She thinks it'll help you feel less lonely," I said, trying to offer some comfort in the wake of the tragedy.
"Okay, Naruto," he replied, his voice subdued but receptive.
With that, Sasuke stepped into my home, leaving the Uchiha clan grounds behind, a haunting reminder of the past. The emptiness of his former home echoed the loss we all felt, and I hoped that being with us would provide him some solace.
As the days passed, I made sure to include him in our daily routines, keeping his mind occupied and his spirits lifted. My mom welcomed him with open arms, offering warmth and understanding, filling the void left by the tragedy. We shared meals, laughter, and training sessions, trying to rebuild what had been lost.
Yet, despite the camaraderie, I could see that Sasuke carried the weight of his grief. His thoughts often drifted back to his family, and the shadows of their absence loomed large in his heart. I knew that the healing process would take time, but I was determined to support him every step of the way.