Can You Look Away?

Under the Blood Moon.

A long blade pierced through the chest, blood splattering against the walls. On the long, desolate Uchiha street during the night, the familiar road home seemed to stretch endlessly, with no end in sight.

"Uchiha clan has been attacked; the Anbu have arrived at the scene."

"Quickly, search for survivors!"

"They're all dead, Hokage-sama."

"Wait, there's a child here!"

---

In a hospital room, Uchiha Sasuke opened his eyes.

Bright sunlight filtered through white sheer curtains, casting soft shadows on the bedside. The white walls reflected a faint halo, while a large bouquet of flowers and a neatly arranged fruit basket sat on the nightstand.

As the door opened, the smell of disinfectant wafted in, and Kakashi entered. One eye was covered, while his exposed "dead fish" eye glanced at Sasuke.

"Yo, Sasuke. Looks like you're recovering well."

Sasuke leaned against the headboard in a blue-and-white striped hospital gown, looking thin. His deep pupils reflected indifference, as though accustomed to this routine, mirroring the green tree shadows outside the window.

"Kakashi, how long was I unconscious?"

"Well, that's rude," Kakashi quipped but didn't dwell on it. "About two days. The Third Hokage's funeral has already been held."

"You didn't attend?" Sasuke asked.

"Mission duty," Kakashi replied nonchalantly. "Most people I cared about are already gone. I've grown tired of funerals."

Sasuke's gaze froze for a moment before he asked, "How are they doing?"

"Sakura-chan was injured a bit. As for Naruto... that guy's perfectly fine," Kakashi said with a chuckle. "Congrats, you all survived."

"The higher-ups in the village hold you in high regard. Thanks to your efforts, the leaders of the Sand Village were quick to reach a compromise."

"Why?"

"Probably because they saw the gap in strength between the new generation of ninjas," Kakashi said, glancing at Sasuke. "A clash between the new generation to avoid greater losses in the future. The losing side had no choice but to accept."

"But don't rely on the Curse Mark's power again. Using it twice is no different from seeking death."

"Understood."

---

Elsewhere.

"I have to say… barging into someone's house without their consent doesn't seem like something a proper lady would do," Naruto commented, watching Ino remove her shoes in the entranceway.

With her thick blonde hair cascading down, Ino balanced on one leg while using the cabinet for support to take off her shoes.

Her slender, alabaster legs were naturally captivating, the wet black dress clinging to her figure, revealing every curve.

"Are you an idiot?" Ino's face flushed slightly as she scolded, "What right do you have to talk about me when you're the one staring at a girl changing her shoes?"

"Well, you're standing right there. It's hard not to look."

"And don't accuse me of peeking; I'm openly watching."

"Disgusting."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"That wasn't a compliment, you pervert. Are you into feet or something?" Ino glared at him with disdain.

"Better than being obsessed with hospital visits," Naruto retorted mercilessly. "For the record, you're wrong. I'm not a foot fetishist."

"Tch." Ino finished removing her shoes, her pale feet stepping onto the freshly renovated floor. She glanced around. "Didn't expect your place to be this clean."

Of course, it was clean. Money works wonders.

With his newfound wealth, Naruto had refurbished nearly every part of his apartment, outfitting it with Konoha's finest furnishings. No one questioned where his funds came from, especially not the Anbu.

"Bathroom's over there," Naruto said, yawning and heading toward the balcony to change clothes. "If you're thirsty, pour yourself some water. Let me know when you're done."

"Is this how you treat guests? Unbelievable."

"Yeah, what are you going to do about it?" Naruto shuffled toward the balcony in his slippers. "Hurry up. You said you needed to go to the hospital after this, which is why I'm letting you use the bathroom."

"Don't do anything weird in there, you weirdo."

"Die!" Ino, now flustered, threw a cushion at him.

"Hey! What was that for?"

"You're the one doing weird things!" Ino shouted, her face red as she mouthed something inaudible at Naruto.

"Like it?" Naruto tilted his head.

"It's gross, you idiot!"

With a loud slam, Ino shut the bathroom door.

Shrugging, Naruto decided not to bother anymore. Since no one else was in the living room, he casually changed into dry clothes and tossed his wet ones into the basin on the balcony. Pulling the curtains back, he let the sunlight flood in.

The potted plants on the windowsill looked lush, adding a refreshing touch to the room, which carried the faint scent of floral air freshener.

Rain began to fall again. Glancing at the balcony, then at the bathroom, Naruto called out, "Ino, have you had breakfast yet?"

"No," came Ino's reply from behind the bathroom door, accompanied by the sound of running water.

"Then let's have some together."

"Whatever."

Hearing her casual response, Naruto retrieved two eggs from the fridge and cracked them into a measuring cup, chopping up some onions as well. Amid the pattering rain, he boiled water and watched the pot bubble away.

The rainwater trickled down the windows, flowing slowly before disappearing from sight.

When the hot soup and two plates of omelet rice were ready, Naruto also brewed some hot tea.

Tea was a luxury he enjoyed—mainly because it was expensive.

By the time everything was set, Ino emerged from the bathroom, towel-drying her hair. She wore one of Naruto's oversized T-shirts, her face a mix of reluctance and embarrassment.

"Hey, don't just wear other people's clothes. There's a bathrobe, isn't there?"

"Bathrobes are private items! Who knows what's on them? I'd rather not!" Ino retorted, hands on her hips.

"They're brand new, you idiot," Naruto shot back, exasperated. "And what's with that look?"

"I don't believe you."

"Unbelievable!"

The kettle let out a soft whistle from the kitchen, signaling the water had boiled.

Naruto turned away, dropping the argument, and went to brew tea. Instead of tea, he made coffee for Ino, figuring she'd prefer the bitter-sweet flavor, enhanced with some milk from the fridge.

"Eat quickly and leave," Naruto said, placing the coffee on the table.

"Could you stop staring at my chest while you're at it?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

Ino, looking exasperated, took a small bite of the omelet rice, followed by a sip of coffee.

______________________________________________

If you want 20 chapters ahead, check out my Patreon: 

patreon.com/PureParadox