[Konoha · Uchiha Old Residence · Morning]
Sasuke stood before the ruins of the Uchiha Compound, silent.
This had once been the home of the Uchiha Clan, the place where he had grown up. Now, only crumbling walls remained, overgrown with weeds, desolate and lonely.
He crouched, picked up a broken roof tile, and held it in his hand. Its sharp edge cut his finger, drawing blood. But he seemed not to feel the pain, simply staring at the tile in his hand.
"Sasuke!"
A voice came from behind him. Sasuke turned and saw Naruto running toward him, out of breath.
"What are you doing here?" Naruto asked. "I've been looking for you for ages."
"Just walking around." Sasuke tossed the tile aside and turned to face him. "What do you want?"
"Can't I come find you without a reason?" Naruto walked up beside him and looked at the ruins before them. "This... was your home?"
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry," Naruto said suddenly.
Sasuke paused in surprise. "Why are you apologizing?"
"Because I didn't know what you'd been through," Naruto said. "I thought you were just some coldhearted genius. I had no idea you were carrying so much. If I'd known sooner, maybe..."
"Maybe what?" Sasuke cut him off. "Maybe you could have changed something? Don't be stupid, Naruto. Some things can't be changed just by trying hard."
He turned and walked away. "Let's go. There's nothing to see here."
Naruto watched his retreating figure, gritted his teeth, and hurried after him.
"Sasuke, where are you going?"
"The Training Ground."
"Your injuries haven't healed yet-"
"They have."
"But Dad said-"
"I said they've healed." Sasuke stopped and turned to look at Naruto, a red gleam flashing in his eyes. "Naruto, I know you mean well. But right now, I don't need