"Caw, caw, caw..."
At his beckoning, Little Impure landed on Sasuke's arm.
Looking at the strange cracks covering Little Impure's body, Sasuke said quietly, "I don't know what secrets you're hiding, but Little Impure, I'm leaving the Uchiha Clan Compound in your care from now on."
"Caw..."
"Go on. I hope we'll have a chance to meet again."
Watching Little Impure flap away into the night, Sasuke dropped from the rooftop with an emptiness in his heart and walked into the house.
He first paid his respects at his parents' memorial tablets, then bathed and changed before calmly packing his belongings.
Half an hour later.
A faint, pale light had begun to creep into the pitch-black sky.
Dressed in a fitted Uchiha training outfit, Sasuke stood atop a utility pole in the center of the compound with a scented pouch on his back, surveying this place he knew so well.
"Dad, Mom... your son has to leave you for now."
As he turned, two clear tears silently fell.
Then Sasuke jumped down from the utility pole.
He walked toward the Konoha Bustling District at an unhurried pace.
Clatter...
Stirred by the wind, the Purple Jade Crystal Bracelet clinked against his wrist, making a crisp sound only Sasuke could hear.
"Naruto, I'm leaving."
"After I'm gone, I hope you can move past your sadness quickly."
On the riverside path, Sasuke couldn't help stopping before the familiar bench.
A street in Konoha, the familiar old home on the second floor.
The familiar balcony.
Through the glass, Sasuke saw Naruto sleeping curled up as well, and the sudden surge of emotion cut through his heart like a knife.
"Goodbye, Naruto. Forget me."
Sasuke gazed deeply at Naruto through the glass, as though trying to engrave his image into his heart.
"I'm destined to