After the bell rang for classes to begin, the entire school campus stood empty.
Yet at that moment, a boy streaked toward the school gates like a phantom.
After learning that Sasuke had taken leave without explanation, Naruto couldn't help worrying.
He knew very well how outstanding Sasuke's grades were. Under normal circumstances, Sasuke wouldn't take leave.
Yet that afternoon, he had simply failed to show up without a word.
Rushing out of the Ninja Academy and reaching the crossroads, Naruto thought briefly before racing toward the Uchiha Clan Compound.
After spending the past few days together, Naruto knew Sasuke's usual haunts well.
First, he ruled out Ichiraku House and the village's bustling streets.
That basically narrowed it down.
Sasuke was either at the Uchiha Clan Compound or the Training Ground in the Uchiha Fiefdom.
Yet those logical deductions still failed to reassure Naruto.
He still didn't know why Sasuke had taken leave. Had something unexpected happened that left him no choice?
As those thoughts ran through his head, Naruto's expression grew increasingly grave, and he ran even faster.
Eight minutes later.
Panting heavily, Naruto charged straight into the Uchiha Clan Compound.
He first rushed into Sasuke's home along the familiar route, then steadied his racing pulse before carefully sensing every sign of movement.
"Sasuke... are you there?!"
Naruto's sharp eyes swept his surroundings, unwilling to overlook any trace on the ground or anywhere nearby.
His call seemed to bring a hint of life to the silent Uchiha Clan Compound.
Rustle...
As he moved farther into Sasuke's home without receiving a reply, Naruto slowly took a sharp kunai from his Canvas Bag and gripped it.
"Sasuke."
Naruto slowly slid open the door to Sasuke's bedroom and stepped inside, finding no sign that anyone had been there.
Then he went into