He and I sit in silence for a moment as I start cooking the shrimp in a pan with some chopped onions, garlic and a small amount of cooking oil.
“Can I ask you something?” He says as he watches me prepare the food.
“Of course.” I say as I set the now cooked shrimp aside.
“What caused your Mangekyou Sharingan to activate? My father always told me it can only be used by a full blooded Uchia.”
For a second, I stop what I'm doing and debate between the truth or a lie. In the end, I decide the truth is best, even if it may hurt him in the moment.
As I mix the ingredients into the pot, I answer, “When Naruto caught that kunai you threw at me and I saw all that blood it freaked me out. It made me think I would lose him and it reminded me of losing my father. He died the day before that while he was on a mission. After our fight, I made a promise to Naruto that I would protect him, even if it would cost me my life.”
“Satoshi, I'm so sorry. If I had known how much you mean to each other, I never would have done something so stupid. It was stupid and I think I was just scared that you'd be better than me at everything.” He then adds, “In my… our clan, your mother was like a legend. Everyone looked up to her and respected her, until she married your father. After that, my father Fugaku and the other clan leaders started to hate her. They called her a traitor to the Uchia name and eventually her title in the clan was stripped.”
“Where are you going with all of this?” I ask as I put a lid on the pot and let it simmer on a low flame.
“I'm… getting there. Just let me say this, please.” He says as he watches my every movement. “After she was disowned, she joined the ANBU. She did so many great things, even for the clan who wanted her memory erased. Even though I never met her, I know you're a lot like her. My father used to speak so highly of her, in private. Even after I hurt both of you, it's amazing how you've managed to forgive me. I never thought for a second that I would be here with either of you, let alone having these feelings about both of you.”
“Sasuke,” I reply as I sit across from him, “I have to be honest. At first, I wasn't thrilled about you being on the same squad as me and Naruto but you've more than made up for what happened at the academy. Besides, it gave me a chance to finally use medical ninjutsu twice in a single night. I've forgiven you for all of that mess. You're our friend now and you're stuck with us.”
He looks at me in disbelief. For a second, I can tell he's trying to wrap his mind around it all.
I elaborate, “I was really stressed out because the doctor told me about Naruto… that the kunai cut a tendon in his hand when it went all the way through and he wouldn't be able to make hand signs to do ninjutsu or genjutsu. Even some forms of taijutsu were a no go. I read every medical book and scroll my mother had a million times, that night. I refused to believe what the doctor said. I had to go for a walk, because I was so stressed out. I found a cat stuck in a trap and healed it then talked Naruto into letting me try to fix his hand. It took me all night to do it but now it's good as new. We barely made it to my father's funeral on time.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Naruto standing in the doorway. I can't help but wonder how much of that he's heard. He takes a seat at the table and gives Sasuke a knowing look. Whatever he's heard, he doesn't mention it.
“Something smells really good.” He says enthusiastically and adds, “Sasuke, you've gotta try his ramen. It's even better than Ichiraku.”
I divide the food between the three of us and hand them each a pair of chopsticks. Without waiting, Naruto digs in. I can tell our guest is a bit more apprehensive than us, most likely because of our conversation just a few moments ago.
Finally, he takes a bite. Before I can finish even finish half of my own food, he's finished every bite. As we all finish eating, the sound of thunder rumbles loudly followed by a steady flow of rain from the skies above.
“I should really get going before it gets bad.” Sasuke says as he stands up.
I reply as I lightly grab his wrist, “Nonsense. You live on the other side of the village. Even if you run, that's still 20 minutes away. Just stay here tonight.”
He thinks for a moment before responding, “Are you sure? I don't want to impose.”
Naruto chimes in, “Of course we're sure. You're our friend and you're always welcome here.”
I lead him to the guest room which is right next to the one I share with my boyfriend. As he starts to get settled in for the night, the power flickers off. I can hear the storm is building in intensity outside.
“I told you so.” I say jokingly as his eyes fall upon the shrine that was built in honor of my mother.
“So that's Matori Uchia… she was beautiful. You all look so happy together. Satoshi, I'm truly sorry for your losses.” Sasuke says as he looks at the only family picture that I know we have in the darkness.
I had almost forgotten about it. That picture was taken before my mother died and before my father turned cold. Despite knowing death is an everyday occurrence for Shinobi, I hope desperately that I never have to go through the grief my father did.
To my surprise, he pulls me into a tight embrace. I can't tell who needs this moment more. Sasuke actually had direct ties to the Uchia Clan while my only tie, until now, was my mother. Unfortunately, that one was severed many years ago.
Regardless of his reasoning, I wrap my arms around him and let him linger for as long as needed. I would be lying, if I said I didn't feel something for Sasuke growing inside of me. He's quickly grown to be one of the people I care about the most.
Even though it does feel slightly strange to be hugging somebody who's said and done some incredibly calloused things, I can tell it's not out of anger. The pain he and Naruto feel on a daily basis has to be more than most could ever deal with. It makes me think that there actually is a chance for him to open up and let us help him. Especially after what he told us earlier.
As he pulls away, I add, “If you need anything just come and get me.”
He replies, as he lays on the bed, “Thank you, Satoshi… for everything.”
I reply with a smile, “That's what friends are for.”
A Lazy Day
Comincia dall'inizio
