Chapter 155: Reunion
Sasuko's hand holding chopsticks suddenly paused. An inexplicable palpitation struck without warning.
She instinctively pressed her chest, brow furrowing slightly.
Naruko, sitting across from her slurping instant ramen enthusiastically, noticed her abnormality and asked indistinctly, "What's wrong, Sasuko? Can't get used to instant ramen?"
"It's nothing." Sasuko shook her head lightly, suppressing that strange sensation.
Since yesterday's argument with Yu, she'd stayed at Naruko's place, still not having figured out how to face him.
What she hadn't noticed was that hidden beneath her collar, inside that magatama pendant, a fine crack had quietly appeared, slowly spreading at an imperceptible rate.
"So you're just planning to hide out at my place indefinitely?" Naruko sat cross-legged on the sofa, biting into a tomato as she asked indistinctly.
Sasuko sipped her noodle soup, glancing at her upon hearing this. "Weren't you the one who insisted I stay yesterday?"
"Hehe, I was afraid you'd sulk alone." Naruko scooted closer with a grin, blinking her azure eyes. "Seriously though, aren't you planning to go back and check today?"
Sasuko looked down at the soup rippling in her bowl, saying softly, "Let's wait a bit longer."
Naruko finished her tomato in a few bites, wiping her hands before moving beside Sasuko. "If you ask me, Yu's definitely worried about you too. You ran out looking like that yesterday—how could he not be anxious?"
Sasuko pressed her lips together without responding.
How could she not know Yu would worry? But just thinking of his appearance always shutting her out made her heart feel blocked and uncomfortable.
"How about..." Naruko had a sudden idea. "I'll go back with you? Just visiting!"
Sasuko's fingers gripping the chopsticks tightened slightly.
Naruko's suggestion did make her waver somewhat, but thinking about facing Yu, that stubbornness took over again.
"That's not necessary." She set down her chopsticks. "My business—I'll handle it myself."
Naruko tilted her head observing her for a moment before suddenly poking her cheek. "You clearly care so much yet still act like you don't."
"I don't." Sasuko turned her face away.
"Okay, okay, you say you don't so you don't." Naruko stretched lazily. "But if you change your mind, call me anytime. After all..." She winked playfully. "I'm tired of making up excuses anyway."
Sasuko looked down at the remaining noodle soup, chin propped on her hand.
Naruko's words truly struck her heart—though stubborn verbally, she understood better than anyone that avoidance wouldn't solve problems.
"You're right." She finally spoke softly, voice still carrying some hesitation. "I really... can't keep hiding."
Naruko's eyes lit up as she immediately moved closer, linking arms. "That's right! I'll go back with you. If Yu dares give you attitude—though that's unlikely—but if he really does, I'll..." She waved her fist but momentarily couldn't think what to do with someone she liked, awkwardly lowering it. "I'll glare at him!"
Sasuko's lips curved slightly at her appearance. "Really, you won't take the opportunity to steal him away?"
"What kind of talk is that!" Naruko jumped up, pulling Sasuko to her feet as well. "We're sisters—is Lady Naruko that kind of person? Let's go, let's go. I haven't visited your place in forever anyway."
Sasuko raised an eyebrow lightly. "Didn't you just go yesterday?"
Naruko linked arms assertively. "I haven't gone today yet!"
Sasuko gazed at Naruko's sparkling blue eyes, understanding in her heart this was just an excuse the little blonde found to accompany her back. That clumsy thoughtfulness warmed her heart.
"Alright then." She finally nodded, allowing Naruko to cheerfully pull her toward the door.
Just as they prepared to leave, Naruko suddenly remembered something, turning back to grab a paper bag from the table. "Almost forgot! These are specialty tea sweets I bought on my last mission."
Sasuko raised an eyebrow lightly. "Didn't expect you to be so particular about visiting etiquette now."
"Of course!" Naruko raised her chin proudly. "I'm a mature, reliable jonin now."
The two walked side by side along familiar streets.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through leaves, casting dappled shadows. Naruko kept finding topics along the way—from recent TV dramas to amusing shinobi anecdotes—trying to ease Sasuko's subtle tension.
As they neared the Uchiha estate, Sasuko's steps unconsciously slowed.
Naruko sensed her hesitation, gently squeezing her hand. "It's okay. I'm with you."
Just as they prepared to push open the courtyard gate, Sasuko suddenly stopped, brow furrowing slightly—she vaguely sensed two unfamiliar yet familiar chakra fluctuations within the estate.
Simultaneously, Yu, who was pouring tea for his parents in the living room, paused.
Fugaku noticed his abnormality. "What's wrong?"
Yu quickly regained composure, setting down the teapot. "Sasuko's back." He paused, adding, "With a friend."
Mikoto showed a delighted smile upon hearing this. "Wonderful! Perfect timing, I want to see what friends Sasuko has now."
Sounds of the door opening came from the entrance, accompanied by Naruko's clear voice. "Excuse us~"
Yu unconsciously smiled, anticipation rising in his heart—he wondered what surprised expression Sasuko would show upon seeing her reawakened parents.
Sasuko stood at the entrance, gaze penetrating the corridor to lock onto those two familiar figures in the living room. Her keychain dropped with a clatter, the metal striking the floor especially clear in the quiet entryway.
"What's wrong?" Naruko bent to retrieve the keys, following her gaze and freezing as well.
Sasuko stood as though petrified, completely motionless. She opened her mouth yet couldn't produce any sound. Those usually cool black eyes now filled with disbelief, gradually misting over.
Mikoto slowly stood, opening her arms toward the entrance, voice exceptionally gentle. "Sasuko..."
In this moment, Sasuko finally recovered her voice. She trembled as she spoke that address she'd silently repeated countless times in her heart:
"Mother... Father..."
She didn't even bother changing shoes, stumbling as she rushed toward the living room, throwing herself into her mother's warm embrace.
Mikoto held her daughter's slight shoulders tightly. Fugaku also stood, embracing both wife and daughter. This long-overdue embrace made Sasuko unable to control her tears any longer.
Yu stood quietly aside watching this scene, eyes showing relieved warmth.
Naruko stood at the entrance, neither advancing nor retreating, only quietly telling Yu, "Um... should I step out for a bit?"
Yu shook his head lightly, smiling gently at her. "It's fine. Naruko is also important to both Sasuko and me."
Naruko watched the embracing family of three, suddenly feeling the tea sweet bag in her hand grow heavy.
She carefully placed it on the cabinet, feeling both happy for Sasuko and an indescribable trace of envy.
Yu noticed the loneliness flashing through Naruko's eyes.
Over these years, this child had always lived alone. His care for her stemmed not only from Sasuko but also her special background—after all, who wouldn't feel compassion for such a girl who'd endured hardships yet remained bright and sincere?
He gently placed his hand on Naruko's shoulder, his warm palm conveying silent comfort.
Naruko froze slightly, looking up to meet his gentle gaze. The earlier sourness dissipated considerably as she unconsciously showed him a shy smile with an adorable nasal quality.
"Yu~"
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