Inside the Uchiha residence.
"Dad, it's rare for you to be home these days. Can you guide me in training today?" Sarada asked, looking at Sasuke on the sofa with hopeful eyes.
Hearing this, Sasuke glanced at his daughter's eager expression and gave a slight nod.
Moments later, under the bright sunlight, the two stood on a training ground in Konoha Village.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
With swift one-handed seals, Sasuke released a massive fireball that engulfed the entire field in blazing orange light.
"Dad, I've already mastered this ninjutsu," Sarada said confidently.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You've learned it? When?"
Before Sarada could reply, a familiar voice came from the tree above.
"Uncle Sasuke, Sarada's a genius. She's mastered almost every Fire Style technique of the Uchiha clan—and now she's awakened a double-tomoe Sharingan."
"Boruto, you're here too!" Sarada's face brightened instantly at the sight of him.
Sasuke's gaze flickered subtly when he noticed his daughter's joy at seeing Boruto.
"Well, I happened to be nearby," Boruto said, jumping down from the branch. "Didn't expect to run into you two training."
"Yes," Sarada smiled. "Dad's teaching me today."
Sasuke's eyes lingered on Sarada's for a moment—her Sharingan shimmering faintly.
"Double-tomoe Sharingan… I see. You've grown, Sarada. Since you've awakened the Sharingan, I'll teach you Chidori."
He straightened and said calmly, "Watch closely with your Sharingan."
Sarada nodded and activated her crimson eyes.
"Chidori!"
Sasuke's right hand sparked with violent blue lightning, crackling like the cry of a thousand birds.
"Focus your chakra," he instructed, "and use the dynamic vision of the Sharingan to perceive every movement of your opponent."
In a flash, he lunged forward. The blinding blue light sliced through the air and struck a massive boulder.
With a thunderous bang, the rock shattered to pieces, debris scattering across the field in a cloud of dust.
"Wow! That's incredible, Dad!" Sarada exclaimed.
Sasuke let the lightning fade and looked at her encouragingly. "Your turn, Sarada."
"Got it!"
She formed the seals swiftly, inhaling deeply to focus her chakra.
"Chidori!"
Blue lightning surged into her palm, chirping like birds in a storm.
She dashed forward, her eyes locked ahead, mimicking Sasuke's movement.
But her attack, though well-formed, lacked her father's power and precision.
Sasuke said gently, "Remember, the Sharingan can copy ninjutsu—but true mastery takes time and perseverance."
Sarada nodded, still panting slightly. Then curiosity got the better of her.
"By the way, Dad… your Sharingan—it's the Mangekyō Sharingan, right?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why are you asking all of a sudden?"
"I was just wondering," Sarada said honestly. "How do you awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
For a moment, the air grew heavy. Sasuke's expression softened with complex emotion.
"It's too early for you to know that," he said finally. "We'll talk about it another time."
He turned to look at Boruto, his gaze thoughtful, almost unreadable.
If Sarada were to experience Boruto's death before her eyes... would her double-tomoe Sharingan evolve into the Mangekyō instantly?
Boruto noticed Sasuke's stare and felt a chill.
Wait… why is he looking at me like that? Don't tell me this guy's planning to 'teach Sarada about hatred' by slicing me up with the Kusanagi right here?!
Meanwhile, Sarada also noticed her father's lingering look toward Boruto and began to blush slightly.
Why does Dad keep staring at Boruto? Is awakening the Mangekyō related to him somehow? Could it be… kissing triggers evolution? No way… right?
Her face flushed deeper at the thought.
The three stood there, each lost in their own thoughts, until Sakura's cheerful voice broke the tension.
"You're all working hard, I see! Are you hungry? I brought lunch—homemade bentos, still warm."
She approached with a smile, holding two beautifully prepared lunch boxes clearly meant for Sasuke and Sarada.
"Boruto, you're here too—come join us!" she said kindly.
"Thanks, Aunt Sakura," Boruto grinned. "I won't say no to that."
A blanket was spread out on the grass, and the four of them sat together, enjoying the food.
While eating, Sasuke's gaze drifted toward Sarada—and he noticed the faint blush on her face whenever her eyes flickered toward Boruto.
Instantly, his mood soured. His chopsticks froze midair as his eyes narrowed.
Boruto blinked. "Uncle Sasuke… is something on my face?"
Sasuke replied coolly, "Nothing. It's just—you and Naruto look a lot alike. Both equally annoying."
What, just because I 'stole your daughter' you're holding a grudge? Boruto thought bitterly.
"Dad, don't say that!" Sarada protested immediately. "Boruto's nothing like that."
Sakura chimed in, smiling. "That's right, Sasuke. Boruto's polite and considerate—how could you say something so mean?"
Listening to his wife and daughter defending Boruto in unison, Sasuke felt the corners of his mouth twitch.
Damn you, Naruto… you've cursed me again! he thought internally.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Naruto suddenly sneezed mid-paperwork.
"Huh? Who's talking about me now?" he muttered, rubbing his nose.
A few days later, morning sunlight spilled over the gate of Konoha Village.
"Dad, when will you come back next time?" Sarada asked, her voice tinged with reluctance.
Sasuke smiled faintly, resting a hand on her head. "Don't make that face, Sarada."
"Dad…" she murmured softly.
Sakura stood nearby, her expression warm but her eyes betraying a trace of worry.
"See you next time," Sasuke said quietly.
He crouched down and gently tapped Sarada's forehead.
Sakura handed him a bento, blushing slightly as their hands brushed.
Sasuke accepted it, paused for a heartbeat, then turned and said simply, "I'm leaving."
Sakura's lips parted in mock complaint. "No goodbye for me? That's cold…"
She smiled faintly and waved as he walked away.
Just then, Boruto appeared beside Sarada, clasping her hand confidently.
"Uncle Sasuke! Take care. I'll look after Sarada for you!"
Sasuke froze mid-step.
Slowly, he turned around—his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan glinting crimson as he stared directly at Boruto holding Sarada's hand.