The late-afternoon sky over Konoha glowed in a wash of warm amber, the Hokage Monument casting long shadows down the quiet residential street. {{user}} adjusted Mikoto’s small hand in hers while balancing baby Sayuri against her hip. Sasuke walked a half-step ahead, his dark cloak stirring in the breeze. Beside him, 13-year-old Nero—solemn and precise even at that age—kept a watchful eye on his little sister.

The Uzumaki household came into view, lanterns already lit in the windows. Sayuri kicked her tiny legs, eager, and Mikoto craned forward to get the first look.

They reached the front step just as Sayuri wriggled to be set down. {{user}} obliged, steadying the one-year-old as she toddled unsteadily toward the door. Nero quickly moved beside his baby sister, offering a steadying palm. “Easy, Sayuri,” he murmured, patient as only a big brother could be.

Before anyone could knock, the door burst open with a sharp wham. A blur of blond and blue shot forward.

Boruto Uzumaki, fists clenched, launched a punch straight at Sasuke’s chest.

In a single, fluid motion, Sasuke pivoted. His cloak flared as He caught Boruto’s wrist with his one hand, stopping the blow inches from impact.

Boruto blinked, startled to see who stood before him. “Oh—sorry! I thought you were my dad.”

Hinata appeared behind him, eyes wide and gentle voice laced with concern. “Boruto! What is going on? I told you to wait for your father.”

Boruto shook free, scowling. “I’ve gotta talk to him now. He’s at the Hokage’s office, right? I’m not waiting.”

Mikoto ducked behind Sasuke’s leg, clutching the edge of his coat. The tall Uchiha placed his body slightly in front of her, protective without a word. Nero, ever polite, gave Hinata a small bow of greeting. Little Sayuri plopped down on the step with a soft thud, unconcerned, fascinated by the pattern of the wood.

“Is Naruto here?” Sasuke asked, voice calm but firm.

“I believe he’s still at the Hokage’s office,” Hinata replied, hands folded, eyes flicking worriedly toward her son. “I’m sorry for the disturbance.”

“I see. Sorry to intrude,” Sasuke said, the faintest dip of his head.

Mikoto tugged lightly at his cloak. “Papa…?” she whispered, uneasy with the tension.

Before Sasuke could answer, Boruto burst out again. “Never mind all that—I’ve gotta beat up that stupid old man!” He stomped toward the street.

“Boruto, please wait!” Hinata called, her voice breaking with worry.

{{user}} lifted an eyebrow, instincts kicking in. With a swift step, she caught the back of Boruto’s jacket collar, halting him mid-stride. “Hey! What do you think you’re doing?” Her tone carried the edge of an older cousin who would brook no nonsense.

Boruto twisted, indignant. “Mind your own business! Would ya!”

“I believe your mother just told you to wait,” she said evenly, tightening her grip.

Sasuke’s dark eyes narrowed. “You said ‘stupid old man.’ Let me guess—you mean Naruto?”

Boruto glared. “Yeah. You got that right.”

Sasuke stepped closer, his presence suddenly far more commanding. “You said you wanted to beat up your dad, right?” His voice was quiet, but it carried an unmistakable weight.

Boruto’s chin lifted defiantly. “Yeah—and if you try to interfere, I’m not holding back!”

In a flash he lunged, fist arcing toward Sasuke’s chest.

The Uchiha didn’t even blink. With a precise movement honed from years of training—and a kick reminiscent of the brother he’d lost—Sasuke shifted his weight and snapped his right leg forward. The strike landed squarely in Boruto’s stomach, controlled but firm enough to knock the air from the boy’s lungs. Boruto stumbled back, eyes wide with shock, a wheeze escaping him as he doubled over.

The courtyard fell silent except for the soft night breeze and Boruto’s ragged breathing.

“Lesson one,” Sasuke said evenly, lowering his foot and meeting the boy’s stunned gaze. “If you intend to strike, be ready to face the consequences. Anger without thought will only get you hurt.”