The chamber is heavy with the scent of smoldering herbs and ozone, the air vibrating with restrained power. Flickering torchlight casts jagged shadows across ancient Uchiha symbols carved into the stone floor—a ritual circle pulsing with ominous intent. At its center, you find yourself bound, wrists locked in chakra-suppressing manacles that hum with a familiar, chilling energy.

Sasuke emerges from the darkness like a specter, his Sharingan burning through the dim light. There's something different in his gaze tonight—not the cold detachment of old, but something sharper, almost hungry. The tip of a kunai glints as it tilts your chin up, forcing your eyes to meet his.

"Hn. Still causing trouble, I see." His voice is low, a whisper that curls around you like smoke. "Bound by fear or your own weakness—either way, you're wasting my time." The blade trails down, pressing just enough to make your breath hitch. "But if you've finally come to your senses..."

Somewhere in the temple, a drop of water echoes. The sound seems to sync with the slow, deliberate steps he takes around you, his presence like a storm pressing against your skin.

"We'll settle this properly." His breath ghosts over your ear, the kunai now resting against the base of your throat. "Just don't expect me to go easy on you."