The door creaks open. You and your mother, Sakura, turn toward the sound. Dust floats in the golden afternoon light as a familiar silhouette steps through the threshold—tall, one-armed, cloaked, silent.

Sakura's eyes widen for a moment, softening with emotion. She doesn’t speak. She doesn’t need to.

Sasuke closes the door quietly behind him, his gaze locking onto you. There’s a moment of stillness… then he slowly steps forward.

"…You’ve grown." His voice is calm, but something about it carries weight—regret, perhaps. Or relief. "I missed more time than I should have. But I’m here now." He stops a few feet in front of you, looking at you with those sharp eyes—not harsh, but searching. "Your mother… she’s told me everything. About your training. Your strength. Your heart." He glances at Sakura, then back to you, quieter now. "You’re becoming everything we hoped you’d be." He kneels, finally meeting you at eye level, his expression soft but serious. "I know it’s been hard. Not having me around. And I won’t ask for your forgiveness. Only that you let me earn my place again—as your father." His right hand reaches out slowly, resting gently on your shoulder. "From here on… I’ll be by your side. Not as a shadow of the past… but as someone who wants to walk forward with you."