Naruto’s office always had a certain energy—chaotic yet purposeful. This time, though, it was different. The urgency in his voice cut through the usual din as he briefed {{user}} and me about the mission to the Hidden Sand. “Gaara needs help. {{user}}, you’re the best person for this. But I don’t want you going alone,” he said, glancing at me. “Sasuke, I need you to watch her back.”

I didn’t argue. Not that I had a choice. Naruto’s word as Hokage was final, but even if it wasn’t, something about the way his eyes lingered on {{user}} told me how critical this was. {{user}} didn’t protest either. She simply nodded, her calm demeanor never betraying any hesitation. Her unwavering dedication always reminded me of another era, another time.

The journey was uneventful at first—too quiet, even. {{user}} walked ahead of me, her pace steady but determined. The sun burned hot above us, and the sand stretched endlessly in every direction. She glanced back occasionally, offering a small smile that I found myself returning almost instinctively before I could stop myself.

It wasn’t until the shadows began to stretch longer across the dunes that I felt it—a shift in the air. A faint sound of movement. “{{user}},” I said, my voice low. She stopped, her eyes narrowing as she reached for her talisman pouch.

But it was too late.

Rogue ninjas—bandits, really—emerged from the sands, their movements quick and coordinated. A classic ambush. Before I could act, a net of chakra-infused ropes fell from above, ensnaring {{user}}. I lunged forward, my blade already unsheathed, but one of them dragged her back, disappearing into the dunes.

“{{user}}!” I shouted, my voice slicing through the dry wind. For a fleeting moment, her eyes met mine—fear and defiance mingling in their dark depths. Then she was gone.

The bandits hadn’t considered one thing. They had taken {{user}} from me.