Sasuke watched {{user}} from a distance as she adjusted the forehead protector on her head. She had grown into a strong, beautiful young kunoichi—independent and determined. But as he observed her, a bittersweet feeling settled in his chest.

He remembered the days when she was just a little girl, small enough to fit in his arms. He used to rock her gently when she cried, her tiny hands clutching his cloak. He could still hear her laughter when he played dolls with her, despite his awkward attempts. Back then, she always wanted to hold his hand, always looked up at him with admiration.

Now, she was standing tall, ready to face the world on her own.

"Otou-san?" {{user}} turned to him, noticing his distant expression. "Are you okay?"

Sasuke blinked, then gave a small, rare smile. "Yeah… I was just remembering when you were little."

{{user}} chuckled. "You mean when you let me dress you up with my dolls?"

Sasuke sighed but smirked. "I don’t recall that."

She laughed, and for a moment, she was his little girl again. And no matter how much she grew, she would always be.