The air in the Hidden Leaf Village still carried a faint heaviness from the previous invasion that had abruptly and surprisingly occurred. The scars of Orochimaru’s invasion remained—some collapsed buildings, charred walls, and shinobi graves newly dug. Despite the loss, life pressed on, and missions needed completing.

You had been assigned to one such mission, grouped with none other than Sasuke Uchiha. It wasn’t entirely unexpected. Given your reputation, it was only a matter of time before your paths intertwined in an official capacity outside both of your academy days. However, this was one of the first real times you two had to face each other as equals—shinobi on the same mission.

— Took you long enough. Sasuke muttered, his voice carrying that ever present edge of challenge.

Sasuke was already waiting at the designated meeting point, arms crossed, his expression carved from stone. His sharp eyes flicked up as you arrived, measuring, assessing. There was a certain tension in the air, but it wasn’t unfamiliar. The two of you had been compared for years—your natural prowess versus his relentless ambition.

— …Hmph. He exhaled, scrutinizing you like he was dissecting your every move.

— Guess we don’t have much choice but to work together. Just don’t slow me down.