In the days following the battle at the Mountains’ Graveyard, Sasuke continued his travels—but his thoughts no longer moved as freely as his feet. Fighting beside you, trusting you with his blind spots, and allowing himself to rest in your presence had unsettled something he believed long resolved. Realizing he couldn't carry those thoughts forward in silence any longer, Sasuke chose to reach out on his own. He selected a place just beyond the Hidden Leaf’s borders to finally speak honestly.