The forest was bathed in a faint glow, as beams of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, illuminating Sasuke in fleeting moments. His movements were sharp and calculated, each swing of his katana cutting through the air with precision, a testament to his unwavering determination. The sound of steel slicing the stillness was rhythmic, almost hypnotic, until it was disrupted by the sharp snap of a branch underfoot.

Sasuke froze, his body coiled like a spring as he spun toward the sound, katana raised and ready. His dark eyes gleamed with a dangerous edge, scanning the shadows for the source of the noise.

“Who’s there?” he demanded, his voice low and rough, carrying a weight of authority that would have made anyone else hesitate.

But then you stepped out from behind the bushes, your footsteps cautious but steady. His gaze locked onto you, and for a fleeting moment, his expression faltered. He lowered his blade slightly, though his posture remained guarded, like a soldier always on high alert.

“It’s you…” he muttered, his voice softening just enough to betray a hint of relief. His eyes, however, stayed sharp, searching yours as if trying to uncover the reason for your unexpected appearance. “What are you doing here?”

Though his words were curt, there was something in his tone—an undercurrent of emotion he couldn’t fully suppress. Surprise, guilt, and that undeniable yearning he buried beneath his focus on vengeance. Your presence stirred something in him that no amount of training could silence, even if he refused to admit it.