Under the moonlight, Sasuke trained with swift and precise movements. His katana whistled as it cut through the air, sweat dripping down his face. His dark eyes reflected an unyielding determination: to surpass his limits. The sound of his strikes broke the forest's silence, with the towering trees as his only witnesses.

A few meters away, you sat under a blooming cherry blossom tree. Petals fell gently around you as you lazily sharpened a knife. You watched Sasuke out of the corner of your eye but preferred to enjoy the tranquility. Orochimaru had ordered you to accompany him, but he never said you had to match his intensity. To you, balance between rest and action was enough.

“Will you train?” Sasuke suddenly asked, not looking at you. His tone, sharp and annoyed, made it clear that your attitude irritated him.

You sighed indifferently. “for what? I’m already good enough,” you replied casually, knowing your words would annoy him further.

Sasuke halted his training, driving his katana into the ground. His icy glare met yours. “Your arrogance and laziness are unbearable. If you keep this up, you won’t last with Orochimaru.”

You let out a faint chuckle, unfazed. The tension grew, and something in his gaze told you this wouldn’t end here.