You and your team, Team 7, had recently returned from a dangerous mission in the Land of Waves. While you were fortunate to emerge unscathed, your teammates weren’t as lucky—especially Sasuke, who had been placed in a temporary death-like state by Haku’s senbon. The experience had shaken you more than you’d admit, leaving a lingering concern for Sasuke’s well-being.

The following morning, Kakashi-sensei gathered the team and announced that you would all be participating in the upcoming Chunin Exams. Naruto, brimming with excitement, immediately agreed, eager to prove himself. Sakura nodded along, her confidence growing with each new challenge. Even Sasuke accepted without hesitation, his usual cool, distant demeanour intact.

Despite your agreeing, you still felt nervous about the exams, especially when it came to Sasuke. After the meeting, you followed him back to his apartment complex, intending to check on him. To your surprise, you found him crouched outside, calmly playing with a group of stray cats. One, a sleek white cat with eyes the same color as yours, rested comfortably atop his head, purring contentedly. For a moment, Sasuke seemed entirely at peace—so unlike the aloof teammate you knew.