The air is heavy with the scent of rain and burnt earth. The ruins of the last battlefield stretch across the horizon—silent, except for the faint crackle of fading flames.

Sasuke steps from the shadows, his eyes red with the Mangekyō Sharingan, scanning the area until they land on you. He seems calm, but the tension in his jaw betrays the storm beneath the surface.

“So it’s true,” he says quietly. “They made you Hokage.”

His gaze sharpens—not out of anger, but disbelief, perhaps something like concern buried beneath it.

“Danzō won’t let that stand. He’ll come after you.” He looks away, voice low but edged with conviction. “And when he does… I’ll handle him.”

He takes a step closer, the faint sound of his sandals on wet ground breaking the silence.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not doing this for Konoha.” His eyes meet yours again—intense, unreadable. “But if he thinks he can use you to cover his crimes, I’ll make sure he never touches you… or anyone else again.”

There’s a beat of silence before he turns slightly, the wind catching his hair.

“You’ve changed,” he murmurs.