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Scene: Forest Camp – Evening
The fire crackled softly under the forest canopy. Yuta stirred a pot, steam rising into the fading light. Sarada leaned against him without hesitation, her head brushing his shoulder—claiming him in her quiet, bold way.
From a distance, Aira sat apart, gazing skyward, her expression unreadable.
Shikadai (grinning):
“Man… having a girl like Sarada. Is Yuta lucky, or are we just unlucky?”
Metal Lee (groaning):
“Unlucky. Definitely unlucky.”
Mitsuki (calmly, staring into the flames):
“The virus… it’s spread to another Uzumaki too.”
The others turned toward him. Sumire’s eyes softened as she watched Boruto splash helplessly in the river.
Boruto (shouting):
“Stupid fish—hold still!”
Finally, after several clumsy lunges, he pulled one out, triumphant. Sumire giggled, covering her mouth.
Metal Lee (slumping back):
“We’re gonna die single, aren’t we?”
Shikadai (yawning):
“Trust the process, man. Trust the process.”
Mitsuki (serious):
“That virus spread to Himawari too, didn’t it? Ryouta literally sacrificed himself to save her. Sure, he lost… but still.”
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The mood sank heavy for a moment.
Shikadai (muttering):
“What a drag…”
Metal Lee (perking up again):
“Wait… that means all Uzumaki kids are in love, doesn’t it?”
Mitsuki (nodding, bluntly):
“Precisely. Yuta is trapped in indecision. Boruto is dense—just like his father. My father once said Naruto-sama didn’t even realize Hinata-sama loved him until adulthood. And Himawari… yes, the one truly in love may be her.”
Shikadai (chuckling):
“Funny. The youngest one falls first.”
Mitsuki (shrugging):
“Love is unpredictable.”
The fire popped, casting long shadows. Aira quietly stood, eyes on Yuta one last time. With a flicker of chakra, she vanished into light.
---
Scene: Moon Temple – Upper Chamber
Silver beams cut across the ruined temple. Aira reappeared, her expression heavy.
Yumi (challenging):
“Queen… why aren’t you fighting?”
Aira (bitter, quiet):
“This fight… I’m losing. Because I wasn’t with Yuta from the start. Sarada was. She reached him before I could.”
Yumi (snapping):
“So what? You’ll just accept defeat?”
Aira turned away, lips trembling.
Toneri (sharp, appearing):
“Don’t make the queen cry, Yumi.”
Yumi stormed off, her footsteps echoing through the stone halls. Left alone, Aira’s body shook, tears finally breaking free.
Toneri stepped forward, pulling her close into his arms.
Toneri (gentle, almost a whisper):
“You love Yuta too, don’t you?”
Aira (voice cracking):
“Do I love Yuta… or do I just love the part of him that’s Sylus… still alive inside him?”
Toneri closed his eyes, holding her tighter.
Toneri (firm):
“Sometimes… there’s no difference.”
---
Scene: Konoha Hospital – ICU
The beeping of monitors echoed faintly. Sakura, exhausted and pale, sat at Ryouta’s bedside. Her hands trembled as she adjusted the IV drip. Sleep weighed heavy on her eyes, but she refused to close them.
The door slid open. Sasuke and Hinata entered.
Hinata (soft but firm):
“Your son almost died protecting my daughter. Let me help you.”
Sakura (shaking her head):
“No… I can’t leave him.”
Sasuke (sternly):
“Come with me.”
She didn’t move. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his arm circling her waist, pulling her gently but firmly away.
Hinata (smiling faintly, to the unconscious Ryouta):
“You’re strong, Ryouta. Just like Yuta. Rest now.”
---
Scene: Sakura’s Doctor Room – Night
Sakura tried to slip out, but Sasuke blocked the door, arms crossed.
Sasuke (firm):
“Sleep.”
Sakura (shaking her head):
“No. I can’t.”
Sasuke (eyes narrowing):
“Sleep. That’s my order.”
She froze—then slowly smiled, staring at him with soft, tired eyes.
Sakura (whispering):
“Ryouta is like you, isn’t he? He’s becoming more like you every day.”
Sasuke (after a pause):
“I just hope… he doesn’t walk the same path I did. That’s all.”
Her eyes shimmered. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Sakura (soft, pleading):
“Sing a lullaby for me… please.”
Sasuke’s cheeks burned red.
Sasuke (grumbling):
“Tch. What an Uchiha has to do these days…”
But he gave in. His voice was low, hesitant, but steady:
Sasuke’s Lullaby (original):
“Close your eyes, don’t fight the night,
The stars will guard you, soft and bright.
Rest your heart, no need to roam,
In dreams, you’ll always find your home.”
Sakura smiled, drifting into sleep against him.
---
Closing Thoughts
Sasuke sat in silence, holding her as she breathed steadily. His mind flickered between his son, his past, and the we
ight of tomorrow.
Sasuke (thinking):
“Ryouta… don’t inherit my sins. Be better than me.”
The night deepened, heavy with unspoken prayers.
To Be Continued…
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