Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 3

*Two Months Later*

The sun began to set over Konoha, casting a warm, golden hue across the village. Madara and Sasuke walked side by side through the quiet streets, the cool evening breeze gently lifting their hair.

Madara's jet-black hair, with its signature spikes and distinctive bangs, danced lightly in the wind. The two shorter bangs curved inward above his eyebrows, while the longer one extended to the bridge of his nose, its tip curving outward. Sasuke, with his own messy, dark locks, glanced over at Madara with a grin, his eyes sparkling with the remnants of their recent adventure.

"Did you see the look on that Iruka's face when we aced the training exercise?" Sasuke laughed, his voice filled with the carefree joy of a seven-year-old.

Madara chuckled, his deep, captivating black eyes reflecting the fading light of the sunset. "He never saw it coming," he replied, the corners of his mouth curling into a satisfied smile.

As they made their way back to the Uchiha compound, the atmosphere began to change. Villagers they passed threw suspicious glares at Madara, their expressions a mix of unease and distrust. Despite the warmth of the evening, there was a palpable chill in the air.

Madara noticed the stares but kept his head high, his reserved demeanor masking any discomfort. Sasuke, sensing the tension, edged a little closer to Madara, his earlier grin fading slightly.

"It's fine, Sasuke. They won't do anything if Itachi-nii is in the village. Let's just continue our walk." Sasuke nodded.

The two Uchiha continued to walk, slowly and quietly, just enjoying the walk. However, Madara suddenly stopped, and held his arm in front of Sasuke. He closed his eyes, focusing all his attention on his other senses. The smell of fish, eggs and pork assaulted Madara's nose.

"Let's get ramen!" Madara shouted.

"Wouldn't we get in trouble?"

Madara shook his head. "I'm sure it'd be fine."

Sasuke nodded, and the duo walked towards the Ichiraku Ramen stand. "Madara!" Ayame couldn't contain her excitement.

Madara smiled as he sat down. "Hello, Ayame-nee."

"It's been a while! How are you?"

"Great! The academy is easy, and I don't get homework." Madara replied.

Before Ayama could speak, Sasuke did. "More like you don't do it..."

Teuchi had just walked out, and he, alongside Ayame, Sasuke and Madara had all erupted into laughter.

"What can I get for you, Sasuke?" Teuchi asked, whilst Ayame left into the kitchen.

Sasuke looked at Madara for a second, and replied, "I'd like one of what he's getting."

Teuchi nodded, and walked into the kitchen. A few minutes later, Teuchi and Ayame walked out, each carrying two bowls of ramen. Teuchi sat one bowl in front of Sasuke, and the other in front of Madara, whilst Ayame gave both of the bowls she carried to Madara.

The four continued to chat for a while, before Madara noticed that the sun had set completely. "Sasuke! We have to go!"

Sasuke looked at the sky, and hopped up. He dropped money on the table and ran walked away with Madara.

"The full moon is so pretty." Madara said, more to himself than to Sasuke.

Sasuke grinned. "Oh? Thinking of someone?"

Madara just stared blankly at Sasuke. The moonlight reflected in his eyes, and for a moment, he was taken back to another night, two weeks ago.

Madara laid on a hill, resting his head on his hands, admiring the night sky. It was beautiful. The starry night sky shimmered like a velvet canvas sprinkled with diamonds, each one twinkling with ancient light. A full moon hung high, casting a silvery glow that illuminated the landscape below, adding to the night's enchanting allure.