Legacy Reborn (Sasuke x RWBY Sequel)

13 - Anticipation

Beacon Academy, Evening

The Bullhead's engines wound down as the evening came, and Sasuke and Miss Yamada stood waiting on the landing pad. Sasuke's gaze was sharp and focused on the airship's hatch as it opened. Moments later, Team JONR and Katsuro emerged, each of them visibly exhausted from the demanding mission. Despite the fatigue etched on their faces, there was a clear sense of accomplishment—they had overcome every obstacle together.

Nora stretched her arms wide, letting out a deep sigh. "Hoo... finally! Beacon!" She stumbled forward, leaning heavily against Ren, who caught her effortlessly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he steadied her.

Jaune stepped forward, squaring his shoulders with respect as he addressed Sasuke. "Headmaster Sasuke, the mission was a success."

Miss Yamada rushed toward Katsuro, sweeping him into a hug. "WAHHH! YOU DID IT, KATSURO!"

Katsuro blinked, caught off guard by her enthusiasm. "M-Miss Yamada..." he managed, returning the embrace with a tired but genuine smile.

Miss Yamada stepped back, pulling out her scroll to review what footage they'd managed to capture from Jaune's suit cameras. The data was patchy, disrupted by the EMP from the explosion, but the fragments still conveyed the intensity of the mission.

Sasuke, meanwhile, nodded in acknowledgment of Jaune's report, but his gaze settled on Katsuro. Even after such a challenging mission, Katsuro maintained his usual calm composure, though the fatigue showed in the subtle slump of his shoulders. 

A small, proud smile softened Sasuke's face as he stepped closer and ruffled Katsuro's hair.

Katsuro blinked, looking up at his father's face, his expression softening at the unmistakable pride and appreciation he saw in Sasuke's usually reserved eyes.

"...Well done, son." Sasuke's voice was steady, and warm, carrying the weight of a father's pride.

For a brief moment, the weight of Katsuro's exhaustion seemed to melt away, and he allowed his eyes to close as a faint smile softened his face. The warmth of his father's hand on his head carried him back to simpler times, to the lessons, the patience, and the quiet strength Sasuke had shown him throughout his journey.

It was a warmth he hadn't truly felt before—a genuine, unfamiliar sense of pride and affection that spread through his chest. 

Back when he was Madara, such moments had been rare, if not impossible. His father, Tajima Uchiha, had been hard and unyielding, driven by the relentless demands of war with the Senju. Tajima's approval had always been masked by expectations and discipline, a constant reminder of the burdens of their clan. Appreciation, in those days, had been a luxury.

But here, now, he felt a new kind of acceptance. This was a recognition that didn't come with a price or condition—it was simply his father's pride in him. And for once, Katsuro let himself be fully present in the moment, feeling the weight of that unspoken bond, one that both encouraged and freed him to move forward.

Although, it does feel weird. Considering the fact they used to be enemies.

Ren observed the father-son exchange and shared a knowing glance with Jaune, both silently appreciating the bond they were witnessing. Even Nora, ever energetic, held back with a soft smile, sensing the significance of the moment.

Breaking the silence with her characteristic grin, Nora called out, "We did it together, you know! Next time, maybe a heads-up if we're expected to blow up half a base!" She winked at Katsuro, who chuckled softly, feeling his usual confidence return.