SASUKE: The Beginning Of The Journey.

Chapter 8: The Betrayer.

Sunrise painted the eastern sky, its light streaming through the window of the Uchiha residence, awakening Sasuke. Sunlight warmed his face. He slowly awoke, sat up, dressed in a black, long-sleeved shirt bearing the Uchiha crest and white shorts, grabbed his shoulder bag, and ran downstairs. He paused only to put on his sandals outside before heading for the door.  His mother, Mikoto, saw him leaving from the kitchen.

"Sasuke, where are you going?" she called, hurrying after him.

Sasuke glanced back. "To the Hyūga compound, Mother."

"Oh. Well, wouldn't you like something to eat first?" Mikoto suggested.

"No thanks, Mom. I'm not hungry yet," he replied, continuing toward the door.

"Sasuke, wait!" Mikoto called, but he was already gone. She sighed, relieved he was going to spend time with Hanabi and Hinata.

Fugaku entered the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Looks like someone's been spending a lot of time with the Hyuga girls, eh?" he remarked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Mikoto chuckled. "Let him be. If it helps him open up, I'm all for it."

Fugaku shrugged. "Yeah, well, he's always out and back by noon. At least he's reliable about that." He paused, his expression softening. "He's growing up, Mikoto. Finding his own way."

Mikoto nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. And those Hyūga girls… they seem to have a calming effect on him. It's probably a good influence." She paused, a hint of worry in her voice. "But I still worry about him. The weight of the clan, the expectations…"

Fugaku chuckled. "I wouldn't worry too much. He's getting stronger every day."

"Really? What makes you say that?" Mikoto asked, surprised.

"He showed me his fireball jutsu yesterday," Fugaku said proudly. "And this time, it was perfect. Remember when he was struggling even with a simple one? Now, it's as good as Itachi's was at the same age." He smiled. "He might not have gotten it on the first try, but he's managed to rival his brother's skill."

Mikoto smiled warmly. "That's wonderful, Fugaku. Truly wonderful. It's good to see him finding something positive to focus on." She paused, her gaze drifting toward the empty doorway. "Perhaps the Hyuga girls aren't such a bad influence after all."

Fugaku nodded, pushing himself away from the doorframe. "Indeed. I expected it; they are the daughters of Hiashi and Hanashi Hyuga, so it makes sense that he would grow stronger as well."

Meanwhile, the midday sun beat down as Sasuke ran through the Uchiha compound, passing fellow Uchiha—children playing, adults eating or drinking, and some elders. He reached the entrance gate and arrived at the Hyuga compound. The entrance gate to the Hyuga district was heavily guarded, but the guards, knowing Sasuke and his relationship with the heiresses, let him pass. The meticulously kept gardens hummed with a quiet energy, a stark contrast to the intensity he felt within himself.

Sasuke found Hanabi and Hinata sparring, their taijutsu precise and elegant. Natsu Hyuga, a Hyuga maid and caretaker of Hinata and Hanabi, watched over them.

She noticed Sasuke and bowed. "Oh, hi there, Uchiha… I didn't expect you this early," Natsu said.

Sasuke, struck by her beauty, looked away, blushing.  He thought, "All Hyūga women are beautiful, just like the Uchiha."

"Oh… I was planning on taking Hanabi and Hinata to the village," he said, looking at his feet.

Natsu, noticing his blush, giggled.  "Oh really? A date, perhaps?"

Sasuke, flustered, shook his head. "It was just friendly bonding," he stammered, still blushing.

Natsu giggled. "Relax, Sasuke, I'm just kidding."

Still embarrassed, Sasuke asked, "Ahm… how are you? I've never seen you before."

"Oh, sorry, this is our first meeting," Natsu said. "I'm Natsu Hyuga, caretaker of Mistresses Hinata and Hanabi." She bowed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Natsu-san," Sasuke replied, feeling more at ease. He admired her composure; even amused by his fluster, she remained professional.

Natsu smiled. "The pleasure is all mine, Sasuke-kun. The young ladies are quite fond of you, you know. They talk about you quite often."

Sasuke blushed. "They… they do?"

"Indeed," Natsu confirmed, smiling. "Hinata-sama is particularly enthusiastic. Hanabi-sama is quite bold when she mentions you."

Sasuke was speechless. He hadn't considered his visits had such a noticeable effect. It wasn't just training; a genuine connection, a friendship he cherished, seemed to be forming reciprocally.

"Well," he managed, clearing his throat, "I… I enjoy spending time with them, too. They're very… good friends." He emphasized "friends."

"I understand," Natsu said softly, gazing toward Hanabi and Hinata, who were now resting. "Perhaps more than just friendly bonding?"

Sasuke sputtered, bright red. "N-no! It's… it's just… friendly," he insisted unconvincingly.

Natsu chuckled. "I understand, Sasuke-kun. Secrets are best kept between friends." She changed the subject. "Shall I inform the young ladies of your arrival?"