alone
ASAEL'S EXPRESSION HELD a deep frown as he re-entered the classroom, his stomach churning with a sense of impending doom. He immediately noticed Iruka standing at the front of the class, having apparently returned from wherever he had been. However, Asael paid little attention to this detail as he made his way back to his seat. He dropped into his chair with a heavy sigh, deliberately ignoring the curious and wondering glances from his classmates that seemed to follow him like a shadow.
Iruka, the ever-observant teacher, paused his lecture for a brief moment, his gaze settling on the white-haired boy whose face had taken on a slightly greenish hue. Despite his concern, Iruka knew better than to single Asael out in front of the entire class.
Instead, he continued with his announcement, his voice steady and authoritative. "As I was saying, as of today, you have all officially become full-fledged Ninjas. However, you are still Genin, and the most challenging part of your journey is yet to come!" He offered them an encouraging smile, clasping his hands behind his back. In his hands, he held a stack of papers containing the names of the newly formed teams. "From this point forward, you will be organized into squads of three," Iruka explained, "with the exception of one team that will have four members due to uneven numbers. You will undertake missions under the guidance of your Jonin teachers."
Asael's mind raced as he listened to Iruka's words. He pursed his lips, silently hoping that he would not be placed in the four-person team. The thought of having an additional teammate was daunting; two people were already enough to slow him down, and the last thing he needed was another person to complicate matters further.
Ino's voice broke the silence in the classroom as she hummed thoughtfully, "I wonder who's going to be grouped with Sasuke and Asael..." Her words were directed towards Sakura, who was seated right beside Asael. Asael, feeling the weight of the conversation, averted his gaze, trying to look anywhere but at the two girls. This was a challenging task, given Sakura's proximity. He could feel Ino's eyes boring into the back of his head, a sensation that made him uncomfortable. Despite this, he chose to ignore her and leaned his head onto his palm, attempting to appear nonchalant.
Sakura, on the other hand, responded to Ino with a blank expression, "I don't know..." Her tone was indifferent, but internally, she was in turmoil. She was almost certain that she would be grouped with at least one of them, and she fervently hoped it would be Sasuke. While she had a fondness for Asael, her feelings for Sasuke were just a bit stronger. This internal conflict was mirrored in her relationship with Ino, who had a similar dilemma but favored Asael over Sasuke. Despite her outward disinterest, Sakura's mind was racing with thoughts of the upcoming team assignments.
Ino's curiosity was palpable, and she couldn't help but speculate about the team formations. She had always admired Asael's skills and not to mention his outstanding good looks and hoped to be in the same group as him. The idea of being on a team with both Asael and Sasuke was tantalizing, but she knew that Sakura shared similar sentiments. This unspoken rivalry added an extra layer of tension to their interactions.
Asael, meanwhile, was lost in his thoughts. He was aware of the dynamics between Sakura and Ino, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread about the impending team assignments. The idea of being grouped with either of the girls was daunting, but he knew that he had little control over the situation.
Asael could hear Sasuke let out a scoff, a sound that resonated with his own thoughts. He figured Sasuke was probably thinking something similar to him. If Asael had to choose his teammates, he would honestly prefer having Sasuke on his team. There were a couple of reasons for this preference. Firstly, Sasuke was undeniably the strongest in their class, just a notch below Asael himself, of course. Having someone of Sasuke's caliber on his team would be a significant advantage. Secondly, Sasuke's presence would provide endless entertainment during missions, especially when things got monotonous. If he ever got bored, he'd just be able to make fun of Sasuke and his boredom would be cured.
Beyond Sasuke, Asael wouldn't mind having Shikamaru on his team either. Shikamaru was incredibly smart, even if he often tried to hide it behind a facade of laziness. Asael appreciated the value of having a strategist on the team. Shikamaru's ability to think several steps ahead and devise clever plans would be invaluable during missions. Asael knew that having a balance of strengths and abilities was crucial for a successful team, and Shikamaru's intellect would complement Sasuke's and his own strength perfectly.
As Asael's mind wandered through these thoughts, he was abruptly brought back to reality by Iruka's voice. "We want each squad to have a balance of strengths and abilities, so the groups have already been determined," Iruka announced, his voice cutting through the murmur of the classroom. Asael's attention snapped back to the front of the room, where Iruka stood with a list in hand. The anticipation in the room was palpable as everyone waited to hear the team assignments. Iruka continued, "Now for the assignments!"
Asael only half-listened to the names being called out, his mind wandering as he waited for his own name to be announced. The anticipation was almost palpable, and he found himself lost in thought, barely registering the names of his classmates as they were assigned to their respective squads. His attention was finally drawn back to the present when he heard Iruka's voice call out, "Now, Squad Seven, which will end up being the squad that will hold four, Naruto Uzumaki!"
Asael's gaze remained fixed on his hands, a look of total concentration etched on his face. He held a pen between his fingers, focusing intently on his fingertips as if the pen held some great secret. Iruka's voice continued to list the names, "Sakura Haruno." Asael's focus didn't waver, even as he heard Naruto let out a loud cheer. Naruto's excitement was palpable, his joy at being in the same squad as Sakura evident to everyone in the room. Asael, however, was indifferent to Naruto's obvious crush on Sakura. His eyes remained fixed on the pen, which he was now attempting to balance on his fingertips.
Just as he tossed the pen up again, the pen never made contact with his skin, merely bouncing off of it only a centimeter so away and hit the table with a small thump. Asael's eyes lit up at this, sucking in a breath as his lips twitched into a smile. It finally worked.
"Asael Amadori," Iruka called out next, and Asael's previous excitement quickly dissipated. He blinked, glancing to the side with a look of distaste. Was he seriously going to have to team up with these two? Sure, Naruto had a crazy and weird chakra presence, sometimes appearing oddly orange—Asael didn't know what that meant, if he was being honest—but it was so obvious that Naruto didn't know how to use any of it. Not to mention, Sakura's only strength in class was her intelligence, which was great and all, but she was average in just about everything else. And Naruto? He was below average in everything. Asael took it back; Naruto wasn't just below average in most things—he was below average in everything. "And finally, Sasuke Uchiha!" Iruka announced.
Asael wished he could be glad about the fact that he got one good team member, but it was hard to feel optimistic when half of the team was so lacking. He was acutely aware that they were going to slow him down. His clan wasn't going to be happy about this, but then again, they were the ones who forced him to stay in school when it was beyond obvious that he was too good to be there—well, at least it was obvious to him.
Asael's thoughts raced as he considered the implications of his new team. Naruto's chakra presence was indeed unusual, but without the skills to harness it, it was more of a liability than an asset. Asael couldn't help but feel frustrated. He had worked so hard to hone his abilities, and now he was being paired with someone who didn't even know how to use their own chakra properly. It felt like a slap in the face.
Sakura, on the other hand, was intelligent and diligent, but her physical abilities were average at best. Asael knew that intelligence was important, but in the field, it was often physical prowess and quick reflexes that made the difference between success and failure. He couldn't shake the feeling that she would be a weak link in their team. Not to mention he was slightly unsure about how she would go about teaming with them when it was no secret her large crushes on both himself and Sasuke, he was a bit concerned it will distract her.
Then there was Sasuke Uchiha. Asael had to admit that Sasuke was talented—exceptionally so. He was skilled, focused, and driven. In many ways, Sasuke was the ideal teammate, well in any way beyond his asshole personality. But even with Sasuke's abilities, Asael couldn't ignore the fact that the other two members of their team were going to be a significant drag on their overall performance.
Sakura cheered loudly when the names of the two boys were announced, her voice echoing through the room with excitement. Asael, however, glanced away, his eyes landing on his pen as he recounted his small victory. Despite the usefulness of the Rikugan for controlling his chakra, it didn't make his chakra control perfect without more concentration, or at least more training, as his elders often reminded him. But the small victory he held over the technique he was working towards was enough for him so far. After all, it was the first time it had actually worked in all the months he had been diligently practicing it.
After his squad's announcement, Asael paid very little attention to the rest of the names being called. His focus shifted back to his fingertips and the pen he held. He attempted to replicate the technique again, concentrating intently. However, it never seemed to work as the pen kept slipping back into his grasp. Each failure was a reminder of how much further he had to go, but it also fueled his determination to improve. After all he had just about everyone to show that he was worth the time and effort they put into him.
Before he knew it, the squad announcements were over. Asael glanced around the room, noticing the varied reactions of his classmates. Some were excited, others nervous, but all were ready to embark on this new chapter of their lives. Naruto, however, still had a lot to say, and none of it out of excitement or nervousness.
"Iruka Sensei!" Naruto's voice rang out, filled with indignation as he stood up abruptly, his hand thrusting out to point accusingly towards the two boys seated at the end of his row. "Why does a great ninja like me have to be in the same group with those two?!" His scowl deepened, clearly offended by the placement. Up until this morning, Naruto hadn't harbored any strong feelings against Asael. However, the accidental kiss they shared earlier had changed everything. Asael had fled the classroom to throw up immediately after, and that reaction had deeply offended Naruto. He knew the kiss was unexpected and awkward, but he couldn't believe it was so repulsive that Asael had to run away like that. Naruto was convinced that Asael was overreacting, and he wasn't going to let it slide.
Iruka Sensei glanced at Naruto, a sigh escaping his lips as he realized the challenge this group placement would pose for their Jonin instructor. He hadn't fully considered how poorly Naruto clashed with the other two boys. "Asael and Sasuke had some of the best grades among the graduates," Iruka explained, trying to maintain a calm and rational tone.
Asael's attention snapped back to the present as soon as he heard his name being called out. His head tilted slightly, curiosity piqued as he wondered who had secured the top spot. If he were to be honest with himself, this might be one of the few- no only- areas where Sasuke could actually surpass him. Asael had always been more focused on training and honing his practical skills, often at the expense of his academic performance. The educational side of being a ninja was something he tended to neglect, much to the chagrin of his instructors.
"Naruto, you're at the bottom!" Iruka's voice rang out, cutting through the classroom chatter. A snort of amusement escaped Asael's lips as he heard the announcement. The reaction from the rest of the class was immediate; laughter and snickers filled the room as they reveled in Naruto's misfortune. Asael couldn't help but join in the mirth, but his amusement was short-lived. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks—Naruto's lack of intelligence was going to be a significant burden on their squad. Asael's initial amusement faded quickly as he contemplated the implications.
Naruto's stupidity was not just a personal flaw; it was a liability that Asael would have to contend with. The thought of being in the same squad as Naruto made Asael inwardly groan. He could already foresee the countless headaches and frustrations that awaited him. Asael prided himself on his skills and dedication, and now he was going to be dragged down by someone who couldn't even keep up academically. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Iruka, sensing the tension in the room, tried to maintain a semblance of order. "Of course, this is how it is when trying to balance the strength within groups," he explained, attempting to justify the seemingly odd group placements. Asael understood the logic behind it—balancing strengths and weaknesses to create well-rounded teams—but that didn't make it any easier to accept. He couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom that came with being paired with Naruto.
Asael let out a deep, frustrated groan, his head collapsing onto his arms that were folded on the desk. He couldn't quite grasp what had Sakura in such a fit of giggles, but he figured the harsh reality that Naruto was going to be a burden on their team hadn't dawned on her yet. In a way, he envied her ignorance. Naruto, on the other hand, seemed visibly agitated by the public call-out. Asael couldn't blame him; being labeled the dumbest in the class in front of everyone was a tough pill to swallow. If Asael were in Naruto's shoes, he doubted anyone would leave the room unscathed after such an embarrassment. Even unscathed was being nice, he would have cleared this entire room out. No one would be making it out of here.
"Just don't get in my way, loser," Sasuke muttered, his voice low and cold. His hands remained clasped together in front of him, his gaze fixed firmly on the front of the classroom, never once acknowledging Naruto. Asael glanced over at Sasuke, raising an eyebrow at the unexpected taunt. Despite himself, he found Sasuke's remark somewhat amusing.
Naruto's eyes narrowed into a fierce glare as he directed his gaze towards Sasuke. The taunt had clearly struck a nerve, and Naruto's voice was filled with indignation as he demanded, "Hey, what did you say?!"
Asael couldn't help but smirk at the unfolding drama. Leaning casually onto his palm, he realized that there was no changing the group dynamics now. He might as well enjoy the entertainment that was sure to come from this volatile mix of personalities. With a hint of amusement in his voice, Asael chimed in, "Didn't you hear him? He said stay out of his way. Are you really going to let him talk to you like that, Naruto?"
Naruto's fists clenched at his sides, his frustration evident. He had always been determined to prove himself, and Sasuke's dismissive attitude only fueled his resolve. The classroom seemed to buzz with a tense energy as the other students watched the interaction unfold. Asael's smirk widened as he observed Naruto's reaction, knowing that this was just the beginning of what promised to be an interesting dynamic within their team.
Naruto's anger surged within him, a fiery determination not to let Sasuke's words go unchallenged. His fists clenched at his sides, and he was just about to retort when Sakura's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Knock it off, Naruto!" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of frustration and annoyance.
Iruka, sensing the escalating tension, cleared his throat loudly, commanding the attention of the entire classroom. The students' focus shifted from the brewing conflict to their teacher, who stood at the front of the room with a stern expression. "In the afternoon, I'll introduce you to your Jonin teachers," Iruka announced, his voice steady and authoritative. The mention of their Jonin instructors piqued the interest of the newly formed Squad Seven, and the room buzzed with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.
Asael, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, allowed his expression to shift to one of neutrality. He leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with thoughts about the upcoming introduction. He couldn't help but wonder who their Jonin teacher would be. The success of their team depended heavily on the guidance they would receive, and Asael silently hoped they wouldn't be saddled with an incompetent Sensei. The prospect of having a useless teacher filled him with a sense of dread, as it would render all their efforts futile.
Iruka's voice broke through Asael's thoughts, bringing him back to the present. "You're dismissed until then!" he declared, signaling the end of the morning session.
Asael stood on the roof of the school building, humming softly to himself. His eyebrows were knitted together in deep concentration as he tossed a pen into the air. His focus was entirely on his palm, willing the pen to hover above it without touching him. However, much to his disappointment, the pen fell back into his hand, making contact with his skin. This was precisely what he was training to avoid.
The technique he was attempting to master was called Mugen, a skill that his clan had been trying to teach him. The challenge was that very little was known about Mugen. Previous users of Mukagen, the broader technique that encompassed Mugen, had never been able to fully grasp its true power. They lacked the necessary chakra and the control over it to fully utilize Mukagen. This was what set Asael apart. He possessed the Rikugan, a rare ability, and the potential to harness Mukagen. This made him the first Amadori in history with the potential to unlock and discover the true limits of Mukagen.
To achieve this, Asael needed to master the techniques already known about this inherited skill. Mastering Mugen was essential, but it was proving to be far more difficult than he had anticipated. The training was rigorous and demanding, requiring not only physical endurance but also immense mental focus and control over his chakra.
Asael had meticulously studied the concept of Mukagen, breaking it down to a precise science. Mukagen was a technique that had the extraordinary ability to bring the abstract concept of 'infinity' into tangible reality. This, in theory, allowed him to manipulate and distort space at will. However, the true extent of Mukagen's capabilities remained largely unknown. The only aspect that had been somewhat understood was Mugen, and even that, Asael believed, held potential for further expansion and refinement.
Mugen was considered the foundational state of Mukagen, the neutral state that Asael should ideally be able to maintain at all times. Yet, he found himself struggling to even hold it in his palm. In essence, Mugen was the power to stop. It operated on principles similar to those found in convergent and divergent sequences in mathematical equations. Mugen represented the convergence of an immeasurable series, where anything approaching it would slow down and never actually reach him. This phenomenon occurred because the technique took the infinite amount of space between Asael and the approaching object and divided it an infinite number of times.
In mathematics, there exists a fascinating concept where, no matter how many times you divide a number, it will never truly be reduced to zero. Instead, the number will be left with fractional units so infinitesimal that they become immeasurable to the human eye. This principle is brought to life through the technique known as Mugen. Mugen takes this once 'impossible' mathematical concept and manifests it into reality. As a result, anything that attempts to penetrate this infinitely divided space will slow down to the point of appearing to stop completely. However, it never truly stops; it just slows down so significantly that it can never actually reach the user.
This is the extent of what is currently known about Mugen. However, Asael believes that there is potential for further development and expansion of this technique. He is convinced that once he masters Mugen, he will be able to enhance and refine its capabilities. The key to unlocking this potential lies in his ability to first achieve mastery over the technique.
He groaned in exasperation as the pen slipped from his grasp once again. Rolling his eyes, he plopped down onto the ground of the roof, tossing the pen aside in frustration. His hands fell behind his body to prop him up as he stared at the sky, feeling the weight of his failure pressing down on him.
The frustration gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his inability to get the technique right. He knew that if he returned to his clan tonight after the day's spectacle, he needed something to show them. He needed to prove that he had made progress, that he was not a complete failure. The memory of his first kiss, not only with a male but also in front of his entire class, filled to the brim with gossips, haunted him. He needed to have this technique at least practically activated at his will, even if it was just with his hand, to distract them from the embarrassing incident.
The pressure was immense. He knew that if he failed to show progress, the punishment would be severe. His clan was not kind when it came to punishments for failures unrelated to training. They would leave him to deal with the consequences, at least from the neck down. They never harmed his face without healing it, for which he was grateful. He had a very good face, and he knew it. But the thought of enduring the pain and the humiliation was almost too much to bear.
He sighed deeply, allowing his arms to fall from behind him as his back hit the ground. He stared up at the clouds, feeling a sense of defeat wash over him. The sky was a canvas of ever-changing shapes, but his mind was too preoccupied to appreciate the beauty above. Before he could lose himself in his thoughts, the sounds of familiar voices filled his ears. He sighed again, recognizing the voices as those of Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. The last thing he wanted to deal with right now, after his failure, was Ino's overly friendly attitude and probing questions.
Rolling over, he moved further up the roof, ensuring he was completely out of their sight. He didn't want to be seen, especially not by Ino. Her relentless curiosity and knack for gossip would only add to his frustration. Despite his efforts to remain hidden, he was still close enough to hear their conversation. He hummed softly to himself as he listened, trying to distract his mind from his own troubles.
Suddenly, Naruto's name was mentioned, causing him to perk up. He strained to hear more, but before he could catch the details, the sound of a crash echoed through the air. He blinked in surprise and adjusted his sunglasses, turning to the side to get a better view. His eyes landed on a window where the sounds of fighting were emanating from. As he focused more intently, he could make out the chakra signatures of Sasuke and Naruto.
He tilted his head in curiosity, watching as the two seemed to be engaged in a heated battle. Naruto's chakra surged, and other faint signatures appeared, indicating that he had performed a clone jutsu. Asael realized that Naruto had somehow managed to pass the test. The sheer number of clones he had summoned was astounding, but it only confirmed what Asael had suspected all along—Naruto had an immense amount of chakra but lacked the knowledge to control it effectively.
Before he knew it, Naruto, disguised as Sasuke, hopped out of the window and headed off towards an unknown destination. Asael watched him go with curious eyes, humming softly as he rolled to his feet and shrugged. He tried to convince himself that whatever Naruto was planning was none of his business. After all, he had his own problems to deal with.
For a brief moment, Asael managed to maintain his resolve. However, his curiosity quickly got the better of him. He couldn't help but wonder what Naruto was up to. With a sigh of resignation, he hopped off the rooftop and onto the one near the window where he could still sense Sasuke's chakra signature. As he peered through the window, a grin spread across his face at the sight that greeted him.
Sasuke was tied up on the ground, ropes securely binding his ankles, wrists, and stomach. To add to his predicament, a piece of tape covered his mouth, effectively silencing him. Asael couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. It was clear that Naruto had managed to outsmart Sasuke, at least for the moment.
Asael's mind raced with questions. What was Naruto planning? How had he managed to subdue Sasuke so effectively? And where was he headed now? Despite his initial reluctance, Asael found himself intrigued by the unfolding events. He knew that Naruto had a knack for getting into trouble, but this was something else entirely.
Asael leaned casually against the window sill, a hum of amusement escaping his lips as he observed the scene before him. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he mused, his grin widening as he watched Sasuke struggle on the ground. The sight of Sasuke, usually so composed and formidable, now bound and helpless, was undeniably entertaining. Asael's eyes sparkled with mischief as he took in every detail of Sasuke's predicament.
Sasuke's body tensed at the sound of Asael's voice, his eyes narrowing in a glare that could have cut through steel. "You let Naruto of all people get you? Wow, that's a new low even for you, Sasuke," Asael continued, his laughter filling the room. He pushed himself off the window sill and crouched down just before Sasuke, his grin never faltering.
Sasuke's struggles intensified as he fought against the binds that held him captive. The ropes dug into his skin, and the tape over his mouth muffled his frustrated grunts. His annoyance was palpable, and Asael could practically feel the waves of irritation radiating off him. Out of all the people who could have found him in this humiliating situation, it had to be Asael—the one person who would never let him live it down.
Asael's amusement only grew as he watched Sasuke's futile attempts to free himself. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "You know, Sasuke, I always thought you were the untouchable one, well at least to anyone but me, no one is untouchable when it comes to me. But here you are, all tied up and at my mercy," he teased, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "I bet you wish that tape wasn't on your mouth right now, huh? You probably have a lot to say."
Sasuke's eyes blazed with fury, and Asael could almost hear the string of curses that were undoubtedly running through his mind. But for now, those curses remained trapped behind the tape, and Asael reveled in the rare moment of seeing Sasuke Uchiha completely helpless.
Asael's laughter echoed through the room, a sound that seemed to mock Sasuke's every struggle. With a casual flick of his wrist, a kunai knife slipped effortlessly into his grasp, the blade glinting menacingly in the dim light. "You look awfully pissed off to see me," Asael remarked, his voice dripping with amusement. "Especially when I'm currently the only one who can get you out of this mess. Or would you prefer to let Naruto have longer access to your identity? Who knows how much more he could screw up your life than he already has?"
For a brief moment, Sasuke's fierce glare wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. It was a fleeting reaction, but Asael caught it, his grin widening in response. The sight of Sasuke's momentary falter was a small victory, one that Asael intended to savor. Sasuke's eyes burned with defiance, but the tape over his mouth muffled any retort he might have had. He scoffed in frustration, the sound barely audible, and jerked his head in a futile attempt to get Asael to remove the tape.
Asael's grin only grew wider as he watched Sasuke's futile efforts. He crouched down, bringing himself eye-level with the captive. "Oh, come on, Sasuke. Don't be like that," he teased, his tone a mix of mock sympathy and genuine amusement.
Sasuke's eyes blazed with fury, the intensity of his glare enough to make lesser men quail. But Asael was undeterred, after all he was not the lesser man in this situation, nor ever. He was having way too much fun with this situation.
Asael hummed a tune under his breath, his eyes glinting with mischief as he reached out and yanked the tape off Sasuke's mouth with a rough, swift motion. The pain exploded around Sasuke's mouth, causing his teeth to grit together, but he refused to give Asael the satisfaction of hearing him cry out. Instead, he continued to glare at him, his eyes burning with defiance. "Untie me already," he demanded, his voice a low growl.
Asael's eyebrow arched in amusement, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "You're funny," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You think you're the one in charge here when you're the one all tied up." He twirled the knife between his fingers, the blade catching the light and casting reflections on the walls. He took great amusement in the way Sasuke's eyes followed his every movement, a silent testament to the tension in the room. "If you ask nicely, I might consider it," Asael added, his grin widening.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed into slits, his patience wearing thin. "Might?" he spat out, the word laced with venom. The back-and-forth was growing tiresome, and the way Asael looked down at him, with that infuriatingly smug expression, made anger flare up in his stomach. He could feel the heat of his rage rising, threatening to boil over.
Asael leaned down, bringing his face closer to Sasuke's. His smile was teasing, almost playful, as he raised his eyebrows with each word he spoke. "Yeah, might," he repeated, his voice a soft whisper that seemed to echo in the confined space.
Sasuke couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation as the sun cast a warm, golden glow through the window, illuminating Asael in a way that seemed almost ethereal. The light hit him perfectly, highlighting the contours of his face and making his white hair shimmer with an almost blue hue. It was unfair, really, how someone so infuriating could look so angelic in that moment. The smile on Asael's lips seemed to light up his entire face, and Sasuke found it incredibly annoying. Everything about Asael was annoying.
"Has anyone ever told you that you are the most annoying person they've ever met?" Sasuke spat out, his glare returning with full force. His eyes bore into Asael's, hoping to wipe that smug smile off his face.
Asael hummed thoughtfully, tilting his head to the side as if he were genuinely considering Sasuke's words. After a moment, he shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "No, but I do recall being called the most handsome, hot, cute, smart, perfect person anyone's ever seen or met," he replied with a deep, meaningful sigh. His head shook slightly as he looked off into the distance, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his lips. It was as if he were reminiscing about all the compliments he had received over the years.
Sasuke's irritation only grew as he watched Asael's display. The way he looked off into the distance, as if lost in thought, before turning his gaze back to Sasuke, was infuriating.
"But I'm sure you've never heard that kind of compliment, right?" Asael continued, his tone dripping with condescension. "I mean, if you had, they must be lying—or they haven't met me."
Sasuke's frustration was palpable as he struggled against the binds that held him captive. His eyes blazed with anger, and his voice dripped with venom as he spat out, "You are so insufferable." The words were laced with a mixture of rage and desperation, and he tugged at the ropes with renewed vigor. "Just untie me already!" he demanded, his tone sharp and commanding. But as Asael's gaze met his, a look of amusement dancing in his eyes, Sasuke's resolve wavered. His teeth ground together in frustration, and he forced himself to add, "Please."
Asael's lips curled into a grin, a satisfied nod accompanying his response. "Good," he said simply, his voice smooth and confident. With a swift, practiced motion, he reached out and cut the binds that had held Sasuke in place. The moment the ropes fell away, Sasuke surged to his feet, his glare intensifying as he looked down at Asael. The anger that radiated from him was almost tangible, and his fists clenched at his sides.
"You look real pissed off at me for just saving you," Asael remarked with a smirk, his tone light and teasing. He pushed himself to his feet with a casual grace, his movements fluid and unhurried. The smirk never left his face as he met Sasuke's furious gaze, clearly enjoying the reaction he had provoked.
Sasuke's chest heaved with the effort of controlling his temper. The situation was infuriating—being tied up, at Asael's mercy, and now having to endure his smug attitude. "You didn't save me," he retorted, his voice low and dangerous. "You just made things worse." His eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to Asael, his presence menacing.
Asael raised an eyebrow, his expression one of mild curiosity. "Oh? And how exactly did I make things worse?" he inquired, his tone still infuriatingly calm. He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for Sasuke's response with an air of casual interest.
Sasuke scoffed, the sound filled with irritation, as he rubbed his sore wrists, trying to alleviate the discomfort caused by the tight binds. He rolled his neck, feeling the tension ease slightly, and shot a glare at Asael. "I could have been out of these way sooner if you didn't interrupt me," he muttered, his voice dripping with annoyance.
Asael raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You would still be tied up if it wasn't for me," he retorted, his tone light and teasing. He watched as Sasuke moved towards the window, his movements quick and purposeful.
"Shut up," Sasuke snapped, his glare intensifying. He didn't have time for Asael's banter. With a swift motion, he hopped out of the window, landing gracefully on the ground below. He took a moment to orient himself before setting off towards the academy. His mind was racing with thoughts of Naruto and the strange situation he found himself in. He needed to find Naruto and figure out what was going on with his body.
Asael's smile widened as he followed Sasuke, his curiosity evident in his eyes. "What do you think Naruto's up to?" he asked, his voice light and teasing. With a graceful hop, he joined Sasuke outside the window, humming a cheerful tune as he fell into step beside him.
"Leave me alone," Sasuke snapped, his teeth gritted in frustration. Annoyance and a hint of confusion swirled within him. He couldn't fathom why Asael was sticking so close to him. This was probably the most interaction they'd had in years, perhaps even since they were children. Sasuke couldn't recall a time when Asael had willingly engaged with him beyond the forced interactions in class. Yet here Asael was, chattering away with that infuriatingly smug grin plastered on his face.
Sasuke's mind raced as he tried to make sense of Asael's sudden interest in him. He wished he had never spoken to Asael the previous day. If he hadn't, he wouldn't be subjected to this incessant chatter and the realization of just how annoying Asael could be. The memory of their brief conversation played in his mind, and he couldn't help but regret it. Asael's presence was like an itch he couldn't scratch, a constant reminder of the irritation he felt in the way he reacted towards him. A constant reminder that Sasuke wasn't feeling what he should towards him.
Asael's glance lingered on Sasuke, his piercing blue eyes meeting Sasuke's dark, brooding ones. "What? You don't enjoy my company?" Asael's voice was laced with playful sarcasm. "Many girls would kill to be in your place right about now, Sasuke."
Sasuke scoffed, his glare intensifying as he directed it towards Asael. "Do you ever shut up?" he retorted, his voice dripping with irritation as the two of them approached the academy.
"Around you? Never," Asael replied with a mischievous grin. Sasuke couldn't help but notice the way Asael's eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement, and it made his stomach churn. Asael's smile was directed solely at him, a teasing look dancing in his eyes as he winked.
Sasuke blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected gesture. He stared at Asael for a moment longer, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. Finally, a scoff escaped his lips as he turned away, trying to regain his composure. "You should," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.
Sakura's voice suddenly pierced through the air, interrupting the conversation between Asael and Sasuke. "Oh, Sasuke, you're such a shy bad boy!" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of teasing and admiration. Asael blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sudden intrusion. He turned his gaze towards Sakura, his brow quirking up in curiosity as he took in her appearance. Her cheeks were flushed, and a shy smile played on her lips, giving her an almost endearing look.
"Are you prepared? I'm raring to go!" Sakura continued, her bright grin lighting up her face. Her enthusiasm was palpable, and it was clear that she was excited about whatever lay ahead. As her eyes fell on Asael, her head tilted slightly in curiosity. "You brought Asael too? Does he wanna join us?" she asked, her tone genuinely inquisitive.
Asael exchanged a glance with Sasuke, who remained silent and unresponsive to Sakura's presence. Taking his cue from Sasuke, Asael decided not to acknowledge her either. They continued walking, their steps in sync as they made their way towards their destination. However, Asael couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. He wondered what had transpired between Naruto and Sakura to make her act this way towards Sasuke, and even more so, to have the confidence to include him in their plans.
As they walked, Asael's mind raced with questions. What had Naruto done to change Sakura's behavior so drastically? Why was she so eager to involve him in their activities? What activities had he been up to with her? The more he thought about it, the more intrigued he became. He glanced at Sasuke, who seemed unfazed by Sakura's interruption, his focus unwavering as they continued on their path.
Sakura's voice trembled slightly as she called out, "H-Hey, Sasuke? Asael?" Her face fell when both boys ignored her, continuing their conversation as they walked past her. Desperation tinged her voice as she spun around to face them, her eyes pleading. "Wait a minute!"
Asael glanced away from her, his mind racing with thoughts of avoiding any trouble Naruto might have stirred up. He really didn't want to be dragged into any of Naruto's antics. However, Sasuke came to a halt, turning back to look at her. His face had settled into its usual blank expression, devoid of any emotion. "Where's Naruto?" he asked, his voice steady and calm.
Sakura's face fell for a brief moment at his words, disappointment flickering in her eyes. It was clear she had hoped he would say something else, something more personal. But she quickly forced a wider smile onto her lips, her hands clasping behind her back in an attempt to appear nonchalant.
"Oh, there you go changing the subject again..." she laughed nervously, her gaze shifting away from the two boys. "Just leave Naruto alone! All he does is pick fights with you, both of you!" she exclaimed, her arms crossing over her chest defensively. Her voice carried a mix of frustration and concern. "It's because he wasn't raised right. You know, he doesn't have any parents, right?"
Asael felt his stomach drop at Sakura's words, a wave of nausea washing over him as his mind flashed back to haunting memories. He could vividly recall the sight of sobbing adults, their faces contorted in anguish as they were forced to their knees before him. The memory was so intense that he had to force it out of his mind, his fist clenching tightly at his side in an attempt to regain control. If he felt this way, he couldn't even begin to imagine how Sasuke might be feeling. The thought was confirmed by the fierce glare that formed in Sasuke's eyes, a clear indication of his inner turmoil.
"He always selfishly does whatever he wants!" Sakura's voice cut through the tension, a smirk lining her lips as she spoke. She seemed to think she was finally getting through to the two boys about Naruto, her hands resting confidently on her hips. "My parents would get mad at me if I did something like that!" Asael had to withhold a flinch, anger beginning to build up within him. How could she keep talking like that in front of Sasuke, of all people? Someone she was so obsessed with, she should know his entire clan was massacred, and he also had no parents. "There are no parents to nag you if it's just you alone! So his selfishness comes out at various times!"
Asael's mind raced as he tried to process Sakura's words. He couldn't believe her insensitivity, especially towards Sasuke. The pain of losing his entire clan was something that Sasuke carried with him every day, and to hear Sakura speak so casually about parental discipline was like pouring salt into an open wound. Asael's anger simmered just below the surface, his fists clenching and unclenching as he struggled to maintain his composure.
Hearing someone speak about Naruto in such a disparaging manner made Asael feel an unexpected surge of sympathy towards him. If this was how people spoke about Naruto behind his back, Asael couldn't help but wonder what kind of hurtful things were said to his face. Up until now, Asael had never given much thought to Naruto beyond his unusually strange chakra signature. However, this new perspective made him feel a bit odd towards Naruto, almost sympathetic.
"The loneliness," Sasuke interjected, cutting through Sakura's completely misguided rant about Naruto. The tone in Sasuke's voice made Asael glance towards him, already having a sense of where this conversation might lead. Whatever Sasuke was about to say to her, Asael knew it was going to be well-deserved.
"Huh?" Sakura blinked, staring at Sasuke with confusion clouding her gaze. Asael couldn't help but wonder how someone could be so intelligent yet so oblivious at the same time.
"It's something far worse than getting scolded by parents, and you have no idea what it's like to be truly alone," Sasuke said, his voice cold and detached. His gaze was fixed on the ground before him, refusing to look back at Sakura in that moment. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, creating a palpable tension between them.
Sakura's eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling slightly as she questioned, "W-What's gotten into you, Sasuke?" She couldn't believe that he was speaking to her in such a harsh manner. Her eyes flickered towards Asael, seeking some form of support or intervention, but he remained silent. His gaze was firmly pinned on Sasuke, as if trying to understand the depth of his emotions.
Sasuke's expression remained unchanged as he continued to stare at the ground. The silence stretched on, making Sakura feel increasingly uneasy. She had always known Sasuke to be distant and aloof, but this was different. There was a coldness in his voice that she had never heard before.
Finally, Sasuke turned around to face her, his eyes filled with a cruel intensity. "Because..." he began, his voice low and menacing. "You annoy me." The words were like a dagger, cutting through the fragile connection they had, though the connection was very one sided on Sakura's part. His glare was etched with a mixture of anger and disdain, making it clear that he meant every word.
Sakura sucked in a horrified breath, her heart plummeting to her stomach as her eyes widened at the cruel words Sasuke had just spat at her. She watched in stunned silence as he walked away, his back rigid with anger and determination. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, leaving her feeling utterly shattered and alone.
Asael remained in his place, his eyes following Sasuke's retreating figure. He had always enjoyed riling Sasuke up, finding amusement in their heated exchanges. But now, he knew that this was not the time for such antics. He had heard every word that Sasuke had said, and he understood the depth of the pain that lay beneath them. The words Sakura had spat out about Naruto had indirectly applied to him as well, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Sasuke.
He sighed deeply, glancing towards Sakura as he noticed the tears welling up in her eyes. Her usually bright and determined expression was now one of heartbreak and confusion. "You know, for someone so book smart, you have to be the most stupid girl I've ever met," he said, his voice devoid of any gentleness. The cruelty of his words seemed to echo in the already shattered silence, but he didn't care. He needed to make her understand the gravity of the situation.
Sakura's eyes flickered towards him, her tears threatening to spill over. She couldn't believe that Asael was speaking to her this way, especially after everything that had just happened. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Asael's gaze hardened as he continued, "You realize who you were talking to, right? Sasuke Uchiha, the sole survivor of the Uchiha clan? Ring a bell?" His words were sharp and cutting, meant to drive home the reality of the situation.
Sakura's stomach dropped impossibly further, a sinking feeling that seemed to pull her entire being down into a pit of despair. Her teary eyes looked towards Asael, who stood there, staring at her with a raised eyebrow and his sunglasses propped up on his chin. The sight of him, so serious and intense, was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. If she wasn't heartbroken, she might have blushed at the sight of him. She had never seen him look so serious before, and she hated that his stern expression was directed at her. She also hated that he looked so good doing it, a cruel irony that only added to her turmoil.
"But..." she began, her voice trembling as she tried to explain herself. The words felt heavy and inadequate, and she knew there was no way to fully convey what she was feeling. She backtracked, searching for a way to make him understand. "You get what I mean about Naruto though, right? I mean, me and you, we're the same in being-"
Asael's glare intensified, his features hardening as he cut her off. "Me and you..." he said, his voice low and dangerous. He gestured between them, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of frustration and anger. "Are not the same."
"Please! He needs us! He needs me!" The desperate plea echoed through the cold night air, the voice trembling with raw emotion. The sobs that followed were heart-wrenching, each one a testament to the depth of her anguish. The voice, unmistakably feminine, belonged to a woman who had been forcibly pushed to the ground. Her knees scraped painfully against the rough, unforgiving gravel, leaving behind a trail of blood and torn fabric. The pain, however, was nothing compared to the torment in her heart.
Asael stood a few feet away, his vision blurred by a haze of tears that he couldn't control. He tried to focus on her face, to etch her features into his memory, but it was as if a cruel fog had descended, obscuring her visage. He couldn't tell if the blurriness was because he had forgotten her face over time or if it was the tears that clouded his eyes. The uncertainty gnawed at him, adding to the overwhelming sense of helplessness that threatened to consume him.
"He'll be stronger without you," a cold, detached voice interjected, cutting through the night like a knife. The words were delivered with a chilling finality, devoid of any compassion or empathy. Asael turned towards the source of the voice, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to protest, to argue, to do anything to stop what was happening, but the words caught in his throat, strangled by a mix of fear and sorrow.
Before Asael could fully comprehend the situation, the woman's cries abruptly ceased. The sudden silence was deafening, a stark contrast to the desperate pleas that had filled the air just moments before.
"Not at all," he spat out, his voice dripping with venom as he forced the memory out of his mind. The intensity of his emotions was palpable, and he could feel the anger bubbling up inside him. "Don't ever try to compare us again," he added, his tone final and unyielding. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He no longer had the energy or the patience to attempt to talk some sense into her. The conversation had drained him, and he needed to distance himself from the situation.
As he walked away, his mind raced with thoughts and memories. He wasn't like her. Having a clan didn't equate to having parents, especially not when you were destined to be the strongest. The strongest needed no one, not even parents to guide them. That was the harsh lesson the clan had instilled in him from a young age. It was a lesson that had shaped his entire existence, a lesson that had taught him the true meaning of strength and solitude.
Life within the Amadori clan was unforgiving. From the moment he could walk, he was trained to be the best, to be the strongest. The clan's philosophy was simple: to be the strongest is to be alone. It was a mantra that was drilled into him every day, a constant reminder that reliance on others was a sign of weakness. He had learned to suppress his emotions, to bury his need for companionship and affection deep within himself. He had become a master at hiding his vulnerabilities, presenting a facade of unwavering strength to the world.
Sakura would never understand that. She came from a different world, a world where love and support were freely given. She had parents who cared for her, friends who stood by her side. She had never experienced the crushing loneliness that came with being the strongest. She had never felt the weight of the clan's expectations bearing down on her shoulders. She had never known the pain of having to prove herself every single day, of having to fight for her place within the clan.
They were not the same. Asael was not like her, he was not like anyone. He was the strongest and he was to be alone.