Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 48: The Years Fly By

Sighing, Katsuragi pushed open the door and saw Naruto speaking urgently to an unresponsive Sasuke, who was leaning against the hospital bed. Shikamaru and Choji were also there, frowning slightly.

"Katsuragi!"

"Katsuragi, you're here!"

Upon seeing Katsuragi enter, Shikamaru and Choji greeted him. Naruto quickly ran to his side, complaining, "Katsuragi, Sasuke won't say anything at all!"

"Uh-huh."

Katsuragi nodded, approached Sasuke's side, and looked at him blankly staring out the window. He said, "Sasuke, I've heard about what happened the other day."

Hearing Katsuragi's words, Sasuke finally showed a slight reaction, turning his head and looking at Katsuragi calmly, but still without speaking. Naruto, standing beside him, persistently asked:

"Katsuragi, what did you hear?"

"It's nothing!" Katsuragi shook his head, not answering Naruto's question, then turned to the others and said, "Can I speak with Sasuke alone for a moment, please?"

"Eh! Why..."

Before Naruto could continue questioning, Shikamaru, pulling him back, nodded to Katsuragi and replied, "We'll wait outside for you."

"Thank you."

After the others left, Katsuragi sat next to Sasuke, sighed deeply, and said, "I'm sorry for your loss with your family."

"Why?"

Perhaps needing to vent, and since Katsuragi was the only peer he respected who knew of the incident, Sasuke finally spoke, "Why would he do this?"

"Your brother?" Katsuragi asked.

Although he was well aware that the village and Danzo had forced Itachi's hand, which included the Uchiha's own rebellion plans, he couldn't share these details with Sasuke, as he might end up being taken in for interrogation by ANBU.

"Why did he have to kill them? They were his family!" Tears uncontrollably streamed down Sasuke's cheeks as he looked at Katsuragi, "And my parents... why, why…"

Katsuragi was silent; he truly did not know how to respond, as he couldn't understand Sasuke's feelings.

Although he was an orphan in this life, those who cared about him were still alive. He also possessed nearly an adult's mind, and even though he was alone in this world, he could confide in his summoned spirits.

Therefore, he could not comprehend Sasuke's situation, who had been from a renowned family, the son of the clan leader, with a seemingly perfect life, only to have it all fall apart overnight—destroyed by the brother he most admired.

"Sasuke…"

Seeing the tearful Sasuke, Katsuragi felt heavy-hearted. Reflecting on Itachi's life filled with tragedy, his best friend, Uchiha Shisui, died in front of him.

To protect his younger brother, he had to kill his own clan members, including his parents, and keep it all a secret, bearing the guilt alone.

"I will kill him!"

Sasuke wiped his tears, his expression turning ferocious, his eyes filled with deep hatred and coldness as he spoke to Katsuragi and to himself, "From now on, I will be an avenger until I kill that person."

Katsuragi quietly observed Sasuke, aware that this was not the path Itachi had wanted for him. Itachi hadn't revealed the truth because he didn't want Sasuke to harbor hatred towards the village but rather wanted him to grow stronger to survive in this harsh world.

But this expectation was perhaps too much for Sasuke. Feeling the surveillance around them, Katsuragi couldn't even offer words of comfort; being the last of the Uchiha, it was only natural for Root or ANBU to keep an eye on Sasuke's actions.

"Let's not think about this too much for now. Even if you want to become an avenger, you need to recover first."

Katsuragi stood up, looked at Sasuke on the bed, and forced a smile, "Plus, everyone misses you at school. If you don't come back soon, it won't just be us visiting next time. The whole class might come!"

"Let's not talk too much now. Naruto and the others are waiting for me. You take care and rest well. Goodbye!"

"Katsuragi!"

Just as Katsuragi was about to leave, Sasuke called out to him. Katsuragi turned around, puzzled.

"Thank you!"

Seeing the remaining warmth and gratitude in Sasuke's eyes, Katsuragi waved his hand with a smile and left the hospital room, thinking: Even if he couldn't reveal the truth to Sasuke, having Naruto around to "look after" him might alleviate some of the loneliness and hatred.

After leaving the hospital, despite Naruto's persistent questions, Katsuragi did not disclose anything about Sasuke's situation. Instead of him telling it, it might be better for Naruto to slowly notice the changes in Sasuke himself, which could deepen their bond... er, friendship.

The day after their hospital visit, Sasuke returned to school, but the change in him was more severe than anyone but Katsuragi could have anticipated. Previously cool, he was now distinctly cold, easily giving off a sense of aloofness and distance, except to the girls who became even more infatuated.

This, in turn, made it easier for Naruto. In the days that followed, facilitated by Katsuragi, their relationship improved—a bit better than at the beginning of their original team formation.

...

"Dead last, move aside!"

"Arrogant jerk, today I've learned a new technique from Katsuragi, and I'll definitely beat you!"

Watching the pair deepening their bonds from a distance, Katsuragi silently sighed. After all these years, Naruto's persistence was truly commendable, constantly fighting and failing, yet never giving up.

"Hmm!?"

Hearing Naruto mention Katsuragi, Sasuke glanced at him, then looked at Katsuragi sprawled across the table, listlessly, and a spark of recognition flashed in his eyes. Then he disdainfully told Naruto, "Humph, just a dead last."

"You jerk..."

Naruto, unable to take such an insult, immediately raised his fists and charged at Sasuke, completely forgetting the "seduction tactic" Katsuragi had taught him to catch the opponent off guard.

"Idiot!"

Watching Naruto attack, Sasuke was slightly surprised by his improved strength but, having fought him so many times, was thoroughly familiar with his tactics. With a slight sidestep, he dodged the attack and then tripped Naruto, who was unable to stop his momentum and crashed into a group of students.

End of Chapter 48