In An Alternate Universe Of Naruto In Sasuke Uchiha

"That's enough," Itachi said firmly as his eight-year-old brother, Sasuke, attempted to continue their sparring after being knocked down for the over tenth time.

"Why?" Sasuke whined, his face scrunching up in frustration as he longed to keep training.

"It's getting late," Itachi replied, offering a half-truth. The real reason, though, was that he was simply exhausted. They had been training relentlessly since Sasuke returned home from the academy, and Itachi could feel his energy fading.

Sasuke dropped his gaze in disappointment, his shoulders sagging. "Okay."

Itachi let out a soft chuckle, reaching over to ruffle Sasuke's hair affectionately. "Don't worry, Sasuke. There's always tomorrow."

Just then, their attention was diverted as a familiar figure approached from a distance, and both brothers' faces brightened.

"Big bro Shisui!" Sasuke exclaimed, grinning.

Shisui Uchiha, an elite shinobi from their clan, Itachi's closest friend, and an older brother figure to Sasuke, gave a wide grin in return. The young man was one of Sasuke's biggest inspirations, which was evident by the way Sasuke cut his hair to look similar to Shisui.

"Did I miss training?" Shisui asked sheepishly, his tone light and playful.

"Yeah," Sasuke said with a hint of disappointment in his voice. But then his expression brightened as a new thought struck him. "Unless you want to spar real quick?"

"No can do, buddy," Shisui replied, shaking his head with a good-natured laugh. "I need a good night's rest. Got a mission first thing in the morning. Speaking of which, that's actually why I'm here."

"Hmm?" both brothers hummed in unison, their curiosity piqued.

"Itachi, we need another person for the team," Shisui explained. "Lord Fourth asked me if I could check if you were available. So, what do you say? Are you in?"

Itachi didn't hesitate, answering with quiet confidence. "Of course. How long will it last?"

"At least a week," Shisui answered, a bit of regret in his voice.

Sasuke, hearing this, immediately chimed in with a frown. "That means we won't get our weekend of training together."

"Sorry, kiddo," Shisui said apologetically. "We'll make it up to you next time." He ruffled Sasuke's hair affectionately before turning to leave. "Alright, I've got to head out. I'll see you in the morning, Itachi."

With that, Shisui disappeared into the evening shadows, leaving Itachi and Sasuke behind. Itachi looked at his younger brother, who was now looking down, clearly disheartened. He placed a comforting hand on Sasuke's back and spoke softly, "Maybe next time, Sasuke. Come on now, let's go before we're late for supper."

The weekend had arrived, and Sasuke felt a wave of boredom wash over him. With nothing planned, he was at a loss for how to fill the time. He had already finished his academy homework, and he hated training alone. There was no one to give him feedback on his progress or offer guidance.

Sasuke considered his options. He could spend time with his mother... but that would be dull. She was usually preoccupied with her social visits or out shopping for groceries with the other kunoichi.

He could try spending time with his father... but as the thought crossed his mind, Sasuke immediately dismissed it. He hadn't spent much time with his father lately, not since turning eight a few months ago. His father's schedule was always packed, and, frankly, Sasuke found his lectures on the duties of being a ninja to be boring. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate his father's wisdom, but at eight years old, he didn't feel the need to be lectured about being a ninja just yet. Still, Sasuke knew that in this world, it wasn't uncommon to grow up quickly.

Sasuke briefly entertained the idea of spending time with his friends from the academy. Shikamaru? Too lazy. Choji? Always focused on food. Kiba? Sasuke couldn't stand him. Shoji? Just... weird.

Then, an idea struck him. Menma and Naruto, the children of Lord Fourth, were often up for a sparring session.

Sasuke made his way swiftly to the Namikaze household, walking with purpose. When he arrived, he knocked on the door, which was answered by none other than a very pregnant Kushina Uzumaki, his mother's best friend and the wife of the fourth hokage.

"Hey there, Sasuke. What are you doing here, little fella?" Kushina greeted him warmly, her usual cheerful smile lighting up her face.

Sasuke returned the smile, though it was tinged with disappointment. "Morning, Aunt Kushina. I was wondering if Menma and Naruto were around. Maybe they have some free time to train."

Kushina's smile faltered slightly. "Sorry, Sasuke. They're out on a camping trip with their dad."

Sasuke sighed, trying to mask his disappointment. "Oh... Well, maybe next time. See ya." He turned to leave, though his shoulders slumped slightly.

"Take care, Sasuke! Stay safe on your way home!" Kushina called after him.

Sasuke walked away, feeling more and more frustrated. He was going to have a boring weekend, after all. He decided to take a stroll around the village, hoping to clear his mind. The walk was mostly uneventful, until he reached a small, peaceful stream, where koi fish swam lazily beneath the surface.

He was about to turn and leave when his attention was caught by a commotion. Four older boys had cornered a younger girl near a tree. Sasuke moved closer and overheard their cruel words.

"If you're really a Hyuga, then show us your Byakugan."

"But if you're not going to, then don't look at us."

"Yeah, your eyes are creepy."

"I bet you're some kind of monster, huh?"

"Yeah, a Byakugan monster."

The boys all burst into mocking laughter, their words harsh and unkind. The girl, Sasuke realized, was none other than Hinata Hyuga, the daughter of the Hyuga clan's head, Hiashi Hyuga and one of his classmates at the academy. Sasuke could see the hurt in her eyes, and it reminded him of how he'd felt growing up in the Uchiha clan—feeling like an outcast because he lacked the Sharingan, the very thing that defined his family. Although he knew the sharingan was rare, even for the Uchiha, he was one of the heirs to Wicked Eye Fugaku, a man said to rival the fourth hokage in power. He felt as if he needed the sharingan to be worthy of the Uchiha name.

"Hey, I think that's enough," Sasuke interjected, his voice calm but firm.

The boys turned to him, glaring with disdain. "Oh yeah? And who's gonna stop us? You? Get lost, kid."

Sasuke remained unfazed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you know who that is?" he asked, pointing to Hinata.

"Some so-called Hyuga who can't even use her Byakugan," one of the boys sneered.

Sasuke's voice was steady and cold. "That's the daughter of Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga clan. One of the most powerful and influential men in the village. So, my suggestion is that you shut your mouths and leave, before something happens to you and your nameless families."

The boys froze, clearly taken aback by Sasuke's words. For a moment, no one moved. Even Hinata looked stunned. No one had ever stood up for her before.

Finally, the boys scrambled away, clearly intimidated. Before they could leave, Sasuke called after them. "One more thing. Apologize."

The boys, now looking thoroughly ashamed, bowed deeply in unison. "We're sorry."

As they walked off, Sasuke turned to leave as well, but just as he was about to walk away, a soft voice called out to him.

"Wait," Hinata said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sasuke turned to face her, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"I just wanted to say thank you," Hinata said, her cheeks flushed as she looked at the ground, clearly embarrassed.

Sasuke gave her a small, genuine smile. "No problem. See ya." And with that, he walked away, feeling a small sense of satisfaction.