The Uchiha district stood vast and eerily silent, its sprawling grounds devoid of the life that once filled them. The absence of its people made it feel more like a forgotten relic of the past than the proud home of one of Konoha's most powerful clans. Though the Twelve Genin were well aware of the tragic history that had unfolded here, none of them dared to mention it aloud, not wanting to poke at Sasuke's wounds.
For Sasuke himself, tonight felt surreal. It had been years since his home was filled with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and camaraderie. The warmth of companionship, something he had lost long ago, had returned, even if just for this moment.
"Hey! Listen up! I swear, I kicked that guy's balls so hard, he won't be having kids for generations!" Kiba howled with laughter, slapping his thigh.
"Hahaha! That's low, Kiba! Even for you!" Ino giggled, biting into a freshly grilled skewer.
"Tch! You're acting like you're some saint, Ino," Shino interjected, adjusting his glasses. "I distinctly remember you knocking out a guy's front teeth with a single punch."
"Hey! At least I didn't explode someone's—"
"Enough!" Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his temples. "Honestly, all of you went overboard. I mean, you did see that one guy Sakura hit, right? I swear his teeth flew out in slow motion."
"He deserved it!" Sakura huffed. "That jerk had it coming!"
"But the biggest surprise was Hinata!" Choji grinned, stuffing his face with grilled meat. "Who knew our sweet, shy little Hinata could be so scary when she's angry?"
At the mention of her name, Hinata, who had been quietly grilling some food, nearly dropped her skewer. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she looked down. Was this really her? The same girl who once barely had the courage to look people in the eye? Tonight, she had not only fought beside her friends but had boldly declared her father's name.
It was exhilarating… and terrifying.
She glanced at Naruto, who was still loudly arguing with Sasuke over a piece of slightly burnt meat. Should she… should she offer him something? Just like Ino had done for Shouta?
Her fingers trembled as she picked up a perfectly grilled skewer. She wanted to walk over, but her feet felt like they were made of stone. The confident, mafia-queen-like aura she had earlier was long gone, replaced by the usual shy and flustered Hinata.
Maybe next time…
As the lively barbecue continued outside, inside the depths of his mind, Shouta Kazuki was having a far less cheerful conversation.
Inside the Psychic Realm—
"Hey, brat!"
The voice was deep, gruff, and carried an unmistakable weight of authority.
Shouta knew who it was before even focusing his chakra. In an instant, his consciousness shifted, pulling him into the vast, endless psychic space where a certain legendary figure resided.
Standing before him, arms crossed, was none other than Uchiha Madara. His expression was unreadable, but there was something different about him tonight.
"So, you finally decided to call me?" Shouta smirked, taking a seat on a floating rock. "What, missing my company already?"
Madara scoffed but didn't respond immediately. His crimson Sharingan eyes flickered as he gazed beyond the void, lost in thought.
Shouta already had an idea of what was on his mind. After all, they were in the middle of the Uchiha district—an empty, lifeless place that once stood at the peak of power in Konoha.
"You already knew, didn't you?" Shouta asked, watching him carefully. "That your clan was wiped out."
Madara didn't answer at first, but his clenched fists gave away more than words ever could.
"I had my suspicions," he finally said, his voice low. "But to stand here, in this desolate land… to feel the void where their chakra once thrived… It is a different pain altogether."
Shouta leaned back, exhaling. "So, what now? Gonna shed a tear for the clan that betrayed you?"
Madara's eyes snapped to him, but instead of anger, there was something else—amusement. "Tch. Don't mock me, brat. The Uchiha were weak. They refused to follow me, and this was their fate. It's no surprise."
And yet, there was a hollowness in his tone that told a different story.
"But," Madara continued, his gaze sharp, "there's something far more interesting. The Senju… their presence is missing as well. The very clan that once stood beside mine, that once ruled Konoha alongside the Uchiha—they're gone too."
Shouta whistled, resting his chin on his hand. "So you noticed, huh?"
Madara chuckled darkly. "How could I not? The two most powerful clans, erased from history. I wonder how dear old Tobirama would feel, knowing his precious Senju were wiped out just like the Uchiha."
Shouta smirked. "Would be funny to see his reaction, huh?"
Madara's lips curled into a wicked grin. "Indeed."
There was a long pause between them, both lost in their own thoughts. The quiet didn't last long, though, as Madara suddenly asked:
"Tell me, brat… do you have the power to bring back the dead?"
Shouta's smirk widened. "What, missing your old friends?"
Madara snorted. "Maybe."
His tone was casual, but the slight flicker in his eyes betrayed him. He wasn't just thinking about any old friend—he was thinking about one in particular.
Shouta couldn't help but chuckle. "You really wanna see Hashirama again, huh?"
Madara didn't answer right away. He swirled the sake cup in his hand, watching the liquid slosh around before taking a slow sip.
"Let's just say," he finally spoke, "I have unfinished business with him."
Shouta laughed, shaking his head. "Well, lucky for you… I do have a way to bring people back."
Madara's grip on his cup tightened slightly, but his expression remained neutral. "And the price?"
Shouta shrugged. "Oh, nothing too crazy. Just a small thing."
Madara arched an eyebrow.
Shouta leaned in, his voice low and mischievous.
"You gotta help me make some serious money."
Madara blinked. "...What?"
"Listen, I have big plans, but plans need funding, you know? I need billions—no, tens of billions! If you want to see your buddy Hashirama again, you gotta help me become filthy rich first!"
For a moment, there was absolute silence.
Then, Madara threw his head back and laughed. A deep, hearty laugh that echoed through the void.
"You're a greedy little bastard," he finally said, smirking. "Fine. Consider it a deal."
And just like that, Shouta Kazuki made a contract with a legend.