The pressure from Fugaku's piercing gaze made Sasuke's heart tremble.
He quickly lowered his head and apologized respectfully. "I'm sorry, Father. I went to bed a little late last night."
After speaking, he sat properly on the futon beside Fugaku, knees together and hands resting neatly on his thighs. He tried his best to appear impeccable, not daring to overstep in the slightest.
Even though he already knew the so-called truth.
When facing his older brother, Sasuke still couldn't look directly at him.
That nightmare replayed endlessly in his mind, every detail etched into him like a scar.
The fear and despair that had once pierced into his very bones left a deep mark. Whenever he saw Itachi's handso, gentle face, an uncontrollable chill would rise within him.
He quietly raised his lashes and stole a glance at his brother seated across from him.
Itachi didn't seem to notice his unease. He continued discussing the police force with their father in a calm voice, occasionally sipping tea, his posture elegant and composed.
Sasuke quickly turned his gaze away, though his heart was in turmoil.
Fugaku's eyes were sharp.
He gave Sasuke a puzzled look, suspicion flickering in his deep gaze.
What's wrong with this boy today?
Usually, he would cling to Itachi like glue, asking questions nonstop. Today, however, he was abnormally quiet.
Itachi seed to notice both Sasuke's strangeness and their father's probing glance.
His long fingers paused on the teacup. He let out a faint sigh, said nothing, and shifted his gaze toward the window. Hydrangeas in the courtyard swayed gently in the morning breeze.
Fugaku caught all these subtle changes but chose not to pursue them further.
He was already used to his youngest son's occasional moods.
Instead, he turned the conversation back to the issue of the police force's staffing.
"If the police departnt is short on people, I think we should have Sasuke help out."
[Ding! Uchiha Sasuke's emotional fluctuations detected! Emotional value 200!]
When these words left his mouth, not only Sasuke but even Itachi was taken aback.
Fugaku continued, "Since he has already graduated from the Academy, it would be good for his future if he familiarized himself with the departnt and understood its duties. In a few years, he will formally join the police and shoulder the clan's responsibilities."
Itachi's brows furrowed deeply.
"Father, Sasuke is still too young. He's only just graduated and has almost no real combat experience. Besides, the situation in Konoha right now is extrely unstable. The Chunin Exams are coming, shinobi from other villages are pouring in, and dangers lurk inside and outside the village. If he joins the police now and sothing happens…"
"Hmph!"
Fugaku cut him off with a cold snort. His tone grew impatient. "Dangerous? When you were twelve, weren't you already a jonin? Didn't you complete multiple difficult S-rank missions with the police force, all with outstanding results? Why shouldn't Sasuke go with you to gain experience?"
"My son, the future of our clan, cannot be coddled in idleness! A flower raised in a greenhouse will never survive the wind and rain! Only through true trials can one beco strong and capable!"
Fugaku's words struck Sasuke like a heavy hamr, while Itachi's expression darkened.
Auditorium.
"Wow! Could that scary-looking uncle with the stern face really be Sasuke-kun's father?"
Ino widened her beautiful aqua-blue eyes and whispered into Sakura's ear in surprise. "He looks really strict! He seems a hundred tis fiercer than my father! But… I thought Sasuke-kun doesn't… doesn't he not have… a family in real life? Why is it that in this dream…"
Her voice carried both confusion and sympathy.
Sakura heard this and patiently explained, "Ino, in this dream world, many things are different from reality. Sasuke-kun's family and parents are still alive."
"Eh is that so?" Ino let out a long exclamation, nodding as if she understood. Her large eyes still sparkled with curiosity. "That's really… magical."
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Yamanaka Ino detected! Emotional value 200!]
"Hmph, if you ask , Sasuke's father is still no good. He's way too strict!"
Naruto couldn't help but cut in at that mont. He pouted, looking dissatisfied. "He's nothing like my dad! My father would never treat so harshly! He's gentle, strong, and he's always good to ! He never forces to do anything I don't want!"
As he spoke of his father, Naruto couldn't help but grin with pride, happiness shining across his face.
"Eh???"
Ino's eyes widened even further. She looked at Naruto, who wore such a smug smile, then at Sakura, who looked perfectly used to it. Her entire face was full of question marks, and she nearly jumped out of her seat.
This dead-last… how… how does he also have a father?
Of course, she only kept the thought to herself.
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Yamanaka Ino detected! Emotional value 200!]
"What's so strange about that?" Sakura waved her hand dismissively. "Naruto's father is the Four "
"Sakura."
Kakashi, who had been leaning back in his chair in silence, suddenly spoke, cutting her off.
His voice still carried its usual lazy drawl, but beneath it was a quiet note of warning.
It was as if he was saying so things were better left unsaid.
Sakura almost blurted sothing out, but when Kakashi reminded her, she froze and quickly realized she had nearly let slip the secret again.
Her face flushed red. Sticking out her tongue awkwardly, she shut her mouth and dared not say another word.
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Haruno Sakura detected! Emotional value 100!]
Ino was left even more puzzled by their deliberately vague exchange. She blinked her bright eyes, looking from one to the other, completely at a loss. Finally, she puffed out her cheeks and muttered softly, "Really? Another mystery…"
Inside the dream.
Faced with his father's uncompromising command and his brother's concerned gaze, Sasuke felt a storm of conflicting emotions and couldn't decide how to respond.
Part of him truly wanted to join the police force.
The Uchiha clan had led the Konoha Police Departnt for generations. It was both an honor and a duty that had surrounded him since childhood.
The chance to enter the departnt early, to undergo training, and to take part in real shinobi work was an enormous temptation.
There was a flicker of hesitation on Itachi's face, as though he wanted to argue for Sasuke again. He opened his mouth to speak.
But at that mont, Sasuke, who had been silent until now, suddenly lifted his head. His gaze t Fugaku's and Itachi's, sharp and steady, and in a calm voice that no one expected, he said, "Father, Brother… I… I'm willing to go to the police departnt to help!"
....
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