Scene: Academy Classroom – Afternoon
Yuta leaned back in his chair, arms crossed and smirking.
Yuta (loud enough for everyone): “You know what? Tomorrow’s a big day. Himawari passed the exam—she’s officially joining the Academy. And guess what—she’s coming with me and Boruto starting tomorrow. Can’t wait to bring her in.”
A ripple of chatter spread across the classroom.
At the back, Ryouta stiffened, his hand gripping the desk. Across the room, Inojin froze mid-sketch, pencil breaking under the pressure. Neither boy spoke, but both exchanged the same glance—sharp, quiet, dangerous.
---
Scene: Forest – Evening
Steel clashed in the moonlit clearing. Sasuke’s blade flicked Ryouta’s kunai aside with ease, sending him crashing to the ground.
Sasuke (flat, unimpressed): “Your mind isn’t here, kid. What’s wrong?”
Ryouta sat up, panting, eyes burning with frustration.
Ryouta: “…This topic’s beyond your league, Dad. I don’t know what to do.”
Sasuke (hnn, folding arms): “What’s the topic?”
Ryouta (hesitating): “…Love. The topic is love. Can you help me?”
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Sasuke actually chuckled, shaking his head.
Sasuke: “I’m the last person you should ask. We Uchiha… we always failed to get what we wanted, because we cared more about duty than love. Honestly… I’m lucky your mom even accepted me.”
Ryouta blinked, stunned at his father’s honesty.
Sasuke (serious now): “But I do know this—Uchiha are the ones who love like there’s no next day. So if you love a girl, love her like it’s your final day.”
Ryouta stood, fists clenched, Rinnegan flickering.
Ryouta (firm): “I may be able to get any girl I want… but I only want the one I like.”
Sasuke’s lips curved into the faintest smile.
Sasuke: “Then fight for her. That’s what it means to be Uchiha.”
---
Scene: Yamanaka Household – Night
Inojin sat at his desk, eraser smudges on his fingers, sketching absentmindedly. The door slid open—Sai entered with his sword in hand.
Sai: “Hey. Let’s spar.”
Inojin (groaning): “Dad, it’s night. I don’t wanna.”
Sai’s expression didn’t change, but his voice sharpened.
Sai: “Ryouta’s sparring with Sasuke right now. And you’re acting like a small baby. Grow up, son. If you want the girl you like, fight me.”
Inojin blinked, startled.
Inojin: “…You’re serious?”
Sai stepped closer, unsheathing his sword fully.
Sai: “Listen carefully. I’ll fight you like you’re my enemy, not my son.”
Inojin: “Why?”
Sai: “Because Sasuke’s training will be brutal. Ryouta will become a monster. But if I train you my way… you can at least hope to defeat him—mentally and physically—in this love war.”
Inojin’s jaw tightened. He grabbed his kunai.
Inojin: “Fine then. Don’t hold back.”
Sai gave the faintest smile.
Sai: “I won’t.”
Their blades clashed in the quiet night.
---
Montage – Two Trainings, Two Paths
Ryouta vs Sasuke: Fireballs lit the forest, Sasuke cutting through with lightning speed. Each time Ryouta lunged, he was slammed back harder, but his eyes never lost their determination.
Inojin vs Sai: Paper beasts swarmed the yard, Inojin sweating as he tried to match his father’s precision. Sai’s blade tore through his drawings mercilessly, forcing Inojin to adapt.
Both boys bled, bruised, and pushed past exhaustion.
Both thought of the same girl.
---
Scene: Uzumaki Household – Next Morning
The sun cast a warm glow as Hinata packed lunches neatly into bento boxes.
Yuta crouched down, letting Himawari climb onto his shoulders, her laughter filling the doorway.
Boruto (grumbling, holding two bags): “Why do I gotta carry her stuff too?”
Yuta (grinning): “Because you’re the little brother. Deal with it.”
Hinata smiled, waving as the trio stepped outside.
Then, from down the street, Ryouta and Inojin appeared. They silently joined the walk to the Academy.
Both glanced at Himawari on Yuta’s shoulders.
Both clenc
hed their fists.
Both said nothing.
But in their hearts, they knew—
The war for her had begun.
---
