Farther back, Sasuke scanned the dim theater, said nothing, and walked to a middle-back row before sitting down alone.
He looked more serious than the previous two nights. His fists were lightly clenched, eyes locked on the still-black screen, upper body tilted forward as if bracing to absorb every detail.
Tonight, I'll catch every single thing…
Sasuke steeled himself.
Last night, the Fourth Hokage's blue sphere had stunned him.
If he could learn that technique…
A fierce hunger burned in his gaze.
Just as he focused, a familiar soft fragrance drifted into his nose.
He froze for half a beat, and before he could react, a pink-haired girl had quietly taken the seat beside him.
Sakura glanced around, saw Naruto wasn't here, and relaxed into a bright smile. Then she shifted slightly, pretending to be calm as she scooted half a body closer to Sasuke.
Her heart fluttered.
The first two times, she'd been nervous and scared.
But after experiencing it again and again, she'd realized the place didn't seem hostile. It was basically like watching a movie.
More importantly—
Here, there was no Ino or any other idiots crowding around Sasuke. No Naruto barging in and ruining the mood.
Aside from Kakashi-sensei being there, how was this any different from a quiet date?
Her cheeks warmed.
She stole a glance at Sasuke and felt secretly delighted.
Hehe… sitting quietly beside Sasuke and watching a movie like this… isn't bad at all…
While the three of them each sank into their own thoughts, a black-haired boy stood in the deep shadow behind them, arms folded, watching quietly.
Shigure.
Seeing Sasuke's tense, laser-focused posture, Shigure nearly laughed out loud.
Oh, Sasuke… most nights you hardly give me any emotion points.
Tonight, though?
Tonight I'm serving you your main course.
His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
After all, tonight's scenes were specially prepared for "Second Pillar" himself.
The screen lit.
A flash of white, then the image sharpened.
A simple, cozy bedroom appeared.
Morning light slipped through the curtains.
Naruto, hair a mess, pajamas on, sat on the bed rubbing his eyes.
"Huh? It's morning?"
He muttered and looked around.
When his eyes landed on the familiar photo frame and the cluttered room—
he froze, then widened his eyes.
This place is—
In an instant, memory snapped into place.
Right!
I'm dreaming!
He shot out of bed, slippers clapping as he stormed out.
Food aromas drifted from the living room.
At the table, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, sat drinking miso soup. Kushina Uzumaki, red-haired and bright-eyed, wore an apron and bustled in the kitchen.
Sandwiches, eggs, and milk steamed on the table. A full, loving breakfast.
"Dad! Mom!"
Naruto's heart flooded with warmth. He grinned so wide it almost hurt. "Morning!"
Minato turned, smiling gently. "Morning, Naruto. Up early today?"
Kushina leaned out of the kitchen. "Why'd you wake up so early? Didn't sleep well?"
Their concern felt so real Naruto's nose stung.
He scratched his head and laughed. "Hehe, no, I just… I didn't get something about the jutsu yesterday, so I wanted to ask Dad early!"
Minato set down his bowl, smiling and beckoning him over. "Oh? What didn't you get? Come tell me."
Naruto jogged to him, thinking hard. "It's about what you taught me yesterday… oh yeah, what was that jutsu called again?"
Minato lifted a finger and said patiently, "The Super Ultra Ultimate Secret Art: Light-Wheel Popsicle Initiates Whirlwind Jiraiya Dual-Style Rasengan."
…
In the seats, Kakashi broke into a sweat, speechless.
Minato-sensei's naming style really hadn't changed one bit…
Sakura gaped. "I-it really was called that?!"
Even Sasuke stared. "So that stupid name wasn't Naruto making things up?"
Sakura groaned with a face full of despair. "What kind of jutsu has a name that long?!"
Kakashi shrugged. "You haven't seen the worst of it."
Sakura & Sasuke: "...???"
Back on screen—
"Yeah, that!" Naruto clapped excitedly, then muttered, "But that name's way too long. I can't remember it at all."
Kushina's face went flat with disbelief.
She poked Minato in the forehead. "Minato, not again! You seriously expect our kid to remember nonsense names like that?"
Minato laughed awkwardly. "Haha… habit, habit."
Kushina turned to Naruto gently. "Don't listen to him. Your dad's old flaw is acting up. The name's easy—just a few words: Rasengan."
"Rasengan…" Naruto repeated it a few times. It felt smooth and natural. He beamed. "Hehe, Mom's name is way better! That one sounds awesome!"
Sakura sighed with relief. "Finally, something normal! I knew that long thing couldn't be the real name."
Sasuke nodded without speaking.
Kakashi watched the two on screen, a quiet ache rising in his chest.
Whoever was behind this… they understood Minato-sensei and Kushina-senpai frighteningly well.
Even Minato-sensei's little habit of giving absurd names was copied perfectly.
For the first time since arriving in the Dream Theater, Kakashi's tightly coiled nerves loosened a fraction.
Everything about their gestures felt real… like their long-lost teacher and mentor had truly returned.
Wait—
What if the people in the dream really were Minato-sensei and Kushina-senpai?
The thought hit Kakashi like lightning. He felt cold sweat on his spine.
Naruto was about to ask about stage two, but Kushina cut him off.
"Alright, alright. Don't rush jutsu practice." She ruffled his hair warmly. "Since you're up, go wash your face and brush your teeth. Get dressed and come eat."
She lifted her spatula. "After breakfast we're going to the Uchiha clan compound for Sasuke's celebration banquet, right? Things have been busy with your graduation—Mikoto and I haven't gotten to meet in ages. She came to invite us yesterday. We can't be late."
In the audience—
A cold rush swept through the theater.
Sasuke shot to his feet, frozen in place, eyes locked onto the screen.
His pupils had turned blood-red.
A single tomoe spun in the darkness, glowing sharply.
Even so, it couldn't contain the storm inside him.
Sasuke's breathing turned ragged, chest heaving, fingers trembling.
He couldn't stop the surge of emotion.
-------
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