Arata's words struck Sasuke harder than any blow.
For a long moment, the boy just stood there — silent, head bowed, fists trembling.
His pride and rage clashed inside him like two storms.
Once, he had believed he was special.
A genius.
A member of the proud Uchiha clan destined to one day surpass his brother — to kill him, to avenge his clan, to finally silence the ghosts of that night.
But since Arata's appearance, that fragile belief had begun to crumble.
Every time Arata revealed a new layer of power, that impossible shadow called Uchiha Itachi grew larger in Sasuke's mind.
And now…
He wasn't sure anymore.
Could he really reach that level?
Could he ever stand before that man and win?
Was revenge… even possible?
When Sasuke finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.
"I want to believe that," he said.
"But every time I see your strength, I think of his. And then I realize how small I am compared to both of you."
It was the first time Sasuke had ever spoken so hopelessly.
Arata froze.
He hadn't meant to break him — just to motivate him.
But now, seeing the boy's defeated posture, a wave of guilt crept up his spine.
"...I might've gone too far," he thought, scratching his neck awkwardly.
Then, he sighed and placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.
"Listen," Arata said calmly.
"You're his brother. Same blood. Same lineage. Why assume you're weaker?"
"For all you know, you might already have more potential than him."
Sasuke looked up, startled.
Arata continued, voice firm but encouraging.
"You're wasting time trying to copy me. You don't need my techniques. You have something far greater — the Sharingan."
"That's your clan's pride, your greatest weapon. I had to learn ninjutsu because I don't have something like that."
"If I had your eyes, I'd pour every ounce of energy into unlocking them — not memorizing hand seals."
"So stop trying to follow my path. Yours is different. Stronger."
"You're an Uchiha. That means you can surpass your brother — but only if you stop trying to become someone else."
Arata's tone softened.
"Remember this: Naruto's strength lies in the Nine-Tails. Yours lies in your eyes. Ninjutsu should only support them — not replace them."
For a long moment, Sasuke said nothing.
Then, slowly, his head lifted, the doubt in his eyes dimming.
"You really think… I can surpass him?"
Arata smiled.
"I don't think. I know you can."
"You're just in too much of a hurry. You're twelve, Sasuke. You've got years before you even hit your prime."
"A shinobi's real power peaks after twenty. So why rush?"
He gave a teasing grin.
"Ask Kakashi-sensei if you don't believe me — you're already stronger than most Chūnin."
Kakashi blinked from the side, mildly alarmed that he'd suddenly been used as evidence.
Arata kept going.
"Focus on your eyes. Develop your Sharingan. That's where your future lies."
"Once you awaken the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, I'll be the one chasing you instead."
That made Sasuke's brow furrow.
"You really think I can reach that level?"
"Of course," Arata said without hesitation.
"Kakashi-sensei has only one Sharingan and he's one of the strongest jonin in the village. You have two. Once you master them, who could stop you?"
Sasuke hesitated, then mumbled, "My brother… already has it."
"And he awakened it when?"
"When he was thirteen," Sasuke said softly.
"Exactly!" Arata snapped his fingers.
"He awakened it at thirteen. You're twelve. That means you're right on track — maybe even ahead."
"Besides," Arata added slyly, "your brother left the village after that, didn't he?"
Sasuke frowned.
"Yeah. He's been gone ever since."
"Then think about it," Arata said smoothly.
"No teachers. No mentors. Always on the run from ANBU. You think he's been relaxing somewhere, sipping tea and training all day?"
"No. He's been surviving."
Arata folded his arms.
"Meanwhile, you're in Konoha. You've got safety, time, and guidance."
"You've got Kakashi-sensei — who literally has a Sharingan of his own. You've got access to elite jonin like Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai. You've got an entire network of masters who could teach you anything."
"Your brother doesn't have that. You've already surpassed his environment."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice just slightly.
"You see, Sasuke… you've already won. You just haven't realized it yet."
Sasuke blinked, lost for words.
Even Naruto and Sakura looked thoughtful — and a little inspired.
Kakashi, meanwhile, stood behind them in silent disbelief.
This kid's mouth should be listed as a forbidden jutsu.
He could see what Arata was doing — and he had to admit, it was brilliant.
Everything he said sounded reasonable.
Every argument was logical.
And yet… Kakashi knew full well Arata was just trying to escape responsibility.
Still, he couldn't refute a single word.
Sasuke finally straightened his back.
There was clarity in his eyes again — the fire had returned.
"You're right," he said quietly.
"I've been focusing on the wrong things."
"My eyes… my bloodline… that's where my true power lies."
Arata nodded.
"Exactly."
Sasuke gave a small smirk.
"Thanks. I'll make sure you're the one chasing me next time."
Arata laughed awkwardly.
"Looking forward to it."
As Sasuke turned to leave, Naruto and Sakura followed.
Only Kakashi lingered behind, watching Arata with a long, unreadable stare.
"You're one hell of a talker," he said finally.
"If this ninja thing ever fails, you'd make a great politician."
Arata gave him a tired smile.
"Please don't curse me like that, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi's eye curved in amusement.
"Still… nice job. You handled that better than I could've."
"He just needed confidence," Arata replied.
"Even if I had to fake a little of it for him."
Kakashi chuckled.
"Fake confidence or not — that's what good leaders do."
Arata just sighed.
"I was just trying to get out of trouble."
"...And that," Kakashi said dryly, "is also what good leaders do."
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