Looking at the silent Sasuke, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say much. He waited for Sasuke's response, or perhaps some objection.
Having an opinion would be fine. But considering Sasuke's age, any objections could be reserved for later discussion.
That's what Hiruzen thought, at least.
Naruto also watched Sasuke. He'd been thinking deeply about Hiruzen's words.
After several minutes, Sasuke—his expression calm as still water—finally spoke. "Thank you, Lord Third, for helping collect my clan's remains. As for the inheritance, I agree with your suggestion. As for where I'll live next... I think I won't be returning to the Uchiha compound. Not yet."
Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a subtle sigh of relief.
Hearing Sasuke's decision, Naruto nodded in understanding.
First, Sasuke was genuinely too young and weak right now. He couldn't overturn Hiruzen's decision even if he wanted to. Second, the tragedy had happened at the Uchiha compound. If he went back to live there, it would only reopen wounds and deepen his pain.
As for where Sasuke would go after discharge, Naruto could just invite him to stay at his place. One more person meant more life, more energy. It would be livelier.
"Sasuke, focus on healing. Don't burden yourself mentally. Remember—Konoha will always be your home, and your support."
After consoling Sasuke this way, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood to leave.
After all, he wasn't just some idle old man. He was still Konoha's Hokage, with the village's development weighing on his shoulders every day.
Naruto walked Hiruzen out.
Back in the ward, Naruto pulled an apple from the fruit basket and began peeling it. "Sasuke, when you're discharged, come stay at my place. I'm too bored living alone anyway. You'd be doing me a favor by keeping me company."
Sasuke looked at Naruto, genuinely impressed by how well his friend handled situations. He was quite skilled with words.
Clearly, Sasuke had nowhere else to go. He needed someone with him to get through this difficult time. But Naruto framed it as being too bored and needing company.
The meaning changed completely. This way, Sasuke didn't feel like he was burdening Naruto. There was no mental weight to carry.
Sasuke understood the kindness behind the offer. He truly hadn't figured out where to go, so he accepted Naruto's invitation.
"By the way, I have some thoughts I want to share with you, Sasuke."
Naruto placed the peeled apple in Sasuke's hand. Once Sasuke took it, Naruto pulled his stool closer and leaned in.
"Listen, Sasuke. When you hear what I'm about to say, don't react. Just keep a neutral expression on your face."
Sasuke didn't know why Naruto suddenly looked so serious, but he nodded earnestly.
Naruto had risked his life to save him from Itachi. He would never do anything to harm him now.
"Right before the Uchiha massacre began, I sensed powerful chakra signatures clashing on the back mountain. The energy was so strong I could feel it all the way from my farm. When I tried to leave and head to the Uchiha compound, ANBU operatives appeared and stopped me. They didn't want me going to your clan's territory."
"At that time, I knew you were probably on your way home."
Listening to Naruto's account, Sasuke's eyes darkened. He was clearly processing the implications.
"Obviously, some people knew the Uchiha massacre was going to happen well in advance. That's why ANBU appeared to stop me. You know what happened after I got past them and reached the compound."
"After you lost consciousness, I fought your brother—" Naruto knew mentioning Itachi would upset Sasuke, so he stopped using familial terms. "I exchanged several moves with him. He probably sensed someone approaching, so he fled."
"Sure enough, less than a minute later, Third Hokage arrived with many ninjas. The timing was perfect. Even I could feel the battle from my farm on the back mountain. Why didn't they sense it? Why did they only arrive after everything was over?"
Naruto held Sasuke's gaze.
Of course, when explaining this, Naruto didn't mention that Nine-Tails had detected the masked man's malicious presence. He simply claimed he'd sensed it himself.
"You mean..." Sasuke struggled to control his rage. His chest still heaved violently despite his efforts.
Naruto nodded. "The Uchiha massacre—I think this was a conspiracy arranged in advance. My intuition tells me Third Hokage's involvement is unavoidable."
"I need to—" Sasuke's breathing grew ragged. "I need to ask him—"
Naruto held Sasuke down firmly. "Calm down, Sasuke. Do you really think if you ask them, they'll admit to being the masterminds? No. They'll say you have mental problems from losing your family."
"Then..." For a moment, Sasuke felt utterly lost.
"Sasuke, at the end of the day, we're still too weak. If we were strong enough, we could march straight into the Hokage Building and beat the truth out of them. That's right—speaking with fists is the real truth of this world, Sasuke."
Naruto raised his fist, looking energized by the thought.
Sasuke had to accept Naruto's words. Yes, he was too weak. If he'd been strong enough that day, he could have killed Itachi Uchiha and avenged his parents on the spot.
"Sasuke, heal up quickly. Then we'll work hard to get stronger together. Under an iron fist, who would dare not speak the truth?"
"As for this theory, let's keep it buried for now. When we're stronger, we can demand answers."
Naruto's tone was completely serious.
"I understand, Naruto." Sasuke nodded. He lay back on the bed and stared quietly at the ceiling.
During Sasuke's hospitalization, many classmates visited from time to time. Among them, Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka, and Hinata came most frequently.
Every time, Ino and Sakura would spend ages talking to Sasuke in the ward. Though Sasuke maintained his cool demeanor, he wasn't rude. He didn't show any impatience, but quietly listened to what they said, occasionally interjecting.
This small encouragement made Sakura and Ino come even more often.
After all, Sasuke was willing to chat with them calmly! One small step today—maybe they'd be picking out baby names tomorrow! The two girls daydreamed happily.
What surprised Naruto, though, was Hinata.
Didn't this Hyūga girl come to visit Sasuke? Why was it that every time, after briefly greeting Sasuke and asking about his condition, she'd come sit in the chair outside the ward and chat with Naruto at length instead?
And the conversations were incredibly detailed. She told Naruto everything—what she ate that day, what her family said to her, every little thing.
Only when Naruto said he needed to help Sasuke to the bathroom, or had other important tasks, would Hinata reluctantly say goodbye.
Watching the white-eyed girl leave the hospital with obvious reluctance each time, Naruto felt puzzled.
He wanted to say: Hey, you came to visit Sasuke, not me.
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