Scene Twelve
.
.
.
The Second Encounter
.
.
.
The morning after my fight with Izumi, everything felt almost completely normal.
During lunch break, I was hanging out with Kiba, and we were talking about some of the popular songs and famous artists of this era.
"Hey man, have you heard about the newly rising singer?" Kiba said, full of enthusiasm, holding his iPhone as he searched through YouTube.
"A rising singer? Who might that be?" I leaned over to look at his screen, just as he tapped on a thumbnail of a girl wearing a strange mask that hid her entire face.
"She goes by the code name 'Immoral Scarlet'—it means 'the immoral crimson girl.' Weird name, right?"
I could understand why she called herself "crimson," thanks to her dyed red hair—but I couldn't really make out her real hair color.
Once the song started playing, I heard a voice that sounded extremely familiar to me. But it was beautiful… powerful. This girl is definitely going to make it big one day!!
"She's incredible..."
I said, captivated by her intense performance.
"Right? I heard some major groups want her—can you believe one of them was Blackpink!!"
"What? Are you serious?!"
"I couldn't believe it either when I found out! That girl's going to become a huge idol very soon!"
Who is she...? That voice is definitely someone I know, but she hides her face so well, and with her hair dyed in such a camouflaging tone—it's nearly impossible to tell who she is.
---
"Naruto, Kiba, hey."
While we were chatting, we heard Sasuke greet us.
"Hey, Sasuke."
Wait a minute—he's wearing the soccer team uniform??
"Whoa, whoa, Sasuke, didn't you say you didn't want to join the soccer team?"
I asked quickly, surprised.
"Oh, that... yeah, I've decided to join the soccer club this year." Sasuke smiled slightly, a little embarrassed.
It's obvious that someone like him would've found out his brother, Itachi, played soccer at that same age.
"Oh, I see. That's great! I'll cheer you on!" I smiled, encouraging him.
I know a thing or two about sports myself—it's not like I've never played before. I am an athlete after all.
Still, I just don't feel like doing it. It's a waste of time.
"Hey, Sasuke-kun, Naruto, Kiba!"
It was Sakura, approaching with a smile. Damn… she gets prettier every single day. Watching Sakura grow into a stunning and graceful young woman makes me feel genuinely happy!
Sakura noticed Sasuke's uniform and widened her eyes, surprised.
"Waaah, Sasuke-kun, you're joining the soccer club?? That's amazing! I love soccer!!"
Okay, decision made—I'm joining the soccer club too!!
"Ah, yeah. My dad told me that Nii-san was part of the soccer club in middle school, so I figured I'd give it a try too." Sasuke chuckled quietly, rubbing his head. He really looks like the protagonist who takes all the glory while people like me just watch from the sidelines...
Yeah… saying it like that really hurts.
"Man, I'm so jealous. Good-looking guys are in a whole different league compared to average ones like us," Kiba whispered with envy, nearly fuming.
"Hey, don't lump me in with you—I've got fans!" I looked down at Kiba as if I were far above his level.
"Screw you, Naruto!!" Kiba shouted, tears falling so hard from his eyes they were practically blood.
His outburst made Sakura and Sasuke glance over at us in surprise, and when they saw us bickering, the two of them burst into laughter.
---
After school, I left with Sasuke and Sakura, walking together after saying goodbye to Kiba.
Sakura and I lived near each other, while Sasuke's house was farther. The school was actually closer to Sasuke's home than to ours, so we always dropped him off first, then Sakura and I would walk home together.
It almost felt like we were on a date!!
"I can't believe Sasuke-kun is joining the soccer club. That's so surprising."
"Right?? But I've got an even bigger surprise—I'm joining too, starting tomorrow!!"
"Really?? That's awesome, Naruto!!"
Haha, I feel invincible now.
While walking, I spotted two people ahead. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Without thinking, I ran toward them, leaving Sakura behind, puzzled by my sudden reaction.
"Kakashi-sensei!!"
I threw myself toward him, hugging him with joy while he stood frozen, shocked by my behavior.
"It's been so long, Kakashi-sensei. I'm so happy to see you again."
"Naruto..."
Kakashi finally smiled and returned the hug, and his companion—none other than Rin—smiled kindly as well.
I couldn't believe we'd been living in the same city and still hadn't seen each other for seven whole years!!
It honestly felt like a fantasy.
Sakura caught up and asked with curiosity, "Naruto, who are these two?"
It seemed she didn't recognize them at all...
"These two once protected me from people who tried to assassinate me when I was a child. I'm so grateful to them." After letting go of Kakashi, I gestured toward the both of them with a glowing smile.
"Kakashi, Rin—this is my friend, Haruno Sakura-chan. Sakura-chan, these are Kakashi and Rin."
I introduced them warmly.
"Nice to meet you, Sakura-chan," Rin said, smiling gently.
"The pleasure is mine, Rin-san," Sakura replied politely.
Haha, you might wonder—why would someone like Sakura, from such a prestigious clan, be so respectful?
That's all thanks to me! I taught her to always respect her elders—it helps avoid trouble!!
Glad she listens to me sometimes… okay, mostly.
"I always knew we'd meet again someday, Naruto. I'm happy you're doing well and unharmed," Kakashi said with a calm smile, eyes gently closed.
He really does look just like the Kakashi-sensei I knew!
"Yeah!!"
I smiled back calmly.
"Why don't we go somewhere instead of just standing in the middle of the street?" Rin, always sharp, suggested.
"Good idea! I know an amazing local restaurant—let's go!" I said cheerfully, and the others agreed and followed me quietly.
Of course, it was none other than the legendary…
Ichiraku Ramen!!
We sat down and began eating while chatting about various things. Even though it was a strange reunion, it never felt awkward. It felt so natural that the three of them probably wondered if they had been friends in a previous life.
Of course, the truth would shock them. So, I stayed quiet and laughed along.
Some things are better left unsaid… forever.
.
.
.
End of Scene Twelve – The Second Encounter
.
.
.
Scene Thirteen
.
.
.
The Encounter with Mizuki
.
.
.
We continued talking—Sakura, Kakashi, Rin, and I—for several minutes. Then, I had to excuse myself to use the restroom.
Ugh, I better find one quickly before things get messy down there.
I looked around as I hurried through the busy shopping street. Damn it—why do restrooms always vanish right when you need them?
Should I go to my parents' house since they're nearby?
No, that would only raise suspicions.
At the end of the shopping street, I spotted a public restroom. I felt alive again!!
I zoomed toward it—at least that's how fast it felt—and didn't even notice the two young men standing nearby. I wish I had.
Once I reached the restroom, I went in and shut the door behind me.
"Onii-ki, that's the guy I told you about!!"
Those two… one of them was Izumi, the one I fought earlier.
And the other was an older youth with bluish-silver hair. He wore a white T-shirt and a black jacket with skull patterns. His hair was a bit long and messy, with ripped black jeans that made him look like a gang member—or maybe he was one.
"So this is the punk who dared mess with you, huh?" Mizuki smirked, his eyes locked on the restroom door, and he stepped toward it slowly.
---
Back at the restaurant, Kakashi, Rin, and Sakura started feeling that Naruto had been gone for too long.
"Where could he have gone?"
"Are you worried about him?" Rin asked playfully, smirking at Sakura.
"W–What? N–No, I… uh…" Sakura's face flushed red as she tried to deny Rin's teasing.
"Alright, alright, no need to tease Sakura-chan, Rin. Anyone would be concerned if someone disappeared this long." Kakashi seemed worried as well.
"In that case, I'll go check on him quickly."
Sakura stood and walked out, while Rin began joking behind her back.
---
(Hmm, should I tell Itachi I joined the soccer team? Or wait until the tryouts?)
Sasuke was deep in thought as he walked down the shopping street.
Then, he saw a pink-haired girl walking with a worried expression.
(She's still in her school uniform… Is something wrong?)
"Sakura, hey."
Sakura, lost in her own thoughts, heard Sasuke calling and turned in surprise.
"S–Sasuke-kun!!"
She spun toward him, relieved that it was him.
"Weren't you walking home with Naruto earlier? Why are you still here? Where is Naruto?"
"U–Uh… ah… we met some old friends of his, s–so we stopped to talk."
(Oh no… what's wrong with me? Why am I nervous??)
"Oh, I see. Glad to hear everything's okay."
When Sakura looked up, she saw Sasuke smiling kindly.
Thump... thump... thump...
"U–Um… I'm looking for Naruto now… W–Would you come with me?"
Blushing, flustered, her eyes stealing quick glances at him… in that moment, Sasuke realized just how beautiful Sakura truly was.
"Ah… sure. Let's go."
Sasuke stepped ahead, and Sakura followed. Silence hung between them, but it didn't last—because of what they saw near the public restroom they had just reached.
---
Ahhh… I feel refreshed now.
I zipped up my pants and walked out, smiling.
But then, I felt it—an intense killing intent. It's a survival instinct I developed from my harsh past life. I can sense hatred and murderous energy immediately.
I looked around, keeping my expression calm so the enemy wouldn't notice I was on alert.
The killing intent grew stronger behind me, so I quickly turned and threw a punch at whoever was approaching.
Thump... thump...
Suddenly, I felt like I was choking, crushed by the dark emotions surrounding me.
I looked up to see who was pointing a gun at me—my eyes widened in shock.
Mizuki?? What the hell is he doing here? Why is he trying to kill me??
"Good call, pointing the gun at you. Who would've thought you'd sense me so easily? No wonder my little brother backed off yesterday."
Yesterday? His little brother?
Connecting the dots, I said in disbelief, "Izumi..."
"You're right!!"
That was the last thing I heard before the guy named Izumi—who suddenly appeared behind Mizuki—struck me in the head with a hammer, knocking me out cold.
Blood poured down my face, my vision blurred, but I definitely heard two voices screaming my name.
Who were they...? I didn't know—I was already losing consciousness.
All I could feel was my body being lifted onto a motorcycle… and we were heading far, far away.
.
.
.
End of Scene Thirteen – The Encounter with Mizuki
.
.
.
To Be Continued…