Night falls over the Leaf Village.
Sasuke sits alone on a rooftop, replaying his failures in his mind —
Itachi humiliating him…
Naruto catching up to him…
Kaelen's sharp growth during the exams…
His fists clench.
Then—
A crash behind him.
Four figures land silently.
Jirōbō, Kidōmaru, Tayuya, and Sakon/Ukon —
the Sound Four.
Sasuke immediately drops into a fighting stance, Sharingan active.
Sakon smirks:
"Relax. If we wanted you dead, we wouldn't announce ourselves."
Tayuya:
"We came with an offer from Lord Orochimaru. Power. The kind you'll never get here."
Sasuke doesn't lower his guard.
Sasuke:
"Why would Orochimaru want me?"
Kidōmaru:
"Hah. Because you're special. But right now? You're weak. That blond kid… that Kaelen kid… even they're passing you."
Sasuke flinches.
They hit the exact wound inside his heart.
Jirōbō tosses a pill at Sasuke's feet.
Jirōbō:
"Take this and follow us. Orochimaru will give you the strength to kill Itachi."
The Four turn to leave, giving him space to choose.
Sasuke stares at the pill…
…thinking of Itachi
…thinking of Naruto
…thinking of Kaelen growing stronger
…thinking of always being "second"
Thunder cracks overhead.
Sasuke puts the pill in his pocket.
He has made his choice.
---
Scene 4 — Sasuke Leaves the Village
Deep in the night, Sasuke stands at the village gates.
He looks back one last time.
No tears.
Only anger… and ambition.
He steps forward — disappearing into the shadows of the forest.
---