Chapter 328: The Label of Admiration
"...?! I... I don't know what you're talking about..."
Being suddenly recognized with his true identity—even more troublesome than the worst anticipated scenario—Sasuke felt cold sweat instantly seep down his spine. His brain raced, carefully recalling every detail from their encounter until now. His age obviously didn't match this timeline's Uchiha Sasuke, and he was certain he'd revealed no flaws in words or conduct. How exactly had this Naruto seen through him?
Watching Sasuke still stubbornly playing dumb, Naruto decided to speak more plainly. He directly gazed at Sasuke's concealed face.
"Uchiha Sasuke, genius ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village in the Land of Fire, last descendant of the Uchiha clan. In childhood witnessed his brother Uchiha Itachi's massacre of the clan and embarked on a path of revenge. Though gradually becoming mutually caring comrades with Team Seven, under successive strikes and pressure from Orochimaru and Itachi, he left Konoha and joined the powerful Orochimaru who coveted his body at the time..."
If he'd merely felt somewhat panicked earlier, at this moment Sasuke felt his hair stand on end. Being so thoroughly exposed to his face created an intense sense of being spied upon. The current situation no longer allowed him to continue denying.
"Pretty strange, right? I'm rather different from the Naruto in your memories." Naruto scratched his blond hair. "Uchiha Sasuke from the future... how did you come to this world?"
Sasuke noticed Naruto used the word "world," not "time." A terrifying speculation formed in his mind.
"Where did you learn these things..." Sasuke finally abandoned his disguise, voice low as he admitted his identity. But his vigilance toward this Naruto had already risen to maximum.
Even the mature and steady Naruto from his space-time would probably struggle to deduce the truth in such short time when encountering such bizarre circumstances.
"Don't be so wary." Naruto waved his hand, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere. "Actually it's quite simple—can be explained clearly. I'm actually in a similar situation to you. I traveled from the original worldline to the past, except..." He lowered his head looking at his own palm. "My age was also transformed by time into this appearance..."
---
Around the corner, Boruto leaned boredly against the mottled wall. Following Sasuke's instructions, he'd deliberately distanced himself by an entire street, completely unable to hear the distant pair's conversation.
Parallel universe, huh... Boruto thought aimlessly. Since the important people are the same as the original world, there probably won't be major differences.
He tried finding the "discord" Sasuke mentioned from the scenery before his eyes, but aside from the architectural style appearing slightly antique, nothing seemed particularly special.
The first four Hokage carvings all matched his memory. Though the Fifth Hokage carving was still under construction, it would undoubtedly be Granny Tsunade. Thinking this, Boruto couldn't help growing more curious about this world's father.
Just now on the way here, he and Sasuke had distantly seen this period's Sakura. Though Sasuke timely pulled him into hiding without opportunity for conversation, that face was identical to photos at home.
Then Dad's childhood personality should be similar too, right? Boruto recalled somewhat uncertainly words his father once said—"When I was your age, I was far more steady than you." Could it be Dad wasn't bragging then?
Suddenly, Boruto's thoughts were interrupted. His gaze involuntarily drew toward a figure, unable to shift away.
If asked what kind of person was coolest, Boruto's heart already held a standard answer—stern bearing and gaze, taciturn personality, plus that innate pride and strength.
Simply put, someone like Uchiha Sasuke...
When the brain received these familiar traits appearing on an unfamiliar exterior, it created a peculiar cognitive conflict, making Boruto feel inexplicably excited.
She was a black-haired girl, ink-colored strands neatly falling behind her shoulders, making her neck and cheek skin appear especially fair. She had large obsidian-like eyes yet carrying aloofness and coldness rare for this age. That face simultaneously cute, pretty, and carrying some delicacy somehow gave an unapproachable feeling.
Wearing a high-collar short top and pants convenient for movement, her entire body lacked any superfluous accessories or frills. Her whole person emanated a clean and efficient bearing yet therefore appeared excessively cold.
When an admired figure's traits suddenly appeared as an unfamiliar girl's image, Boruto felt indescribable chaos surge within. This contradictory sense of familiarity and strangeness left him at a loss.
"Um... please wait!" Boruto almost instinctively called out.
Uchiha Satsuki turned her head puzzledly, then slightly froze. Being approached by same-age boys wasn't unusual for her, but this time she unprecedentedly didn't immediately refuse with words like "if there's nothing, move aside." Somehow, this blond boy gave her an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
"You are... Have we met somewhere before?" Satsuki-chan preemptively asked what Boruto was about to say.
The prepared words Boruto had ready instantly vanished completely. He wanted to respond naturally, but his accelerated heartbeat only let him stammer. "Um... yeah, I also feel you're somewhat like someone I know..."
"...What's your name?" Satsuki-chan slightly tilted her head asking.
"Name? My name is Uzu... Boruto." He corrected himself in time, secretly sighing in relief.
Watching Boruto's nervous appearance, the slight warmth that had just risen in Satsuki's heart faded somewhat. This reminded her of that always stammering Hyuga girl from class before. Perhaps the earlier familiarity was just illusion.
"...Then what do you want?" Satsuki-chan's tone recovered its usual coldness.
"Well... are you free now? I have some questions I want to ask you." Boruto mustered courage saying.
"No time. I still have matters." Satsuki-chan crisply refused, immediately turning to leave, her figure quickly disappearing around the street corner.
The response even colder than anticipated left Boruto somewhat disappointed. He felt quite confused—he'd actually developed an impulse to approach a first-meeting girl?
And this person... Boruto was certain he'd never seen an adult woman with such special personality in future Konoha. Logically, every existence in parallel universes should have corresponding counterparts...
...Could it be she sacrificed herself in the future?
This saddening thought had just emerged—before Boruto could regret forgetting to even ask her name—that familiar voice transmitted again from ahead.
"Naruto? Who is this person? Why is he following you around?"
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