Li Shang walked through the streets of Konoha with a calm expression. The peaceful routine of the village contrasted sharply with the chaos and brutality of his previous life. Simple missions, predictable rivals, and a routine without real risks — for him, it was almost a rest.
'There's nothing wrong with a little peace. After centuries fighting between life and death, this calm even seems like a gift.'
He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh afternoon air. He was about to enter the Hyuuga compound when he noticed an immobile figure waiting for him in front of the gate.
'Hm? What a surprise.'
Sasuke was there, arms crossed, expression closed, and gaze penetrating. The boy seemed tense, but something about his presence was different.
When their eyes met, Sasuke advanced, stopping a few steps away.
"Can we talk?"
Li Shang observed him in silence for a moment. There was an unusual calm in Sasuke's eyes — the anger and pride that once moved him seemed more contained, tamed by something the Hyuuga did not expect.
'He seems more stable... could the fragment of Orochimaru's soul that I refined really have been interfering with his mind? It makes sense. The sannin's soul was poisonous, corrupting whoever harbored it.'
Without responding immediately, Li Shang gave a slight nod and began to walk.
"Let's talk at my house, okay?"
Sasuke just nodded and followed him in silence.
— — —
The room was silent, illuminated only by the soft light. The maid served tea with graceful movements, the gentle aroma of freshly infused leaves spreading through the air.
Sasuke observed the environment with a curious gaze. The house was elegant, orderly — every detail reflected discipline and control. He expected something more austere, colder, but the place seemed... welcoming.
"Different from what you imagined?" Li Shang asked, noticing the Uchiha's gaze as he brought the cup to his lips, sketching a slight smile.
Sasuke looked away. "I thought you weren't well treated... after all, there was the incident months ago."
The air grew heavier. The "incident" he referred to — the day Hiashi Hyuuga almost killed his nephew — had spread throughout the village. Many believed the rumor was fueled by the main branch itself, a way to reassert control over the secondary branches.
Li Shang placed the cup on the table, showing no emotion.
"Actually, it was a sudden change."
He leaned back slightly, his gaze relaxed, but firm.
"But let's get straight to the point, shall we?"
Sasuke remained silent for a few seconds before bringing the tea to his mouth. The steam rose slowly, masking his expression for a moment. When he put the cup back, his eyes were determined.
"What you taught Naruto... could you teach me too?"
Li Shang raised an eyebrow, surprised. It was rare to see Sasuke speak so directly, much less ask for something. He put the cup aside and stared at him intently.
"How do you know I taught him something?"
Sasuke held his gaze, searching for the right words.
"Naruto has always been an airhead. Hyperactive, noisy, and with little talent."
Li Shang smiled discreetly.
"So far, nothing new."
Sasuke ignored him and continued.
"But after training with you, he changed. He's still lively, still talks too much... but when he gets serious, it's like he's another person. His blows have precision, his chakra control is absurd, and his strength... is no longer that of a simple gennin."
He paused briefly.
"Besides him, Lee too. Before, he depended completely on the Eight Gates. Now, even without opening them, he managed to face elite Iwagakure ninjas. The unusual thing is that both trained with you."
Li Shang remained silent, his gaze sharp.
'So that's it. He noticed the pattern... if he noticed, everyone else already has, but they don't care.'
Sasuke leaned slightly forward, with an intense glint in his eyes.
"I want you to teach me the same. No matter what it is. I need to become stronger."
Li Shang stared at him for a few seconds, assessing the seriousness in his voice. It wasn't arrogance, nor pride — it was raw determination, born of hatred and guilt.
'That look...'
He stood up, going to the window. The gentle breeze swayed the curtains.
"You want power, to kill your brother, right, Sasuke Uchiha?"
The silence in the room lingered, but Sasuke's gaze did not waver.
"Yes."
Li Shang turned his face just enough for his blue eyes to meet his.
"And what do I get out of it?"
Sasuke frowned. "What?"
Li Shang watched him in silence, his calm gaze contrasting with the intensity emanating from the young man in front of him.
"You know, Naruto gave me something in return, Lee too... why would I do something for you?" Li Shang said, his voice calm, yet loaded with provocation. He saw no reason to get too involved; he had already attracted enough attention, and the last thing he needed was someone else growing too fast under his shadow.
Sasuke remained motionless for an instant, his fist clenched at his side. "You said you had doubts about doujutsu, right?"
"Yes," Li Shang admitted, without beating around the bush. "As you can see, my eyes are a bit special, but my clan doesn't know much about it. Perhaps you from the Uchiha clan know?"
Sasuke let out a short, humorless laugh. There were wounds that even time couldn't erase. "I can show you something, but if you'll be able to get anything out of it, I don't know." He walked a few steps, approaching with the calm of someone who calculates risks. "Besides, if your help is useful to kill my brother, I will be loyal to you, after I get my revenge..." The phrase hung in the air, laden with blood and intent.