Kakashi had sent Team Seven out alone, but they were never truly unattended.
As they moved through the outskirts of the Empty District, Sasuke felt eyes on them. Not one set. At least two. ANBU, positioned far enough away to avoid interference, close enough to react if things collapsed.
He filed it away and focused forward.
Yugito Nii had crossed borders too easily.
Either she trusted her strength completely, or Kumogakure was far more relaxed about provoking other villages than it let on.Given the client, there was likely another reason. The Cat Lady's reach extended further than most civilians'.
Or perhaps the Two-Tails itself shared old ties with the ninja cats.
Sasuke didn't speculate further.
The moment they stepped into the open stretch of ruins, Yugito turned.
Her gaze swept over them without pause, sharp and dismissive.
"Konoha," she muttered. The word carried no warmth.
Team Seven studied her in return.
Up close, her chakra was even denser. Controlled. Coiled tight, like something sleeping with one eye open.
Naruto leaned closer to Sasuke and whispered, "This is the strong one you sensed? She doesn't look that scary."
"She's not from the village," he added, glancing again. "Right?"
"She's from the Cloud," Sakura replied quietly, unease creeping into her voice. "Why would a Cloud shinobi be here?"
"Unclear," Sasuke said. "But stay alert."
Yugito had already reached her conclusion.
"Just a few Leaf brats," she said to herself, turning away.
Then she noticed the hilt at Sasuke's waist.
Her steps slowed.
She looked again, more carefully this time. The Uchiha crest. The weapon.
Her eyes narrowed.
"That sword," she said. "Thunder God's Blade?"
Naruto bristled immediately. "Hey, watch your tone—"
Sasuke lifted a hand. Naruto stopped.
Sasuke met her gaze. His voice stayed even. "Are you asking me?"
Yugito smiled thinly. "Is there another Uchiha here I should ask?"
The air shifted.
Naruto and Sakura both stiffened, anger flashing across their faces. Sasuke raised his hand again, lower this time. A quiet signal. Stay back.
Yugito took his lack of reaction the wrong way.
"So you're quiet," she said. "Figures."
Sasuke tilted his head slightly. "If you want an answer," he said, "start by speaking like someone who expects one."
The words landed.
Before Naruto could react, Sasuke struck him once under the chin. Clean. Controlled. Naruto dropped, stunned more than hurt.
Sakura gasped. "Sasuke—"
"Take him away," Sasuke said. Calm. Firm.
She hesitated, then nodded. "Don't do anything reckless."
"I won't."
Yugito watched the exchange with mild surprise. "You care about your team," she said. "Pointless. I wasn't planning to touch them."
Sasuke didn't reply.
He drew the hilt.
Lightning bloomed into a golden blade, humming softly as it took shape.
Yugito's expression finally sharpened, killing intent leaking out in a slow, dangerous wave.
"You've got nerve," she said. "I'll break that mouth first."
Sasuke held the blade steady. His stance was relaxed, almost casual.
"Try," he said.
No bravado. No challenge.
Just fact.