The sun was just beginning to lower over the rooftops of Konoha, casting long shadows across the Academy gates.
Ren Uzumaki leaned casually against the wooden post by the gate, arms crossed, eyes half-closed.
He was waiting.
Like always.
Some students had already left, chatting loudly or running off to grab snacks. The gate grew quieter… but Naruto still hadn't come out.
Ren glanced at the Academy building again.
Then he noticed someone else stepping out.
Sasuke Uchiha.
Cool as ever, walking alone, hands in his pockets. He stopped when he saw Ren waiting there.
Their eyes met.
There was no hostility. Just a kind of quiet familiarity — the kind that comes from being in the same class… and the same strange orbit.
Sasuke paused.
"He's not coming."
Ren tilted his head slightly.
"Naruto?"
Sasuke nodded. "Iruka-sensei kept him behind. Punishment. For skipping class yesterday."
Ren chuckled softly and looked away for a second, amused. "Of course."
Sasuke turned as if to leave.
But then—
"Wait."
Sasuke glanced back.
Ren pushed off the post and took a step forward, his tone even — sincere.
"Back when I was still in the Academy… there was that prank. With the ink. On your chair."
A pause.
"That was Naruto's idea," Ren added, "but I helped. We thought it was harmless. But… I know that day wasn't just a normal day for you."
Sasuke didn't speak. His expression barely changed.
Ren stood there, calm, composed.
"So… I'm sorry. For that."
Sasuke stared at him a moment longer.
Then, faintly — barely — the edge of his expression shifted. Not a smile. Not quite.
But softer.
Sasuke gave a small exhale through his nose, then turned and walked away in silence.
But he didn't look angry.
And that was enough.
Ren watched him go, eyes thoughtful.
"He gets it," he murmured.
"We all lost something."
The clan.
The family.
The warmth that was supposed to be there.
For Naruto and Ren, it was something missing from birth. For Sasuke, it was something taken away.
But pain had a way of recognizing itself — even if no one spoke it aloud.
Ren looked up at the sky, then turned away from the gate.
He'd walk Naruto home today.
Even if it was from detention.