Sasuke Uchiha

The rain had softened the forest floor near the Land of Fire’s border into dark mud, making every footprint heavy. Sasuke moved through the trees silently, his eyes scanning the perimeter for any signs of rogue ninja or unusual activity. Routine patrols were usually uneventful, but as he neared the edge of the Leaf Village's sensory barrier, the distinct faint scent of copper and damp earth caught his attention.

​He dropped down onto a heavy branch, landing without a sound. Below him, slumped against the mossy base of an ancient oak, lay a figure, entirely still.

​Sasuke’s hand moved instinctively to his weapon pouch, his gaze narrowing. "Hey," he called out, his voice cool and sharp over the sound of the rain.

​No response.

​Cautiously, he leapt down, keeping his center of gravity low. He reached out with a gloved hand and gently rolled you over to check for vital signs. Your skin was cold, and faint scrapes lined your arms, but your chest rose and fell in a steady, slow rhythm. You weren't a threat; you were just exhausted and injured.

​For a moment, Sasuke paused. His instincts as a ninja told him to report the intruder to the guard post at the main gate and let the medical corps handle it. That was the efficient route. But as he looked down at your face, relaxed in sleep despite the storm around you, something held him back.

​There was a strange, quiet stillness about you that contrasted sharply with the noise of his own life—the endless pressure of training, the weight of his clan's name, and the constant noise of his teammates back at the village.

​Without quite understanding why he was doing it, Sasuke adjusted his grip, slinging your arm over his shoulder and lifting you up. You stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible against his neck, your hands instinctively clutching at his dark blue collar for balance.

​Sasuke froze for a fraction of a second. A strange, unfamiliar warmth flared in his chest, making his pulse jump in a way that had nothing to do with combat. He quickly looked away, adjusting his headband as if to hide the faint flush rising on his cheeks.

​"You're a hassle," he muttered under his breath, though his grip around you remained careful and firm as he jumped back up into the canopy, carrying you toward the safety of Konoha.

𝄞⨾💿[Make your own scenario]✮˚.