Chapter 25: The Blood Moon Is In The Sky

In the late afternoon, the ninja school was supposed to end for the day, but Iruka announced a surprise throwing lesson. The students buzzed with excitement. This was their first practical class, a break from the usual theoretical lessons.

On the way to the playground, Shikamaru sidled up to Tetsuya, his expression serious. "Tetsuya, something feels off."

Over the past year, Shikamaru and Tetsuya had grown close. Both had a maturity beyond their years and a shared disdain for unnecessary effort. Shikamaru noticed that Tetsuya, usually easy-going, had a hidden depth to him.

Tetsuya nodded slightly. "I feel it too. But it's best not to dig too deep."

Shikamaru's eyes widened, realizing Tetsuya's implication. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Sometimes, the more you know, the quicker you die.

"Don't worry," Tetsuya said, placing a reassuring hand on Shikamaru's shoulder. "Just act normal and focus on training."

The words had a calming effect, and Shikamaru relaxed a bit.

...

Late at night, Sasuke hurried through the darkened streets towards the Uchiha compound, frustration boiling inside him. The prolonged school day had made him miss dinner with his brother. He had aced his shuriken throwing today, and he wanted to share the achievement with Itachi.

Meanwhile, within the Uchiha compound, chaos reigned. Blood pooled in the streets, reflecting the ominous red moon above. Uchiha Itachi, aided by the masked man, had efficiently slaughtered the clan, leaving only Uchiha Fugaku and Mikoto alive in the patriarch's house.

The masked man's playful voice cut through the silence. "Need any help with the last ones?"

Itachi's eyes burned with a fierce determination. "No, I need to do this myself."

The masked man's twisted figure faded into the shadows, leaving Itachi to face his parents. Itachi's heart ached, but his resolve didn't waver. He entered the house, sword in hand, knowing what he had to do.

...

After school, Tetsuya walked Hinata and Ino home before heading back to his own place. This routine had become a silent agreement among them. Though they felt safe in Konoha, Tetsuya couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was different. Anbu squads were stationed every few streets, adding to the tension in the air.

He knew that the Uchiha massacre would be a significant blow to Konoha, but it would also remove a major source of instability. The Uchiha clan, despite their strength, were too extreme and arrogant, with the exceptions of Shisui and Itachi.

Tetsuya's thoughts drifted to the historical rulers who had killed off their own heroes. They knew these heroes were powerful but saw them as threats. Similarly, Uchiha's fate was sealed by their own strength and pride.

The next morning, Sasuke was absent from school. Iruka informed the class that Sasuke was unwell and would be resting for a few days. When Sasuke finally returned, the news of the Uchiha massacre had already spread throughout the village.

Sasuke's demeanor had changed drastically. The once cheerful and innocent boy was now cold and distant, driven by a singular desire for vengeance. The transformation didn't surprise Tetsuya. He and Sasuke had never been close, and now there was even less reason for interaction.

Naruto, on the other hand, seemed to clash with Sasuke more frequently. Their mutual disdain was palpable, fueled by their rivalry and the presence of Sakura, who often sided with Sasuke.

Despite the growing tension, Tetsuya continued to live his life, maintaining his friendships with the Ino-Shika-Chō trio and occasionally chatting with Kiba. He kept his distance from the ordinary students, understanding the harsh realities of their world.

Two years passed this way, with Tetsuya balancing his training and school life while keeping a close eye on the unfolding events around him.