Lotm Rogue-like across worlds.

I stood outside, thinking about my actions. I was still slightly annoyed by my own idea. I have already started learning fuinjutsu seals, skipping the steps recommended by the instructors. It turned out to be more complicated than I expected. The main problem was the low response to the Cryptologist. At the current rate, it will take me about two years to master it. It was unacceptable.

At the moment, there was a taijutsu lesson. We gathered in the courtyard of the Academy for another sparring session. I didn't quite understand the practical benefits of these fights. The only explanation that came to mind was a kind of test of our abilities before learning Konoha's style.

Choji and Kiba are sparring now. Their movements were clumsy, but Kiba's energy was clearly superior to Akimichi's heir's methods. When their fight came to an end, the instructor announced the next match.

I was assigned against Sasuke. That was fine with me. Another opportunity to establish contact with the Uchiha heir. We stood opposite each other, folded the seals, and the battle began.

Neither of us was in a hurry. I wanted to see what hand-to-hand combat looks like in its true form. Sasuke, on the contrary, remained cautious, avoiding hasty actions. We began to gradually get closer.

I tried to strike first, choosing a direct attack. He dodged with minimal movements, his stance remaining steady. The attempt to catch him on a false attack was also unsuccessful — his reaction was instantaneous.

Sasuke launched a counterattack, and his punch landed squarely in my defense. I felt the power in his movement. He had a clear advantage in technique, but my physical fitness allowed me to keep up the pace. He tried to wear me down with a series of attacks, alternating between straight punches and knocking me down.

I made an attempt to use my strength, aiming for the capture with precision. Sasuke left, grabbed my hand and tried to throw. My weight helped him hold on, but he was already ready for the next maneuver. A couple more seconds, and I missed a punch that knocked me down.

I got up quickly, but I could feel my fatigue building. Sasuke, on the other hand, seemed composed. I tried one last time to go on the offensive, putting all my strength into the movement. He managed to use my straightforwardness again. An instant step to the side, a grab, and I was on the ground.

The instructor stopped the fight, declaring Sasuke the winner. I got up, feeling a little pain, but most of all, dissatisfaction with myself. We approached each other and made a sign of reconciliation.

After sparring, I returned to my seat, trying to catch my breath. The fight showed that I lack experience and a clear understanding of the technique. Sasuke, despite his apparent restraint, looked confident. His victory was well deserved. After waiting for him to sit down as well, I decided not to miss the moment.

—Good fight," I began casually, brushing my hair back from my forehead. — Have you been training for a long time? Or is it... something clannish?

Sasuke looked up. There was curiosity in his eyes, but it was more wary.

"It's Uchiha style," he replied shortly, as if checking if I would ask further questions.

I nodded, trying to look interested but not bothered.

— I see. Very precise movements. It's obvious that you spend a lot of time on this. We don't have that in our family, so we have to find our own approach.

Sasuke nodded slightly, but said nothing. I decided to change tactics, adding a little personal touch.

— You've probably been learning to throw shurikens for a long time too? I saw you training once. Very precise technique.

His gaze brightened. Perhaps the mention of his strong side struck a chord of pride.

— It's part of the training. My brother and I often competed," he softened a little, but still remained restrained.

"With your brother?" I said, as if by accident, even though that was my goal. — You must be progressing fast with such a teacher.

Sasuke frowned slightly, but did not look away.

— He's always ahead. Strongly. That's why I'm trying to catch up.

This pause was good for me. He talked more than I expected. I decided not to push, but to leave a clue.

— It's a good incentive. It would be interesting to practice together. Maybe we can exchange a few ideas. For example, with shurikens, I sometimes try non—standard throwing angles. It might come in handy.

Sasuke gave me a look that was somewhere between disbelief and interest.

"Maybe." If there's time.

That was the end of the conversation. Sasuke wasn't inclined to be friends, but maybe I left a thought in his head. As long as he doesn't reject me completely, I still have a chance to get closer.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

When classes came to an end, the students began to disperse. The crowd was getting smaller, and I lingered at the entrance, keeping an eye on Sasuke.

Itachi was already waiting for him at the gate. Tall, calm, he stood a little to the side, watching the children. Sasuke approached him, briefly exchanging words that I couldn't hear.

I moved towards them. Sasuke noticed me, but stayed where he was, taking only a brief glance. Itachi caught my approach and also looked at me, appraisingly, but without interest.

"Good evening," I said, addressing them both.

Itachi nodded in response. His gaze became a little more attentive for a moment.

—Hi,— Sasuke said.

"Are you Sasuke's brother?" I asked, looking at Itachi.

—Itachi," he said shortly.

"I'm Seiji," I replied, keeping my tone even.

Itachi nodded curtly again, his face remaining calm.

—Sasuke," I said, switching to him. — You said "maybe", so I decided to clarify. Is it okay after class tomorrow?

Sasuke looked at me a little more attentively, thought for a second, and then, to my surprise, he chuckled slightly.

"You're not leaving me alone, are you?"

—Well, if you're afraid of losing, I can understand," I shrugged, pretending to be joking.

—Me?" Sasuke frowned, but he didn't look angry. — Okay, that's settled. Just don't be late.

—Tomorrow, then," I said, nodding. — Thanks for waiting.

—You're welcome,— he replied, his tone remaining polite.

Sasuke tugged at his sleeve.

"Come on, my father is waiting," he said, not looking at me.

I watched them go, showing a small smile.