Chapter 04: The Leap into the Night
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Sasuke sat on the edge of his bed, the dim light from his desk lamp casting long shadows across the room. His blue shirt, short-sleeved and snug, clung perfectly to his lean frame, and his gray shorts stopped just above the knee. He meticulously wrapped white bandages around his ankles, his hands moving with practiced precision. The faint sound of crickets chirping outside the slightly open window filled the room, punctuating the quiet night.
Satisfied with his handiwork, Sasuke adjusted the last strip of bandage and slipped on his black sandals. They were sleek and sturdy, hugging his feet like a second skin. He stood up and turned toward the full-length mirror propped against the wall. His reflection stared back at him, a spitting image of determination and pride.
Tilting his head slightly, Sasuke smiled—a rare, almost boyish grin that softened his otherwise stoic features. He tugged at the hem of his shirt, smoothing out any creases, then ran a hand through his messy dark hair. "I look just like him," he murmured to himself, his voice low and tinged with admiration. "I am Uchiha Sasuke."
With a deep breath, he turned away from the mirror and approached the window. The frame was slightly ajar, allowing a cool breeze to waft in, carrying the scents of the city—freshly watered gardens, distant cooking, and the faint tang of asphalt. The glow from the neighboring houses painted a picturesque scene. Traditional Japanese rooftops interspersed with modern designs created a blend of old and new. The streets below shimmered with streetlights, the faint hum of electricity mixing with the occasional murmur of late-night conversations.
Carefully, Sasuke placed one foot on the windowsill, balancing effortlessly as if he'd done this a hundred times before. His hands gripped the top of the frame as he steadied himself. Closing his eyes, he whispered, "All I need to do is focus… channel the chakra." His voice was steady, a blend of determination and excitement. "If I can do this, I'll move on walls like it's second nature."
Opening his eyes, Sasuke concentrated, feeling the faint warmth of energy pooling in his palms. A faint blue glow emanated from them as he shifted his weight, preparing to test his theory. Slowly, he pressed his hands against the outer wall, the rough texture grounding him.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered, attempting to flip onto the roof above, using his hands to propel himself upward. The chakra in his palms flared briefly, sticking him to the wall like an insect. For a moment, it seemed he'd achieved success.
But just as quickly as it appeared, the glow fizzled out. Without warning, Sasuke lost his grip, his eyes widening in panic as he plummeted downward. The night air rushed past him, his reflection briefly visible in a neighboring window before—thud. He landed in the bushes below, their brambles scraping against his exposed skin.
"Ow…" he hissed through clenched teeth, keeping his voice low to avoid attracting attention. The sound of leaves rustling accompanied his effort to untangle himself.
From above, the faint creak of a window opening froze him in place. His father's voice, calm but sharp, pierced the quiet. "Hmph, probably just a stray cat." The window shut with a soft click, and Sasuke let out a sigh of relief, slumping against the base of the house.
"That was too close," he whispered to himself, brushing dirt off his legs. Peeking around the corner, he ensured the coast was clear before darting into the narrow alley between his house and the neighbor's. The shadows cloaked him as he pressed his back against the wall, heart pounding.
His gaze drifted upward to the roof of the neighbor's house. Determined, he bent his knees, channeling chakra into his legs. This time, he felt the energy surge, propelling him high into the air. The world seemed to slow for a moment as he soared, the cool night breeze whipping through his hair and tugging at his clothes.
He overshot the roof entirely, his momentum carrying him higher than expected. Below, the world shrank; the city stretched out in all directions, a patchwork of glowing windows and darkened alleys. The stars above sparkled like scattered diamonds, their brilliance mirrored in his wide, astonished eyes.
For a fleeting moment, he hung in the air, weightless and free. The serenity of the moment left him breathless. Then gravity took hold, and he landed lightly on the tiled roof, the surface cool beneath his feet. The traditional Japanese shingles clinked softly under his weight, their intricate patterns reflecting the moonlight.
Sasuke's lips curled into a triumphant grin. He took a step forward, then another, testing his balance. Soon, he was running, his footsteps light and deliberate as he leapt from one rooftop to the next. With each jump, his confidence grew. He experimented with flips and twists, his laughter echoing softly in the night.
"This… this is amazing," he exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper. The exhilaration of freedom coursed through him as he pushed his limits, the city below becoming a blur. Cats scurried out of his way, some hissing in surprise while others yowled in protest.
"Out of the way!" one particularly bold cat seemed to shout, though Sasuke paid it no mind, too absorbed in his newfound agility.
He continued his rooftop journey, feeling a sense of belonging with the night. But as the minutes passed, he realized he'd strayed far from home. The familiar streets had given way to unknown territory, the distant hum of traffic a constant reminder of the bustling city.
Just as he was about to turn back, a sharp voice cut through the stillness. "Watch where you're going, you idiot!"
Startled, Sasuke turned mid-air, his momentum carrying him forward. Before he could react, he collided with something—or someone—solid. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, and he tumbled unceremoniously to the street below.
Groaning, Sasuke lifted his head, wincing as he met the fiery glare of a man standing over him. The stranger's expression was a mix of annoyance and anger, his muscular frame illuminated by the faint glow of nearby streetlights.
"What are you doing in the sky, you little pest?" the man growled, cracking his knuckles.
Sasuke scrambled to his feet, his body aching from the fall. "I could ask you the same thing," he shot back, though his voice lacked the usual confidence.
The man took a threatening step forward, his intentions clear. But before he could act, the distant wail of police sirens reached their ears. His expression shifted to one of urgency. "Damn it, they're close."
Without another word, the man's body glowed faintly, a soft blue hue enveloping him. He crouched low before launching himself into the air, his leap carrying him across several rooftops with ease.
Sasuke watched in awe as the man disappeared into the night. The sirens grew louder, and he realized the situation. A grin spread across his face as he straightened his posture, brushing off his clothes.
"Well then," he said, his voice laced with excitement. "Looks like it's time to activate Batman mode."
With renewed determination, Sasuke took off into the night, ready to chase after the unknown figure and the thrill of adventure.
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