Chapter 145: Ending the Fated Rivalry of Naruto and Sasuke! The First Meeting of Uchiha Hikari and Hanabi—Two Future Goddesses of the Boruto Era

"Sasuke, Naruto and the others should be waiting for you. I won't walk you over to them," Yagyu teased Sasuke with a smile as they stepped out of the Hokage's office. "No need to be shy—just apologize to them. I'm sure they'll understand."

"Tch… S-shut up," Sasuke huffed, turning away as if he didn't want Yagyu to see his awkward, flushed face.

His sulky, prideful look was practically identical to Hikari's.

"Saaasukeee—!"

Before Yagyu and Hikari could say goodbye to Sasuke, an excited shout in the distance drew closer, echoing through the street. Turning toward the sound, they saw Naruto and Sakura racing over. Behind them was Kakashi Hatake, one hand in his pocket, the other holding an Icha Icha volume.

For the first time in over three years, Team 7 was reunited.

Seeing them converge, a slight smile curved the corners of Yagyu's mouth.

So, does this mean the destined clash of Asura and Indra has been brought to an end?

After all, Sasuke had taken his vengeance; he had no plans for a "revolution" and had preemptively begun evolving into the Boruto-era Sasuke. Moreover, his hatred for Obito ran too deep now for him to be swayed into darkness a second time.

Hence, a second defection seemed impossible.

And if he was about to formally apologize to Team 7, could that mean Asura and Indra had truly reconciled?

Yagyu found himself intrigued, but his current power gave him no way to verify any grand cosmic truths about fate.

As Team 7 drew near, Yagyu winked at Sakura with his right eye, then vanished in a teleportation technique along with Hikari.

In the blink of an eye, they reappeared in Yagyu's living-room at home.

...

At Yagyu's House

"Onii-chan, this is your home?"

Hikari's eyes shone with curiosity as she looked around the living room's interior.

"Mm. From now on, it's your home too."

Yagyu patted Hikari on the head and guided her to a guest room, smiling. "This is your room. We also have another roommate—an older sister. Once she returns, I'll introduce you to her. Remember to show respect to your elders, got it?"

"Yes…"

Hikari nodded earnestly, but then asked anxiously, "Onii-chan… will she dislike me?"

"How could she?"

Sitting on the bed, Yagyu pulled Hikari onto his lap to face him, placing his hands on her cheeks with a playful smile. "You're so adorable—who wouldn't like you? Once this whole incident is settled, I'll host a little get-together so you can meet everyone I know."

"From now on, you're no longer alone."

"Mhm…"

Tears shimmered in Hikari's eyes as she buried her face in Yagyu's chest, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Onii-chan."

Like Sasuke, Hikari was quick to feel and express emotion. She could clearly sense the sincerity and care in Yagyu's words—absolutely free of any deceit. That alone touched her deeply.

She'd fallen asleep one day only to awaken in a future she knew nothing about. Here, she'd gained the freedom she'd always craved, as well as a "family" figure who cherished her. For these past two days, she'd barely dared to sleep—fearing that she'd awaken in that dark, icy prison once more… or that perhaps Yagyu existed only in a dream.

But fortunately, everything was real!

...

Knock, knock, knock…

"Hey, Onii-chan! Hanabi's here! Open up!"

Knock, knock, knock…

"Onii-chan, I can sense your chakra! Hurry and open the door!"

While Hikari was snuggling against Yagyu—basking in his gentle head pats and absorbing her beloved Onii-chan's energy—the sudden pounding on the door and a loud shout jolted her from her blissful daze.

Especially the words 'Onii-chan' coming from outside. Hikari's eyes flared with alarm, as though facing a serious threat. "Onii-chan, who is that? Is she the older sister you mentioned?"

"No, she's the younger sister of that other 'older sister.' She's also your little sister, Hikari."

Still smiling, Yagyu set Hikari down, held her by the hand, and headed to the front entrance.

"Onii-chan, I'm really scared!"

The door had barely opened when a figure—a bit shorter than Hikari—flung herself into Yagyu's arms and clung tightly around his waist. Her voice quivered with a note of lingering fright. "The other day, so many people in the village just… died. They say it was one whole clan, like they were all cursed and died at once! Hanabi got worried that I'd suddenly disappear too!"

At those words, Hikari—who had been glaring at Hanabi—grew self-conscious, turning her face aside and scratching her cheek in awkwardness.

After all, she was like a stray puppy who had just found a home, suddenly coming face-to-face with another puppy seemingly vying for her owner's affection. Having activated the Uchiha "protective-little-sibling" gene, Hikari felt a surge of territorial jealousy toward Hanabi, a girl her own age. It was only natural.

But seeing how Hanabi seemed genuinely frightened—partly by Hikari's "recent actions"—much of Hikari's hostility melted away, replaced by embarrassment and remorse.

...

"It's fine. For such large-scale curse jutsu to work, they must require extremely strict conditions," Yagyu explained gently, patting Hanabi's head. "Besides, you have a special mark from me, so if anything happens, I'll be there in a second. No need to be afraid."

"Really?"

Hanabi turned her eyes upward, giving Yagyu a classic "pitiful look" laced with a hint of playful cunning.

Yagyu caught that mischievous flicker in her gaze and gave her a light pinch on the cheek, then tapped her nose.

"Heehee…"

Hanabi couldn't help giggling. Truthfully, while she was somewhat nervous, it wasn't so bad as to leave her trembling. She just wanted to cuddle up to Yagyu for a bit of comfort.

"Um…"

Suddenly, Hanabi noticed Hikari at Yagyu's side. With open curiosity, she asked, "Onii-chan, who's she?"

"Her name is Uchiha Hikari. She's twelve, so she's your senior. She's a new little sister of mine."

Turning to Hikari, Yagyu gestured at Hanabi. "Hikari, this is Hanabi—full name Hyūga Hanabi. She's eleven years old. She's my teammate's kid sister, and she's also my little sister."

Hikari didn't quite follow that last line. But recalling Yagyu's earlier reminder to be polite, she gave Hanabi a slight bow. "Hello."

"Hi, Hikari-nee."

Hanabi extended her small hand, smiling warmly. "From now on, we'll be both sisters and friends. Let's get along, okay?"

Looking at Hanabi's outstretched hand and bright smile, Hikari felt an odd twinge deep inside.

Friends?

She wondered if having a friend felt different from having a family member. She wasn't sure.

But Hikari didn't notice how that smile—along with Hanabi's overt goodwill—had entirely dispelled the last remnants of her wariness.

Taking Hanabi's small hand, Hikari answered softly, "Yes, let's get along."

And thus, the two young heroines—fated to be standout "goddesses" of the Boruto era—met for the very first time.