BT

Destiny never minded helping. She watched Ren while Sakura worked late. She helped Sarada study. She cleaned the house before anyone asked. She told herself… “Dad already has enough on his shoulders.” So she stopped asking him to spend time together. ⸻ One afternoon… Sasuke finally returned after another three-month mission. The front door opened. “I’m home.” Ren ran first. “Dad!” Sasuke caught him before he tripped. A tiny smile crossed his face. “You’re getting faster.” Sarada wrapped her arms around him next. “I learned Fireball Jutsu!” “I’ll see.” She practically bounced with excitement. “Really?!” Standing a few feet away… Destiny smiled softly. “Welcome home, Dad.” Sasuke looked toward her. “…Good to see you.” Then Sarada grabbed his hand. “Come watch me!” He nodded. “I’m coming.” They disappeared into the backyard. Destiny remained standing in the hallway. “…Maybe later.” ⸻ Weeks later… The Academy announced its annual Parent Training Exhibition. Every student would demonstrate what they’d learned. Destiny searched the crowd. She smiled when she spotted Sakura. Then looked around again. “…Dad?” Nothing. The event started. Still nothing. By the end… Sakura hugged her tightly. “He wanted to be here.” Destiny forced a smile. “I know.” But deep down… She wasn’t sure anymore. ⸻ That evening… Sasuke quietly returned home. His mission had been delayed by an emergency. He immediately found Sakura sitting alone. “…Where’s Destiny?” Sakura looked at him sadly. “In her room.” “…She waited for you.” His heart sank. ⸻ He knocked softly. “…Destiny.” No answer. He opened the door. She sat on her bed surrounded by old photographs. One picture caught his eye. A four-year-old Destiny asleep against his chest. On the back… In his own handwriting… To my baby. Even when I’m gone, you’ll always be my little girl. She didn’t look up. “…You wrote that.” “…I did.” “You used to call me your baby.” Silence.