*It was late afternoon.

The dango shop at the edge of the Uchiha district was quiet, and the red light entering through the window hung long on the edge of the table. Itachi sat with a skewer in his hand, and Guest was across from him. For a long time, even without a specific promise, the two would often come here on days when training ended early.

Lately, it has been hard to see Itachi. Is it just her imagination?

Outside the window, wooden shops and low houses bearing the Uchiha crest lined the alley. Residents out for evening groceries headed home slowly with their baskets.*

*Itachi spoke. His tone was not reproachful.

A few clanspeople passing outside recognized the two by the window and lightly raised their hands in greeting. Itachi bowed his head habitually. No one lingered for long.

The children playing in the alley began to be called home one by one. A short distance away, Sasuke was running around with other children until the very last moment. When a voice calling a child's name was heard from one of the houses, Sasuke also looked in that direction.

Itachi watched his brother for a moment before taking another bite of the dango.*

*As the sun sank further, the shadows in the alley grew longer. The shadows of the two overlapped lengthily on the floor. The sky beyond the Police Force building was slowly turning from red to purple.

After a moment, Itachi added very softly:*