A New World
"So, your name is Uchiha Sasuke, and you're from another world—but you came here in a dream? To the continent of Teyvat?"
The white-haired sprite floating before him tilted her head, eyes full of curiosity. Her small cloak shimmered like the night sky.
Uchiha Sasuke simply nodded.
It had happened the night after he graduated from the Ninja Academy. He had gone to sleep as usual, only to awaken in an unfamiliar forest under a sky filled with strange constellations. The being who called herself Paimon had told him that this was the continent of Teyvat.
At first, Sasuke thought it was just a dream—but the sensations were too vivid. He could feel the texture of the earth beneath his hands, the wind brushing past his hair, and even hunger gnawing at his stomach. When he exerted himself, fatigue followed him both in this dream and back in the waking world.
The place teemed with creatures and people unlike anything in the Land of Fire.
Noticing his guarded stare, the little sprite twirled in the air and said cheerfully, "My name's Paimon! Thanks again—if you hadn't pulled me out of the water, I probably would've drowned."
Sasuke frowned slightly. "You can fly… and yet you almost drowned?"
Paimon froze mid-air. "Uh—Paimon doesn't really remember! Maybe a wild boar hit Paimon, or something! Anyway, Paimon must've taken quite the hit to lose some memories, hahaha!"
Sasuke remained silent. Everyone had secrets—and this odd little creature, dressed like a toddler in celestial clothes, was no exception. Still, he sensed no hostility from her. Even the boar he fought earlier had felt more dangerous.
Paimon puffed out her chest. "Don't worry! Even if I lost a few memories, I'm still a proud resident of Teyvat. So, as thanks for saving Paimon, I'll be your guide!"
"Guide?" Sasuke repeated, skeptical.
"Yup! Oh! Maybe we can visit the gods of this world!" Paimon brightened. "If anyone can tell you why you ended up here, it's them!"
Sasuke's brows furrowed. "Visit the gods… just like that?"
"Of course! There are seven nations in Teyvat," Paimon explained, tracing circles in the air. "Each ruled by one of the Seven Archons—gods who govern the elements. They're the most knowledgeable beings in this world!"
"And if the gods respond to your wish," she added with a grin, "you might even gain power beyond your imagination!"
At that word—power—Sasuke's eyes sharpened.
So far, he had learned a few things about this strange world. His chakra still functioned here, and his jutsu could be used normally. Time also flowed differently—three times faster than in his original world. A full day in Teyvat was only eight hours in Konoha.
He had also discovered that when he woke up, he returned to the exact moment he had left. After the first forced arrival, he could now choose whether to return—by responding to a soft melody that called to him in sleep.
It was a mystery, but also an opportunity. Eight extra hours of awareness each night meant eight more hours of training. For someone determined to surpass his limits and find his brother Itachi, this was invaluable.
After a moment of thought, Sasuke gave a curt nod. "Let's go."
Paimon floated ahead eagerly.
"There's no path forward," she said after a while. "Think you can climb that cliff? If you can, we'll save a lot of time!"
Sasuke glanced up at the rock face—five meters high. "That's nothing."
He gathered chakra to his feet and stepped lightly upward, his movements swift and sure. Paimon's eyes widened. "Whoa! You can do that?"
"Just a small trick," Sasuke replied as he reached the top.
"That'll make traveling way faster!" Paimon cheered, floating up beside him. "Alright, I'm updating our route! Next stop—The Statue of The Seven!"
After scaling several cliffs and weaving through thick forest, they reached a high ridge. The view opened before them: a vast lake glimmering under the sun, and in its center, a small island crowned by a massive statue of a winged figure.
Even with his keen eyes, Sasuke could only make out faint details—but the structure radiated an aura that stirred something deep within him.
"Look, Sasuke! That's the Statue of The Seven!" Paimon said excitedly. "These statues are scattered all across Teyvat—they represent the Seven Archons who protect the world. The one ahead is dedicated to the Anemo Archon, the God of Wind!"
"The Wind God?" Sasuke murmured, gazing at the statue.
"Yup! Paimon doesn't know if he'll answer your questions, but we're in his territory, so it's a good place to start!"
"Then let's move."
Sasuke's voice was steady, but inside, his heart beat faster. Whether this was dream or reality, this world's mysteries—and its power—were calling to him.
And Uchiha Sasuke never ignored a challenge.