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Edited: 23 January 2013
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Summary:
Using the Fourth Hokage's famed technique, Naruto modified her father's seal. With Kakashi sacrificing his life to give his wayward student the chance to correct his mistakes, what will Sasuke do when he was forcefully sent back in time? Will he decide to alter history and save his clan especially the girl who sacrificed her life to save his soul? This is Uchiha Sasuke's road to redemption. Non yaoi. Sasuke-centric.
Author's note:
Sorry if I have to rewrite this one despite the deadlines I set for myself for my other stories… Oh well, can't help it^^ Sorry about that… *whisper* blame Ziggy… It's her fault *whisper*
Hope you will like this revised version. Changing from the original plotline that I have (Sasuke sent back to his Genin days), I decided to send the teme farther in time (days before the attack of the Kyuubi/ Tobi or just until baby Naruto was born).
Nothing too major on this story… just a little of this and that… Blah blah blah…
Enjoy reading;)
Disclaimer:
Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Standard disclaimer applies. I do not own anything.
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"Talking"
'Thinking'
Flashback "talking"
"Bijuu talking or jutsu"
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A Raven's Song
By: Zelga Lim Li
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Chapter 1 – Broken Wings
Uchiha Sasuke hated every minute of his damned existence. Gritting his teeth in utter agony, he fell on his knees.
For the first time since that fateful night, he cried.
He was alone, utterly alone.
He has accomplished his goals. Itachi died by his hands. Even though his death was inevitable because of his ill condition… He still died because of him.
And that dobe.
His most precious person.
"Damn you, Uzumaki Naruto… Damn you to hell…" Sasuke's body shook uncontrollably. He is in so much pain.
Never mind the physical pain and wounds he received during his battles.
Never mind the cursed mark that the old snake gave him.
Never mind the trauma of what his brother did the night he killed their parents.
But this… It felt like he was broken into two… physically… mentally…
His heart shattered into a million pieces.
The Avenger clutches his chest. His tears streaked relentlessly. Uchiha Sasuke literally kissed the ground. Soaking it with his grief.
His never-ending misery.
From afar, he could hear the people of the great five nations, weeping for their fallen hero.
Uzumaki Naruto was dead. Taking with her all the hatred of this world. Tobi's hatred. His own hatred.
Just like she promised.
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A few days later…
Hatake Kakashi knew that he was broken beyond repair. All that was left was a hollow shell.
He was empty… to the core.
He never knew that one of his students would experience the same fate.
Sighing for the irony, the former ANBU captain walked leisurely towards the stone obelisk. Additional names were added. Most of them, he didn't know personally.
There were some that standout.
"Hey there… I'm back…" Smiling ruefully, Kakashi chuckled.
"I know… all of you are already tired of my very presence…"
"…But, this is the only thing I can do for everyone…"
The Hatake shrugged, his fists clenched tightly inside his pockets.
"If… if only… you'll let me… be with all of you…" Kakashi was never the one to cry. Yet he feels like weeping.
Ever since his father's death… and Rin's… and Minato sensei's…
Especially when he learned of Obito's betrayal…
And lastly…
Naruto.
Kakashi gave another tired sigh as he brushed his hair away, "I know… I promised… but…" The Hatake gave one last look at their names, "... what if he failed? What will happen next?"
The wind is blowing gently with petals of cherry blossom falling everywhere… encouraging him.
The scarecrow felt it was time.
"Very well… you owe me… just this once…" with those words, Kakashi turned his back. Before he left, he raised his hands in farewell. "Naru-chan…"
Kakashi gave his infamous one eye smile, "See you later…"
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"Hello Sasuke."
"…"
"Not even a 'hi to you too, sensei'?"
"…"
Kakashi's visible eye twitched. He's been standing there for quite a while yet the Uchiha didn't even acknowledges him. Scratching his mask, the Jonin approached steadily. He already sensed Amaterasu's flames, lurking around his former student, so he kept his guard up just in case the man before him snaps.
"I… I came because she wanted you to have this…"
Sasuke flinched but didn't move an inch.
"Something to remember her by…"
Sharingan flares madly as Kakashi found himself staring at it. Sasuke grapples him by the collar of his jacket. The last Uchiha was glaring hateful daggers at him. The Hatake noticed but didn't comment.
His former student has changed completely. He doesn't know if it was a good thing or a bad one. Chuckling humorlessly, Kakashi removed Sasuke's hands and patted him on the head. Just like the old times. The raven swatted it away.
"Here, take this…" Kakashi gave something to the Uchiha who just looked at the thing disinterestedly.
A three-pronged kunai.
"It used to belong to her father. I don't know if you've heard of him. He was…" The silver haired Jonin smiled sadly, "…he was a great man. Just like his daughter."
Sasuke paled.
Kakashi raised his headband showing Obito's eye. Staring at the Uchiha, he felt hopeful. 'Just this once… I will… try to believe, Naruto…'
"I hope you would make things right, Sasuke…"
Kakashi used a few hand seals and activated the seal. Sasuke felt himself dissolving into oblivion. The Uchiha drops the kunai as he stares angrily at Kakashi. He was about to curse the Hatake for his impudence but then… darkness surrounds him.
The scarecrow drops on his knees, panting for breath. He felt that his life was draining slowly away from him. Tugging his mask down to savor the taste of death, Kakashi smiled peacefully.
"Looks like it will take a while to see everyone," Kakashi shrugged and then he falls tiredly. He noted that the kunai itself was gone. And so is the Uchiha. "That is one of a heck kind of technique, Naru-chan." Humming, the Jonin closed his eyes, knowing that it will be his last. "So this is the reason why you are so hesitant to use it, the right traveler and a willing sacrifice…"
Kakashi smirked, "A willing sacrifice indeed…" his handsome features shown to the world for the last time. "Well, I guess… time would tell, don't you think…"
"…Uchiha Sasuke."
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Sasuke gasps for air. He stood slowly and tried to get his bearings. 'That fool… I am going to kill him…' Glaring at nothing in particular, the Uchiha stalked past the bushes where he found himself so that he can look for Kakashi whose chakra signature vanished without a trace when he saw something. Sasuke suddenly felt anxious. His hands trembled when he took it.
Naruto's three-pronged kunai.
'It couldn't be…'
A rustling of leaves caught the Uchiha's attention. Grabbing the kunai, he masked his presence and hid above the trees, blending within the shadows.
"Are you sure this is the place?" An irritated voice asks. From Sasuke's spot, he could feel the annoyance laced with it.
"Yes, I am." Another voice answered. The second voice belongs to a man. "Just around here somewhere…"
Sasuke saw two people enter the bushes where he was a few seconds ago. Just below the tree where he is hiding. One of them is definitely a Jonin judging by the flak jacket that the person is wearing. The man's companion, a pregnant woman with flowing long red hair followed after.
"That's strange," The man questioned himself, pouting. "I knew I felt a very familiar chakra… If I am not mistaken, it is one of my special kunai…"
The last Uchiha gasps in shock when he saw his features. He has the same familiar blond locks. And his eyes…
He has Naruto's cerulean blue eyes.
The blonde grins sheepishly as he turned towards the woman. "Forgive me if I drag you all the way here, Kushina dear… Ow!"
"I can't believe you drag me all the way here for nothing… you airheaded dumbass…" Growling with curses, the redhead drags the man down her level and pinched his ears while the poor man shuffles slightly to accommodate her height. "If Naru-chan gets tired because of you, I will…" The woman gently caresses her swollen belly as if to soothe the baby's discomfort while scolding the blonde.
'Naru-chan?' Unconsciously, Sasuke's eyes shifted as he remembers Kakashi's pet name for Naruto. And then the kunai began to scorch his skin, burning his flesh. The kunai dropped from his hands. It was as if the thing was alive and continuous to mock him for the second time that day. Looks like it wanted to be found by these people. Cursing inwardly, the dark haired Uchiha tried to catch the blade but it slipped right from his fingertips and the kunai shot right above the woman. Without him realizing his actions, Sasuke jumps to stop the thing from hurting the redhead.
He already guessed where he is right now, but given the facts presented to him. Where that stupid Kakashi have sent him… Sasuke felt…
"Watch out!" The Uchiha shouted in alarm.
…Relieve. Somehow.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw the man who looks surprised at his sudden appearance. The goofy façade from the couples' earlier discussion is gone as he made his move to rescue his wife from the impending danger. The blonde draw his own three-pronged kunai.
With his speed, Sasuke knew he could make it but the other one was able to beat him first. Living up to his name, the Yellow Flash deflected the kunai towards him. The blonde positioned himself between him and the woman. The Uchiha gave them enough space knowing that they might question him for his… actions.
Ask him who he is. Where he came from.
Wearily, he took Naruto's kunai and steps back slowly. Looking at them now, he remembers his past… or rather their future.
Uchiha Sasuke remembers his own failures… and the people who died for him.
Kakashi.
Itachi.
Naruto.
"Who are you?" Namikaze Minato asks. Cautiously, he led Kushina away from the teen. The redhead scowled incredulously at him. Judging by his looks, the stranger must be an Uchiha.
"It doesn't matter who I am." Sasuke answered curtly, avoiding the older man's eyes. Looking at the blonde reminded him of her so he decided to look away. Then he decided that the woman would be safe but… she has the same shape of face and eyes. Unknowingly, the Uchiha clenches his fist. This didn't escape the redhead's scrutinizing gaze.
"I am no one…" Sasuke laughs humorlessly to himself. Where did he heard that line? It sounds familiar and yet everything about him was a very distant memory.
Uzumaki Kushina is staring curiously back at him when she gasps in pain.
"Is there something wrong? Are you hurt?" Minato is frantic as he asks the redhead. Glaring at the intruder who raises his own hands to assist his wife but stops half way, the Yellow Flash was about to take her back to the village when Kushina held his hand.
"I'm fine..." Breathing slowly, the woman smiled shakily. "She just moved, that's all…" Kushina grins as she assures her man. The Uzumaki turns to face the stranger when she saw his eyes. Kushina knew that something about him was awfully familiar. He looks like…
"Are you related to Mikoto-chan?"
Sasuke stilled at the mention of his mother's name. He never knew that Naruto's parents were acquainted to his clan, let alone his mother.
"Hmmm…" Kushina squinted her eyes. Ignoring Minato's restraining objections, she approached the teen that automatically took another step away from them. His Sharingan was activated yet he didn't even look at them straight in the eyes especially Minato.
Unlike the other Uchihas that she knew (that doesn't include her best friend Mikoto, her eldest son Itachi and Minato's former student, Obito), this one looks so uncertain. Her heart ached for some unknown reasons. Looking down, Kushina's eyes widens when she saw the kunai.
The markings on the kunai that the stranger was holding are glowing. Recognizing the seal, Kushina commented sadly. "Whoever activated that seal must have valued you more than his or her own life, am I right?" For a split second, the Uzumaki noticed the pain that crossed his eyes. It was gone in an instant. Hiding beneath an emotionless mask. A common trait she knew from the said family.
"Kushina? What are you talking about?" Minato asks her hesitantly.
Sighing, the redhead smiled at Sasuke, understanding in her eyes while paying not a single attention to her husband. "You must be tired from your journey. Come, you are welcome at our home. But I suggest doing a henge. Surely, you don't want any other attention…"
Nodding, Sasuke changed his appearance. He doesn't know why, but he subconsciously took Naruto's Oiroke form. The one she often uses to prank the others. To be a little inconspicuous, he changes the blonde hair to red. Just like the woman in front of him plus Naruto's whisker marks. Surely, if the girl mentioned would see him now, his dobe will laugh her lungs out. Who knew that he had this morbid sense of humor that she incessantly complains that lacks in him. Clutching his chest to lessen the pain he constantly feel since her death, Sasuke took a deep breath and turned to face Naruto's parents.
He heard the couple take a surprise gasp when they saw his changed form. Uzumaki Kushina's tears started to fell as she grabs and hold him tightly. Minato looks grave and shaken, recognition on his handsome face when he saw Naruto's face.
Even without introduction, Sasuke knew that they already know who he is. Where he could possibly came from.
"Oh Kami-sama… It can't be…" Kushina mutters continuously, tears streaking her face while Minato hovers worriedly beside them.
Sasuke blames Naruto's female form as his own tears started to fall as well. This female body is weak.
He was so weak.
He tried to stop his sobs from escaping his gritted lips, but like a dam, his pent up emotions breaks out effortlessly.
The young Uchiha trembled. Just like the day after his parents' death. Just like the day he discovered Itachi's sacrifice and Konoha's betrayal. Just like the day when he cradled Naruto's lifeless body right after she took the killing blow that was supposed to end his putrid life.
'I'm sorry… Please… forgive me, for everything…'
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Author's other note:
When Naruto died, Sasuke obliged himself to learn everything about the girl who sacrificed her life to save him. Where she came from… Who her parents are… Why the Kyuubi was sealed inside of her… Her dreams… Her reason for living… It was Sasuke's self-imposed punishment.
So when Sasuke travelled back in time (courtesy of Kakashi) and met Kushina and Minato face to face for the first time, he immediately knew who they are. Remembering Naruto and everyone else, the last Uchiha felt shame. Hope this clarifies some issue, if ever you found one^^
Thanks for reading ;)
Any comments, suggestions, friendly criticisms and reviews are welcome. No flamers please.
Ja ne!
Next: Chapter 2 – Bonds
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