Bordering on a slow-paced and extremely dull four months since the war was put to a halt by the Uzumaki and the Uchiha, things lagged along. He had really underestimated that one. His former captor's favorite little prodigy was more advanced than everyone thought.
Suigetsu stood from where he was sitting, the simple cot in a simple, boring room. But hell, it beat imprisonment in a water-filled tank. No longer trapped that way any more.
Serving Orochimaru was a choice now. He would slouch by his side, taking note of the strange, genetic research the Sannin conducted. The war changed everything, probably for the better.
Orochimaru was indeed a weird man, but Suigetsu gained some respect for him during the time of crisis. He seemed passive and stayed to himself.
Shinobi from Konoha hardly ever left the hideout's perimeter, armed and eternally suspicious. Did they like wasting their time, he wondered?
Suigetsu sighed, drooping his shoulders as he eyed Kubikiribōchō. I'm taking good care of it, Zabuza, don't you see? And it was true. He made sure the sword was in top condition, he polished it, he even spoke to it if they were alone.
When the Hōzuki heard Kisame was no longer alive, he went through a mourning period of his own. Without the sword in Kisame's possession, it automatically became less valuable. What fun was it if he didn't get to kill one of the Seven Swordsmen? He only recovered one so far, and he had needed Sasuke's help to attain it. He never would have gotten to fight Zabuza any way, spending a lot of the time he could have been hunting in captivity.
His first instinct after the war was to return to Kirigakure. Thinking long and hard on the matter, returning would garner up a lot of old memories he wasn't ready to deal with. Refused to deal with. He hadn't been successful at collecting all the swords, he hadn't been successful at carrying on his brother's legacy, and he hadn't been successful at handling Kubikiribōchō on its own. Perhaps he was one not suited for big dreams.
"You'll always have a place in the Leaf," The Fifth nodded at him, "your efforts are appreciated. You're welcome here any time."
Realizing she probably meant having an effort in saving her life, he smirked. "Thanks, but no thanks."
"You'll be going back to Kiri, then," Tsunade inquired, knowing someone like him would be useful to the village. He was strong and sturdy, capable of a many skills.
Suigetsu shrugged nonchalantly. "Actually, Orochimaru asked for my help at his hideouts. I guess more of those crazy experiments."
Grasping the irony of the situation, Tsunade squinted. "He'll disclose this location to us immediately, and he won't be let out of the village's sight. Can I count on you to stay out of trouble, Hōzuki?"
"Yes ma'am," He agreed, shuddering at the terrifying gaze she bestowed upon him.
"I'm not asking you to make it your home," Her look disappeared, "but give it a chance before giving Orochimaru another one."
He knew she was right, but there was a part of him that felt like he didn't belong anywhere. No family or friends, and it wasn't like he cared all that much.
Strapping Kubikiribōchō in its place after he got his outfit assembled the right way, a cold chill passed right when he stepped out.
"Jūgo," He said, the sight of his teammate blocking the hallway.
"You haven't come out of your room in days," He whispered, aware of how early it was. "I was starting to worry."
"You know I'm not someone to worry about," Suigetsu responded coolly.
Jūgo pushed his orange hair back, "What's going on with you?"
"Do you think it's stupid? I mean.. us staying here?"
"Of course not," He was caught by surprise at the audacity in his voice. "We don't have anywhere else to go. Well, not me anyway."
"Leaf village," Suigetsu flat lined, not straying from the point. "I guess the offer's still there. We'll be roommates."
"No," Jūgo said with more protest than necessary. "I'm good where I am. You should stay as well."
"I would," He grew serious immediately. "but it's pretty obvious there's nothing here for me!"
The man lowered his head, appearing sympathetic. "So what's there for you in the Leaf?"
"Absolutely nothing."
Jūgo retorted, "What about Orochimaru?"
"I'll tell him my damn self," The Hōzuki crossed his arms. "right to his face. All I know is, I've never been more bored in my entire fucking life. I've got to get out of here."
He said nothing, knowing Suigetsu expected otherwise.
"I'll come back for you if I decide it's worth seeing."
"You'll be careful, won't you," Jūgo hid a frown, "also, please tell Sasuke I said hello."
"I will."
"I can't say I'm not disappointed to see you go."
The ominous tone still spooked him, but he remained calm. "You'll not stop me either. I'm leaving now."
"Who said I'd try such a thing?" Orochimaru asked rhetorically. "Last I checked, you didn't like being told you had to stay here."
The fact he compared the two brought him back to unfavorable times; Suigetsu swung his sword over his shoulder, approaching the bright exit.
"I won't be back."
"Where will you go?"
"Maybe Kiri, maybe travel some land I've never been to before. Don't think about it too much."
"Believe me, I won't."
Suigetsu rolled his eyes in response, proud of the courage he had used to talk to his higher up.
"But I'll be here," the Sannin smiled darkly, alone with his thoughts. "and I'll be here when you decide there is nothing for you wherever you go. You'll beg to come back. I'll be here."
A/N;; Thoughts, please please. Ideas or comments, all appreciated.
