Proof of Existence

by density

A past that is incomplete leaves a present and a future incomplete, as well. With Itachi dead, Sasuke has nothing but an incomplete past. He returns to Konoha. But Naruto has changed. Time has left him with a quiet mouth and a closed-heart.

1. The Reunion

"It's over." Sasuke said, staring at his almost dead brother.

Itachi looked over at Sasuke and motioned for him to come closer.

Sasuke did so and as he leaned forward, his forehead was met by two fingers.

Sasuke brushed Itachi's hand away.

"Tch. I'm not a kid anymore, you know."

"Hm?... I guess you're right."

Itachi's eyes began to close.

"So now what? With you dead, that pretty much leaves me with nothing."

"Proof of Existence."

"..What?!"

No reply.

Sasuke glanced up at the sky. "Proof of.. Existence?"

"Tch."

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"How nostalgic. This place hasn't changed at all."

Sasuke lifted his hood and stared at the old town.

"Konoha hasn't changed at all."

Sasuke walked through the entrance and towards the Hokage's office.

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"Re-admitted into Konoha?!"

"That's what I said."

"I guess upon hearing the death of Uchiha Itachi, I was kind of expecting you'd show up eventually."

Tsunade flipped through some pages.

"Well..?" Sasuke asked impatiently.

"I can't say no. But I will have to assign a ninja to stay with you for a while, to make sure you don't have any 'other' plans and that your stay here is legitimate."

"Sounds fair enough."

"Now who should I.." Tsunade continued to flip through the book.

Knock Knock.

"Come in."

The door opened.

Sasuke glanced over. "Ah, a familiar face." Sasuke smirked.

Naruto's eyes widened. "s-ss-ss-s..."

"Hm? Maybe not so familiar after all. How-"

"He can't speak." Tsunade interrupted.

Sasuke turned his attention back to Tsunade.

"It's been two years." The hokage added, reading his mind.

"How come?"

"Don't know. He came back like this after his last mission. The third mission to recover you."

"Oh..."

"I got it! I know I said I'd assign you a ninja, but I've changed my mind. Naruto will stay with you! And if you get him back to his old self, I'll give you a reward!"

"But isn't --"

"Please go now, I'm quite the busy woman, you know." Tsunade quickly dismissed them.

Naruto was looking at the ground, and slouched out slowly.

"I know it's a lot to ask of you Naruto. But I know it's for the best for both of you."

to be continued..

SORRY THAT WAS REALLY SHORT. and poorly written.

i guess it was like an unnesessarily long prologue.

naruto & sasuke are around 17.

FUTURE CHAPTERS SHALL BE MORE LONG AND DEEP.

and hopefully better written.