A.N: Formerly entitled, Disappear. I apologize for my ambivalence with regards to the title, and to the events that occur in each chapter. This was still a work-in-progress when I started typing it out, and then I reread it and found that I'd created characters of my own and labeled them with existing names. That kind of cancels out the truth that I'm only playing in Kishimoto's sandbox, hence, it's been redone. I hope you enjoy this version better than the previous one. God bless & happy reading.
You Found Me: Getting lost isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes, we find ourselves on the other side of the same spectrum, but we see things with different eyes. And maybe, upon getting lost, some of us find what we never intended to search for.
Lost and Found
Chapter One: Homecoming
He made his way through the forest, his pace slightly faster than usual. His obsidian eyes staring directly ahead, to his home village, to his Konoha. Admittedly, he was both excited and terrified to enter the place he once called home. He knew that the denizens of Konoha wouldn't be pleased with his return. Heck since he left they'd all wanted him dead. But he didn't care. They weren't who he came home for. He came home to the people who'd supported him through his dark days, to his precious people.
Though it was hard to believe, he truly did regret his actions. During those sleepless nights, when all that was audible were the hysterical screams of those unfortunate enough to become Orochimaru's test subjects, he found it easy to reflect. Reflect on the aspects of his life; the path he's chosen, his regrets, the what-if's, and all the endless possibilities that he could've accomplished if he hadn't strayed.
Perhaps he'd be a jounin now, working as a loyal Konoha shinobi. On missionless days, he'd be with his best friend, Naruto, training their asses off and getting on each other's nerves. Afterwards they'd go for ramen, and maybe meet their lazy sensei along the way. And Sakura…
Maybe he'd the one she comes home to. If he hadn't left, maybe he'd finally find the courage to admit how much of an effect she had on him. He'd spill his heart out to her, just like the countless times she did to him, and they'd be happy. He'd finally be happy. Maybe along the lines, he'd forget about revenge, and just settle with being hers.
That was when he'd made up his mind. If it was too late, then it was too late. But he'd be damned if he didn't try. He trusted that what she felt for him was true, but then again, he hadn't promised her anything, had he?
Haunting images plagued his mind. What if she'd moved on with her life and buried him in the past? He couldn't bear it. The fear was enough to hold him back. But he knew he shouldn't let it get to him. He'd rather face the truth than live a life full of regrets and what-ifs.
The large gates of home were getting closer with every step he took.
It was late in the evening in Sound. Oblivious to the maniacal plans of Orochimaru, Sasuke lay down in his bed, musing. He thought of Konoha, how it had been since that day 6 years ago, how Naruto was, how she was.
Absentmindedly, he opened his drawer and took the picture he'd stuck at the top. He didn't know what compelled him to bring along a tangible reminder of the past, but he couldn't bring himself to regret it. Those memories were the only thing that retained his sanity through scream-filled and sleepless nights. It brought back too many pleasant, yet haunting memories.
A wave of nostalgia hit him. A memory that came to his mind was their first meeting with their talented, and profusely perverted, sensei. The stupid bells test where he got buried in dirt and Naruto got tied to the trunk of a tree. That would have been hilarious if he wasn't the victim in the comedic act.
While staring at the picture, his mind was then bombarded with questions, regarding his former sensei, his best friend and a certain female with candy-colored locks. He absentmindedly wondered what they were doing, and if ever they were thinking of him.
He stuck it back inside the top of his drawer and closed his eyes, images of their times together flooded into his mind. His sanity wouldn't be able to take much more of this. A leisurely stroll would calm his nerves.
Obsidian eyes, so full of confusion and doubt, looked up at the silver moon, seemingly searching for an answer. Should he go back? To the village? If he did, what would he find? Has everything changed? More importantly, how would they receive him? The thought scared him. After all that he had done, could he still have a second chance? Can one right, erase all his wrongs? He didn't know. Surely Naruto would still welcome him with open arms, and Sakura would too. Wouldn't she? Maybe that was what scared him most. The thought of being shunned by her. The thought of losing her. Sure she'd been naïve and foolish to fawn over him in the past, but what she felt for him was real. He'd seen the look in her eyes the last time they'd he'd seen her. She still felt that way. But that was six years ago. Many things could've changed that.
He was truly stupid. He took for granted the things that many men crave for. A home, friends, and a person that loves him more than he ever thought possible. But he turned his back on all of that, just for revenge. A goal he has yet to accomplish, and maybe, a goal he never would.
After what seemed like hours of musing, he came up with a decision. Tomorrow will be the day that everything changes. Tomorrow.
Hours before sunrise, he woke up enclosed by darkness, deafened by silence. Dawn came with the sounds of clashing metal and the metallic scent of blood. Silent screams fell on deaf ears as the conurbation behind him burned to the ground. His pilgrimage had only begun, as he set off, homeward bound.
He was mere yards away from the East Gate, where he left his life in Konoha six years ago, when an ANBU intercepted him.
"Halt. Uchiha Sasuke, what is your purpose here?" The man behind the porcelain cat mask asked, instantaneously falling in his battle stance.
"I come to make peace with the Hokage."
The ANBU stared at him with disbelief, with his guard still up. He sensed it right away and instantly pulled Orochimaru's head from out of his knapsack. The ANBU stopped completely on his tracks and relaxed slightly in his stance.
"Is this proof enough?" he asked with displeasure. His patience was wearing thin.
"Yes. Forgive me Uchiha-san. I shall immediately arrange an audience with the Hokage."
"Hn."
The ANBU led the way to Hokage tower as he closely followed.
Tsunade had a wonderful start to her day. She had a bottle of sake and dango for breakfast, she found the scroll she'd been looking for the past few weeks and the paper work hasn't piled up yet, and it's almost noon.
'Ah. I wish everyday would be like today.' She thought to herself, as she comfortably laid back on her chair and raised her feet to her desk. Then she mentally slapped herself. Another one of her sad smiles appeared on her cherry-red lips. It's been so long ago, yet it still felt as though it had happened yesterday. She refused to be happy after that. Yet why was she content now? As her thoughts were getting the best of her, a knock was heard from the other side of the door.
"Tsunade-sama, you have a very important visitor."
"Let him in."
She almost fell from her chair when she saw who it was. Those cold obsidian eyes, fair skin and bristly ebony hair only belonged to Sasuke Uchiha. It took her a minute or two to regain her composure and get over the shock and burst of emotions that flooded through her in a matter of seconds. Is she dreaming? Was this all really happening?
"What are you doing here Uchiha?"
He stayed silent and just placed a knapsack at the top of her desk. She silently glanced at him, then back down at the putrid package. Sensing it as a beckoning to show her what was inside, he pulled the old snake's head from the bag. Tsunade covered her nose and waved her hands around to relieve herself of the stench, but what she saw greatly surprised her. She gave him a questioning look, one he knew all too well.
"I killed him and destroyed sound." He let out flatly. The hokage responded as professionally as she could during a situation like that.
"I see. Very well then. This means that you'll be eligible to once again be a ninja of Konoha. But first you must be interrogated. While that transpires, I will be working on the paper work for you to be officially revoked of your criminal status, clear?"
"Yes Tsunade-sama."
"Very well, Ibiki will be here in a while so please just make yourself comfortable."
Again, he didn't speak, but followed her orders. Truth be told, he was tense. His insides coiled up painfully, because he was afraid. Afraid of being forsaken by his home. Afraid of not being able to mend the broken bonds he'd left. Afraid of the possibility of being all by himself. He inwardly smirked. How ironic this whole situation was. Six years ago, that was all he wanted. He wanted to be alone, and they just wouldn't leave him. Now he wants to be with them yet fears that it might be them who leave him. If they do, he couldn't blame them. After all, he dealt the first blow. He probably deserved it too. He'd been a pain in the ass for everyone.
After about 10 minutes or so, Ibiki came through the door and escorted him to the ANBU Interrogation Facility. He was asked many questions regarding in his motive for leaving Konoha, siding with Orochimaru and destroying sound. He answered the questions flawlessly and after a few grueling hours, he was referred back to Hokage Tower to arrange his settlements.
Tsunade decided to let him stay in his old apartment, but warned him about the dust and grime that would welcome him when he got there and gave him some pocket money. He agreed to the terms given to him and turned toward the door, but suddenly remembered to ask something.
"Hokage-sama, where's my hitai-ate?"
"I think it's with Naruto. You can ask it from him in the morning. Rest for now. I expect your return here tomorrow, first thing in the morning."
"Hai." Then he turned his heel and left.
He walked slowly through the quiet streets of Konoha. Everybody was already sound asleep. The daily hustle and bustle ceased for the night but would start again tomorrow, as early as the sun rises. He reached his apartment and picked the lock. The lights revealed the wreckage this place had been since he left. It had been dustier than expected, he thought as he ran his fingers against the white sheet covering the sofa. He analyzed his surroundings carefully and noticed that even though it was dusty, it was still well maintained. The floorboards were still intact, as was the ceiling. No bite marks of any pests were visible. He decided that he would hire a cleaner tomorrow, removed the covering on the sofa and just laid there and immediately fell asleep.
He woke up in the morning feeling a tinge of excitement. Immediately, he sat up and walked out the door to ask for a house cleaner, get some food and buy himself some new clothes with the money Tsunade gave him last night.
He walked out his apartment door and made his way to Ichiraku's for some much awaited breakfast. He sat there and immediately, Ichiraku greeted him.
"So it was true. Welcome back Sasuke." He said happily.
Sasuke just smirked at him and voicing a quiet 'thank you.' He was given some pork ramen on the house.
He was almost done eating when he heard an all too familiar voice.
"Hey! I'm hungry. Can you give me the usual please?" he said with a cheeky grin and sat down.
Sasuke blinked a few times to see if he wasn't just dreaming. It was Naruto. His features have become sharper, more prominent, but he still had that cheeky grin and loud mouth. The whiskers on his face were still there and his hair had grown out a bit, but he still had that spiky do and his blinding orange and blue jumpsuit was replaced with something similar, heck almost identical, jumpsuit, but in orange and black. It took a minute at most for Naruto to realize that he was staring at him. His eyes widened with disbelief.
"Teme?"
"Dobe." He replied nonchalantly as he finished his bowl of ramen.
"Teme!" he shouted, lunging at him with that ever-so-cheeky grin on his face.
"You're back Teme! You're back!" He exhilaratedly shouted.
"Way to go captain obvious." Sasuke replied with a smirk, as he was getting tackled by his best friend.
"Shut up!" Naruto said, still smiling. Unshed tears of joy welled up in his azure eyes, which pulled on Sasuke's heartstrings. He'd missed the sunny loudmouth idiot more than he'd like to admit.
When Naruto finally let go, he asked,
"Since when have you been back?"
"Yesterday."
"I missed you Teme. We missed you."
Sasuke just smirked. Naruto wasn't any different from what he expected. He was still the same old, loud-mouthed blonde that annoyed the hell out of him. But there was a sudden change in his tone and he said the last part in a soft whisper.
"C'mon let's take a walk around Konoha." He said cheekily, all the remnants of his sadness disappearing. Maybe he was just being paranoid.
"I still have to do some cleaning dobe."
"Aw! C'mon teme! Don't be such a kill-joy."
After all this years, their bond still remained. As much as he wanted to say yes, he still had more to organize.
"I'm sorry Dobe. I still have to go to Hokage-sama to finalize the legitimacy of 'return' as you might call it."
"Aw. You're no fun." Naruto pouted like a child.
"I'll come by your place tomorrow." Sasuke replied with a faint smile. Naruto's pout was wiped clear off his face at his best friend's rare show of affection. Honestly, he didn't expect that the rumors of Sasuke's return were true at all. But he really hoped. It's been too long since he'd been alone, since spring had left, that he was starting to lose all hope.
"Well, alright. But you have to really make up for it."
"Deal. Well bye Dobe. See you later." The raven haired male really wished he didn't have to leave so soon.
"Aw! But I just got here teme!" Naruto whined. He expected to spend the day with his wayward best friend, but it looked like he was still busy.
"Hokage-sama is expecting me." And he left.
Sasuke lightly smiled to himself as he walked around the streets of Konoha. He had seen many of his old friends, and acquaintances, among the myriad of civilians openly pointing and glaring at him. It couldn't be helped, he supposed. He did, after all, desert the village and join a psychopath.
As he was nearing the Hokage Tower, he wondered, where was Sakura? Why hadn't he run into her yet? Maybe she was on a mission. He entered and thought to not bring the subject matter up with Tsunade. He wanted her to know it first. The door was at his sight and he knocked gently and opened the door. Tsunade sat on her chair and gazed at him softly.
"Well Sasuke, before everything else, I would like to inform you that I have spoken to the elders about your little predicament, and we've agreed on a punishment for you. I'm quite thankful that you brought back that snake's head. That made your sentence lighter by tenfold. " She cleared her throat and his silence meant for her to continue.
"Your chakra will be effectively sealed for atleast a couple of months, proceed to Ibiki after this so he may carry on with the procedure. Also to immediately take the next upcoming Chuunin and Jounin Exams, is that clear?"
He just nodded his head.
"Now, do you have any more questions?"
"Actually I do Tsunade-sama. When will I be able to participate on missions and how will I earn a living if I am to be idle for the next month or so?"
"After you pass the exams you'll be given A and B Class missions only. You may try for the ANBU as well. As for your financial issues, I'll give you an allowance every week until you are able to earn your own income. Any more?"
He wanted to ask about her, but he thought otherwise. Prying wouldn't do good for his temper.
"No. Thank you for your time Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade just gave him a small smile and a curt nod before he left. He made his way down the street and pass the Yamanaka Flower Shop. Ino recognized the duck-ass hair and stared at him like he had two heads. He was getting annoyed, but then he noticed the softness in her eyes, and her sullen expression. She looked sad, for some reason. He hadn't the time to ask what.
Her gaze followed him as he walked. It took all her self control just to stop herself from going out there and make him eat dirt, make him pay for all the pain and hurt she'd caused her best friend all these years. But then she thought otherwise. Sakura wouldn't have wanted that.
He made his way to Ibiki and got his chakra sealed for the time being. After an hour or two, he was let out and he casually walked to his apartment. He clearly had forgotten to ask for a cleaning lady. Sighing to himself, he decided that he be the one to clean his own apartment. Who knows what he might find there. Plus, nobody was as obsessively compulsive about cleanliness as an Uchiha.
From the utility closet in the living room, he found a broom, some rags and a dust pan. The area made him want to give up all hope of seeing it tidy, as the thick layers of dust covered the white cloth that protected his furniture and the myriad of cobwebs on every corner of the room. Beforehand, he checked if the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen were just as bad, and just his luck, they were. He let out a long sigh and ran his fingers through his midnight locks. He refused to give up! He killed Orochimaru single-handedly and burned down Sound. A little dirt, okay a lot of dirt won't make him wuss out.
He inhaled deeply and tried to refrain from choking at the unclean air and started by removing the coverings of the furniture then sweeping the well-maintained floor boards and finally wiping the other dirty surfaces clean. He also replaced the bed sheets, cleaned out the closet and made a mental note to shop for some clothes and grocery items tomorrow.
Cleaning his apartment took way longer than expected. It had already been dark and all he wanted to do was lie down on his recently cleaned bed. He felt too exhausted to move and even eat. He found it miraculous that he had the strength to tale a warm shower. Damn his freakishly neat tendencies.
Much to his dismay though, he would have to wait until tomorrow to see her. Kami, how he missed her. It took some time for him to realize, well, 6 years actually, that he also had feelings for her, his pink-haired teammate. He denied it to himself over and over again, to the point that he would bang his head on the wall just to forget. He would tell her tomorrow. His heart beat faster just by thinking of it, but little did he know of fate's deceit. That he, would suffer from the treacherous turn his kismet had made.
A.N: This is the redone version of an otherwise confusing beginning for this story. I hope you'll find this better than the last because in my opinion, it is a much more promising beginning for the story than the original version.