Newly formed Team 7 Sakura, Naruto, Sai and Kakashi successfully retrieves Sasuke from Orochimaru. However, Sasuke refuses to comeback to Konoha until Itatchi is dead. Torn between the need for revenge and possible happiness, ambition and friendship, duty and love, Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura faces the insanity in deciphering the true image of freedom.
Chapter 1 –Refusal"What did you say Sasuke-teme?!" a voice echoed through the woods. A furious blond of age fifteen was trying his best to contain the anger. The raven haired boy, seemed indifferent to the rage directed at him as he stares blankly.
" Dobe, I won't repeat myself." The comment made the later angrier "Why you bastard! After all we've gone through just for you!" He couldn't keep his body from shaking. The raven haired boy sighed and turned away. As he was about to walk out.
"Sasuke, wait." It sounded more like order rather than a request from a certain silver haired man. "Wait until she wakes up…" Arms crossed he directed his gaze on a pink haired girl in slumber. Looking back at the blacked haired boy. " You owe her at most another good bye." The statement made the blond boy more furious. "You're going to let him go away Kakashi?!" shouting while pointing at the other boy. "We've searched for him all this time, saved his ass and now you want to just release him like that?!" The silver haired looked at the blond boy. "He is not a prisoner Naruto. Orochimaru is dead, Sasuke is free from the seal, and therefore he is no longer a threat to Konoha."
"But Kakashi, he belongs to Konoha. That's why he must comeback." The blacked haired boy looked at the arguing men. "I belong to no one but myself. I shall do as I please." The blond boy rushed towards and grabbed him by the collar. "You insolent bastard, you're not just a traitor but also an ingrate." The other boy just smirked "If you want to settle this, I can fight anytime" This angered the blond more. "Why you, after all that Sakura-chan had to go through.." He was about to hit Sasuke when Kakashi grabbed his fist. "No more fighting, Sakura is resting." Separating the two young men. "Sasuke, stay until she awakens, you owe her your life. And Naruto, don't fuss about Sasuke." he eyed the raven haired boy. "If the time comes we have to hunt him down because of his foolishness, we will just have to do our job." Sasuke crossed his arms. "So are you going to kill me then?" he asked challengingly. "If need be" was an affirmative response from Kakashi. "When you step out on us, before and after Sakura awakes, it means you can be an enemy."
Naruto gasped at his former sensei's words. "What the heck are you saying Kakashi?!" The silver haired Jounin just smiled underneath his mask. "Simple, he better live a good life alone and kill his brother. As long as he doesn't give Konoha trouble, there won't be any problems." Naruto crossed his arms. "I don't think Tsunade oba-sama would agree to that" Kakashi patted Naruto's head. "Actually, that idea came from her." The last statement surprised both teens. Naruto's eyes widened. "Why would she suggest such a thing?!" Sasuke just gave his arrogant smirk " Well a Hokage is intelligent, no wonder she saw it my way." Clenching his fists Naruto raised his voice "What are you trying to imply?!" Sasuke stepped forward "That you're stupid dobe." Kakashi stood in between "Enough you two. Naruto get us some firewood and Sasuke we need to have a small talk first before you go."
There was something in Kakashi's voice that made both boys feel obedient. "You better still be here teme, when I get back" Sasuke just glared at him "I don't take orders from you dobe." Naruto turned around. "You talk too much for your own good." With that said Naruto disappeared in the darkness.
Kakashi sat near the slumbering Sakura and motioned Sasuke to do the same. The younger boy sat opposite his former sensei. He didn't notice it but as he sat his eyes were focused on the sleeping figure in front of him. Quietly he sat beside her, "Now Sasuke let's have our short talk."