Summary: Because when it all comes down to this, a decision must be made; to listen to your head or to listen to your heart.
Standard disclaimer applies here
Just Listen
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Don't think or judge; just listen.
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"Surely you are not considering such an option, Sasuke."
Silence filled the air. Dark onyx eyes bore into slim, snake-like ones, speaking the unspoken answer: yes.
"But Oto University has some very excellent programs to offer, Sasuke. Would you not even consider the options you already have?"
"I don't settle for excellent, Orochimaru. I settle for the best. And from what the papers and everything has been saying, Konoha University ranks the highest in every program there is."
Sasuke didn't need Orochimaru to voice out his hate for the well-known university, run by no other than Tsunade, who used to be one of Orochimaru's dear friends. His darkening eyes said it all. After all, he would be losing his best student. His favorite student.
But Sasuke didn't care for that.
"I want the transfer to be done by tomorrow. I'll have my stuff gone by morning."
Panic filled Orochimaru's system. This couldn't be happening! His prized student was the best thing out of all the dimwitted idiots that enrolled in his education system. Losing Sasuke would also mean losing the third-rank position he held for the best education in all of the villages. He didn't want that to happen.
"Why the rush? Perhaps you'll change your mind after a good night's rest. We'll talk about this tomorrow," Orochimaru drawled, hoping his antics would keep Sasuke from leaving… just for a little while.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "I don't need you to make decisions for me. I handle my own problems, I walk my own path. I don't need you or anyone to interfere with that," he hissed dangerously. "If you're stupid enough to think that I'm going to fall for your meaningless words, think again." He stood up and marched out of the office, slamming the door behind him, nearly ripping off the doorknob in the process.
The slippery principal's yellow eyes glared furiously at the door.
Despite how many years he's taught the dark-haired boy, Sasuke Uchiha was still extremely difficult to control.
-x-
Sasuke plopped down on his hard, cold bed. He let out a loud sigh as he ran his fingers through his inky black hair.
It hadn't always been like this. There was a time when he had a caring mother who would listen to him; a stern father who would help steer him in the right direction; and a kind, older brother who would listen to his problems and support whatever decision Sasuke ever made.
But that was then, and this is now.
They were all gone now, murdered by a stupid, selfish, heartless bastard. Every single one. Never again would he be greeted by his mother's sweet smile, his father's proud smirk, his brother's understanding eyes. What really angered Sasuke was that the killer's mere reason was that he despised the Uchiha clan.
So Sasuke built a wall. A wall to protect himself. He learned that you should never love anyone, because the moment they're taken from you you're helpless and sad and utterly broken. You're lost in a murky cloud of confusion, wandering around with dead eyes listening to everybody's sugar-coated comments and seeing the aggravating pity that was not needed in their eyes.
Maybe that's why he moved from Suna to Oto. In Oto, nobody knew. Nobody looked at him with pity or give him a sad, knowing smile when he walked to the supermarket. He was a star in Oto; an all-around athlete, heartthrob, valedictorian. It was perfect.
But in Oto, everyone was so dull. Guys cared about making a name but never used their heads, girls cared for nothing but looks and hot guys, and vice versa. It was easy being the best in Oto.
He had come across an article one day in the school library, boasting about all the great things Konoha University had to offer. Whether it was all bullshit or real, Sasuke didn't care; but it seemed that in Konoha, there would be more challenges. There, he would see if he was truly the best.
-x-
By dawn, Sasuke had packed up all his belongings into a large, sturdy cardboard box and crammed it into the trunk of his silver Chevrolet Camaro.
He pulled out of the parking lot without even looking back once.
It was a few hours drive to Konoha, and Sasuke stopped by a small convenience store to buy a few energy drinks and a large coffee.
"Heading out of this village, huh?" Sasuke's head snapped up as he glanced at the cashier woman before him. She was probably in her late thirties, Sasuke guessed, and wasn't the best educated person out there. But her deep blue eyes held some kind of wisdom that was not gain from schoolbooks or textbooks, but from experience.
"Hn," he murmured.
The lady nodded briefly. "That's a smart decision. I wish I'd thought of that years ago, but I was so naïve to see what was important." Seeing Sasuke's attentive eyes watching her, confirming that he was listening, she continued. "I was set to go to Konoha University. Psychology was my major. My future was planned out before I even graduated, but when I did, everything fell apart." She took a deep breath.
"I fell in love with this boy. Plain as he was, he was charming and sweet and had me wrapped around his finger. He convinced me to switch schools and go to Oto to be with him. I was too careless and agreed, not bothering to think of the consequences to follow." Her gaze moved to the window.
"My parents were furious and disowned me, saying that I'd thrown away my bright future for a silly boy. I was too blinded by love to understand their words, but now I know. When I arrived in Oto, I found out the boy was a cheater. A player that played with my emotions and my heart. I was broken and hurt and I wanted to transfer back, but it was too late. My parents didn't want anything to do with me."
"Why didn't you do it on your own?" Sasuke butted in bluntly.
"I wasn't independent enough. So I went through two years before dropping out." She let out a sharp laugh. "To think, I was planning on becoming a psychologist to help others with their problems, but I couldn't even solve my own."
The woman looked at Sasuke dead in the eyes. "Sometimes you've got to listen to your head than your heart. A heart is easily confused by emotions, but a head; it contains a brain that'll help you make the right decisions." She gave him a small smile. Sasuke didn't say anything.
"Well, have a nice trip, kid. It was nice talkin' to ya," she sighed, before Sasuke exited the store.
-x-
After a few long hours of driving, Sasuke finally made it Konoha- or more specifically, Konoha University.
His dark eyes took in the view before him; tall iron gates secured the massive white building, preventing unwelcome strangers from wandering upon the property; lush green gardens brighten up the place. All in all, the entire place practically screamed success.
A smirk found its way to Sasuke's lips.
So this is Konoha, huh…
-x-
Note: Hey, y'all. Tell me what you think!
-A
