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Chapter 1: Succeeding at Failing
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The room is clean and white... so clean... so peaceful... so serene... so... nostalgic.
A sigh resonated throughout the room. A sigh so full of sadness... of regrets... of disappointment... It emitted from the figure lying on a comfortable bed.... motionless.... contemplative... unfocused. It had been a week since UX15's death.
A death of a subject, a mere subject of a project had been a blow to the staff of Dome 360. Not only have they lost their leader's caring and warm character, but they also lost their pride, their sun, the ball of energy that had been their master's source of happiness.
UX15's death had been kept a secret from the majority. And in the end, they created the one hundred human beings that the intergalactic union had requested as a test of their ability. But still, they cannot get over his death. Because of pride and one mistake, they have lost most of their progress.
The following creations are not as successful. But at least half survived and it was enough to keep them going.
A man sighed. He looked at a picture, staring at it with an apologetic gaze. For a week, he had been in hysteria, his cries echoed throughout his lonely room- a room that once so full of fond and nostalgic memories is now nothing but a shadow. He had accused the boy of being a traitor when in fact, he is the one that betrayed the trust of his partner.
He tried to show his face in public, but he lost his confidence, still dragged down by guilt and depression. Due to this, Kabuto had been busy, serving as his messenger, running all over the place, informing the others of his whims and commands.
But for once, he was content. The vision of power is not so alluring after all now that he had lost the one that he valued most- his one chance at redemption, his one chance at love.
And now, there he is, revered as an icon, inspiration by thousands of budding scientists, shrinking down into depression.
"Naruto..." For the first time, the name escaped his lips and once again, he felt hot tears rolling down his face. His eyes scanned through his room and caught sight of Aya-chan, his one last reminder of Naruto. The droid had been traumatized after seeing the dead body of her beloved 'Ruto-chan' and had to shut down her system to prevent herself from exploding.
Though it is unheard of, Sasuke could understand the robot's reaction. Only Naruto treated her like a human being. Even he, its creator, never talked to the droid at all. He just injected order or command chips into its slot and he left it to do its work.
Sasuke sunk deeper, guilt once again constricting his heart. But he know that sooner or later, he have to deal with his own demons.
A knock on his door broke his chain of thoughts.
"Who's there?" He asked, surprised to find his voice still functional after his silence for almost six consecutive days.
"Uchiha-sama... I know you're grieving for the loss of UX15. Even I still blame you for what happened, but seriously, your coronation is in a few hours. Please get yourself presentable."
"Fine." He agreed, much to Kabuto's surprise. "Give me a few minutes. Stall the program if you can. I' have to do something first.
"Yes sir." Upon hearing the fading footsteps, he quickly scanned through his files. Once again, he will try to make atonements. But he will no longer mess with life and death. This time, he will found a society, and fulfill Naruto's goals. A small smile graced his lips as his hand held a folder.
This is what Naruto wanted. Maybe it's time to get working once more. Che! I don't want that idiot to get laughing at me, now won't I? Sasuke thought. He will ease his guilt. And this time, he will succeed.
He exited his room and went straight to the rooftop.
As he rematerialized on one of the teleport pads, he was surprised to find everything filled with people. Where did all of them came from? Most importantly, how did they all arrived here? There is only at least three jets and airways that leads in and out of Dome 360. And one can support only eight passengers. He shook his head in defeat and made his way to the movable stage they arranged.
"Ahh... There he is ladies and gentlemen. The man who we are waiting for, the man who will lead Sound to a much better standing, the man who will push forward the scientific community, let us all show our acceptance to our new leader, Emperor Sasuke!"
An applause rang through the air, as people cheerfully greeted their new leader.
"It is with great honor and pride that I take this new position. Weeks ago, I am just a head scientist of Dome 360, and now, I am here, standing in front of you to be appointed as your leader. I am glad that I am given this chance. And to show my eagerness to lead you all, allow me to present a new project I am working on- VENUS."
The short speech earned him an even louder applause as scientists and fans practically ran to him. Proposals, invitations and even dates! They all flooded around him. But none of them matter. For as long as he is once again on his way to start anew, he would definitely grab the chance to make amends.
Kabuto appeared on his back.
"Uchiha-sama? What is this Venus?"
"I'll tell you later." Sasuke gave him a rare smile. "I think it's time I fulfill Naruto's wishes."
"Really? Then if it's for Naruto-kun, let me help you."
"Didn't you said last week that you despise me?" Sasuke smirked at him.
This made Kabuto scowl. "Don't get me wrong, Emperor, I blame you alright but I also want to do something for Naruto-kun's sake. I can't help but feeling responsible. After all, I was the one who untied him."
"You untied him?" This opened an old wound. "By what right you--"
"If you haven't forgotten Uchiha-sama, it was you who left him for three days and a half with no food, open wounds and tied in an uncomfortable position. Don't make me the bad guy on this one." He heard Sasuke sighed. Then he realized Sasuke isn't talking to him anymore.
"I'm glad that you have accepted me. As thanks, this week will be a week for celebration, that means no class and no work. How does that sound?" A roar of claps and cheers indicated the acceptance. This made him smirk.
"Alright. Then I have to arrange that. So I have to leave early and sign a few notifications. If you excuse me..." He smirked, a chance to avoid more people. The visitors were so excited that they quickly left, much to Sasuke's amazement and once again, confusion. When the crowd thinned out, he made his way back to the main lab with Kabuto behind him.
"Uchiha-sama, please tell me of this project... What can I do? How do we start? What happens now that you gave everyone a day off? How would we start the project?"
"Hn. If you know what's good for you, then you'd let me decide when to start. See you later Kabuto." He said as the door to his room closed. He once again picked up the photo of Naruto- the last photo that he has.
The photo shows a battered face, injured, bloody, yet it is at peace. And despite for death that surrounds the figure, it still screams ethereal beauty, emitting an aura of peaceful acceptance, one that could lure you in and never let fo.
"Naruto..." He began, as if talking to the photo. "I'm really sorry for all of this. But... I promise that I'll make it up to you. The peaceful world that you always wanted, I would build it for you. Just wait."
Sasuke returned the photo back to the table beside his bed and started typing on his laptop once again, pulling out the design.
Venus
Objective: To create a supercomputer that would monitor everything in a given area, regulating weather, judicial system and governing health as well as production of basic necessities, thus creating a deity independent to human hands that is fully capable of running societies and promoting peace.
Further capabilities and features can be extended to the following: 1.) Preventing death 2.) Preventing accidents 3.) Creating some sort of web that would filter souls and chakra, enabling complete reincarnation to prevent loved ones from being separated to each other 4.) Assist in any development and 5.) Intervene in any human affairs that would cause further harm to the entirety of the race or nation.
Progress so far: Designs and materials needed are fully listed as well as programs and codings that will run the system.
Sasuke returned the file to his drawer and decided to retire to bed. He kissed the photo and put the lights out, as he closed his eyes, waiting for sleep to come.
Unknown to him the battered and injured face turned into a smiling bright face, and from within the confines of golden frames and plastic lamination, it looked straight at him with warm, fond and caring eyes. And he wasn't sure if he is dreaming or not, but a soft, "Thank you Sasuke" managed to make his dreams more soothing, and a warm feeling surrounding him chased his nightmares away.