INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Seven Sins. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
I like to thank the following people for reviewing my last chapter: Guest; RembrantOtaku; Dark Waffle; chelsearuls; mrgirmjaw; Ben Vilhaven; Konoha's Crimson Fox; nxsasori521; musguian.
RESPONCES
Guest - It's monthly because I have two other ongoing series that I'm working on plus...you know...life. Lol! Sorry but I can't produce things an quicker.
RembrantOtaku - Thank you.
Dark Waffle - Hey DW thank you for reading my work and I hope this knew series can live up to the expectations you have. As for the romantic pairings I'm not going to lie, all of the big three will be touched on to some level or another. I really can't say more than that. Just keep reading and you'll see what develops.
chelsearuls - Thank you. I'll keep writing if you keep reading. Lol!
mrgirmjaw - Thanks bro.
Ben Vilhaven - Yep. This is a monthly fic. I was a bit late with this chapter due to some net problems I've been having. Damn PC's! Lol! Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
Konoha's Crimson Fox - Glad to see you reading my new work KCF! I hope you enjoy bro.
nxsasori521 - Thank you for reading.
musguian - The other Sins have not been revealed at all yet so you'll just have to wait. This is a long story and I'll be taking my time to reveal things. I'm glad you liked my initial representation of Naruto and Sasuke. Sakura on the other hand is more of a weak person right now. But Like all my characters I plan to show growth with Sakura. So don't worry about it. Glad you liked Jiraiya and Tsunade. together. I never really had a chance to write to many interactions with them in my previous work so I'm really happy to focus in on them a bit.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Ok, so here is my latest chapter. I hope you enjoy it. And please remember to leave a review when done. I survive on reviews!
Seven Sins
Chapter II
Sasuke continued to eat his bowl of ramen in silence in the now empty diner when he heard the jingle of the bell as the front door opened. He continued to eat without acknowledging the movement in the diner but he could tell someone was coming closer.
With only the broth left, Sasuke picked up the bowl and began to finish it off. He could sense someone had now sat next to him. "That was pretty stupid," Jiraiya said as he looked at the young boy. "Sasuke…was it?"
Sasuke put down the bowl and looked at the grey haired old man. "This is a stupid world," Sasuke said as he reached for the bottle of sake. He poured a small amount into a cup and drank it down like it was water.
"You're a little young to be drinking that stuff aren't you?" Jiraiya asked. "What are you? Fifteen? Sixteen?"
"Seventeen," Sasuke said. "And in case you're wondering, my father is dead. You are not him."
Just then the front door swung open and Tsunade walked in with Sakura, Naruto and Ino in tow. "You idiot kid!" Tsunade yelled. "Have you any idea what you've done!?"
"I did the manly thing and took care of your problem," Sasuke said. He then looked at Naruto and with a half smile said, "Someone had to."
Naruto gritted his teeth and then jumped forward. "You didn't have to kill them!"
"I'm sorry," Sasuke said. "Next time I'll bend over and let them shove their sword up my ass."
"That's not what we mean," Jiraiya said. "Raiga was an idiot. But he and those guys were harmless idiots. They'd never actually killed anyone before and everyone knew it. They just talk a big game."
"In my experience the one's who talk a big game eventually have to back it up," Sasuke said as he took another sip of sake. "Wouldn't you rather take care of the problem now before all you have are regrets for not acting sooner?" Sasuke then looked at Sakura and smiled. "I bet she feels like I do."
Sakura blushed and smiled back but said nothing. "That's not the point!" Naruto said. He was now angrier than ever as he saw the obvious reaction Sakura had for this boy. "No matter what we feel about the Empire, if we start killing before they even do anything then we're no better than them. We must come up with peaceful solutions."
Sasuke slammed his cup down and laughed. He then looked at Jiraiya and said, "What fairy dust did you sprinkle on this kid?! Peaceful solutions? The Daimyo of the Five Great Countries thought they could find a peaceful solution too. I wonder if they realized how wrong they were as their bodies were dumped into unmarked graves?"
"Naruto, Ino, Sakura," Tsunade said. "I want you to leave us in private."
"But Granny…" Naruto said.
"Now!" Tsunade yelled. Ino, Sakura and Naruto looked at each other before walking into the back.
"This is a load of crap!" Naruto yelled. "To think that guy would believe that going around killing people is a good idea!"
"Well," Ino said. "You have to admit he had good intentions."
"Grandpa once told me good intentions are meaningless without good actions behind it," Naruto said. As the two continued to talk, Sakura hung back and then snuck and hid behind the corner as she listened in on the conversation. As Naruto continued to talk he turned and realized that Sakura was eavesdropping. He, followed by Ino, ran back. "Sakura, what are you doing?" He asked in a low whisper.
"Shh!" Sakura whispered as she strained to hear what they were saying. Realizing that he wouldn't be able to convince Sakura to stop as well as being intrigued himself, Naruto decided to listen in.
"So you think you're way is better?" Jiraiya asked. "Travelling from town to town, killing Imperial Guardsmen?"
"Seems to work out," Sasuke said.
"Oh really?" Jiraiya asked. He then gestured towards outside where dozens of people were gathered outside looking in. Everyone could see the mix of fear and hate in the eyes of the crowd.
"I'm used to that," Sasuke said dismissively. "I have no reason to care what weak people think or say."
"You're used to it huh?" Tsunade said impatiently. "Is that because you're an Uchiha? Or because you're a Sin?"
Sakura gasped as she heard those words. 'He's…an…an actual Sin?' She thought.
"Tsunade!" Jiraiya yelled; shocked that she would ask such a question so loudly. Tsunade raised her hand to silence him.
"It's true, isn't it?" She asked. "That mark on your shoulder. It is the mark of Sin."
Sasuke looked at the mark on his shoulder and then back to Tsunade. "Yeah. Beautiful isn't it?"
Tsunade took a deep breath as though she were trying to calm herself. Realizing that she needed a moment to compose herself Jiraiya spoke up. "So then you're being increasingly foolish. You know that you're being hunted by the Empire. And yet here you are exposing yourself needlessly. When word reaches the Empire of those deaths, this village will be swarmed by Guardsmen looking for revenge. And now, they'll be taking it out on anyone they deem fit. Do you understand? The people have it hard enough as it is."
"The people shouldn't just be sitting around like trained sheep!" Sasuke said as he slammed his fist on the bar. "If they're not brave enough to fight for their own freedom then they don't deserve it and should open their legs to what ever oppression that fucks them up the ass!"
"And because you're proudly showing off that mark you ensure that this village will see hard times!" Jiraiya said. "Don't you care about what happens to the people?!"
"Sorry," Sasuke said. "You've got the wrong guy. I'm not the caring type."
"Then why are you here?" Tsunade finally said. There was a hint of fear in her eyes as she looked at the young boy. "What are you looking for?"
"For now?" Sasuke asked. "A place to stay for the night. But what I'm really looking for isn't in this village. At least…I don't think it is."
"How are you so sure?" Tsunade asked.
"Because no village this cowardly could house a segment of ANBU," Sasuke said.
"You're talking about those underground freedom fighters?" Jiraiya asked. "What makes you think they might be in Konoha?"
"I don't," Sasuke said. "I think they're in a village several miles to the north. I am just passing through this place. I'm also looking for someone who could guide me there. I've been told the village is difficult to find."
"I doubt you'll find anyone here that's willing to help a Sin," Tsunade said.
Sasuke laughed and said, "I never said it would be easy." Sasuke stood up and gathered his belongings. "Well, this was a waste of time. I'll see you around."
"Where are you going now?" Jiraiya asked.
"Like I said," Sasuke responded. "I need a place to stay for the night."
"You must realize that no one here will house a Sin," Jiraiya said.
Sasuke shrugged. "By the looks of this village I don't think it'll be hard to find some abandoned home to crash."
"Stay here for the night," Tsunade suddenly said, causing Sasuke to stop in his tracks and cause Jiraiya to look at her in shock.
"Granny Tsunade!" Naruto yelled as he came from around the corner with Ino and Sakura behind him.
"Damn," Jiraiya said to himself as he rubbed his forehead. "How much did you guys hear?"
"We heard enough!" Naruto yelled. "You can't let this guy stay here! It's obvious he's nothing but trouble that you don't need!"
"Shut up Naruto!" Ino yelled as she smiled at Sasuke. "I for one think it's a great idea. Don't you, Sakura?" Sakura merely smiled at Sasuke and did not answer.
"Whatever!" Naruto yelled. "This guy is bad news Granny and he can't be trusted!"
"Maybe not," Tsunade said. "But Sasuke stood up for my little girl and I can't just forget that. Sasuke, we have an extra room. You can stay here for the night if you wish."
Sasuke gave a little laugh as he looked at everyone in the room. "Tch, it's your call lady," he said as he walked over to her. "I'm not one to turn down a warm bed."
"Good," Tsunade said. "Ino, please show our guest to his room."
"No problem!" Ino yelled happily.
"I'll do it!" Sakura yelled causing everyone to look at her. "I mean…I should do it because you'll need Ino to help with this mess."
Ino gritted her teeth and looked like her head was about to explode when Tsunade said, "Alright Sakura. You do it."
Sakura turned and smiled triumphantly at Ino and then turned to Sasuke and said, "Please follow me."
As she began to walk off, Sasuke looked at her butt as it swayed and said with a smile, "No problem."
Sakura walked in silence as Sasuke walked behind. She could feel his eyes on her and she couldn't help but feel a mix of exhilaration and fear. As they walked up to the second floor all that could be heard was the creaking of the old wooden steps. Sasuke looked about at the old house with its faded, cream colored wall paper, healthy plants propped about and portraits of Tsunade and her daughters hanging here and there. He suddenly felt out of place here and somewhat uncomfortable.
As they walked the hallway Sakura could feel her heart pounding a mile a minute and she could feel butterflies in her stomach. This was the feeling she'd lacked with any other man she'd met so far. This was what she was trying to tell Ino she needed to feel that Naruto could never invoke. "This is a bigger place than it looks from the outside," Sasuke said as he looked around.
Sakura smiled and said, "Many people say that. This was one of the older buildings in Konoha. Lady Tsunade purchased the place about fifteen years ago and fixed the place up the best she could."
"Is that right?" Sasuke asked.
"Yup," Sakura said as she stopped by a door. "I know it's no mansion but I happen to think it's the most beautiful home in all of Konoha."
"Really?" Sasuke said as he walked around from behind Sakura and stood in front of her. "I happen to think it's what's in this home that gives it its beauty."
Sakura turned bright red as she looked at the boys charming smile. "So…is this me?" Sasuke asked as he looked at the door they had stopped in front of.
"Oh! Um, yes…yes it is!" Sakura said nervously. "Here we are." Sakura opened the door and let Sasuke walk in. The room was small. There was a twin sized bed below the window, a small old wooden dresser, and an old desk and chair. There was faded cream wall paper that had small tears here and there. "It's not great," Sakura said. "But I'm sure it's better than some abandoned building."
Sasuke turned and smiled and said, "Well, the people here are better looking. That's for sure."
Again Sakura blushed. "Ah! Um, feel free to let me know if you need anything," She said as she bowed. Sakura looked up and said, "My…room…is just down the hall."
"Good to know," Sasuke said with a smile. Sakura quickly turned and walked down the hall leaving Sasuke alone. Sasuke threw his cloak onto the bed and grimaced as he saw a cloud of dust billow out from the mattress. "Still better than nothing," He said in a low whisper. He then walked to the window and looked out at the view of the street. The sky, which was once blue, was now darkened with grey clouds. He heard the thunder in the distance as the rain slowly began to fall. Sasuke crossed his arms and stared out the window when he saw Jiraiya and Naruto leaving the diner. As the two walked down the street Naruto stopped and looked back and saw Sasuke staring at him. The two glared at each other before Naruto turned and left.
~~~~~~Later that night…~~~~~~
Naruto paced the living room floor frantically as Jiraiya sat in his favorite chair in front of the roaring fireplace reading a book. "Settle down kid! Your pacing is making my nauseous!" Jiraiya yelled as he put down his book.
"How can you be so calm Grandpa?!" Naruto yelled as he threw up his hands. "You know what that guy is!? You know that's he's nothing but trouble! We can't just let him stay in that house!"
Jiraiya sat forward in his seat as he took a moment to regard the young man before him. "And what would you suggest we do? Should we march over there, drag him from the bed and throw him out on his ass?"
"Yes!" Naruto yelled. "No! I don't know! But we have to do something! You said it yourself, once word of what he's done reaches the Empire they will swarm all over Granny's place! We can't let that happen!"
"Tsunade is well aware of that," Jiraiya said as he sat back in his chair. "She and the girls know how to take care of themselves. Besides, we have no say in the matter, its Tsunade's home and her choice."
"That's not good enough!" Naruto yelled as he slammed his fist into the wall which startled Jiraiya. Jiraiya looked up to see that Naruto had punched a dent into the wall. "Naruto, you must never allow your personal feelings to cloud your judgment," Jiraiya said sternly. "Wrath leads only to self destruction."
"I know that!" Naruto yelled.
"Do you?" Jiraiya asked as he looked at the dent Naruto had made. Naruto looked at the dent and sighed as he looked down at the ground. "Violence for your own sake is meaningless. And it will ultimately lead to the world we now live in. The only true way to defeat one's enemy; be it in war…or love…is to first understand them. However you can never hope to find peace with your enemy if you have not found peace within your self. Spend the rest of the night meditating on this."
Naruto took a deep breath and left the living room. He walked to his room and turned on the light and made his way to the window and looked at the storm that raged outside. He couldn't help but feel that a similar storm was beginning to rage within him. Naruto looked at his bandaged right hand as he rolled it around in his left. After a few moments he walked to the middle of his room and sat on the mat with his legs crossed and began to meditate.
~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
"Are you insane, Sakura!?" Ino yelled in a hushed tone. She was sitting in Sakura's room on her bed. Both girls were in their pajamas. "You can't possibly be serious!?"
"Why not!" Sakura said. "You heard what Sasuke said. He's searching for the Resistance forces that are fighting against the Empire. We've both talked about how we should join up! We can help put an end to the Empire! You know what they did to our parents! This is our chance for payback!"
"Sakura you aren't thinking clearly!" Ino said. "I know this guy is really cute and all but he's bad news. Even I can see that! And you saw that mark on his shoulder! You heard what mother said. That guy is a Sin! You've heard the myths! No good comes to those who associate with a Sin! They're harbingers of destruction!"
"Tch!" Sakura said dismissively. "That's just an old story parents tell their kids to scare them! You can't take that seriously!"
"All I know is that guy was in town five minutes and he killed three people!" Ino yelled. "Why do you think you can even trust him?"
"I…don't know," Sakura said. "But there was something. Something in his eyes. He looked…sad."
"Pft!" Ino said. "He looked sad? Please I saw you! You were too caught up looking at his lips!" Both girls began to giggle and continued their conversation. They didn't notice that Sakura's door was slightly ajar and standing in the hallway was Sasuke who stood motionless as he stared at them while listening in. Satisfied, he snuck back down the hall and back to his room where he sat in his bed and prepared himself for another sleepless night.
~~~~~~The Next Morning~~~~~~
"Coming!" Tsunade yelled as she heard the front door bell ring. It rang again as she made her way down the stairs with her robe wrapped around her. "I said I'm coming!" She yelled. "Hold your damned horses!"
"What the hell do you..?!" She yelled as she opened the door. She stopped mid sentence when she was surprised to see Naruto standing at the door. "Naruto?" She asked. She then looked at a nearby clock and then back to him. "What are you doing here so early? It's eight in the morning?"
"Oh!" Naruto said nervously. "Good Morning Granny Tsunade! I was in the area and decided to stop by and say hi."
"In the area?" TSunade asked. "Why would you be around here this early?"
"Oh!" Naruto said. "I…umm…Grandpa Jiraiya wanted to me to pick up a few things at the market."
"The market doesn't open for another hour." Tsunade said with a smile.
"Yeah," Naruto said with a nervous smile. "Now you know why I decided to stop by here. I can kill some time."
~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
"Naruto!" Jiraiya yelled as he looked around the house. "Naruto, are you here!?" He walked into Naruto's bedroom to find it empty. Jiraiya looked around confused. "Where the hell is that damned kid!?"
~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
"Uh huh," Tsunade said with a smile. "Anyway, come on in. You hungry?"
"No thanks Granny Tsunade, I already ate!" Naruto said.
"Really?" Tsunade asked. "Too bad. I'm sure Teuchi has some leftover ramen from last night."
Naruto seemed to brighten up and with a wide smile he said, "Well Granny, if you insist maybe I could have a little something!"
"No problem," Tsunade said. "Sakura's in the kitchen by the way."
"Oh!" Naruto said. "Is she? Cool, but I didn't really come to see her you know."
"Sure you didn't," Tsunade said with a smile as she left the room.
Naruto took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen where he found Sakura over the sink watching dishes. Yet she seemed more interested in something happening outside the window over the sink. "Hey Sakura!" Naruto yelled.
Surprised, Sakura looked back. "Oh…Hey Naruto." She said. "What are you doing here so early?"
"I decided to stop by while I wait for the market to open." Naruto said.
"Why would Jiraiya-san send you so early for?" Sakura asked.
"Who knows!" Naruto said. "The guy is old!" Sakura gave a little laugh as she went back to washing dishes. Yet she continued to stare out the window.
There was a brief, uncomfortable silence until Naruto asked, "So, how did you sleep last night?"
"Uhh, fine I guess," Sakura asked. "Why?"
"Well, with that…guy here…I figured…" Naruto said.
"That guy?" Sakura asked as she turned around. "You mean Sasuke? Is that why you came here? To check on me like some jealous boyfriend?"
"No, no, no Sakura! That's not…" Naruto said nervously.
"Because I can take care of myself Naruto!" Sakura yelled. "I don't need you to protect me!"
"Well, maybe you do need some protection from that guy. He's a maniac!" Naruto yelled.
Sakura laughed sarcastically. "Oh! So now you want to protect me?! Funny, how you wanted to do this now when yesterday you…!" Sakura suddenly stopped as she realized she was about to say something she would regret. But it was too late. Naruto knew what she was about to say and even though the words were never said he got the meaning and he felt as though a knife had been plunged in his heart. Seeing the hurt on his face Sakura turned away, knowing there was nothing she could say to take it back. "Anyway," she said as she looked out the window. "Sasuke isn't a threat. I'm not afraid of him."
Naruto walked up to see just what Sakura kept looking at. When he looked out the window he was surprised to see a shirtless Sasuke chopping wood. "Yeah, I bet you aren't." Naruto said as he looked at Sakura who avoided looking at him.
Naruto turned and opened the door leading outside and made his way over to Sasuke who was in the middle of chopping another block of wood with an axe. "What are you doing?" Naruto asked impatiently as he walked up.
"Well, good morning to you too sunshine!" Sasuke said with a smile as he sliced through the block. "Is that how people usually say good morning in this village?"
"What are you doing?" Naruto asked again.
Sasuke stopped and leaned on the axe. "Well let's see," he said. "I've got an axe here and some wood. So clearly I must be playing shogi."
"That's not what I meant!" Naruto said angrily. "You said you would be leaving first thing in the morning. Why are you still here?"
"Actually, I never said anything about leaving first thing in the morning," Sasuke said. "As for this I figured that since the old lady was kind enough to put me up I might as well pull my weight. I noticed her firewood was low."
"You should go," Naruto said.
"What's your problem Naruto?" Sasuke asked. "Does being in the presence of a real man threaten you so much?"
"Killing doesn't make you a man Sasuke." Naruto said.
"Neither does cowering in a booth like a coward," Sasuke responded. Naruto clenched his fists in anger but remained silent. Sasuke couldn't hide his amusement at seeing Naruto get upset. He reached down and grabbed another log of wood and placed it on the tree stump when he noticed Naruto's bandaged right hand. "Nasty wound?"
Naruto moved his hand out of Sasuke's view and touched his hand. "An old scar I got years ago on the farm." He said. "It's…pretty ugly. I prefer not to show it."
Sasuke looked at Naruto and back to his hand. "Yeah," he said. "I know the feeling." For a brief moment here was silence between the two men as Sasuke went back to chopping wood.
"Why do you show it?" Naruto asked as he looked at the tattoo on Sasuke's shoulder.
"What?" Sasuke asked.
"Why do you show that tattoo?" Naruto asked. "You know what it means. You know what kind of trouble it causes you. Why show it so proudly?"
Sasuke stopped and leaned on the ax. He then looked at the tattoo and said, "Trust me; pride has nothing to do with it. If I could I'd burn this thing right off of me." Naruto looked at Sasuke with surprise but remained silent. "But it wouldn't matter." Sasuke continued. "It would just come right back. Everything else I've tried doesn't work. Besides…it does serve a purpose."
"And what purpose is that?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked at Naruto angrily and asked, "Hey, who the hell are you; my biographer? What's with all the damned questions about me?"
"I just want to know." Naruto said.
"Know what?" Sasuke asked.
"The real reason you're sticking around," Naruto said. "Something tells me you're not the kind of guy who hangs around to play house."
Sasuke laughed as he chopped through another block of wood. "You know, you might not be as dense as you act like you are farm boy." Naruto remained silent as he glared at Sasuke. "Ok," Sasuke said. "If you must know I'm looking for something."
"What?" Naruto asked.
"None of your damned business," Sasuke said.
"Tch," Naruto said impatiently. "Why shouldn't I be surprised that you would keep that a secret?"
"Takes a liar to know a liar I guess," Sasuke said. "We all have our secrets."
"What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked.
"These eyes of mine allow me to see much," Sasuke said. "You think I didn't notice what you did yesterday?"
"What I did?" Naruto asked.
"When I was fighting those Imperialist scumbags I blocked a kunai and it ricocheted into the crowd," Sasuke said. "It was heading right at you. And you dodged it…easily. Way too easily in fact, for some pacifist farm boy." Naruto seemed to grow ridged as he glared at Sasuke. "So, who the hell are you?"
"That was just luck," Naruto said.
Sasuke laughed. "Luck? Right. Like I said, we all have our secrets Naruto."
"So what you're looking for is here in Konoha?" Naruto asked.
"Nope," Sasuke said as he looked at Naruto with a smile. "Konoha is just where I can find someone to take me to what I'm looking for. But I must admit…I think I may have found something else that's pretty interesting."
Just then Sasuke saw Sakura exit the house, walking towards them. In her hand she carried a tray. "Some things are more interesting than others." Sasuke said with a knowing glance.
Sakura walked up with a pitcher of water and a glass. "Um, hey," She said to Sasuke. "I thought you could use a drink."
Sasuke smiled and said, "Seeing you is all the refreshment I'd need. But for now I'll take the water."
Sakura blushed as Sasuke took a deep drink. Naruto clenched his fist and fought to keep his composure as he suddenly felt like a third wheel. Sasuke finished his drink and placed it back on the tray. "Thanks Sakura," He said with a wink. Sakura gave a little laugh and then realizing how upset Naruto looked, she quickly gathered the tray and left. As she walked away Sasuke stared at her butt and said, "Yep, very interesting indeed."
Sakura made her way inside where Ino was waiting in the kitchen. "Is that Naruto out there?" She asked.
"Yes," Sakura said. "He stopped by and went to talk to Sasuke."
Ino laughed and said "He's probably gone out there to challenge Sasuke to a duel for your hand!"
"Stop laughing Ino," Sakura yelled. "This isn't funny. Besides, Naruto wouldn't stand a chance against a man like Sasuke!"
"Yeah but it doesn't help with you throwing yourself at Sasuke like that right in front of him," Ino said.
"Hey, it's not my fault that Naruto has a thing for me," Sakura said. "I've told him over and over that I just want to be his friend." Just then they heard the bell at the front door. "Looks like we have customers. Let's get to work."
"Right behind you!" Ino said with a smile as she followed Sakura out to the front.
Sakura and Ino walked through the kitchen and out to the bar. "Welcome to Nawaki's Diner!" Sakura exclaimed. "You guys…are…early." Sakura and Ino stopped in their tracks as they were greeted by eight, fully armed Imperial Soldiers.
"Funny," said the ninja who stood in front of the others. "It feels like we're right on time."
"Oh," Sakura said nervously. "How can we help you boys today? Would…you…like to see our specials?"
"Not today," the ninja said. "My name is Captain Kimimaro Kaguya. We're here about the incident that took place yesterday." Kimimaro wore the standard gray and blue Imperial armor. He was a tall, pale skinned man with vivid green eyes and two dots on his forehead. He had shoulder-length, grey hair which he wore divided down the middle of his head with two separate partings on wither side of his face.
Kimimaro was the captain of the garrison stationed in Konoha and was given the dubious nick name the Phantom of the Leaf due to his incredibly pale skin. He had garnered a reputation for his cold demeanor and brutal efficiency. Sakura and Ino had never met the man but they could see now what made this man so fearsome.
"Incident?" Ino asked as she did her best to feign ignorance.
"What's going on here!?" Tsunade said as she stormed in through the front door behind them. She pushed her way through the crowd of ninja until she reached the center of the room.
"Ah!" Kimimaro exclaimed. "I take it you must be Lady Tsunade? You're as beautiful as the people claim you to be."
"Skip the pleasantries!" Tsunade yelled. "Why the hell are you here with an army at my doorstep?! You're a bit early for lunch! My cooks haven't even arrived yet!"
"My apologies for how this may seem," Kimimaro said as he bowed. "My name is-"
"I already know who you are Captain." Tsunade said. "You don't keep as low a profile as you think. Now please tell me why you're here."
"Of course," Kimimaro said. "As I was explaining to your lovely daughters, last night the bodies of four Imperial Soldiers, including a lieutenant, were found in a ditch not four blocks from this establishment."
"How unfortunate," Tsunade said without showing a hint of surprise. "Konoha is a dangerous place, captain. You never know what awaits you around any corner."
"Indeed," Kimimaro said as he looked past Tsunade and at the girls who both looked nervous.
Tsunade quickly stepped into his line of sight and said, "But I'm not sure what any of this has to do with us."
"The last time these men were seen alive, they were on their way here to eat which they often did," Kimimaro said. "Lieutenant Raiga especially was known for having a certain…affinity…for the place." Again Kimimaro looked to the two girls who stood behind Tsunade.
"They were here yesterday." Tsunade said as she again stepped into Kimimaro's line of sight. "But they left after they ate. We have no idea what happened after they left."
"Really?" Kimimaro asked as he walked by Tsunade and slowly looked around the diner. He nonchalantly walked up to a nearby table and picked up a small glass salt shaker and began to inspect it. "Because we have reason to believe that these men were in fact killed much closer to your diner. Right outside in fact. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?"
"No, we don't," Tsunade said. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Sakura and Ino who both slowly began to make their way to behind the bar.
"And the man responsible?" Kimimaro asked. "The whole village is abuzz with chatter. A young man with black hair and red eyes; as well as a very unique tattoo on his right shoulder. You wouldn't happen to know who this person is and where he has gone would you?"
"Sorry," Tsunade said as she glanced at her daughters who had made it behind the bar. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Kimimaro put the salt shaker down with a thud and Tsunade looked on in shock as she saw what looked like a large bone slowly growing out of Kimimaro's closed fist. "Such a shame," Kimimaro said as he turned to face Tsunade. "I was hoping we could avoid this."
~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
Sasuke continued to chop block after block of wood in silence as Naruto stood silently with his arms folded in concentration. "So," Sasuke finally said. "I take it that you're in love with that Sakura girl right?"
Naruto's eyes flew open and looked at Sasuke. "Why the hell would you say that?!"
Sasuke laughed. "You kidding?" He asked. "I don't even need my eyes to see that pathetic display you just put on. I mean really, has anyone taught you how to be a man yet?"
"Shut up!" Naruto yelled. "What do you know about it!?"
"I know that women don't go for weak men," Sasuke said. "Women want a man they can feel safe with. They want a man who can protect them. Someone who can take charge."
"I can protect Sakura," Naruto said angrily.
"Oh really?" Sasuke asked.
"Really," Naruto responded. Sasuke suddenly felt a cold chill run down his spine as he stared at Naruto. There was a sudden change about him. Sasuke tried to focus in on what he was seeing. Suddenly Naruto seemed taller, stronger and more imposing. Something had changed. Something Sasuke couldn't quite put a finger on yet seemed very familiar. Before he could figure it out the two men where startled by a scream and the sound of breaking glass coming from inside the house.
The two boys gave each other a quick glance before they each sprinted from the back yard and into the house. Sasuke grabbed his sword that was leaning nearby and threw it across his shoulder. They quickly made their way through the house before they entered the diner area where they came to an immediate halt.
Standing before them were seven armed ninja. All of them had their swords drawn and prepared for battle. In the center of the room was a white-haired ninja holding what looked to be a long bloody bone, shaped like a short sword. Crouched in front of him was Tsunade, clutching to a bloody wound on her left shoulder.
"Sasuke-kun! Naruto!" Sakura yelled.
Naruto looked over to the bar and saw Sakura and Ino with kunai in their hands but they were surrounded by armed ninja. "Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled.
"Well, well," Kimimaro said as he looked at the two boys. "What do we have here? I came here expecting to find information on your whereabouts. But I honestly didn't expect to find you staying here."
Sasuke's body lowered into a semi-crouch and became tense as stone. He looked like a wild animal that had been cornered by predators and was preparing for its last stand. "You are the man I'm looking for are you not?" Kimimaro asked. "Uchiha Sasuke? My name is Captain Kaguya Kimimaro. I am the captain of the unit tasked with the protection of Konoha."
"Protection!?" Sasuke yelled. "You're not protectors! You're filth that was sent here by the Empire to maintain control over the people of this land. You're the boot the Empire uses to step on the necks of the people! You're not heroes! You're murderers!"
Kimimaro grinned as he looked at Sasuke. "It's funny to hear something like that coming from you." He said. "You, a man who has more blood on his hands than anyone else." Sasuke glared at Kimimaro. His eyes seemed to glimmer with a ferocity that seemed almost bestial. Yet he remained silent. "You are the man who in one night killed every Uchiha in his village, including his own mother and father? The man who then became a wanderer, going from village to village, killing Imperial soldiers on a whim with complete disregard to innocent life just so you could satisfy you lust for blood. I'd say you're the only murderer here."
"S-Sasuke?" Sakura said as she looked at Sasuke who glared at Kimimaro.
"Yes, you're right," Sasuke said. "I am a murderer."
Naruto looked at Sasuke in shock. He knew that Sasuke was hiding something. He knew this man was dangerous but he couldn't believe that this was what he was hiding. As he looked at Sasuke he could see him tensing. He could tell that Sasuke was about to attack. "Sasuke…" Naruto whispered low enough for Sasuke to hear.
"And you know what," Sasuke said to Kimimaro without acknowledging Naruto. "I think I might murder again."
"Sasuke!" Naruto whispered forcefully. "You can't!" Sakura and Ino looked around. They could feel the tension rising to a boiling point and it frightened them.
"Oh really?" Kimimaro said with a smile. "You would really risk a fight here and risk the lives of these innocent women?"
Sasuke didn't even look towards the women in the room his gaze remained fixated on Kimimaro. "Well, you said it yourself," he said. "I have a nasty tendency to disregard innocent life."
"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled. "You can't! Not here! The girls..!"
Kimimaro began to laugh. "Yes, Sasuke!" He said. "Listen to your friend! Give up! You don't want to risk their lives do you? Surrender now and they will be spared."
"He's not my friend!" Sasuke yelled. "I don't have friends! This farmer boy is just a hindrance! And as for surrendering? I don't do surrender!"
Kimimaro stopped laughing and looked at Sasuke. At the same time everyone heard a sickening sound of bones breaking and the tearing of flesh. Slowly another long, bloody bone began to protrude out of the palm of his empty hand. As it grew it took the shape of a sword that looked like the other one he held. Kimimaro then snapped it so that he could hold it like a blade. "Ah!" He said. "I had a feeling when I woke up today that today would be special. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be the one to kill the last Uchiha."
Sasuke suddenly seemed to calm himself. All the tension flooded from his body and he stood up out of his crouched stance. He then looked at the ground and then glanced to the cutlery that was sitting on the table next to him. "The last Uchiha?" He said in a low voice almost as if he were speaking to himself.
It was then memories flooded back to him. He could remember that night years ago. He could remember the screams and the heat of the flames as his village burned around him. He could remember the smell of burning flesh and…most of all…he could remember that face. And those eyes that glared at him with a malicious smile.
And as Sasuke looked up at Kimimaro he could see the same smile on his face. Kimimaro had that same smile that caused a burning in his gut and the heat to rise in his brain. "The last Uchiha?" Sasuke asked. "No. I am not the last. Not yet."
In one fluid move Sasuke reached for the knife that was on the table and turned and buried it deep into the neck of the ninja standing nearby. "Kill them all!" Kimimaro yelled. In shock, the ninja dropped his sword and clutched at his wound as he began to drown in his own blood. Sasuke grabbed the sword in mid air and quickly buried the blade to the hilt into the chest of the ninja that was closing in behind him.
One ninja that was standing behind the fallen Tsunade raised his blade, preparing to lop off her head. Sasuke pulled the knife out of the dying ninja's neck and threw it across the room, burying it deep through the man's eye and into his brain. The ninja screamed and fell back to the ground as blood gushed from his wound. Sasuke drew the double hilted katana out of the sheath that was strapped to his back. Kimimaro was surprised that not only did the sword have two hilts it also had two blades.
Sasuke suddenly leaped towards Kimimaro. He screamed a deep bestial howl as he cleared across the room with one jump. Kimimaro placed both his bone swords in front of him and blocked Sasuke's attack but the force knocked him and Sasuke's through the large glass window and out into the street.
"Shit!" Naruto yelled as he stood, dumbfounded by what he'd just seen. Suddenly he heard Sakura call his name. "Naruto!" Jogged from his state of shock, he turned to see that the two ninja that had surrounded Ino and Sakura were now closing in, intent on killing them.
Naruto then turned to see another ninja closing in on Tsunade who had yet to get to her feet. "Never mind me Naruto!" Tsunade yelled. "Help the girls! I can take care of myself!"
Meanwhile outside, the two men crashed to the ground as they tussled for dominance over the other. Kimimaro kicked Sasuke hard in the chest and used the momentum to roll back away and quickly scrambled to his feet.
Sasuke hit the ground hard and skidded across the dusty ground before he quickly back flipped to his feet. The two men then stared at each other as they sized each other up. Kimimaro stared at the strange weapon Sasuke held in his hand. Sasuke held both hilts in his hand and had it at the ready. From what Kimimaro could tell, one hilt was bone white with a motif of a dragon spitting flame on the side. The other hilt was black that had the motif of a red sun on the side. The blade above the white hilt was longer, just over three feet in length by his estimation and serrated. While the blade over the black hilt was shorter, about half the length of the other and was flat at the tip. "I've never seen a sword like that before," Kimimaro said.
"And you likely never will," Sasuke said. "This is ChōmeiSaiken." Sasuke said. "And it's too good to be used on filth like you. You should be honored to be one who dies by this blade."
"ChōmeiSaiken?" Kimimaro said. "I've heard of that sword. It's one of the Six Great Swords bequeathed to the heads of five clans hundreds of years ago by the Rikudō Sennin."
"Yes," Sasuke said. "And one of them was given to the then head of the Uchiha. It was passed down from chief to chief."
"And now you have it?" Kimimaro asked. "What a shame that someone like you would have such a treasure."
"Yes," Sasuke said. "And now I plan to kill you with it!"
To Be Continued…
