CHAPTER 2: Reunion
They were running as if their life depended on it. They ran as fast as they could afraid that they might lose him again if they didn't. They just got back from their mission, they haven't rested but they didn't care. He was back, and that was all that mattered. The sound from both running and panting mixed their feeling of anxiety, excitedness, euphoria. It was quite a feeling.
"Hey! watch where you're going Naruto! Sakura!" a male ninja with a bandage across his nose bridge shouted, while the other one just stared after them.
"Sorry!" Naruto called back but still continued running.
"Sumimasen Kotetsu-san! Izumo-san! We're kind of in a hurry", Sakura, who was also on even pace with Naruto, apologized for almost bumping into the two ninjas and almost toppling off the pile of papers they were carrying.
It had just been a few minutes ago where she and Naruto were heading for Ichiraku's when Kakashi suddenly appeared in front of them with a puff of smoke.
"Yo!" the gray-haired ninja greeted them, "I see you guys are back. How was the mission?"
"Why the hell didn't you catch up with us, huh!" Naruto spat, pointing angrily at him, "you said after your mission you'd come back immediately!"
"Now, now", Kakashi raised both his hands to calm the blonde, "Hokage-sama had other plans"
"Heh!" Naruto pouted, "You could at least buy us some ramen then and make up for your absence!"
"Just let it go, Naruto. It was just a simple mission after all. Besides, what's done is done. Kakashi-sensei would've just been reading his book if he was there", Sakura pointed out.
"See", the jounin smiled, "Also, I have a better one that could 'make-up' for my 'absence' "
When he told both of them that he was back, almost in an instant, she and Naruto were running as fast as they could towards the Hokage's office, leaving the stunned Kakashi in the busy streets of the village.
Naruto slammed the door to the Hokage's office with a loud bang as soon as they arrived. Their hands on their knees panting heavily they moment they stopped.
"Where...is...he?" Naruto managed to say between catching his breath, hands still on his knees for support.
Sakura, able to catch her breath bit by bit, stood upright to give a polite bow to her master while anxiously waiting for her reply to Naruto's question.
"I was expecting both of you" Tsunade spoke unperturbed of their sudden entrance to her office, "But it seems you arrived a bit early. I have already asked Shizune to bring him here. He will be arriving soon."
"When did he return?" Naruto asked once he regained composture, sweat running down his cheeks from all the running.
"A week ago" the Hokage replied still sitting on her chair behind her desk. From where she was, she could see the slightest smiles coming from the two shinobi's faces. She smiled inwardly as well, but she had to give them reminders and information so she maintained a straight face as she began to tell them.
"Naruto, Sakura" she called their attention. And the two who have been staring at the floor for some reason looked at her.
"Though Sasuke may have returned, let me remind you that he became a criminal the moment he stepped out and abandoned the Hidden Leaf Village..."
Sakura was about to say something but Naruto beat her to it "But Sasuke never harmed anybody! He may have left but he did nothing against the Leaf!", he shouted defensively.
Tsunade remained calm still, "Let me finish". And when Naruto said nothing more she continued, "As I was saying, Uchiha Sasuke is still a criminal having left the village." the blonde frowned but she ignored him, "We had him interrogated the moment he arrived and we found no intentions of him wanting to harm the village in anyway. Also, as both of you know, he did rid us the problem of dealing with Orochimaru even if he did it for his own benefit. After Inoichi's interrogation he found out, and reported to me, that the cursed mark Orochimaru left on Sasuke has been removed by Itachi."
The two ninja's eyes widened in astonishment.
This time, it was Sakura who interrupted, "Why would Itachi do such a thing? It's good news but I thought he wanted Sasuke-kun dead? Why was he helping him?"
Sakura knew why Sasuke wanted his elder brother dead in the first place. He wanted revenge for the clan that Itachi wiped out. Because of Itachi he no longer had a family. If Itachi wanted to make his younger brother miserable, why help him get rid of the curse mark? She could not understand what Itachi's had in mind.
What happened when those two met anyway?
"That is the very reason why Sasuke has returned. He wants to seeks answers for Itachi's actions." Tsunade sighed, "I'll keep it short. Sasuke and Itachi were engaged in a battle before he planned to return. Right after their fight which killed Itachi, his elder brother showed him parts of his memory saying that the murder of their clan was an order. So basically what Sasuke wants is the truth. He will have to be the one to fill you with the details if he wishes. Unfortunately, I do not have the answers to his questions as of now. But I' am having it looked at"
From the corner of her eyes, Sakura could see Naruto, who was standing at her left, clench his fist. He was probably having the same thoughts and feelings that she is. She was happy Sasuke finally returned but from what Tsunade told her she knew Sasuke still isn't free from the pain and loneliness he's in. In fact, this was probably even more painful for him. Just when he knew there was a chance Itachi might have been innocent, his elder brother, who would've been the only family left for him now, is dead.
The moment she was told Sasuke has returned, she was overjoyed. She thought that he had done what he needed to do, no matter how dark his ambitions seemed. That he finally had the heart to come back home, move on and live a new life. But it pained her to know otherwise. Sasuke may be here but she had the feeling his thoughts might still be somewhere else, seeking another kind of revenge. No matter where he goes, it seems that pain and suffering followed him like his own shadow.
Why is it always Sasuke-kun? What did he ever do to deserve something like this?
She could feel her eyes burning as tears threatened to fall. She loved Sasuke and it pained her a great deal knowing that he had to bear such burdens. Ever since he was a child he was already experiencing so much difficulty. How long does he have to feel like this? How much more can he take?
"Tsunade-sama..."
Sakura and Naruto stiffened as they heard a female's voice. Sakura forgot that when Naruto burst into the office, the door still remained open. If it had been closed, she would have noticed Shizune's arrival.
"I've bought Uchiha Sasuke as you requested."
She could feel her heart pounding as she registered what the Hokage's assistant said. She began to turn her head towards the direction of the door and it felt like she was paralyzed. Time seemed to move too slow, but she managed to turn around and slowly but surely she could see who was there beside the Hokage's assistant. She saw he wore dark blue pants and a blue cloth tied with a purple rope it seems. He was wearing his arm bands and a high-collared grey shirt with an opened-zipper.
Her gaze continued to move upwards until she was eye-to-eye with that emotionless face. Dark eyes stared back at her devoid of emotion. She could hardly catch her breath, it felt like she was under a genjustu. But half of her mind screamed to her that she is not under a jutsu, that this is real. And before she realized it she was running towards him. As she reached him, she wrapped her arms around him and she hugged him tightly like she never hugged anyone before, burying her face to his chest as tears spilled freely from her viridian eyes.
"Sasuke-kun...!"
When Shizune came to let him out of his cell to see the Hokage along with her pig he felt relief that finally his days in prison were over. He was expecting some ANBU to get him though, not the Hokage's assistant. He thought they might actually be giving him some trust starting that day and it is best to be cooperative.
What he saw when they were just outside the Hokage's office came a bit of a shock to him, though naturally he did not show it. He hasn't seen these two in months but he could recognize them anywhere even if their backs were to him.
Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura.
He held their gaze steadily when they locked eyes but he was surprised to see Sakura running towards him. He slightly stiffened only to realize that she came to hug him and she was...crying.
Why? Why does she cry for someone like me?
When Sakura hugged him, it was a strange feeling. He was annoyed and yet the warmth she gave was...he can't describe it well…but it rather felt good. What he felt though, he did not show. Instead, he gave her a slight frown.
"Sakura...", he could see her watery viridian eyes look up at him inquiringly, "...you're too close"
She let go of him and wiped her eyes with her fingers, "I'm sorry. I got carried away" she replied smiling when she was finally able to control her silent sobs.
"Oy teme!" he heard the ever so familiar voice call him, and looked at the blonde shinobi. He could see him frowning at him, but smiling at the same time, "What the hell took you so long?"
"Hmp" was all Sasuke gave.
Naruto went over to him and placed his right arm around Sasuke's shoulders playfully but with a little force that made the Uchiha hunch slightly from the sudden weight, "How about the three of us get something to eat at Ichiraku's and catch up!", the blonde said grinning.
"Get off me you idiot!" Sasuke spat, nudging him on the rib so he'd remove his arm from his shoulder.
Sakura smiled, even if these two fight like this, it was a wonderful sight to her. It seemed so normal, like nothing amiss has happened at all. And she wished they could stay like this from now on.
"Ow!" Naruto exclaimed, rubbing his ribs, "Why'd you do that for!"
"Alright you three" Tsunade broke their little reunion, "I have one last thing to tell you".
They all turned her attention to her as Shizune walked over to the Hokage's table, Ton-ton the pig following.
"Uchiha Sasuke, though have been released from prison you are still in no liberty to leave the village with or without permission. You must keep in mind that you are still under probation. For a month or two you are to stay here in Konoha", Tsunade told him sternly, "But depending on your behavior and conduct I could either lessen or lengthen your sentence. If you disobey this order, you will no longer have your second chance."
She pause and looked at him intently as if gauging his reactions. His face didn't give anything away though and she continued, "I suppose this proposition is favorable enough for you?"
"Yes" Sasuke replied calmly.
Not being allowed to leave the village is better than being cooped up in prison. At best, he can have freedom to go some place else within the village. His quest to finding the truth about his brother will have to wait for a couple of months. He could endure that at least.
"As for both of you", she looked over to where Naruto and Sakura were standing, "Since you are aware of the current situation, I leave Uchiha Sasuke in your hands as well"
"Hai! Shishou" Sakura replied bowing her head.
Shishou? Did she train under this Hokage? Sasuke, though he was not looking at her direction, wondered.
"You can count on us Tsunade Baa-chan!" Naruto said, giving her a thumbs up, grinning.
Tsunade gave him a frown as a vein popped in her temple. This brat has called her and old lady so many times and has somehow managed to get away with it. Next time she'll have to be prepared to do something with his insolence.
"Well, if you have no further inquiries, you all may go." They gave a little nod save for Sakura who bowed at her master, said her thanks, and turned to leave.
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He didn't know how but Naruto somehow managed to drag him to eat at Ichiraku's. It was either because he kept tugging him despite his efforts to get away or maybe it was also because he wanted to get some decent food...Or perhaps maybe both.
When he was in prison, the food they gave him was not the least bit appetizing. He could not even distinguish what it was. It looked like porridge but at the same time it didn't. He even wondered if it was edible. Sometimes he was lucky to have some fruits served on his tray. At least that was something he was sure he recognized and could eat.
"Since you came back, I'll treat you for dinner!" the blonde told Sasuke cheerfully as they entered his favorite food joint, Ichiraku's. "Oh, and you too, of course, Sakura-chan!'
"Thank you, Naruto" the kunoichi replied as she sat herself to Sasuke's left while Naruto was on his right.
"That would be unnecessary, dobe" Sasuke told him as he sat himself as well, resting his arms on the table. But Naruto wasn't listening to him as he said so and called the store owner, Teuchi, who had his back towards them busy cleaning some food bowls.
"Oh Naruto" Teuchi greeted cheerfully, "What can I serve my loyal customer today?". As soon as he realized who Naruto's new company was the look on his face clearly said that he was in shock.
He was probably one of the first few people to see Uchiha Sasuke back in the village, and in his store for that matter. "Could this young lad be Uchiha Sasuke?", he took a close look at the dark-haired boy, but not too close that he was being disrespectful to his customer.
It annoyed the Uchiha a bit though but Sakura was smiling at the chef and Naruto answered for him.
"Yup! It's him alright" whacking Sasuke at the back which earned him a glare from the Uchiha. He didn't seem to notice it though.
"Well that is good news. I'll treat him with his first bowl then as a welcoming gift", Teuchi said smiling, "It's also good for business you know. So what will your orders be?"
Sasuke managed a little "thanks".
"You are awesome Pops!", Naruto told him happily. At least with that he could save some of his money from something else. Maybe he could even use it for when he'd ask Hinata out just like Sakura said...maybe...although he doesn't understand why she even suggested it. "I'll have pork miso ramen then!"
"Same", Sasuke said plainly.
And Sakura placed her order next, "I'll have shoyu ramen. But without the spices please".
She didn't mind eating spicy foods at all but this time she doesn't feel like taking it. Spicy foods make her eyes watery and her nose runny. She just cried earlier and doesn't want to again even if it's a different form of 'crying'. Aside from that, she doesn't want to be sniffing like crazy from all the heat, especially when Sasuke's around.
The store owner took their orders. "Alright. Coming right up!". He then turned to his daughter, "Hey! Ayame!".
Ayame who had been standing there staring at the three shinobi as if picturing them for the first time snapped back to reality, "Oh! right!". And so they got busy in their little kitchen preparing them their meals.
While they were waiting Sakura attempted to make some conversation going.
"So, what do you plan to do now Sasuke-kun?" she asked.
Ever since he was locked up in prison, he has been waiting for this day to come. Just being in that little cell made him long for a nice bed, his own bathroom. Basically, the necessities in life. And now that he is out, he can finally do what he had in mind. That one aside from finding the truth about Itachi.
"Clean up my apartment" he replied as if it's the most obvious answer.
It been years since he left the village and he thought his room in the second floor of his parent's house, thought he refers to it as an apartment, would definitely be needing a lot of work before he can stay there comfortably.
"If you want you can stay in my apartment for now and we'll help you clean up by tomorrow. But you'll have to be sleeping on the floor though" Naruto offered thinking he just might want to relax a bit before doing chores.
Sasuke gave a little smirk, "Not a chance".
He'll just have to clean it even if it means staying up late to do so. There's no way he'd be sharing Naruto's apartment. They'd probably destroy the place the moment they'd step inside.
"Even if he'd accept, Naruto, I doubt he can even sleep in your floor considering how messy your place is", Sakura pointed out with a disapproving look remembering how Naruto's things and even some of his empty instant noodle cups lay scattered on the floor. "You should learn how clean up once in a while you know"
"I know that…", the blonde only smiled sheepishly, "I know, believe it!". He taught he shouldn't have offered if it only meant being reprimanded for his uncleanliness. but oh well.
"Here you go kids!". Naruto's current thoughts were then forgotten as the store owner and his daughter handed each of them their deliciously prepared meal.
"Ooooh!", his blue eyes shined excitedly and his nose flared inhaling the aromatic smell of his favorite dish as he took his chopsticks ready to dig in, "Itadakimasu!"
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"horray they finally meet! Hihi and oh, sorry, i dont really know how i should've ended this parT -_-"
