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Chapter 3: Crossroads
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Face red with embarrassment, Sasuke pushed the other man away and glared at him.
"With all due respect Kyuubi-sama, my goal is completing that project alone. I have no intent on being someone's lap dog."
Expecting Kyuubi to get mad, Sasuke braced himself. But all he had in reply is a deep chuckle, which turned into an amused laughter.
"Damn, I thought I'd get you by that one. All scientists before you, blushed like a tomato and started kissing my damned feet! I'm glad you're different from them."
"What are you talking about?" Sasuke was confused. He expected the former feared bijuu and the present leader of their planet to be mature and formal, not someone to pull a prank.
Kyuubi's laughter died down as he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"Ugh.. That Naruto kid must have rubbed off on me. Damn sealing jutsu..." Kyuubi explained. But as he saw Sasuke narrowed his eyes, he continued in a formal tone.
"Your project... has presented promises. It interested the council."
"Ah... Then let's get down to business then. Are you done reviewing the documentations of the project then?"
"Nearly. I am still checking the process of BioCreation. It is a wonder how you can create human in an asexual manner and with just the aid of cellulose and natural substances."
"Hn. You will find the answer to that in the thesis I wrote about bio engineering and gene duplication."
"Ah yes. But this is rather different from the current focus of Konoha Dome 360. Before you were appointed as its leader, they were intent on the so called LaMBs. But it weren't given attention to because it takes away freedom from the volunteers and is irreversible."
"But this new project that you are taking upon... if ever this will be adopted by the masses, would definitely make a name for you. That is why, I asked you to work for me before."
At this, Sasuke stood up and an annoyed expression ruined the calmed features of his face.
"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you... But I'm not interested in making fortune or profit in this project. I am doing this research, despite for the impossibility and uncertainty of its outcome for personal reasons and personal reasons alone. Now if you don't need any---" He was cut off when Kyuubi closed the folder containing the research data."
"Ah yes... I know this personal reason that you speak of."
"And I care because?"
"Sasuke... The ruling elite will not be pleased if they find out that you're using the government's money just to revive an old flame of your heart. Wasting billions just to satisfy your heart and ease your guilt is punishable. Do you want to live in exile?" The red-eyed man smirked as his eyes scanned and scrutinized the other's reaction.
And true enough, Sasuke was taken aback. He never would have guessed that years of acting and preparations would still give away to his original motives.
"Well?"
"And what?" The dark-haired boy tried to keep a calm demeanor.
"If you worked for me, and follow whatever I wanted you to do... Then you will be safe. Under my protection, no one could touch you should your motives be discovered. Remember, the other scientists who worked with you would also have a negative reaction due to their wishes in the project's success."
"I'll think about it. Now if you'll excuse me..." As he walked over to a teleport pod, he felt someone grabbed his wrist.
"One more thing Sasuke, as a gift from me, you can have the human you created. I'm sure you'll need it."
"Whatever." And no matter how irritated he is at the moment, a small smile tugged at his lips. As he pressed the button, all he heard is Kyuubi bidding him good bye and he found himself standing from where he came from.
Feeling the after effects of matter transportation wears off, his concentration returned and he first saw Kabuto's disoriented appearance.
"Kabuto... What happened to you?"
"Nothing Sasuke-sensei. I never thought that...those security robots could be fun company." As he flashed Sasuke a grin, the dark-haired boy flushed, practically seeing dirty images connected with him and his sight of Kabuto's lab coat ruined and disheveled hair, thus exaggerating a scene that did not took place at all.
"Hn. We're going home."
"Hai Sensei..."
As they arrived home, Sasuke immediately went to his room and dropped on the bed, exhausted from his trip.
The journey might be short but the strain of the teleport pods disassembling and reassembling his body had wore his system out. Just as he was about to fall to sleep, he felt someone pull at his feet causing him to drop to the floor.
Just as he was about to punch the intruder, he instead was thrown to the wall.
"Gee teme... It is rather rude of you to come home and not tending to your guest who waited for hours, bored and tired."
Wait... he recognized that voice!
"Naruto!"
"Naruto? Who's that?" He turned to a familiar face, the same face he stared at just a few hours ago, the same face that caused him nightmares and gave him comfort at the same time. It's too bad it can't remember who it really is. But that can be arranged.
Making his way to his chair, he looked at his creation, still pondering how it got here. But of course, he had no time worry as the other one had not waited for an answer.
"Oh and by the way, I'm UX15. Those jerks... Them and their scary white dresses told me you needed me and bam! All I got is an empty dark room. What's up with that? And if you don't know, I woke up from a cold room... And have I met you before? You're familiar. Anyway, as I was saying, I am called UX15. Get it? U-X-1-5. Before you start calling me weird names, you better know that and---"
The familiarity of it swept him in a nostalgia. And forgetting where he is or who he was, he stopped the now shocked humanoid's speech as he hugged it tightly.
When he finally let go, he faced a very red face, almost resembling a ripe tomato.
"You jerk. You're weird you know. First you called me Naruto and now you just hugged me without even talking... And now..." When the humanoid saw him smirk, it pouted.
"Ugh. I'm not going to bother talking to you if you're not going to listen. But could you at least tell me your name?"
"Alright." Sasuke began, slowly loosing himself to the presence of the one he yearned for in millenia.
"I'm Uchiha Sasuke-sensei. Now, let's take a rest, I'll talk to you tomorrow, ok?"
"Fine, fine. Now, where am I supposed to sleep?"
Sasuke smirked. "Where else? Beside me, of course. Now get on the bed and turn off the lights."
"What? You... expect me to sleep with you?"
"Uh... yes?"
"Gah! You're weird. Fine..." The humanoid said in a slightly embarrassed voice as it climbed on the bed and snuggled with the nearest closest warmth.
Sasuke looked at the person snuggled up close to him. This is just what he had dreamed of doing. As he thought life is going according to plan, he had started to see the complications that might arise sooner. He was thrilled by having the chance to correct his past mistake. But what would happen if he was found out? Would he take on Kyuubi's proposal? He now stood at a crossroad: Be found out and get exiled or remain in secrecy with Kyuubi's protection... None of the two options appeals. But even he doesn't know what to do.
All that matter is now, he had a chance to correct his error... now... he had a chance for redemption...
But is it really what he wanted? Did he prefer artificial reality to the hellish, factual reality? Time will reveal all things.
Trivia: Hey, have you remember LaMB? The main inspiration for this story? The advertisements for it sounds great. And the idea of science fiction (sci-fi) interested me. But after watching the one-hour special, it is disappointing. It lacks developments and doesn't explain a lot of things. It shows how the LaMBs are produced, major fights, then the doctor is seen kissing his LaMB on a beatiful background filled with flowers. It disappointed me that this is the last time I'll be basing from LaMB. The future chapters may bear resemblance and similarities to the OVA "Ai no Kusabi". Thanks.
And remember, if you haven't done it yet, please put this in your story alert list so you'll be informed when a new chapter is posted. Thanks.