Chapter 3: "Why Can't I Remember?"

Standard Disclaimer Apply

A/N: I'm definitely going to make Hinata stay on in Bird to nurse Sasuke and send off Kiba and Ino to Lightning Country to continue in their mission, undertaking undercover missions. And so, Kiba will have to sort out his feelings for Ino. I don't want to mess up KibaIno relationship because of the presence of Hinata. She has way too many guys chasing after her, and I will have to spend time for each character's development, which is er... time-consuming.

Anyway, enjoy!

One night alone was mere impossible to accomplish anything, but Shodaime Torikage (First Bird Shadow) succeeded in sending an emergency message to Tsunade, sent two Prime Police Force members to help Nuzochi (which she saw through the crystal ball – Telescope Technique), held a meeting with the Daimyou Toki and later cooked up a marvelous plan with Sanate, the Nidaime Torikage. She had finagled all pf the above even before Nuzochi arrived with 3 very exhausted Chuunins and the unconscious Sasuke.

They should give me credit for my efficiency; Shodaime amused herself with her selfish thoughts.

Stop being so full of yourself, Aniki. You're worshipped enough, Nuzochi thought dryly.

Shut up, Aniki glared at Nuzochi behind her be-ru (veil). My thoughts are private.

You let your guard down.

Aniki changed the course of verbal attack. What are you doing prying into a woman's thoughts?

Jeez! I'm not a pervert!

You implied.

I did not! If you want to keep your thoughts to yourself so much, why'd you begged Sanate to teach you this technique? You just want to spend more time with her, Nuzochi 'thought' accusingly.

Aniki went beet-red, thankful she had a veil on that covered every inch of her head. Why would you want to learn the technique anyway? You could choose not to. You just want to be near her. Hah! You like her.

Aniki did not know whether the message got through to Nuzochi, because he quickly hustled the 3 lethargic Chuunins to the Ward. Hah! I knew he liked her. Oooh, not past tense. He likes Sanate.

The three Torikages shared a powerful friendship and their unity had made the people of Songu Sato (Song Village) feel protected, safe and secure whereas its increasing prosperity had brought about a rapid growth in immigration level, most seeking the protection and was also attracted by the country's boom in international trading.

Aniki knew she was being so very over-protective of Sanate and she knew she should loosen her reigns because Sanate will marry one day…

Arrgh! Why am I acting like I want her all to myself? Aniki quickly banished her thoughts when Sanate came by and whisked the comatose Sasuke away to the East Wing.

"Aniki, come quickly," Sanate called softly.

Only Aniki had the power to alter one's facial features by using hypnosis.

He heard the sibilant birdcalls.

His eyes stirred.

A dulcet warble from the chorus of bird twittering roused Sasuke from his deep slumber. His woozy mind clicked when he relished nature's subtle 'alarm clocks' for he wouldn't fancy the dull blaring of a buzzer in his muzzy state.

He sat on the warm bunk and recollected his thoughts while a yawn overtook him. Rubbing his eyes, he pegged the eiderdown aside and jumped off the bed. His feet hit the soft carpet, which absorbed most of the shock impact.

The first blush was peeping into the east room; daybreak crept in through the opened door to the veranda. The sweeping interior veranda, classic white exterior and the overall simplicity of the room worked the smile lines of Sasuke's lips.

He walked to the veranda and took in the scenery. Immersed in a lush rainforest with glassy lakes and prolific birdlife, this tranquil retreat seemed unreal. Sasuke also noticed the backyard (he assumed) was littered with small alcoves with wooden bench seating throughout, bolstering the classic experience. The place is so preserved it's almost pickled.

Sasuke turned around to admire his capacious room. Clad in amber colours, the room's aesthetics are laden with character and Sasuke wondered what does the building look like outdoors.

The spice of pancakes whisked by; the redolence seemingly walking to his room. Stomach grumbling, Sasuke darted across the room and opened the door to welcome breakfast. His eyes spied the silverware atop an equally shiny silver tray and a dashed once over at his breakfast before meeting the eyes of the holder.

"Good morning, Sasuke." A pair of slanted eyes greeted the pajama-clad boy warmly.

"Good morning, ma'am," Sasuke offered to help her carry his food.

Nuzochi let him. He opened his mouth to correct Sasuke's innocent error, but he felt he should let his guest eat first. After a few minutes of watching the famished boy finish his pancakes, maple syrup and vegetarian curry, Nuzochi cleared his throat.

"How do you like the room?"

Sasuke wiped his mouth with a napkin. "It's… comfortable." Sasuke sat back on the plush seat and eyed the classy décor appreciatively. "What am I doing here?"

"Ah. You were rescued and brought here," Nuzochi said, still smiling.

"How long have I been unconscious?" Sasuke felt fine and thought that he passed out, instead of suffering massive injuries in an accident.

"One night."

Suddenly, Sasuke felt disturbed as he tried to recall his memory. A flurry of questions tumbled out of his mouth, almost in unison: "Where is this? Where am I? Who are you? What happened to me? What's my name?"

Sasuke was horrified. He repeated his last question, "What's my name?"

Nuzochi answered simply, "You are Sasuke."

"Why can't I remember?" Sasuke cried.

The caftan-clad Nuzochi rose and tapped Sasuke's head with his index finger. "That, my boy, is a mystery."

If any of you are confused, I will try my best to clarify it through my fics... Thanks for taking to time to read, and Review. :-)

A BIG HUG to all those who reviewed and especially to those who had kept reviewing.

I love you guys. group-hug:D

P.S: It's one-sided love. Poor Sasuke! Unless of course, my mind takes a sharp turn and decideds to change it based on a wild whim.