"Where to now?" Seasor asked while setting up the sail.
"We are going to a faraway island in the east but we must go northwest for now. Let me see that map." Seasor placed the map in front of Vaporeon. "We are going to the island three squares north of Outset Island."
"I see now." Seasor took the map, folded it and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Will we be able to stop at Outset?" Sasuke asked hopefully.
"No. We can't yet. Maybe when all of this is done and over we could pay a visit." Sasuke smiled a little bit but quickly disappeared when they set sail. Twilight came and they only passed one island. The sea looked blank but shined orange, gold and red as the sun slowly sank in the west. Seasor couldn't take the silence anymore and started fidgeting.
"Seasor, what's wrong?" Sasuke asked. It was more of a statement than a question.
"I can never understand why you're so quiet all of the time. I know you might be disappointed and a little homesick but I am too. You know you can tell me what's on your mind." Sasuke sighed annoyingly and glanced at Seasor.
"You're annoying like Naruto. Whenever I'm home I'm forced to talk. Is it really a crime for a guy to shut his mouth for once? I just want to be left alone."
"Then why did you allow me to come with you to save Missy?"
"I knew that you would no matter what I would say. If I would've stayed home everyone would be angry at me that I didn't save my friend. Plus, I wanted to find and bring my brother back home and I won't go back until I do. I still don't know why he left."
"Why don't you tell Kakashi about these things? I did about my father and mother and I learned a whole lot about them."
"You don't get it, do you? I did ask Kakashi about him but he didn't answer me. He kept saying 'He's just sailing around. He'll be back soon.' and 'He's fine. He just went on a little trip. Isn't it your bedtime?'" Sasuke said with disgust. "I know what he looks like but I was younger then. It's been a long time since he was back home."
"But what about Lavender? He never knew his parents or brother."
"He has a brother?"
"Yeah. No one saw him except maybe Kakashi."
"Why does he tell you these things but doesn't tell me anything?"
"You don't ask. You always wrap yourself around you and your brother and never think about anyone else."
"That's not true. I care about all of you, well, maybe not all of you but I'm not only concerned about me. I'm worried about Missy right now."
"Me too but still, think about everyone."
"I don't need you to tell me that! Since you asked Kakashi about your father, why did you ask about him to the Great Deku Tree?"
"I wanted to learn more. I want to learn all about my father and become more like him. He's my role model."
"Oh, okay." Sasuke rolled his eyes but Seasor couldn't see. They kept on sailing until nightfall came upon them. Seagulls took a break from flying as they passed two more islands and the destination appeared on the horizon. Sleep never claimed them or came across their thoughts. Two hours passed and they reached the shores of the broken island. Land, that was once connected, shot out like mountains from the sea. The island was broken up into five of these mountains. Boat wrecks adorned the beaches all over and littered some parts of the cliffs. The sky was black, rain fell down like needles and a strong, demonic aura surrounded the entire place as they climbed out of the boat.
"Is this it?" Seasor looked around and took in all of the sites.
"Yes. This once was a place called Greatfish Isle but I have a strange feeling about this place." They walked forward but Sasuke felt a strange pulsation from the jewel he was still wearing and gripped it. They heard flapping noises and looked up to see Quill flying down.
"Sasuke, Seasor!" He called out and landed in front of them. "I'm glad to see you two are safe!"
"Long time no see." Sasuke replied coolly.
"Nice to see you again. What happened to this place?" Seasor asked and looked around again.
"Before I came here I talked to the Great Valoo. He said this place was cursed. He sensed a strong demonic aura surrounding this place a few days ago. I also contacted with the pirates too, you know, the ones who escorted you to the Forsaken Fortress? Well, they tricked me into spilling information about a treasure that was once guarded here by the great water spirit, Juban. It is something I sincerely regret."
"Well, where is this water spirit?" Sasuke asked and let go of his jewel.
"The island you two were born on, the island of Outset."
"What?" The boys yelled in unison. Lightning began to strike the sky to be followed by an angry clap of thunder. "Why didn't we know?" Seasor asked in confusion.
"The Great Juban hid himself from whoever ordered these demons to gather here."
"That would be Groudon." Vaporeon broke in. "I didn't expect this to happen but it seems he wants Juban's death as well as Valoo's and the Great Deku Tree's. He's not wasting anytime."
"Where is this Groudon? I'll help you stop him if he wants my Lord's life!"
"Calm down. There is a way but it will take time. Groudon is stronger than he looks, trust me. I know him more than you can ever comprehend."
"Okay, then I will. Anyway, the pirates will be headed for Outset but they are resting at Windfall. I suggest you go there and see what they plan to do. Good luck." He flew off again and headed towards Dragon Roost.
"Sasuke, Seasor, it would be best if we set sail for Windfall right now." Vaporeon jumped into the boat and was followed by the boys. They set sail to the northeast looking as awake as they could get.
"Vaporeon," Sasuke began. "How do you know so much about Groudon?" Vaporeon stayed silent and let the rain do its thinking for it.
"I…will tell you later, I promise, but for now concentrate on your next move. We don't have much time left." Seasor seemed pretty calm during the storm. The waves pushed roughly against the boat, splashing against their faces. The thunder and lightning only built up the tension and made things worse. After what seemed like another hour, they finally reached the shores of Windfall Island. The thunder roared loudly and rattled the windows of houses and shops. The rain poured harder and lightning flashed faster, longer and brighter. They pulled their boat on the beach, under the cliff and spotted the pirate ship docked behind it.
"So, they are here." Seasor wondered aloud.
"I guess they don't want people to know that pirates are here so they don't panic. Let's go check it out." Sasuke hiked up the hill and reached the cliff, almost slipping on the wet mud five times. Seasor tried his best to hike up and not to fall but he slipped and slid back down anyway. Mud splashed and befouled on his legs, chest and arms but he didn't mind it in the least. Sasuke managed to stay standing and looked down to Seasor. "Are you coming?"
"Uh, no. I'll stay here. Do you see anyone?" Sasuke spied on the ship but no one was there.
'No one's here and they probley won't be inside either. We better look for them.' "Hey Seasor!"
"Yeah?"
"Let's go look for them. I don't see anyone."
"Okay but where?" He heard faint yells coming from the stone bomb shop. "I think they're in here, come on!" He ran off and Sasuke slowly walked down the cliff and hill then followed him. They stopped on the stone steps and decided to listen but they couldn't hear anything but the yells and muffles of the people inside.
"Are you sure, Seasor?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure but just in case they go crazy and attack us, let's go around the back." Seasor led the way around the bomb shop and crossed the little ledge. They climbed the ivy wall and stood on the roof then walked over to the hole in the tower. Seasor crawled in first and Sasuke waited a bit before following. They quietly entered the shop and stayed low on the second floor to eavesdrop on the pirates. Zuko, Morris, Michael, Shippo and Kikyo stood around the first floor with the old shop keeper tied and gagged. Zuko tied the rope even tighter and cursed under his breath.
"So, you think you can sell us bombs at unreasonable prices, huh? Well I don't think so. We're pirates. If we see something we take it! Miss Kikyo, you've been quiet. Aren't you glad we're getting the treasure you wanted? Or are you upset about the island being destroyed?"
"You saw what happened! You saw what those demons did and those people who died! We were lucky enough to sail away in time!" She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. "I am glad about the treasure but-" Shippo jumped up and down in joy and interrupted her.
"I can't believe this whole thing worked! Hey Zuko, if you and Kikyo got married and had a kid, that kid would be the greatest pirate that ever sailed the seas!" Zuko just glared at him and blushed.
"Oh, shut up, you! Miss Kikyo, do you hear what this shrimp is sayin'? How disrespectful!"
"Shut your mouths and keep your childish jokes to yourselves! And keep it down about the treasure."
"Okay, then the boys and us are going to have to take a break." Zuko said casually and stepped back from the shop keeper as Morris and Michael picked up barrels filled with bombs.
"No."
"But why not?"
"Because I said so."
"We've been sailing for weeks with no break! We can set sail later for the treasure. It's not going anywhere."
"Well, yeah, but I do want it." She muttered and looked up. She spotted Sasuke and Seasor and her eyes widened a bit then went back to their original state as they crawled back hesitantly. She brought her head down and walked towards the door. "Alright, fine, you big babies! We will set sail at dawn and no sleeping in. Let's celebrate tonight!"
"Yay!" Shippo exclaimed childishly and followed Kikyo outside. The rest of the crew cheered and ran towards town. The boys came out of their hiding place and jumped down to the first floor.
"Do you think she saw us?" Seasor asked and stretched.
"I think she saw you since you were so slow." Sasuke reached for the doorknob but Seasor stopped him.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
"What?" Seasor glanced over to the shopkeeper then back at Sasuke. "Oh, well, why can't you untie him?"
"I'm running out of kunais! I'm going to get some more." He dashed out of the door and into the rain. Sasuke sighed and drew out his sword then sliced the rope carefully. He untied the cloth from his mouth and threw it to the side.
"Thank you, dear boy! Thank you!" He rejoiced. "Is there anything I can do for you in return?"
"I'll think about it but I have to go now." Sasuke darted out of the door and slammed it shut. He was drenched in no time as he ran down the streets of Windfall. He looked around for a blacksmith shop but he didn't find one until he checked the square. One was right next to the school. He walked in and looked around. Metal throwing stars called shuriken, kunais, short swords and other twisted metal objects were on display under glass. They lay on silk pillows above grass and sparkled under the light. He walked over to a display shelf and gazed at needles disguised as jade hair accessories and with other precious stones. He then spotted Seasor standing in front of the counter with an old man on the other side.
"Kunai, you say? I have just the thing." He croaked and went into the back room as Sasuke walked over.
"I didn't see this place before." Sasuke said while looking at more display items.
"They just built this place two days ago is what he told me. What did the shopkeeper say at the bomb shop?"
"He just thanked me, that's all." The old man came out with five wrapped boxes of kunais with ten in each box.
"These were just made a week ago. They are light yet hard and recommended for fights. I will have to price them at fifty." Seasor reached into his wallet and pulled out a small, purple gem then put it on the counter. He took the kunais out of the boxes and put them away. "Have a nice day!"
"Thank you!" Seasor walked out of the store with Sasuke following him. They made their way to the boat and climbed in with Vaporeon.
"So, we're going to Outset now, right?" Sasuke asked as if he knew.
"Yes, you may say hello to your family and friends when we get there but don't be too long." Sasuke nodded his head and they set sail southwest for a little bit. They passed some cyclones which they took extra care into going around them then arrived at Greatfish. They sailed completely south in silence from that point. They passed two more islands in the stormy weather and finally reached the shores of Outset Island. They pulled the boat ashore and the boys instantly ran to their house.
"Finally, we're back!" Seasor shouted happily with a big grin on his face. Sasuke smiled plainly and opened the door. They stepped in the small living room and rushed into the kitchen, expecting to find someone but no one was there.
"Where is everyone?"
"They're probley sleeping is all. The sun's not even up yet."
"Who's there?" A deep voice came from the living room and caused the boys to jump. The lights flickered on and revealed Kakashi standing in the entrance way. His mask was on but his headband wasn't, revealing his left eye. It was colored crimson red with a center pupil and three smaller, drop-shaped pupils surrounding it. A ring connected the three pupils together. A scar ran down his face, over his left eye and disappeared under his mask. "Sasuke, Seasor? Is that really you? You've come back?"
"Kakashi!" Seasor yelped. "You scared the living' crap out of us!"
"Sorry." Sasuke and Seasor ran up to the man and hugged him, getting his clothes wet and some slight mud smeared on. He ignored it and hugged them back briefly then let go. "How was traveling? Did you two like it?"
"It was kinda fun but I felt really homesick." Seasor confessed.
"Really? How about you, Sasuke?" Said boy was lost in his thoughts but instantly snapped out at the sound of his name.
"It was alright." He muttered. He looked up at Kakashi with a worried look.
"Sasuke, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." 'Don't say it! Don't say it!
"Anyway, why did you two come back? Did you save Missy?" Sasuke sighed and looked back down.
"No, we didn't yet. We just wanted to visit but we're coming close to save her." Vaporeon walked in and stood patiently in the living room. Kakashi heard faint footsteps and turned to look at the direction it came from. His eyes widened in amazement when he spotted the water cat.
"What the-"
"Uh, it's a long story." Seasor broke in. "Kakashi, this is Vaporeon. It's been guiding us this whole time ever since we left to save Missy."
"Now that has been settled, I have news. The sun has not rose since we left Greatfish, correct? Well, I've come to believe that time is standing still because of the curse and will not start again unless we have the pearl. You can do anything you want except sleep. The pirates won't be coming until dawn but if a few more hours pass they'll know something is wrong. I'll be outside if you're ready." It walked out of the door and Kakashi closed it then turned to inspect the boys.
"First, you two are getting a shower right now."
"Who goes first?" Sasuke asked and backed away slowly.
"Since you asked, you're first." Kakashi grabbed Sasuke's arm tightly and turned him so that his back was facing him. "Also, no but's! Seasor, after he's done you get right in." He pushed Sasuke upstairs and almost in the bathroom but the boy held on to the doorway with his arms and legs outstretched.
"Um, wait, Kakashi! I, uh…"
"Get in!" He shoved Sasuke in with much force and quickly closed the door before the young teen could turn around. "Get undressed, give me your clothes and I'll wash them. I'll even get you a towel." He added while behind the door. He looked through the closet and pulled out a blue towel then tossed it into the bathroom. Sasuke quickly undressed and hopped into the shower after tossing his clothes into the bedroom. "Thank you." Kakashi said irritably and picked the clothes up then carried them downstairs while being quiet to not disturb Naruto or Lavender peacefully sleeping in their beds.
"So, how's it been here? Did you miss us?"
"Of course I did and Naruto and Lavender did too. For a time, I didn't think you kids could survive without an adult."
"What? You think we can't handle ourselves? Sasuke and I have been through a lot during the last month and we came out fine though we did get injured and almost killed a few times but other than that-" He realized his voice was loud and quickly lowered it. "We really had a good time."
"You're saying that Sasuke was okay with the whole thing even if his birthday was ruined? I find that hard to believe especially if he's been injured."
"Well, he didn't like it at first and I didn't either but we eventually got used to the feeling of sailing, fighting and getting hurt, though I do feel kind of queasy."
"Hey, don't puke on the floor. Grab a trashcan if you don't feel well."
"I'll be alright. You, of all people, should know that! I don't let anything get to me!"
"Hmm, you were the most stubborn out of the kids. It shouldn't be a surprise. Your father was like that too."
"Was he?"
"Yep. When I see you, it's like seeing him only smaller but the resemblance will be more when you grow up, just wait and see."
"What about my mother?"
"I'm not sure. I didn't see her at all so I really don't know."
"What about Sasuke? Is he like his parents?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"He won't ask you. You know how he gets."
"That kid confuses me. Anyway, his father was always very strict and his mother was a very kind woman but I'd say he would be more on his father's side like Itachi. Sasuke isn't really mean, though you think that, but he's just, well…obsessed."
"Obsessed with what?" Kakashi leaned back on the wall and looked in deep thought.
"Obsessed with…I would say power or in another word, power-hungry. He wants to prove to everyone that he can be as strong as Itachi so he pushes himself and the others aside."
"How strong does he have to become? I think he's strong enough."
"He doesn't and the power he has now, Itachi is about ten times stronger when I last saw him."
"You always told me that those two were six years apart, right?"
"Mmmhmm."
"Then that must mean Itachi must've been…" He tilted his head back in thought and Kakashi watched him in amusement.
"Eleven." He calmly stated.
"Huh?"
"Itachi was eleven the last time I saw him."
"What? Itachi was younger than me and he was that strong? I don't believe it!"
"It's the truth. My power was equal to his at that time."
"If he's so strong then why didn't he stop the massacre?"
"How did you know about that? That was so long ago!"
"Well, I do have a good memory but it's not quite clear. All I remember is a person stabbing people then they fall dead. You were running to me and that's the last thing. It's like a nightmare."
"Try seeing and remembering the whole thing with your closest friends being murdered right in front of you and you can't do anything about it. I have to face that fact everyday. Some days I felt like crying but managed to prevent that from happening. By the time I found you, you were covered in blood with scratches all over. Your father's corpse rested in front of you. I gathered you, Naruto, Lavender and Missy and brought you all to safety."
"What about Itachi and Sasuke?"
"I saw Itachi running towards the Uchiha mansion, you know the one I told you that they lived in?" Seasor nodded his head silently. "He rushed into the house and I quickly caught up but the murderer set it on fire and stood in front of Itachi and Sasuke. Itachi was covered in blood and bruised severely while Sasuke was crying his heart out when the assassin disappeared. I managed to get them out in time but if I came sooner, Itachi wouldn't have been scared beyond belief. Ever since that day, Itachi has become more distant from us and Sasuke followed him. He only opened up to Sasuke and I felt my connection with him was lost."
"Where is he now?"
"I don't know. Actually, I do but don't tell Sasuke. I don't think he can handle it yet."
"What happened?"
"Aren't you curious today? This isn't like you."
"I guess sailing around has an effect on me." Kakashi chuckled at that answer then the running water stopped.
"Well, Sasuke's done so hurry up Seasor. I have to wash these."
"Okay but you'll tell me later, right?"
"Yeah if I can, but don't tell Sasuke."
"Why not? He should know what happened to his brother." Kakashi grabbed Seasor's arm and roughly pulled him forward making him gasp then put his covered mouth next to his ear.
"Listen to me, Seasor, if Sasuke remembered what happened to his brother, he wouldn't be here right now. He would be dead."
"Dead? But-" He shook Seasor to stop him from continuing.
"Listen, you probley can't remember but Sasuke injured himself after Itachi was, well, forced to leave. He came close to dying but I saved him and made a promise to myself that I wouldn't let that happen to him again. When it comes to Itachi, Sasuke gets very emotional."
"O-okay." He stuttered and Kakashi pulled away. The bathroom door opened and released the steam within. Sasuke stepped out with the towel around his waist, his sword in his right hand and his hair dripping wet. It clung to his face then he brushed it away. He made his way over to his bed and sat down as Seasor walked to the bathroom. Sasuke turned and looked at him.
"Where are my clothes?"
"Kakashi is washing them right now. Wait, okay?" Sasuke glared at him then shrugged it off as Seasor closed the bathroom door. A few minutes later, Seasor's clothes were in the bedroom, the water was running and Kakashi finished washing Sasuke's clothes then started on Seasor's. Sasuke quickly dressed, strapped his sword on his back and tied his headband on his forehead. He rushed downstairs and plopped himself on the couch, smelling the fresh scent wafting from it. Kakashi turned to him and chuckled behind his mask.
"Tired?" He teased. Sasuke mumbled something irritably into the couch. "Hm? I can't hear you, Sasuke." The young teen lifted his head up and glared at the man in the kitchen.
"Shut up. I've been pushed for a month. You try doing that and don't tell me you're tired after it!"
"Okay, calm down. You can stay here for the night if you want."
"I can't. Vaporeon will want us to set sail once we have the treasure."
"Treasure? Since when were you interested in treasure?"
"I'm not but it wants us to collect treasure. We already have two pearls from two different islands."
"So you've had adventures, huh? Did you meet anyone?"
"Yeah. On an island called Dragon Roost, we met the postmen people. We met their Chieftain and his son, Komali, who didn't like us at first, but he eventually came to us and handed over the first pearl. We also met a girl named Medli, who helped us a lot. She was nice and I think she liked Seasor."
"Is that so? How did he feel about her?"
"It's Seasor. What do you think?"
"That boy could make friends with anyone. Tell me more."
"After we helped out that island, we sailed to another island called Forest Haven. We met the Great Deku Tree and strange people called koroks. We had to rescue one for a ceremony they held. Once that was done, we got the second pearl. We sailed to Greatfish Isle but we found out it was destroyed."
"Destroyed? By who?"
"Demons, lots of them. One of the postmen told me and Seasor all about it so we went to Windfall, spied on pirates then came here."
"You've been through quite a lot."
"Yeah but after all of that, I still couldn't find my brother." Sasuke quietly put his head down while Kakashi finished scrubbing Seasor's clothes. The boy stretched out and yawned then Seasor stepped out of the shower with a towel wrapped around him. His brown hair stuck to his face and back and was dripping beads of water. Kakashi brought his clothes up and quickly went downstairs. He sat at the kitchen table with Sasuke.
"You didn't find him. I know how much that meant to you." He sighed.
"I'll find him someday and bring him back here."
"I know you will but don't push yourself too hard. You're still just a kid."
"I don't care. I only want my brother here and I'll be happy." Kakashi sighed again and put his head on the table with his arms in front.
"Are you sure? I don't want you to turn out like him and I'm sure he doesn't want you to either. I want you to be your own person."
"I am!" Sasuke snapped. He stood up and left the table then stormed to the door.
"Wait, Sasuke, where are you going?" Kakashi followed him into the living room.
"I'm getting a headstart. Tell Seasor I'm waiting outside for him." He walked into the rain and slammed the door as Seasor walked down at that time, fully dressed.
"What's wrong with Sasuke?"
"He's just mad. It's time that you left. You have a journey ahead of you. Come back and visit us sometime, okay?"
"Okay, I will. Bye!" Seasor opened the door and shut it quietly behind him. He spotted Sasuke making his way down to the boat so he followed. They climbed in and sailed around the island in silence. Sasuke had his arms crossed and looked down to his feet the whole time. They sailed straight into a cavern in the back of one of Outset's cliffs. Seasor stopped the boat and Vaporeon jumped to the front. A soft blue light appeared in front of them then a huge lantern fish splashed out from the sea depths. It has a blue glow on its lantern above its head. Sasuke and Seasor stared at the huge fish that stared in return. Its voice was deep and spoke in a different language like the Great Deku Tree.
"I am sorry, Juban, but we require your pearl." It spoke again and completely baffled the boys. "Yes, he has returned. I can stop him but you have to help. No, these two have no connection to the legendary one. He has received it, I am sure. He does not know how to use it, though." He shook the lantern and out fell a blue orb. It landed in the boat and glowed. It had three crescent moon marks around a center dot on it. Seasor took it and placed it with the others. They turned the boat around to leave but paused at Juban's last words. "I think I have a pretty good idea of who that might be." Then they left for the sea.