A/N: Ok so it's not as long as I normally write, but I am running out of ideas. So if you want a new chapter I need you to review and tell me about some scenes you would like to see in this story. Help me out please.
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Chapter 7
Flashback
Three Years And Four Months Ago…
Karin walked down the hallway on her way to Orochimaru's chambers. She had to drop off some lab results that she was in charge of overseeing. She hated that she was here in the Sound, but she was stuck here just like many of the ninja that filled these walls. Karin was never one to think about what she couldn't change for long so she did what she always does and adapt to the situation. For now she was in the Sound, but it wasn't bad for her. Orochimaru gave her a lab and basically left her alone as long as she worked on the samples he provided to her. Karin had been in worse situations than this so the Sound was nothing to her as long as she did what she was told and kept her nose out of business that she didn't belong in.
She walked into Orochimaru's chambers and went over to the desk and placed the lab results down onto it. She turned around and was shocked to see a young man chained up to Orochimaru's bed. He had a blindfold on over his face and only dirty and bloody shorts on. His whole body was covered in whip markings, bruising and broken bones. He was shivering slightly and Karin knew that this was Orochimaru's new slave. Karin had seen a few in her time of being in the Sound, but seeing them never made it easier. Karin couldn't help but feel sorry for the boy. She went over to the boy and bent down as she spoke.
"It's okay I'm not going to hurt you." Karin gently removed the blindfold and her heart instantly stopped. "Uchiha Sasuke." Karin said softly.
Both of Sasuke's eyes were black and slightly swollen from being beaten. She couldn't believe that Uchiha Sasuke was here in Orochimaru's chambers. She couldn't believe that he was Orochimaru's new slave. She knew that Sasuke wouldn't be here willingly. Something had obviously happened to trap Sasuke here. Karin could tell that Sasuke obviously didn't know what was going on or who she was or how she even knew his name. Karin went over to Orochimaru's desk and grabbed a water bottle she opened it as she went back over to Sasuke.
"Here Sasuke drink this. You're body needs water. It's okay." Karin said as she placed the water bottle in Sasuke's shaky and bruised hands.
Sasuke brought the water bottle up to his mouth and took a few small sips. He knew he wasn't supposed to be drinking unless Orochimaru gave it to him, but he was so tired and so thirsty he didn't care right now.
"What happened Sasuke? How did you get here?" Karin asked quickly knowing she wouldn't have long with him.
"Sold." Sasuke said with a shaky and hoarse voice.
"By Konoha?" Karin asked.
Sasuke gave a nod as he began to cough and Karin could tell he was sick. Karin didn't get to say anything else as the door to the room opened and Orochimaru walked into the room. He saw that Karin was there with Sasuke now no longer blindfolded and holding a bottle of water.
"Karin, just what exactly do you think you are doing?" Orochimaru asked in a deadly tone.
"I came in to drop off the lab results that you wanted when I saw Sasuke here. He looked like he needed medical attention. You know my blood has the power to heal certain injuries. I was just making sure he was going to be alright." Karin simply said as she stood up.
"You know better than to concern yourself with my business unless I state otherwise." Orochimaru said in a deadly tone as he moved over to Karin and grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up off the ground.
"I'm sorry." Karin forced out.
"You will be." Orochimaru threw Karin across the room before he made a clone of himself to grab Karin and took her out of the room.
Karin fought as best as she could against the clone, but she wasn't a fighter, she was a healer. She was dragged down into the cells and thrown into one. She landed on the cold hard ground as the clone shut the door behind him locking her in the room with the deadly clone. She knew she was going to be tortured. She had been through it before when she first arrived here. She had to prove that she was loyal to Orochimaru and enduring endless torture was a way to prove she was loyal at least in Orochimaru's mind. In reality it worked to ensure that his workers wouldn't betray him or disobey him. Karin knew the second she involved herself in Sasuke's welfare she was going to be paying for it. She didn't care. Sasuke had saved her life back in the Chounin exams. She owed him that much. Karin hardened herself and mentally prepared for the pain. She took comfort in knowing that her blood would naturally heal herself so she wouldn't have the injuries for long and there would be no scars. Sasuke didn't have that luxury. He would bear the scars on his body for the rest of his life, what little of life he had left.
Two Years and Ten Months Ago…
Juugo stood in the door to his cell and looked out the small window that was in the door. He had a habit of watching the people walk by and seeing who else was being brought into the cells. There was a torture chamber right next to him on the left side of him. He had experienced many long nights listening to the poor person screaming and begging on the other side. Most didn't last long. Juugo didn't know how long he had been in this cell for. He didn't enjoy being trapped in here, but at the same time it brought a peace to him. He didn't have to worry about killing anyone by mistake when he was in this cell. He was in control of his curse while within this cell and all alone. Orochimaru had promised him that he would be able to be cured if he allowed Orochimaru to take some tests and run a few experiments on him. He promised Juugo that he could cure him and so far all Orochimaru had managed to do was copy his curse seal and use it on other innocent people.
Juugo watched as one of Orochimaru's men dragged a barely conscious Sasuke down the hallway and into the room to the left of him. Juugo saw that Sasuke was covered in bruises, and was very bloody. Juugo had seen the boy before in the last year. Juugo always felt horrible when the boy was brought down here for training as he had overheard. Apparently the boy was a slave and Orochimaru's personal slave to make it worse. Juugo could tell the boy was barely older than thirteen and had been horribly tortured, raped and beaten in the time he had been here in the Sound. Juugo had a monster inside of him that he had a very hard time controlling, but he had never laid a hand on a child. And that is exactly what Sasuke was to Juugo, a child. It didn't matter if he was thirteen or a little older, because he was still a child. Juugo felt the anger rising in his chest at the thought of Sasuke being hurt once again. Juugo had heard the rumor from others in the nearing cells about how Sasuke was sold to Orochimaru by his own village. Sasuke was a child and he was trapped here all alone. Juugo wanted to help him, but he just didn't know how. He was trapped in this cell as well just like Sasuke. The only difference was that Juugo wasn't being hurt and he made the choice to be here foolishly believing that Orochimaru would be able to help him.
The door to the cell next to him closed and Juugo watched as the man walked back down the hallway. Juugo went over to the thin wall on the left side of his cell. He sat down and did something that he had never done before. He spoke.
"Hey kid, you're Sasuke right?" Juugo asked trying to keep his voice calm and even so he wouldn't frighten Sasuke.
Juugo didn't hear anything for a minute and Juugo spoke again.
"If you are still conscious knock once for me please kid."
After a few seconds Juugo heard a soft knock on the wall. It was low though so Juugo knew that Sasuke was laying down on the ground.
"Can you talk?" Juugo asked.
This time Juugo heard two slow and soft knocks signaling no.
"Is your mouth covered?" Juugo asked trying to see why it was that Sasuke couldn't talk.
Again one soft knock was heard.
"How old are you thirteen?"
A soft knock once again.
"I'm Juugo. I've been here for about eight years now. Orochimaru promised he would be able to help cure me. Instead he ran experiments on me to develop so curse seal to use on others. I was born with it. It gives me an anger problem I have trouble controlling it. I didn't want to hurt anyone and Orochimaru told me he could help cure me so I went. I guess in a way he has helped me, I haven't killed anyone since being in here in eight years. You're just a kid. You can't give up, do you hear me?"
There was a soft knock once again and Juugo could tell that Sasuke was barely staying awake.
"I know you are tired. I know you feel like you don't have anything to live for. But you must have someone to be living for Sasuke. Someone in that village must be waiting for you to come home or must be looking for you. You can't give up. You have to stay strong and fight so you can get back to that person who cares about you. Get some sleep I'll be here when you wake up. Just knock when you are awake. I'll keep you company."
Juugo didn't say anything else and just continued to sit there on the floor against the wall in silent company to Sasuke. Juugo didn't know what it was about Sasuke that brought out this protectiveness within him, but he was feeling protective of him. Sasuke was just a kid that was sold by his own village, it was wrong. A village was supposed to protect you. It wasn't supposed to hurt you like this, especially at a young age. Juugo couldn't do anything while he was in this cell, but he could sit there with Sasuke and talk to him. He could help Sasuke feel like he wasn't alone in this place. It wasn't much, but it was all Juugo could do for Sasuke at the current moment. Until the day came where he could be free from this cell and be able to help get Sasuke out of here and back to a place where he was safe.
Two Years and Four Months Ago…
They were in the middle of transferring to another unground location for the Sound. They had been travelling all day and they were stopping off within a village that Orochimaru was frequent in when dealing with the slavery ring. Karin had been keeping a close eye on Sasuke since they left the Sound base. He was connected to Orochimaru by a collar and leash, but Karin knew that Orochimaru would let Sasuke be sold for a few hours to a client that paid enough for it. Karin was hoping that maybe she could get Sasuke free somehow. She also noticed that she wasn't the only one that had been watching Sasuke. Suigetsu had also been keeping an eye on Sasuke and Karin could tell that he wasn't doing it out of interest in Sasuke, but out of anger at the treatment of him. Karin knew about Suigetsu due to the experiments that Orochimaru had performed on him. She had run the tests and all lab work for Orochimaru. She knew that Suigetsu was not one to care about anyone. He had never been one to care about someone. So it was interesting to see that he was furious at the treatment that Sasuke was going through. Karin didn't like Suigetsu, but she did know he was a decent fighter and had no problems killing someone. If they worked together they may be able to actually get Sasuke out of here. Sasuke might not get too far, but he might be able to get far enough to hide out and stay safe until he could find help. It was better than nothing at this point. Sasuke was getting sicker and weaker with each day that he was trapped in the Sound. They didn't have long before Sasuke wasn't physically able to move and escape. If Karin wanted Sasuke free she had to act soon or that window would be gone.
Karin walked over to Suigetsu and stood beside him and off to the side. Nether were social people so it didn't look weird for them to be away from the others. Karin bent down and acted like she was straightening out her pack as she whispered without barely moving her mouth.
"What's your interest in Sasuke?"
"What's it to you?" Suigetsu whispered back on guard.
"He saved my life, just looking to return the favor. You in?"
"What makes you think I care?"
"You keep watching him. You don't watch anyone. You want to help him and this is our only chance."
"What did you have in mind? Last I checked he's attached to that Snake the whole time."
"Except when Orochimaru sells him off for a few hours to different men. In an hour Orochimaru will be gone to handle business and Sasuke will be left alone with the client. There will only be one guard out front of the door. I can distract the guard and you go in and get Sasuke out. That'll give him a few hours before Orochimaru returns for him and finds out he's gone."
"Where's he gonna go. He's not in that great of condition. Can he even make it out?"
"He won't have a choice. This may be his only chance of getting out alive. We have to try."
"We could both get killed for this."
"He won't kill us. We're too valuable to him. Tortured and imprisoned sure, but not killed. You in or out?"
"I'm in. One hour. I'll be close by give a signal and I'll go in. Keep the guard busy long enough for me to get him out."
"I'll do what needs to be done. We get caught, you don't know me."
"Same for you."
Karin picked up her bag and headed back off to be alone. She felt good that Suigetsu was going to be helping her with this. The problem will be getting Sasuke out without him being found. Karin couldn't go with him, no one could. They had to act like they had no idea that Sasuke had managed to escape. All they could do was give Sasuke the chance of freedom and then just hope for the best. Hope that he would be able to get free and stay free until he found someone to keep him safe and protect him.
Karin watched as Orochimaru handed Sasuke over to another man before he left. She watched as a man went into a hut type of property and a guard stood out front of it. Karin had to wait for a few minutes before she could go over. After ten minutes Karin went over to the guard and gave him a flirty smile. He smiled back and Karin spoke.
"It's so hot out here." Karin said as she lowered her zipper and the guard watched with hungry eyes as the top of her breast were revealed.
"Yes it is." The guard said with his eyes glued to Karin's chest.
"I was thinking about going into that motel and getting a room to cool off. Hopefully they have a large bath tub. I can soak in a nice warm bath to cool off. I have a problem though. You see it's a silly problem really, but there's just something about taking a bath all alone. It makes me so depressed. Being in the bath all naked and wet. It's not something a girl should experience alone. Don't suppose you know someone that would be happy to help a girl out?" Karin said with a flirty smile as she lowered her zipper even lower to reveal the middle of her red bra.
"I think I can help you with that."
"Can you now?" Karin said playing along.
"If you don't mind a big hard dick in the water with you." The guard said with a smirk.
"Not at all. There's nothing I love more. Where would this man be?"
"Right in front of you sexy."
"Then what are we doing still standing here?" Karin said as she started to walk backwards down the street.
The guard, as she figured he would, was all too happy to leave his post and follow her. They went into the motel and Suigetsu was able to watch the whole thing play out from his position in the trees. He waited another ten minutes to ensure that Karin and the guard were in a motel room before he made his way over to the hut. He looked around and was confident that he was alone. He went in and quickly killed the man that was beating Sasuke. With him dead Suigetsu went over to Sasuke and quickly removed the mask that was over Sasuke's mouth and removed the collar and chains keeping Sasuke in place. Sasuke moved back away from Suigetsu with fear in his eyes. He was covered in blood and bruising was already starting to come through.
"My name is Suigetsu. I'm not gonna hurt you Sasuke. I'm getting you out. Orochimaru will be gone for a few hours. That's all the time you have to make a run for it. You have to get as far away as possible. Do you understand Sasuke?" Suigetsu said with urgency.
Sasuke gave a nod. It was clear he didn't know why this was happening, but Suigetsu could see that Sasuke understood the importance of getting out and getting as far away as he could. Suigetsu helped Sasuke to stand up and he went out of the hut first. He gave a nod and he helped Sasuke to get into the forest before he spoke.
"I can't come with you. I have to stay here to make sure no one goes into the hut. Run Sasuke and don't stop until you have to. The Sound base in North from here so don't go that way. Konoha is East from here, don't go that way either. He'll expect you to. You have to go either West or South. And hurry. Find a place that you can hide out in and send word to someone. Someone has to be looking for you. Someone has to care about you. Go quickly." Suigetsu said urgently.
"Thank-you." Sasuke said with a soft and hoarse voice before he turned and ran as quickly as his body would allow him into the forest.
Suigetsu watched as Sasuke ran as fast as his injured body would allow until he could no longer see Sasuke. He then turned to keep an eye on the hut to ensure that no one would go into it and see that the client was dead and Sasuke was gone. All Suigetsu could do now was just hope that Sasuke would make it to freedom and he would never be found by Orochimaru again.
Sasuke didn't know how long he was running for. He did know that what started as running very quickly turned into a stumbling walk and then eventually turned into him dragging himself through the forest just trying to get out of site and find someplace where he could hide out in. Sasuke didn't know exactly where he was. He just knew which direction Konoha was in and with that he could figure out roughly which direction the Sand was in. Sasuke knew that Gaara and him didn't really get along, but he did know from whispers in the hallways of the Sound that Konoha and the Sand were working together again and that Gaara had leveled out apparently. All Sasuke knew was that he wanted Kakashi, he needed Kakashi. Kakashi would keep him safe, Kakashi would protect him. He couldn't go to Konoha, but he could go to the Sand and then Gaara could send word for Kakashi to come there. The Sand wasn't as large as Konoha, but he knew they wouldn't sell him back to Orochimaru. He knew that Gaara would take him in until Kakashi got there. Then Kakashi would know what to do after that.
Thinking about Kakashi was the only thing keeping him going. Even when he was literally dragging his body through the forest just forcing himself to stay awake. He was thinking about Kakashi and finally being safe. Sasuke couldn't allow himself to think about Suigetsu who was back at that small village. He didn't know if Orochimaru would kill him or not and he couldn't think about it right now. Later when he was safe in the Sand he would find out what happened and deal with it then. Until then he owed it to Suigetsu to keep going and not stop no matter what. Even when the sky opened up and started to pour down on him he kept going. Even when the dirt turned into mud Sasuke continued to crawl and drag his battered body through the muddy forest ground.
Sasuke didn't know how long he had managed to push his body through the mud. He was soaking wet and freezing. His whole body hurt and he could see the blackness edging his vision, but he forced himself to keep going. Then a searing pain filled his right thigh followed by another to his left thigh. Sasuke turned to see that he had a kunai in each thigh. Sasuke gritted his teeth and forced his body to move to keep going. He didn't know who was behind him, but someone who was obviously not friendly. His right ankle was grabbed and Sasuke knew that feeling. He looked back and saw that a large snake had wrapped itself around his ankle.
"Tsk tsk tsk. You know better than to flee from me slave." Orochimaru said as he came out between trees.
Sasuke knew it was all over. It didn't matter anymore. He was never going to be free. Orochimaru would never allow him to get another chance at being free. It was all over. Sasuke didn't fight the darkness anymore. He welcomed it and fell flat into the mud.
End of Flashback
Karin stood outside with her back against the wall by the entrance to the castle. Her mind couldn't stop going over the events of today and how they had even got here. It had been a long three and a half years for Sasuke, but it had been a long three and a half years for Karin, Suigetsu and Juugo as well. They were the only ones in the Sound to be there for Sasuke in their own way. Whether that was Juugo and talking to Sasuke through the cell walls when Sasuke was there. Or with Karin when she snuck in food and water into Sasuke when she had the chance or Suigetsu killing off different clients that caused too much pain to Sasuke. It didn't matter how many times they were thrown into a cell or prison for Suigetsu. It didn't matter what was done to them, because they continued to help Sasuke and do what they could to keep him alive until someone would give them the chance to get him out. Karin was brought out of her thoughts when Suigetsu and Juugo came over to her.
"Everything is quiet inside." Juugo said.
"It's quiet out here." Karin said.
"What are you thinking about?" Suigetsu asked.
"Just Sasuke and that day we almost got him out. You remember that day?" Karin answered.
"Couldn't forget. I spent six months in that water prison because of it. Six months of endless torture for killing a high paying client and freeing Sasuke. You know the next time I spoke to Sasuke he apologized for ratting me out. Said he just couldn't take the pain anymore and that Orochimaru had him so drugged up he didn't know any better. He felt really guilty about it though. I told him he was stupid to feel bad. I had no hard feelings and wasn't gonna hold anything against him. Then I killed the next client that almost killed him and instead of leaving I sat there with him until Kabuto came back. That way Sasuke wouldn't be tortured because of it."
"He made it six hours out there before he was captured again." Karin said.
"He was heading for the Sand he told me one day in the cells. He thought if he could make it to the Sand than Gaara would send word for Kakashi and he would be safe. Even then all he could think about was getting to Kakashi. It never even crossed his mind that Kakashi would betray him. Not until Itachi got him out did he question Kakashi's loyalty." Juugo said.
"Hopefully Kakashi is being honest and true with his emotions and love for Sasuke now." Karin said.
"Kakashi tortured Huriko for justice for Sasuke. I don't think he is playing any games with his emotions and love for Sasuke. Kakashi does not come across as a man to torture someone just because. He is loyal to Sasuke and not Konoha. If the Hokage is in fact involved in what happened to Sasuke I could see him killing her himself just for Sasuke's justice." Juugo said.
"She deserves worse than death." Suigetsu said with a deep anger in his voice.
"Agreed." Juugo said.
"Did you hear that Sasuke tried to kill himself again tonight?" Karin asked.
"Yes we heard. The others know as well, or the ones from Konoha know and Gaara and his siblings. The question is, will Sasuke remember come morning?" Juugo said.
"I don't know. He doesn't tend to, but he might this time. We'll find out when he wakes up in the morning." Karin said.
"All we can do is protect him until we don't have to anymore." Suigetsu said.
"Ya and then what?" Karin asked.
"We go our own way. It doesn't have to be complicated. Come on let's get some sleep we got more work to do tomorrow." Suigetsu said as he pushed off from the wall and headed inside.
Karin and Juugo had to agree they did have a lot of work to do tomorrow and the next day after that. They couldn't do anything for Sasuke tonight. They had to wait until tomorrow when they could see him and see how he was feeling and if he even would remember hurting himself. They both headed inside and all three of them headed down to their rooms to get some sleep for the night.
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It was seven in the morning when Sasuke began to wake up. Kakashi was sleeping lightly beside him on the bed and the second that Sasuke started to move he was instantly awake. Kakashi sat up and looked down at Sasuke as he slowly blinked his eyes open. Kakashi could see the confusion in Sasuke's eyes and he didn't know if it was from the brain damage and he was just having a not so good day or if it was from not remembering hurting himself and passing out from blood loss. Sasuke looked over at Kakashi and Kakashi gave Sasuke a warm smile.
"Morning. How are you feeling?" Kakashi asked gently.
"Confused. What happened? I don't remember going to bed."
"What is the last thing you remember?" Kakashi asked calmly. He wasn't about to tell Sasuke about Huriko if he didn't even remember it yesterday.
"We were looking around the castle when you left to speak to Yoshi about something. Then nothing."
"You didn't miss much. You were helping Shikamaru sharpen some kunai for the training room when one slipped and it cut your wrist pretty good. We had to give you stitches. You lost a bit of blood though and you passed out. You've been asleep ever since. It's about seven in the morning. You slept a long time."
Sasuke moved his left wrist and saw that it was wrapped in gauze.
"I don't remember. Why don't I remember?"
"Probably from the blood loss. You'll probably feel slightly dizzy and light headed today until you get some breakfast into you. I wouldn't worry about not remembering Sasuke. Honestly, you didn't miss anything. Shikamaru was scared pretty good though from it. He'll be glad to see that you are okay."
"I'm sorry for the scare." Sasuke said with guilt in his voice.
"Don't worry about it. It was an accident and you are going to be perfectly okay. Why don't I get us some breakfast? It'll help with your head not feeling too great." Kakashi suggested.
"Sure. I think I'm gonna shower first though is that okay?"
"Of course it is Sasuke. Just don't make the water too hot or it will make you dizzy and with the blood loss I don't want you to risk falling."
"I'll be careful."
"Do you feel like some scrambled eggs and toast?" Kakashi asked as he got up and out of the bed.
"Sure."
Sasuke got up and he slowly stood up. He was feeling a little shaky on his feet and he stood there holding onto the bed until his mind cleared. Kakashi came over to Sasuke and placed a gentle hand on his left bicep.
"Are you alright?" Kakashi asked with concern.
"Ya just feeling slightly dizzy and light headed like you said. I'll be fine. I'll be quick in the shower and make sure the water is only warm."
"Are you sure? I can stay if you want and wait until you are out." Kakashi said with concern at leaving Sasuke alone in the shower with him feeling like this.
"I'm sure. If I get dizzy I'll get out and sit down. I'll be fine I've been dizzy before plenty of times. Food will help."
"Ok I'll go make us some breakfast and then we can talk about what we want to get done today."
Sasuke gave a nod and he walked over to the bathroom and closed the door. Kakashi waited until he heard the shower start before he headed out of the room and down to the kitchen to grab some breakfast for them. Kakashi walked in and saw that Shikamaru was eating some cereal at the table. He gave Kakashi a nod and a small smile as he walked in.
"You are up early this morning Shikamaru." Kakashi said as he headed over to the fridge to gather what he needed.
"Couldn't sleep figured I would give up and start the day." Shikamaru said with a shrug.
"Why couldn't you sleep?"
Shikamaru finished his cereal and went and brought the bowl to the sink as he spoke.
"I kept having nightmares about Sasuke dying in that closet. I gave up trying to sleep an hour ago. Figured I would be better off to be busy and tire myself out for tonight. How is Sasuke?"
"You know if you ever need to talk I am here for you Shikamaru. I know you've had a hard time since losing Asuma. He was a mentor and father figure to you. I know it was not easy for you to be there while he died. If you ever need to talk I'll always be there for you Shikamaru." Kakashi said gently.
"I appreciate that Kakashi. I'm sure at some point I'll need to talk about all of this, but for now I just want to focus on what needs to be done so we can get this over with. I keep thinking about all of those children that will die before we even start this war. Each day we are here is another day some of those children will die. I hate not being able to do anything for them." Shikamaru said with frustration.
"So do I, but when this war is over we will do everything we can to end the slavery ring. I am hoping to speak to Juugo, Karin and Suigetsu today to see what they know about the ring. We were all under the impression that Orochimaru was the ring leader, but now that is not the case. We will figure this out and we will end it for Sasuke and for every single child that has died and suffered by their hands." Kakashi promised.
"You never did tell me how Sasuke was." Shikamaru said as Kakashi went to work on making the scrambled eggs.
"He is doing alright. He just woke up and he is feeling slightly dizzy and light headed from the blood loss. He does not remember doing it. The last thing he remembers is right before Huriko showed up to speak to him. Whether that is from the blood loss or his brain protecting itself from hurtful memories I do not know. He asked how he got cut and I lied. I told him you both were sharpening kunai and his hand slipped and he cut himself from it. I told him that it gave you a scare with the amount of blood. So if he brings it up and apologises for it you'll know why."
"That's fine with me. He probably won't remember asking me about my arm either than."
"Most likely not. I am going to get some breakfast into him and then we need to go over what has to get accomplished today. Did the squad leave for the land of Waves?"
"Yes last night. Neji was meeting the others for eight last night at the front gate. Yoshi is not awake yet or if he is I haven't seen him yet. Do you want me there to talk about what needs to be done today?" Shikamaru asked.
"If you want you can be. It would be good to have all three of us on the same page. I need to find out just what Sasuke remembers from the last few days. I'm hoping his mind is going to be okay for the day. We could use a good day for it."
"We'll work it out if not. I'll go do a round of the castle then before I head to your room. I'll see if anyone is awake yet to get an update on the repairs." Shikamaru said.
"I'll see you in the room then." Kakashi easily agreed.
Shikamaru headed out of the kitchen and left Kakashi to finish cooking the breakfast. Once the eggs and toast were done Kakashi grabbed two glasses of milk before he divided up the food and headed back to the room. He arrived and Sasuke was changed into some clean clothes with Itachi's old leather jacket on. Sasuke was sitting down in one of the chairs looking at the wall with the map of the castle on it. Kakashi placed the plates down on the desk and the milk as he sat down and spoke.
"See anything?"
"No I was just jogging my memory. There's a lot that needs to get done I want to try and get some of it sorted out today or delegated." Sasuke said as he picked up a piece of toast with peanut butter on it and took a bite.
"We can figure it out. I saw Shikamaru in the kitchen he was going to do a round of the castle before coming here so we can all talk and get on the same page. Last night I did get word from Itachi that Deirdre was going to be alone in the land of Waves in three days, I sent the squad out last night to get there and try to get some people out of the village before the fight. According to Itachi Deirdre likes to blow things up."
"Good we can take one of them out and start getting somewhere. I feel like we're standing still."
"I can see how you feel that way. We're working on repairs and waiting for more ninja and men to arrive. It's a waiting period for right now. We will get somewhere though Sasuke I promise you that."
The door to the room opened and Shikamaru walked in. He gave Sasuke a warm smile as he closed the door and went over and sat down on the bed to give Sasuke some space.
"Good morning Sasuke. How are you feeling?" Shikamaru asked.
"I'm alright. What happened to your arm?" Sasuke asked with concern.
"Oh a few days ago I hurt it working on repairs. Its fine Sakura took care of it." Shikamaru said with a shrug and a no big deal tone to ease Sasuke's worries.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to scare you." Sasuke said apologetically.
"It's okay Sasuke. It was an accident. Trust me I scared Sakura when she saw the blood from my arm. Accidents happen in our line of work." Shikamaru said.
"Alright. Who is everyone that left last night?" Sasuke asked getting down to business.
"Naruto, Gai, Neji, Shino, Sakura and Temari. I made the call to send Temari. I figured with Deirdre being into explosives she could use her wind power to help put out any fires or divert the explosion away from the village." Shikamaru answered.
"No that was the right call to make. It's why the squad will vary from time to time depending on who we are fighting. What's this about Jiraiya?" Sasuke asked as he nodded to the spot on the wall.
"You had the idea that maybe he wasn't actually dead. We never found his body and it could be possible he is captive somewhere or lost." Kakashi said.
"It's possible. Master used…" Sasuke started, but Kakashi cut him off with a gentle tone.
"Orochimaru Sasuke, not master."
"Right." Sasuke said as he closed his eyes for a second before he opened them and started again. "Orochimaru used to fake his death all the time. It was like a game to him. Its possible Jiraiya did the same and is waiting for the right time to come back to life. We should send a recon squad out. Akamaru can pick up scents right?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes he can and he was around Jiraiya before so he already knows his scent. We could send him out with Kiba to the last siting of Jiraiya and see if he can pick up anything." Shikamaru said.
"I don't want him alone. Send him with Tenten, Lee and Ino in case they get hurt. Strictly recon for now." Sasuke said.
"I'll let them know. With Gai gone on the mission for Deidre we will need someone else to look after the training room repairs." Shikamaru said.
"Would you mind doing that?" Sasuke asked.
"No that's fine with me." Shikamaru said.
"We need traps out in the forest. Kankuro was going to work on that. We need to see if he has started. We also need to get a sign up going for ninja wanting to learn about archery. I want that training to be started within a week. It might take a while to get everyone up to a decent level." Sasuke said.
"I'll get the signup sheets together today and get them posted around the castle. We can speak with Gaara and Kankuro about the outside and the repairs being done to it. With Sakura gone Karin can oversee the medical repairs." Kakashi said.
"What we really need is a rough idea of numbers for the defense. How many you want where." Shikamaru said.
"I'll figure that out today. Gaara needs to start training for his part of the sand defense as well. We also need to work on getting that trench dug and getting sand here." Sasuke said.
"We can talk to Yoshi about the sand he might know of a place we can get a lot of it." Kakashi said.
"My hope is that the training room will be done by the end of the week, five days, then the training can begin. I will work on getting a schedule up so the trainers will have some time off in between." Sasuke said.
"Rotate a schedule so no one gets burnt out. I'll help you with that." Kakashi said.
"It's going to be a big number. What about numbers? Did anyone new come?" Sasuke asked.
"Not yet, but some are on the way. We still have time to gather more men and ninja. Yoshi believes we will get a great deal of them with the word spreading of what Itachi did." Kakashi said.
"What did Itachi do?" Sasuke asked confused.
"He went back to that village we were in before arriving here. He killed everyone that was part of the slavery ring or used them and freed the children. He created a safe haven that has other families fleeing to for safety. The other families are going to look after the children. Word got out that a man with red devil eyes freed the city and was working for you. Now men and ninja that wanted nothing to do with this war are willing to fight for you." Kakashi explained.
"When did that happen?" Sasuke asked confused.
"A few days ago." Kakashi answered.
"I don't remember. That's good though it will give us more fighters and give the children a chance to survive until the war is over. Um…how is everyone dealing with each other? Any problems?" Sasuke asked trying to get passed the fact that he didn't remember something so vital happening.
"No everyone is getting along. Most are keeping to their own village and group right now." Shikamaru answered.
"How is Karin, Juugo and Suigetsu handling the Konoha ninja?" Sasuke asked with a slight concerning tone.
"Ok I think. They tend to keep to themselves mostly. I think the three of them have some hard feelings and resentment towards the others, but it's not getting in anyone's way." Kakashi answered.
"They've been through a lot too. They blame Konoha for what happened and anyone within the village. They've been through a lot." Sasuke said in their defence with pain in his voice.
"I'm sure it wasn't easy for any of you. They seem like good people who care about you." Shikamaru said gently.
"They were prepared to die for me. Karin and Suigetsu were both tortured multiple times for me. Suigetsu was imprisoned a few times for killing off some of the most violent clients of the slavery ring. Juugo was trapped in a cell most of the time unless we were travelling. Sometimes I would be in the cell next to him. He used to just talk. He didn't even know me, but he would talk and tell me stories about his life. Stories about things he heard from others. He would just talk even though I couldn't talk back. They've been through a lot." Sasuke said sadly as he brought his legs up to his chest.
"It's not your fault though Sasuke. You can't blame yourself. They made the choice to help you. They continued to make that choice Sasuke. That's not your fault." Kakashi said sympathetically.
"Maybe not, but one time it was my fault. I ratted Suigetsu out to Orochimaru. He spent six months in prison and being tortured because of me. Because I told him who helped me escape. Those six months are on me." Sasuke said sadly.
"Wait they helped you escape before?" Shikamaru asked confused as he didn't know that. He could tell by the look on Kakashi's face that he didn't know either.
"Ya." Sasuke said with a distant voice and it was clear the memory was coming back clearly.
Kakashi reached over and placed a gentle hand on Sasuke's left forearm as he spoke.
"It's okay you don't have to talk about it. Not if you aren't ready to Sasuke."
"When would ready exactly be though? It's like when I kept telling myself things would get easier, but that's a lie. Things have only gotten harder since I left. Complicated. When is ready with something like this?" Sasuke said sounding hurt and lost.
"I wish I had an answer for you Sasuke. All I can really tell you is to take it one memory at a time until they are no longer painful and no longer popping into your mind. Unfortunately, talking about it is the only way you'll be able to heal from all of this. I know that seems ridiculously simple and the hardest thing in the world at the same time. It's the only answer I can give you though." Kakashi said with a slight apologetic tone to his voice at not being able to give Sasuke a better answer.
Sasuke was quiet for a few moments before he spoke.
"I don't know when it was. How long I had been there for. I lost track of time a long time ago. It didn't seem all that important and each day that went by I would just get more depressed and lose hope that no one was coming for me. If you don't keep track then it's easier to trick you mind into believing that a week was really just a long and bad day. It made it easier. I think it was two years ago though, I think. Master." Sasuke stopped and closed his eyes for a second before he spoke again. "Orochimaru hadn't broken my neck yet so I think two years ago. I was in the Tree village in a hut. He used to sell me off when we were traveling between bases or when we had to go and check in on the progress of the slavery in the different villages. He always brought me along. This man was beating me in the hut when Suigetsu came in. I didn't know where the guard went that was out front. I found out later through whispers that Karin took him back to a motel room to distract him while Suigetsu got to me. I didn't know who he was at the time. He killed the man and he took the chains off me. He told me his name and he told me I only had a few hours before Orochimaru would be back. That I had to run. He took me to the forest and told me that we were heading North to the Sound base, to not go that way or go East to Konoha. He said he couldn't go with me that he had to stay to make sure no one went into the hut and saw the man dead and me gone. I thanked him and ran."
"Where were you going to run to?" Kakashi asked gently.
"All I could think about was getting to you. That I couldn't stop no matter how bad the pain was I had to get to you. I was going to go to the Sand. I thought if I just get there Gaara would protect me. I had heard the rumours about the Sand and Konoha being in alliance. That Gaara was making a good name of himself after that fight with Naruto. I knew he wouldn't sell me back. If I could get to the Sand he could send word to you and you would come and it would be the end. So I pushed through for six hours apparently. At one point I was so weak and exhausted I was literally crawling on the forest ground. Then it started to pour rain and turned the ground into mud, but I kept going. It didn't matter though, Orochimaru found me. He put a kunai in each of my thighs. I kept crawling though until one of his snakes grabbed me by my ankle and that was it. That's all I had in me. I saw his face, heard his voice and passed out and woke up in hell. He wanted to know who helped me. I didn't know about Karin, but Orochimaru found that out from the guard before he killed him. She was already being tortured at that point. I didn't know until later. I held on for three weeks before I couldn't take the pain anymore. He had drugged me with something to make it worse. I was delirious and dying. Kabuto had already got my heart started again four times during those three weeks. Four times I died and he brought me back. I gave in and told him it was Suigetsu and then it was over, but Suigetsu was tortured for six months after that. Because I gave him up." Sasuke finished with pain in his voice.
"It's not your fault Sasuke. You were in horrific pain, your body couldn't take anymore. I can't imagine he blames you for any of that Sasuke." Kakashi said with hurt in his voice.
"He doesn't. He told me he didn't. He still continued to kill off clients when he could, but he would stay with me afterwards. Orochimaru made it so the chains would only come off with his chakra when I wasn't in his sight. Suigetsu couldn't free me, but he still killed the men and he would sit there with me until Orochimaru came back. He would sneak me in food and water so I wouldn't die during the travel. They've been through a lot all because of me." Sasuke said sadly.
"Because they chose to Sasuke. I would have chosen the exact same thing they did regardless of what it could mean for me. They chose to protect you. To risk their life to free you. They continue to make that choice everyday they are here. If they regretted it for a second they would have been long gone by now. You can't hold it against yourself Sasuke." Shikamaru said with strength in his voice so Sasuke knew just how strongly he believed that.
"Shikamaru is right Sasuke. You can't blame yourself for the actions of others. They chose to continue to help you even knowing what danger and risk it put themselves in. And I am glad that they did, because without them you might not be here today. I didn't know the truth, I was never coming and I hate myself for being played. For doubting you. For not chasing you down regardless of what I was told. I hate that I left you in that place unprotected and hurt. I'm thankful that you at least had those three when they were able to be there for you. They kept you alive long enough for Itachi to get you out of there. You can't take the blame of what Orochimaru did to them on yourself. It's not your blame to carry and they wouldn't want you to." Kakashi said with strength and sadness in his voice.
"It's not your blame to carry either. You didn't know. I did the same thing. After I got out and was at the safe house I doubted you too. I questioned if you really did care for me or not. It's easy to doubt when you only have part of the information, easy to make judgements. I don't blame you for not knowing the truth. I don't hold it against you. I'm not going to lie it hurts when I think about all the times I waited for you to be there only for you to never show up. The hurt doesn't just magically go away because you didn't know. It makes it easier to accept though and not place blame. Because you didn't know and if you did I know you would have been there." Sasuke said.
"I would never have stopped until I got you out. I would have done anything to free you Sasuke. I will do anything to free you from this slavery ring once and for all. You will never be hurt like that again I give you my word. Never." Kakashi said with a deadly determination in his voice.
"I believe you. I hate that people know I was trapped in it. The assumptions they make. I hate it, but I guess in a weird and twisted way it's a good thing I was trapped in it because now the world will know. Now good people can work together to end it for the other children still trapped in its' hell. Good people like you that will walk through their door one day and free them just like I was." Sasuke said.
"And we won't stop until every last child is free. This will not be a world that I fight to protect. The world that I fight to protect will not have slavery within it. Children will not be sold like property and killed for nothing. Our generation won't let that happen. Our generation will free these children and families." Shikamaru said with determination in his voice.
"I believe you and I'm glad for it." Sasuke said with a small smile.
"We will figure this out Sasuke, no matter what, we will figure this out." Kakashi said.
"We have to. Oh did I tell you about Karin?" Sasuke asked confused.
"What about her?" Kakashi asked.
"Her name is Uzumaki, she's Naruto's cousin. I don't know how far down the line she is, but they are blood relatives." Sasuke said.
"Seriously? Do they know?" Shikamaru asked surprised.
"Karin does, but Naruto doesn't. I don't know how he would handle that." Sasuke said.
"You think he would react badly?" Kakashi asked.
"No the opposite. I think he'll annoy her and ask her a bunch of questions that she won't want to answer which will cause them to fight. I don't remember Naruto being very good at letting something major go. Karin isn't the type to deal with feelings and complicated business. To her just because they have some of the same blood doesn't mean he's anything more than a stranger. Naruto won't understand that or react the same way. So I haven't told him, not that it's my story to tell either."
"That's wild. And you're right Naruto will hound her for answers and wanting to get to know her all because of the blood they share. During a war might not be the best time for that. You're also right that it's not your story to tell. It has to be up to Karin who she wants to know and who doesn't." Shikamaru said.
"Even if it's hard you have to keep it a secret until Karin says otherwise. They may share blood, but Karin has red hair which mean she was not only born before Naruto, but from a very distant relative to weaken the hair color gene. Most Uzumaki had blonde hair except for a group of them that were third cousins. One of the females married an outsider who had red hair. Karin must come from that part of the Clan and must be the last member of it. Do you know her background?" Kakashi asked.
"She was with her mother in the Hidden village of the Grass. The village gave them refuge, because her mother was a healer and agreed to heal their wounded. During a battle on the village her mother died giving too much charka away and Karin took over as a healer. Her blood has healing power within her as you both know. I actually met her before. I didn't know it, I remembered after she told me, but I had no idea it was even her. During the second stage of the Chounin exams she was there with her teammates, but she got separated from them. She came across a bear and it was going to attack her. I stepped in and stopped it but she had the same type of scroll that I did so I let her go. Her team didn't get passed that round." Sasuke said.
"Really? That's crazy, how did she end up in the Sound?" Shikamaru asked.
"Back in her village they were attacked once again by Orochimaru and his men. She was the only one to survive. Orochimaru wanted to know how she survived when she should have died. He found out about her healing blood and he took her back with him. She stayed and ran his experiments and the lab work while he tried to figure out her healing abilities. She didn't want to go, but she knew she couldn't beat him. Karin figured it was better to go along and be useful then to try and fight and end up in a cell like his other experiments."
"It's a small world. Did she recognize you right away?" Kakashi asked.
"Ya she did. It's why she wanted to save my life at first, she said she was returning the favor. Afterwards it changed for her. I don't know why the sudden change. That day I escaped made us even to me. It became more than just returning a favor at that point. It's almost like she knew I would win in the end."
"You were the underdog. A lot of people want to see the underdog win and they help them anyway they can to make sure it happens. You went through a lot Sasuke and you survived it. You kept going even when everyone else would have long given up. That's a powerful message to stand behind." Shikamaru said.
"Powerful enough that men and ninja that are not loyal to any of the Great Nations coming down here to fight behind you Sasuke. They all believe in you just like we do." Kakashi said.
"No pressure." Sasuke said softly to himself.
"You can do it, because you are not doing it alone Sasuke." Shikamaru said supportively.
"We need to get started for the day. Did the squad leave for the Wave?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes they left last night at eight Sasuke." Kakashi answered not even bothering to mention that Sasuke already asked that.
"Who is left here?" Sasuke asked.
"Tenten, Chouji, Kiba, Lee and Ino are left." Shikamaru said.
"Right and Chouji is going to stay here while the rest are on recon. Where is Chouji working on repairs?" Sasuke asked.
"Training rooms. So he'll be with me." Shikamaru said.
"We need to speak with Yoshi and check in. We need to check in with Gaara about the outside repairs and modifications." Sasuke said.
"Let's go then." Kakashi said with a warm smile.
The three of them headed out of the room and down the hallway towards the front gate. They didn't know where anyone would be as it was barely eight o'clock in the morning. They were able to hear the distant sound in the training room of metal being moved. They were able to get matting for the floor that would hopefully go in today once the repairs to the roof were complete.
"Have you seen the progress on the training room?" Sasuke asked Kakashi.
"I have not. Gai did say that it was coming along. Tenten and Temari did a full inventory of weapons and gave Yoshi a list of ones that we still need. He was going to have men sent out to gather what we need and put in orders at the nearing village Blacksmiths."
"The roof was giving them problems because it's stone that is falling apart. Gai was trying to come up with a solution for it. I will go in and check on it afterwards and see if I can find the solution." Shikamaru said.
"We need the roof fixed before we can lay the matting down. We need the roof to be examined all over the castle to ensure that there are no weak points. If we make this castle solid then we can hide out in here should the war not go according to plan. We also need a secret way out. A tunnel, something that we can use to get the men and injured out should we have no choice but to retreat." Sasuke said.
"We'll need to figure that out. I'm not sure what we could do for that." Kakashi said.
"Maybe Gaara would have an idea about that. He's grown up in the Sand they have tunnels all over the place." Shikamaru said.
"We can mention it. I feel awkward ordering him to do something. He does out rank me." Sasuke said.
"Gaara is a leader of a village, but he is following your lead on this Sasuke. He trusts your judgement and mind. He's not here as a Kage, but here as a fighter and someone to help you." Kakashi said.
"I know, still feels weird." Sasuke said as they made it to the front gate.
There was Gaara, Yoshi and Sasuke's squad standing there looking up at the castle. The three of them went over to the group and the others turned their attention to Sasuke, Kakashi and Shikamaru.
"Good morning. How are you three feeling this morning?" Yoshi asked with a warm smile.
"We are feeling well, yourselves?" Kakashi asked.
"Well rested. My men are being woken up to get started with the day. I have been told that we lost some of the Konoha ninja last night." Yoshi said.
"Yes six ninja went to fight an Ataksuki member, Deirdre. Temari was with them, Gaara's older sister. They should be back within five days. We will be having four other ninja leaving to do some recon today. With Gai away on the mission Shikamaru is going to take over the repairs to the training room until Gai returns." Kakashi said.
"We do need to talk about the repairs." Sasuke said.
"We were just discussing the outside repairs when you showed up." Gaara said.
"How are the repairs going?" Sasuke asked.
"We are adding the stone to extend the height of the wall. It's a slow process, because the stones are heavy and they need to be chiseled down to the right size. The walls around the castle are sound though." Gaara answered.
"We need to check the roof of the whole castle inside and out to ensure that it can withstand the weather and any attack. The roof in the training room is still in need of repair. We need to make sure the rest of the roof is fine." Sasuke said.
"I can have some men up there this morning to check the roof." Yoshi said.
"We need to start getting the traps up in the forest. Maybe something that could alert us when someone is approaching so we can check them out before they get too close." Sasuke said.
"Kankuro will be doing that today." Gaara said.
"When can we dig the trenches for the sand?" Sasuke asked.
"Once the outside repairs are complete we can start digging the trenches. It won't take too long to dig them all around the castle. Where can we get the sand for it?" Gaara asked Yoshi.
"We can through the village of Mitao. It will be a bit of a process to bring it here, but they will have the supply we need." Yoshi answered.
"When the repairs are almost complete we can have a squad sent out to start bringing the sand here. We need to create an escape plan should we need to retreat during the battle." Sasuke said.
"Do you think we'll need to?" Karin asked with a slight concern.
"I think I'd rather be prepared and have one compared to not have one and need one. Is there a way we can tunnel out in the back somehow Gaara-Sama?" Sasuke asked.
"It's just Gaara Sasuke. I can look and see if that would be possible and let you know." Gaara said.
"I'd appreciate that. How are the repairs coming to the other parts of the castle?" Sasuke asked.
"The medical rooms have the doors created now to connect the rooms. We are now just gathering supplies for the rooms." Karin answered.
"Both the East and West end of the castle are almost complete. It's just a matter of the supplies." Juugo said.
"We need a list of all the supplies that we still need so we can gather them. See if you can get that list together by the end of the day." Sasuke said.
"We'll get it done." Karin said.
"I will be getting the signup sheets posted for the archery. We have the targets I believe correct?" Kakashi asked Yoshi.
"They are in one of the supply rooms." Yoshi answered.
"Where are we on new men and ninja? Have you heard anything?" Shikamaru asked Yoshi.
"I have received word that two thousand are on their way here. More will be coming as well once they have gathered all of their supplies and men. The next two thousand should be arriving within three days." Yoshi answered.
"With those men we will be able to finish all of the repairs easily. Then we can completely focus on training." Kakashi said.
"We need to examine the roof. How is the repairs coming on the roof in the training room?" Sasuke asked.
"I am going to check in on the repairs in the training room. Gai was having some difficulties with the roof. I'll see if I can find a solution for it." Shikamaru answered even though they had already been over this.
"I'll have some men examining the roof all over the castle this morning and get that completed first." Yoshi said again.
"I'll go and let the others know about their mission before I head to the training rooms." Shikamaru said.
Sasuke looked at Shikamaru and spoke. "How did you hurt your arm?"
"Just hurt it working on repairs a few days ago. Its fine Sakura took care of it." Shikamaru answered for the third time.
"I'll have my men started on the roof." Yoshi said with a nod as he headed back inside.
"I'll come check in later with you." Shikamaru said.
"We'll be in the room." Kakashi said.
Shikamaru headed back inside as well.
"Do you want to go back to the room and begin working on some of the plan?" Kakashi asked Sasuke.
"Sure. Are you three ok?" Sasuke asked his team.
"We're good." Suigetsu said.
"I'll let Kankuro know about the traps and I will see if there is a way to get a tunnel from inside the castle out into the forest." Gaara said.
"Thank-you Gaara-Sama." Sasuke said.
"Just Gaara Sasuke." Gaara said with a small smile once again.
Sasuke gave a nod before him and Kakashi headed back inside and down to the room. They had a lot that still needed to be done and their time was quickly running out. All they could do was focus on what they could accomplish today and work on the rest tomorrow. Sasuke's mind seemed to be in a better place than yesterday and Kakashi was hoping that tomorrow he would be feeling this good as well. Unfortunately, there was no telling just what Sasuke's condition would be like tomorrow.