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Chap 7-Mend

It's time to think about vital parts and values

To start to focus my attention on what makes me happy

I want to share things with those I care about, I've got so much in me

I want to soak up what's pouring out from those who care about me

I'm certain this time

I'll make the change, I'll at least try- Gob

The moment the village came into view, the memories that had been wrung out by Mind readers began to brighten.

The first year of Sasuke's return to Konoha, his memories had been emptied out onto the floor to be analyzed and dissected searching for any secrets he had not spoken of. 'Personal' and 'private' were not words they were familiar with. The talented seekers took every piece of him and exposed it. He relived things he hadn't been ready for. And for years afterwards, remembering was torture.

Sasuke looked over at Sakura and got her green eyes. She smiled before resetting her concentration. Perhaps remembering wouldn't be so bad anymore. She wants to know him, wants to hear his past, and to understand his transgressions. Ten years ago neither of them were ready for that. Being out here, in the unpredictable, dangerous world, he wanted her to share his knowledge. She needed the same hesitation that was distilled in him.

And maybe, if he opened up a little, they might actually have something to talk about. Like her and Kiba.

They were chatting it up as they walked into this village that once had been terrorized by Orchimaru. If she wasn't laughing at something witty Kiba was saying Sasuke would have enlightened her of the day he and his master had nearly destroyed the city, but since he didn't want to ruin her mood, he kept his arms crossed and his comments to himself.

The further they walked and the more attention he paid to details, Sasuke's footsteps got slower until he stopped altogether. The key element about this village, the one that had slipped his mind up until now was going to create a big problem for them if they didn't leave now.

"We should go."

This particular village had a very protective aspect to their main water supply and it was the main reason Orchimaru had wanted it back in the day.

Neji didn't spare him a glance, "We are here, we stay." He plainly dictated. His teammates continued with him. Only Sakura hung back worried, finally taking note of him.

"This place is not welcoming." He voiced again but Neji ignored him. "I'm leaving." Sasuke turned on his foot and was instantly met with the leader of the village.

Wearing ropes of yellow flames, the man slammed his burning sword into the ground. Fire licked up the metal, warning them to keep still. "Going somewhere?"

Behind them, another ninja landed with the same type of fire sword, spewing lava and he twirled his blade leaving orange trails of light in its wake. "My brother and I don't like spies."

"Especially Konoha Spies."

Sasuke was quick to quip, "We're shitty spies if we just walk right in."

He had a distant feeling he had met these two brothers before. The fire, the stupid snide remarks, the ugly stares from their ugly faces. Then he remembered. A smirk came upon his lips. "That's a nice scar." The first brother that landed before him had a line that stretched from the bottom of his chin to the tip of his temple. He had been there the day Orochimaru had made his presence known for the first time.

The ninja knit his brows and then just like a lightning flashing, the realization hit him. He remembered Sasuke just as much as Sasuke remembered him. He attacked with his burning weapon, yelling out in a sudden fury.

It was simple. Emotionally attached attacks will never win against a brick wall. Sasuke had only to move just slightly and slam a fist up, right into his sternum and just as easy as that, the man should be down and out. But Sasuke was ultimately surprised when that didn't happen like that

The ninja dropped to his knee like normal but his recovery was too quick. He pretended to hold his chest only to snatch kunai from his pocket and stab it right into Sasuke's foot. Sasuke couldn't move and with no weapons of his own there was no guard to the sword about to strike him down.

TenTen drove from above with her own katana, the fire sparking with contact from another sword. The leader jumped away so he wouldn't get hit.

Sasuke stared down at his foot, unsure of what just happened. A blow like that should have rendered him unconscious. He had used the proper amount of chakra, he was sure of it. Had he hit the man in the wrong part?

Sasuke glanced up. TenTen had already subdued her foe, her blade at his neck drawing blood. His brother had been forced back by the fast paced kicks of Lee. He could feel the condescending downcast smirk from Neji and met him with a glare of his own. The man obviously knew what Sasuke had missed.

"Couldn't you tell he was wearing armor?" TenTen barked at him. Sasuke looked down at the shirt he wore but it was no difference from any other type of training outfit. "Come closer then. He won't bite ya now." She smiled at that, then her eyes went to his foot, "Oh." Her humor increased.

Sasuke grabbed the kunai from his foot, groaning sharply. He hadn't experience pain in a very long time. The last time any injury had befallen him was nearly a year ago when Naruto's Bijuu had gotten lose. He needed some of his pride back. So he walked on his damage foot up to the man and took a look at his shirt. Even closer he couldn't see the difference. Feeling it was the only way he could tell.

"This armor came out about three, four years ago on the black market. It protects from nearly everything. A knife can't cut it. And fire can't burn it. And a fist, can't do much." She chuckled that last part.

He turned his back on her. Sakura's eyes were trying to catch his own but he be damned if he was going to let his dignity diminish anymore. He was made a fool on something he couldn't possibly know. Was he this ignorant to the Ninja world? He surrounded himself with ninjas in all forms, from the beginning of their training to their deaths. But he didn't know these simple quirks that had evolved with time. It was ridiculous. What else didn't he know?

Neji, bored and unimpressed ordered out, "Ask your questions, Uchiha."

"Uchiha." The man contained choked out. "Uchiha Sasuke. You're suppose to be dead."

That was humorous. Sasuke turned to him. "By whom?"

"Konoha. Rumor was they captured you and killed you. Ten or so years ago."

"Who runs this now?"

The man grinned, "I do." All the doors opened and dozens of soldiers exited, spreading out and surrounding them. "Now I'll make a deal with you."

TenTen tugged on the man, pressing her knife more deeply into his skin, "You're no position to strike any deals."

"I'll let you all go. In trade for him."

"Done." Neji was already heading out.

"Wrong." Sakura growled.

Neji looked to her as if he had been challenged. "We are simply outnumbered." He resolved. TenTen said his name only once in plea. He glared at her momentarily, "Fine. Cut his throat and lets be done with this."

"Wait." Sasuke broke in, staring down at their capture. "Who runs Sound?"

"Orochimaru has been long dead."

"I know. I killed him. Who operates there now?"

"Sound only strengthened when he died. An army of half-breeds and deserters. They take orders from a powerful trio that go by the name Hebi."

Sasuke's eyes widened and his body seized. That name he had long ago forgotten came back in a gut wrenching twist. He never thought he would ever meet those three again. He had abandoned them like he had abandoned his Team Seven. He had left in the middle of a battle, hearing them call his name as they were overrun by a horde of assassins. He had believed them all dead. He had wanted them to be dead.

"Hebi." Neji voiced. Sasuke feared what Neji knew. It was something Sakura was never suppose to know about. "Why does that sound familiar?" Sasuke let out a weak breath he had been holding. He didn't know how well Sakura would deal with that knowledge. She and Naruto both were very defensive of him. Joining another team might be a betrayal they haven't dealt with yet. He didn't want to deal with it either. Not if he didn't have too.

"I bet the bounty on your head is pretty steep, Uchiha Sasuke." The captor threw smoke bombs, and in the moment TenTen screamed a curse and jumped out of the smoke empty handed. There was blood on her hand.

Since Sakura knew Sasuke wouldn't accept her help, she went to try and heal TenTen. "I'm fine." She bit harshly, yanking her hand out.

"TenTen." It was a simple word from Neji. Sakura was amazed when TenTen shoved her hand in her face. She quickly healed it and wrapped up what she could without hindering her.

Their enemies looked at them from a top the roof. Kiba was ready to pounce with Akamaru but Sasuke wanted to try a different tactic. "We don't want your water."

"Like I haven't heard that one before. You were powerful when Orochimaru was around. But it looks like things have changed. In my favor. The name is Tabaku Nazitsu, ruler of the Hisgoya Waters." Speaking to his troops now, "I want him alive." He moved his arm, sending in his first wave of soldiers.

Sasuke found himself unprepared. Two soldiers were at him with kunais and chakra cutting blades. He had nothing on him but his own fists. He called for a knife but Neji broke through, "No weapons for you, Uchiha."

Sasuke growled, smashing his fist in his opponent's face. "Then how the hell am I suppose to fight back." He dodged and ducked, back flipping.

"You did so well dismantling the platoon." He replied roughly, spinning his kaiten.

Sasuke couldn't use his curse. Wouldn't use his curse. There was a sealing placed on it anyway. He knew it wouldn't hold if he truly wanted to use it but he wouldn't risk it. Not with Sakura standing so close.

He backed up from a sharp shuriken, tripping over one of TenTen's forgotten scrolls. He crashed on his butt, his eyes wide knowing his enemy would be coming down on him now he was weakened. He put up a hand to stop the blade, only to be surprised as a body smashed into his assailant. Two bodies twisted in the dirt. He looked over and saw Sakura's wide smirk, flexing her fist.

Great, now his wife is saving him. How far the Uchiha has fallen. She held out a hand to him which he promptly ignored, caring less how it effected her. The fighting continued and Sakura quickly went back to action while he stood being protected from future attacks.

His fists flexed at his side, his teeth clenched trying to suppress the rage building inside. His hand ached for a sword long forgotten. The sword that had slayed his brother, the one Konoha had taken and never returned. The sword that represented his achievements, his killings, his betrayals, and his sorrows. It had been a part of him for eight years. He could still remember the first time he had held it in his palm but that thrilling experience had been ruined with it's last kill.

Sasuke's sharigan rolled in his gaze. He could feel his curse swirl in agitation. It wanted out. It whispered for blood. It spoke with sweet slithering bliss.

Sasuke ran, jumping over Neji's head, landing a solid foot in the surprised enemy. The weapon jumped from his hand, still swinging in the air when Sasuke rotated, pushing himself off the man's face and snatching the kunai flying to Lee's opponent. Three quick slashes, barely dodging in the haste Sasuke flashed his two fingers in sign, and fire spewed from his mouth. Two down, he grabbed the charred remains' sword, swinging in his hand. He chucked the kunai at his next pinpointed enemy and slashed through the air, dodging and ducking with an exhalation he knew too well. A smile was on his lips and he cut down the last one and swung around to block a jutsu from behind. He pushed his chakra outward, creating a slight wave interrupting twenty poison needles direction, splitting in different paths surprising enemies and hitting a few.

In his favor, he said.

This is what he was made for. This thrilling experience of engaging enemies, of fighting for one's life, this is exactly what he was missing every single day he has been in that dreaded village of Konoha. Was Sakura watching? He didn't need her to protect him. He could take care of himself. He may have been out of the game but there was so much fight left in him. He was still a ninja to be reckoned with.

Was Kiba? Sasuke scoffed. He doubted it.

Sasuke wanted more action. He wanted to be in the middle of it all. He wanted to be challenged and be pushed to the brink of his strength. He wanted all eyes on him and he wanted only amazement to shine in their gazes. His twin boys always looked at him like that and it was the most rewarding feeling.

Each enemy he faces here, he injures only just enough to incapacitate. His killing days are over. It was bothering him enough already that blood had splattered on his hand. The sight of it would have immobilized him years ago but now after so long and so much rehabilitation, he had been able to move on. He wanted this. He wanted to protect and he wanted to fight. He wanted more.

Sasuke ran straight through the line of soldiers, slicing the ones in his way till he hopped up to the roof, his blade reigning down on the leader's fire sword. Sasuke smirked meeting his face. "How about another scar?" He taunted.

The fire exploded from him, shoving Sasuke back a few feet. Though he received burns it felt good. "I'm a fire wielder. You think that effects me?" He smugly taunted.

"You fight with them, Uchiha. I shouldn't be surprised, traitors tend to switch sides."

The word 'traitor' weakened by the many years in Konoha. They ran at each other, their swords clashing. Chakra exploded from them, the roof cracking under the pressure.

"You're good with a sword." Natiztsu complimented. "However naïve." Sasuke eyes widened when his opponent's blade extracted needles and they spit out with chakra guiding speed. He flipped backward, rolling to dodge, the pain of his already injured foot made him falter and a needle imbedded into the leg's calf. He ripped out quick in case of poison, a moment for distraction. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a fire dragon blow from Natiztsu mouth. Sasuke put a hand up unconsciously, his snakes rolled out from under his shirt, cutting through the flames easily and wrapping his opponent in a tight constricting hold.

For eight years, always being on guard has a certain toll. The subconscious develops it's own protective defense. He hadn't summoned them. He hadn't wished them. They just come when they are needed. It had been that way for a long time. Time itself should have slowly dissolved the need for such security. Maybe if he had ever felt safe inside of Konoha's walls it would have. But despite it all, Konoha wasn't home. It was just a place to rest a while.

"Sakura!" Kiba's voice sounded in earnest and Sasuke swung his gaze over to where she had been only to find her not there any longer.

Panic quickened. Where was she? She should know not to do anything stupid. He hated that about her. Always doing something so fucking dumb. Whether it was trying to match Naruto and his stamina or trying to save every single person that comes into the freaking hospital. She always overdoes it. She was constantly trying to impress him.

He caught Kiba's fast movements. Holding on to the skin of his dog's mane, the two jumped over to a group f ninjas only to resurface with Sakura in his arms. Her arms wrapped around his neck, his arm under her legs holding onto her fiercely. They got to the safety of the team and as he put her down he whispered something that made her laugh.

Why did she always laugh with him?

Sasuke scoffed throwing his attention back to the man in his grasp. "Now, old man. We are going into Sound. Tell us what we need to know."

Natiztsu smirked evilly, "You should be welcome."

Sasuke didn't like the way he said that. If Hebi was still together than getting into Sound would prove a lot more difficult. He never wanted to see those three again. They were the prime people he had used during his time in Orchimaru and if anyone deserved vengeance, it's them.

"It's different now, Uchiha Sasuke. Sound has become a county of its own. We have a treaty with them."

"That doesn't mean much, does it." Sasuke bit. His snakes tightened. "The truth." His sharingan glared deadly searching for any deceit but he was quickly coming to the realization that there was fact to what he said. What had Hebi been doing while he's been away?

The man chuckled. "Go to Sound, Uchiha. I want to see how far you get." His body popped from Sasuke's hold only to end up ten feet from where he had been. Sasuke's snakes hissed in dislike, snapping at one another. "Get out of my village. They'll be coming for you. And I don't want them coming here."

The surrounding enemies began to disengage, slowly one by one they all popped away, hiding beneath the ground where they could not be reached easily. Sasuke had no intention of going through the hassle to hunt them down. He knew their traps from before and it wasn't worth it.

"Let's go." Sasuke demanded, throwing the sword down for Neji's sake. In his boot, the needle that had struck him earlier stayed. He needed something if anything were to happen.

Sasuke knew who "they" Natiztsu was referring to. Assassins. They would come, get their information, then kill the talker so no one else can find the answers. He had made a living at one point doing just that. Sasuke caught Sakura's gaze. She was surprised they had all just left and she wanted to know what happened. He turned his head away. The time to share had past. He didn't want her to know. Some things are just better left unsaid.