Author's Notes:
I am not the creator of Naruto, I do not own Naruto nor am I attempting to portray myself who owns the copyrights/production rights to Naruto.

Chapter 9

"Word of a Revolt"

His eyes began to get heavy, closing on their own as Sasuke realized he was barely keeping upright. He'd run for two straight days only taking time to obtain water, relieve himself, barley catch a 20 minute or so nap before he had to get back up on his feet and haul ass once again.

He was certain if he could just reach the ANBU that should be surrounding Konoha he could explain everything, ask for shelter and escape the death he seemed destined for.

What was it that snapped him out of everything? He still wasn't sure. But the dreams were becoming more and more present, making themselves clearer with each passing night. 3 years… 3 years.. this meant something and.. .it definitely meant something larger than him…larger than Itachi.. but Itachi was definitely involved.. so was Orochimaru… so was Naruto… just what was it that was eating away at the back of Sasuke's mind?

He knew he'd have the time and resources to figure it all out if he could just reach Konoha and seek shelter there. Perhaps they would still offer him a pardon for abandoning the village, siding with the enemy.. trying to kill Naruto… maybe… Naruto could forgive him, too..

Sasuke tried with all he had to extend his sight forward through the forest looking for signs of familiarity, praying with the most sincere hope to see those high red gates of his village.

But at this time, all Sasuke could barley focus on was the ground rising up to meet him as he realized… he'd reached his limit.

MEANWHILE

Kakashi stared at the cup of green tea in front of him as he swished around the miso soup in his bowl, causing the settled paste to rise up from the bottom and mix amongst the broth once again.

He explained the events that had been occurring starting 5 weeks ago. The Kazekage, Gaara of the Sand calling an emergency meeting with Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, one of utmost secrecy. After which Tsunade held an emergency meeting with the elders of the village to discuss the information.

3 rogue ninja of the Sound Country, caught by shinobi from the Hidden Village of Sand- taken directly to Gaara when it was made clear why they had gone rogue.

The sound shinobi all relayed the same message of chaos and fear. A revolt was taking place at the main hideout for Orochimaru. Located on an island to the north of the Sound country, several ninja began to escape after rumors of fighting between Orochimaru and his chosen container, Uchiha Sasuke. With the camp in chaos, the ninja fled hoping to make it past the Wind Country and far away from the reaches of Orochimaru.

Instead they were captured and all three were handed over to Konoha for further interrogation.

It was then that they began to hear more of what was rumored to be happening.

Kakashi went on to explain that Kawasaji Dojiro was the more senior of the three ninja and also seemed to be the one who supplied them with the information regarding the revolt.

According to Dojiro, the Uchiha boy began demanding information from Orochimaru. Information regarding the Akatsuki, why they had a command to capture Naruto, what Naruto's hidden power was, and what history Orochimaru had with the Akatsuki.

When Orochimaru refused to supply him with answers, Sasuke refused to allow the jutsu for body transfer and thus, Orochimaru tried to take him by force.

A fight ensued and all order in the camp disintegrated. The teams were disbanding on their own as rumors flew around that the Uchiha would easily kill them all should he be able to truly take down Orochimaru.

Dojiro made it clear that there was no doubt in his mind that something huge and terrifying was going to happen and that is when they decided to flee.

"After Tsunade and the elders discussed this, it was decided that a recon team should be dispatched to try and gather preliminary information in an attempt to confirm the Sound ninja's story," Kakashi explained.. "Sakura.. always.. held out a hope for both Sasuke and Naruto's safe returns and, she was very convincing in her persuasion for us to assign her to the team with Shino and Shikamaru. Ideally, we wanted Neji, Hinata or Chouji to attend but Sakura had waited so long.. I- " he stopped.

"You couldn't find a way to say no, right?" Naruto completed.

"…Ah.." slumped Kakashi.

"We don't have the full information yet of what exactly happened out there, but according to bits and pieces Shino and Shikamaru have been able to relate, while following up on a lead near the Wave Country they were ambushed. Sakura attempted replacement jutsu but failed-the reason unknown. We only know her she was killed by attackers who would not identify themselves even after Shikamaru held them in an extended shadow bind, but they did confirm that they "would take the Uchiha back".

Naruto's eyes slanted at these words, while Jiraiya's widened to observe Naruto's reaction.

"Kakashi-sensei- doesn't that confirm the story? For Sakura to have fought the way she did, she must have fully believed that Sasuke was trying to return then, don't you think?" Naruto asked, "and for them to have said they would take him back, only confirms that Orochimaru had sent people to retrieve him - because he had escaped?"

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "But until we have more information from Shino and Shikamaru… Naruto - please promise me you won't go running off in another wild chase to find him like you used to..?"

Naruto closed his eyes at the though, realizing how much energy he had put into protecting his friend instead of himself, his life and his village.

An uneasy silence fell around the table as Kakashi began to picture the sharp words he had grown to expect from the #1 loudmouth ninja.

Jiraiya spoke up, breaking the silence with a calm reassurance, "Kakashi, I think you will find as you observe Naruto that he would not make take that level of unnecessary risk anymore."

"Ah.. " confirmed Naruto, "I do wish.. so much that I could help Sasuke somehow- that I could really be a hero for him. However-"
The blonde commanded the gaze of his former sensei once again, delivering a sense of solid seriousness to the older shinobi.

"- the safety of Konoha and my life are too important for me to take that level of unnecessary risk anymore. I live for my life and for my village."