Chapter 10: Hunting

"Naruto, are you listening?"

The blonde reluctantly shifted his head, evidently too focused on one thing, or rather, one person. Then, finally looking at Kakashi, "Eh… Yeah. An escape mission, huh?" The blonde mumbled the words slowly, as if the words were foreign to him and he could not understand a single thing. 'What in the world is happening now?'

"Do you understand now, Naruto?" Kakashi's steady gaze remained, though his tone implied a bit of haste—which is highly unusual for the listless mentor.

Kakashi does not sound like he's panicking but everything in his body language suggests that they shouldn't be here talking. They should be running like hell right now. As if being doused with hot water, Naruto finally understood the severity of situation. His eyes grew wide, and unconsciously took a step forward. "Escape mission? What the hell do you mean by—?" But before Naruto could near his mentor, Sai stepped in front of him, conveniently shielding the blonde's view and interrupting his query.

"So basically, we are going to let the Uchiha escape." Sai asked, though it sounded more like an indictment than a question—every word laced with plain impunity and refusal. There is not a hint of confusion, just an outright rejection of the idea.

"We," Kakashi turned his full attention to the ROOT member, "are not simply letting Sasuke escape. We are escaping with him."

"What?" Naruto's loud voice cut the silence of the dead forest like a newly-sharpened kunai. "Why? What happened? What changed? Is he in danger?"

Kakashi sighed heavily. This is going to take longer than he expected. A confused Naruto and an uncooperative Sai are not really the ideal combination, especially in delicate and covert missions such as this. Just as he's about to reply, the copy-nin felt a wave of foreign chakras fast approaching. To alert the others, he slightly moved his head to the right, a gesture of vigilance. The others immediately understood, preparing themselves, though the Uchiha himself remained still—seemingly indifferent to the whole affair.

"We don't have much time. I will explain everything once we reached our destination. For now," Kakashi turned his focus to Naruto, "we need to fend off these pursuers. Their target is Sasuke."

Naruto's expression rapidly changed from downright confusion to incredulity and finally, to dread.

Target. Sasuke.

Target…

Sasuke.

Why are those two words in the same fucking sentence? Did the Elders change their decision? Has Sasuke been sentenced to death without him knowing? What the hell is going on with the old hag's mind now? Something's not right here, and he could feel it. Breathing deeply, he looked at Sasuke again. His anxious gaze was met by the raven's cold, apathetic eyes. Like everything that's happening is beyond his concern and it would be a waste of time to involve oneself. 'Damn it. It's your freakin' life's on the line. Show some concern, you bastard.'

Naruto tore his eyes away, struggling to reign in the rising anger and other unpleasant emotions in his system. Questions lingered in the air like a deadweight and every second seemed like a ticking bomb. He ached for answers or anything for enlightenment, but he knew that this is not the best time for explanations. They simply could not afford the luxury of wasting time trying to make sense of the vague situation. Naruto then nodded to Kakashi and brought his hands to his chest. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." Two clones appeared at once.

"I will keep them away." The real Naruto said. "My clones would follow you for the rendezvous point."

Kakashi eyed him for a moment before responding. "The hunter-nins are most likely of jounin-level, Naruto. Be careful."

"I'll be fine, sensei. Just… well you know." Kakashi nodded, absolutely certain of what Naruto meant. The blond took one last look at Sasuke, muttering "Bastard", before heading off to the opposite direction.

"Idiot." Sai said as he positioned himself to follow his teammate. He then smiled at Kakashi. "Gomen ne sensei, but the Uchiha is not my responsibility." And he left.

Sai watched his teammate's stationary figure from a distance. He could feel faint waves of chakra being channeled to and from the blonde. 'He's going to fight in sage mode.' Sai thought, oblivious of the frown marring his own face. 'He's taking this way too seriously.' Sai stepped down from the branch and slowly made his way towards Naruto, careful not to break the other's concentration. Looking at Naruto's unmoving and peaceful facade tugged something in his chest he could not quite explain. It was an unfamiliar feeling, something that he must have felt years ago but could have forgotten like the million memories he left to rot in his brain.

Memories of his childhood.

Of his feelings for art…

And most especially, of his "brother".

Aside from his upbringing in ROOT, there's simply nothing else left in his world. He forgot how happiness should feel, or how sadness should sting, or how to lose oneself in anger. Feelings are trivial and only skills can define one's worth. Like a bare canvass, his was an empty existence. He learned to feel nothing. He craved for nothing and needed no one.

Until now.

Until now.

Sai stepped closer to Naruto, only a few feet separating them now. He could feel other chakras dangerously nearing their location, but he didn't care, focusing all his attention on his teammate. The only person he ever…

A kunai flew past his cheek, hitting something behind him. "What's wrong with you, Sai?" Naruto asked, his eyes golden and horizontally-slit. "You're spacing out."

'That was fast. I didn't even see him move.' Sai thought. Like a habit, he closed his eyes and smiled. "Just making sure you have not fallen asleep, dickless."

"Like hell I will, you bastard." Naruto playfully retorted, then diverted his attention to the discarded kawarimi behind his teammate. "They're here. I can sense them. Two on the left… One north… And two behind me." The blonde turned his gaze back to his teammate. "You ready?"

The pale boy smiled and nodded, not needing words to respond.

And they attacked.

Blame it on his intuitiveness but Kakashi was painfully aware of the uncomfortable, deathly vibes swimming in the air as they made their way towards the edge of the west forest grounds, their first checkpoint. He glanced back at his ward. Sasuke is positioned at the center, with two of Naruto's clones at the end of the formation. Right now, suffice to say, Sakura's presence would be greatly appreciated—just to lessen the palpable uneasiness that lingered among them. Her medic skills, in this precarious mission, would be extremely helpful as well.

Unfortunately, she can't be here. Being the Hokage's direct apprentice, Sakura's presence in this mission can be detrimental to the Konoha's fragile reputation among the nations.

Kakashi could still remember the pained look of the Hokage as she explained the mission to him. Apparently, the Kages of the five great nations did want the Uchiha to be executed. When they learned that the Uchiha was finally apprehended, they took it as an insult that the Konoha has not yet made any attempt on punishing the Sharingan-wielder who assaulted them and killed their subordinates during the leaders' assembly. They were not joking when they declared that they want the Uchiha's head delivered to them as a sort of conciliatory gift.

An appeasement gift.

But it's not just that, Tsunade knew.

It was a head in exchange for their losses. In exchange for their continued alliance with Konoha.

A head in exchange for their trust.

It is that simple. But damn it, what they are asking for is downright impossible.

The Hokage, along with the Council, just could not possibly take the easier route of executing the rogue nin. Ironically, albeit everything that happened, albeit everything that the Uchiha has done and swore to do, they still need him. For Naruto's sake. For Konoha's sake. Until they find other effective means of restraining the demon, they still need the Uchiha's abilities to hold back the Kyuubi. Relocation of the host is not an option as it would compromise the safety and the main defense of their village. Hence, this is what makes everything not that "simple" anymore.

Tsunade knew that they need to make a decision now—a choice to satisfy both of the Kages' and Konoha's needs. The Hokage brought the cup to her lips, downing all its content in one gulp, and looked directly at Kakashi, eyes hazy, face contorted in plain fatigue and worry. A covert A-rank mission for all the members of Team 7. Their team. Kakashi almost smiled, if it were not for the gravity of the situation.

Since they could not dispose of the Uchiha and they are not allowed to "not do anything" under the scrutiny of the other nations, they only way to get out of this one is through deceit. Plain old deceit.

They will make it look like that the Council has ordered the execution of the Uchiha. And being a steadfast team, Team 7 will play as the culprits. They will not only let the Uchiha escape, they will escape with him. There are two reasons for this. The first is that the Kyuubi host should always be physically near the Sharingan-wielder. This is to ensure that the Kyuubi will be monitored and "controlled" at all times. The second reason is that they need someone else to take the blame. It would not be the Council's fault. Nor the Hokage's.

To not compromise Konoha, it would be the liability of Team 7 alone.

Clever.

But is it possible?

Kakashi turned his attention back to his surroundings, surveying the lush forestry as he passed. The copy-nin was well aware of the risks and all the difficulties that are involved in the mission. However he is not sure if the others could handle it, especially Sasuke whose chakra is currently restrained and whose loyalty is questionable. The copy-nin inwardly debated if he should take off the chakra restraints so that Sasuke can defend himself, but…

A sudden flicker of foreign chakra made him stop. Sensing that something is wrong, Kakashi removed the hitai-ite from his eye, letting his Sharingan survey the surroundings itself.

And he saw them. Four hunter-nins just a few meters in front of him and at least two on each side of their formation.

"Naruto," Kakashi called and gestured to Sasuke, a mute way of saying protect the other. The raven caught this and glared at the copy-nin, and then at the approaching blonde. He does not need Naruto or anyone, he can take care of himself. Apparently, Naruto's clones did not get the hint and inched closer to Sasuke.

"This is treason, Hatake Kakashi. Surrender now or we will take you down." One by one, the hunter-nins made themselves visible, encircling their team.

"No, I'm afraid that's not possible." Kakashi replied in monotone, but is clearly poised to defend.

"Then you leave us no choice." One of the nins raised his hand, signaling to others to take their positions.

Kakashi only hoped that this would not go as bad as he expected it to be.

Naruto's rasengan hit one of their attackers directly at the stomach but instead of a body being pushed backward, it was replaced by a familiar log. Naruto's jaw clenched. 'Kawarimi again? What's going on here?' The blonde looked around and saw Sai standing with a couple of crushed logs at his feet, donning the same mild confusion on his face. Their gazes met. But before Naruto could speak, he felt a painful stabbing feeling at his side. He gripped his side, knowing at once that one of his clones had just been taken out.

"No way. That means…"

Sai looked at him thoughtfully. "Naruto."

"We need to go back, Sai." And without looking back at the pale boy, Naruto ran as fast as he can back to where his clones were.

Sasuke.

Sasuke.

Naruto stared…and stared at the door, his heart racing madly in his chest. Slowly, he raised a sweaty palm to grip the handle but made no effort on opening it. He continued to stare at the door, willing it to open by itself. It didn't. Damn door.

In the middle of berating himself, Naruto felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. "Sensei?"

"He's fine, Naruto. Just a few… minor scratches. You don't need to worry." Kakashi said as he took Naruto's other hand and placed some paper seals. "But I still think you might need these. Ja!" And then the copy-nin left, all the while focused on his orange book. Naruto watched as the other slightly staggered towards the other room, the new bandages in his left leg being soiled by dried blood. Naruto frowned at the sight, knowing that part of that was his fault. There was no reason for him to go—to leave his team, but he did. He left because he could not find the courage to face the Uchiha. Fending off the ones following them was just an excuse. If it were not for Yamato-sensei aiding them, the fight with the hunter-nins could have gotten worse.

It could have gotten really worse.

Naruto's grip on the handle tightened, and slowly, very slowly he opened it. He found Sasuke sitting on the ledge of the window, his other feet dangling outside, his gaze somewhere far away. Always far away.

Sasuke's sleeveless dark gray shirt was tattered in some places and Naruto could see some traces of blood on it. His right arm was bandaged haphazardly, and new blood is starting to creep out.

"Leave."

A familiar cold voice. A familiar tone of resentment.

Naruto expected that. "Whatever bastard." Swallowing deeply, Naruto made his way towards his former teammate. He sat himself on the remaining space on the ledge and before the other could protest, Naruto attached some paper seals on the raven's chest—rendering him completely immobile. Naruto could not help but smile when the other glared at him more furiously

"What do you think you're doing?"

"What does it look like, teme?"

Without looking at the Uchiha, Naruto grabbed the latter's wounded arm and silently removed the soiled, bloody gauze. When the bandages were completely stripped off, his smile fell when he saw the deep gash from the elbow extending all the way to the raven's shoulder. "Minor scratches, huh?" He mumbled, then took some new bandages and a bottle of ointment from his pouch and placed them at their center.

"Are you okay, Sasuke?" Naruto asked, with his eyes still fixed on the other's arm, applying the ointment on the wounded flesh.

"…."

"Teme, it wouldn't hurt to answer you know." Naruto finally looked up. "We're all worried about you, you jerk. Quit being such as ass."

Still no response. Naruto gritted his teeth and willed himself to focus on treating the wound instead. He isn't really good at this type of things, and has no idea how much ointment is one supposed to use on an open wound. He does not have any cotton, so he settled on using his fingers to spread the salve generously on the flesh. If Sakura was here, she might have berated the blond for being unsanitary, but hell, who cares? As if the proud Uchiha will die of germs, right?

Right.

After fully applying the ointment, Naruto removed the safety pin of the new bandages. As slowly and meticulously as he could, he wrapped it around the raven's wounded arm.

The raven's left arm.

It was ironic really, how he is now treating the hand that almost killed him thrice. How many times has this hand tried to take his life? This was the hand that ripped through his chest years ago, the same hand that almost stabbed him, choked him, the hand that electrocuted and almost burned half of him, and the cold, cold hand that refused to help him so many times in the past. Pale, long fingers that only know how to grip other people's neck, or stroke the hilt of a sword before a cruel kill. Pale, long fingers that only know how to punish, to hurt...

Naruto's fingers were trembling.

"You know, they told me about this mission. It's bullshit, really." The blonde started, still focused on perfecting the binding of the wound, making sure that it's tight enough and there are no creases.

Carefully treating the hand that hurt him the most. How…

"Stupid." Naruto smiled to himself, a bit too forced. "If you ask me, that's the stupidest plan I've ever heard, but yeah, I'll go with it. It's an A-rank mission and it's too good to pass up. I don't get much of the plan, though." Naruto leaned in closer to reach the raven's shoulder. He could practically feel the raven's eyes boring through his face, but he forced himself to focus. 'Damn it, stop staring will you.'

One last knot.

"There, done!" Naruto examined his work, inwardly praising himself for such a neat work. It doesn't look messy as he expected it to be. Sakura-chan would be proud.

Smiling at Sasuke, he removed the seals on the latter's chest. "Be thankful, you bast—"

But he didn't get to finish it when Sasuke lifted his uninjured arm and pale, cold fingers tore the wrappings in one firm tug. As if in a daze, Naruto could only watch as the bandages languidly slid off the other's arm, once again revealing the nasty wound.

'How…

…stupid.'

How fucking stupid….

One deep breath and Naruto's clenched fist punched the wood above the raven's head. Splinters fly in the air as Naruto struggled to even his frantic breathing—as he struggled to control the growing impulse to rearrange the Uchiha's face.

Breathe.

Just…breathe.

"You done?" Sasuke's expression did not change, his tone as cold as ever.

"Asshole." Taking the hint, Naruto glared at the raven one last time before grudgingly picking up his things and left.

He could hear the relentless downpour of the rain outside—every heavy drop hitting their make-shift temporary quarters with a thud.

Slowly, Sasuke pried open his eyes and was not surprised to be greeted with a blanket of darkness. It was already way past midnight, he could tell. Deciding that he has rested enough, he tried to stand up using both of his elbows—but immediately stopped when he felt a sharp jab of pain shot through his right arm. He gripped his right shoulder, feeling the painful aftershocks of exerting the wound. As he did, he was surprised to feel a thin cloth covering it. He examined his right arm, and true enough, there are new bandages wrapped around it, complete with a seal this time so he wouldn't be able to remove it.

"…Stubborn idiot." He murmured against the darkness.

Supporting himself with one arm, he stood up and went towards the window. He could barely see anything outside and the only sound he could hear is the loud beating of the rain against the ground. He raised his bandaged arm and let the rain pour down on it. If he couldn't take them off himself, then something else can. He was right. The rain easily soaked through the wrappings, slackening the knot bit by bit…

["…Are you okay, Sasuke?"]

And then he felt it.

A flicker of a familiar chakra not too far away. Even without his sharingan, he can sense it very clearly, which meant that it's definitely potent.

"Madara."

And he took off.

….

It was cold.

The raindrops felt like blunt ice pricking his skin. And he could barely see. He can only rely on the familiar trace of chakra to lead him. He knew he was getting closer as the intensity of the chakra was getting stronger every second.

A few moments passed…

And he finally saw it.

He looked around and all he can see is red. Red. Red. Red. Red.

Violent red-tinted chakras lighting the forest in a dull hue of blood. He looked up and saw dark crimson bubbles suspended in the air like enormous fireflies. He could still feel the rain soaking through his clothes but instead of the cold prickling rain, he felt warm droplets searing his skin.

Unbearable, suffocating heat….

And he knew… He just knew…

A single name escaped his lips. "Kyuubi."

And before he could stop himself, the raven looked down.

Crouched beneath the massive reservoir of chakra was his ex-teammate. The blonde has his arms wrapped around his stomach, an extremely pained expression marring his face. Some parts of his exposed skin are visibly peeling off, revealing a dark red flesh underneath.

["The seal is weakening due to the host's constant use of the Kyuubi's chakra. Do you know why, Sasuke?"]

["Sakura-chan and I…we did everything we can, sacrificed everything to get you back."]

Sacrificed everything…

…To get you back.

["…Because I love you."]

"You…" Sasuke clenched his fists, unconsciously taking a step forward, "...fucking idiot."

"…Enjoying the view, Uchiha?"

From the shadows, Sai stepped forward, his gaze cold and unforgiving.