AN: I know not many fangirls like Sakura but I do. There will be a side Sakura pairing with Sasuke and Naruto but won't impact their relationship too much. These chapters will focus on the relationships developing gradually over Sasuke's house-arrest. Summer vacation is finally here and I can write in peace. I'm a few days behind since a thunderstorm knocked out three whole days without electricity so I couldn't access my computer. Thanks for the encouraging comments. I hope to not disappoint anyone as the story progresses.
*Passes out cookies to everyone*
Chapter 11:
What Came After the Rain?
It was a dream. A vivid horrifying dream where escape seemed futile…he was running. From what? He wasn't certain. Everywhere was pure darkness. No light emitted to provide a path of hope. He was alone so alone. It was so quiet in this desolate damned place. The only noises were the rapid beating of his heart and his heavy breathing. Suddenly there was a piercing bloodcurdling scream piercing his ears and sending him running faster and covering his ears. Voices…voices echoed now. More screams. "Run little brother run. Run until you have filled your world with absolute hatred…"
He was running. The cool and cold voice all too familiar causing his heart to pound furiously against his small chest. He was a young child running. The scene was familiar. Light from the silver moonlight now shined on streets littered with bloodied corpses. He closed his eyes tightly cowering in fear and disgust. He could taste the bile crawling up his throat. More screams, more running, and more taunts from the male voice. "You have only begun to unravel the true Sharingan. In order to defeat me, you must acquire this new power of the Sharingan by killing your best friend…"
He kept running with eyes closed and panting. More corpses of familiar people filled his mind as he ran until he reached what he was at the moment considering a safe place to hide. "MOM! DAD!" The child screamed ignoring the custom of taking off his shoes before proceeding inside his home. It was dead silent inside. The pattering of his feet on the wooden floor echoed. "MOM! DAD!" He screamed again in panic as his parents did not respond back. He reached his parent's room and without hesitation slid the door wide open revealing a terrible sight.
"Otouto," his older brother greeted. Itachi stood a silver katana in hand and wearing his ANBU gear. The boy was more than relieved to finally find someone alive and someone he deeply trusted.
"Nii-san!" But that relief shattered instantly when blood flowed to reach his feet. His eyes grew wide with fear and shock as he saw his mother and father sprawled on the floor severely injured. "Mom…Dad…" The boy crept closer not believing what he was witnessing. Itachi remained composed watching his little brother. "No, no, no! What is going on Nii-san!? Please say mom and dad are alive!" Tears were clouding the boy's vision. Itachi's katana dripped from tainted blood. "I-I don't understand! Why Nii-san? Our mother and father! P-Please don't kill me!"
"My pitiful little brother, Sasuke. You aren't even worth killing," Itachi replied as he flashed those menacing crimson eyes. Sasuke was confused with all these emotions running rampant. Rage…Fear…Sorrow…Confusion
Sasuke pulled out a kunai grasping it so tightly he drew blood from his hand. He ran toward his older brother blinded by rage but Itachi made hardly an effort to punch him in the gut. "You're so pitiful Sasuke." Darkness took over again. Itachi disappeared turning into a pile of ashes that scattered in the atmosphere.
Sasuke was alone again this time he wasn't a defenseless child. The scene changed to a sunny sky and the familiar streets of Konoha. He walked down the bustling streets where old comrades greeted him with smiles plastered on their faces. He passed Lee, Shikamaru, Chouji, Neji, Ino, Kiba, Hinata, Gaara, Kankuro, Temari, Ten Ten, Asuma, Shino, Kurenai, the Third Hokage, Iruka, and Kakashi who were all smiling and waving at him. At the end of line were two people he recognized instantly. Sakura and Naruto were beckoning him forward calling out his name.
"Hurry up Teme!" Naruto said in his loud cheerful voice grinning. Sakura pretended to be annoyed by Naruto's behavior but also demonstrated the impatience of having to wait for Sasuke.
"Where were you Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked in a polite manner demonstrating concern. He said something…Sasuke couldn't hear himself talk. Whatever he said caused his two friends to laugh. He saw himself cracking a smile too. He was smiling…
"Hey Sasuke guess what? I mastered the Rasengan!" Naruto exclaimed hardly containing his excitement. Again he could see his mouth moving but heard nothing. Naruto chuckled at the unknown comment. "Alright we can spar later." That damn smile again. Suddenly screams erupted in the air. No…No..not again…
The sky was a bloody red as people began to run in all directions. Naruto and Sakura were oblivious to the change. Sasuke was screaming telling them to run or at least he thought he was. More screams…more bodies…more blood. Sasuke watched petrified as the bodies of Kakashi and the Third Hokage were cut with a sword. Blood spewed from their bodies tainting his face and clothes(1). More mayhem erupted in the village. Buildings were destroyed until they were a pile of rubble. The Hokage Tower was no more. Sasuke watched helplessly as more of his companions fell on the floor dead.
Then he turned back to Naruto and Sakura who had pained expression on their faces. "Why Sasuke-kun? Why? Were me and Naruto not enough?" Sakura asked walking toward him with trembling hands. Sasuke realized the enemy was himself. He killed all those people – and he was enjoying every second of it. Sakura's eyes went wide then clutched her abdomen where Sasuke's hand penetrated inside her emitting waves of Chidori. Her body went limp and she fell to the floor now a lifeless body.
Naruto stood there not even drawing a single weapon. "Sasuke what the fuck is wrong with you?! Is this what you meant when you came back?! How the hell does this fix anything? Do you feel satisfied?! I fucking trusted you!" Naruto wiped away furious tears from his dirtied face. "Kill me then. Do it!" Fear reflected in those deep blue eyes.
'Kill the nine tails...'
'No.'
'He is a mere obstacle.'
'No.'
Sasuke approached Naruto and the blond broke into a grin. "Our bond will never break." There was a slash of a katana and an agonizing scream finally brining everything into conclusion. Naruto reached for Sasuke's face as he bled with no hopes of escaping death. Sasuke held Naruto in his arms watching as it was the only thing he could do as the blond finally closed his eyes. His body was cold so terribly cold. Finally Sasuke heard his own voice.
'No, no, not again. NARUTO!' Naruto was dead…everyone was dead…he killed them…
"Pitiful young brother…"
Sasuke opened his eyes. He was drenched in cold sweat and his body shivered from an unknown source of chill. It had been a nightmare. Another one but this time he reached to the point where he killed Naruto. He had experienced this same nightmare various times but never saw Naruto die until now. Was this guilty conscience? No, Sasuke had empowered the control of his conscience. Yet each night that passed these nightmares continued as a taunting reminder of what was to come and the distant past. He was facing the wall where the blinds were drawn and the room was filtered with sunlight. Who opened the curtains?
Sasuke sat up wiping the sweat from his forehead with one hand recomposing his facial expression back to its usual cool and aloof self. He was naked he noticed. Ah yes everything came back to him. He shared a bed of lust with Naruto last night. The ball under the covers wriggled. Sasuke knew exactly who it was but he said nothing. He pulled the covers off almost expecting to find a blood drenched Naruto but there was no blood just a groggy blond. "Sasuke?" Naruto groaned blocking the rays of light from his face. Why did he open the damn curtains in the first place? Oh yeah it was too dark! Then his eyes snapped opened now wide eyed. Everything that happened and that was said last night replayed in his mind in just seconds. A solid blush formed on his cheeks. He had whined like a freaking girl. He turned the opposite direction where Sasuke avoiding eye contact. "What time is it?" Naruto asked trying to evade the embarrassing thoughts form his head.
Sasuke didn't reply. In fact the raven sat still observed in his own thoughts. "Find don't answer ungrateful bastard." Naruto expected a response containing "Usuratonkachi" but none came. Something was up. Sasuke although was quiet was never this quiet. Naruto turned again to face Sasuke. He had a blank expression but he could have sworn those onyx eyes widened ever so little when he noticed gazing up at him in wonder. That torturing face…those whiskered cheeks…the smile on that face. Sasuke saw blood flowing from Naruto's head, from his abdomen, and from his hands. He blinked and the image was gone replacing it with a puzzled Naruto staring at him.
"Hey Sasuke you ok?" Naruto asked concerned. Sasuke continued staring saying nothing. "Um you're scaring me," Naruto laughed nervously. Was this bastard thinking of having his way with him again? Not in a million years, Naruto thought. Sasuke's gaze turned to a solid cold glare. He grabbed Naruto's wrists painfully. "What the hell Sasuke?" Naruto exclaimed wincing from the sharp pain. "It hurts let go bastard!"
Sasuke snapped from his trance but didn't let go. Somehow his hand wasn't allowing him to let go. "Naruto." Naruto now focused his full attention on Sasuke. Their eyes met.
"Yeah?"
"How much do you trust me?" Sasuke asked. Naruto chuckled lightly.
"Come on I answered that one plenty of times. Oh is Sasuke-kun worried I hate him? Geez Sasuke you're scaring me. Who knew you could be this corny," Naruto said teasing the raven. Naruto's light mood tested Sasuke.
"Answer the question," Sasuke said in a deadly cool voice. He hadn't meant to sound harsh enough to erase that foolish smile from Naruto.
"I trust you completely Teme. Now let go of me. I have to go before someone sees us," Naruto said prying his hand loose from Sasuke's easing grasp. Sasuke pulled back his hand rubbing the left side of his face. It was better if he didn't alarm Naruto in any way. "What's with the sudden question anyway?" Naruto asked as he pulled on some clothes. Sasuke saw this opportunity to wrap the blond in further lies.
"Lovers trust each other. I was curious you weren't muttering nonsense last night Usuratonkachi," Sasuke replied his voice holding no emotion. Naruto stopped changing and twitched.
'L-Lovers…? I said all that weird shit last night! Now Sasuke is going to enjoy mocking me for this! Bastard!' Naruto thought his face growing hot. 'Hell no is it nonsense!'
"I meant what I said bastard." A sigh escaped from Sasuke who laid back on his futon ready to start another lazy afternoon stuck inside this fortress.
"You're so naïve Usuratonkachi," Sasuke said now with his eyes closed.
"And you're too cold hearted ice prick! I'm leaving! There is no food here and I'm freaking starving," Naruto said heading for the window. (2)
"Hn. Do as you like."
"I will!" Sasuke heard the shuffling of feet then felt warm lips brush against his. "That's what you get for acting like a massive jerk!" He opened his eyes but Naruto was gone. Sasuke to say in the least was annoyed. He had a headache and somehow found himself a bit worried for the idiot. No, scratch that out: He was NOT worried at all. That dream foretold of his upcoming deeds. The need to be shocked of it was unnecessary. He was going to enjoy punishing Konoha. Naruto wouldn't and couldn't stop him. What Sasuke didn't realize was the smirk formed on his pale face when Naruto planted a quick kiss.
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Sakura tapped her clipboard attempting to solve the medical condition written on her test. So far her diagnoses was correct but something was missing and she was going crazy by erasing constantly. She had been up in the late hours of the night studying but also worrying about Naruto and Sasuke as well as Sai. Tsunade instructed if she were to struggle in her studies then she was off the case. Sakura groaned placing the clipboard down to rub her temples. She needed some form of sleep in order to function properly and not wander in a daze for the rest of the day. Speaking of daze, where the hell was Naruto? By now the stupid ball of sunshine should be here bothering her about training. She sighed heavily watching the clock tick by.
Sakura finally stopped enduring her anxiety and scribbled a random prognosis on her exam. She wrote a note of apology stating she was going to find Naruto and Sai. Mainly she was more concerned for Naruto who hadn't even made his presence known in the village or the Hokage Tower. What if he was still sulking for the position he'd been offered? Oh she was a terrible friend not visiting him. She was going to become his right-hand man (or in this case woman) and adviser in the future. Naruto probably was under pressure from everything: Sasuke, Akatsuki, Kyuubi, training, becoming the Sixth Hokage, and about her.
Sakura reached the lonely apartment of Naruto knocking first on the door in case the blonde was asleep. There were no sounds of groans or complaints. She grasped the door to find it open. Idiot, she thought. His home was empty except the piling ramen bowls and his dirty laundry scattered on the floor. "Ugh gross," Sakura muttered avoiding an abandoned boxer on the floor. How Naruto could live under such conditions surprised her. The young man was apparently out. Sakura placed her hand on her hips. Could he be at Sasuke's? So early too? Well if he was there the two men were probably starving because neither cooked.
She exited the filthy apartment to visit the lively market. Sasuke disliked any kind of sweets that for sure she knew. She carefully selected food all of three of them could enjoy. Some dangos sounded like the perfect idea for food. Sakura was heading towards the village market when a familiar voice caught her attention. She rushed to the Ichiraku ramen stand and sure enough her blonde companion was there already helping himself with two bowels of ramen. 'Why didn't I come here first?' Sakura thought shaking her head. She sneaked up and poked her teammate on his back. Naruto nearly choked on his food.
"Sakura-chan!" He exclaimed gasping for air. "You scared me!" Naruto continued settling down. Sakura smiled at her own small prank. Sometimes moments like these had made time waiting for Sasuke bearable.
"Sorry I couldn't resist myself. Is this breakfast or lunch?" Sakura said taking a seat next to him politely rejecting an offer of ramen from the owner.
"Breakfast," Naruto confessed sheepishly. Sakura expected as much. The shinobi had probably overslept again and ignored daily chores – his room was proof enough of his negligence. "What about you? Aren't you supposed to be taking some test in Granny's lab?" Naruto asked with a foolish grin on his face. Sakura clasped a hand over his mouth and pressed a finger on her own. A slight blush formed on her cheeks.
"Tsunade-shishou has eyes and ears everywhere so keep it down. As for the test that is my business," Sakura replied in a threatening tone. She released her hand from his mouth. Naruto rubbed where her palm had pressed against his lips. If this were in the past, he would have been ecstatic but now he only see Sakura as a dear friend and perhaps sisterly figure.
"Aw come on you're avoiding my question. There's gotta be a reason you left on exam day," Naruto challenged already starting on his second bowl of ramen. Sakura rested her head upon her hand considering whether she should expose herself to her comrade. It had been bother her lately.
"I thought you went to Sasuke's so it bothered me a bit to have you two in the same room. I was on my way to buy lunch for the two of you when I found you here," Sakura explained half telling the truth. She was actually worried for Naruto. He was probably acting like everything was fine when he had all these burdens troubling him. Naruto nodded dismissing her truancy but appeared uncomfortable at the mention of Sasuke. "Hey you ok?" Sakura asked.
Naruto chuckled. "Of course." Sakura studied him from the corner of her eye noticing how radiant her friend was. His cerulean eyes twinkled each time he took a bundle of ramen in his mouth and smiled secretly. It wasn't his favorite food that was causing that perfect smile Sakura hadn't seen in a while. Naruto seemed so at ease taken in consideration that he had just been offered a position as Hokage in a few years. There was only one reason Sakura could think of: Sasuke. Had something happened between the two?
She felt so left out. Those shared a bond she could never compare to. A hand suddenly popped in front of her face and she jumped in surprise. "Sakura-chan maybe I should be the one asking if you're alright. Granny better be giving you some breaks to rest."
"Oh sorry what is it you asked?" Sakura said.
"I understand Baa-chan told you to keep quiet but becoming the Hokage sure is tough luck. I mean it's not that I'm not happy but what happens if Danzou or the Elders get to Sasuke first? While I'm training I can't stop thinking that those bastards could be harming Sasuke," Naruto said in a low voice but there was no need because the owner had given the two friends some privacy.
The pit in her stomach dropped.
'I offered Sasuke a proposal of becoming a spy for me. He of course is still restrained of chakra use but of course his manipulation and cool attitude could score us some valuable information of Danzou as we learn about him too. As for Naruto, keep this matter quiet, Sakura.'
Sakura recalled what Tsunade was planning and although she refused to allow Sasuke to be used as a pawn, Tsunade had good tactics to expose Sasuke if he were hiding more than he said he was. Facing Naruto would be a burden but she'd manage somehow. They were still friends. Sasuke proved enough last time to have her convinced.
"Naruto we should trust Tsunade-shishio. As for Sasuke, I'll go over whenever I can everyday when you train. I won't let anything else happen to the both of you. It's my turn to return a favor," Sakura said giving her teammate a weak reassuring smile. Naruto sat in a trance then also broke into a grin.
"Hey Sakura-chan."
"What?"
"I promise to be the best Hokage that ever lived. Then all three of us will be friends once again," Naruto said laughing at a mental image of them all old and wrinkled and still best friends. Sakura sighed heavily also falling for his optimism.
"Yeah," Sakura agreed. "By the way think we can drop off some actual food for Sasuke?" Naruto almost coughed on his noodles when Sakura offered a visit.
"So soon?" Naruto meant he had just come back from the Uchiha Territory. It had been over a few hours since he left Sasuke's home and going back only alerted the raven that Naruto was in for another make-out session. Naruto had to come up with a valid excuse to skip visiting today. He was embarrassed enough he had said all that corny sappy crap to Sasuke and to make matters worse, had sex for the second time. "I have to train with Ero-Sennin. That Pervy sage threatened that if I didn't go, he'd make me review his stupid porn books," Naruto said acting his part well.
"Ah about Jirayai-san, he left yesterday," Sakura said remembering the other reason she had come to find Naruto. Again the blonde coughed on his noodles.
"What? Ero-Sennin left without saying anything to me! What about my training? Let me guess more 'research'?" Naruto exclaimed waving the pair of chopsticks in the air. Sakura shook her head.
"I don't know. Tsunade-sama only told me he left to tend to some important business and that she will be the one to train you. But I think it's Akatsuki again," Sakura said her anxiety clear to hear. Naruto placed his chopsticks down sighing heavily.
"I guess it can't be helped. Ero-Sennin takes any opportunity to dig up more information on Akatsuki. I have to train that way I can be a just Hokage to Konoha. I'll become the Hokage so Sasuke can be free again," Naruto said a grin etching on his whiskered face. Sakura sat in awe noticing how Naruto's maturity had exceeded what she always thought of him. She smiled too truly believing Naruto was the one person who could eternally bring peace to Konoha and help Sasuke too. She couldn't ask for a better friend who always trusted you and always stood by your side no matter how dire the situation seemed.
"What?" Naruto asked noticing Sakura staring at him. She shook her head.
"Nothing. But what will you do if they come looking for you here?" Sakura asked the anxiety returning. Naruto looked troubled suddenly.
"I won't allow myself to land in their clutches. I will fight with every last ounce of energy even if it comes to Kyuub-"Sakura cut him off her eyes going wide in fear. She recalled the mission when they had been hunting down Orochimaru with Yamato when Naruto had lost control of himself and turned into a demon with four tails. Sakura came to knowledge that not only was Naruto not in control of his actions but the chakra took a toll on him. She could lose the precious forever to the Kyuubi.
"No you can't! Last time your body was lucky to have handled all that stress but another release like that can kill you!" Sakura exclaimed catching attention from people in the street and the Ichiraku owner who had been busy conversing with his daughter in the back room. Naruto sat surprised by the girl's sudden outburst.
"Sakura-chan…" He smiled weakly taking her hand. "I'll do everything possible to prevent from that happening. But if it does happen, run, run and take all the villagers away from here including Sasuke. If I completely lose myself, then by all means take me down. I don't want to hurt innocent people," Naruto said a painful expression wiping away his cheerful mood. Sakura and Naruto sat with locked eyes neither saying anything for moments.
"I promise but you better let others help you out. We're all in this together Naruto because we are friends. We still have to restore Team 7," Sakura finally spoke trying hard to keep her voice steady. Naruto broke into a smile.
"Yeah," he agreed. Sakura couldn't rid of the churning in her stomach. She was worried for Naruto and because she wanted to keep him from any harm she was keeping important issues from him. Sai and Kakashi were going to start investigating Sasuke's case along with Danzou's possible chaotic schemes, Jirayai-san had left to Amagakure, Tsunade-sama had reported Akatsuki activity nearby, and Sakura had no option but to keep quiet. Was she a bad friend? Would Naruto hate her if he discovered all the planning occurring behind his back?
"Speaking of Team 7, how is Sasuke? You were there early right?" Sakura asked a harmless question but Naruto tensed up.
"Ah he's seems to be doing good," Naruto replied leaving money on the counter to pay his bill. 'More than good that stupid bastard had me stay up all night until he was satisfied,' Naruto thought annoyingly. He exited the ramen stall with Sakura following him and he glanced at the brilliant blue sky. There were no signs it had even rained last night.
"Did something happen between you two?" Sakura asked casually. "Let me guess you're bickering like a married couple."
"No," Naruto replied a little too quickly. The bickering couple comment was causing his stomach to do unnecessary flips. It wasn't as if he could spill to Sakura that he and Sasuke were seeing each other. Actually he felt so guilty hiding their relationship from Sakura-chan. She still liked Sasuke and Naruto had just taken him from her. Naruto pushed the thought aside deciding he wasn't in the mood to think about such things women so loved to gossip about. He hated mushy romantic shit and hated himself even more that he was acting like a desperate lover. "Though I think we're getting through to him," Naruto added. Sakura nodded smiling.
"Ah it's Sai," Sakura said staring straight ahead and Naruto turned to find his other teammate walking towards them dressed in his usual black ninja apparel with a fake smile plastered on his pale face.
"Good afternoon," Sai greeted the two friends.
"Back from a mission?" Naruto asked.
"No I was heading to find the both of you. Tsunade-sama has asked me to escort you to the Hokage Tower," Sai answered the gravity in his voice alerting the both of them immediately.
"What happened?"
"Tsunade-sama asked me to remind Naruto of his cleaning duty," Sai replied smiling. Naruto and Sakura gaped for seconds wanting to knock some sense into Sai. They thought something big had occurred. That was quite a scare.
"Sai don't talk like that! Scared the shit out of me," Naruto exclaimed clutching a hand to his heart. Sai blinked in confusion.
"In the friendship book it says that when delivering news of importance you must always be serious and have grave tone," Sai explained pulling out a book from his traveling pack. Naruto shook his head in disbelief.
"Only use that face and tone when it's bad news! Learn to read the mood! Quit reading those friendship books!" Naruto said waving his arms in the air frantically.
"But it is bad news, well to you," Sai protested calmly. Naruto grumbled under his breath seriously wanting to throw many curses at Sai.
"I haven't forgotten her punishment," Naruto grumbled remembering the day Tsunade gave him cleaning duty for talking back to her at the Hokage Tower. Sakura shook her head in shame. She expected for Naruto to at least respect Tsunade her being an elder and Hokage. "Do I have to go right now?" Naruto groaned knowing his freedom had been crushed.
"Yes," Sai answered simply. Naruto stomped his foot in frustration. Today was going to be the day he would recover those restless nights he had stayed up losing sleep. Here he had opportunity to continue chatting with Sakura-chan. Now garbage duty was calling his name.
"Thanks for the message Sai, I guess," Naruto mumbled before trudging away appearing crestfallen. Sakura stayed behind with the raven haired shinobi. Neither said anything while they watched the bag of sunshine walk away muttering about how Tsunade was unfair. When Naruto was out of earshot Sakura lowered her eyes.
"Sai please keep quiet about Sasuke. Naruto doesn't need to know what Tsunade-shishio is planning," Sakura finally said. Onyx eyes observed the pink haired ninja noting how Sakura was proving to be a protective figure for Naruto. Sai smiled glancing up at the sky.
"I won't," Sai replied. "Naruto shouldn't be blinded by such troublesome matters that concern Sasuke-kun."
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(1): Sasuke is wearing the Orochimaru ghetto outfit. You know the one with the hideous knot? I was going to use the new outfit he uses when he forms Team Hawk but it ruins my image of the fanfiction and it's worse than the Orochimaru get up.
(2): I know many people write that Sasuke has the capabilities of cooking because he's "superior" to Naruto in every aspect including home economics or because he had to live alone since the death of his parents but I don't think he'd be the type to cook something. He's had Kabuto as a servant so he won't busy him with trivial chores like cooking or cleaning. Sakura happens to be his food supplier (sorry Sakura-chan!). Oh and the guards didn't hear *cough* sounds because of the storm. And since Naruto slept on the side facing the wall and Sasuke the one facing the door, the guards only saw Sasuke sleeping. (Lucky them).
AN: Weird ending yeah I know…well Sasuke is really hard-headed.