Reviewer Shout Out: The Unapologetic, Tauries4597, and Belletrist Word Salad! Thanks for the reviews and support! Keep em' coming!
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Chapter 36: Freedom Tastes Like Raman
Normal P.O.V.
"Well, looks like you brought back your six in record time, Jiraiya," Tsunade says while looking around the room. "Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Anko, Captain Yamato, and Might Guy, thank you for coming so quickly,"
"Well, when we heard that you needed us for an important mission, how could we say no?" Anko chuckles with her hands on her hips.
"Hm, looks like Kakashi isn't back yet. No surprise there, but I expected as much, especially with the people I ordered for him to bring back,"
"Wait, who else are we waiting for?" Naruto asks.
"Yeah? I was also wondering what is going on when you summoned us. This is the most people you've summoned in a while. Is there something wrong, Milady?" Sakura questions worryingly.
"I'll tell everything when our last few people arrive," A knock on the door distributes the conversation, "Ah, looks like they're finally here. Come in!" The door opens to reveal Kakashi standing in front of four other people. "Kakashi, you're late,"
"I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade. But, I had a little trouble with some of our… guests," he says nervously while scratching the back of his head.
Everyone turns around and is shocked to see four prisoners file into the office in front of Kakashi. Team Taka with their leader Sasuke enter the room and line up in handcuffs with Sasuke in front of all of them. Even though no one says anything, you can feel the thick tension filling the air. Noticing this, Tsunade chooses to ignore it and start the meeting.
"Former Team Taka, nice of you to join us for this important meeting," Three of them, minus Suigetsu, bow in respect. Seeing this, Kakashi grabs him by the back of his neck and forces him to bow. "Thank you, Kakashi. Now, let's begin," Tsunade stands up and spreads a scroll over her desk. "We just received word that the Akatsuki is finally on the move. Shizune and Kakashi will now explain the details,"
Taking the cue, Kakashi and Shizune make their way in front of Tsunade's desk.
"Thank you everyone for keeping this confidential and making it here in great time," Shizune starts.
"While on patrol, my ANBU team and I overheard some conversation and even caught the two Akatsuki members: Deidara and Hidan, speaking of their plan to move on the different nations. They plan on taking out each nation one by one with us being their main priority," Kakashi explains.
"They must be stopped!" Guy shouts.
"Oh no! Kakashi-sensei, you can't be serious?!" Naruto gasps.
"Milady… are we really going to be going to war with the Akatsuki?" Sakura asks.
"I'm afraid we may have to Sakura," Tsunade sighs as she sits back in her chair and laces her fingers.
"But, you have a plan, right? That's why you called us in here, right?" Anko panics slightly.
"Of course, we have a plan! We're going to divide and conquer them before they can conquer us," Tsunade glares. "The other nations have been made a ware already and I am currently waiting on their responses. However, we're going to strike first. I'm going to divide all of you into teams and give each of you your own tasks to aid in our fight against the Akatsuki and Madara Uchiha. So, that leads me to why I've summoned you four," Suigetsu, Karin, and Jugo all visibly tense at this. Sasuke doesn't visually tense, but a small drip of sweat travels down the side of his face.
"As you four know, you are currently imprisoned for your crimes and participation with the Akatsuki. However, I'm willing to make a deal with you that will lighten your sentence and kick start your road to freedom. If you four can prove yourselves and aid in this war, then I will shorten your sentence and even make you honorary citizens of the Hidden Leaf,"
"What?!" everyone shouts in unison.
"Milady, you can't be serious about this? Have you even talked to the Council about this?" Shizune panics.
"I have disbanded the Council until I can find worthy replacements. So, for right now, I'm running this show. And besides, each of them has special abilities that can help us win this war. Are you questioning my decision?"
"No, not at all, ma'am,"
"Good. So, what do the four of you say? Will you accept my offer, or would you rather continue to live out the rest of your sentence in your jail cell?"
The four of them look at each other with worried faces. After a few moments of having a silent conversation, Sasuke steps forward, "We accept,"
"What?! I Didn't agree to this shit!" Suigetsu shouts.
"What?! Are you insane, fish face?! This is your freedom we're talking about!" Karin snaps back.
"She's right, Suigetsu. Wouldn't it be better just to help them? We have all been around the Akatsuki long enough to get a taste of their power. And, especially with what Madara and Obito has planned, they might need us," Jugo argues.
"Not my problem. You can take me back to me cell and leave me the fuck alone,"
Feeling annoyed by this, Sasuke takes a deep breath and calmly says, "Fine, you can rot in your cell for all I care. But, just remember, if you don't help them voluntarily, then they will extract what is needed forcibly. And trust me, you don't want that,"
Thinking it over further, Suigetsu reaches up to grip his hair in anger, "Fine, whatever! I guess I'll help then,"
"Excellent. Glad you could see it my way," Tsunade smirks while leaning backwards.
"What do you need from us?" Captain Yamato asks, stepping forward.
"I will divide you guys into certain teams for certain tasks. So, I want Kakashi, Sai, Suigetsu, Jugo, Anko, Might Guy, and you, to be a part of my recon team. Your mission is to try to extract more info about the Akatsuki, their movements, and whereabouts at all times. Now, obviously, Suigetsu and Jugo can't be on a team alone, so I'm going to pair you two with two of my finest Jonin. Sasuke, who do you think will work best with these two?"
After thinking it over silently, Sasuke speaks, "Might Guy and Anko. Anko will give Suigetsu the disciple he needs and should be able to keep up with him if he causes any trouble. Jugo is a great and obedient follower, but he does have a temper. However, Might Guy seem strong enough to handle him if those moments happen,"
"What?! Sasuke, you can't be serious?! I DID NOT sign up to have a babysitter!" Suigetsu shouts angrily.
"You could use it. This is our one chance at free and I'm not going to let you screw this up. I said I would repent for my crimes. And, if you plan on continuing to follow me, then I suggest you get with the program," Sasuke growls.
"Tsk. Just-fucking-fantastic! Ugh!"
"Well, well. It's been a while since I've had a feisty charge. This ought to be fun," Anko smirks.
"What about me? Do you need me for anything?" Karin asks shyly.
"Why yes. From my understanding, you have unique healing abilities and seem like a very intelligent young woman. So, I want you to work with my two students: Sakura Haruno and Shizune on developing that and other healing methods and jutsus. Do you think you three can handle that?"
"Yes ma'am!" the three women bow.
"And now that leaves you two: Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha," she gets up from her chair to look out of her window. "You two are two of the strongest people in this room, so I have a special mission for the both of you. You two will be in charge of eliminating the Akatsuki members, one by one,"
"What?!" the couple gasps.
"Tsunade, that seems a bit much. Do you really think the two of them can do this? And alone none the less?" Jiraiya speaks up.
"Are you doubting the abilities of your student, Master Jiraiya?" Tsunade mocks.
"Of course not, but~"
"Then you should have no problem with me decision,"
"Grandma Tsunade… are you really comfortable with the two of us going around killing the Akatsuki… alone…?"
Tsunade turns a round with a gentle smile. She walks over to stand in front of Naruto and Sasuke and places her hands on their shoulder.
"I have known you two for a long time now. I have no doubt in my mind that you two can handle them no problem. I trust you both to keep each other safe and aid in our victory. Don't let me down," The couple shares a side glance before nodding in determination. "Good, now, everyone is dismissed. One your way out, Shizune will hand each team a scroll with their coordinates. I am counting on all of your help. Together, we will win this war,"
Tsunade watches as everyone leaves her office before having a tried seat behind her desk.
"You sure took charge today," Jiraiya says while standing at her left side.
"Well, I am the Fifth Hokage. Who else is going to make these decisions,"
"Hm. Well, I just hope you know what you're doing,"
"Please, you and I both know that there's no way we're going to lose with Naruto and Sasuke being the forth runners for our side. You've definitely trained our grandson well. And knowing Orochimaru, Sasuke is right up there with him,"
"Yeah, I know. I was just shocked by your boldness today. First, you except my marriage proposal and now you've commanded the respect and all those people in an effort to win an upcoming war. Not gonna lie, it's turning me on," Jiraiya flirts while leaning down to kiss her.
"You dirty toad. Are you trying to get thrown out of my office again?" she flirts back.
"If it means I get to "bond" with you, then it just might be worth it,"
Chuckling, Tsunade reaches up to stroke his cheek before pulling him close. "I think you just might be right,"
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After the meeting in Tsunade's office, Sasuke and his team was escorted back to their prison cells. They each showered individually and got dressed. Anko, Might Guy, Shizune and Sakura came to pick up Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin respectively. Sasuke waits patiently for Naruto to sign him out. After about an hour, Naruto arrives with Sasuke's sword and two bags. One is strapped to his back while the other is in his hand. Unlike normal, Naruto doesn't say anything to Sasuke when he picks him up. Quietly, Sasuke follows Naruto to the exit of the prison. He watches Naruto sign him out and they take the secret tunnels to the village's gates. When they arrive, Naruto signs them out at the gates with Izumo and Kotetsu. The whole time, not a word is said between the two of them, giving Sasuke an awkward feeling.
When the gate fully closes, Sasuke watches as Naruto puts the sword and the two bags down before turning to face him. Sasuke stares at Naruto awkwardly as no words are said between them. Not being able to take the silence any more, Sasuke opens his mouth to speak, "Naruto~"
Before he could get the rest of his words out, Naruto pulls Sasuke into his chest and holds on tight. Shocked by this, Sasuke doesn't move as Naruto's power, weight, strength, and scent of cinnamon and vanilla overwhelms him. One arm holds Sasuke by his midsection while a large, tan, callous hand sneaks into his soft, raven locks.
"I've missed you…" the blond fox cries gently.
Feeling his mates body shake with tearless sobs, Sasuke reaches up and wraps his arms around Naruto's thick neck. Naruto buries his head in the crook of Sasuke's neck and continues to hold on for dear life. For three months, they were separated by Sasuke's prison cell, but today, for the first time since then, Naruto can hold Sasuke without restrictions. And for both of them, it's like a heavy burden has been, temporarily, lifted from their shoulders.
After a while, they pull apart just enough to stare at each other. Sasuke has a small, gentle smile while Naruto's smile beams as brightly as the sun overhead. No words are exchanged, only the love between them. Slowly and cautiously, Naruto leans down to kiss Sasuke's lips. It's a not like the last kiss they shared. The sexual tension is long gone. For only in this moment, only pure love between a fox and his feline mate exists along with the taste of raman on their lips.
"I've missed you… so much…"
"I've missed you too…" Sasuke returns.
"Here, I've brought you something,"
Naruto reaches into his pocket and pulls out two necklaces: a ruby jewel and an orange fox pendent.
"You still have those?" Sasuke gasps.
"Of course. When you left them on my nightstand after that night, I kept them until you returned to me. And I'm wearing the other one," he says as he unzips his jacket to reveal his blue jewel and the black cat pendent.
Sasuke shakes his head in amusement before turning around. Taking the hint, Naruto places the two necklaces on his mate's neck.
"Perfect. Right where they should be,"
Sasuke looks down and plays with them, like he used to do during his time with Orochimaru. With admiration in his eyes, Sasuke turns around and offers a light smile to his alpha.
"Thank you, Naruto. Thank you for this second chance. I have stained both my hands and my sword with too much innocent blood. I have been lied to and even killed my brother because of false beliefs. Now, it's time I do what Itachi has always wanted me to do and save Konoha. I will make everyone proud and do what's right by helping create the peace Itachi sacrificed for,"
"I know you'll do great. We'll be great together. As long as you accept me as your alpha and your mate, I will always stay by your side and love you, even after death. Now," Naruto leans down to pick up Sasuke's sword and bag to hand them to him, "let's make things right. Our first target isn't too far from here,"
Sasuke nods as both ready for their long travel.
"Lead the way,"
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To Be Continued…