Ch 37
Notes: I took out the poll and I am surprised that Harem won with Ami second, Hinata third, and Haku fourth. The rest didn't matter they only had one point each. THIS WILL NOT BE A HAREM FIC, THAT POLL WAS OUT OF CURIOUSITY. The pairing has been decided and will appear after the time skip period.
(4 more days)
"Yuugao, I am letting you take a break from now until the exams," The Hokage spoke to an injured Yuugao who stood before him with her arm bandaged.
"No, we must do something sir, he is a bigger threat to the Leaf village," Yuugao protested but Sarutobi had had enough.
"Yuugao, I will deal with it," the elder Sarutobi commanded before giving her a disapproval look, "we have several injured Anbu from last night because of what you did," Yuugao looked down ashamed, "we have an invasion approaching, last thing I need is for you and your men to be in worse shape," he spoke a bit softly as Yuugao tried to argue back.
"But my Lord, we can't let this Naruto escape, we have to capture him."
Sarutobi lifted up a hand, stopping her, "I said I'll handle it," Sarutobi continued to stare at Yuugao, "this personal vendetta of yours is costing us our ninjas when we could be securing our village and not only that, what is this I heard about you interrogating Ami, without my approval?" He waited for her answer. Yuugao lifted her head, staring up at her leader, "I did what I had to sir."
Sarutobi sighed, "and I do what I have to," he looked at her with soft eyes, "please Yuugao, go rest and recover, we need everyone in their best shape for what is to come."
It looked as if she would say something but she stopped. She bowed briefly before leaving the room as Sarutobi sighed out loud. He wanted to tell her but Hayate hadn't woken up yet, with the final day approaching he needed all his men in best shape. Tonight, Baki would meet the Cloud ninjas for the first time, and he wondered how that would go.
…First thing he remembered was arriving home and passing out on the living room. Now he stood in a dank cavern, a light shined off at the distance as a warm sensation radiated from that direction; he walked closer.
Each step he took, each time he got closer, it became warmer. Soon warm turned into hot, causing himself to walk in discomfort at the pricks of pain he felt around his body, he exited the dark tunnel.
He stared ahead, staring inside a barrier made out of blue chakra metal bars. He continued to look, spotting some sort of figure lurking in the shadows of this cage.
"I know you know what that is."
He turned around; spotting a figure he couldn't believe.
A young Sasuke, or what he thought looked like him, stood there, arms folded staring inside the cave.
Sasuke briefly looked at him, directing him to look inside the small cage, "don't be surprised Naruto, this is similar to your old body isn't it?"
Naruto nodded before looking inside the cage, a dark form moved into the light, it had no shape no form, just like some spirit of dark flames forever burning and moving around.
"I know what that is," Naruto said before turning to Sasuke, "but who are you?"
This Sasuke looked as young as a teenager, maybe around 13 or 14 years old, something that didn't seem to disturb him as the young Sasuke raised a hand on the air, summoning a mirror and showing it to Naruto.
"Who are you?"
Naruto looked at the mirror, eyes slightly looking in surprise as he gazed upon his face. Whisker marks, golden blonde hair, blue eyes, it was his old body.
"You've been asking yourself that for a while," the young Sasuke stared at him as Naruto sighed, "I am not another entity, you know that, I am a part of you, a part of your memory that you sealed off years ago when you entered this body."
Naruto nodded, that little boy he remembered dreaming about, this vessel's echo or shadow that he was supposed to merge with. A part of him couldn't accept it, afraid that it would change him, but that didn't stop him from dwelling into the boy's shadow long enough to know what he needed and possibly merging a few small aspects.
"So then, I take it that's," Naruto pointed back at the cage, "the cursed seal."
Sasuke smirked, nodding his head before they both turned to the dark figure.
"The protective seal is active once again," Sasuke spoke confirming Naruto's belief as the thing touched the cage but quickly pulled away as if the touch burned it.
"Funny how you would make this thing seem like the Kyuubi," Sasuke spoke out but not in humor. Naruto knew Sasuke was part of his conscious, maybe second conscious. A place where he stored all his worries so he wouldn't have to think on it, maybe, with the former echo and all his worries, it must have formed this young Sasuke, to help him sort out his problems.
"That's what I thought too," Sasuke replied as if he read his thoughts. Naruto didn't seem to be surprised; if this Sasuke was part of him then no duh he would be able to know what he was thinking.
"Look at the cursed seal; don't you think it's different from the one in your world?"
Naruto watched as the dark flame creature seemed to have stopped moving as if it was staring back at them, listening. Naruto had suspected something but he stored that in the back of his head, Sasuke probably picked it up and thought on it more.
"Yeah I noticed," Naruto confirmed as the thing started shifting its shape in place.
"It seems to be growing faster and it also seems to be more powerful," Sasuke commented as Naruto pondered over the words. Now that he mentioned it, last night, the power that radiated off of the seal felt more powerful than the last time he used it, but how did it change so much, what did he do differently.
The thing stalked close to the cage, its shape formed a more human one as Naruto knew it was staring at him. Its eyes glowed red as its body's shape took a form, transforming into a darker version of the man that stood before it.
"Hello master," it chuckled as Naruto felt revolted at its presence.
It stayed quiet, waiting and watching as Naruto stared back at its dark grinning face.
"Why are you different," Naruto glared at it, speaking out with a demanding tone as the thing chuckled.
"What do you mean my host?" it answered back, moving to the back of the cage into the shadows, "it has gained more power only by you, if you have changed then so has it."
Naruto stared back at the response, wondering what it was talking about as the young Sasuke next to him twitched, his arms unfolding. Naruto noticed the boy's reaction, "what, what is it?"
Sasuke stared at the curse seal from the shadows, its eyes glowing eerie familiar with those red eyes. Sasuke looked back at Naruto, "you know how it changed, think, really think, when did things change for you, when did you gain more power, how did you become Naruto?"
Naruto thought back to the days before widening his eyes, he looked into the cage, staring into the shadows. It chuckled and leaped out, slamming into the cage as Naruto felt a twitch in his chakra, "Kyuubi."
"Exactly," Sasuke stared back at him, his eyes serious, "your body soaks up Kyuubi's chakra like a sponge, instead of the demonic chakra damaging your body, it made you stronger and thus," he pointed back at the thing, "you made it stronger."
Naruto groaned, so each time he had come in contact with Kyuubi's demon chakra, he had no doubtingly powered the seal.
"Fear not my Lord, I only wish to serve," it stared at Naruto, its eyes remained serious, "release me, it will obey."
"No," Naruto spat out, "so you could control my mind?"
It growled out, "fool, what do you expect it to do," it mockingly pointed all around itself, "it has seen what is in your mind, it has become part of you, and it can give you power."
Naruto glared at it, his eyes thinking of the memories of his world, how insane Sasuke had looked at the end before they both killed each other, "I wish it would die, that's what I expect."
It shook its head, "then my host is a greater fool than it thought, for if it dies, you die."
Naruto glared back, moving close to the cage, "then so be it."
Naruto stalked away as Sasuke followed, the thing moved back in its cage, staying silent in contemplation.
"That thing is right and you know it," Sasuke spoke back as Naruto stopped and turned to face him, "removing it will no doubt kill you, it has bonded with you already."
Naruto looked back at the cage, he remember what Tsunade said about the curse seal, and he knew the chances of surviving anything that could remove it was extremely slim, but he wouldn't give up yet, he still had other ideas, especially now since he had another way of fixing it, "we'll see," Naruto answered as Sasuke nodded, understanding Naruto's thoughts before speaking.
"That isn't the only problem."
Naruto looked back at Sasuke questionably, wondering what else was there to do.
"Tsunade and Ami amongst others, and your identity as Naruto, its genjutsu disguise won't fool everyone."
Naruto sighed, "I know, I know," he stared at Sasuke meaningfully, "one problem at a time, I'll fix my disguise later, I don't plan on using it for a while," Naruto walked away, "Tsunade, I will try to help her and Ami," he paused briefly remembering last night, did she really set up that trap, "she will have to be on her own for now, I know she can handle it."He looked back to a silent Sasuke before continuing his steps.
"What about Kin?"
Naruto stopped dead in his track, his eyes slightly looking down "what about Kin, she is fine, I'll see her after this is over, she is probably with the Sound army or base at the moment."
Sasuke just stared at him, "is that what you really think?"
Naruto closed his eyes, the thoughts of Kin's where-abouts were also placed in the back of his mind, she must be safe, she must, "yeah, that is what I believe."
Sasuke didn't answer just continued to stare at Naruto.
"Anything else," Naruto asked a bit irritated as Sasuke shook his head.
"You do realize that us talking is like you talking to your shadow clones, it doesn't make it any sane? You're still talking to yourself."
Naruto sighed, nodding his head, "I know," he looked back at Sasuke, "but of course with what's been going on, we really couldn't give a crap right now can we?"
They both smirked as Sasuke replied, "nope, but one more thing."
Naruto stared curiously as Sasuke gave a two finger salute, "wake up, you have a visitor."
Naruto blinked before things became black and he woke up on the floor in his living room when there was a knocking on his door. Standing up, he looked for the nearest mirror, spotting one near his wall. Looking at himself, he was relieved to see Sasuke staring back at him. He was wearing his dark armor but it quickly disappeared, being replaced with his normal outfit with the thanks of a few seal tricks before he reached the door. He didn't open it right away, he looked up at the wall, spotting a clock; he was late for his training with Tenchu.
Sighing out in frustration he opened the door before spitting out, "what is it?"
Shizune stood there, staring down at the young boy who looked at her in irritation.
Sasuke calmed down, closing his door and exiting as Shizune spoke out.
"Sasuke, you have something that doesn't belong to you."
In response, Sasuke started walking away. Shizune twitched at the boy's attitude before following.
"What you did last night was uncalled for," Shizune continued to follow in step with him as Sasuke still didn't respond, "do you really understand what Tsunade has been through, do you really know how dangerous that necklace is?"
Sasuke stopped, Shizune stopping as well, watching as Sasuke turned around. She looked at his neck, wondering if he was wearing it only to be surprised that he wasn't.
"Listen Shizune, I know about the necklace, the supposedly curse that kills anyone who wears it," Sasuke continued to stare at her, "And I know of Tsunade's tragic past, I am surprised that she even came back to this village."
Shizune glared at him, "well if you know about it then why are you doing this to her?"
Sasuke looked down for a moment before responding, "Then who else will?"
She stared at him in surprise, not expecting that answer as Sasuke looked back at her, "I rather she hate me for this if it helps cure her, but she needs to know that if she stays the way she is, she will die," Sasuke started walking, whispering out to himself, "that is something I don't want to see."
Shizune stopped him, placing her hand on his shoulder, "but the necklace?"
Sasuke took her hand and placed it away from his shoulder before responding, "she can take it from my cold dead body if I don't survive what is to come," Shizune looked down as Sasuke continued, "the necklace symbolizes pain and death for Tsunade, if she can't learn to see that the people she loves made those choices, fought in what they believed in, then she will always see this necklace as a curse," Sasuke stopped and touched his arm which he tied the necklace to before turning to look back, "I see this necklace symbolizing the power of the Hokages, it is time this necklace stops being seen as a curse, and starts being seen as strength. I'll decide who receives it at the end."
Sasuke walked away, leaving a stunned Shizune to really think over the boy's personality. She came here to get the necklace despite Tsunade's knowledge that she was here; she wanted to warn the boy of the necklace. First time meeting the boy, she thought he was just a cocky little brat and when Sasuke had used Tsunade's only weakness against her, she knew the boy was dangerous. Now that she knew why he was doing all this, she didn't know what to think. Tsunade was her mentor and friend, she had to do something.
'But what?' she asked herself before something replayed in her mind, the boy's last statement. He would decide who receives it at the end; did that mean he was thinking of giving it to someone else and who? She continued to ponder on his words before leaving.
Sasuke moved in a steady pace headed for the weapon's shop. Maybe he was a little hard on Tsunade, maybe he should have done something else. He picked up his pace, running towards a wall before applying chakra into his feet and climbing up. Making it towards the top, he started to leap through the roofs, his mind still in thought. He should probably pay Tsunade a visit if anything.
He continued his trek, moving as quickly as he could until finally arriving at the shop. The door slid open as a bell rang from the top.
"Welcome," her voice greeted from the counter as Sasuke quirked his lips before keeping his face stoic and moving.
Tenten heard the bell ring from the counter, her father had told her about Sasuke's training in which she didn't think much on. She felt bad for yesterday, it would really make things awkward between the both of them and all she wanted to do was catch Sasuke before he started his training today so she volunteered to help. He was late.
Sasuke appeared in her view as she froze, wondering what to do next as Sasuke looked past her to the door behind her leading into the forge.
"Tenten," he spoke in a neutral voice as Tenten nodded, "where is Tenchu?"
"He is inside the work room," She answered looking down at the wooden counter, "he says to tell you to meet him inside when you arrive."
Sasuke nodded before heading behind the counter, Tenten remained quiet, sitting still, waiting.
Sasuke stood behind her now, opening the door as steam shot out from inside.
"Sasuke," Tenten spoke out sadly. Sasuke stopped, the door opened as his hand stayed on the handle.
"Did you bring extra clothes?"
Sasuke turned around, meeting Tenten's gaze before shaking his head.
Tenten nodded, "I could watch your shirt for you, keep it dry when you are finished if you want?"
Sasuke continued to stare before nodding slowly. He placed his hands down on the bottom edge of his shirt before pulling up. Tenten watched as he slipped his shirt off as a small blush slowly started forming. Sasuke handed her his shirt as Tenten took it before noticing a strange item on his right arm, it looked like a necklace.
"Thanks," Sasuke spoke before heading inside as Tenten replied in a sad voice, "no problem."
As soon as Sasuke closed the door, Tenten started folding his shirt, sighing as a miserable look crossed her face. Once she finished, she placed it under the counter. She needed to talk to him once he was finished.
…Jiraiya watched her sit on the ledge of her balcony outside her apartment room, his face staring sadly as she continued to stare up at the cloudy skies. She had been like this ever since he had arrived, just sitting there, staring up with a distracted look. Maybe her coming back so soon wasn't good for her, maybe she was inwardly suffering from these memories that plague her.
"Jiraiya I can see you, stop hiding," Tsunade spoke out in a calm voice which surprised him. Usually she would yell out in irritation…he had that effect on anyone.
"Oh hey Tsunade," Jiraiya jumped down from the tree branch he was hiding behind, landing on her balcony with an awkward grin on his face as he scratched the back of his head.
Tsunade sighed, "What do you want?" She didn't turn to look at him, only staring up with that distracted look as Jiraiya really started to become concerned for her mental stability.
"What happened?"
Tsunade twitched, remembering that embarrassing defeat before her eyes closed somewhat, "nothing Jiraiya, go away."
"Tsunade…" Jiraiya spoke out worriedly as Tsunade faced him with a glare, her fist balled up in anger.
"Jiraiya, I said go away!"
Jiraiya stared at the rage in her eyes, something happened and he needed to find out what, "listen Tsunade," he spoke in a pacifying manner which seemed to calm her down before she sat back against the wall again, he continued, "let's get a drink, I'll pay," he gave her a calm smile, "how about it?"
He watched as Tsunade brought her hand up towards her neck. She paused before placing her hand back down, "I don't need a drink right now Jiraiya, I just need to be alone."
No drink, it must be a lot more serious than he imagined. He looked at where her hand was reaching for before spotting her bare neck, where was her necklace?
"Tsunade, where is your…" he couldn't finish it as Tsunade shot her head back at him, her eyes showing irritation as she stepped off of her spot and stalked towards him. Jiraiya started backing away.
"Jiraiya I will tell you this once," Jiraiya's back was pressed against the wall, his face looking at Tsunade nervously as Tsunade's gaze intensified, poking his chest with her finger which stung, "leave-me-alone," she emphasized each word before opening her screen door, entering, then slamming it shut.
Jiraiya leaned against the wall, his face in concentration as he wondered over her reaction. It was unlike her to act like this, 'something must have really affected her', he thought before looking down from the balcony and spotting Tsunade's apprentice, he quickly jumped off to get some answers.
Shizune stopped; staring in surprise as a familiar figured appeared in front of her. His gaze was serious and Shizune knew he had just met with Tsunade. He asked one question in which she knew he was going to ask, "What happened to Tsunade?"
Shizune explained the whole incident yesterday to Jiraiya's surprise then anger before Shizune continued with her meeting with the boy today, explaining why he acted like that.
"He says he is trying to help her," Shizune said, wondering what Jiraiya thought of it.
He stared up at the sky, a hand on his face which rubbed his forehead as he thought over it. 'Why does everything lead back to the Uchiha?' he asked himself, a slow headache forming as he looked back at Shizune, "we'll see how this plays out," he responded to Shizune's surprise before continuing his explanation, "I don't like it but he might be on to something," Jiraiya looked back to the balcony, remembering Tsunade's look of concentration, "if I don't like how this turns out, I will need to speak to the boy, he might have gone far but I know him enough to know he might have a plan," he looked at Shizune who was curious at that statement, "I mean, he wouldn't have done that if he had a plan on how to fix it right?"
Shizune didn't know as Jiraiya frowned, he wondered if the boy had been winging most of these matters and blindingly rushing in…that attitude just didn't really fit an Uchiha.
He sighed, wondering what would happen now.
…Pounding the metal calmed him; the repetition focused his thoughts, made him think on nothing except on the metal.
Tenchu stood to the sides, watching as his apprentice pounded on the metal a bit too hard. He had talked to Tenten but she wouldn't speak on what had happened, which brought him to worry about his daughter's friendship with the boy. Especially observing the first few hours of the boy just pounding
away at the metal, as if nothing else mattered, it was a great concern, the boy wouldn't learn like this, his heart wasn't set on it right now.
"Sasuke," Tenchu spoke, approaching Sasuke and placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, signaling him to stop.
Sasuke held the hammer to his side "am I doing it wrong?" he asked as Tenchu shook his head.
"No"
"Then why did you stop me?"
Tenchu took the hammer from the boy's hand, "listen, I want you to take the day off."
To Sasuke's surprised look Tenchu placed the hammer on the table, "I know there must be a reason why you were late today and I know there is something bothering you."
Sasuke looked down as Tenchu sighed, "listen; whatever happened between you and Tenten shouldn't affect your work. I can't teach you if you are distracted," he gently pushed him towards the door, "go and come back tomorrow ok?"
Sasuke having no choice nodded and started to leave, "oh and Sasuke," Tenchu called out as Sasuke stopped.
"I know it is none of my business but I just want to say," Tenchu turned around, picking up one of the tools and cleaning it, "friends fight, it happens, just don't let it get too off hand, you might regret it."
Sasuke flinched at the thought before smiling sadly at his teacher's words, "hai," he placed his gloves and apron away before opening the door and exiting, leaving Tenchu to clean up or finish what was left.
Tenten turned around, spotting a shirtless Sasuke exit. 'That's strange,' she thought before grabbing his shirt from under the counter, doesn't his training usually take longer?' she didn't think much on it before handing Sasuke his shirt back.
"Hey umm Tenten," Sasuke spoke as he received his shirt. Tenten watched him in anticipation, wondering what he would say as Sasuke placed his shirt on.
"Yeah Sasuke?"
An awkward feeling past by him, making it hard for Sasuke to face her, so he faced the other way, looking up at the ceiling, "about yesterday…"
Tenten looked down as well, she interrupted, "it's my fault Sasuke," Sasuke glanced at her, watching as she looked embarrassed, "I shouldn't have said that," her meaningful looked that stared at him made him feel bad, "you've been a great friend, I shouldn't have asked that."
Sasuke nodded, "a great friend wouldn't pry like that; the fault is mine."
He took a stool from near the doorway and placed it near Tenten before sitting, "I was a bit childish yesterday, and I apologize. I realize that maybe I was trying to be a hero again," he smiled sheepishly as Tenten held back a giggle, "you can handle yourself, I guess I kind of forgotten that."
Tenten shook her head, "yesterday, it's just…"
Sasuke shushed her, "don't worry about it; you don't have to tell me." He placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked at the hand then to his face, "just know that if things get worse, I'll always be the friend you can go to, ok?"
She smiled gladly, tilting her head sideways as her eyes looked thankful, she moved forward, hugging Sasuke, "thank you Sasuke."
Sasuke chuckled, looking down at her and patting her back, "no problem Tenten."
"Ahem," a voice interrupted from in front of the counter as Tenten and Sasuke pulled away.
Neji stood there, an eyebrow raised as a bored look was marred in his face, "so this is the important thing you had to do today?"
Tenten glared, "Yeah, so?"
"Foolish and a waste of time," Neji shook his head before placing a bag of kunais on the table.
"Whatever Neji," Tenten rolled her eyes before she started to count how many kunais and what type of kunais were in the bag.
"Uchiha," Sasuke's ears perked up at Neji's voice, "it is sad to see you have not made it to the finals."
Sasuke shrugged, ignoring his comment.
"And losing to a nobody, what a sad destiny you must have ahead of you…"
Sasuke twitched an eye along with Tenten.
"Neji," Tenten glared at her teammate who smirked.
"It's alright Tenten," Sasuke stood up and faced Neji.
"You shouldn't look down on Lee," Sasuke remembered Neji's wedding, Lee was his best man, "He may not have access to chakra attacks but at least he doesn't give up or try to find a way to use techniques. He uses what he has to become stronger, even taking beatings from a lower branch cadet like you."
Neji narrowed his eyes, "watch what you say Uchiha, your family no longer holds a power in this village. Fate might not be so kind on your next encounters."
Sasuke did something that confused both Tenten and Neji, he laughed, laughed as if Neji had just spoken a joke, "Neji I'll tell you one thing," Sasuke smirked, staring at Neji, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Fate."
"Hn," Neji turned around, "whatever Uchiha," he started to leave, forgetting about the kunais he was going to purchase.
Sasuke sighed, "you don't have to keep doing this Neji," Neji stopped, his eyes surprised but he didn't turn to face him, "Hinata will change them, you won't always be a caged bird."
Neji briefly glanced at him, his eyes neutral, "Hinata can change nothing, my destiny has already been sealed the moment I was born. You know nothing of the Hyuuga way Uchiha," Neji moved away, exiting the store as Sasuke shook his head, 'I know enough Neji.'
Tenten watched the interaction, she saw the way Neji looked and maybe now she understood better Neji's attitude, it all went back to the Hyuuga family, the seal that was on him.
Sasuke turned to Tenten, "I guess I had better leave now," Tenten nodded, with not much to say they bade each other a farewell before Sasuke left the shop.
'Neji would still always be bitter and he may become better later but he will always still be bitter until he was finally free from that seal,' Sasuke thought sadly before looking back at the shop, 'and it wasn't until he finally married did he obtained the happiest day in his life.'
…Ami, brash and bold, kind and good hearted. Sasuke saw her walking down the same path as him. He saw her nose twitch as if she smelled something before her head looked up, spotting him.
Sasuke didn't know what to think of last night's encounter but he opted to block out that memory for now, "Hey Ami."
Ami nodded to him, "Hey Sasuke, I was wondering," she looked to be concentrating on a thought, "you're a fire expert right?"
"Umm, I know a few things about fire why, what's up?"
Ami remembered last night, the dark flames from the forest, "dark flames signal dark chakra right?"
Sasuke quirked his lips, "yes," he said unsure as Ami continued.
"But that necessarily doesn't make a person evil, does it?"
Sasuke placed a hand on his cursed seal, rubbing on it as Ami spotted his reaction before widening her eyes, "I mean, you know, other than you…" a thought appeared in Ami's mind, "maybe they both came from the same person?"
Sasuke looked at her in shock, he knew what she was talking about and that statement was really close to figuring out his secret, "What?" Sasuke asked as Ami looked up at him.
"Last night, the missing ninja did the same thing you did with the curse seal, you think he has one as well? You think it also came from Orochimaru?"
Sasuke stood awkward, he was lucky Ami wasn't that aware of things or able to put two and two together, "or maybe he could be like you."
Ami blinked surprise; she never thought about that, "What do you mean Sasuke?"
Sasuke inwardly smiled, yeah, this could work, "maybe he could be a demon container like yourself, I mean, you weren't sure if it was the same thing like mine and you didn't really see his face so you wouldn't really know then, right?"
Ami stared at Sasuke hard, her thoughts processing that idea as Sasuke inwardly gulped before she looked away, her face in concentration, "like me," she smiled before widening her eyes, "that might explain why he is a missing ninja, or why he is so strong," she grinned at Sasuke, "yeah, I think that could be it, maybe he is hiding his face behind that cloth of his because of something."
Sasuke just nodded, "it could be Ami."
"Thanks Sasuke, I never thought about that."
Sasuke nodded, relieved that she wouldn't connect anything with him and Naruto.
"Anyways, later Sasuke, I only have a few more days until the finals," she ran off, waving to him as Sasuke waved back.
Ami looked ahead of her path, her eyes changed to worry as she wondered if she would see Naruto again.
Sasuke let out a relief sigh before walking away again; he really needed to work on his disguise. With time to spare and with his teacher's advice, there was another thing he needed to fix.
…Tsunade sat in her living room, reflecting her encounter with the boy. She should have known the boy was using some sort of low genjutsu, she was a sannin, she should have been able to sense it right away. No, she believed it was real, she actually thought it happened.
Shizune entered the room, her eyes saddened as she found her sensei in that same state again, "Tsunade," Shizune sat next to her on the couch. Tsunade didn't reply.
"Tsunade," she tried again as Tsunade let out a little nod, "you haven't eaten yet, would you like me to make you something."
"I'm not hungry," Tsunade replied.
Shizune frowned before perking up, "how about a hot spring, I know of one nearby."
Tsunade sighed, "I'm sorry Shizune, I just need time to think." Tsunade stood up, leaving to her room as Shizune frowned. She looked to the side, spotting the little pig that looked sad as well, Shizune let out a small depressing smile before lifting the pig up, "c'mon, let's come back later, Tsunade needs some time alone."
"Que," was the pig's reply as Shizune exited the room with the pig in her arms.
The living room was empty, no sounds just quiet. It looked as if no one was home at least, that was how Sasuke had found the place. He arrived at the balcony, looking inside through the sliding door before letting himself inside since the door wasn't lock, "hello?" he called out curiously to no response.
It wasn't hard finding the place, all he needed to do was check all the apartments he knew Tsunade would stay at, and then check the listings before he found the right place. Placing his hands together forming a concentration seal, he sensed the area and found a source of chakra. He went to the closed door, gulping as he felt a bit nervous before knocking.
No answer.
Raising a brow, he knocked again.
"Shizune please leave me alone." He heard her reply before Sasuke knocked again, louder this time.
The door opened, an irritated looking Tsunade appeared, "I thought I said…"
She looked down, spotting the brat that caused her to be in this state.
Tsunade might not have been able to tell but Sasuke inwardly gulped before greeting, "Miss Tsunade…"
…Time skip, several minutes later…
Tsunade and Sasuke could be seen walking down the street near the park. Sasuke looking ahead as Tsunade looked annoyed, "so brat did you come here to gloat?"
Sasuke shook his head, he had asked her earlier jus to talk and he was surprised she agreed, "No, I came to apologize for last night."
Tsunade looked down at the Uchiha, a bit surprised at the boy's modesty before he continued, "but I will not return your necklace."
"What," she stopped, a twitch on her forehead, "you will give me it back Uchiha, it does not belong to you."
"And I am starting to think it doesn't belong to you either," Sasuke stopped as well, meeting her gaze and replying back defiantly.
"You are wrong; in the end it will kill you. I'll have it back either way," she started walking away as Sasuke shook his head.
"I don't think it belongs to me either."
She stopped and turned back to Sasuke who just watched her, "I am more of a messenger, maybe giving it to the rightful owner."
She scoffed, who did this brat think he is, just grabbing a hold of her necklace then assuming he could give it to anyone he wants to, "really now, and just who would that be?"
Sasuke turned his direction, he stared up somewhere. Tsunade raised a brow before following the boy's gaze until she saw who he was looking at, the Hokage monuments.
"Maybe someone who dreams of becoming the next Hokage, someone who loves this village and isn't afraid of dying just to protect it."
A memory past through Tsunade, the pictures of her fallen loved ones before she closed her eyes and pushed it back less she starts to tear again, "no," she replied, looking away from the monuments, "it does not belong to a person like that, they will die at the end."
Sasuke sighed before moving ahead, signaling to Tsunade to follow, "come," he spoke softly as Tsunade soon found herself following, she didn't know why though.
He led her to a flower shop, entering as Tsunade looked around in confusion, wondering why the boy had brought her here of all places.
"Hello, welcome to…" Ino spoke before spotting who it was, "Sasuke!" she jumped from behind the counter and latched on to Sasuke, he chuckled before pulling her away, "hey Ino."
She blushed, "what are you doing here?"
Sasuke, "I was wondering but do you have any forget-me-nots?"
Ino thought for a moment before nodding, "I think I have a few in the back, just a minute ok?" she quickly moved away to fetch the flowers as Tsunade whistled, "what are you trying to prove Sasuke?"
Sasuke shrugged, "you'll see."
Ino returned with a bundle of the flowers wrapped together before handing them to Sasuke, she noticed the woman, "umm, who are you?" she wondered who was this woman and did she enter with Sasuke?
Tsunade shook her head before answering, "someone who is leaving," she went out the door as Sasuke paid Ino, "Her name is Tsunade, Ino, thanks for the flowers," he left as Ino wondered what was going on before the name registered in her mind.
'Tsunade?' her eyes widened, "wait, THE Tsunade!?"
Sasuke left the store, moving forward as he found the legendary Sannin tapping her foot in annoyance, waiting for the boy. She couldn't understand why she was following him again, it was idiotic but then again, she did fall for his small genjutsu.
She continued to follow him, none of them saying a word as they walked out the gate and travelled in a pathway through the forest. This place was familiar to her, but she couldn't quite put it.
She didn't remember the place until they reached the end; she spotted the dark memorial stone in the center as Sasuke approached it.
"What is the purpose of this again?" she asked him, a sad look on her face as Sasuke placed the flowers underneath the stone next to the other items.
"How many of these people do you think wanted to become the Hokage?" he asked her as Tsunade stood next to him, reading all the names engraved on the stone. She spotted two of them that had meaning to her before looking away.
"They all died for this village, even some younger than me, how many of them do you think wanted to become the Hokage?"
Tsunade shook her head, "I know what the stone is for; you didn't have to bring me here."
"Then why did you follow me?" Sasuke asked before moving to a stone nearby; Tsunade watched, unable to answer the boy's question, then again, why was he able to have this affect on her.
He jumped on top before sitting down, "you could leave anytime, you are a sannin and I am a mere gennin, what should I know right?"
She glared at him before turning away and staring back at the stone, reading all the names, wondering how many of those people she knew, "what's your dream," she asked, there was no annoyance or anger in her voice, just one out of mild curiosity as Sasuke laid down, staring at the sky.
"I don't know," he replied as Tsunade laughed.
"You have no dream, nothing at all that inspires you?" she looked at him briefly.
Sasuke quirked his lips before answering, "I guess there is someone I have to kill and most importantly I have to rebuild my clan…I think."
"You think?" she walked towards the stone and leaned on it, "you think you have to rebuild your clan?"
Sasuke chuckled, "I know, coming from the last Uchiha, it's surprising that sometimes I wonder if I should rebuild my clan," he did say that he would fix the clan but maybe the best way of fixing the clan is to end it.
"Why is this necklace so important to you?" Tsunade was curious why the boy thought her necklace was so important.
"Do you even know about this necklace, how much it's worth, where it came from?"
Tsunade glared, "yes I do, what does that have to do with this?"
Sasuke sat up, "everything, from the first Hokage to the second, that necklace signifies the power of the Hokages, do you think anyone should wear it, a street peddler, a rich slob, a regular person?"
Tsunade gritted her teeth before glaring at the boy, "don't you think I know that," she pointed at the memorial stone, "do you think the people I gave it too were regular people," she punched the stone Sasuke was on, cracks forming as Sasuke jumped off before the large stone crumbled, "they weren't, I thought they would become the Hokage, I believed in them," her eyes were closed but the tears already started leaking as Sasuke listened to her pent up emotions, "that necklace only gives false hope, there is nothing Hokage about it."
Sasuke shook his head, "I once wanted to become the Hokage," Sasuke said to Tsunade's confusion, she looked at him, wondering if he was serious.
"Today, I wouldn't mind becoming the Hokage," he looked away, "but it's not my time and I know it."
"What?" Tsunade stared at him, wondering what he meant as Sasuke continued.
"We can't all become the Hokage, and we can't all accomplish our dreams," Sasuke turned to the memorial stone, "do you think these people didn't have dreams too? If we forget about their goals or ambitions in life, their memories, then they die for nothing."
Tsunade looked at the stone again, the memorial stone, it figures.
"Memories are how we keep them alive, what they did, stories, that's how I remember everyone I lost," Sasuke looked down sad, "that's how I carry on, for the people I cherished."
Tsunade stared at him before smiling sadly, "you haven't lived as long as I have, and yet you come up with that."
Sasuke shrugged, "you lose enough people; you start thinking…a lot."
Tsunade stood, staring down at the memorial shrine, her fingers twitching as she soaked in the boy's words. Sasuke waited patiently, wondering if he was doing the right thing.
(Scene change)
"Sasuke sometimes do and say things that even surprise myself," the man behind a mask spoke as he walked a familiar path he always took every day when he could to visit the shrine. His long gray hair was almost as tall as the white haired man next to him, nodding as he listened to his words.
"He has a way of doing things he thinks is right, even though clearly it doesn't seem as right as we think it is," the grey haired ninja looked thoughtful, "Lord Jiraiya, did he really take Tsunade's necklace?"
Jiraiya nodded, "Kakashi, when I met the boy, he seemed different from the other Uchihas I've met in my life. I could see why many people talk highly of him but why do you suppose he acts this way, you're his teacher, what is your opinion?"
Kakashi hummed in thought for a moment before shrugging. Jiraiya sweat dropped at the reaction before changing the topic, "anyways don't you have something important to do right now?"
Kakashi nodded his head, replying, "I do, but I still keep my promise."
'The memorial stone,' Jiraiya thought, he knew Kakashi always made time to visit the stone, ever since the death of Kakashi's teammates, the ninja had been coming here every day since then just to pay his respect and Jiraiya had to admire that.
"Speaking of Sasuke," Kakashi pointed ahead as Jiriaya spotted the boy standing near the fence that stood near the stone. They both wondered what he was doing here before they spotted Tsunade staring at the stone.
"How in the world…" Jiraiya stared shock that Tsunade would be here when earlier she wouldn't speak to him or didn't seem like she wanted to leave her home. He looked back at the boy before turning to Kakashi who shrugged before moving ahead as if he was used to the boy's surprises.
Kakashi greeted Sasuke who nodded towards him before standing next to Tsunade, staring at the stone.
Tsunade briefly glanced at him before moving away.
"Tsunade," Jiriaya spoke out.
She turned to him, nodding her head as a greeting before looking at Sasuke who followed her.
They both walked past Jiraiya, Sasuke greeting him as well before they both left.
Jiraiya just watched them leave, "he is full of surprises isn't he?" he asked as Kakashi chuckled, "yes he is."
Jiraiya sighed; it seemed Sasuke knew what he was doing which left Jiraiya with nothing to do. He looked up before deciding to leave to the training grounds; maybe he could help his unofficial apprentice with her training.
The rest of the day was an odd sight to see. Tsunade and Sasuke walked most of the ways; exchanging ideas of what they considered remembering loved ones. Tsundae found herself slightly enjoying the boy's insight. His attitude reminded her of someone, it was hidden but there was a pattern to the boy's odd behavior. The boy reminded her of herself, except maybe he handled a dying loved one better but then again, the boy seemed to be suffering as well. He is good at hiding his real emotions, something akin to a mask like her own except his mask relies on helping others, maybe acting that way seems to be his way of covering for his loss.
Tsunade didn't ponder much or try to decipher the boy's mental personage; she let the boy take her to this ramen shop for a snack or dinner she guessed. It was funny, he seemed to know everyone in the village, including the girl in the counter, her name was Ayame?
After eating, they went to the same stand as last night, drinking the same alcoholic drinks and just waiting for time to pass by. All in all, Tsunade still didn't know why she followed the boy.
She stared at Sasuke drinking his alcoholic beverage and she imagined if that was her little brother Nawaki, she would have probably smacked the boy's head. She laughed at the thought as Sasuke looked at her in confusion before Tsunade waved it off.
Yup, she still had no clue why the boy had that affect on her before she drowned in her drinks and thought of her little brother for the rest of the night…
…several hours later a worried Shizune ran across the street, frantically searching for her mentor. She heard the voice of someone familiar before running towards them.
"I'm surprised you actually mastered everything on that scroll Ami and with time to spare," Jiraiya congratulated the grinning girl who replied.
"I said I would didn't I?"
Jiraiya chuckled, "I guess you did."
Shizune appeared in front of them, she looked panicked and tired before speaking out, "Lord Jiraiya I cannot find Lady Tsunade, do you know where she could be?"
Jiraiya scratched his head, "she was with Sasuke earlier, I wonder what they could be doing…"
"Sasuke?" Ami perked up at the name before asking the strange lady, "who is Tsunade, why would Sasuke be with her?"
Shizune didn't seem to have heard Ami's question, "she was with the Uchiha?" surprised was etched on her face, wondering why she would be with the boy who had caused the problem in the first place.
"Did you check the bars? They could be drinking," Jiraiya supplied as Shizune nodded her head.
"Yes I checked the bars, they weren't there."
Ami just continued to look at the both of them, wondering what the hell was going on as Jiraiya nodded, "ah but did you check the bar that Sasuke was able to drink?"
Shizune blinked, remembering the stand from last night before nodding her head, "you're right," she stared leaving again as Jiraiya sighed and signaled to Ami, "come, I'll explain on the way but for now, let's check up on your teammate."
She just nodded and ran along with her mentor as he explained most of the story.
"Sooooo, let me get this straight," Tsunade hiccupped before woozily staring at the Uchiha who nodded his head furiously, "you're from a different world were you were the Hokage."
"6th Hokage to be exact," Sasuke corrected as Tsunade ahhed.
"Yes of course, the 6th Ho-okage," she laughed as Sasuke laughed as well, "and now you're just a genin…well," she smiled before splashing her empty bottle, "I think I need another one."
"Of course," Sasuke laughed before he was about to call the clerk in the front.
"Tsunade!" Shizune appeared, her face red as she stared at the two drunk nins in front of her.
Sasuke elbowed Tsunade who sleepily looked up at her apprentice.
"Ahh, Shi-zuune," she smiled before standing up, "come join us, it's the Uchiha's treat."
Shizune looked at Sasuke in surprise, noticing how red faced he was. She calculated in her head, measuring the boy's body mass, alcohol tolerance, and the time she guessed they started drinking, she suspected the boy was out of it.
"Hey sister Shizune," Sasuke walked out after Tsunade, latching on to Shizune as Shizune seemed startled at the attitude, "I missed you…"
"W-what," Shizune sputtered as Tsunade and Sasuke laughed again before Tsunade placed an arm around Sasuke's shoulder and Sasuke placed his arm around her waist, both of them holding on to one sake shot before raising it in the air and dancing in the spot, "to Konoha!" they both yelled out before taking the shot and sighing out in relief once more.
"Sasuke?" Ami spoke out, startled as she never seen Sasuke in that state. Jiraiya grinned, enjoying the scene as Sasuke spotted them.
"Pervert sensei, Ami, you're here," Sasuke moved forward, tripping and landing on Ami who caught him.
Jiraiya twitched, "perverted sensei?" he asked. Ami shrugged in response as Sasuke looked up at her before waving his hand in the air to Tsunade.
"Hey, grandma Tsunade,"
Tsunade hummed out, a drunken blush on her cheek as she smiled at the boy who signaled her, "let me introduce you to the next Hokage."
"Sasuke…" Ami mumbled out dangerously as Sasuke chuckled, patting her on the head which turned her red, either in embarrassment or anger, Sasuke didn't care at the moment.
"Oh, the next Hokage you say," She laughed before standing tilted in front of the girl and leaning down, "are you sure," she placed her hand on top of Ami's head, comparing height as Ami grew flustered, "if you say so."
"Sasuke snap out of it," Ami grabbed his shoulders, facing him in front of her as Sasuke lazily stared at her face, "what happened to you?"
He smiled before placing a finger on Ami's cheek, tracing the whisker marks. It was a gentle trace as Ami felt her face start to heat, "in all my life, to finally see it on someone else…"
Ami blushed hard, "what?"
Sasuke shook his head, "that's another story…"
"Well," Jiraiya spoke out, helping Shizune carry Tsunade, "I believe we should call it a night", he looked at Ami who understood.
"Alright," Ami replied before placing Sasuke's arm around her shoulder as she placed her other arm around his waist, "let's take you home Sasuke."
"Wait," Tsunade spoke out, letting go of Shizune and Jiraiya before approaching the boy Sasuke who Ami helped stand up to face Tsunade.
She stared at the Uchiha, her vision seemed off as she saw a boy with brown hair standing in front of her, "little brother, have a safe night ok?" she leaned down, kissing Sasuke's forehead as Ami, Jiraiya, and Shizune's jaw dropped.
Sasuke mildly blushed before nodding his head, "you too Grandma Tsunade."
She laughed before moving away, "don't call me that," she started leaving but waved to them as Shizune and Jiraiya rushed to keep up to her.
Sasuke chuckled before pointing out, "to home…"
"Yeah Sasuke," she helped him, "let's go."
Luckily it was dark as Ami helped Sasuke. The lamps helped light their way and the walk was awkward but Ami continued holding him, leading the way to his home.
She wondered if Naruto would meet her tonight but with her perverted sensei around, she didn't want the missing ninja to be found out. So she left a shadow clone on the regular spot until she could return. This was more important though. Arriving at his home, she helped Sasuke open the door with his key before walking inside and taking out their sandals.
"It's ok, I'll sleep in the couch tonight," Sasuke said as he lazily tried to lead the way with Ami still holding on.
"Are you sure," Ami asked as they made it to the living room, already spotting the sofa.
"Yes, yes, now follow me," he moved quickly and with his strength I tugged Ami along as Sasuke fell on the couch, Ami on top of him.
She froze, wondering what had gotten in to Sasuke before listening. Sasuke was breathing quietly, he fell asleep already and Ami, well, she was still on top of him, her head on his chest, her arm wrapped around his waist as their legs were entwined. She turned red before quickly pulling herself out and rolling to the sides before falling to the floor.
Sasuke mumbled as Ami let out a breath of relief before staring at Sasuke's drunken form again. This was a first for her, there was never any awkward moments until she met Sasuke, at least, she thought as she kneeled down and continued to look at her teammate.
He looked peaceful, his eyes closed and his mouth slightly opened as Ami smiled, moving close to his cheek. What did he mean about her cheek marks she wondered and why did he believe in her, that she could actually become the next Hokage?
"You can be annoying sometimes," Ami whispered as she moved away, smiling sadly.
She reached the door, letting out a sad breath, "night Sasuke," she said as she heard a mumble response, she smiled before exiting.
…Friends, that's all we can be…
…elsewhere Baki stood in front of the two Cloud ninjas and Kabuto.
Currently, Kabuto was chuckling at the circumstances, "how lucky are we to think this village blames that missing ninja for a leaf ninja's death?"
Baki didn't smile, only nodding his head as he stared at the Cloud's demon container. She seemed as if she didn't care but he saw an emotion flicker in her eyes.
"So, the missing Ninja doesn't work for this village," she stared at the older Cloud ninja that Baki assumed was in charge with a face akin to gloating.
"Shut it," he whispered back harshly as Kabuto tsked.
"Now then, with everything working out as planned, let's get the meeting underway."
Baki nodded with the others, everything was working out as planned but Baki wondered what kind of powers did the Cloud's demon container have?
(3 more days)
Sasuke woke up with a splintering headache, unable to remember last night. Whatever it was, he hoped he didn't say too much. He went to get ready, he would get his armory training before practicing his techniques; this time he hoped the war would be different.
…Tsunade drank a cup of water, her eyes closed; she was used to getting hangovers. She remembered everything from yesterday, at least, until her 15th, 16th drink? Then things started becoming hazy, she wondered if she forgot something important.
Shizune entered, she spotted Tsunade in the counter of the kitchen before she greeted, "good morning Tsunade, are you well?"
Tsunade breathed in, remembering yesterday how she spent all day with the boy. It surprised even her about the boy's insight on death, his ideals and way of living but still, she still had to deal with the problem herself, "Shizune, contact Jiraiya," she smirked as Shizune looked at her in surprise, "let's help out a little shall we?"
Shizune widened her eyes before smiling, "Hai Lady Tsunade, right away."
She ran off as Tsunade stared out the window, "Sasuke Uchiha, huh? What an interesting kid."
(Time Skip)
The days passed by, on the outside the villagers help prepare the festivities of the Chuunin exams as the nobles started to arrive. The Chuunin potentials each trained hard, to cram what they could to help prepare for their battles.
But behind the scenes, a war was about to break out. The people who knew all prepared, the ninjas from the missions arrived in time to form the secret army as the Hokage coordinated with Baki their plans against the invasion.
Sasuke continued to train, even started making his own kunais as practice before refreshing his trainings with most of his ninja techniques. Each one determined to save the village they love, even Tsunade who helped around the hospital, even treating the injuries of Hayate who was supposedly marked as dead.
Until the night before the Chuunin exams, each one wondered if they were strong enough, whether in competing in the exams or fighting in the war, tomorrow would determine it.
(1 more day until the chuunin exams, late at night)
Sasuke wrapped a seal around his kunais before sealing them away. He checked on his suit, mking sure it all worked as he continued to fill all his weapons. Whatever happens now, he was determined to help anyway he could…
Ami lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering if she was strong enough. Through the past days, she wasn't able to come in contact with Naruto, she wondered if the missing ninja believed it was her fault the Anbu was there and to be honest, she did blame herself. 'Maybe he would be there to watch my match,' she thought but shook her head before falling to sleep, she would be glad if Sasuke would watch as well…
(Hours Later, early morning)
… "Is everything prepared?" The Hokage stood in front of his window, staring out into his village as Kakashi kneeled down with several other Anbus by his side.
"Yes sir, we have a few ninjas disguised as Sand ninjas within their army, they will help the Sand in deceiving Cloud and Sound," Kakashi answered as the Hokage nodded his head.
"I will still be close by," Jiraiya spoke to the side as the elder Sarutobi turned to them. Tsunade appearing thereafter, "chh, I guess I'll be around too," she smirked as Sarutobi smiled at his students before staring out his window, "and so, it begins," Sarutobi spoke, spotting the rising sun as he signaled for the others to leave, it was time to stop an old student.