Hey there readers. I hope that you guys have a happy holidays. It's the start of a new year and along with it is the first chapter of 2010. Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.


Chapter 49:
Desertion

"This is getting out of hand. It needs to be stopped before it's too late." With her concern clouding her better judgment Sakura rushed in, not realizing that she was walking into the path of the two dangerous attacks.

Both Naruto and Sasuke saw their female teammate and the predicament that she put herself in. They tried to stop themselves but couldn't. Unknown to either of them, they had the same line of thinking.

"No, I can't stop."

Thankfully neither of the attacks hit as the copycat jonin of Konoha, Kakashi Hatake made an appearance redirected their route to a collection of trees. "Naruto was that jutsu…"

Both boys hit their news targets and when all of the smoke was clear it appeared like both of them were okay. The first to recover was Sasuke who saw that the tree that the Chidori had taken down the tree that it hit. Looking over to his former opponent he saw that Naruto was getting up to however what really caught his attention was that the tree that his attack had hit was completely broken and the same was with the two that were behind it.

This only seemed to make Sasuke even angrier. Before he could convey that feeling his attention was diverted to his sensei that was standing on a high branch of a neighboring tree. "What was that about, Sasuke? That Chidori isn't something that should be aimed toward a comrade. Were you actually trying to kill Naruto?" The Uchiha gave no reply to the accusation as he just left without looking back.

Unable to deal with one of his students, Kakashi shifted his attention toward the other one. "Mind explaining what was going on, Naruto? Also why you allowed things to turn out like it did?"

Naruto didn't answer right away as he dusted off his clothes before he gave a defiant stare at his sensei. "Thought it was pretty obvious what was going on. Sasuke and I fought, became serious and before anything could be settled you interfered." How the spiky haired boy spoke lacked any consideration for who the jonin was. "And don't try to make it sound like it was my fault. If you were actually watching and not reading one of your stupid perverted books you would've seen that bastard who tried burn me alive. Seems only right to do what I need to do to defend myself."

During all of this, Kakashi couldn't help but to show signs of annoyance at how his student was acting. "That may be the case but that doesn't mean you had to use jutsus that you shouldn't be using in the first place." Obviously he was referring to the Rasengan and the Wind Edge.

"Why can't I?" Naruto inquired in defiance. They were taught to me and I learned how to use them. After all, I think I have a right to use them since they were created by my father." For the briefest of moments, Naruto considered using one of those jutsus on the copycat shinobi but decided not to. "Now, unless you have anything that's worth hearing I'll be leaving."

As he started to leave he walked pass Sakura who was still trying to collect herself from everything that happen. "Next time Sakura, please don't interfere." The words were low but the meaning behind them was clear. Turning around she started to go after her blond haired teammate but stopped to give her sensei a quick bow before continuing.

Soon the only one in the area was Kakashi and even though he had a mask on you could tell that he had a discourage look on his face. "What has happen to this team? Where was the camaraderie between them? Perhaps it was never there to begin with."

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"Why? Damn it, why?" That question continued to go through Sasuke's head as he tried to figure out what actually happen. The whole event continually played in his head and he still couldn't understand why it turned out like it did. "How is it possible? He's just some dead last idiot. Then why is that he's grew stronger than I have? It doesn't make sense." Sasuke was so focus on trying to grasp what took place that he didn't even notice that he was being watched.

"So that's him?" exclaimed one of the observers. He was a brown skinned man with light black hair that was tied in a bushy ponytail. What he was wearing was a off-white shirt with a black one underneath and black shorts. However, what was really visible about the person was that he had six arms, making him resemble somewhat like a spider. He doesn't like much."

"That's a fucking understatement." added the only female member of the group. She was wearing a similar outfit as her companions with the exception being that she had a some sort of hat on her head and over her unruly light red hair. "Why Orochimaru wants with a piece of shit like him is beyond me."

"Now Tayuya, such language isn't suitable for a lady." chastised a somewhat overweight guy with patches of orange hair above his ears and on top of his head.

"Screw you, you fat bastard." snapped the now identified as Tayuya. "What are we waiting for? Let's just go and get him already."

"Not so fast." voiced the final member of the group. He had long shaggy gray hair that covered most of the right side of his face. A somewhat strange thing about him was that on his back was some sort of object that had the same colored hair. "Orochimaru gave us orders and we need to follow them unless we want to face his wrath." All of them were all in agreement what that statement as the snake sannin wasn't someone you wanted mad at you.

They were about to go ahead and 'introduce' themselves to the young Uchiha but stopped when someone beat them to it. "I guess we'll have to wait a little while longer." suggested Sakon. None of the others wanted to agree but knew that keeping their presence hidden was one of their main priorities. So all they could do was to wait.

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"What's the meaning of this?" demanded Sasuke. He tried to free himself but the wires that secure him to the tree made that impossible. With the option of escaping not a possibility he settled by glaring at the one who was keeping him there.

"I had to do something." explained Kakashi, the one behind the detaining. "You're not really someone who's willing to standstill while I give a lecture." Seeing no way out, the boy seemed to be willing listen. "Sasuke…quit this quest for revenge of yours." Within an instant the Uchiha's hostilely from earlier had returned with force.

"In my life of a shinobi I've seen how bad people like can get and in the end they didn't get any real satisfaction once they achieved their revenge." There wasn't any scolding or reprimanding in Kakashi's words and that help to ease the anger that Sasuke was feeling, if only a little. "If you continue you'll only suffer more. Even if you succeed in gaining that revenge, all you'll have left is nothing."

"What do you know?!" Sasuke nearly shouted. "How can you possibly know what I'm going through?" Suddenly the anger that he had been exhibiting changed to one that was threaten. "Perhaps I should take away slmone that's close to you so that you can understand how I feel."

For his part, there wasn't any immediate reaction from Kakashi so there was no telling what he heard had affected him. Of all the possible that could've happen, having him practically smiling. "Sadly, that wouldn't work. In my case, all those that I've cared about are dead." That unexpected reply was such a surprise that Sasuke inadvertently let his anger go.

"I've lived long than you and seen truly terrible and sad things. Fortunately for us we have people that are close to us." That was obviously directed toward the two other members of their team. "A reason why I taught you the Chidori was so you could use it to help protect those who you hold dear. Think hard about what I've said. I need to head out for a mission now and I hope that when I return you understand truth to my words."

Kakashi would release his grip on the wire then left but his departure wasn't even acknowledged by Sasuke as he actually thought about what had been said. He was stay sitting in that tree for so long that day had become night but even then he hardly noticed. The jonin's words kept repeating through his head and ever time he started to consider taking his advice the words and actions from his brother Itachi resurfaced and squash those chances. "Damn it. Damn it."

If things weren't bad enough, he all of a sudden was swarmed by the four individuals that had been secretly watching him. "Who the hell are you guys?" Sasuke's tone was even as he gave each of them guarded looks.

"We're the Oto Four." announced the person with the six arms. "I'm Kidomaru of the East Gate."

"Jirobo of the South Gate." added the rotund individual.

"Tayuya of the North Gate." stated the cursing female.

"Sakon of the West Gate." informed the final member of the group.

As soon as the introductions were made they went on the attack. All at once four of them went at Sasuke who still didn't have a clue why it was happening. Putting aside his confusion, he defended himself against the four-on-one assault. Using what he had in his arsenal and fueled by the anger that he was still feeling he knocked them all into a pile. There wouldn't be any triumph would be short as the pile of bodies was revealed to be nothing more than logs. Obviously it was a result of a substitution jutsu.

"You've caught me at a bad time." Those words were directed toward the Oto Four who were standing that not far behind Sasuke who didn't look slightest bit hurt. "If you want to continue then I should warn you that I won't be holding back." It was clear that he was being true with his warning.

"Quit spouting nonsense." retorted Sakon. "Why don't you put your words where your mouth is and come at us. That is of course you're all talk and no action." Not taking kindly to the taunts, Sasuke went at them. "I'll take care of this."

The two went at it and with the use of wire, Sasuke got the advantage. However, when he went for the possible finishing blow he was knocked back by an unexpected blow. "How the hell did he get a shot in?" Not having time to think about it, the fight resumed but before Sasuke could gain control his arms were trapped by some kind of thread from Kidomaru and then hit by Jirobo. The result being that it gave Sakon the opening to finish things.

"I think it's time to see what sound your ribs make as they get beat on. Do try to not have them break so soon." Just as Sakon was going to back up his words, he was hit into the air by a sudden kick. Following that up with what he got from Rock Lee; Sasuke performed the Lion's Barrage that slammed Sakon down.

Tired and battered, the Uchiha got to his feet and looked at the three remaining Oto shinobi who didn't look the least bit phased about what happen to their teammate. "Well? Which one of you three want to be next?"

None of them would speak up as someone beat them to it. "Is that the best you can do?" Getting back to his feet was Sakon and by the looks of it, the Lion's Barrage didn't do any damage. "If so then you're even weaker than I thought."

"What's going on? All of my attacks hit. So why didn't they have any affect?" Without much thought, Sasuke went at the blue haired shinobi but was swiftly dealt with and was being held in the air by one of his legs.

"Why Orochimaru would be interested in such a pathetic person is beyond me." pondered Sakon with slight disgust. "Kimimaro would've been a much better choice."

"What do you expect?" answered Tayuya as her and the two other members of the group came over. "Being in this shitty village playing shinobi with his friends would make anyone weak." The foul mouth girl's words stung for the Uchiha as subconsciously he thought that was the case. "If you truly wish for strength then come with us. By doing so you'll get the strength that you seek from Orochimaru." Sasuke's shock was evident.

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"I'm sorry about what I did."

"For the last time Sakura, you can't quit apologizing." repeated Naruto for umpteenth time. It had been an hour or so since the fight between Naruto and Sasuke came to an abrupt end. Since then Sakura, who had followed him when he left the scene, apologized for getting in the middle of her teammates' fight. "Although I wasn't able to give Sasuke the beating that he deserved, I was at least able to get out some of the frustration that I've had. It's too bad that our damn sensei got involved before things could be settled."

Obviously that last part was directed toward the resentment that Naruto had for Kakashi constantly trying to pry into the boy's life. Got even worse when Sakura told him about their sensei in a way propose that she tells him about whatever she learned about her spiky haired friend. Of course Sakura told him that he wouldn't do such a thing and Naruto simply told her that she didn't really expect that she actually would.

"Do you think that Sasuke acted like he did because of the curse seal that Orochimaru gave him?" That was a possibility and honestly, Sakura hoped that was the reason why. If nothing else, it would give the Sharingan user a reasonable excuse for why he acted. "You don't think that Sasuke would actually leave the village to go to him?"

"Who's to say?" debated Naruto. "Sasuke clearly has issues and the curse seal is making them worse." The logic behind the demon host's assumption didn't sound like it could've been that far from the truth. Nonetheless, there's no way he abandon Konoha for Orochimaru. There's just no way." His assurance was contagious as Sakura was starting to feel the same.

"Do you truly believe that?" question Kyuubi. "You think that this situation is really over?" Naruto gave no answer as honestly he wasn't that sure himself.

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"Why are we even wasting our time with this weakling?" Becoming annoyed, Sakon tossed Sasuke away. "It's no point to have you come by force but if it was up to me I would've already killed you for your hesitation."

"Shut up." muttered Sasuke in a voice that could barely be heard. "Why don't you try and see if you can?" As he talked, the seal that helped contain the curse seal began to slip. "You don't know what I'm capable of." Glaring at the Oto Four they were surprised to see the markings that were associated with the mark.

Sasuke tried to use his new burst of energy to attack but in mere moments he was knocked down again. "That was surprising. However, you're not the only one that Orochimaru was interested in." Moving his hair aside, Sakon showed that he had the curse seal too. "A word of advice, you should've use that mark so recklessly. Since you're only at the first state it'll slowly eat away at you. Longer you use it the sooner it'll destroy your mind." Though he hated to follow the suggestion, Sasuke went ahead and suppressed the mark back into the seal.

"If you want to control your curse seal and be able to advanced to the next state then come with us." added Kidomaru. "You don't then it's only a matter of time until that mark consumes you."

"What these two shits are saying is that unless you want to stay here and play shinobi you'll accept the offer." simplified Tayuya in her own way. "But doing so would turn you into Orochimaru's slave. Therefore you'll be bound to him forever." This is where you need to make a choice. Are you going to stay here and try to forget about your vengeance? Forget about Itachi?" The foulmouthed girl's words stuck a cord with the Sharingan user as the hatred that he had for his brother briefly resurfaced.

"Staying in this village will only make you forget about what your purpose should be." voiced Sakon. "Only when you cut the ties to those who are holding you back will you be able to succeed in completely your purpose. We'll give you a day to make a decision." The four of them would leave but had a few parting words. "Don't forget your purpose."

Now left alone, Sasuke just sat there, not moving as thought about everything that had occurred. There wasn't any indication of what he was actually thinking or if he made a decision. It wasn't until he clinched his fists tightly did it seem that a decision was made.

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"You think he'll accept the offer?" questioned Jirobo. All four Oto shinobi hurried from rooftop to rooftop as they tried to leave the village.

"Who's to say." replied Sakon. "But likely he will. You saw the look in his eyes. He's someone who'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants."

"Well, will find out soon enough." spoke up Kidomaru. "I just thought of something. Since we're in Konoha, why don't we take care of that other problem of Orochimaru's?" The six armed shinobi didn't have to clarify what he meant as they all knew what it was.

"No." answered Sakon simply. "We were given orders to do one thing and that was it. Besides, we're supposed to keep our presence here unknown. Doing what you're suggesting Kidomaru won't help us in doing that."

"I don't see why we can't." voiced Tayuya. "We just need to find some fucking fox boy and kill him. It sounds pretty damn simple to me." The argument about whether they sound go ahead with the 'extracurricular' task or not went on for a while but it was decided to let it not go for it. In no time the Oto Four were able to leave Konoha without anyone being the wiser.

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A Day Later…

"This is the right decision." After deciding what to do, Sasuke went immediately went to his home and didn't come out all day. The reason being was that he was getting everything that he needed when he left Konoha. That was correct. Sasuke Uchiha had decided to abandon the village to accept Orochimaru's offer to gain power. Having gotten everything in his traveling pack he left his home, not planning on returning again.

It was a quiet night and Sasuke casually walked so he wouldn't draw any unwanted attention on himself. Seemed like he was going to get away without being spotted but that wasn't the case as someone stood in his way. "What are you doing here Sakura?" Indeed the person that was in Sasuke's way was teammate and not so secret infatuated Sakura Haruno. "Shouldn't you be home asleep?"

Sakura didn't reply as she instantly noticed the pack that was over the Uchiha's shoulder. It didn't take long for her to put everything together. "This is the only way out of the village. I just waited here until you finally showed up." She sounded depress as she spoke but did what she could to keep it hidden.

Whether he failed to notice or didn't even care, Sasuke didn't respond to his teammate's feelings as he started to walk around her. "Just go home and get some sleep. This doesn't concern you."

"Why are you doing this Sasuke? Is your need for revenge really that important?" Sakura's questions didn't get answered right away but it at least got Sasuke to stop walking. "I know about what happen to your family and it's horrible but this isn't the way to deal with it."

Silence was the only thing that the girl got for a while and she thought that maybe she said too much. Instead of retaliating, Sasuke finally responded although he didn't turn around to face her. "For a while I thought that I could forget the past and be content in being on a team with you and Naruto. However, I've realize the truth. I'm an avenger and I'll never be like you or Naruto."

The seriousness that was behind that last statement drove in how determined Sasuke was to go through with his goal. "Each of us got something that we're striving for. It's just that we're taking different paths to reach them." Saying what he wanted to say the young Uchiha started to leave but again was stopped when Sakura spoke up.

"Please don't leave Sasuke. Honestly I don't know what you must be going through. I've got my family and friends but the thought of losing you is something that I never want to experience." You could tell by the emotion behind those words that the pink haired girl was being completely honest. "I care so much abut you Sasuke that I'll do anything for you. If you stay I'll promise to make sure that you'll never regret it. I'll even help you in your revenge if that what it takes. So please, don't leave."

Like before, you could tell that Sakura was speaking the truth. It was getting to the point that she couldn't holdback the tears that were flowing from her eyes. What made things worse was that Sasuke hadn't said anything and showed no sign on whether her words had actually reached him.

After a couple of moments of unbearable silence he turned to look at her. "You're really are annoying, you know that?" Saying that he started to walk away again and when she saw this Sakura reacted without thinking.

"Don't leave!" There was no response. "I'll scream if you do." Just as those words left her mouth, Sasuke flickered away and reappeared behind her. Caught off guard, Sakura didn't do anything.

"Sakura…thank you." whispered Sasuke. Before anything was said on her part, the Haruno girl was struck in the neck in a way that knocked her out. Rather than falling to the ground in a heap she was placed on a nearby bench where she would remain until she regain consciousness

"We've been waiting for you." greeted Sakon. Both he and the other members of the Oto Four were a few miles away from Konoha as they saw the person that they were waiting for arrive. "Glad to see that you have decided to accept our proposal, Sasuke Uchiha."

"What's with the change of attitude?" inquired Sasuke in suspicion.

"By leaving the village you have become our leader. As it was decided earlier." explained Kidomaru. "Forgive us for the unpleasant first impression."

"I don't care about that. Let's just get going already." Following that order the now five member team took off into the night, with Oto being their destination.

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"Sometimes there are days when I regret taking this job." thought Tsunade to herself. Almost on a daily basis since becoming the Fifth Hokage she has been swamped with documents to sign, reading proposals or giving out assignments. It was getting to the point that she hardly had a moment to have some sake in peace, let alone go out and gamble. "Maybe I should consider early retirement." Before that could actually be thought over, Shizune entered the office and seemed to have something important to say.

"Lady Tsunade, moments ago Sakura was found unconscious." That got th Hokage's attention as she cared about the girl in question. "She's okay but has informed us of a serious matter that needs to be taken care of at once."

Without even having heard what the pressing matter was, Tsunade knew that she wasn't going to like it. "The idea of retirement is becoming more appealing by the moment."


Well, I hope that you guys like that. I know that there were similarities from what happened in the actual series but I hope it wasn't that big of a deal. There was of course moments that I altered and/or completely changed so it shouldn't be that much of a problem.

Also, you might have an idea what'll happen next and you won't be completely wrong. What I mean, that'll do something different that would be a definite twist to this story. You'll just have to wait until the next chapter to find what that mean. Until then, see ya.