Hello again everyone! I promised next update would be pretty fast, so I'm delivering. Well, the fact that I had already pretty much written this one as well helps a bit... but well, it's better this way.
So, last chapter was all about Sarada, this one's all about Sakumo, for the most part. This is taking place a few hours after the beginning of the last chapter, it's important to know that once Sakumo's up, Sarada's talking to Sasuke, and so on.
That said, let's get this chapter started already.
Uchiha Clan House
Sakura was sitting down at the dining table, and found herself checking her phone constantly. It had been about 2 hours since Sarada left to talk to Sasuke. Sakura checked her phone yet again after about a minute. She was partly doing this because Sakumo should be waking up in a couple of minutes and she anxiously waited for that happen, and partly because she was surprised that Sarada didn't call or text to tell her how the conversation with her father went. That was weird. Maybe they were still talking. But that didn't seem likely, she knew both better than anyone, her husband was not someone that talked that long. But then again, this was different. She put the phone down as she realized she was being way too obsessive. As she looked around her house, she found an answer. Both Sarada's and Sakumo's phones were in a table next to the couch, charging. She forgot she put them there herself the day before. She didn't take it with her. She sighed. Maybe she should just call Sasuke. Her phone beeped indicating she received a text and she picked it up. Speak of the devil.
Sasuke: Talked to Sarada a while ago. Things went fine, more than fine, actually.
Sakura: Told you there was nothing to worry about! Where is she by the way? She left her phone here. Is she still with you?
Sasuke: Boruto was released when we finished talking. She must be with him.
Sakura: Oh, I see. That's a relief! I was a bit worried there for a sec, since none of you texted or called I was thinking something happened...
Sasuke: And then you scold me for overthinking things.
Sakura: Yes. I know for a fact that you're imagining worst case scenarios about our son right now, so don't you mock me!
Sasuke: Is he up yet?
Sakura: No. Not yet...
Sasuke: Just give me a heads up when he's headed my way this time. Sarada caught me off guard and that's something I can't afford with him. I don't think it will be that easy with Sakumo.
Sakura: Yes, yes it will. Wanna bet he will surprise you for the best as well?
Sakura didn't need to even read Sasuke's reply, she already knew he would insist on Sakumo being a more delicate case and she was already typing a long paragraph explaining how that was not the case. She didn't get to finish typing her message or read Sasuke's next text though, as she heard the door of the basement open again. She put her phone down and her attention completely shifted to Sakumo, who was rubbing his eyes with one arm while keeping himself in balance resting the other to the wall.
"Hey..." she greeted with a small smile. Sakumo looked back to her once his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the room. He made a small grunt and a wave with his hand as some kind of greeting back "how are you feeling?" she asked.
"Like shit" he bluntly answered.
"Of course... that's what this is for" Sakura said as she picked up a mug, walked to him and offered it to him. He took it "fair warning, awful taste"
"Ugh..." Sakumo grimaced in disgust as he smelled it.
"Don't smell it. Come on, one big gulp without thinking about it" she said as she practically made him drink it, lifting the mug herself.
"What the hell was that?" Sakumo demanded after drinking it, coughing a little bit and fighting an extreme urge to vomit.
"You've been unconscious for days, this will help you feel better, it's not supposed to taste like a sweet tea, you should know that by now" Sakura answered.
"I'm sorry but I will never get used to such awful tastes, ever"
"Your sister has. You can be such a baby sometimes..." Sakura sighed "anyway, you're feeling a lot better now, I bet"
"I guess" Sakumo sighed and shrugged.
"Here, sit and eat something" she said as she helped him sit down on the dining table.
"Anything to get that disgusting taste off my mouth" he complained as he started eating, very fast. Sakura sighed then smiled. The fact that he was behaving like any other morning was a very good sign. She remained silent and let him eat in peace.
"So... aren't you going to ask about your sister?" she broke the silence once he finished his meal.
"Since she was actually there in those memories by the end I'm assuming she just woke up earlier" he answered.
"Yeah..." Sakura nodded.
"Dad?" he asked.
"He's at his office, I thought it best you talked to me first about more personal things, then you should go to him with more clan specific questions" she answered. Just as she finished her answer, she realized something and just stared at Sakumo with her mouth open.
"Yeah... I said 'dad'... I will start calling you mom as well, if that's okay" he explained.
"Of course it is... why the sudden change though?"
"I guess I've always subconsciously related to words mom and dad with my adoptive parents... so I called you father and mother" he shrugged "but well, it's been almost 3 years living with you... and especially after seeing all that... I guess I feel like your son 100% now, you are my parents after all. That said, I still love my adoptive parents though... I'm still grateful to them, they did raise me and I hope you can understand that"
"Sakumo, I'm not jealous of Fudo and Aiko... I'm grateful to them as well. They did a fantastic job raising you into a good, sweet, polite boy... well, for the most part" she joked "but don't worry, you can call me whatever feels comfortable and right to you. I understand you were raised by them, that they loved you and you loved them back. I completely understand those feelings and I feel nothing but respect and gratefulness to them, they gave you what you deserved when I couldn't give it to you and I am very happy about that, as your mother I only want you to be happy, even if I'm not there to see it"
"I'm happy you see it that way..." Sakumo nodded "I would like to talk about what I just saw though..."
"Of course, go ahead" she reassured.
"Well... I understand why I was shown all this. I believe, dad, showed me all this as a warning... and I get all that. I do want you to know that I have learned from all this and I won't cross those lines. That said... I completely understand him. Too much as a matter of fact... I agree with him on a lot of things. Things that you and not even the current him will approve of... and I know it's because of anger. But I can't just let it go. I know I should. But I can't. I don't know if I'm making any sense"
"Yes, I understand what you're trying to say" Sakura nodded "but it's good that you're seeing this. I know that anger you're feeling. I've felt it. For me, for your father, and even for you sometimes... we all feel anger. The thing is not letting it consume you. I get you want to see justice for what happened to your adoptive parents, and it's good to try to make it happen, but not at the cost of your own happiness"
"But it's not just that..."
"What do you mean?" she said as she sat down next to him.
"Do you think dad would be a completely different person if that never happened to him?"
"Oh..." Sakura said as she began to understand what her son was getting at "would he be a more social person? Probably not. Would he have always been happier? Yes. Are you saying that you're different because of what happened to you in the past?"
"I guess so..." Sakumo nodded "it's not only their deaths though... it's how I was treated by others, ever since I was a little boy. Growing out as an outcast, a freak... and the Uchiha grew up the very same way, here in what's supposed to be home. I used to be very different as a kid. I didn't hate or mistrust others. I wasn't and edgy bastard like I am right now. But I feel like I just have to be this way. Because the world sucks. Because that's how reality is. People betray and hurt you, for the most part. And it looks like that can never change. I don't have any faith whatsoever in humanity as a whole. And maybe the only answer is the radical conclusions my ancestors came to. Because it's just inevitable... Like I;m destined to be like that, when I really don't want to. Shit. I feel pretty fucking hopeless right now..."
"Sakumo..." Sakura said as she wrapped an arm around him "it is perfectly acceptable to feel like that sometimes. Believe me, I feel like that sometimes as well. I get what you mean. You feel like others have ruined you. And maybe they have. But that's the thing. It's only a couple of bad people. And I can tell you they had their reasons to be so horrible as well. You can't let them change you. You're letting them win. As an Uchiha, you haven't inherited the fate of being mistreated by others. You're not cursed to be an edgy bastard. What you have inherited from your dad, your family and most of your clan is a very passionate and sensitive personality. You care too much. And that's why you get so angry about injustices. But that's a good thing you see? The secret is to still chase after that, but never sacrificing your own well being because of it. A lot of people fall into that trap. And not just the Uchiha. But I'm here to help you. I am your mother and I can see who you really are. So does your dad, your sister, your friends... we all see and understand. Let us help you and don't close yourself off. That's how you will stop being so angry and regain the faith in humanity, as you put it"
"Really?... I don't know. A lot of people have a bad impression of me. Which leads me to be like this. Which leads them to have a bad impression of me. It's a vicious cycle that I don't think can be broken"
"Yes it can" she reassured once again "first off, maybe you should drop the act" she started. Sakumo raised an eyebrow "I know it's an act Sakumo. A wall you put between yourself and others, to protect yourself. But you're not protecting yourself, you're actually hurting yourself you know? Missing on letting others that could help you in. Of course there are bad people out there that will hurt you. But that's a risk we all have to take. Let others in and expel those that need to be expelled from your life. Don't just shut everyone out"
"I guess... that makes sense..." he thought.
"And even with that wall up there. There are still crazy and stubborn people such as me who will climb it to get to you, to help you. But there's not many of us. You wouldn't help someone who doesn't want to be helped wouldn't you? Don't let the bad stuff define you"
"And what exactly do you see once you climb that wall?"
"Well, I see a very good and caring man, trapped inside a prison that I want him to get out of" she smiled "I can see the real you son. I know you're just afraid to love because you don't want to get hurt. I know that deep down you're actually a very humble person, and you intentionally put on an arrogant facade because you can't allow others to see any kind of weakness" she said looking him in the eyes. Sakumo's widened. Amazed that anyone could actually see that, sure, it was his mother, but still, that was something he kept hidden to absolutely everyone since before he could remember and it was impossible for someone to see that, or so he thought.
"I am actually pretty humble..." he admitted "I don't like people congratulating me for anything... because I don't think I deserve it..."
"But you do. You're too hard on yourself. You want to be perfect. I guess that's a good thing but when you think anything is just not good enough that's a problem..." she rubbed his back "I'm sure growing up so different to others was very hard... and kids are actually horrible, ruthless when it comes to such things. Bullying is horrible to experience. I know you know it was similar for me as well"
"I was never bullied. If anyone fucked with me or others I would put them back in their place, I still do that and I will never stop" he instantly answered. Sakura sighed.
"And there we go with the tough guy act again" she smirked "even if they did it just once. That's still bullying. You need to accept that you can be a victim sometimes. Which is very ironic because you know being wronged, a victim, is what made you this way, even if you refuse to be one"
"You're right" Sakumo nodded as he thought about it "I guess I just need to be more open..."
"Exactly!" Sakura smiled "Like I said, don't pay too much attention to bad people, focus more on the good ones, you'll be surprised because you're making a small percent of people much bigger when they don't even deserve the smallest attention"
"Now that you bring that up..." Sakumo started "I was very interested about one thing you told Hinata in the Hidden Sand. But I don't think you ever followed up on that thought, as far as I have seen. Did you find the difference between people who can be redeemed and those who can't?"
"Oh yeah, I remember that day perfectly, the day I found out I was pregnant" she smiled "yes. There's a very simple answer..." she said as Sakumo stared "people never change. They only become more who they really are. People never change their personality for the better, only for the worse. Those who redeem themselves are those who were always good, but turned bad because of unfortunate events. And even in that case, that's not changing. That's healing, which is in fact, becoming more of who you really are. Like you father. And this comes full circle. You should heal too. Become who you really are. That little boy you were that you're so fond of. You should go back to being like him. Being you"
"Yes..." Sakumo nodded "of course..."
"I hope I have helped you" Sakura said.
"A lot mom... a lot" Sakumo said as he hugged her. Sakura was taken aback once again. First Sarada, now Sakumo. It was her lucky day and she could hug them when they would never let her. As a matter of fact, this was the first hug her son gave her, ever. It was truly special. She took notice of just how tall and strong her son had become. It reminded her a lot of her father when he hugged her those magical days they started dating. A couple of tears came out of her eyes "I still have a lot of things to think about..." he said as he let her go. He noticed she was a bit teary eyed and he simply smiled "I'll go talk to dad now... some questions about the clan I guess. But I have a very different view now... one that helps me and makes me much stronger" he reassured. Sakura only waved as he left, as she was crying of joy. This conversation went better than she could ever hope. Her son was fully on the road he should take, and she just knew Sakumo would become an exemplary man she would very proud of in no time. She thought about texting Sasuke the very good news. But she figured she should let him get this wonderful surprise, he would thank her for it in the long run.
Hidden Leaf Police HQ
"Vice-Captain Kotaro" Sakumo greeted as he entered the building.
"My my, if it isn't our future recruit" Kotaro grinned.
"Is my father in his office?" he asked.
"Yes, I'll take you to him. I believe he's in an important call right now, but he should finish in no time"
"Thanks" Sakumo nodded as he followed him.
"I hear you spent a night behind those bars a couple of days ago" Kotaro brought up as they passed through the jail.
"Yeah..." Sakumo embarrassingly admitted.
"I can empathize with you since you were defending Sarada from young Cloud nin that were not very pleasant if I say so myself... you might want to know that young Boruto spent last night here for that very same reason"
"Is that so?" Sakumo asked, completely surprised.
"Oh yes. Anyway, that lack of restraint is not acceptable for a man, let alone a police officer. I will whip that discipline into you myself when that time comes" he warned "that said, you do have potential. I like your passion for justice. But we have to ensure it's put to the right use" he said.
"I understand..." Sakumo nodded again, in the lack of a better response.
"Here we are" Kotaro announced before knocking "Captain?"
"Yes" Sasuke's voice answered through the closed door.
"Your son is here to talk to you. Did you finish that call?"
"Let him in" Sasuke replied. Kotaro opened the door and raised his arm, signaling Sakumo to go through. Sakumo took a deep breath and entered his father's office "I have to talk to my son for a while now" he said through the phone, as he hadn't exactly finished yet "yes, call me again in a hour or so" he continued "if regular interrogation techniques don't work, just get someone from the Yamanaka clan, okay, update me later" he finished.
"Father" he greeted. He realized he hadn't called him 'dad' like he intended to do, but he sounded a bit pissed off and he was a bit scared, so 'father' was what came out naturally.
"Sakumo" Sasuke nodded "sit" he gestured. Sakumo obeyed "How was it?" he awkwardly started the conversation. He was completely unprepared. Again. First, Sakura stops answering his texts all of a sudden and then she doesn't tell him anything about Sakumo just like before with their daughter, damn that wife of his.
"Well..." Sakumo brushed his hair to a side "it was... intense"
"I have to say... I'm concerned... you saw how I used to be when I was your age... I can see too much of myself in you and I'm afraid that could become even more like me..." Sasuke confessed, seeing his son was being a bit too distant. Then again, so could he. He figured he should just open the can of worms himself.
"I understand why you would say that..." Sakumo answered after choosing his words carefully "the truth is, I want to become more like you. But the current you, you know" he said. Sasuke looked at him intensely "I know why you showed me all that. A cautionary story right? You said you see a lot of yourself in me, and I agree. And that's the scary part... I agree with the past you on a lot of things... but I guess the good thing is I see where you were wrong. I have to admit though, I'm a bit scared that I could end up seeing things that way... because it makes a lot of sense..."
"It is good you see it that way" Sasuke spoke up as Sakumo stopped talking "let me start with the fact that I'm very relieved you saw that as a cautionary story, like you said" Sasuke let out a sigh of relief "I have to admit it to you... I still agree with past me on a lot of things as well... but there are better ways. And I hope you can see it that way as well. As your father, it is my duty to guide you the right way, and that's what I'm trying to do. Me and most of our clan have a very dark past taking things to such extremes... but I believe I have learned. And I will always be here to try to undo such impulses you can get. You saw everything, and I think it's safe to say, that unlike your sister, you have unfortunately inherited that dark sense of justice from me... from us. But it can be undone. Tell me about those things that concern or tempt you every time you get them, I will try to explain to you why they're wrong" Sasuke finished. Sakumo nodded, thinking about what he just saw.
"So..." he started "right now, I can see why you were wrong when you were so obsessed with revenge. I do understand why you hated the Leaf and wanted to destroy it. But I can still see that was taking things too far. The Leaf itself is not flawed, its rulers though... how Danzo and the other two remained in power so long... I find that very concerning and dangerous, because it could happen again"
"Fair enough" Sasuke nodded "those were different times, politics were a lot more ambiguous and times were much harder, with tensions with the other Great Nations and such. But it is a fact that things have vastly improved since then. Ever since Kakashi became Hokage, he made it a priority to not let such shadow rulers have any kind of powers over the Hidden Leaf. He was an ANBU and experienced everything himself, there was no better man for that job than him and he made those necessary changes, you know Sai and his past, he's in charge of Black Ops now, making it much better and ensuring it stays that way when he's gone" he explained.
"I believe that..." Sakumo answered "there is one other thing though..."
"And what is that?" Sasuke asked.
"Can things really change? I grew up in a more modest village, lived in places were shinobi are almost a myth. You saw how things are there. You know it's very different. There, things are more like they used to be here, even before your times. Always conflict. Not much hope for understanding and moving things forward without violence..."
"Yes. They can. Such change though... requires time. You have listened to me talk about this. The Hidden Cloud doesn't know what it's really like in smaller, remote places. Enforcing our philosophy is not the way to go. That will only generate more violence. That said, I truly believe they will end up understanding. They just have to get there themselves. And like I said, that takes time. We can't force that. But it will happen. The only thing we can do is protect them, not much more for the time being. But we must have patience. It's most likely we will never see that. Future generations will. Each generation can learn from and improve the one before them. That's what we can and must do"
"But you see dad..." Sakumo replied. Sasuke raised an eyebrow as it was the first time he called him dad, but he let it go and let him continue "that just sounds like empty idealism to me. The more I think about it, rationally I would like to say, your revolution, Itachi's actions, Madara's philosophy..."
"You think we were right" Sasuke finished for him. Sakumo nodded. "You know I understand that better than anyone... it makes a lot of sense that you hold all 3... ideologies in the same regard. They are similar, and my revolution was an ideological child of the other 2. However, I want you to learn from me. My ideology was doomed to fail just like Itachi's, which is ironic because I predicted that myself. You can't execute such ideals because it's against our nature. We are social creatures. We need human interaction, love, company... we do not work properly without those things as individuals. And doing everything yourself always leads to failure, because we all have our biases and flaws, and there is no such thing as a perfect man or woman"
"But what about Madara's?"
"You seem to admire Madara" Sasuke smirked.
"A bit I guess? I don't understand why you didn't just join him. I would think that you would have done that when he offered it"
"You know... that's the weirdest thing. It made sense didn't it? But I don't know. There was just something about me that refused to do so. Perhaps it was destiny? Like the Sage of the Six Paths already warned me about his plan backfiring or something... I think about that a lot, too..."
"The thing is Madara failed because the method he used happen to be flawed. The whole Kaguya resurrecting thing... but his actual dream and goal. That is yet to be disproved. Maybe that is the answer. A dream world where we could all be happy. Because that's the only way true happiness can be achieved"
"Ah... but you see, that's where the fundamental flaw is. In his ideology, Itachi's, Obito's, Nagato's... and even mine"
"Fundamental flaw?"
"We are not gods. I can control the highest form of fire, lightning, and even gravity. And here's the thing. I'm still not even close to absolute power. Because that Sakumo, is impossible. Putting everyone on a dream world? Can't be done. Now that, is an unachievable idealism. There is no way to do that. We are not omnipotent or omniscient. And no one can be. We can only come close to such a thing working with others, cooperating. Do you see that?"
"What if true cooperation is impossible as well?"
"It has to be"
"By having a common enemy, like you said"
"That common enemy already exists"
"Who?" Sakumo asked. Sasuke simply pointed up with his finger.
"The Otsutsuki... aliens. We are... in a way. Anyway. Kaguya arrived one thousand years ago. Momoshiki got here recently. My guess is that in another thousand years..."
"We will be invaded again... and perhaps by more and more powerful people..." Sakumo realized.
"Exactly. And there is only one way we beat that... together. Imagine for a second that Madara, or I, won. We wouldn't have been ready for that. We would have been annihilated. Destroyed. And Naruto and I, and Boruto, were lucky last time. Next time, luck won't cut it. We have to be ready... we just have to be"
"What if we just destroy the tailed beasts? Like Madara would have done and you wanted to do"
"Well for starters, tailed beasts are pure chakra, pure energy. Energy can't be created or destroyed, it just transforms. And even if we could that... it would be far worse if we didn't have them"
"I see... I think I understand..." Sakumo thought aloud.
"It will take you a lot if time to really understand. But do think about it, that's good" Sasuke said "anyway, don't spend too much time thinking about it. Don't obsess over justice or common good and think of your own well being from time to time"
"That's what mom said... and she has a point, and so do you... yeah, I think I'll just focus on being happy for the first time in my life for now..." Sakumo sighed. Too much stuff to think about and his head was about to explode.
"Your mom tends to bring that out in people..." Sasuke smirked. Sasuke was very happy with this outcome. It looked like Sakumo got it. Way better than he could ever have hoped, anyway. And chasing after happiness? That's all he wanted for his son. "Being happy is what everyone of us is designed to chase after, and that should be your priority... learn that from me. Be happy so that you can teach the next generation the same thing and hopefully all of us will be happy someday... that is the only way that can ever work. Trying to become a god is a path guaranteed to fail" Sasuke shrugged.
"I guess so..." Sakumo smirked "mom said that I should stop putting on an act for that to happen... did she say that to you? Will it work?"
"Oh yes, son... yes it will. It was a bit too late to put that wall completely down for me back then, but I think you can do it" Sasuke told him, Sakumo smiled as it looked like Sakura did tell Sasuke that and it apparently worked "at least let Tamaki's girl in for now. That would be a great start" Sasuke instructed.
"I..." Sakumo blushed. Sasuke chuckled, as he never talked to his son about his obvious romance with that girl, but he decided to let him know about that now for a very simple reason.
"You know for a fact that being with the woman you love will make you happier and a lot less hateful, so I don't know what the hell you're waiting for boy, learn a little from your old man, for fuck's sake" Sasuke said as he offered his hand. He was subtly making him know that he was considering him a man from now on with this gesture.
"Yes" Sakumo smiled as he shook his father's hand "thanks dad, for everything"
"Sure. Get out of here already" Sasuke commanded as he picked his phone back up and got back to work.
Inuzuka Clan Area
Sakumo decided to take his father's advice and found himself looking for Wasabi as soon as he got out of the Police Headquarters. Come to think about it, he would have come here anyway even if Sasuke didn't mention it. Sakumo remembered just how happy he was that night when he talked with Wasabi after that kiss they shared. Then that incident happened and all his demons came out all of a sudden. After 3 days, he dealt with them, defeated them. He felt it was okay to be happy again, or rather, for the first time in his life. And he knew Wasabi was the key to that feeling. He hadn't known her that long, but what he felt for her was very special. Definitely felt like what his parents felt for each other. She was the woman of his life. He knew that much. And he was done being an overly dramatic idiot, he was not throwing this once in a lifetime opportunity down the trash. He had lost so much in life because of that, and that was over. He was a changed person, he couldn't believe it was possible he could find an answer so fast and so obviously, but apparently, it was that easy. He arrived at her house. He felt a funny feeling in his gut before knocking the door, that must be what people refer to when talking about butterflies in your stomach. Instead of cringing at the thought, he found it amusing, funny, even. He regained his composure before knocking the door. The door opened to reveal it was not Wasabi but her father, Kiba.
"Hello, Mr. Inuzuka" Sakumo bowed.
"Hey kid, what's up?" Kiba asked, the politeness of this boy never ceased to surprise him.
"I was looking for Wasabi sir, is she home?" he asked.
"No. Why?" Kiba rudely answered. Kiba was very much aware of the chemistry he had with his daughter. Now that he knew Sakumo personally, he reminded him a lot more of Sakura than Sasuke, he had an attitude from time to time, but he knew he was a very kind and good kid. So he was actually okay with him ever dating his daughter. The thought of them marrying and being official family with Sasuke Uchiha was a thought he didn't look forward to though, so he didn't consider it very much for his own peace of mind.
"Oh... you know, training" Sakumo came up with an excuse that Kiba saw right through. Kiba resisted his urge to laugh at an Uchiha resisting a blush.
"Really..." Kiba said with a serious face. He was okay with the relationship, but the fun of teasing him was not something he was willing to miss out on.
"So she's not here? I'm sorry for bothering you, sir" Sakumo said as he turned around. Kiba actually felt sorry for the dude, and he could actually take advantage of this to know where his daughter went, who was missing all day.
"Hold on, kid" Kiba said before Sakumo left, he whistled and a dog ran outside the house "I tell you what, Aomaru needs to go out for a walk and I need a nap, so I'll let you take him out for me, he can sniff her out so you'll find her with him"
"Will do, thank you" Sakumo bowed again. The big, white furred dog barked at him as he jumped up and down to him, wiggling his tail "how are you doing boy?" he said as he crouched down to the dog's height and started patting him. Kiba smiled, Sakumo got along surprisingly well with ninja hounds, and he actually got along with everyone of them in the police force. This was one of the reasons he actually liked Sakumo. He would certainly be a big help for ninja hounds when he joined the police force.
"Aomaru, Sakumo here will take you out today, return him the favor and find Wasabi okay?" Aomaru barked and nodded, making it clear he would fulfill that mission. Kiba waved as he saw Sakumo and the offspring of his now deceased canine companion run into the distance.
Forest outside of the Hidden Leaf
"You sure she's somewhere around here? We're getting pretty far away from the Village" Sakumo said as he followed the dog. The dog simply barked as it sniffed the ground and followed the trail. The dog stopped and looked up to the sky, it was pretty dark so Sakumo couldn't tell what it was looking at. It started barking again "Up there?" he asked as he saw nothing but pitch black from the trees.
"I'm right here" someone whispered right in his ear. His ninja reflexes kicked in and tried to grab this person that caught him off guard. The person jumped back before he reacted and started laughing.
"That's not funny, I could've hurt you" Sakumo sighed as it was confirmed it was indeed Wasabi, he suspected as much, but a ninja has to always be on guard.
"Suuure" Wasabi mused "fact is my stealth skills are far superior to your awareness and I had you, didn't even see me coming" she shrugged "hey boy!" she crouched as she started petting Aomaru.
"Tch. Whatever" Sakumo rolled his eyes.
"What brings you all the way over here with my dad's dog, anyway?" she asked.
"We were looking for you, question is what are you doing all the way out here" he demanded.
"Don't know, no idea I got this far, just walking around, I guess" she explained "the question, still, is why you're looking for me, though" she said as she stood back up and faced him.
"I guess we left our conversation... unfinished" he said.
"We did. I've been looking all over for you for 3 days and you were nowhere to be found. No calls, no texts, nothing. Do you have any idea of how that has made me feel? Especially after that?" she demanded as she folded her arms.
"I'm sorry... I had something very important to do..." Sakumo apologized, feeling legitimately bad for her.
"And what was that exactly?"
"I can't tell you..."
"Why?"
"We're not close enough... yet" he did add, making his intentions clear while he was at it.
"How about now?" she asked as she out her face mere inches away from his.
"I didn't meant that literally"
"Neither do I. Sakumo, in case you forgot, we kissed and if not for your mother we would have most definitely..."
"I know" he interrupted.
"Then we are close aren't we?" she asked as she got even closer "the question is of course... just how close you want us to be, handsome"
"Handsome?"
"Your new nickname" she explained.
"Surprisingly unoriginal for your standards"
"Beats honey or baby or whatever couples call each others these days, besides, it's a statement more than anything so..."
"Couple huh... You're already assuming a lot" he smirked.
"You did come looking for me, and you're not resisting this, so it's a pretty safe gamble" she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Alright then" he said as he moved to kiss her, but she moved away.
"Hold on a second there. I need you to be a more romantic, or at least I need to know this is serious" she teased.
"It is serious"
"Then ask me out" she insisted.
"I don't need to ask because it's pretty clear" he sighed "you're my girlfriend Wasabi Inuzuka, and that is final"
"You're damn right, Sakumo Uchiha" she said as she threw herself at him and they kissed passionately, while Aomaru kept staring not exactly knowing what was happening.
To be continued...