"Sasuke?" said Naruto as he slowly opened up the door to his hospital room.
"That's quite a change from the last time you barged in here," said Sasuke.
"Oh," Naruto then laughed nervously. "You heard that, huh."
"It was hard not to," Sasuke replied sarcastically. "I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't."
Sakura followed Naruto into the room. "Sasuke, I heard that they are shutting down the field hospital tomorrow and they decided you are well enough to be discharged."
"So what did you guys do while you were away?" Sasuke asked even though he had a pretty good idea. "You were gone just about long enough to go back to the Leaf Village, have a short meeting, and then get back here."
"I guess you caught us," said Naruto.
"Here's the deal...the Fifth said that she would allow you back in Konoha," explained Sakura.
"But...," said Sasuke waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"We told her everything we know," said Sakura. "And I do mean everything."
"And she isn't blaming you for a lot of what you did," added Naruto. "But there will need to be some agreements in place before you come back."
"I expected that," said Sasuke. "I just need to know what they are. C'mon guys, stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened."
"She wants to see us as soon as we are back in the village. I'm sure she is using the time while we are here to come up with a complete list herself," said Sakura.
"So you guys don't have any clue at all? What about those two elder bastards who agreed to the killing of my clan?" asked Sasuke. "Like I told you before, that, for me, is the biggest problem I still have with the village."
"Well, she did discuss that briefly," said Naruto.
"She said it is your right to ask for an inquiry," said Sakura.
Sasuke didn't reply to that.
"At least she didn't say that she couldn't do anything just because they are elders...," added Sakura.
"I guess that's true. It's all just coming out now and there is no reason for them to trust me," said Sasuke. "That's probably the best I can do for now."
"You'll be staying with me for a while," said Naruto.
"So you're my new roommate?" asked Sasuke. "Thanks, Dobe." Sasuke knew he would most likely be required to have a babysitter of some sort when he first returned.
"The two of us and Kakashi-sensei all agreed to keep an eye on your when you first arrive," said Sakura.
So Kakashi knows as well, thought Sasuke.
"There's a bit of hesitation just because the people and shinobi of the village probably won't forgive you as quickly as we did," said Sakura.
"But that's because they don't know everything. I'm sure with Granny's support things will be back to normal in no time," said Naruto.
"Normal," said Sasuke. "I'm not even sure what that is anymore."
OlOlOlOlOlOlO
"Here," said Sakura handing a small backpack to Naruto.
"What? Why are you handing that to me?" Naruto asked.
"Because…this is some of my stuff that needs to get back home," she replied.
"But…," started Naruto.
"You can't expect me to ask Sasuke to carry it, hmmmm? He's still not 100%," said Sakura.
"Darn," said Naruto under his breath as he put the backpack on his arms.
Sakura had accumulated a few items since she had been helping with the war effort – both during and after. Naruto and Sasuke both had next-to-nothing and other than helping Sakura with her things, there wasn't much else for them to carry.
Sakura said good-bye to any of her friends and acquaintances that she passed on the way out of the hospital. Once outside, the three shinobi took off into the trees.
It was only an hour before Sasuke asked to return to the ground to get a drink of water and take a small rest.
"Wimp," prodded Naruto.
"Be nice, Naruto. He doesn't heal as fast as you do," Sakura scolded him.
"He looks fine," said Naruto.
"Just because his outward injuries are healed doesn't mean that his insides are fine – besides, he probably took a few hits to his chakra network as well. Please be patient," pleaded Sakura.
"Fine," said Naruto, pouting.
Sasuke didn't say anything. He took a sip of water and caught his breath. He still had great respect for Naruto's abilities, but knew better than to take anything that came out of Naruto's mouth personally. Normally, he would throw the taunts right back at him, but today, for some reason, he just wasn't in the mood. His mind kept focusing on the return to Konoha and what would truly happen once he entered the village once again.
OlOlOlOlOlO
It took an extra half day, but the three shinobi landed right outside the large gate leading to Konoha. They made their way to the ground once again and slowly walked to where the two guards would normally greet them as they entered.
"You did well, Sasuke," said Sakura.
"Thanks," he replied.
Sakura and Naruto led the way to the desk where the guards usually sat. They could see the two guards watching them walk towards them.
"Good afternoon. My name is….," started Sakura.
"Go on in," said the higher ranking of the two. "The Hokage has already notified us of your return. She is expecting you."
"Oh...alright," said Sakura, noting the icy demeanor of the guard. She turned back to Sasuke and Naruto. "Let's go guys."
The three friends turned right and began their walk to the Hokage's tower. Sakura could almost feel the piercing stare of the guards as they watched the three of them walk into the village. She wondered what was going on, but knew it probably was the sole fact that a traitor – or a supposed traitor – had returned.
Through the narrow streets they walked in near silence. About half the people that passed them recognized the black-haired Uchiha and Sasuke could hear some of the comments they were making. He merely dropped his head and looked at the ground as they walked.
"Sasuke -," said Sakura, feeling bad.
"It's alright," said Sasuke. "I expected this."
After five minutes of dealing with this, Naruto spontaneously yelled at the crowd, "Yes, he's an Uchiha. No, he's not a traitor so mind your own damn business!" He turned to keep walking. "People always think they know everything about everything," he muttered to himself in annoyance.
Sasuke let a small smile grace his lips. This was the Naruto he knew and loved.
They finally reached the tower and were met by Kakashi-sensei himself.
"It's nice to see you up and around again," said Kakashi in his usual calm tone to Sasuke. "This way," he said as he took the lead of the group until they reached the door to Tsunade's office. He knocked.
"Enter!" said a loud voice from the other side.
Years away from the village didn't completely drive the proper decorum out of Sasuke. He stood formally waiting for the door to open so that he could enter the room. Once inside, he nodded ever so slightly at the Hokage who was standing in front of her desk to greet her visitors.
Sasuke did not really know Tsunade and could only use his brief memories of her in addition to what he had heard when he ran around in the wrong circles – both with Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Orochimaru probably gave him the best insight since he had been on a team with her and battled next to her for so many years.
"Sasuke Uchiha," she said aloud. He stepped forward so that he was the one closest to her. He looked straight ahead as if in the military. His face was expressionless.
"I understand you want to rejoin this village," said Tsunade.
"Yes, ma'am," he answered knowing that swallowing his pride at this particular moment was crucial to getting his foot in the door.
Tsunade sighed. "Sakura and Naruto have told me much about your affairs over the past 6 years. They have represented you well. Kakashi and I have discussed everything in very great detail and I do have some requirements you will need to meet before being officially accepted back to Konoha."
"I understand," said Sasuke.
"First, let me review….," she said. "You abandoned this village to join Orochimaru. However, your departure was caused by your desire for power and training time with the sole purpose of killing your brother, Itachi."
Sasuke nodded.
"You did not really kill Itachi. He let you kill him – the truth being that he was very sick at the time of his death," she continued.
Sasuke nodded again.
"You made contact with Tobi, the leader of the Akatsuki, who informed you about Itachi's past and the official order to kill the Uchiha clan. You also made an attempt to capture the eight-tails for the Akatsuki, though you were not successful," continued Tsunade.
"All of it is true," Sasuke answered.
"Finally, you voiced your intention to destroy this village – the very village you want to rejoin now," said Tsunade. "Although, I am not aware of any attempt to damage this village by you or your followers."
"That is correct," Sasuke answered.
"So, that is all the negative feedback I have received about your trysts over the last six years. In your favor are the following facts….you were under the impression that Itachi had destroyed your clan and you sought to avenge that betrayal. Orochimaru did manipulate you to leave the village in the first place which did cause your ultimate exit. The Uchiha clan was destroyed through an official decree by the Third and three of his advising elders – a fact that was kept from you most of your life. You were manipulated once again by the Akatsuki to voice your hatred for the Leaf. However, you ultimately did help save the Leaf – and the world – in assisting Naruto with the defeat of Tobi. Naruto has said that without you, he could not have defeated Tobi alone."
Sasuke looked back at Naruto who, in turn, gave him a smile. Sasuke rolled his eyes before looking forward again.
"There are two considerations here, Sasuke," said Tsunade. "The first is paying for your betrayal and your crimes. I, as the Hokage, have already decided on your official punishment."
"But Granny…," interrupted Naruto.
Tsunade held her hand up in Naruto's direction, silencing him. "Don't worry, Naruto, I will take everything into consideration. I cannot let him off with no punishment at all. I'm afraid the people of the Leaf wouldn't stand for it."
"What is the second consideration?" asked Sasuke.
"You have got to be prepared to endure the consequences of your actions from within the village," said Tsunade.
Naruto made a face of not understanding what the Hokage had just said.
"M'Lady, I'm afraid I don't quite understand," said Sakura taking a step forward. "…from within the village?"
"Yes, Sakura. Do you think that after what Sasuke did that the villagers, as well as the other shiniobi, will accept him with open arms? I think not. He will probably be mostly friendless for a while…well, except for the very few who are aware of his return and the reasons behind it at this point. Over time, I'm sure the true story will come out, but it will take time and Sasuke will need to deal with this without letting his hot temper get out of control."
Naruto thought about what the Hokage had said for a second. It's not quite the same as what I went through as a kid, but it is a little similar. People probably won't give him the benefit of the doubt and will most likely say some pretty mean things to him.
"Don't worry, Sasuke. You've got the handful of us behind you already. We'll stick up for you," said Naruto. After all, he was able to start-over with just the faith and friendship of one man.
Tsunade sat down at her desk and examined the paper in front of her.
"Sasuke, you are officially a Leaf village resident once again. What this means is the following: you will be employed by me, the Hokage, and be part of my shinobi organization. You will make half pay for the missions on which you are sent for the next two years. You will live with Naruto Uzumaki for a term of six months. You are not to be on the streets past 10pm or before 7am during those six months except when away from the village on a mission assigned by me. If you are not being escorted by Naruto, you may be escorted by anyone on this list for the next six months," she said holding up a second piece of paper. "The list may grow as you get other shinobi to agree to escort you. Just have anyone on this list report the new name to me and I will add it."
"What about the Uchiha clan's part of town?" asked Sasuke.
"It was destroyed along with the entire village when Pain attacked," answered Tsunade. "You were no longer a part of the village, so there was no reason to rebuild it."
"Is there a way to…what I mean to say is…I'd like to….," said Sasuke.
"Fine," interrupted Tsunade. "Technically, the land did belong to your clan."
"I do not need it all. I would just like a small portion of it. I do intend to repopulate my clan, but that will take generations to happen. For now, it will just be me and my eventual wife and children," said Sasuke.
"Agreed," said Tsunade. "I will allot you a section of land within the village which will officially belong to the Uchiha clan. You may utilize the rebuilders in six months time when your time at Naruto's place comes to an end."
"Thank you," replied Sasuke.
"There is one final requirement that I have for you. You are not to approach or contact the two elders named Homura Mitokado or Koharu Utatane under any circumstances," said Tsunade.
"I understand," said Sasuke.
"Should you fail to meet this last requirement, I will kick you out of this village myself," Tsunade said. Then she softened her tone, "But just to let you know, a formal inquiry will be made into the decision that was made that dark day. I will find the truth, but justice will be done by my hand and not yours. Do you understand?"
"I do," said Sasuke.
"You are all dismissed," said Tsunade.
The four shinobi turned and exited the room. When the door closed, Sasuke and Naruto both let out a big exhale.
"That was stressful," said Sasuke.
"I hate to say it, but your punishment doesn't seem that bad," said Naruto. "Plus, she's giving you back a place to stay and starting an inquiry to your clan's massacre."
"I can easily live with her punishment. It sounds like she just wants to keep an eye on me more than anything else," said Sasuke.
"So where do you want to…," started Naruto.
"Hold on," said Kakashi. "Now that the whole team is back together, let me just say one thing."
"Hmmm?" said the three younger members of the old Team 7.
"Meet me at the usual spot for training tomorrow. 9am sharp!" he said before disappearing.
It's more than I could have hoped for, thought Sasuke.