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Chapter 3: Reviving the Sun

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A surge of power rocked the whole village as the allied ninja force, a remnant of Konoha's surviving forces and ninja drafted from Rock, Sand and nearby villages distracted the clones, a full frontal assault on the Hokage tower in a desperate bid to claim their lost sun. Despite the clone's apparent simple-mindedness, their chakra, so close to their master, their source of power is brimming and unparalleled that the allied forces can only do so much, their Jounin, easily overwhelmed in one to one combat by nature-wielding doubles.

Ten-ten and Rock Lee were able to corner and separate one from the group and even their combined teamwork had trouble, the clone high and smug as it effortlessly dodged even the fastest of Lee's attacks all the while parrying Ten-Ten's onslaught of weapons. The duo were backed to a corner as the clone sent endless barrage of rasengan, its movement mechanical yet precise, fast despite its sheer brute force.

"I sure wish Neji were with us now…" Lee huffed, his energies drained as he strained his gates, dodging an attack as he shielded Ten-Ten.

"Well, he's with Sasuke and Kakashi-sama, so we have to make do, Lee." Ten-ten yelled as she dodged another orb, the clone was merciless and relentless in any perceived threats to its master, and not even their pleadings can placate its rampage. As the two prepared to defend themselves, the clone shouted in surprise, blown to the side with a tempest of wind.

"Garouga!" And before the clone can even react, he was on the ground, pinned by a large dog. Lee and Ten-Ten breathed a sigh of relief, as reinforcements from their generation poured in. But even that isn't enough. With a ferocious roar, the clone pushed the dog off him, his very form oozing with red and golden chakra.

"Finally… a real challenge." The clone smirked as he blinked in and out of their view, before his blow was parried by Lee. Before he can strike the powerhouse of youth, a flash of pink appeared, before he was punched to the ground buried in its crater.

"You guys okay?" Sakura exhaled as she looked warily at the crater where the clone was buried. They knew of Naruto's title as Konoha's most unpredictable ninja and that extends even to his clones, especially now that they wield not just the Kyuubi's chakra, but nature energies as well.

Ten-Ten visibly relaxed, relieved at their reinforcements.

"Ye-yeah. I guess. These clones are tough."

Sakura merely smirked. "Well, it wouldn't be Naruto if they weren't. Be on your guard, it's still there. It hasn't disappeared yet."

As the team steeled themselves, more and more explosions can be heard in the background, the clones rampaging in multiple points around the village as the allied resistance bought precious time for Sasuke's team.

The others fared no better, even Tsunade and her ANBU were evenly matched against the clones on the far distance. Their only hope now is Sasuke, once a criminal, now destined hero of their village.

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Sasuke ran as fast as he could, intent in reaching his goal. But as soon as he reached the main gates to the Hokage's compound, he was met with another clone. Kakashi and Neji already stayed behind, to deal with a trio of clones. So Sasuke was left on his own, to surge onward in their very limited window.

"Naruto…" Sasuke whispered. But the clone's red eyes looked at him impassively, the previous hostilities displayed by the others were not on this one. Still, this clone is more impressive than the rest. It proudly displays three tails behind him, a chakra of gold cloaking him as he stood protectively in front of the gate.

"No one goes through." The clone said, but it made no move to attack him and Sasuke's mind was brought back again to that solitary scout they caught in the woods, the one who refused to hurt him. Still, this clone had its order, presents an obstacle to him, and Sasuke knows that in order to reach his sun, he must subdue the adversary, even when it isn't hostile.

Sasuke said nothing but delivered a quick strike at the clone, and naturally, the clone was able to parry the attack.

"No one goes through." It repeated again. "Boss' orders."

"Not even me?" Sasuke asked, a little glimmer of hope in his voice. But the clone's look did harden, eyes turning crimson as he caressed Sasuke's face tenderly, before pushing him away.

"Especially you." The clone glared at him venomously, but made no move as it looked at him warily…

"But you're not attacking." Sasuke replied, his hand on his Katana as he looked at the clone.

"Why would I?" Sasuke confirmed it now. Even Naruto's clones cared for him. Even as they traded blows, the clone would always make sure not to hurt him, would always avoid the most lethal of attacks. When they were vicious with the others, they were gentle with him, even to the point of passivity to him. And a creeping joy clawed its way upward to his chest, as hope rekindled within that maybe… just maybe, he can reach Naruto still.

He smirked at the clone, a mischievous idea forming on his head. While it would be easy to strike down this clone, to attack much as he did in the past, there's something in the way that the clones cared for him that stayed his hand, and he realized that he cannot hurt Naruto ever again; not even when they're barring his way to his goal. And so, with a simple hand sign, one that had been a familiar trademark of his beloved, Sasuke channeled his chakra and a puff of smoke split himself into four…

And from it emerged four naked forms who tackled the perplexed clone to the ground.

"Reverse Harem no Jutsu…." Sasuke smirked as he looked down on the blushing clone, its tails completely gone, the anger on its eyes vanished as its nose oozes with the unmistakable red liquid.

"Teme… this isn't fair!" The clone shouted as three of Sasuke's clones kissed, touched and cuddled the poor clone on the ground. With a satisfied smirk, Sasuke looked down on the glaring clone tackled to the ground.

"What's the matter? Isn't this your favorite jutsu, Naruto?"

"You bastard!" But his anger was swallowed by his own moans as Sasuke's clones licked his ear. "Get back here—ahh- let me go! No one's allowed in there… ahhh!"

Sasuke only grinned widely as he sliced the gate open, the clone's moans of ecstasy music to his ears as he laughed to himself in amusement. He pushed onwards, hearing the poor clone continued to struggle weakly against Sasuke's clones. He shook his head as he heard the clone moaned intensely, yelling for him to get back.

As he ran through the endless halls, the familiar sensation grew, butterflies started coming alive in his stomach as anticipation started building up within him. And finally, he found it, the massive doorways to the Hokage's office, the room where his beloved awaits. He reached out a hand to turn the knob, but before he can reach the handle, a tail, made of golden flames whipped and he quickly stepped back.

As he turned his gaze, a fox, not much larger than a mid-level summon growled at him, its crimson eyes burning with rage as it stepped between him and the door.

Sasuke's heart sank. There's no way he can take this down without a fight. And he hated hurting the poor thing, especially when, looking back at it, everything was his fault. Naruto wouldn't have snapped if not for his departure, for his callous rejection of their love. Yet, the fox before him presents a conundrum. If he can't get past it, he won't reach his beloved.

So, with heavy heart, he prepared to fight, channeling chakra in his eyes as he stared at the fox's eyes.

As he did so however, rather than the sharingan controlling his world, he found himself in a sewer. And his stomach filled with terrible dread as a crushing pressure pulled at his back. A terrible presence lurked behind him and it didn't take much for Sasuke to guess who it is.

"Kurama…" He turned to see the fox in utter shock.

"You know my name?" Sasuke smiled.

"Of course… Naruto talks about you… so much that it made me jealous at first."

Kurama narrowed his eyes as he approached the Uchiha. "Jealous? As if you ever cared for him." His tone was bitter, his voice weary, tired yet venomous, hostile to the man who destroyed his kit, his bright boundless sun by his uncaring departure.

"I still do…" Sasuke whispered and the fox stomped his giant paw, voice growling with hate.

"Am I expected to believe this charade, Uchiha? You… LEFT HIM…"

"I know…" Sasuke turned sombre, eyes filled with guilt which surprised the glowering fox. "And I'm sorry…"

"Your apology comes too late, Uchiha. Even I can't reach beyond the darkness of Naruto's soul, now."

"You look weaker, Kurama." Sasuke taunted, noting that indeed the fox is far smaller than he had been, though that didn't make his size no less imposing.

"Naruto's rage and despair echoed through our connections, Uchiha. You may not realize it but all tailed beasts are linked… our one core nexus, Naruto. Forged by bonds of the last war, our souls… all our souls were linked to him. All the tailed beasts could not handle his despair… except me. But weakened as we are we made a covenant to him… for he is the only mortal we came to fully trust and respect. And we will honor that covenant. We will protect him, even from you."

"Just let me talk to him… Kurama… please…"

"Why should I? YOU BROKE HIM!" Kurama glared at him with all his might, and Sasuke feared for a second that the demon would devour him. But slowly, he came to realize that the demon was testing him, to see if his intentions are worthy of their trust… The tailed beasts were only defending Naruto, seeing him not just a mere Jinchuuriki, but one of them, their youngest brother. This was the reason why even other villages suffered Naruto's attacks, why even the tailed beasts scattered across the world slumbered, serving as fuels for the rampaging clones that ravaged the world, a pandemonium worse than what Madara, Obito and Kaguya brought combined. "How could you possibly expect to bring him back now?"

And Sasuke saw through the demon's desperate voice. Despite his airs of anger, his threats and his bravado, Kurama and the beasts were grieving… all for their youngest… for Naruto.

"Because I love him….truly."

"LIES! You lie. You wouldn't have left in the first place… As eldest, it is my duty to shield him from all threats. Begone Uchiha, before I disintegrate your pitiful existence."

"No Kurama… I have always been running away… from him… from the village. Now, here I am. I will face his judgment. All I ask, is for a chance to make it right again. Let me make amends. I can't lose him again." Sasuke pleaded and the demon started to waver. "I love him. And this time… I'm willing to lay my life and my pride."

"One chance, Uchiha. One chance. But screw this up and you will face our wrath… ALL nine of us. You will face darkness unending. Go… before I change my mind." Kurama slowly faded. And Sasuke opened his eyes, the small fox in front of him vanished and he was left in the halls to the Hokage's office alone, unobstructed and unopposed.

With eagerness, with anticipation, Sasuke opened the door to the office and what greeted him was a painful sight.

Naruto was sitting on his chair, mouth open as he stared blankly on the ceiling. His eyes were crimson, camouflaging his tears. But their marks were clear with his sharingan, he can see the thick despair marring the other's face as if those tears were still freshly flowing. And Sasuke was overcome with inescapable guilt.

"Naruto…" He whispered, approaching his beloved. But Naruto made no move, nor any indication in acknowledging him. "Dobe…. Love…" His voice was gentle as he caressed dull golden hair, planting a soft kiss on the man's forehead.

"Please… come back…"

Naruto was still unresponsive, inviting tears on Sasuke's eyes that slowly cascaded down his cheeks. "You never gave up on me, Naruto… Please… give me another chance… Give us another chance."

"I was wrong… I can't live without you… Please, Naru… Come back to me…"

He bent down, enveloping the other in tight embrace as he sobbed in the other's chest. "I'm sorry, Naruto… I'm so sorry… I shouldn't have left. I should have fought for us. I have nothing… I have no home without you… Please come back to me again…"

As Sasuke's tears flowed unending, life started showing in dull blue eyes once more, a slight twitch caused Sasuke to look up, a relieved smile as he saw signs of life in those endless pools.

"Naruto…"

"Sasuke?" Naruto's voice was hoarse. But as he saw the man before him, his gaze hardened. And without even a warning, he give Sasuke a hard kick, sending the man flying to the opposite wall.

"You asshole… How could you!"

"Naruto…" Sasuke gasped as he recovered himself.

"Do you have any idea how lonely it was, Sasuke… I moved heaven and earth to bring you back. And yet you… you…"

Anger boiled in his eyes, but as soon as they sparked, they too quickly vanished as Sasuke fell down to his knees, then in an uncharacteristic show of submission, he was face down on the floor, palms on his side as he prostrated in utmost humility.

"Hurt me, Naruto… Punch me… Kick me all you want… I'll accept all your rage… Just please… be mine again."

Blue eyes widened at the rare display. And rather than a hard kick or a harsh punch, Sasuke could feel nothing but a soft tap on his forehead and as he gazed upwards, Naruto's index and middle finger rested on his forehead squarely, a soft tear-filled smile on his face.

"Now why would I do that to someone I love? You were my brother first, bastard. My other half. And you have the nerve to ask me to hurt you?"

And as Sasuke was pulled into bone shattering hug, he gripped Naruto's cloak with all his might, tears flowing harder than before, thanking to whatever higher power out there that his sun has returned to him.

"No Sasuke… You came back to me… This time… On your own. Thank you." Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief as Naruto pulled him up for an earth-shattering kiss, a kiss that melted Sasuke's mind and shattered his heart. It reached through his very soul and forged himself anew.

Naruto is too forgiving for his own good… But that's why Sasuke loved him. And for that, he will forever cherish the sun. As he returned Naruto's hug, his tears soaking the other man's cloak, Sasuke made a silent vow to himself.

From this moment onward, Uchiha Sasuke ceases to be.

From his ashes… shall a new man arise.

And he shall be

Uzumaki Sasuke

It's the least he can do. Forever shall he give his life to his sun. None shall ever tear their bond asunder again.

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A/N: Yeahhh… That's the end. But tune in for the mini epilogue, there, Naruto and Sasuke will talk and resolve their issues and Naruto and Hinata's marriage will be annulled. See you then! And thanks to all who supported this fic. It felt good to have finished something despite my thousands of backlogs. Thank you for reading!