The Sharingan's Voice

by ystv

Forcefully separated, Sasuke finds himself wishing back the time when he thought he'd hated Itachi, if it just meant to know if his brother was still alive. Being faced with slavery and having to interact with people all while keeping his identity secret, slipping up is all too easy. That he could possibly gain a friend or two out of this hasn't even crossed his mind.

2. Friendships on Insults

16.06.19 edit: From this chapter onward, I changed some details about Kakashi's perspective, mainly adding thoughts and adjusting the rest.

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Chapter 2 Friendships on Insults

He'd come home exhausted that day. Whatever he'd done on the Hokage Monument, he was sweaty and when he had wanted to start cooking like that, she'd sent him directly for another shower. Better he'd unlearn that slave-house-manner soon. She had noticed him wearing a fabric arm protection though, so he'd bought something on his own after all. Actually that sort of accessory would be a good choice for a ninja. Interesting…

Also she'd found out he could write, and even had a nice, readable handwriting, unlike some blond blockhead ninja she knew. Tatakai seemed to be so tired that he went straight to bed after washing the dishes. His door was closed and she was annoyed that he'd slipped past the medical examination once more. She felt divided about entering his room, after all, he had come from a place with no privacy at all, he must enjoy that change. She didn't want to compromise it all the time.

00000

When she got out of the bathroom the next morning, he was already waiting for her in the kitchen. Food was on the stove and he'd dared to get himself a tea and a tomato. Good, he listens. He rose to serve her from the pan when she took a chair. But his moves were more slow and deliberate, unlike the day before, and she decided that it was time to do the medical after breakfast.

"I'll run a full medical check on you after this." He looked up, eyes squinted disapprovingly. "Oh, don't give me that look. You're not getting out of it anyway. It's not only for your benefit, but practice for me." He felt uneasy when he realized that he wasn't fighting back as strongly as usual. She seemed to know her work. Of course he hated the invasion, but honestly, she seemed to care for health and he definitely wasn't on the healthy side right now, even though he had no serious injuries left. As long as she would just stay away from his eyes… What choice did he have anyway? Not that he trusted her really. But that bit of faith he seemed to have, already made him angry.

He would definitely not let himself getting lulled! No matter how sugar coated she all presented this to him, he was still a slave, a slave supposed to obey. She might ask for more than he was ready to give, yet for less than would be considered inappropriate. The scans would, in fact, require no nudity and his body was aching all over from the work out yesterday and he'd probably only be making it worse today. He got up and went to the room he was occupying now, leaving the door ajar. He'd indeed profit from her healing skills, but she'd better be doing it fast.

00000

When Sakura got in, she found him sitting on his bed, arms crossed.

"What's wrong?" She tried to make her voice sound soft, considerate. His eyes met hers, a flash of red.

'Everything'

The word had just resounded in her head, poisonous. It sent chills down her back. But then he moved, lay down with a huff, his eyes stuck on her.

'Go ahead'

00000

"Hmm, I wonder how you're able to move today, you must be sore as hell. Just what did you do?!" It was a rhetorical question and went ignored pretty much.

Dark eyes warily kept track of her as she worked. She felt him tense every time she started healing something; He was clearly uncomfortable. The bruises above his ribs were slowly fading, nevertheless she focussed a bit time on further healing them. The bones would remain tender for quite a while, but with some help, the time it'd take could be cut down considerably.

After that, she also took care of some darker bruising on other places and then urged to close tiny new shreds in his muscle, which only could have come from extensive training, working limb for limb. It was a good practice for chakra control, as the wounds were small; Something she usually didn't heal at all. This practice would be worth gold for tiny but difficult operations in the hospital. At the end, she grabbed his grazed wrists and he watched the greenish glow as she encouraged the healing to take place one last time.

"There, all done. You're actually rather healthy for where you've been. Thank you for cooperating."

It had been more than just a simple check up and both of them knew it. Physically, he felt tons better than when waking up, but at the same time he'd been very uncomfortable under her touch. Anyway, he needed to get his muscle mass back and would probably undue her work again pretty soon. He noticed that he was somehow more relaxed now than he'd been in a long time.

She left the room without giving him any new instructions… That made him kind of free. Hn, not literally, but she recovered him, so he got up as well to continue his exercises outside. As he passed by her room, she called after him.

"Hey, wait!" He stopped at her door. "I never asked: Are you alright with being called 'Tatakai'?"

"Hn" That must have been an approval then.

"Alright, Tatakai, the money for food this week is on the kitchen table… just letting you know. I'll probably leave it there once a week or so. If my team eats all food away early again, just let me know. Then I'll give you more."

So much about having 'free time'. He decided to do the shopping quickly and grabbed the envelope with the money. That way he'd be free after lunch. He started a list as well as an inventory, just like Itachi had taught him. It was an effective way to figure out what's needed or be easy to cook. She only said 'no Ramen', so the options were wide enough still. Before he went off, he also took the rest of his allowance with him, together with the bag he'd used yesterday.

On the market, he went through the stands and stores as fast as he could. With the last of his allowance, he then entered an art store where he bought a pen and an empty book. He didn't bother looking for Sakura when he got home, but went into the kitchen to get the cooking done so he could eat and leave afterwards. She must have realized that he was close to done, when she entered the kitchen and waited for him to finish up. This time she remained silent, no bothering.

After eating, she took her leave for training and so did he. He was determined to get back into shape, if he already had the freedom to do it. And so he found himself running to the Hokage Monument, just as a little warm up. Up there, he started stretching his limbs to maximize his mobility. It had been the only thing he'd been able to do to some extent in his cell. His chakra had been locked inside his body by that collar, which so kindly had been removed by Sakura. She probably hadn't had any clue about its actual purpose. Her naivety might be his gain.

Taijutsu Kata followed the stretching exercises and he kept at it for nearly an hour and a half. When he was starting to feel exhausted, he decided that it was time for a break. Choosing a place with nice view, he took out his new notebook, sat down on the grass and started to draw, recalling the motive with his eidetic memory.

He'd been at it for about half an hour when he noticed someone approaching. He closed the book, when the person stopped next to him.

"Were you drawing something?" Sasuke eyed the person. It was a young man with dark hair and eyes, similar to the Uchiha's actually. He was clad in some rather belly-revealing shirt. Sasuke could make out a Tanto strapped on his back and the Hitai-Ate around his forehead. A ninja then.

"Hn" Sasuke turned away, determined to ignore the overly curious weirdness.

"May I see it?" The ninja dropped his bag and sat down next to him. It happened too fast for Sasuke to protest: The book was already out of his hand and the man flipping through it, quickly getting to his drawing.

"Not that bad, especially for just starting. A suggestion: For shading, you could use layers of cross hatching to make things darker, that works better than what you've been doing. Also, try to sketch out the face first, that helps to proportion everything correctly to each other. Here, I'll show you."

He opened his backpack and got out a sketchbook. It looked used and within minutes the rough sketch of Itachi's face appeared on the page.

"I'm Sai by the way." The ninja said without looking up. It shook Sasuke out of his semi frozen state. He couldn't but stare at Sai's drawing, it was unmistakably Itachi's face. His eyes searched out Sai, who still was fully focused on drawing.

"Ha…Have you... seen him?" The sound that escaped his throat was rough and brittle. Was that his voice? Sasuke hardly recognized it. It not only felt strange coming out of his mouth, it also sounded foreign in his ears. If it was from disuse or emotion, he didn't know...

"No, should I have?" Apparently, Sai didn't notice his turmoil.

"How can you draw him then?"

Now Sai looked up. "Well, I've had your drawing, plus I got you as example. You both kinda look alike… Are you related?"

"Yes..." Sasuke felt cold suddenly, staring ahead. For a moment he had thought Sai might have a lead on his brother. He hadn't thought seeing his brother's face drawn would affect him so much. The other happily continued talking.

"Here, look, I apply more layers of lines in different directions the darker I want the spot to be. So, all done." Sai handed him his sketchbook. Sasuke just stared at it. Of course it wasn't perfect, but it was clearly recognizable.

"May I… May I keep this?"

"Oh, of course, just let me take it out myself, so it won't rip." Soon Sai's drawing was safely tucked away in Sasuke's sketchbook and within his bag. Now he needed a distraction from those long-time hidden and confusing emotions. He needed to move. So he grabbed the stick he'd used as a substitute for a sword the day before and got ready. He started with the Kata he'd learned, focusing on the footwork. Suddenly he felt something behind him. Twirling around he blocked the incoming blade just in time.

"Not bad,… for a wannabe ninja."

"I never claimed to be one" Sasuke growled as he parried another incoming blow, moving quickly to get a hit on Sai, who evaded it just as easily.

"Sure, as you are only fighting with a stick." Sai had a creepy smile on his face. "Very manly"

Sasuke swung the stick to attack, angry at the last remark. "You know nothing!" He barely blocked another one of Sai's attacks.

"Aah… I know you're not from here." Sasuke glared at him, then stumbled as he tried to evade Sai's Tanto. He fell to the ground and moved his stick just in time to intercept Sai's blade; Rolling away, Sasuke got to his feet. This little exchange of blows already was taxing for him. And the fact that his counterpart was only playing with him simply made him angry.

"So what if I am not?" Sasuke breathed hard, shaking. He was really getting slower. After a short moment he went for another attack, tried to fake one before the real strike, but Sai saw it coming from a mile away. He had already slowed down that much… Sasuke found himself locked in a physical power battle, one he was quickly losing as Sai pressed on. When Sai suddenly relieved pressure, Sasuke found himself stumbling forward. Sai evaded and gave him another shove, which sent Sasuke to his knees, then let the Tanto's blade rest against his neck.

"Hmm, nah, doesn't matter. You're no threat, weak as you are. Seriously, you got like no stamina nore strength!"

Sasuke felt his temper rising. He hated being called weak, not to be able to do anything. When Sai withdrew the blade, Sasuke slowly turned around. The bastard called Sai was smiling again. Breathing heavily, Sasuke got up and made his way back to the edge of the rock indifferently. He heard Sai following him, but ignored it and just stared down at the village.

"I can get you a practice sword if you want. It's an insult to your technique to see you practicing with a stick." That got Sasuke's attention. This guy seriously had just given him advice on how to draw, insulted him, and now offered his help once more!? With a compliment hidden in the flout?

"What's your deal?" Sasuke spat. Indeed, he was afraid, afraid of them meeting again somewhere, not alone. What if other people heard his voice? What if Sakura found out? His most effective armor counted on him remaining silent. It was quite risky.

"Well, since you seem to have no option to get decent training material..."

Sasuke interrupted him. "Why do you offer? You don't know me."

Again, that creepy smile on Sai's face. "I read that showing a common interest and offering help are first steps towards friendship."

Sasuke just looked at him strangely, but Sai, who had begun some scrabbling in his sketchbook again, didn't seem to notice. What had made him talk with this Sai in the first place? Right, upon seeing Sai's drawing of Itachi, he had just right out asked him, desperate for the answer. Then Sai had challenged him to a fight; he had caught him off guard, and on top he'd insulted him.

"It…. It would be nice to have a decent practice sword."

"I'll bring one then, when I come here next time."

"Sai?" The other looked up from his drawing, expectantly. "…I don't talk, usually. Like not at all. Don't expect me to do so again." He looked back at Sai once more.

"Your secret is safe with me." There was again a smile on Sai's face, but a thoughtful one this time.

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Sakura was already home when Tatakai returned. He was full of dust and his armwraps showed signs of a fight.

"Did you just roll around in the dirt or did you get into a brawl?" Tatakai just glared at her for a moment, then went into his room. He came out with pair of clean clothes under his arm just to disappear into the bathroom. Not the funny kinda guy then.

The evening was quiet. Sakura had joined him in the kitchen, a medical textbook in hand, while he cooked. It was peaceful.

"Thank you for cooking."

"Hn."

"Would you join me later? We could watch a movie." She suggested. Tatakai looked up, appearing tired. "I'll even let you pick."

This time, he didn't withdraw himself, though he didn't appear overly interested either and so they soon found themselves in the living room, huddled on Sakura's couch, each in their respective corners. She had been curious what kind of movie he'd chose. He'd gone for one of Naruto's action movies. Sakura had made them popcorn, something she rarely did for herself. It was comfy and she really enjoyed not being alone. Occasionally she threw a gaze over to Tatakai and in these less guarded moments, she could see his tiredness even more. When he almost nodded off, Sakura decided to call it a night.

After the girl had insisted on him going to bed, Sasuke had retreated into his room. Only when he had ascertained that she had also returned to her room and he could hear nothing but silence in the house, he took the sketchbook out off his pillow. He'd been hiding it carefully in the pillowcase after he got back from the fight with Sai in the afternoon. Just to be safe. He didn't truly believe that Sakura would enter his room when he wasn't around, but better be safe than sorry.

Now he found himself sitting there, staring at the portrait he held in his hands. It had been so long since he had been able to look at the real Itachi. Sasuke wondered how his brother looked now. How was his illness fairing? It was a painful thought, that he could just be gone, and Sasuke would never know. He gently put the drawing back between the sheets of his sketchbook and shoved that into the pillowslip, then turned off the lights. Not even those bothersome thoughts could keep him awake now.

OoooooOoooooO

Obnoxious pounding against the apartment door woke Sasuke from his comfortable slumber.

"Hey Sakura, guess who's back?…. Hey Sakura, get up! Get up!…. Saaakuuuraaah…. Open the door…. Let me in…. Come on, it's Naruto, the next Hokage… can't keep me waiting… you have to join me for Ichiraku…. Sakuraaaah-chan, rise and shine… Move your ass out of-"

Sasuke had made it out of bed rather fast upon this wake up call. Quite in a sour mood he approached the door, trying to figure out if he should open, but then the perturbator basically announced himself and he decided he'd had enough. The shouting abruptly stopped upon opening the door a crack wide.

"Finall- … Huh. Who are you?"

Sasuke glared at him, red flashing. 'Dobe'

"Teme!… wait, where is Sakura-chan?" Sasuke blocked the door with his foot and held a finger to his lips. "Uh…. Yeah, I'll be quiet, now let me in... Pleeaase, I gotta pee!..." This was Naruto? He let the boy pass, who all but bolted to the bathroom. It was an odd, kind of funny image. He'd remembered having seen him on some pictures around the house, too. Sasuke went into the kitchen. Still clad in his pajamas, he set up rice and miso soup, making more than usually. When both was simmering on the stove, he decided to get changed.

On his way back to the kitchen, he crossed that teammate of Sakura's. And this guy was a ninja? The Dobe was wearing a bright orange jumpsuit that looked worse of wear, appearing as if he had spend the night in a garden between thorny bushes and a puddle of mud. Sasuke, ignoring the other's company, just went to the kitchen, where Naruto promptly plunked himself down on one of the chairs.

"Hey, I said we're going for Ramen. Why did you cook?" Sasuke just continued stirring the soup.

"Hey, don't ignore me, Teme!"

"Hn" Naruto growled at that and sulked at the table. Not for long though.

"So, hand on heart: What are you to Sakura? Why are you here?"

Sasuke turned around to stare into blue eyes: 'Think Dobe'

"You aren't her lover, are you?"

Sasuke's lips twitched. 'No'

"Thank goodness, this would have been so terrible: Coming home to learn to know your female teammate had taken an unknown man as lover. Without our consent no less!"

"I heard that!" Sakura was calling from the hallway. Sasuke turned his back on him and started pulling out the bowls.

"So, who are you?" Instead of an answer, an empty bowl was set in front of him. "You cannot be from here!... I've never seen you, and you're wearing ninja clothing, too. Are you visiting?"

"No" Sasuke was turned away, and had for once used his voice.

"Then why are you here, where are you from, where is your Hitai-ate? Why are you cooking for Sakura?" Once more Naruto was being ignored. Sasuke was simply leaning against the counter, silently, and staring at Naruto. The other took it as provocation and stood up.

"What the heck, Teme! I asked you something!" If there was one thing Naruto seemed to hate, it was being ignored. Sasuke hadn't moved an inch, still leaning in a relaxed manner, hands in his pockets. He glared at the blond as if silently asking 'Are you done?'… Naruto looked as if it was about to explode, but apparently this dude still tried decide out if Sasuke was a threat.

"Usuratonkachi…" Sasuke couldn't resist. Big blue eyes looked at him in momentary disbelief.

"What did you just call me? I am not useless. I'll let you know that I'll be Hokage someday, dattebayo!" By saying that, Naruto had gotten nearer and was now standing in front of Sasuke. Though Sasuke had to acknowledge that Naruto maybe wasn't the bigmouth he thought him to be, the latter had come too close for Sasuke's taste. Just when Sasuke wanted to turn away, Naruto grabbed him angrily, roughly turning him back around. That was when he saw the red eyes - and heard a voice next to his ear:

"Stay away… from my little brother!"

Naruto nearly jumped out of his skin, turning around to see the threat immediately, but... there was no one. Now behind him, the voice appeared again: "Harm him and I'll hunt you down!"

The voice was definitely threatening. Naruto turned back to startle at someone else standing there. Face to face, so near he couldn't see that stranger anymore, he found himself unable to move. This stranger looked similar to the Teme, but there were deep grooves below his eyes, the eyes glowing red, black patterns swirling in them. Naruto felt he couldn't look away. The man was towering over him for a moment, but then, he was just gone.

Naruto was alone with Sasuke, staring into his onyx eyes, breathing hard.

"Naruto, what are you doing here? I was happily sleeping until you decided to knock my door away and screaming around, urrrgh!… Naruto?" Sakura was standing in the door frame, hair still damp from showering. Naruto slowly turned around, scratching his neck, clearly embarrassed.

"Eh, hehe,… Hi to you, too. No welcome back? Man, and here I thought someone might be happy about my return..."

"Naruto, it's 6:30 in the morning. Some people like to sleep when they can."

"I just wanted to invite you for Ramen; Check up on my favorite teammate, but as you already have a private dinner-date, I should take my leave."

"Ugh, Naruto…." He was already taking a step forward when a hand stopped him ungently and pushed him into a chair. A bowl with miso soup was suddenly pushed in front of him. Without knowing it, Sasuke had just used the right language to convince him. Without further questioning or even saying 'Itadakimasu', he started slurping the steaming content. Sakura sat down next to him and after staring down Sasuke, he sat down as well.

After halfway emptying his bowl of soup, Naruto didn't lose time to refill the new space with rice from the pan on the table. Sasuke was looking at him, wrinkling his nose.

"So, Sakura, how have you been? Would you please explain why this stranger here was opening your door this morning?" He spoke with his mouth full, some grains in the corner.

"Naruto, I'm my own person. I can take care of myself and I can decide for myself. It's none of your business whom I might date! I don't need your consent, nor Kakashi's nor anyone else's! Just keep out of it."

"I don't trust this guy. He looks way too good and I doubt he's from the village. Are you sure you want him in your place? I tell you, if he does anything to you, anything at all. I'll… I'll..."

"Naruto calm down! You won't do anything! And he won't either! I don't want to talk about this nonsense any longer! Just be nice to him."

"That Teme called me 'Dobe'… and 'Usuratonkachi'..."

"He spoke?" Sakura stopped eating.

"Eh, hehe, I think so… We were talking, right Teme?"

Sasuke let out a huff. First, these two had talked about him as if he wasn't there. Then Naruto was calling him by that stupid nickname constantly. It really pissed him off. The Dobe was acting like a ten year old, in his opinion. And that boy wanted to become Hokage one day?

"Now, I guess I should explain a few things to you, Naruto. Tatakai, he doesn't really do much talking. He probably won't answer your questions. So don't get mad if he doesn't."

"Oh,… but why again is he here, in your apartment no less? He said he wasn't visiting."

"Eh, no he isn't. He lives here now, whether you want to or not."

"Ugh, why? He isn't from our village and I doubt Tsunade would just assign you a roommate."

"No, not quite, though Tsunade had a hand in this. I guess I'll have to be clearer. Tatakai… is a slave. My slave."

"Oh..." The penny was finally dropping. Naruto was at loss of words. Followed by a screeching, a chair was pushed back. Sasuke got up abruptly, placed his empty bowl in the sink and left the kitchen.

After a moment, Naruto turned back to Sakura.

"Is he a ninja?" He whispered, though Naruto's whisper was rather loud anyway.

"I don't know. I think he at least has some training as one."

"Sakura, he's creepy… My eyes turn red when I transform, you remember?"

"Uhm, yes. But...?"

"It's just, I could have sworn, his eyes changed to red as well before, and then there suddenly was this other guy, who warned me of hurting him. He definitely had red eyes, too!"

Sakura paused. Another guy? She remembered what she'd been told at the slave house, that people claimed he was protected by someone with red eyes. Red eyes, she wondered... It couldn't be the same as with Naruto.

"I doubt he is a Jinjuuriki. Gaara's eyes didn't change to red either, and besides, he didn't show any of the other signs. But it is weird, I've heard similar stories when I bought him actually. What exactly did happen when you were alone with him, Naruto?"

"I guess I just tried to turn him back around to face me… Are you really alright with him sleeping in the same apartment?"

"It's been alright up till now. Anyway, change of topic: How was your mission?"

"Oh, I was awesome..." And so she heard all about Naruto's heroic deeds. About half an hour later, Naruto finally started to feel tired and decided to crash at Sakura's. Without much thinking he walked straight into the guest room and was about to fall onto the bed when something pushed him roughly, causing him to tumble on the floor.

Naruto's eyes needed a few seconds to get used to the wan light of the darkened room, but then he recognized Tatakai, standing on the bed. One hand balled, threatening.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. I got it, it's your bed now…" Another shove. How had he moved so fast? "I'm out, I'm out!" Holding up his hands Naruto stumbled backwards, out of the door.

Sasuke felt his body ache from yesterday's practice, but it wasn't as bad as the day before. He found a somewhat comfortable position and looked at Sai's drawing again. What did he look like now? The worry lines below Itachi's eyes, had they gotten deeper? Sasuke would still recognize him, wouldn't he? Did his brother miss him too?… A knock on the door. He quickly shoved the sketch into the book pages, and hid it under the pillow.

"Hn..." The door opened and Sakura got in.

"Ehm, so, I'd like to practice scanning and healing again. Would you lay down for me, please?" Sasuke turned around, still angry. What choice did he have? She'd clearly stated his status to Naruto, though she'd sounded ashamed. No matter how nice she was to him, he still was a slave, separated from his brother, now serving in the village that was supposed to be his home, yet wasn't. He laid down, back turned towards her.

Her touch made him wince and while the aches slowly faded, his anger increased. He felt as if he hadn't worked out the day before, and for some reason that really irked him. Ache was his payment and she took it from him. When she moved to his neck, his hair there raised.

"Relax, I won't do anything, I promise." Her hands moved upwards into his hair. "I'll just scan the brain, I won't mess with it."

As soon as he was let off, he grabbed his sandals, put them on, heading out. "Meet us at Ichiraku's around two, got it?!" Sakura shouted after him.

For the first time since he'd arrived in Konoha, he used chakra enhanced jumps to move, he just had to get out, distract himself. Once he checked that he was alone on the training ground, he moved to blow off some steam. To feel his limits, working his body to exhaustion, just so he wouldn't have to face his feelings. He had to know he could still fight, never again would he want to let something restraining his chakra, and he'd fight to prevent anyone from taking that ability from him once more.

He knew it was too dangerous to use any Uchiha related Jutsu. He'd picked up a few others before capture, so he slipped in some of those into his routine now and then. He needed to use Jutsu, and he needed to not rely on his Uchiha heritage while fighting, or else he'd be discovered, especially here. Mere physical workout didn't feel like enough right now and he needed to assess his strength. He'd been without chakra for so long, and now, with his emotions rocketing, he just couldn't control himself not to. And so he sped through the landscape, leaving broken rocks and rubble in his wake.

00000

Sakura realized about half an hour later, that she didn't actually know where Tatakai had gone to, only that he'd looked like he was about to explode. She could hardly focus on the medical text she was reading. She'd finished the journal entry about his healing process already. It was interesting and she was trying to read up some things to understand her findings better, but the lack of focus was nagging. What had made him that angry? He seemed like a generally angry person, but this had seemed more, she wasn't sure how to name it; intense, deeper. Also, had she triggered it? She'd ask him, if he'd just answer...

After Naruto woke up, she checked him over. He showered at her house and then they were on their way to their meeting point, Naruto's favorite food stand. She looked around, but didn't see Tatakai anywhere, so they decided to wait. They were early after all.

And suddenly he was just there, in front of them. They hardly had time to register his approach. Well, he'd used the roofs and jumped down, but he wasn't going to tell them. He enjoyed the startled looks he received from both Naruto and Sakura.

Tatakai looked as if he'd rolled in dust while being wet. Sakura had learned throughout the healing process that he seemed to work out hard, but to see him still heaving, not already cooled down, it made her realize the extent anew. He had trails of sweat all over his skin and the clothes showed big dark patches too. She really wondered what exactly he put his body through. Choosing to ignore it for the moment they entered Ichiraku's. He seemed calmer now, exhausted even, though only when he let his guard slip for a blink. He was really good at masking it.

Tatakai, during the meal was actually not all that uncomfortable. He mostly kept to himself, though he seemed to listen to Naruto's tales. His dark eyes kept track of them and his surroundings and his lips twitched now and then. He wasn't quite smiling, but his menacing aura had lifted a bit.

However, when Shikamaru's team joined them, Sakura noticed a frown had returned on the slave's face. She wondered what was wrong, when she realized that she had missed to introduce him to the others! He hadn't drawn any attention to himself either… He just sat there, arms crossed and acting as if he wasn't part of the group, neither of the new, bigger one nor of her's and Naruto's.

Sasuke was annoyed. While he had somehow begun to enjoy the time in their little group of three, when those others had shown up, he'd drawn back. All of them conversed so easily, but he just couldn't be part of it. He felt left out… Of course he did. He felt anger rising, he was alone, he didn't have the luxury called "friends" and his family was unreachable, long gone. He was surrounded by enemies for all he knew, and who knew about spies? There were a few facts Itachi had shared with him long ago, but he wouldn't easily recognize any threats today. He balled his hands to fists, glaring at the people next to him again. He had already finished the Miso Ramen, which Naruto had insisted he try and was just waiting for them to finish their dull claptrap so he could leave.

One of the Kunoichis, a blond female, paused her gossip and turned towards him.

"Oh, who are you? Sakura, Naruto, you must have missed introducing us! I'm Ino…." Sasuke interrupted her shrill voice by smashing his hand on the table and got up abruptly.

"Annoying" He hissed, pushing his chair back. Then looked towards Sakura, searching out her eyes.

'Hokage Monument' He turned around and stalked off.

He'd gone home, got his sketching tools, nicked a towel from the kitchen and headed off. Breathing hard he went over to stretching, he'd run the whole way, pushing his limits again. He felt tired, but kept pushing, ignoring the thirst after eating that salty Ramen. He turned to practicing various Kata, pausing a few times, trying to sketch. He recalled various times Itachi had given him advice. Even imagined them going through fighting routines together.

Even though times had been hard for Sasuke after the massacre, and not all had been good between his brother and him, he now realized that he'd treasured those lessons and missed them very much. Itachi finally had stopped saying "Another time" and become the brother Sasuke had always wished. The price had been high and painful though and that truth hadn't made it easier at all.

He was practicing vertically walking up some trees when he felt someone approach. He recognized the chakra signature as Sai's and jumped down.

Sai stopped about an arm length away. Sasuke noticed something long wrapped in fabric in the boy's hand.

"Hi" Sasuke just nodded in response. There were hints of a bow, Sai was clearly respectful.

"I don't have much time. I have some missions coming up, solo mission tonight, and leaving for another mission tomorrow. I will be gone for a while, so I thought to bring it now..." He started unwrapping the brought object.

"This was my brother's practice Katana." He held it out towards Sasuke, who took it carefully. He put the scabbard in his belt, then drew the sword slowly. Sai made a few steps backward watching him. Sasuke checked the balance of the dull steel blade with a few swings, then put it back. The Katana was simple but an upgrade to the wooden stick. What Sai did witness next, was something Sasuke rarely ever did, despite his social status. He bowed in front of Sai.

"Arigatou, Sai"

Sai smiled, not that fake smile, but a gentle genuine one. "Wannabe...come,... show me some of your Kata! I want to give you some pointers before I leave." Wordlessly Sasuke complied with the invitation and moved into a battle stance, ignoring the insult. He took it slow the first time, then repeated the same sequence in a faster tempo. Some muscles hurt, but he ignored them.

"You are very light on your feet. Remember, for some blows and parries, it is good to have that connection with the ground." Sasuke got back and did the routine again, this time focusing more on his balance points and when to put weight on which foot.

They had kept at it for a while, when at once, Sasuke stopped to clasp his right shoulder. Sai saw a faint light flicker below the hand that seemed to pulse, followed by a small chakra pulse coming from Sasuke's hand.

"What is it? What do you have there?" Sasuke turned back towards Sai, suddenly surrounded by coldness.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Sai asked again.

"Here..." Angrily Sasuke pulled back his sleeve, revealing the swirly seal. Making momentary eye contact with the other before turning to go. Everything was said. He made a few steps, when Sai's shout caused him to pause.

"Wannabe, wait!" Sasuke turned around again, just to throw a dark glare. His body posture and eyes were spitting: What?!... Much to his surprise, Sai had taken off his jacket and was now lifting the sleeve of his own shirt the same way as Sasuke had, barely one minute ago.

"So am I." Sai said monotonously. He let the sleeve slip back and picked up his jacket. "Arigatou, Wannabe, and don't forget… you are not alone." He waved his hand, then smiled, his jacket lazily hanging over his shoulder. Soon he disappeared in the woods. Sasuke shook himself out of his frozen stare. Sakura had ordered him to come, so he picked up his things, still shaken, and turned to go.

The seal on his shoulder had given him the current location of his master. Making a quick stop by the house to return his sketchbook, he then set out for the training grounds.

"So am I." The words were branded into his ears much like the image of the familiar swirl on the other's shoulder… Sai was a ninja, as was he a slave.

He recognized Sakura quite easily: she was in the middle of a field, surrounded by about ten opponent that all looked like Naruto. A man and yet another Naruto were standing aside, back turned towards him. He approached at an even gait and stood beside the two without a word, watching the fight as well. The Naruto next to him greeted: "Hey!"

"Hn" They both turned back to the fight scene. One of the Narutos puffed out of existence, another following shortly. Sasuke peered to the man next to Naruto. Different than expected, he wasn't watching the fight, but absorbed in a book. His face was covered halfway by a mask, one eye by a Hitai-Ate he wore lopsidedly. Sasuke caught himself staring at his gravity defying gray-silver hair. This man seemed too young for such a hair colour, though he was clearly older than Naruto or Sakura. As for a ninja, he showed little interest in the fight and his posture was horrible. Suddenly the one in question snapped his book shut.

"Alright kids, playground's closing now." He put the book away. "Let's start the mature battle!" The man jumped right in and Sasuke observed this new addition to the fight, deconstructing his movements and techniques. He was so focused on observing the so called "mature ninja", he didn't notice Naruto turning, only reacting when he saw a movement at the edge of his vision, quickly pulling his Katana.

"Wow… wow, calm down. I mean, no harm… Wait, you actually have a Katana? Sakura got you one?"

Sasuke let the blade slide back into the sheath.

"Anyway, if you got that great of a reaction time, maybe you should participate in here, spicing things up a bit!" Sasuke tilted his head, skeptical.

"Oh come on, it will be fun!" Naruto had grabbed his arm, pulling him directly into the center of action, but Sasuke broke away, slamming his feet into the ground, sending a piercing gaze to Naruto.

"Your choice, Teme" The blond boy shrugged and rushed away. Sasuke shook his head and turned his back to the fight. He brought out the towel he brought with him and covered the eyes. He knotted it in the back, efficiently creating a blindfold. Then he drew the Katana and calmly began a routine, trying to feel the new environment. He tried to locate the others with his mental senses, not approaching them physically.

00000

Kakashi called his team together, pausing the mock battle to point out some issues and strengths. Then he let Naruto recite his observations, eyes wandering, listening still. He'd felt the presence before, but hadn't had a reason to properly look. There was a boy at the far side of their clearing, graceful and deliberate. He wasn't moving fast, a bit like a dancer with his sword and in tune with his surroundings. Kakashi was surprised once he recognized the blindfold the youth was wearing.

The others had followed their teacher's gaze as well and were now watching the show.

"Hmm, his form is nearly perfect. Seems like that kid has received quite some Kenjutsu training before, Sakura. Well, let's say hello." Kakashi strode towards the sword wielder and stopped when he was barely within range. If the boy had noticed him, he didn't show any direct reaction. Kakashi was prepared to move when the other got close, but the boy, even though in close proximity, never even touched him, neither with the Katana, nor with his body. The boy's routine actually lead away from where Kakashi stood, intentionally or not, he didn't know. Taking a closer look, he saw, that the towel that hid the youth's eyes, seemed to cover up his vision quite thoroughly.

Under closer observation Kakashi could make out slight muscle quiverings, an obvious sign of exhaustion, which the boy tried to hide in deliberate moves. It seemed this one was very determined to get his strength and stamina back. Sakura joined him and was observing similarly in silence. The whole performance made Kakashi just more curious to what this youth in front of him was capable of, especially in his weakened and visually disabled state. His curiosity took over and he made a swift mock attack, just to test his reactions.

The change in tempo and posture was immediate. The boy located Kakashi quickly, before he started a series of offensive moves, forcing Kakashi to retreat backwards. Finally drawing a Kunai, Kakashi blocked the next incoming attack. The youth didn't engage in the power battle, but quickly moved his blade away. It was only a practice sword, though made out of steel to withstand a ninja's possible force.

This kid seemed to rely on speed and technique, a good thing, he didn't look like he'd been eating well. No physical strength to work with what little muscle mass he seemed to possess. Blocking another incoming attack and getting blocked himself the next second, Kakashi chuckled to himself. A very capable sword master indeed. This persona, whom Sakura had explained earlier to be her slave, had just become very interesting. A mystery to solve. Kakashi beckoned Sakura to join him. Using hand signals, he let her know to attack the boy simultaneously from the other sides. The youth reacted by jumping high at the last second, blocking and attacking with the momentum of gravity a moment later.

As their fight went on, his movements were getting sluggish and slow. And soon it ended with the youth disarmed on the ground, a boot pressing down slightly on his chest. The ultimate defeat.

00000

"You lost" The matter of fact way, this was said, did little to cushion the words. But the foot had already left his chest. He felt anger rise, but he fought it down and removed the towel from his head. A hand was held out to help him up, but Sasuke ignored it, getting up by himself. He picked up the Katana and sheathed it, his heaving breath resounding loudly.

"So… I wanted to introduce you to each other… This is Hatake Kakashi, and this would be Tatakai." Sakura said a bit nervous. Throwing her a glance, Sasuke filed the man's name away.

"Now Tatakai, where did you get that sword from?" Kakashi saw the youth tense slightly. "Can I have a look?" A hand moved to the hilt quickly, feet assembling back into a battle stance, one could still see him breathing hard though. By the looks of things, it was of no use, Tatakai clearly wasn't willing to show them.

"I think that's enough exercise for today." Kakashi said lightly, all while pulling out his book and flipping it open again in dismissal. Hiding his face, he threw another glance at the youth, without the blindfold on his features were only partially hidden by long bangs. Kakashi couldn't help but consider that he looked remarkably similar to Sai, as far as facial features went. Of course the gravity defying hair as well as the cut were nothing like Sai, as were the facial expressions, but as far as genotype went, they could have been brothers.

But with those long fringes framing his face, it reminded Kakashi of someone else, another youth who unfortunately was no longer with them. The kid hadn't even died on a mission, but perished along with his clan that day... Not wanting to go any further into that direction with his thoughts, Kakashi pushed them away, finally returning to his lecture for distraction.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the living room of one Uzumaki Naruto, the team conversing and discussing various battle techniques. Sasuke found himself listening, though feigning disinterest. Naruto had tried to get him to somehow join their conversation several times, but had yet to succeed. As it grew late, Sakura said goodbye and they returned home. And again, she was reading at the kitchen table, quietly leafing through pages as he prepared dinner. Once they both sat at the table, she spoke up though.

"You should know, my team and I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for a mission for about two weeks." Sasuke kept his eyes on her. "I'd like you to look after the apartment during that time. I'll leave some food money on the table like last time. Should we delay and you run out, go to the mission office in the Hokage building and inform them that I sent you. Should you need anything else, or need help with something, here you have Shikamaru's address and a list of places he likes to frequent. According to him, he should be around mostly…." She said handing over a sheet of paper with the information. "You are free to use the training grounds and do whatever you like. Just don't leave the village borders, and don't get into trouble while I'm away, alright? And if you are injured, please go to the hospital!… Anyway, let's eat. This smells awesome, Tatakai."

After washing the dishes, Sasuke went over to Sakura to follow up on an offer to borrow some books. The rest of the evening they sat together in the living room, reading their chosen books before eventually retiring to their respecting rooms.

00000

The next morning, right after breakfast, Sakura went packing. When she was done she approached him for a another medical check up. His resolve against it was already crumbling. He definitely was in quite some pain after training so extensively yesterday. She didn't do it as thoroughly as at the first examination, but he still felt tons better afterward. The morning went by at a medium pace and before he started cooking she held out a list of chores to do. Later she asked him to follow her to her room. She started searching some things, assembling them in a bag. He felt somewhat awkwardly, unsure about her actions and his need to be here.

"As you seem to be competent with a Katana, I thought you might want to practice with some other ninja tools too, so here." She handed him the bag. "You can borrow them as long as you like. Also, there are a few more books that could be of interest for you,…. Oh and I told Shikamaru to check in on you. He was with us at Ichiraku's this morning." Sasuke listened only with one ear as he stared at the bag now held by his hands. Never would he have thought of such approval and support. He indicated a bow with his head, put the bag back into his room.

The meal was spent in relative silence. Sakura occasionally spoke or probed with a question, though the maximum she got was a "hn". They were heading to the bridge, where they would meet with the rest of the group and Shikamaru, whom she had asked to come also. Sasuke took a step back when he realized just with whom Naruto was bickering.

"...dickless, proof it to me, I won't believe you until then..." It was this Sai-guy, with his funny attire.

"...Oh, hey Sakura, Teme..." Naruto interrupted Sai when he spotted the newcomers. Sakura waved in response.

"Hey Ugly!" Sai 'greeted' Sakura, then his eyes flicked over to Sasuke "Oh, it's you..." Sai smiled his creepy smile, then moved suddenly, drawing a Tanto. Quickly Sasuke blocked, drawing his Katana reflexively. "Good reaction time" Sai nodded approvingly.

"Guys, Sai, stop it!" Sakura rushed in, grabbing Sai at his collar and smashing him down. "Sai, what was that about? You really should learn how to greet people! You can't just go attack people."

"I knew he'd get it in time."

"You can't know that... You never met him!"

"But I did. After all, it was I who gave him the Katana."

"You two know each other?..." Sakura's eyes grew big in surprise.

"Yes, Wannabe and I met a few days ago." Sai started grinning. "… See, I can make a friend, all on my own. It appears those books weren't so bad for advice in achieving friendship. It was actually quite easy." Sasuke stared at Sai, confusedly. Sai considered him a friend? And what books was he talking about?

"Alright Sai, I'll still introduce you two properly. Tatakai, this is Sai. Sai, this is Tatakai,... not 'Wannabe',... you should reconsider your nickname giving, it's not very polite to call people something like that. Also, don't you think it is a bit early to call it friendship?"

"Actually there are quite a few characteristics present, which according to my books do define a friendship."

"Hey Tatakai, that's awesome, let's be friends, too!" Naruto butted in. As if he wanted to make in impression, he jumped up and playfully balanced on the railing of the bridge. Sasuke just glared at him, then turned away, sheathing his sword. At the same time, Sakura spotted someone, winking and calling out. The guy faintly greeted back and joined them, hands in his pockets.

"Alright Tatakai" She said. "This is Nara Shikamaru, he kindly agreed to come over before we leave. I told you about him this morning. Shikamaru, this is Tatakai."

"What a drag, Sakura... And all this for an introduction?" Shikamaru yawned, but Sakura just ignored the comment.

"Hey man, you play shogi?" The question was directed at Sasuke, who regarded him irritatedly. Then, he just nodded. "Cool. Let's go play then. Kakashi's habits are troublesome, no one wants to witness his excuses."

"Great. Well then, we gotta go, too. See you, Tatakai, Shikamaru. Take care."

And so Sasuke found himself playing Shogi with a stranger, technically free to do as he pleased for the first time in very long. He found himself confused at the sudden freedom, at the possibilities he hadn't had all this time. However, he was determined not to let this time go to waste and figure out some things. The possibilities had kept him up at night, despite being so tired. Now he finally had a possibility to track down his brother without someone constantly breathing down his neck. No one around to suspect something all the time. He'd use the time, yes he would.

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06.06.2018 (A/N): This chapter has been corrected and underwent the watchful eye of Nackmu, a friend of mine:) Thank you so much Nackmu. The effort is highly appreciated, working together with you is really enjoyable and I think the improvement is real.

For the readers. Thank you so much for reading and if you are willing to share any thoughts, I'd love to hear them!