The ANBU guard carried the tray of food down the tunnel. It seemed too quiet. When he reached the bars where Sasuke was being held, he saw that the Uchiha was asleep on the bench. "Sasuke, get up. Your food is here." There was no movement. "Sasuke, I said get up." The ANBU looked closer into the cell and saw that he was not breathing. He wasn't stirring, just lying really still. He was an ugly pale color. The ANBU guard dropped the tray, and scrambled to get the keys out of his pocket. He quickly opened the gate and ran to the bench. He poked the body, but there was no movement. As soon as he rolled the body over, it disappeared in a puff of smoke, and the bench exploded. Sasuke successfully tricked the guard with his Shadow replication technique.

Sasuke had dug a hole behind the bench and was hiding there, wanting to trick the guard to come inside and get close enough to beat him. After knocking the ANBU unconscious, he ran out into the tunnel, looking for his escape. Every guard he came across, he knocked out.

..........................

The children of Konoha were playing joyfully in the streets. They looked happy as they played on the swing sets and monkey bars. Some were kicking a ball around. They had nothing to worry about except being home on time for dinner.

Around the corner, Iruka was outside with his class. He was teaching them how to use their Chakra and the replication technique. The ninja academy looked much the same as it had been all these years. The only thing different was the new class of students who wanted to grow up and be ninjas.

The flower shop stood down the street from the academy. Mrs. Yamanaka was busy outside, planting flowers, and cutting the grown ones to make a flower arrangement. Her husband came out a few seconds later, and put his arm around his wife.

The Ramen shop that was in the center of town was always busy. The favorite customer being Naruto, that hasn't changed in many years. Sitting next to him, was Sakura. Sakura who grew to love him after Sasuke had left. Naruto was the only man she had eyes for. Walking up behind them was Lee and Ten-Ten. Their friendship had also grown in the past years. All four sat at the Ramen stand had their lunch together, talking, joking, laughing, and having a good time.

Asuma and Kurenai were treating Chouji to barbeque. They sat and watched as the Chuunin devoured his food in one breath.

Neji and Hinata were out training. They had been working hard with each other. Since the exams, they had a mutual respect for each other. Neji would help her train, help her become the deserved successor of the clan. Hinata showed him the meaning of friendship and change.

Kiba and Akamaru played by the river near the village. The puppy certainly has grown into a strong dog. And they still were hardly separated.

Shino was out doing his usual, collecting bugs. He was always strange. Yet it stranger that he enjoyed walking around the countryside collecting his bugs.

The Nara clan had their deer field kept and clean. The deer were well fed and bred. This is the pride of Konoha and the Nara clan. Mr. Nara was out that day feeding, when his wife came up with his lunch. They sat down in the middle of the field, holding each other close in their arms, as they ate.

Outside the gates, Kakashi had a new group of Genins. He had taken them to same spot he had taken Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke on their first exam. One could only smile, recalling when Naruto was thrown into the water, and was the only one tied to the log. Sakura had believed that Sasuke was beheaded and dead. The group had learned the lesson of teamwork that day.

This is where he grew up. This is his home. The village where everyone had kept together, even if they didn't get along with each other, they still protected one another and those around them. He met so many people here. People who's lives had touched him, whether he knew or not. He stood in the highest tree branch. He overlooked the village. Somehow, it brought a calm and peaceful state to his heart.

He remembered the words that a Jounin once spoke at the Country of Wave all those years ago. When people are protecting something truly special to them, they truly can become as strong as they must be. He understood then, why Sakura wanted him to stay, what made Naruto so strong, and why Ino was so determined. They were protecting the ones they love, and that was stronger than any given to him.

There were still some things he had to do, and he had no time to stop and reminisce about the past. Sasuke turned around and started to run. He knew exactly where to go.

This was short I know. Sorry if it didn't come out good, I was going for a Sasuke point of view, hopefully you're with me. This all leads up to what's going to happen next. Please read and review, I agree with some, I wish more people would review, but I'm very much grateful to the ones that do. You guys rule!

The quote was from Haku in one of the episodes.