Someone Screaming
Alternate Story – Dim Light
Ayane Selznick
Naruto found it hard to believe that they just returned Uchiha Sasuke in the village. When they were younger, they resorted to almost-killing each other just so he could get him back and stopped him before he goes to Orochimaru. But he failed. And from failure, he promised to himself and to Sakura that he will not fail again to get Sasuke back.
It's a lifetime promised.
And now that they dragged the dark brooding boy of Team 7, what will happen next? Of course, he would be interrogated and then judged by his answers as well as his future. He just hoped that Sasuke won't be executed because he didn't want to lose a teammate, friend and brother.
Naruto closed his eyes.
"Even when you betrayed us, I still think of you as a brother you bastard… and Sakura-chan still loves you so much…" He said more to himself as he lie awake at his bed.
It was already evening and the sky outside has turned black and blue. Tsunade was nice when she gave the team a whole day's rest after the mission when usually after the report, she would be assigning them again with another mission. Konoha's Ninjas were always busy. They have to report to their client for the job to maintain the country rising and powerful. However, in times like this, especially when some unknown criminals were active, they must protect the village at all cost.
He stretched out his arms and moved to face the other side of the bed.
Well sleep is necessary for tomorrow's duty… And I have to know what happened.
She woke up with a great start. Since she's a Chuunin and never intended to promote herself to the next level, her life wasn't that difficult at all. Every morning she has to tend their family shop and water the flowers. Then by noon, she has to report to the academy to teach students about Ninjutsu and flower arrangement. She liked kids and it works well with her job.
The only Yamanaka daughter smiled while she arranged the flowers and watered them.
After a while, she heard the door opens.
"Good morning!" She greeted but not even bothered to look at the customer.
"Ino." A male voice echoed inside the shop.
She quickly turned her head to the origin of the voice only to be greeted by a scowl in his face.
"Shikamaru."
Said person has been her friend during their childhood days and she only sees him as a teammate and debater… well most likely a slave.
"What are you doing in here? Aren't you supposed to be running errands?" She asked while recomposing herself and looking at him with her mocking blue eyes.
Shikamaru started walking towards her while looking each flowers standing before him.
"Have you seen Sakura or even talked to her?"
Her eyes grew wide at the mention of her best friend's name who had been missing since her last mission.
"She… she's back!" She screamed surprisingly and tugged Shikamaru's long sleeves.
"H-hey my shirt!"
"W-where is Sakura!" She yelled though she really meant it as a question.
Shikamaru was practically prying her hands off of his sleeves yet he was able to talk to her while he was struggling to take it off.
"I don't know Ino, maybe she's in her apartment…" He continued to pry her hands off him.
Yet Ino gripped it even more. "Oh God, I'm glad she's back! I haven't been eating since the Hokage declared her as M.I.A. ohh GOD!"
"H-hey cut it out will you?" Shikamaru successfully pried her hands off her and even glared at her antics.
Ino was excited to see her best friend again and completely forgotten about his presence.
"Ahem." He continued only to receive a glare from Ino, "Well she's not alone."
The blonde kunoichi cocked her head to the side while her brow rose, more likely expressing her curiosity.
"…She arrived with Sasuke."
Ino stood frozen in her place.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
Four newly sharpened kunais hit all the targets at once. It may have been simple to say, but the person who threw them had her eyes closed. She doesn't have any advance bloodline skills like her teammate but her mastery in weapons are highly recognized.
She opened her eyes only to reveal two brown eyes staring sharply at her targets. She woke up and hurried to warm up for today's mission. She was assigned to escort an icon from a certain village. It's an A-rank mission because the said icon received a threat from some rival person who in turn hired Jounin-ranked ninjas.
The female ninja had been waiting for this moment to go in a mission all by herself. It has always been a pleasure to do missions such as this but it would be more thrilling to go in a mission with her friends and the difficulty is way above the normal ranking, like an S-rank mission.
She jumped towards each kunais and retrieved them to her pouch.
Being a Jounin, a ninja particularly wasn't a joke neither an act. She has to attend to the client and protect him at all cost. Everyone's lives were at high stake especially when the battle has begun. Furthermore, she has to focus not only for the safety of the client but also the way she protects herself as well as the battle standings.
"You're up so early." A male voice echoed throughout the forest.
The twenty one year old woman, turn around only to meet the prodigy of his clan. Hyuuga Neji.
"You're early, too, Neji." She jumped down the ground and beamed a smile to him.
"I heard you will have a mission tomorrow. You'll do it alone?" He asked.
If she was still the 13-year-old teammate and only girl in their three-man team, she would have laughed at his interrogation and curiosity. He was never the one who would question her about status or whatsoever. But everybody seemed to change after the Chuunin exams. She and Neji weren't any exception.
"Yeah. You were sent for a mission right, so you'll have to pass the mission." She answered while she untied her hair, letting the wave of wind cool it.
"So what about it?" He asked while reaching out to her brown her and played his fingers with it.
"Hmm… protecting someone who received a threat from some people, they even hired a ninja to assassinate my client."
"Mm." Neji understood but never attempted to release his gentle hold on her hair.
Tenten grew impatient at his sudden silence that she has to resort to stare back at him, to his white eyes. Neji noticed her silence as well and stared at her brown eyes.
"What?" He asked curiously.
"How's Sakura?"
Of course, she would be asking for her friend. She's one of the people who grew pale when the Hokage declared Sakura as M.I.A. but the last member of the Team 7 refused to believe that fact and forced the Hokage to send Neji's team in search for Haruno Sakura. Shikamaru had proven as well that the said kunoichi was alive.
"She's fine. She might have been resting in her place, though."
The woman breathed out a sigh of relief and touched her chest. Neji was amused at her movements. He reached out to her using his other hand to touch her face.
"You missed me…Tenten?" He asked softly while gently stroking her cheeks.
Tenten opened her eyes only to gaze at the softened white eyes.
"Of course… I was worried you know…"
The Hyuuga smirked at her soft boldness and gave her a pleasant morning or more likely a good bye-take care offering.
Neji simply kissed Tenten.
Nurses would walk in the same hallway as if hurrying. Doctors would appear every now and then. Sometimes they have to attend to the other room to check upon their patient. The head of medical ninja had arrived earlier this morning and had attended to a number of patients. Nurses and Doctors were glad for her return because if not for her, they might have loosened their hopes to save some people in the village.
At the same time, they were also worried at her condition. She only had a day's rest and yet she got up from her bed and started working as if nothing has happened. It's not because she wanted to work all day long, but it's because of the Hokage's orders. Because of her knowledge in medicines as well as being an apprentice of the Hokage, she has to give her services to the village.
"Sakura-sama." A female nurse called out from behind.
Sakura, the pink haired Medic Nin, turned around after wiping off the sweat in her forehead.
"Yes, what can I do?" She asked and received a paper from the nurse.
She read for a while and was escorted to a room where a kid was lying in his bed, struggling to breath. Quickly, she pulled off the white blanket and concentrated her Chakra to her palms. Watching the boy perspiring so much, she knew she has to hurry.
"Hold on…" She muttered and finally pressing her Chakra palms to his chest.
The nurses and the kid's parents were watching her. Watching how she saves a life of a civilian by using her trained skills. She was concentrating her energy to remove the water inside the lungs of the boy and to do that, she suck the liquid and she will have to close the holes that were unnecessary. In a matter or minutes, the boy had stopped perspiring and his breathing had come back to normal.
Sakura sighed. Both the boy's parents rushed to the kid's bed and checked on him.
"I've taken out the water in his lungs. He'll be fine. All he need is rest." She beamed a warm smile on the parents.
When she was about to go out of the room, both of the parents thanked her wholeheartedly. The nurse followed the Head Medic Nin as they walk towards the lounge.
"Are you okay, Sakura-sama?" The nurse asked.
Sakura looked at the nurse for a second and then she continued walking down the stairs, "It's nothing."
The pink haired kunoichi looked out at the window as a certain Missing Nin came into her mind.
I'm worried about Sasuke-kun… Maybe I can visit him later.
It was supposed to be another normal day in Konoha, but for Naruto, a ninja who was aspiring to be a Hokage, he had been serious to everything that he's devoted to do. One of which was eating ramen at Ichiraku. The old man and the ramen girl who grew up as a lovely woman weren't changed, similar with the delicious taste of their own ramen. It has been a routine for Naruto to eat at the stand every morning or every after mission and the old man already acknowledged him as one of the best customers who fortunately paying for his dozen meals in one sitting.
As he slumped himself in the stool, he ordered miso ramen to the old man.
"You're unusually late today, Naruto-kun." The ramen girl asked while she was washing in one corner.
Naruto drummed his fingers on the table, "I came yesterday and I only have a day's rest. It's not enough rest you know."
The old man and the ramen girl chuckled at his laziness.
"What are you up for today?" The old man asked while transferring the noodles to the bowl then filled it up with ingredients for Naruto's miso ramen.
The blond Jounin took a pair of chopsticks and started twirling each stick in his fingers.
"Well I have to see Tsunade-baa-chan first. Ask her about Sasuke's trial."
Both of them looked at Naruto with surprised expressions. They seem to remember who this Uchiha Sasuke is… wasn't he a threat to Konoha when the Hokage declared him as Missing Nin? Fortunately Naruto caught their silent attention so he decided to talk.
"He's considered a Missing Nin, but he's not a criminal. He would only kill his brother."
The ramen girl scowled at his sudden information. She's a civilian but with daily dose of Naruto and some Jounins' information each time they eat at their stand, she was always updated. And she fairly knew that Uchiha Sasuke and the things he did when he left the village.
"Where is he?" The old man asked as he placed the bowl in front of Naruto.
Naruto took in the scent of the fresh ramen and blew the hot smoke that covers the entirety of the food.
"He's under Tsunade-baa-chan's care. Well that means he's under Sakura-chan's care, too." Then a lighted bulb seemed to flash at the top of his head. "That also means Hinata-chan is there!"
The ramen girl smiled at Naruto knowing him and his girl… yes, Hinata and Naruto is an item but Naruto never got the chance to propose to Hinata due to spontaneous missions. Although deep inside him, he still knew that he loves the pink haired teammate. Maybe he has to sort out his feelings first before proposing to the Hyuuga girl.
She was preparing to leave the hospital when somebody just stood in front of her way. Looking at the ground, she noticed the orange leg covers that covered his weights. Going upwards she noticed the shining green jumpsuit… without much ado, she already knew who this person is.
"Lee-san." She uttered and gave him one of her rare smiles (rare because she doesn't smile more often).
Rock Lee was standing meters away from her but he held courage, somehow, to face her at times like this. He had heard Sasuke's arrival and he knew that again his high hopes would simply go down now that Sakura will be focusing on her ex-teammate.
"I'll walk you home, Sakura-san." He offered, a hopeful glint in his rounded eyes were obvious.
She shook her head and said. "I'm sorry, Lee-san. I'm going to Hokage-sama."
There's still hope now right? Lee persisted.
"Then I shall walk you to the Hokage tower." He tried.
She smiled a half smile at him and accepted the offer. "Sure."
She brought some food for the captive and she knew that the Hokage wouldn't mind such small things. When they walked down the road towards the Hokage tower, Lee noticed the awkward silence that Sakura dragged with her. He may have a hint to her unusual silence but he wouldn't make her sad especially now that the person who shattered her heart has come back.
"Ne, Sakura-san…" He started.
Sakura wheeled her head to him and asked, "Hmm?"
"I heard that your troops were killed…"
"Yes, they were." She looked towards the direction and continued, "The Captain was stubborn. He lusts for battle so much." This time she sighed. "But I'm particularly to blame since I'm the only medic Nin in his squad. I should've kept them alive."
Quite obvious at her sudden reaction, Lee just pushed the wrong buttons. It made the situation worst. But knowing her, Sakura surprisingly beamed a smile to him.
"Lessons learned throughout time. I guess I have to be stronger to keep a team alive. I wouldn't want the Hokage to be disappointed."
And with that, they resumed walking. This time, Lee allowed the awkward silence reign them.
Everyday she would be sitting in her chair, reading and writing at the scrolls yet her mind still lingers to a person who was staying inside his cell. The interrogation has been done yesterday and she will be meeting the elders this afternoon. She knew the laws in their village as well as the previous cases the Hokages encountered at times like this.
Killing him would result to the extinction of the clan thus making Uchiha Itachi the last member of the Uchiha clan, even though he's the one to blame. If Sasuke would be executed, they won't find out the remedy for Orochimaru's Cursed Seal. Though he was dead, which was according to Sasuke, what if some people had his research and used it for evil purposes? She didn't want those things to happen again.
But Sasuke had betrayed Konoha, his clan and his friends. If they spared his life, what could he possibly do in return? Will they use him to entice Itachi and let them fight? That means killing two birds in one stone. However, she was positive that his ex-teammates will surely help him especially her protégé who was deeply in love with the captive.
She reached out to her temples and rubbed it.
Damn headaches…
She inclined her back to her chair and started rubbing each temple of her head. Right after Sasuke's return, she already had major headaches in her office. What more if something worst happen?
"Hokage-sama?" A sweet feminine voice was heard from the other side of the door.
She didn't think twice and let her apprentice in, "Come in, Sakura."
Slowly, the door has been open while she leaned on the table and watched her student coming in together with the Konoha's self-proclaimed beautiful green beast. She smirked. Both of the ninjas bowed before her.
"What brings you two here?"
Sakura spoke, "How is Sasuke-kun?"
Tsunade looked sharply at her protégé's eyes when she said, "I haven't talked to the elders yet for the time being he has to stay in his cell."
The old woman saw the sudden expression of Sakura's gleeful eyes to that of sorrowful ones but for just a second the young woman returned to her usual jolly self again.
"Can I visit him today?"
Ah so that's why. The Hokage nodded tiredly. Sakura tilted her head to the side and noticed the Hokage's current situation.
"Tsunade-shishou, you shouldn't overwork. You might get wrinkles."
The Hokage chuckled at her childlike anxiety. She lifted her right hand and signaled them to move out so that she could finish her task. Both Lee and Sakura bowed for respect and disappeared behind the closed doors.
"Are you sure you're coming with me, Lee-san?" She asked while they go down the stairs to see the captive.
Lee glanced back to her with a frown, "I'm just worried about his behavior. He might end up hurting you again."
Sakura waved her hand in front of her face as she say, "You shouldn't worry about me. I'm used to his rudeness anyway."
The bowl haircut ninja just gave her a forced smile and continued walking the stairs. Few minutes later, they arrived at the end of stairs and noticed the ANBU guards stationed at one particular cell. Sakura frowned knowing the person behind those steel bars. One of the ANBU masked guards recognized the pink haired medic Nin.
"Sakura-san."
Sakura bowed politely. Lee followed the suit.
"Is he sleeping?" She asked but didn't look at the person inside the cell.
The guard shrugged. "He had been like that for hours."
"Oh. Thank you." She signaled the ANBU guards to move away a little so she could enter the cell. Before she took off the seal paper on the steel bar she told him, "I'll be fine from here."
Peeling off the seal paper, the effect of the seal was completely nullified. Sakura courageously went inside the cell and looked at the quiet Uchiha. Lee had vanished in front of the cell as he quietly went upstairs.
"Sasuke-kun." She called and it seems like the Uchiha wasn't planning to reply or maybe he was really asleep.
She looked at the basket in her hands and put it down slowly. She rose up again only to look at his back facing hers.
I'm hoping that they won't kill you here. I'm praying that you'll always be safe here. And…I'm hoping that you will no longer be mad at me.
Sakura didn't have to say those words to him because if she did she's sure that she'll be receiving glares and mocks from him. She smiled bitterly at his back and slowly walked out of the cell when…
"How long do you plan to pester me?"
She stopped her tracks but never looked back. The way he said those words, it stung in her heart. She was just being kind to him and yet he thinks that she's annoying him? What an arrogant jerk. Gathering up her courage to stand on her feet, she said…
"Is it really that bad to visit an ex-teammate?"
"I no longer consider you a teammate or an ex-teammate."
He hasn't changed. He was the same arrogant jerk who had become worst. He strongly pushed people away from him as if he was a disease. His heart had turned colder than before. What could've happened to him during his absence?
With one final sigh, she glanced to him who was now facing her.
"I will just consider you as a Missing Nin then." She closed her eyes and went out of the cell. "Seal it." She ordered and disappeared with a puff of smoke.
Both the ANBU guards were familiar with her temper. They knew that the Head of the Medical Ninja was angry.
To be continued…
Author's Note: Well, well, well fast updates no? NOT! Hahaha well I already know that for certain. So what do we have here… ah the scenes outside Sasuke's world (which is his cell). Seems like Sakura-chan was so hurt the way he acknowledge her as nothing more than a common shinobi. Anyway, I can't tell much about this chapter.
For the next chapter however the meeting of the council regarding Sasuke's interrogation results! Will they execute him? What will happen? You'll find out soon enough (winks).
Author's Response:
Sorakoi The Water Goddess - Details? Really I did have details? Hahaha thanks! (hugs)
Prizz - Wow... never heard that someone believes in me in terms of writing skills! (teary eyes) Thank you so much!
Saki-16 - Ahh, but if ever you really planned out to kill me then there's no alternate story xp sad or happy? I can't say this early so I suggest that you have more patience n-n
Shinobi Darkbeak - geez thanks!
angel-puppeeter - (sweats) now you're using the word demented to yourself I shouln't have said it in the first place -- napaka addict mo nga sa GB! lolz! Aren't you going to update Electro? I guess you're busy.
Tenshi no Hana-chan - I've read your fic! So cute! n-n I don't want to go straight down in one plot so expect twist and turns! n-n that'll be more fun right?
cocoa-latte - Yes, because if he didn't answer them... he'll be facing execution!
evil-mittens - xp the SasuSaku here isn't really a SasuSaku hahahaha! Yeah I'm evil. kukukukukuku Thanks for the review! I'll be adding SasuSaku after... 15 more chapters! NYAHAHAHAH just kidding! xp
gah... I noticed that I had fewer reviewers since the start of Alternate Story. Do you think there's something wrong in the plot? Or with me perhaps?