Chapter 4: If I Were You.
Naruto doesn't actually know why but his feet took on its own way and he finds himself standing in front of the Central Hospital.
He stands there, still, for a full minute. Mind blank, heart beating wildly in his chest and then walks inside. There is some force here that makes him walk more and more towards the upper floor, far end of the corridor and before a closed door.
Naruto still cannot find the reason why he walked to this room, all in a trance, but Sakura's smell makes him go inside. He enters and finds her sitting by the window. Her hair blowing in the light breeze coming from the open window, looking outside. Naruto walks closer to her. It is a surprise Sakura has not noticed him yet. He looks intently at Sakura and opens his mouth to speak when she still doesn't notice him. But then, his eyes move sideways, he looks out of the window and sees what Sakura was looking at. He inhales sharply.
Sakura talks then, without turning:"I brought him here today.Found him wounded and bleeding out in his cell."
She turns around to look at Naruto when Sasuke is out of sight. Naruto keeps looking out the window.
"Why was Sasuke here? " he asks, unfocused. He turns away and looks straight at Sakura, frantic again."I went to meet him in the prison, he wasn't there.I thought he ran away. What did you say happened, Sakura? " he sounded dejected as he ended speaking, his eyes cast down.
"Naruto".She had to pause then. Breathe "I went to meet Sasuke today in the prison". She moves to the table near the door and then picks something. she turns again towards Naruto " This." She raises a small purse like wooden basket. "I had to give him this today. As a token." she stops then. Inhales and shuddering a bit, smiles. It is a broken sort of smile - wants to be happy but isn't. " A marriage proposal ".
Naruto can only stare. Urging Sakura to go on with his eyes.
"The council has decided that they want Sasuke to be married and produce heirs. The Sharingan is too valuable for them to let it die with Sasuke."She stop. She had spoken in a clear, indifferent voice - cold even. Naruto heard, felt, her become emotionless to the topic as she spoke and understood where she stands.
For a moment he stayed quite. There was so much he wanted to say. He wanted to scream and fight but in the end it was just Sakura and him. The past was the past. They both grew up. Now though, it was different. Everything was different. Their stance and understanding. He remembers Sakura going to bring Sasuke with Team Kakashi when he was hesitate. Looking at her, he understands now. They stand on different island. Their ideas and ideals a bit different. Sasuke. That is all, that is all what remains. But their idea of him is completely different.
Still, she is a friend. They will stand together in the end. Family and all that, wouldn't they? He wonders how long he will go on in his own merciful fantasy that has started to crack before he gives in and accepts reality. He is alone where Sasuke is concerned.
So, now, he stays silent. Few months ago, he would have laid his soul bare to Sakura, he can do that now too but he knows that is futile. Sakura, for all her strength, is not a fighter. He backs down. And utters a simple "Oh" to communicate that he heard her talk enough.
Sakura sighs. "Yes, Naruto. Do you not want to know why I was sent? " She asks trying to be friendly but failing somewhere, bothered by her own misery. "I am supposed to get him to agree to marry me. I was chosen to be his bride".
There. It was enough. Naruto had heard what he dread. He didn't want to hear anymore because he knew everything. This is the reason why Sakura was so amiable to Councils plan of breeding Sasuke like a cattle. He turned away. He didn't want to say much but his mind , restless as it was, cynically offered"That was your dream all along".It was spoken quietly, almost a murmur. Sakura had to ask again,"What?"
But till then Naruto was already walking out of the door.
He did not wait. There was something he needed to do. This thing just keeps getting worse. Naruto did not want anything hidden now.
He went to see Tsunade and arrange a meeting with the Council.
It was all a formality, Tsunade knew.
Things being made official. The real deal was made months ago. This was only to get it out there - to Sasuke, officially.
It was not necessary but Naruto had been persistent about it and so an assembly of the Council was called. It was about time they were done with the case of Sasuke Uchiha.
Shikamaru was far from an idiot. In fact he was often called a genius mind. But he still humbly believed that in terms of natural born ninja talent he would fairly be not in competition. After all, he wasn't a prodigy. Just a brilliant Nara mind. Therefore, he thinks, as he stands next to the table, in attention, as the Council sits in assembly. Because thinking is all he can do now. What he is best at.
It is funny to him to watch Naruto like this: Standing before the Council, looking serious and all business like. This look of Naruto is very different from his usual friendliness. This look is cold - of a commander. He imagines it would be how he would look as Hokage when talking to the Council. All in all, Naruto presents himself as just the right leader. He was never a follower to begin with, Shikamaru concludes, thinking back at all their childhood memories.
"Believe it or not, but this is a bad idea. " Naruto puts it out there, no context. Because context is not needed. Everyone knows what is being talked about or rather who is.
"You all just can't do that. Sasuke is a part of this village. He is the head of the Uchiha Clan-".
" He is a traitor, Naruto, a defector." Naruto 's rant is cut short by Tsunade. Because, frankly, that is what it is -a rant. Sasuke is a traitor to Konoha. Simple as that. Saying otherwise just won't do anything.
"But Baachan-" He was cut mid speech again.
"Naruto, rest that case. We will discuss all about Uchiha 's loyalty when he gets here" Tsunade was the only one communicating with Naruto. Other members of the Council were not even paying attention to him. He was irrelevant to them. What hero, what saviour. Politics is a nasty game. Everyone is a pawn. Everyone has a place. Big and small, everyone is sacrificial.
Tsunade stops speaking. The door of the chamber opens. Sasuke walk in. In chains, though that is beyond useless now. Probably for appearance sake. And escorted by -oh, well- Sai?
He stands there. Undisturbed. In all his Uchiha glory. There was always something about Sasuke that made him stand out. Always, just his presence. It is the same. All attention in the room shifts to him simultaneously, though, to be honest, everyone was here waiting for him.
His mouth twists as he takes in everyone. Looking at each of the Council members in the eyes. This. He has to give it to Sasuke, that guy has never ran from a challenge. He has a way of making people feel like dirt just by looking at them. He recalls .This too is nothing but a challenge to him - his persecution and execution.
For a still moment there is complete silence. Then, it erupts.
"Sasuke-" Naruto calls.
"Sasuke-" Tsunade calls.
"Uchiha-" Hiashi calls.
"Uchiha-" Danzo calls.
"Uchiha Sasuke-" rest of them calls.
All in all, Sasuke fills the air. The room feels cramped somehow. It is vaguely astonishing how a person who is useless in the ninja world now that his chakra is bound still has this impact in a room full of powerful and influential ninjas. Well, things probably work that way when you are an Uchiha,- the last Uchiha.
There is a faint smirk on Sasuke 's face that disappears in a blink. He stares at them, still silent. Then, raises his eyebrow. Arrogance and impatience clear on his face. It disturbs Shikamaru. He wonders why.
Danzo stands. It appears there is a shift in command. The elder members of the Council shifts in their seats too. Sasuke stares at Danzo.
"Uchiha Sasuke, you have been called here to discuss your crimes against Konoha. And subsequent punishment that should be given"
"You have been found guilty of deserting Konoha and aligning with Orochimaru. The Council will now dole out your punishment" Danzo finished speaking and sat down.
From the corner of his eyes, Shikamaru notices Naruto. He looks to be choking on his own breath.
"Are you the one who ordered this sealing marks to be drawn on me? How cowardly of Konoha." Sasuke undid the sneer which he had opted while speaking. Shikamaru pressed his lips tight.
"Sasuke Uchiha, do you have anything to say about your questionable loyalty to Konoha. Do you accept your crimes? " Tsunade spoke. It was all in bad faith. You don't ask about loyalties to the person you have put your brand marks on. It was probably for Naruto's sake. The Council's decision was already made.
"No" Sasuke spoke. "This place is nothing to me anymore. Not when I am supposed to produce tools for it."
There was silence then.
" Sasuke, listen-" It was Naruto. He was cut off again, very impolitely too. He should just take the hint and keep quite now, for at least till the time his intervention is actually required.
"Sasuke Uchiha you are guilty of treason and as such your rights as a citizen of Konoha is rightfully revoked. You will face execution after your necessary duty to Konoha is fulfilled." It was not Danzo who spoke but another elder. It was very clear whose words it were though.
" And what duty that might be? " Sasuke asked, understandably but totally unexpectedly, in a cold angry voice. That was the first expression of emotions he had shown since back in Konoha - anger.
"The Uchiha clan belongs to Konoha. As the Last Uchiha it is your duty to bear children for the village." It was Hamura who spoke up. It came as a surprise since that part of the elders usually stayed silent.
"For? I am no longer a part of this village as you all have clearly understood. I no longer take this village in consideration to whatever I do." Sasuke spoke, his voice annoyed and aggressive. But, the question was a bait and Sasuke fell for it.
As clearly stated, now that Sasuke was a deserter with no alliance to any other village, he was a bound prisoner to Konoha. Having him to produce heir for more Sharingan was just made easier by him admitting he has no love left for Konoha. It was a sad affair.
"It is all decided then." It was Hiashi who spoke up. He wasn't particularly found of this idea. But it was assured to him that there won't be anymore Uchiha clan. This new batch of Sharingan holders will come under Danzou 's command. Hiashi became very agreeable after that.
"Sasuke Uchiha, your judgement has been made. You are officially a prisoner of Konoha and will be treated as such from now on. Your service in Konoha will require to work in its best interest and that comes under producing offspring with the bloodline limit of the Uchiha clan. Your cooperation will earn you better treatment and failure to do so will have contrary effects. This decision is made in the presence of the Council and voted".
The judgement was read by Tsunade. Shikamaru wanted to be surprised but when you grow up everything becomes fair as long as it is convenient.
There was silence, then. Everyone was looking at Sasuke who was looking down, contemplating. He looked up then, straight at Naruto. His eyes black and dark - like midnight storm.
"Who is the bride?" He asked. His voice taunting and unfriendly.
"Kunoichi affiliated to Konoha. If you agree to cooperate, you can choose anyone from any clan. The child will be allowed to bear the Uchiha name." Shikaku Nara, Konoha's head strategist said. It was small mercies. Shikaku never was found of this idea but reluctantly had come to accept it. He almost tripped on his speech rushing these words out, a peace offering to Sasuke.
"Haruno Sakura was decided presently by the Council. Seeing she is a former team mate and you both know each other, it was seen as a good idea." Tsunade spoke up.
It was probably out of some loyalty towards Sakura that she spoke these words. Or probably she genuinely believed it was best for Sasuke and he would agree to it. She would be , unfortunately and unsurprisingly , disappointed because if he was sure of anything, Sasuke was here for blood. After all this there was no way he was going to be agreeable in any matter with anyone.
"I disagree" Sasuke spoke, voice clear, cut and emotionless."There is not going to be anymore Sharingan in Konoha."
Naruto waited. He waited for all this to make sense. Then he waited for all this to become understandable. And then he just waited for all this to calm down and settle.
None of it ever happened.
Sasuke raised his head and looked straight at him. The world was clear again. Angry again. Right again. He knew then where he stood. It came to him and became clear. It was Sasuke. There was not even a choice, no thinking. He stood with Sasuke, he stands, now too, with Sasuke.
When Sasuke refused Tsunade offer of Sakura ,Naruto became even more certain of everything, he chose too.
There will be war before there will be burial. And Sasuke will fight - to the death, if needed. Alone - if necessary. But it was not needed, not necessary. Naruto will stand beside Sasuke and fight this battle with him, for him.
He feels chakra gather, coil inside his body. It will be quick, painless. And he leaps.
There is Sasuke on his knees. In front of the Council with Naruto 's hands pressed on his back holding him down.
Intakes of breaths, gasps of surprise. Sasuke is still, his pulse is calm.
"Naruto-" Tsunade starts. From the corner of his eyes, Naruto notices ANBU and jounin poised around him, ready to attack. He catches Kakashi too, near Tsunade.
"What is the meaning of this? " Danzo speaks, his voice like a broken bell. Ugly. Unpleasant.
In his mind, Naruto hears a chant. It is a beautiful world. A good world. Together we will create peace. It's rainbow and sunshine- He doesn't hear it anymore. It all falls silent.
No. It's not. There is no sunshine and no rainbow. Only rain. It sounds like Sasuke.
"Granny, I take Sasuke 's responsibility. This whole thing is a terrible idea. Sasuke is not a prisoner. And even if you say he is, there is no way he will agree with any of this. I promised I will bring Sasuke back. But this is not what I wanted. I will bring him back wholly, fully. A loyal to Konoha, Sasuke. You won't have to use any of these methods. Give me some time. He will willingly stay in the village and want to built a family here, I promise. We just got him back, let him look at Konoha, get back with everyone. I know, Sasuke will come around. He is just angry now, being moody like he always is."
It was all wistful thinking but Naruto was nothing if not optimistic and he knew he was right. They have not even given Sasuke a chance, yet. Since he came back, he has been treated unkindly, unfairly,like a traitor- and all that.Naruto knows if done right, Sasuke will be back fully.And ,he will do everything he can so that they can go back to what they were before-
There was no going back. Naruto looks down, at Sasuke. He is trembling a bit. Sasuke 's back is sweaty. He feels some strain. Then, realisation hits him. Of course, nothing is going to be the same. Not now, when he made Sasuke kneel before the Council. Not ever, when Konoha forcefully sealed Sasuke 's Chakra.
It is a sad affair. But Naruto wants all, which is never possible. There is always some sacrifices made in order to gain another. Naruto doesn't understands that.
"Naruto - that is not something-" Tsunade, it came as a sad surprise, was really not able to handle her position against the elders, was cut mid speech.
"Exactly how long are you talking-" It was Danzo, obviously.
"However long it is needed." Naruto said. He was surprised at his own voice. It was more like Kyuubi's talking. He must be majorly annoyed with Danzo.
"That is not acceptable." It was not for them.
But that was the point. It was all unacceptable.
"I agree with Naruto." This, Naruto was very surprised with. Her. Sakura.
"I, too, must say, there is a point. " It was Kakashi.
"It is in everyone's interest if Sasuke is re assimilated in the village. There is no need to aggrieve Sasuke more. In my understanding, we have done enough to make him not cause any trouble for us while he stays here." Shikamaru's father spoke up.
"He is young too. It is better if we take this slow. He is already our prisoner. It doesn't matter if he takes some time to come around. A year or two matters little when we are talking something this big" A blond guy, probably Ino 's father, said.
"An agreeable match will also help a great deal in the future" Choji 's father commented.
Slowly, everyone around the Clan Heads table seemed to become more agreeable.
"Sasuke was a part of team seven. He has been rendered harmless, his commute in the village should not cause any problem. It will also be helpful to gain some sympathy. If Team Kakashi takes responsibility, Sasuke can shift to home arrest and probation." Ibiki, Naruto hoped it was that scary looking guy's name, said.
Around the table, there were several head nods in agreement. Danzo 's neck stayed stiff.
For a moment, Naruto didn't breathe. Waiting for Kakashi to speak.
"As captain I take responsibility. " Kakashi spoke in his lazy drawl. He sounded totally unaffected by the turn of events.
" I do too. " Sakura said.
There was silence again. Naruto was standing still, dumbfounded. His hands were limp by his sides. Sasuke was kneeling, his body still, head lowered. His hair hid half his face. His breathing was indistinguishable. He appeared to be sleeping - or dead.
The elders did not look pleased. Danzo's face showed visible annoyance. He opened his mouth to speak but this time it was he who was cut short. Tsunade took her position and her dignity back.
" Well, if all are in agreement, this is a welcome outcome . Sasuke will be placed under Team Kakashi surveillance and guidance. Kakashi, as captain, has legal authority and custody over Sasuke. Other members of Team Seven and Team Kakashi are to assist him as he requires. Reports will be directly made to the Hokage." She paused and let the words settle. She spoke again with finality this time as no objections was raised " The judgement is passed ".
" And the sharingan-" Danzo took his time to address his issues.
" Yes, as soon as Team Kakashi sees fits and progress is made, Sasuke will have to partake in that. That will be Team Kakashi's primary mission regarding Sasuke, to make him ready as soon as possible and agreeable to Konoha." Tsunade finished. Comfortable again in her decision.
"Is everything clear, then? " She asked pointedly looking at the elders. They did not look pleased.
"Yes, one more thing. Sai was part of team seven in Sasuke's absence. Sasuke has not been made a citizen of Konoha neither he will become one. I request that Sai is made permanent member of team seven and by extension team Kakashi." Danzo said.
Tsunade appeared to contemplate this for a moment. Then, she spoke " Alright, Sai will be made permanent member of team seven.Yamato will also remain in team seven and under Kakashi for assistance, under the direct command of the Hokage. "
And so, it was settled. There was a sigh of relief from Naruto. He visibly lightened. Official signatures and stamps were made and Sasuke was his again. It was a new day for Naruto. It was a wonderful day.
The case of Sasuke Uchiha came to a final conclusion and was officially announced.
It was a break. A breathe of peace. A bleak ray of sunshine falling through dark rainy clouds.
Sasuke stayed silent. Rage bubbled underneath his skin. Then, it slowly died down. He was tired. How much do these people have to talk? Give me a break.
Funny. Everyone was living in their own idealistic bubble.
Sasuke almost laughed when the Council of old blokes, dumb and dumbasses were talking about his life, his bloodline, making plans and being happy about it, as if he were not right in front of them.
Naruto was there. He made him kneel. Sasuke didn't feel like laughing anymore. He had struggled against his hold but self harm had always come easy to Sasuke. He quieten down quickly then. He was tired, after all.
Blood was pounding in his ears. His mind built blocks around itself. It was hard for him to focus what nonsensical things they were talking. Sasuke didn't care anyways. He remained as he was.
Too tired. Too exhausted.
If I were you, I would burn this world too.
He didn't want to think anymore. So, he stayed silent and focused on gathering his energy and shattered pride.
It won't help him to stay tired like this.
He was going to burn this world, afterall.