Shadows

(Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and it rightfully belongs to Masashi Kishimoto)

(This is sort of a fic connected to another story of mine titled 'Legacy' that is focused on Naruto but this and that are stand alones. No need to read the other to get this one)

There was a huge explosion and then there was death.

Sasuke Uchiha's body ran on adrenaline and the last thing he could remember was shouting his best friend's name as his wife healed their friend. Then there were cries. Sasuke Uchiha has once again witnessed the death of someone, who he treated and considered as, family. Somehow, deep inside, he knew. He knew what was to come but he just could not believe it. Sasuke wrapped his arm around his wife, he was not sure if he was comforting her or was he comforting himself, probably both.

Sasuke could not stay for long, he had to fight up front, he had to protect the leaf, he had to fulfill his oath.

'If Naruto is not here to protect the village, then I will'

There was a quick shared look from him and his wife. He and Sakura shouldered huge responsibilities that they had to do. Their grief will have to be postponed. For now, the safety of the village was their priority.

Sasuke was surrounded by destruction. It was a familiar scene that he did not want to relive. From the corner of his eye, he saw his daughter about to be crushed by an upcoming attack. He was about to run towards her and carry her away, but she was able to punch through the attack. Sasuke was reminded that Sarada was not only his daughter, she was also Sakura's daughter. He was proud that she grew up to be as strong as Sakura. Sasuke couldn't ask for more.

Fighting with one eye was always a challenge. Sasuke couldn't get used to it, maybe he was getting old or maybe he wasn't as sharp as he was before. Sasuke could feel a gash on his left side before maneuvering away from his opponent. He couldn't help but think, if he still had the rinnegan this would not be this hard.

Another attack was about to be aimed on his back, but a clash of blades occurred. Boruto stood behind his mentor, blocking the attack. Sasuke could notice his red and puffy eyes. The boy had just lost his father and was already back in battle. This was not the life Sasuke and Naruto envisioned for them. They were supposed to live in peace, both of them were supposed to maintain and protect that peace.

'All those years of being away from my family… were they wasted?'

Sasuke's thoughts wandered but his reflexes kept him fighting, alongside his student. If it all came to this, then shouldn't he just stayed and spent time with his family? The time spent on his travels, if he spent it with Sarada, then Sarada wouldn't have thought of Sakura not being her mother. He could've saved his family from the pain he inflicted.

'No, the peace was maintained… and we were able to keep up till this moment'

He had to be rational, saying he wasted his time and efforts meant Naruto also wasted his. They were not wasted. Not on Sasuke's watch. If he had to die protecting the village then he would. Not a second pass and he and Boruto were knocked down. Sasuke was about to activate his Susanoo to protect them until Sarada came and blocked the attack.

Sasuke did not waste another moment and attacked their opponent. He, his daughter, and his student fought together. Sasuke began to remember his days with team 7 when they were still genin. Would they have had more moments like this if he didn't leave? Would he be able to fight along with them as he searched for Itachi? Was it possible to achieve his goals without leaving them?

Those were just wishful thoughts. Sasuke knew that there was no use of musing the past when it was already done. He knew that he should live with the mistakes he did, what he got was what he deserved. Until now, Sasuke thinks that he did not deserve his family because of the things he'd done but Sakura always reminded him that was not the case.

'I love you, me and Sarada do'

Sasuke Uchiha was determined, he will defeat them, and he will be able to come home to his family. He will protect the leaf and continue what him and Naruto started. He will come out unscathed.

But that was not the case.

A huge attack was coming to them. There was no time for them to run. Sasuke has been using his mangekyou Sharingan for quite some time now. He knew pulling something big would cost him the majority of his chakra. Despite this, Sasuke called upon Susanoo. The purple armored dojutsu appeared shielding them from the impact. It was able to slice through it and penetrate their enemy.

'Dad, they're retreating… Dad?"

As the Susanoo was dissipating, so did Sasuke's consciousness. He was right, he used too much chakra…

"Sakura…"

Sasuke weakly whispered. Standing beside him was his wife, laser focus on healing him.

"Sh, I need to focus"

He couldn't help but smile, it was the same thing she said in the aftermath of the fight between him and Naruto.

Sasuke's eye was blurry, but he made sure that he could see Sakura well. He tried to savor in the fact that she was there. There were no other people in the room, it was just the two of them.

"I love you"

Sasuke said to his wife. He wanted her to know, he wanted to remind her, he wanted to say it once more. She needed to know that she was part of the reason why he was doing this. She needed to know that it was for her and Sarada.

"Say that once you're fully healed"

There was a short moment before tears started to fall from Sakura's eyes.

"I love you too so please stay with me"

Sasuke hummed in response. He felt tired. He wanted to sleep. Yes, sleep would be nice. The green glow on Sakura's hand felt warm. It was the same feeling he felt when he sees her eyes…

"Sasuke!"

"I'll see you later…"

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"Sasuke"

The voice was familiar and Sasuke slowly opened his eyes. They were under a tree and went his eyes were fully opened, Itachi was in front of him.

"Ita-"

Before he could finish what he was saying, Itachi flicked his forehead to which Sasuke responded by rubbing his forehead gently.

"You've grown so much"

Sasuke could not believe his eyes. There crouching in front of him was his brother. Itachi stood up and offered a hand to his brother. Sasuke accepted it and stood up. What laid before them was a field of flowers. It reminded Sasuke of flowers he would pick before to give to his mother.

"Itachi I-"

"It's ok, I know what you're about to say. I understand"

Sasuke gulped, his throat seems to have something constricting him. He calmed himself before speaking again.

"Your niece, Sarada, she reminds me of you"

Sasuke started. He stared at the field before them as he remembered his daughter.

"She's smart and clever, and she's got the temper of her mother"

"Well, she's a great fighter then"

"Greater than we'll ever be"

Sasuke was happy at that moment, he was with his brother, and everything was in peace. Then he saw his brother's serious face.

"Sasuke, you shouldn't be here, as much as I want to spend more time with you, you still have to stay there"

Itachi's words struck Sasuke. He shouldn't be here. Sakura was calling for him and Sarada… He was still not sure if Sarada was fine. There was Boruto, he had to be there for the kid. He shouldn't be here just yet, not now.

"Ni-chan I have to go back"

Itachi smiled and did what he always did to Sasuke. He poked his fingers on his forehead and said,

"I'll see you later"

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"Sasuke!"

Sasuke woke up and was greeted by his wife who was now crying. His daughter was also there barely holding back her tears. He reached out to them with one hand to hug them.

Sasuke Uchiha still has to live. Sasuke Uchiha still has to protect. Sasuke Uchiha still has to be a husband to his wife and a father to his daughter.

''If Naruto is not here to protect the village, then I will'

Sasuke Uchiha, the protector from the shadows.

A/N

Hi! Thanks for reading this! I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks and bye 3