Chapter 3

The Yearning of a Lonely Heart

After leaving the Hokage building, Sasuke was making his way in the general direction of where his family's compound stood in the Uchiha District, right on the edge of the village. To this day it still angered him the way his family faced much prejudice. How based off of some unbiased suspicion from both the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and the Village Elders had about the Uchiha. His family was pushed away and treated as if they were scum. They were thrown away and segregated from the rest of the village. It was astounding, staggering even, how the cruel mechanisms of a certain few who believed did the right thing terminated the hopes and dreams of many of his kin. Some where even younger then he was when his brother was ordered to end their existence. His brother, knowing full well the repercussions of his decision, decided that his life was more precious then theirs. For that Sasuke would always be both eternally grateful and forever remorseful. He tried many times to place himself in his brother Uchiha Itachi's shoes, to see if faced with the same decision, if he himself would go through with what his brother did. Each time he was faced with the same answer. He would not. He doubted he would be able to look at both of his parents faces and butcher them down. He wouldn't be able to bare with the guilt of knowing he would no longer see his mothers loving smile or his fathers stern face. Just remembering when he was placed in the Genjutsu that night always made shivers run up his spine. He clearly remembered watching and replaying over and over again as his brother took the lives of his kin. Death did not discriminate that night. There was enough blood and gore to make even the most seasoned shinobi quiver in fear. That dreadful evening became the catalyst that marked his life forever.

It wasn't until a little before the 4th Great Shinobi War, after a gruesome battle were he had successfully ended Itachi's life, that he learned the truth that weighed upon his beloved brother's shoulders. Sasuke vowed that the sacrifice his brother made for the Village of Konoha would not go unjust. He would ensure that Kakashi or whoever sat in the Hokage office would bring to light the transgressions the village elders committed against his clan. The two elders Koharu and Homura and all the citizens of Konoha would know who Uchiha Sasuke was.

Once Sasuke reached the edge of the village. He approached the gates of his old home. As he neared the gates. He realized just how abandoned his childhood home really looked. The gate door's that once stood proudly with his clan symbol were rotting away, They were practically falling off their hinges. He could still see bits and pieces of the yellow caution tape that were pinned to the door's that warned people NOT to enter his family's district. The walls that surrounded his childhood home were crumbling here and there. The parts that were still visibly standing had over grown brush. It seemed Mother Nature was trying to reclaim her land back. He had heard a while back that the village had been attacked by a Akatsuki named Pein that laid the whole village to waste. In a way he was glad that his district was far enough away from the chaos, but looking at the gate now. If the gate was in this state he could only imagine what the inside looked like. This was a sad reminder to Sasuke that the village cared little about his family, but he would change that. He will make everyone know who The Uchiha were.

His family, his clan, were proud people who felt emotions more strongly then others. They were fierce and feared for their battle prowess and strategic minds. There was a reason for their arrogance. The Uchiha knew how to fight. When one battled an Uchiha who had awaken their Sharingan you had to give it your all in order to defeat one. And when they loved, they loved to the fullest extent of the word. They were passionate and ardent lovers. Very loyal to their significant other, only believing in monogamous relationships. They never steered away from their chosen partner. Just as an Uchiha loved with every fiber of their being they hurt just as strongly. These strong feelings are what trigger the awakening of their Kekkei Genkai, The Sharingan.

As Sasuke stood there looking at the remnants of his family's gate. It clicked to Sasuke at that moment that what he was searching for? What his tattered heart had been yearning through out his travels for? Was for a place to belong. Where he would be loved and needed. A place he could call his own. His Sanctuary. Where he could just be himself without the titles. Where he was not known as the Last Uchiha, The Lone Survivor, and a War Hero second only to Naruto. Where he could just be Sasuke to someone. Looking at the gate doors and after his talk with Kakashi about fixing his compound. He knew he would need to fill it. He knew it the moment he walked through the village market seeing all those couples nuzzled against each other holding hands that he wanted that. He wanted what his parents once had, maybe not exactly, but close enough. He wanted to come home to someone. To be greeted at the door with a warm welcome filled with loving smiles and tender kisses. He wanted to tightly wrap his arms around someone as they held him just as equally. To feel the warmth and love of someone as they looked at him with such intensity. He wanted to hear the pitter patter of little feet as his children laughed in the background. Where they would run up to him once they knew he was home and greet him. Where he would crouch down and outstretch his arms after letting go of their mother and embrace them. Sasuke wanted that. He yearned for it and in order for him to reach his goal. He just needed to be less socially awkward towards the opposite sex. Though, he did have a inkling felling that he would eventually reach that goal, no, dream. It sounded a lot better to him. With a small smile and a slight shake of his head Sasuke walked passed his childhood home and down the road. He would be home soon.

It took no further then half a mile down the road for Sasuke to find the Inn he would be staying for the next two weeks. There was a sign that hung above the front door of a two story building that read "The Red Koi". It looked fairly nice, quiet even which he liked a lot. It was not very luxurious. It was very quaint indeed. He knew just by looking at the place he would like it. He was never one for luxuries. He never really needed them. He spent most of his teenage years in underground lairs with Orochimaru; beds and such were a privilege. Plus, he did spend 3 years after the war ended wandering around sleeping on forest floors and living off the land. This gave Sasuke a new sense of appreciation for what he was given. A second chance at life. He knew he would not squander this new opportunity. If it wasn't for Naruto and Kakashi speaking on his behalf to the other Kage. He had a pretty good idea where he would be right now. He was grateful to have them both. It would probably take him the rest of his life to repay the freedom he was now living. With that in mind Sasuke took out the note form his pants pocket. He checked if the address that was written on the piece of paper matched with the one on the building. Satisfied that the address was correct Sasuke opened the door and went inside. Once inside the lobby Sasuke took a chance to observe around the entrance of the Inn. It looked simple enough. There were a couple of Banzai trees in the corners by the door he just entered. There was also a pretty comfortable looking wine colored couch on the left side of the lobby along the wall. Next to the couch were two wooden lamp tables and a bamboo coffee table in front of the couch. Underneath the furniture there was a rug that looked similar in color to the couch. There was also a stair case that looked like it lead to the second floor of the building right off to the right of the couch. All-in-all it looked quite comfortable. When Sasuke finished with his assessment of the lobby. A man that looked somewhere in his mid 40's to early 50's greeted him.

"Well hello there young man! What can I do for ya?" greeted the man. "I'm looking for a place to stay for the next two weeks. I was told to come here by the Hokage Hatake Kakashi. " replied Sasuke. "Is that so, well its a good thing you came. Name's Hideki Oshiro. I'm the owner of this here Inn The Red Koi. I'm guessing your the young man I've been expecting." asked Oshiro. "You were expecting me?" questioned Sasuke. "Just before you arrived I had just gotten word from one of the shinobi that a tall young man would be arriving here soon. Though, I must say it took you quite a bit to get here." said Oshiro smiling at Sasuke. "Hn, I took a detour on my way here. I just hope you'll be able to accommodate me for that length of time?" inquired Sasuke. "No worries young man. Any friend of the Hokage is welcomed to stay here for as long as they need. And as far as payment goes, the Hokage mentioned he would take care of everything. So don't you fret. Now I don't believe I got your name young man?" questioned the owner. "I didn't give it...name's Sasuke by the way." said Sasuke. "What no last name. I doubt that a fine young man like yourself doesn't have one." pushed Oshiro. "Its Sasuke. Uchiha Sasuke." stated Sasuke. "Uchiha Sasuke" whispered Oshiro going over Sasuke's name in his head. "Wait, don't tell me your that Sasuke. The one who helped Naruto save the world!?" exclaimed Oshiro. "I wouldn't say I helped save the world." said Sasuke. "Nonsense. If it wasn't for both of you we wouldn't be here talking right now. So at the very least allow me to extend my thanks for your efforts." said Oshiro "Thank you young Sasuke for everything" thanked Oshiro as he took a few steps away from the desk and bowed. "If there is anything you need, anything at all. Don't hesitate to ask."informed Oshiro. "Thanks there was no need for the gratitude but I appreciate it. Now about that room?" Asked Sasuke. "Yes, yes well you'll be staying in room 10. The room is located up the stairs and down the hall. The room is on your left hand side. Well if there is nothing left, here is the key to your room." said Oshiro handing Sasuke the key. "I hope you enjoy your stay Sasuke" said Oshiro thoughtfully. "Thanks Oshiro" said Sasuke as he turned and made his way up the stairs and down the hall to his room.

When Sasuke arrived at the door to his room. He used the key to turn the knob and pushed the door opened. The room was dark. The only light the room had was of the moon entering through a window that was close to the bed. Sasuke lifted has arm and began to feel around the room's wall for the light switch. Once he found it the rooms light flicked on. The room just like the rest of the Inn was also simple. The room carried your basic essentials like a bed that was against the wall in the far right corner of the room next to a window, a night stand, a closet, and a door that he guessed led to the bathroom. Sasuke stepped inside the room and closed the door behind himself. He slowly moved towards bed with a couple of strides. Hovering over the bed, Sasuke slightly bent himself to test the softness of the mattress using his hand. Once content with the feel of the bed. Sasuke sat down and allowed his wary body to let go. He fell backwards on the bed only letting half of his body lay on the mattress. Using his left arm to cover his eyes. He finally allowed himself to think. He thought of the things he would do tomorrow. He thought of going out into the village and explore the new changes. He needed to get reacquainted with his surroundings maybe he'd find a nice place to eat. He thought of seeking out Naruto and Sakura and informing them of his decision to finally stay permanently. He also thought of possibly finding a nice little quiet area and getting a little training in. Then his thoughts came back to her. The Hyuga woman. If he remembered correctly Kakashi said her name was Hinata. Maybe, just maybe, while he was out exploring and seeking, maybe their paths would cross. That way he could probably reintroduce himself. Kakashi did say they went to the same class together. To think a person like her existed in the academy and he didn't notice. Well, at that age he barley gave two craps about anything that didn't involve him getting stronger.

Sasuke smirked right before he removed his arm from his eyes and got up. He made his way to the bathroom, turned on the light, closed the door, and turned on the shower and adjusted it to hot. He removed his clothing piece by piece and folded them neatly. He left his neatly folded worn out clothes by the bathroom sink. He would definitely have to go looking for new clothes tomorrow while he was out exploring. Sasuke entered the shower and let his muscles relax under pressure of the hot water. Sasuke let out a moan of pleasure as the hot water dripped down his tense body. Every inch of his lean, tone, and muscular body was screaming in ecstasy as the water dripped off every ridge and curve. He grabbed the bath towel that he found in the shower and applied soap. Once the towel was lathered up he began to clean his tired body and rinsed himself off. After he was done showering, he grabbed a towel that was provided for the guest of the Inn and dried himself off. He placed the towel around his waist and exited the bathroom. He then headed for the light switch to turn off the light. Now that he was in the dark with only the moon to guide his way to the bed. Sasuke made his way over and laid down on the mattress. As soon as his head hit the pillow Sasuke was out like a light. His body had finally given way to the exhaustion and the fatigue it felt the moment he decided to end his atonement and search for his dream. Now Sasuke was not a dreamer. No sir he was not. He was a achiever of goals but with this he could dare to dream.