Author's notes: Sorry for such a late update. I've had a lot of things go to hell in my life lately, so needed a break. I'm doing better now, so updates should be half normal. No schedule for the moment as I seriously need to play catch-up now. I do hope you enjoy this chapter. It is a bit of a longer one, so sit tight and enjoy.


Paradox
07. I Promise

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He was lost. Very lost. What could he do? Everything was somehow even more fucked. His head felt like it was going to explode. Naruto had come back to the Uchiha compound, looking out of it as well, but at the same time determined. Sasuke just felt… broken. What was the right thing to do? He should avenge his clan, and he understood somewhat why his other-self was wanting to take over things. But he had stooped a lot lower than Sasuke would ever allow himself to get to, at least, that was what he had hoped.

Naruto was sitting in front of him, on their newly purchased futons—

("What do you think of this one?" Naruto asked, pointing at one that was way too expensive for what it is.

"Don't waste money, dobe."

A huff. "Fine.")

He was babbling on about some nonsense that Sasuke could not find himself to give a damn about.

"Oh yeah, what happened with you and Itachi?"

A quick glance with the sharingan, and Naruto knew everything, and like him, he looked puzzled and lost. "Hey—wait. What? The village did that? What the fuck?" he then looked disturbed, "Did you seriously just show me everything with a look. What the hell? When did you learn that?"

"I've always been able to do that," Sasuke rolled his eyes, finding himself a little at ease with Naruto's presence. "I've just never needed to."

Naruto let out a groan, "I so don't get your sharingan."

"That's because you're a dobe."

"Oh, shut up teme."

The two sat in silence for a while, seemingly both in thought.

Naruto broke the silence (typical) with, "Hinata told me Boruto's conception date."

Sasuke spared him a glance, "Yeah?"

The blond was oddly serious, frowning to himself, his arms crossed. "She wants me to…" It went unsaid, but both kids knew what he was referring to. This felt… oddly manipulative. Of course it was, they would have to plan for her pregnancy. Or at least, Naruto would.

Sakura, for now, had not said anything about Sarada's conception date. As it was, Sasuke knew better to ask about it, considering how she reacted to when he mentioned that he wanted the young girl to exist. It still bothered him though. He wondered if Itachi would know, but the thought of talking to his older brother again about anything made him feel prickly. For now, he would leave it. If Sakura wanted him to know, surely she would say something? But at the same time, he knew he didn't want to leave it until last minute… but he did not want to force the woman to answer.

Dark eyes flickered onto the blond, "Are you going to…?"

Naruto looked nervous, "It's… what she wants."

"How do you feel about it all?" Sasuke asked.

"I mean…" he shook his head, "Don't change the subject. How are you doing?"

"You saw. I don't know how to feel…" Sasuke glanced away, not liking talking about his feelings, but this was probably better than bottling it up and quite literally exploding.

The Uzumaki crossed his arms, "I don't… I don't think the village should be held responsible for it. The old geezer and the elders were more so at fault, than anyone who didn't even know."

Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, "The village as a whole blamed Itachi."

"Yeah, but… they don't know," Naruto glanced away, "I'm sure it was heavily under wraps by the Hokage."

Nodding his head mutely, he dropped down onto his pillow and rolled to his side. It was starting to get late. "I'm going to sleep."

"But—"

"Shut up."

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Two days later, Sakura was within the kitchen, chatting to Itachi. Itachi had went away for a day to calm his own nerves, she guessed. Everything was in the open now.

"So, he knows, then?" Sakura asked, her eyes shifting uncomfortably. "How… How did he react?"

The older brother let out a sigh, "Not positively, but not as bad as it could have been. I believe he has a lot to think about now."

She glanced over at him, "Do you think he can change – in your honest opinion?"

"I… would like to hope so. I wouldn't like to believe that the future is set in stone. I just hope that he comes to the right conclusion…" Itachi let out after a moment of quietness surrounded the two of them.

Sakura knew that Itachi would tell the truth, after all. Even though both of the boys had only been here for four days, now. Itachi had learned of it when he had come to report to the village. Itachi would sit around now, and await Sasuke's (and no doubt Obito's) arrival. Itachi was one of the few that would be powerful enough to defeat his brother, after all he also had the eternal mangekyou sharingan, minus a rinnegan. But Itachi had a lot more experience with the Uchiha's bloodline.

("Where did you find these?" Itachi asked, touching the bandages against his eyes.

Sakura had only just transplanted the eyes over. His eyes did not return with him, when he came to life, as Sasuke had them now. While he was as powerful as he once was, one thing that was missing was his bloodline limit. The sickness—tuberculosis—was also long gone, considering there had been an outbreak of it about a year prior, so a cure was developed and the disease was practically eradicated.

"… They didn't destroy them. We found them when we stormed a base in the Land of Iron," she said, looking away.

"Ah."

Itachi stood up, and faced the woman. "I know what he did, Sakura-san."

Sakura shot him a pained look, even if he could not see it.

"… These eyes seem to hold his memories. I'm sure my own eyes have shown him my past as well…" Itachi said, seemingly musing, "How is that daughter of yours?"

"She's well. She's only six months old," Sakura smiled to herself, "She's very…"

Itachi chuckled at this, "I may not interact with her myself, but I do look forward to seeing the person she will become."

Sakura nodded mutely, holding her hand against her chest. Itachi dropped his head down. "I will be around, if she needs. I can't… show myself to her, but I will protect her and watch over her. It's what the girl deserves."

"Thank you, Itachi-san.")

The two heard bare feet slapping against the wooden floors, and Sarada made her way into the kitchen. Heavy bags were beneath her eyes, and she adjusted her glasses quietly. She yawned, and Itachi noticed that her hair was very messy. She had not slept well. He couldn't blame her. She was probably afraid of what was to come. While Kakashi had yet to announce the arrival of two war criminals, plus no doubt an army, there was a lot of fear spread through the streets. Most shinobi around chuunin rank knew, but Kakashi was unsure of where he could evacuate everyone. He had gotten into contact with Orochimaru, in a hope that maybe he could send his village to his underground bunkers, but… it was not guaranteed that it would happen. Orochimaru had once said that he had also revived Itachi fully, due to the possibility that his own son, Mitsuki could be raised within the village.

It seemed that the so-called heartless snake cared for the boy, even if he did not say it or show it. Maybe he wanted the boy to have a different life to what Orochimaru has. Kakashi, while not happy with having someone close to the hebi sannin in the village, allowed it. After all, the truth of Itachi's story was validated when Kakashi went through the personal archives of Danzo. While the man was secretive, one of his ex-ROOT operatives knew how to decode the files. Sai was his name, from what Itachi had remembered.

It was early in the morning, and Itachi had stayed away from his young brother. He did not want to force him into making a decision, but time wasn't exactly on their side. He has had over twenty-four hours to think everything through.

"Hey, Itachi," Sarada yawned, glancing at the tall man, "Um…"

His attention focused onto his niece. While he had not been there to personally see the girl grow, he had seen snippets from pictures within Sakura's house, as well as his own spying on her when he would return from trailing Sasuke. He cared a lot for the girl, and understood that she wanted to one day become a Hokage. He hoped that her dream would be realised one day, but the way things were going now, he was unsure if that was a dream that she would be allowed to fulfil. Sarada may be their last hope, along with her teammates Mitsuki and Boruto.

Sakura's attention was on the girl too. She was not wearing her lab coat, instead wearing combat gear. Rather than the usual grey colours, she was wearing a red tank top with a zip down the middle, fishnets connecting from her upper arm down to her fingers, and black leather gloves. Along with this, she was wearing dark pants, with combat boots. Itachi was also wearing combat gear, with his hair tied into a neat braid.

"What is it, Sarada?" Itachi asked, curious as to what the girl wanted to say.

"Sorry if this is weird," she glanced down, blushing slightly, "Do… do you mind if I call you oji-san?"

He blinked. Once. Twice. Oh.

Oh. He felt his heart almost flutter at that. Almost.

"If… that makes you happy, Sarada," he said, giving her a small smile.

"Cool, thank you, oji-san."

Sakura giggled behind him, "Aw, Sarada."

The girl rolled her eyes. That's when Itachi noticed it. A crow on her shoulder…

The man let out a low whistle, and the bird rustled to life. Its attention solely on Itachi.

"Where did you find that, Sarada?"

Sakura gave Itachi a look, "His name's Kuro. Why do you ask? Is he one of yours?"

Itachi nodded, "Yeah…"

Kuro chirped in response. Normally, the whistle would call the bird over, but he seemed happy on the girl's shoulder. Itachi had not noticed the bird right away, which was odd, but he supposed he was just checking on Sarada herself.

"When did he arrive here?" It was weird, the bird—the bird might have noticed who Sarada was, and—

A bird realising that? Well. Stranger things have happened before.

This time, Sarada answered, yawning before speaking, "A couple of years ago. He's yours? Wow."

"You didn't have him check on Sarada, right?"

"No, he… got away. I was going to destroy it."

Sarada gave her uncle a feral look, "Do not do that."

"The crow holds a hidden power, and I didn't want it to fall into Obito's or Sasuke's hands," Itachi answered coolly, "Still. This might work in our favour. Maybe."

Sakura tilted her head at this, while Sarada just looked outright puzzled.

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Kakashi had called for both boys to return to his office. Within the room was the Hokage, Shikamaru, Naruto and Sasuke. Shikamaru looked flustered, while Kakashi watched on with a knowing stare.

"When you were both transported here, it happened with the chidori and the rasengan, yes?" Shikamaru asked, "Was there anything else, maybe something affecting your chakras?"

Naruto tapped his stomach wearily, while Sasuke found himself scratching the curse mark.

Instantly, the Hokage understood, "The kyuubi and the curse mark…"

Shikamaru nodded. "I can't imagine either of you have any control over this, yes?"

The two boys shook their heads in unison. Naruto did not like the fact that Shikamaru clearly knew that he was the kyuubi container. He could feel the fox sneering within him – 'You only survived because of my power, don't forget that, brat.' He snarled. Naruto had not heard from the kyuubi for a couple of days, and hearing his voice made him shake slightly. He had needed extra power in order to keep up with Sasuke's demonic form, but… He did not like relying on the beast that resided within his stomach. The feeling of the kyuubi's dark chakra always made him unhappy, considering the beast was evil…

Kakashi sighed, "Naruto hasn't made friends with Kurama just yet."

'What? He knows my name?' the kyuubi snapped, 'Shitty Hokage with his shitty sharingan.'

Kakashi pulled up his hitai-ate, revealing his sharingan, and Naruto felt himself pulled in. It was within the blink of an eye. One moment he was standing in front of Kakashi, the next he was beside the man staring at a cage. The fox was facing them, his crimson eyes narrow.

"Kurama, I understand that it's hard, but we need your help," Kakashi said, his tone soft and soothing – a weird tone to be coming from Naruto's lazy sensei.

While Naruto had seen flashes of the kyuubi – of Kurama he knew that he did not want to be in this space for any longer. He let out a shrill growl, glaring at the fox that was stuck behind the thick, iron bars of its cage. The beast had its arms tangled in chains.

'Why would I help you, scarecrow?' Kurama growled his angered response, 'So what if the kid gets killed, it means I'm free from his stupidity.'

"You die as well, you know that," Kakashi said in response, crossing his arms, "You and Naruto do become friends in the future, that is the only reason I'm taking a chance in talking to you now. My Naruto spoke of you highly."

Kurama rolled his eyes, before focusing on the short blond, 'As if I would find myself friends with this brat.'

The Hokage sighed, "I do forget how hard you are to talk to at times. Just realise that you will become friends with this 'brat', and you will lend him your power one day, without wanting to take him over to escape."

Naruto glanced at Kakashi, "I become friends with it!?"

Once more, Kakashi pulled them out of the bubbly prison and they were back in the office, as if nothing had happened.

"We don't fully understand how to control the curse mark, so that's not an option either…"

"What about Boruto and Sarada?" Shikamaru asked, "Doesn't Boruto know the rasengan? I'm sure you can train Sarada the chidori."

Kakashi looked glum, "I wasn't planning on showing her how to use it," his eyes flickered over to Sasuke, "Not with how it has been used, in his hands."

"Well, you might have to in order to send them back. We need more chakra than what these guys can do like this, with Sarada and Boruto, it should be just enough, according to my calculations," Shikamaru said, "There's no other way. If the fox isn't going to cooperate, and Sasuke can't willingly go into the second stage, then this is our only option."

"Wait, you want the kids to come back with us?"

"No, that'll cause too many issues," Kakashi responded, "But… if you do it at the same time in proximity to each-other…"

"A portal should open that both of you can go into, and Sarada and Boruto will remain. I don't think they would even be able to go into it, considering what happened with you two was an anomaly," Shikamaru said, nodding to himself, "There must have been something weird happening with the dimensions that day, which made a hole appear in the time-space continuum."

Naruto blinked. 'What? This makes my head hurt.' 'He's saying that the kids shouldn't follow you both back, fucking idiot. Just take it as it is.'

Why was the kyuubi – Kurama? – being talkative now. Naruto did not like it.

Sasuke spoke up now, "That just seems coincidental. 'Weird dimensions'."

Both Shikamaru and Kakashi shrugged, "Honestly, considering there are other beings living in other dimensions, we aren't really surprised," Shikamaru said in a clipped tone, leaving no room for questions.

Naruto was just… confused. Still…

"As for you two, I've decided on what is going to happen."

Naruto's ears perked up at this.

"And?" Sasuke asked, voice soft now, "Are we going back with our memories?"

"Well, it depends on your answer. I know that I'm sending Naruto back with his memories intact, as I believe he can change things. But for you? I am still unsure," Kakashi said, resting his hand on the green cover of a book on his desk 'Icha Icha'. Naruto felt his eyes roll. Of course.

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Sasuke glared at the Hokage. An answer? What sort of answer was he looking for? Sasuke supposed it depended on the question he was about to be asked. He straightened up, his spine clicking – 'Ow. Did Sarada get a hit on me?'.

"How do you feel about the Leaf?"

'Thought he might ask about that...'

"And don't try and lie," Shikamaru said, voice quiet but at the same time deadly, "It's pretty easy to tell when a little brat is lying."

This time, the Uchiha glared at the Nara. In response, the man just lit a cigarette and took a deep puff. He really had no presence around these guys… Normally, his glare would stop anyone from antagonising him.

Kakashi side-eyed the Nara, no doubt not appreciating him smoking in the Hokage mansion, but… well…

"What sort of question is that!?" Naruto shouted, loud as always.

"It makes sense as to what you would answer, but Sasuke is different. I'm sure he's told you what he's found out, but…" Kakashi did not finish his sentence, "It's up to you, Sasuke. Are you willing to let things settle, and become the way they are now—" "Teme won't beat me this time!" Kakashi shot a look at the Uzumaki, who went mute very quickly, "—or try and change things for the better, whether it be for yourself… or for others…?"

Sasuke had the last two days to think over everything. He still felt like he did not have enough time to think things over, but… He did wonder if it was worth trying to 'forgive' the Leaf for what they had done to his clan, in order to prevent the shit future that they had now. But… part of him wanted to gain power in order to make the village pay. However, that thought was blown off from seeing Sakura's face like that in the genjutsu that his brother had shown him. But… Could he really let it go? Sasuke wasn't sure. He really wasn't. Would the darkness that dwelled within him drag him down, like it had done to his other-self? Perhaps, but…

His eyes were on the floor as he thought. The silence was suffocating, even he could feel that. Sasuke did not know how to answer, in such a way where Shikamaru would not accuse him of lying. He believed Shikamaru was telling the truth, that he could tell when someone was lying. The man was a genius; it wasn't a far-fetched idea that he knew how to read people's body language and whatnot. Hell, thanks to his sharingan, Sasuke could often tell if someone was telling a lie to him, so…

His thoughts were plagued with the deaths of his clan, but at the same time he saw to an extent what he would become, following the path forward. He wanted power, sure, as his goals needed him to get stronger. But…

Was it worth it?

Was it really worth it?

"I don't…" Sasuke glanced away, "I can't forgive the Leaf, not right now. But I don't have any intentions to destroy it."

"Could that change?" Kakashi asked, leaning forward, hands under his chin. "Is that something that will change, the moment we allow you to return, knowing all of this?"

The Uchiha shrugged, "I can't… I can't promise that. I've barely had time to register everything that Itachi told me. I still feel that it could be a lie, but at the same time…" he shook his head, "The village isn't one of my concerns at this point."

'Hell, Itachi isn't either,' Sasuke thought to himself, 'Could I… Could I go after him still, like I had planned?'

The Hokage leaned back and clicked his tongue. "I'll send you back, as the way you are now. I'll allow it," his eyes shot to Shikamaru, "Can you talk to Sakura, and let me know when Sarada is available? If she is, tell her to meet me at the training grounds in an hour."

Shikamaru nodded, and bowed. He was about to head out before he shot a look to the Hokage over his shoulder, "He isn't lying. He seems conflicted, but I don't sense any negativity towards you or the Leaf at the moment, so… it could be worth the risk, for now," his eyes flickered over to Naruto, "But… if it comes to it… you need to kill him. I don't care about the bond you two apparently share, it's not worth losing everything and everyone like this," his eyes showed sadness, "Suna was the last to go, before us."

Sasuke tilted his head at this, something akin to sadness and anger flickered over the man's face, before he waved and left.

The Uchiha's attention returned to Kakashi, who was now writing something out, before doing a quick hand sign. The note closed neatly, and a seal appeared on the back of it, from what Sasuke could see.

"Naruto, come closer for a moment," he said softly.

Naruto did as he was told, not making a sound. Kakashi handed the letter over. "This is a letter of amnesty. This particular sign," he pointed at the unique seal, "is only known by the Hokages of past, present and future. It'll allow you to… well… do things that may not exactly reflect the laws of the Land of Fire. It's… It's a last-resort, if you are needing to be forgiven of anything you might do or need to do."

"What do you mean? We won't break any laws—"

Kakashi shrugged, "Look, you don't know that now. You may have to. It's just something that might come in handy, for you both," his lone eye was now on Sasuke, "I do hope you don't wreck this chance that we have given you, but… I do have to place some faith in you. Your name is included in this."

So he also had a chance at forgiveness… if things…

He nodded. He needed to think of what he needed to do. What he and Naruto needed to do.

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Sarada had arrived fifteen minutes earlier than what her sensei had asked. She stretched her arms, before going to her legs. Her mama had always said that it's best to stretch before training, but to be aware that during battle you may not have that time. While she was a lowly genin, she had done bits and pieces for her mother when her mother was on missions. Normally, this would be frowned upon, but, well… Considering there were less shinobi due to the war, then…

Kuro chirped and plucked her hair. He was hanging around a lot. Maybe he wanted food. She had been feeding him, of course… but… He normally only was around for a couple of hours, and would come by a couple of times a week. Maybe he sensed her feelings, and wanted to comfort her.

Academy students were only ever allowed on missions with jonin plus shinobi. Her mother was considered kage level, even if she was a jonin. She knew her mother worked with ANBU sometimes, but was never enrolled. Rarely, Sarada would accompany missions that may need the use of the sharingan to find illusions or to find hidden seals. It had only happened two or three times, and they were very easy missions – from what her mother said. Hell, there was no combat in any of them. She remembered one time where she had to find a genjutsu that hid away medical herbs that were very rare, and could only be accessed by sharingan-users or those particularly exceptional in genjutsu skills.

Normally, her sensei would be late by quite a bit, but for once he was early. He was reading his typical book, and turned a page before placing a bookmark in the centre and closing it. He shoved it inside one of his pockets, and regarded the girl coolly.

"Hey, sensei," she said, unable to be as bubbly as normal.

She had been surprised when her teacher wanted a training session, considering she was thinking he would be busy with planning for her father's arrival. But… here he was. Normally, she would be elated at getting to train with him, but now? She just felt dread. What did he need her to do?

Kakashi had taught her many jutsu previously, including the signature katon from the Uchiha clan. It had been taught to her when she was about eight, and she picked it up relatively easily.

"Sarada," he nodded, before giving her a small smile under his mask, "I have something to teach you, but I do need to ask a favour of you. I need you to help Sasuke and Naruto get back."

"My eyes aren't advanced enough for that," she said instantly. She knew the next level of the sharingan – the mangekyou – could hold incredible abilities, but she has not met the conditions for her eyes to activate like that.

He chuckled, "No. That's not what I meant. I need you to learn a jutsu called the chidori."

The girl watched as the man did a few hand-signs, before cupping his wrist and she watched as sparks darted out of his palm before it became an orb with sparks dancing off of it, and the sound of birds. It was… kind of pretty. In a way. She watched as the jutsu was undone, and he shook his hand before smiling once more under his mask.

"It… looks really cool," she said, activating her sharingan so she could memorize the signs.

"It's… sort of a failed attempt on the rasengan. I wanted a raiton styled rasengan. But… well. You need the sharingan to use it. Luckily for you," he crossed his arms, "You have it."

'Oh! That's even cooler!'

He walked closer to her, "Though, for me to teach you this. I need you to promise me one thing."

"Hm?"

"Don't ever try and cut down anyone you care about with it," he said, his tone close to one of sadness, "The chidori is stained in the blood of those who are innocent. It's a jutsu that… well. I don't want to be like that anymore."

Sarada's eyes widened, before she shook her head. "You know me, I would never do such a thing. My teammates are my family, even that dumbass Boruto."

Kakashi chuckled at this, his eye closing to show that he was smiling, "I know. But I need you to know. I want this to be the redemption of the chidori. It's a move to protect your loved ones, not to slay them."

The young Haruno girl nodded her head. "I understand, sensei."

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"So that's what was in you," Sasuke said, glancing over at his blond teammate.

"Y—Yeah… I didn't think sensei would know, honestly," he shrugged his shoulders. "Kyuubi or Kurama is something I've had ever since I was a kid. I think that's why people were scared of me and hated me. I don't get it as much anymore, but I know that they wished I wasn't in the village."

The Uchiha pursed his lips, shaking his head. "Doesn't matter what they think. That fox hasn't changed who you are, I guess. So just ignore them, it doesn't matter what they think, just what you do."

Naruto blinked. "Are you… okay?"

Ah, right. Sasuke was a boy of few words, mostly. He usually didn't try to comfort others. Yet, here he was giving his friend advice. He was getting soft, that was for sure. Maybe that was why he wanted to so badly seek Orochimaru. He figured if he cut off his bonds with everyone, he would come out of it stronger. Part of him disagreed, as his stronger moments were protecting those he cared about, but… He did not want anyone to be hurt by his vengeance, particularly if they had nothing to do with it. Neither Naruto nor Sakura, hell even Kakashi to an extent, had anything to do with his clan's downfall. But finding out Itachi was not the classic villain he had thought he was, confused his thoughts even further.

He knew that things needed to be changed when they got back. He also knew that the Akatsuki were a major threat, so maybe it was worth going after them to make sure the current future still doesn't happen. Obito and – when or if Madara has been revived – were his new targets. He was sure that Obito had something to do with it, Itachi had said so.

"Just…" he looked away. No, he had said too much.

The Uzumaki nodded. "Still… what's the plan?"

The plan. The one that they needed in order to change this horrendous future.

Sasuke looked down, "I… need to think some more. One thing I know is that we need to take down the Akatsuki."

"And Itachi as well?"

The Uchiha went silent.

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Sakura had come by the training grounds to see what Kakashi was up to, and she knew he had an answer for whether or not the boys would be sent back with their memories intact.

"So you have given them a letter of amnesty?" Sakura asked, "And Sasuke obviously knows now. What do you think, sensei?"

Kakashi would normally brush her off whenever she called him 'sensei', but it was sort of comforting. She was the last of his failed team, and she shone brighter than any star. She was both a healer and a slayer, a medical ninja that could both heal and jump into battle. Medics were normally way down to the back – never take down a healing mage, after all. His eyes narrowed on her, she was deep in thought obviously and deciding on what she needs to do.

"I don't think Sasuke will attack in… well, his time," Kakashi said very carefully, "but he was honest that his opinion could change. It has been a lot for him to hear, but at least he heard the true truth from his own brother, rather than Obito."

Sakura nodded numbly, biting her lip. "I think…"

He tilted his head.

"I have to go."

"Do what you must."

Sarada watched the conversation with a puzzled expression, "Mama?"

"It's fine, sweetheart. I'll meet you at home. Keep practicing with your sensei, Sarada."

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Sakura knew that she had been given a cruel hand of cards that pointed out her future. And even her daughter was now very much feeling the effects of it, which upset her. All she wanted for her daughter was for her to live a happy life.

She made her way over to the Uchiha district, where she was sure Sasuke was now, no doubt thinking over everything he has discovered. She remembered as kids that he always was thinking if something big came out.

She headed towards the door and knocked.

Within moments, the door was opened and she was her rambunctious blond teammate. He blinked and then grinned. "Hey, Sakura-chan. Me and the teme are about to make something to eat, did you want anything?"

Smiling, she raised her hand and simply uttered a 'no'.

He looked a bit saddened, but Sakura could not find it in her to eat at the moment. She was too highly strung and stressed, and hunger wasn't really something that was being felt, even though she had not eaten since yesterday. She would try and eat something small for dinner tonight, but she just could not feel anything similar to having an appetite. Stress often did that, after all.

"Is Sasuke-kun around?" she asked.

"Yeah, he's just slicing up some veggies," his nose crinkled up, "Apparently we need to eat healthier. Ramen is a good enough diet though, that has veggies in it?"

The girl rolled her eyes, "Yes it does, but when it's coated in salt it's probably not that healthy, Naruto. You really need to eat better or…" she grinned at him, "You won't get taller than me."

"Oh come on!" he snapped, "I bet I'm taller than you."

She held a finger to her chin, "Huh… I don't really recall. I'm fairly sure that you stay the same size—"

"Fine!" he shouted, raising a fist up, "I'll try and eat better from now on, so I can get taller than you and the princess in the kitchen."

She giggled in response. She had missed the banter that they used to have, and it made her feel a little less nervous with what she was about to ask Sasuke.

"Anyways, do you mind?" she asked softly, gesturing behind him.

"Yeah, it's cool. Just be careful, we have cleaned up most things, but there might be glass still around, so keep your boots on, 'ttbayo."

Sakura nodded.

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Sasuke finished chopping up the onions, and washed his hands before rubbing his eyes. Onion was horrible. These were some pretty gnarly ones, and he felt the pin prick of tears from the stupid things. He left them until last, so he did not have to deal with them. On the plate was an assortment of tomato, lettuce, red onion, spring onion and red cabbage. He'd also sliced up some chicken into nice pieces, and coated them in a tiny bit of seasoned flour. They were going to make a chicken salad for dinner. Naruto was in charge of the cheese, two different types – parmesan and mozzarella. He also made up a creamy sauce with a hint of lemon, Sasuke was astounded the kid knew how to make a dressing.

He had heard the door knock, and Naruto bounded towards the door, so he was alone for the moment.

"Hey, teme! Sakura-chan wanted to talk to you!"

He turned around and saw the woman there. She was wearing the combat clothing he had previously seen her in, but was now wearing a white lab coat around her too.

She smiled wearily. "Can I speak to you, in private?"

He inwardly gulped. He did not need any more bombshells dropped on him.

"Oh, come on! Why am I always left out, 'ttbayo!"

"It's a… bit private, Naruto. I'm sure Sasuke will fill you in, but…"

"Oh! It's not anything bad, is it?"

"No—No. Well. I don't think so."

Sasuke tilted his head at this, before he gave Naruto a look. "This is between us."

"… Fine."

He turned heel and headed out to the sun room, where their futons laid. Sakura glanced down at him, and Sasuke was wondering why she came all the way out here to see him. She looked around and gave a small smile, "It looks quite clean in here."

"Ah," Sasuke nodded. "There was a lot of damage here…"

It was true. The two boys had spent their free time cleaning up the place. Naruto complained to begin with, but seemed to understand why Sasuke wanted his childhood home somewhat clean. Besides, it meant that the two did not live in filth. The sunroom, one of the bathrooms and the kitchen were fairly clean. They had began to clean up the living room, but saw no point now since they would be returning to their own time in a mere few days. Sasuke wondered if everything was set for them to go, or if they were going to do everything fairly last minute.

"Itachi spoke to me about everything," she said softly, resting her hand against the dining room table before sitting down, with one leg over the other, "Are you okay?"

Sasuke shrugged. "I believe him well enough. I wouldn't think Kakashi would allow him to be within the village if it weren't true."

Sakura nodded her head. "Yeah, him appearing scared me a bit. I thought he was here for Sarada."

'Oh,' Sasuke thought. 'It would be a bit horrifying to see the man who killed the entire Uchiha clan.'

"Obviously, nothing happened with that?"

"No. Thank kami."

"His eyes…"

Sakura looked down. "Since your current self took his eyes, when he was brought back to life, he did not have his own eyes. Kaka-sensei said it was okay for me to give him yours, to get the eternal mangekyou sharingan. It's… a little bit different than what you can get with your own eyes, and there's no risk of blindness."

The girl reached into her pouch, and pulled out a medical kit. She slid it over the table where Sasuke stood. He eyed that suspiciously.

"Itachi had a – at the time – incurable disease. Tuberculosis," she said, and nodded at him as he opened the pouch up, "There's some medicine there that will slowly heal him up from that. It is quite contagious, so make sure the one from your time doesn't accidentally cough on you."

Sasuke blinked. This… She wanted him to give him the cure for it?

"I know, I just figure that having him on your side might increase your chances of going against Obito… and Madara," her lips pursed, "Itachi mentioned that he has been revived now, but is still in edo tensei. I believe they are wanting him around to ensure their chances of defeating the Leaf."

This time, he frowned. So now, there were three Uchiha who were hell-bent on destroying Konoha. Their chances somehow plummeted even further. From the look on Sakura's face, she knew this. "Itachi has a lot on his shoulders in this timeline now. He's the only one that might stand a chance against you and Madara. Kakashi-sensei thinks he might be able to go toe-to-toe with Obito, though."

She clasped her hands together, and rested her head against them. She looked nervous now, as Sasuke looked over the vials and the three bottles of pills. Inside, there was a note, and it mentioned something about there being an extra amount there so that a cure could be copied from it, so the disease could be eradicated quicker. It said to pass it onto Tsunade when they had a chance. He remembered that she was somewhat around then, and had just become Hokage after the Third was murdered by Orochimaru.

He wondered what was irking her now. She clearly had a lot that was going on. She looked tired and more pale than usual as well, which was a hard feat with the latter since she was very light normally.

"I figure, since you're going back now…" she swallowed, "I think it's best that you know about Sarada. About her… when she was…" she trailed off and looked down, clearly uncomfortable with talking about this now.

He could not blame her. She was remembering what he had done to her. He had seen glimpses from Itachi, and he knew… He shook his head. It wasn't him. He wouldn't do that to her, not again. She didn't deserve it. That was one thing he was sure that was going to change. Still…

"July 9th," she said quietly, "That was when she was conceived. I was seventeen, as were you."

Sasuke nodded numbly, absorbing this information as he replaced the ties on the medical pouch she had given him, and ensured that it was tightly held together.

That was… four and a half years from now. For him, at least.

"I want her to exist," Sakura said. "I can't imagine a life without Sarada. She means the world to me."

Another nod. "I… It won't happen again. Not like that."

"I know. I just… can you promise me that things won't end up like this?"

Sasuke felt a lot at that moment. She was entrusting him with something so important to her. The life of her daughter. He wanted it to be different – for her to…

"I promise."

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

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