Sasuke's POV

The sounds of people arguing in front of the small raven-haired eight year-old were like thunder to his ears. He had never heard such loud rumblings, even while on board the ship. He had his head hung low while he sat in the seat beside the judge. He slowly looked up and saw his family being the ones that argued his guiltiness as a part of the act.

The judge banged his gavel as he had done several times during the day. His family members continued to shout even as they sat down from their aggressive stances. There were shots from guns that rang out. The judge banged his gavel ten more times, his guards moving from his side to the boisterous people in a useless attempt to calm them down.

"I have already deliberated over this case and…" The judge trailed off his voice cracking as he spoke. The small boy looked up at him, expecting the verdict his mother had told him. The judge glanced at the boy and closed his eyes tightly shaking his head. "On behalf of the good people in our town, I will use this boy as an example to his entire family…I rule that Sasuke Uchiha is guilty of fifty-four consecutive murders, ten of which being governors who were attending a council meeting in Iwaga city." He said and looked down at the boy.

Sasuke looked out at his family as they became dead silent. Their faces were of utter shock, as if they were not just shouting for him to be found guilty. Sasuke reminded himself it was a part of the act. His mother told him they would say he was only a child and they would let him go. She explained his family would pretend to say he was guilty as an act, even though it was not his fault. However, the judge did not say, what mother said he would…what does that mean? Sasuke looked at his mother. Her eyes wide open in disbelief.

"Sasuke Uchiha, you are sentenced to exile to a location which will remain unknown, until you are to be shipped to said place, with the upmost secrecy." He said and slammed the gavel down. Sasuke looked up at the judge, who stood up and quickly left the room. Two of the guards came and grabbed the boy's arms roughly, pulling him to his feet. Sasuke stood and his small hands were bound tightly with fishing rope, or that is what it reminded him of.

"Sasuke!" His mother shouted and he looked at her. She stood behind the bannister motioning for him to come to her. Do you find me that stupid? You and my entire family have betrayed me... You promised that he would be able to go home. He had seen Itachi and father bribing the judge, he now knew it was a bribe to punish him instead of you. He glared at his mother, who had lied to him. She saw this and gripped the bannister. She lifted herself over it and began to run to him.

Guard stopped her and pulled her away from getting to him. The boy looked away from her and looked towards the door that he knew he would be walking through. "Do you want to say goodbye to your mother and family?" One of the guards asked and nodded his head at the other guards holding his mother. They stopped trying to push her behind the bannister.

The boy looked back at his family, who were beginning to leave the room. Itachi, his beloved older brother, the person he looked up to the most, stared blankly at his younger brother. Sasuke looked at his mother with her arms still tightly held by the guards, her facial expression one of desperation. Yet perhaps that is a part of the act?

"I do not have a family." He spoke coldly and turned his back to his mother. His mother shouted his name several times, while he was taken into the back room. He didn't fully understand what is about to happen, or where he will be going, but he was sure of one thing…he would never see his family again at least if he could help it.

The sounds of giggling filled my ears as the sunlight broke through the small opening of the window drapes. I opened my eyes slowly I started to sit, but stopped noticing the three blonde-haired women lying in the bed. Julia and Rayne on one side and…. damn I don't remember this other girl…hmm pity I am sure she was a good fuck like her counterparts. In any matter, they were not the cause of the giggles.

I looked to the door of my private bedroom to see the twin brunettes, Ana and Marta. They were the source of the giggles. They both wore a matching green garb that barely hid their ample breasts, yet their small waists were very well hidden. The smile on their faces is not common knowing Sakura is who they work for, the demon owner of this brothel.

"What, pray tell, is so funny?" I asked as my morning hangover began to take effect. I rubbed my forehead slowly as if it could relieve my headache. They giggled more, "Madame Sakura sent us to clothe you… yet we are not keen on clothing men." They spoke interchangeably both their faces turning a bright red at the word "men."

I carefully climbed over the unnamed blonde trying not to wake her, "Well you can inform my wretched friend that I am no longer a child who needs a woman's hands to clothe me." I said sternly as I stood boldly naked in front of them. They both smiled as they forced their eyes up from below my waist. They turned around and hurried out of the room.

I sighed and began to pull on my pants. Last night I had definitely had too much to drink, far too much for just a simple theft. That could explain the reason I would have even dreamed of the past. Not only that but I also managed to sleep with them…I turned and looked at the women sleeping so defenselessly. Perhaps I am overcoming the edginess I have had since those days…or I simply had too much to drink.

I wish I could truly complain, however; my men have been thirsting for either adventure or women. Only one is in scarce demand, the other we come here for, our sanctuary. Years ago, I helped Sakura establish this brothel as a way to meet ends. She had been a part of my crew for a few months, before she decided to settle down with the poor sap that wanted to marry her. I helped her purchase land and few of my men helped build the structure. She had immediate success, employing men and women to meet the preferences of the townspeople.

Since then it has become a sanctuary for my men and I to rest and fall back into a woman's loving embrace. Alternatively, anyone's willing embrace is a welcome invitation. My men and I had no qualms with exchanging pent up urges with those of the same sex.

After putting on my remaining clothes, which were my boots, pants, and my black long jacket, I staggered down the steep stairs. This would be the last time I drank this much. I reached the bottom of the stairs and froze immediately.

Orochimaru's soldiers were standing around in the front room of Sakura's brothel. They were heavily armed, yet seemed distracted at least until they realized I was now standing in the room. They all looked at me for a few seconds, before returning to their own conversations as if I were no threat to them.

I cautiously walked into the kitchen to find king Orochimaru sitting at Sakura's table, a sight quite rare. His richly adorned clothing was completely out of place in the drab kitchen. The kitchen itself, actually looked better than many of other places, yet it paled in comparison to the rich Orochimaru.

Sakura stood close to the oven, her expression reflecting the fear in her heart. She had her hair pulled into a messy ponytail, letting one know she had just woken up and had not found time to ready herself for guest, especially the esteemed king of Konoha.

She saw me and widened her eyes, then they looked quickly at the king and back at me, as if to say, 'Do you see who is in my kitchen? What did you do?' I shrugged and stalked over the hand basin, trying to not acknowledge the king's presence. It worked until he cleared his throat loudly, signifying that I needed to acknowledge him.

"The last time I checked your majesty, this isn't your palace." I muttered bitterly grabbing a cup and filling it with wine. Sakura landed her fist into my arm. I winced at the sharp pain and glared at her. She glared back and glanced at the smiling king. I knew she wanted to speak, especially in regards to my comments; however, it is against the law for any woman to speak in the presence of the king without him speaking to them first. Even though Sakura would not be tamed by any man, she knew what was in her best interest.

I turned facing the wretched king and smirked raising my cup. The Orochimaru sneered, "The last time I checked, you were a criminal wanted not only for pirating, but also for various other crimes, many of which are in my kingdom. Oh and let us not forget, you are also stolen property." He said satisfied with his reply. He glanced at Sakura, "She is harboring you as well I assume, so unless you wish for a small misfortune to befall on this scum of the city…it would be in your best interest, as well as hers to sit down." He said his eyes glancing from me to Sakura.

I narrowed my eyes feeling irritated at him, but made no attempt to move. He had no qualms with my leaving, which he encouraged it and now he speaks of me being stolen. I turned the glass up swallowing most of the wine. He will not intimidate me into willingly bending to his will like before. I growled at the poor taste of the wine and wiped my mouth, "So you are here to arrest me?" I asked, knowing he would not travel into Iwaga for a simple wine and dine.

He chuckled the familiar way he would when he would be planning something, "No, rather I wish to propose a deal with you." He said and snapped his fingers. His gray-haired lackey, Kabuto, came running between the soldiers in the other room. Surprisingly, Orochimaru did not have his soldiers around him like flies around shit.

Of course, I knew better than to approach him with malicious intent. He is the most powerful shaman of dark magic, something I learned years ago while residing in his castle. I was not the only one to learn this and I am sure I was not the last one.

Kabuto placed on the table a large brown cylinder. I stared at him suspiciously, as he moved from the table to Orochimaru's side. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He is perhaps more unassuming than Orochimaru is, which makes him a perfect fit for a snake like him. He, just like Orochimaru, treated me with kindness on some occasions and hatred on others. Yet, unlike Orochimaru, Kabuto used manipulation as his tactic, as opposed to Orochimaru's secrecy.

"You are known for finding rare treasures and selling them to various people across the lands, am I correct?" He asked opening the cylinder, not glancing up to see me nodding my head. I reached my hand back behind me. I felt Sakura put a gourd in my hand. I took it and poured myself more disgusting wine.

"There is a rarity that lives in the sea, a mermaid." He said as he unrolled several sheets of paper as he pulled each of them out tediously. I scoffed, "Mermaids are just as common as the seasons, what is rare about a mermaid?" I asked irritated that he would even mention mermaids.

Only in stories do they ever truly enchant people or are even enchanting. In reality, they are disgusting fish humans, who seek only self-gratification. He had met several of them and every one of them he found them to be extremely unbearable. Not only did their odor offend him, but they treated him with so much distaste.

Now, he could admit their beauty being unmatched to any man or woman on this earth. But they had revolting natures. They would fool, ensnare, and eat humans as if they were of no value, something he bore witness. If that were not enough, they would often cast spells over small children that wandered close to the ocean. These spells would turn the children into mermaids, at least after they had used their human legs to fetch them random items.

"This mermaid is different from any other mermaid. This mermaid is the legendary golden-tailed mermaid." He said perking my interests instantly. I quickly joined him at the table, sitting across from him. The golden-tailed mermaid was a legendary creature that transcends all others. Despite the well-known legend, sailors would be foolish to pursue such a thing on a small budget, yet the rewards of finding her are great.

The legend speaks of a mermaid with a tail the color of gold and hair the shimmer of silver. If any person is lucky enough to capture the mermaid, they will gain riches beyond measure. If they were to drink the blood of the mermaid, they would live forever. Something that would seem ludicrous to any land person, yet to those of the sea, they often seek to insure the immortality of their own legend.

Despite the grandeur gifts the mermaid gives, it is rumored to seek a single owner, someone of a royal bloodline or of greatness. Which concerned Sasuke a great deal since Orochimaru wants him to go after the mermaid. Both of those options had no room for Sasuke. Not to mention the fact he despised the creatures

"Why me?" I inquired to know his motives. He grinned, "I know what the legend speaks, yet you are known throughout the lands as being a great scavenger of treasures. I want you to find it for me." He said proudly.

I scoffed, "Risk the lives of my crew and myself, to catch a creature that will probably not even allow me to catch her? I think not. You might as well take your men out of here and be gone." I told him rolling my eyes and setting my drink down. I heard Sakura gasp at my response, but did not speak a word.

Orochimaru sighed and narrowed his eyes, "Sasuke Uchiha, you are wanted in several nations for various crimes that would send you to be tortured in a place worse than hell. I will arrange for your record as well as the records of your men to be erased." He said. I stared at him studying his face for any signs of him lying, as if that were an easy task.

"What if I cannot find her?" I asked crossing my arms. He shrugged, "I will pay you for your time as well as clear the most severe of your crimes and those of your men." He said and smirked as if to say 'refuse this offer and you are a fool.' Which I knew I would be.

"Will you provide me with provisions?" I asked and he nodded. "I will prepare you several months' worth of food, weapons, and supplies. Yet, before you are to set out in search for the mermaid, you will need to journey to the land of sand and allow the sand prince Gaara to join you." He added while putting some of his silky black hair behind his pale ear.

"What? A prince? On my ship?" I asked sitting up from my relaxed position. I knew there was more than just the fact that I would have to find the rarest of creatures. He sat up as well, his height more than mine, as well as his presence slowly becoming more aggressive, "The sand prince is known to have good relations with the mermaids. He will also be funding your journey as well as helping with getting rid of your crimes. He will join you on this expedition for the benefit of everyone on board of your ship." He said. I sighed and shook my head. Do it for the freedom from being pursued by every fucking country. Do it for the freedom to sail the sea. Do it just to be free.

Orochimaru grinned and started to leave, but stopped at the door. "Oh, apologies…Sasuke, there is a private matter I would like to discuss with you…alone." He spoke and glanced at Sakura. I sighed standing up, "It must truly be worthy of mentioning if you are seeking to discuss it privately." I replied.

Gaara's POV

I stood on my balcony and watched the winds blowing fiercely at the houses of my kingdom. "Brother, are you ready to journey to the port?" I heard my older brother question. I sighed, "Kankuro, please take care of the city." I spoke turning around to him. He grinned, "Why wouldn't I? After all, I am the true heir." He said without a suggestion of bitterness. I smiled, "Yeah I don't know why father would give me the crown over you, but I am glad that you came back in order for me to do this." I told him and placed my hand on his shoulder.

He stood taller than me, his maturity passing mine by the few years between us. He had short brown hair, which allowed his masculinity be more defined. After so many years of having not seen him, I was relieved he came to take my place in the palace temporarily of course.

Kankuro put his hand on my head grinning. I smiled at him. Unlike him and my other sibling, Temari, I had softer features. Despite the councils arguing over my 'feminine' exterior, I refused to change my appearance to fit the Suna king persona.

They absolutely abhorred my hair. I had long, silky red hair. It is something I had desired since my childhood. I let it grow out and put several braids with beads that their mother had made in the braids. Aside from my hair, the council had problems with my small body frame, yet I amounted that to not having the typical growth as other young men.

He pulled me into an embrace. "You need to leave this dusty place and voyage out into the world, and what better group to be around than a band of pirates?" He said sarcastically. I chuckled, "Well the captain is said to be the best to find it and this will restore peace between our lands." Not only that, but he is Sasuke Uchiha…. I felt my cheeks beginning to grow a fever at the thought of meeting him.

"Yeah and who knows maybe you'll find your true family out there." He said. I pulled away abruptly, "My true family is here." I replied. He laughed, "You know what the fuck I meant." He said and let go of me. "Now get out of here, before Temari leaves you here." He said.

I smiled and quickly ran out of the room. I ran down the long corridor and past the kitchen of my childhood. It was the place, which the urge for adventure had been born inside my heart. Since those days, all my life I have been wanting to seek adventure. However, my father kept me locked up in this god-forsaken castle. I heard the sound of something running behind me. I smiled, "Come on Shu!" I exclaimed as I picked up my pace and began dodging servants while I raced through the castle.

I could see the entrance and slowed down as I approached Temari, who stood by the door. She shook her head, "Gaara you can't take that creature." She remarked as she held the door open. I looked behind me and smiled seeing my pet raccoon, Shukaku. He is my guardian and perhaps the closest friend I have. "I have to take him. He'll protect me." I told her. She rolled her eyes, "I doubt that, but come on we need to hurry and begin riding before nightfall."