Hey people!

So, here is the last chapter of the whole learning of the backstory-section of this fanfiction. It's already come so far.

One more thing, let's finish with the disclaimer. I'm don't any of the characters, they belong to Masashi Kishimoto; just this single plot going on is from my imagination.

Now, back to the story...

Chapter 16: Why Sasuke Can't Leave

Konohakure no Sato

Their thoughts were once again interrupted by Sasuke. "Now can you answer why you can't let me go?" He raised his eyebrow waiting for the Godaime Hokage to answer.

"Sasuke-kun," Iruka started. "You have to remember that even if we didn't make you a Nuke-nin, you had become one the minute Sandaime-sama signed those papers. We only with held the information for as long as possible. Even now, we cannot let you go due to the crimes you have committed against this village and its citizens. Especially since even other villages want your head now. Godaime-sama is holding you here as an ex-citizen and a person who has committed crimes. We were able to hold you here as you were claimed as a citizen of this village from the other villages. Remember that."

"Hn", exclaimed Sasuke with irritation. "You are the one talking, Iruka-nī. You were supposed to go with her. Even you had permission to go back to Uzu whenever you wanted."

Iruka sighed. "I was. But Naruto wanted me to be here for you when you got to know the truth." He paused as if to put the words together. "Sasuke-kun, you will have to stay here. For as long as necessary. Both as a punished and for your safety. That's all can be done for now".

"But why?", Sasuke croaked.

"As Iruka her stated," Tsunade interrupted. "Your only choice is to stay here. You have made a huge target for yourself everywhere. You need to remember that. At least as a prisoner here, you have that safe-".

"WHAT are you saying?", Sasuke bellowed with pain and anger. "That I should live here as a prisoner for the rest of my life? Are you serious? You know why I did it. You know that I regret it. Yet you want me to stay here. In this wretched place. You expect me to stay here for safety? I'd rather die in the forest or by the hand of some other village than stay here for another moment."

"Sa-", Kakashi started.

"And you!", Sasuke pointed at Kakashi. "Don't try to lecture me. You know how much I'm controlling myself to sit inside these village walls and not destroy this place."

"Let me out of this place. I can take care of myself. I can take care of the bounty on my head. Just let me out of this place." He begged.

Many who knew Sasuke for a long time, knew the pain he was holding back to remain calm and sane. Even they knew that it would be advantageous to let him go where he wanted. But they also knew why he was being kept. So they had no choice but to hold him back for the time being.

"Sasuke," Kakashi started once Sasuke's tantrum was over. "Think straight! We know you can manage a few of the people hunting you. But if all come at once, you can't take them on together. Especially with your new arm that you still have to get adjusted to. Also, a thing like this… If you wait a little longer, you will be claimed as a citizen and you'll have your freedom back."

"Wha-", started Sasuke but then realised what Kakashi was trying to tell him. Naruto was in Uzu. She had been there for a while and was helping the village to get back on its feet. If he waited just a bit longer, probably a few months or even just weeks, then it would be up and running. Enough to announce their return. Enough to call people back and to welcome new citizens. Naruto went ahead to speed up the process so that he could be welcomed as a new citizen in Uzu. He could get another chance with his Imōto and her family. He needed to stay here so as to reassure her that he was safe and waiting for her to fulfil her part of the promise and be his family.

He took a few deep breaths and then looked at the Hokage. He nodded and said, "I understand now, Hokage-sama. I will remain here for as long as necessary."

Those who hadn't still figured out what the conversation meant looked confused. But the rest agreed with Sasuke.

"Then, you can go back to the dungeons, Sasuke. Kakashi will guide you back." Tsunade ordered. "I will let you know once you have been requested."

Both Sasuke and Kakashi bowed and were ready to leave when Iruka interrupted. "Hokage-sama, if it is alright, I would like to request that Sasuke stays with me for the rest of the time until a request has been made for us from Uzushio. I assure you that he will remain inside my apartment and not leave unless escorted by anyone inside this room." He added.

By now, everyone understood what was going on. They realised that Sasuke would remain until Naruto called for them to come to Uzushiogakure. The only reason he was kept in Konoha was for his safety and not to protect the others. They realised that they wanted to use that time to try to reconnect with Sasuke, enough that they could be on the same page as they doubted Sasuke would allow them any closer.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Sakura added first. "We all also will assure you that we will help Iruka-sensei. We can also keep Sasuke-kun engaged until Naruto can get them to Uzushiogakure."

The other Rookies agreed. All knew that it was time to make amends and help out the rest of the present residents of the room. They wanted to help Naruto and Sasuke in any way possible and try to close the wounds the villagers as a whole had forced onto them. Even the adults and the kids had to agree to this.

Looking around, Tsunade realised that she had no choice. Even she wanted to help in healing Sasuke's mental state. She gave a loud sigh and spoke, "Fine. Iruka, you are to take Sasuke with you. But all of you need to remember that at least one of you have to be with him at all times. Also, he shouldn't be seen anywhere in the civilians' area." She ordered. "They need not know about him or any of what we have discussed today. Do I make myself clear?", she asked.

A round of "Yes, Hokage-sama" and nods were observed inside the room.

"Then you all are dismissed. You can all go back and think over whatever you learnt today", stated Tsunade before signalling them to leave.

One by one everyone filtered out of the Hokage's office. Once the room was cleared out, Tsunade slumped in her chair and opened her secret cabinet. She took out a few bottles of Sake as she knew one wouldn't be enough for what had occurred in the past few hours.

'I have informed everyone as you wished, Naru-chan. They all truly care for you. I hope you are happy in Uzu with those trouble-makers you call kids. I hope you have a better and more deserved life there than the one you got here.'

Hmmm... yeah, that's the end of the Konohagakure part of the story... I guess. Hope you liked it!

Up next, we will see the story on what is happening on the other side.

Do let me know in the comments or PM me!

'Til the next update, bye!