Hey!

Welcome back! This chapter will take us back to Konohogakure!

Before, a little more suspense, 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, this chapter is dedicated to Skywolfychan , sumantha and chibinaruto187. Thank you for reviews and complement! Hope you like this chapter!

Chapter 22: Moving to Uzu

Konohagakure no Sato, the present time

Many changes had happened around Konoha in the last couple of months. Most still hidden from the citizens' eyes and ears. Only a fraction knew the reason and truth behind the change. But still, all of them could feel it in the air and see it in their surroundings even if the couldn't pinpoint the change.

The major change could be seen with the infamous Rookie -11 and the Konohamaru corps. Both groups had been trying to hold up without their key glue. They had also taken it upon themselves to interact and help the Uchiha being restrained inside Iruka-sensei's house. They had finally seen the Uchiha for who he really was, a broken, hurt, young man who had to face a lot of injustice by the village that was supposed to be his home.

His thirst for revenge had amplified with the presence of Orochimaru's chakra. Orochimaru had made sure of that so that he had nothing holding him back. This had hit hard to all those who knew him from a young age. The snake Sannin had taken every chance to use him and then, Madara had done the same. This in-turn had covered his eyes from what had actually mattered to him. But finally, with the battle against Naruto, she had shown him what he had left and forgotten once the blinds had been placed on him. Then when the Godaime Hokage had revealed everything from Naruto's perspective, it seemed to have broken him completely.

For the first few weeks, he had refused to even speak or eat. If it weren't for the presence of Iruka and Kakashi, more so the former, he would have starved himself to death, guilt and grief. But slowly, with the help of the Rookies and Konohamaru Corps, Sasuke had slowly started to focus back on reality and find some kind of acceptance. He has slowly acknowledged their presence around him. He had also reminisced some old memories with the younger ones and learnt about Naruto's journey and achievements from his batchmates. It had seemed that only the memories of the family he had built himself after the massacre were the ones keeping him from losing his mind.

About a month after his stay with the dolphin, that he had considered as an older brother figure, had he finally decided that he had enough courage to send a letter to his Imōto. So, with the help of his first teacher and pseudo older brother, he had written a letter asking for forgiveness and a second chase. He had also stated that she could always keep the Uchiha family name as it was her right as much as his. He had found out from Kakashi that she had dropped the title after their first fight at Shūmatsu no Tani (Valley of the End) and he had without knowledge, said that she had no relation to him and had no right to the Uchiha name. He wanted her to get back the name of the family that had even planned a Coup d'état in her name.

A few days later, he had gotten the letter that had finally made him open up to others. The letter from his Imōto containing not just his forgiveness and acceptance but also her end of the promise to the older Uchiha had made him feel the burden lift to an extent. He also knew that the rest of his family, his nephews and his niece would be a long way from forgiving him along with the rest of the people he had hurt. He knew that even though Iruka, Kakashi and the others were trying to help him, they hadn't forgiven him for his mistakes. Instead, they were helping him out of their own kindness and big hearts.

Therefore, he also finally took a step from his side. The next few weeks, he had tried to open up to them and had also tried to be the person she was when he was beside his sister. He even tried to patch his relationship with people like Sakura, Meogi, Udon and the older generation who had been by his family's side. Some had been repaired to an extent. The others were in progress.

He had also finally been clear and honest with Sakura and Ino and had asked forgiveness for the way he had treated them. He had also told them that it was better for them to finding someone else as they would never be able to be with him as he wouldn't be interested in such a relationship.

He had next tried to mend the barrier between him and Neji. They realised that even if they resolved the issue, their bond would always just remain of mutual understanding and acknowledgement. Neji had also made it clear that Sasuke would have to earn his respect and forgiveness over time.

He also spoke to Sai, the new member of their group, who had come out of Danzo's clutches. He realised that Sai had in some weird way, formed a protective brother kind of bond with Naruto and even though he was more open to learn and mingle with him than the rest, he would be equally difficult to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes he had committed with Naruto.

Similarly, he had also started to mend and build a bond of an acquaintance at least with most of his old Chūnin exam batchmates. He knew that they were all important to Naruto and so he knew that mending the barrier he had created would help her.

Even Iruka and Kakashi could see the changes within Sasuke and were feeling happy. They could see a part of the old Sasuke they had known, the one who was extremely caring and protective of the people around him; the one who had been ready to forget about revenge and murdering his brother to have his sister and niece with him. It was a remarkable change that made them feel that he was ready to move on.

In the past week, Sasuke had even taken the courage to move around the village with these people whenever they offered. He was trying to come to terms and at least be in this village without planning to attack the village and murder every single person that had done injustice to his sister. He had spent every lunch and dinner in Ichiraku Ramen shop similar to the way he used to come before the Chūnin exams and spend time talking about Naruto with those two.

Today as well, in a similar fashion, he was out in the village with the other Rookies. They had been heading over to one of the training grounds for a few hours a day to blow off some steam. Sasuke had to admit, most had become a powerful and commendable ninja. Plus, it helped all of them throw off their anger and frustrations at each other and themselves in a comparatively safe manner.

They were all talking softly in small groups as they entered the training areas. But right before they went found an empty training ground, they were intercepted by Iwashi who said that all of them had been summoned to the Hokage's office in two hours time. So they just decided to spar a little and then head back into the village. They all took turns sparing with a few others for about an hour and a half before finally going to the Hokage's office. This time though, they were all silent and hoping for some news with Naruto.

When they reached the Hokage building though, they had to wait a bit until a few familiar and some unfamiliar faces of civilians and ninjas were seen exiting the office and leaving the building including Tuechi and Ayame Ichiraku who sent a wide smile at them before leaving. The major surprise was seeing so many people leave the office since the last time that happened was with ninjas during the war. Still, wondering, they entered Tsunade's office. This time though, it was just them and what was remaining of the Konohamaru Corps along with Kakashi, who must have, as usual, arrived too late to attend the meeting that was actually arranged for him.

The Godaime and her assistant, both seemed to have an unnatural glint in their eyes and a wide smile. She then started off with the news that all had been waiting for.

"Looks like you all will be heading to Uzu".

Yup. I'm dragging it... XD

Hope you like this side of Sasuke! You will be seeing more of it in the upcoming chapters!

Anyways, what did you all think? Are the chapters still standing up to your expectations?

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Hoping to see you all in the next chapter!