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Chapter 7

Resurgence

It was another typical day in the Hokage tower. Papers works are piling up, Ninja's are reporting the status of their missions and others are just receiving theirs. Amidst this all, there was a little twist to all these routines. Kakashi knew this would cause a stir, the ANBU's thought he was crazy dragging the traitor as they accused to see the Hokage. Shizune panicked at the sight of the Uchiha, she thought Sasuke has manipulated Kakashi. But after seeing the familiar glint in his eyes she knew he was in his right mind. The question now was, what does the young Uchiha want?

Reaching the office of the hokage, Sasuke respectfully bowed. The act surprised Kakashi, Sasuke was never that courteous. He was never that ruthless but he is often times rude. Tsunade eyed the Uchiha suspiciously. "What do you want from me Uchiha Sasuke?" Sasuke looked at the hokage straight in the eye. "Itachi is coming here once again, I feel it and I want to be here when it happens."

"So you came back here believing Itachi will drop by this year?" Sasuke nodded. It was a possibility Tsunade has considered long before. "They came here after the chunnin exams, his teammates dropped by and killed all the monks in the shrine right? All these occurred in a time span of three years. I'll take on the bet he'll be dropping by again."

Sasuke was still as sharp as ever. Tsunade believed he has been doing his homework. True, that the unsealing and capturing of the jinchuiruki seems to be active in a cycle of three years. "So you want to claim your revenge when he comes." She finished.

"Basically, that's it Tsunade-sama." Sasuke remained standing still. "I know its sounds stupid, I left this village to look for Itachi but I ended up coming back." The young man sighed. "I guess Konoha is imposing itself on me. No, matter what I do and get into, Konoha will always be there calling me back."

It all sounded so familiar.

"That's because I realized that no matter where I ran Konoha will follow me." Those words reverberated in Tsunade's mind. Looks like some sense has finally got into him. "Very well Uchiha, I'll consult the elders about it." Tsunade scanned some records. "It seems you haven't been causing trouble since Orochimaru's death. And I must admit you had played hero in some occasions and the other villages are thankful. Is it true Sasuke, you defeated some Akatsuki members?"

"Well I had an encounter with the one who looks like a venus flower trap. He was spying on me and updating my whereabouts to Itachi. It's from him actually were I got the idea that they will come here." The Uchiha stated "Why did he spill details?" The young man swayed his head, "No but I had other ways of getting my information, the Sharingan plus Orochimaru's mind jutsus are quite a good combination."

"Sasuke, what did you feel when you helped Orochimaru die?" Tsunade blurted out of a sudden. "I was relieved that I wouldn't have to give up my body. I never said it out loud but part of me was thankful. I wanted to be fully conscious when I finally defeat Itachi. When they came to retrieve me, I realized, no way will I let him have the benefit of my power." Tsunade smirked. "So you just used him." Sasuke shrugged. "I guess so Tsunade-sama, but this I can assure you. Once I defeat Itachi, I swear to repay Konoha all the damage I have caused. You can execute me if you want, but please let me have my revenge."

Tsunade smirked "Now you are begging to have your revenge? I will never understand you Sasuke." Sasuke remained unfazed. "I don't understand myself too Tsunade-sama. I confess my life has no direction but revenge. So I might as well head that way and maybe after that I'll find my way."

"You haven't forgotten about the detonator seal Sakura casted on you Sasuke right?" The Hokage asked. "Yes, and I believe you have seen my sincerity with it." The hokage nodded in agreement. "I know and if you are lucky enough, it will convince the elders too."

"Do you have restrictions for me Tsunade-sama? Am I to be guarded by Anbu twenty-four seven?" the young man queried. "I don't think that would be necessary Sasuke, the seal is enough to restrain you." Tsunade looked out the window. "However, I cannot assure you that the villagers will not welcome you with open arms."

"I am ready for that Tsunade-sama." The hokage smiled a bitter smile. "Sasuke, I know you have realized your mistake."

Kakashi was thankful in the sidelines that things seem positive. The silver haired prodigy wanted to hear what his student has to say. It's a good thing Sasuke said the proper words and now with wisdom he did well. Kakashi knew that the young Uchiha would be an asset in the future. Could this be finally it? Thank goodness some sense has finally dawned to him.

Out of the blue Tsunade ringed a bell. In a flash, Konoha's top medic nin, her precious apprentice came in from the window. "You called shishou?" the beautiful woman queried. "Sakura, I need you to adopt Sasuke for awhile." These words shocked the Uchiha prodigy and Kakashi just the same. What on earth is happening here?

It was all because of one wish, a plead before a great sacrifice.

Tsunade shishou, before I forget all my memories, I have a favor to ask. You must grant this.".

"What is it?" Sakura smiled bitterly.

"If Sasuke comes back to Konoha, please let him be under my care."

Tsunade was surprised. "But you wouldn't remember him Sakura."

"My mind might forget him shishou, but I know my heart will recognize and recall him just the same."

Sakura smiled. "I'll be glad too shishou." She looked at Sasuke with cheerfulness. "You don't mind Sasuke do you?" He unconsciously nodded puzzled on how a part of him secretly wanted to be near her. "Great, I'll make sure you are settled well Sasuke. Can you assist us Kakashi Sensei?" The Jounin nodded in agreement and walked along with the two teens. Secretly he was somewhat happy that the two can be reunited. Maybe this time things will be better for the both of them.

Tsunade keeps her promises, just like a Hokage would do. With a questioning gaze she watched Sasuke obediently follow Sakura. She held her temples, this is going to be a huge headache. Sai is not going to like this, Naruto will be scandalized and the elders will think she is insane. But her gut feeling pushed her to keep her promise. The look in Sakura's eyes held so much meaning when she agreed to take Sasuke in. And as for the Uchiha, she was willing to give this man another chance. They needed him just as much he needed them. All she could do is silently pray this will all lead for the better, it just had too.

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