The path to Konoha reminded of his genin days, the harsh words exchanged with his team words but also the jovial comradeship shared with them. It was both a path of joy and pain, when he oscillates between good and evil before finally diving head first in the latter. Truth be known, he never really looked back on the night when he knocked Sakura out on the bench and took the very same path to a world far more corrupted and evil than the prestige ninga village. What he remembered vividly is the fight that ensued with him and Naruko at the valley of the end. That night, he wanted to kill her and by god he tried, with all his might. Just when he was finally time to do so, his determination faltered. That night he reasoned with himself that he didn't want to gain power by following the lead of Itachi, he would defeat him with his own strength and thus spared her life. However, his decision was much more deep rooted than that even he if didn't want to admit it at that time. As determined as he was, he didn't want to severe the bond with Naruko. She would later reciprocate that feeling by following him and dragging him back for the abyss that had become his existence. In a way, Naruko was the lifeline and final link to a possible future that he didn't want to forgo.
The sudden silence interrupted his thoughts, he was coming out of the foliage's surrounding the Village now and the gate was barely noticeable. Soon he will be confronted with the guards and Anbu units coming to intercept him, it couldn't be other way. By announcing his presence to every ninja of Konoha, he presented himself as a treat. Perhaps it would have been simple to pop directly in Naruko's office but he was still unsure of how she will react after 15 years and assaulting the Hokage didn't do good to his already stained reputation. He after all tried to kill them twice and would have succeeded the second time if not for Naruko. On the other hand, just walking through the gate would have gotten him detained and possibly interrogated before Naruko even become aware of the incident. This was the best approach so far as he was concerned.
The gate was now completely distinct from the wall and the outline of the village completely visible. He could already see the crowd gathered behind. He pursued on praying that they would at least listen to him before attacking.
Naruko sensed the chakra signature approaching the village perimeters and while it did not feel malicious, its rawness kept her on edge. She wished that she could confront Sasuke before he got to the village but all the others behind her depended on her. So she kept put and waited.
A figure slowly distinguished itself from the blurry outline of the trees and continued walking at a steady pace. As he approached, his features became more distinguishable, spiky hair covered his left eye and black cloak covered his tall form from neck to his ankle where it was met with the standard sandal worn by ninjas. His facial features never varied, they remain expressionless that betrayed no nervousness and malign intent. That was not to say that the Konoha crew relaxed, more the contrary they prepared for the oncoming assault from the deceptive behemoth that was walking toward them. Before any had the chance to execute so much a jutsu, Naruto was in front of the gatekeepers remaining stationary while fixing Sasuke intently as if to determine her next course.'
The blond willed herself to remain calm while she mustered her own reserve of chakra to prepare for any attack. Just then Kurama decided to intervene:
"Kit, be prepared. I cannot sense any ill intent from the Uchiha but then they were always unpredictable. Don't falter, you understand" thundered Kurama in her mindspace.
Naruko did not deemed to reply her longtime friend for which she was serving as host, her entire focus on Sasuke. Indeed, if worse came to worse a rapid shushin-ed would be the best chance to avoid as much damage as possible to her village and fellow ninja she strategized.
Sasuke stopped some few feet from Naruko and stayed motionless for a while. Their eye had met and the emotion behind both threatened to engulf them. Even after all those years the tension was undeniable. The anxiety, betrayal, unspoken feeling was for a moment laid bare for anyone to pry and discern within those looks, if one was astute enough. Those looks spoke for everything and suddenly, Naruko, relaxed. The movement was her apprehensions were replaced by a feeling of uneasiness.
"Sasuke, it has been a long time" She said. Her tone didn't betray any of her emotions and was deceptively calm.
Sasuke didn't reply for a moment for he knew even with the flat tone that the question was asked, the underlying charge was undeniable. So he hesitated, what he wanted to say couldn't be done with this crowd but being all business like would probably land him in an interrogation unit before being allowed an audience with the Hokage. But the things that made him say the next word was regret, she deserved much more, a lot more.
"I'm sorry" He finally said, his voice latent with regret and self-loathing as only a man with his history could muster
A simple word and the barest inflection of his tone, but it was enough to convey his sentiments. The words shocked her to the core. She stood still, mind racing but nothing sensible came up. Instead an avalanche of emotions cascaded upon her leaving more depleted and at the same time more energized that she has felt over the years. Most people would cry or shout even.
Instead, she punched him, right in the face with a massive chakra enhanced force, enough to feel his bones crunched under the impact.
If it was anyone but Sasuke, the person would be decapitated on the spot, their head reduced to puree leaving the gore remains of the body flopping about like a headless chicken. But fortunately, Sasuke was not any other person. He was the only person alive said to match the strength of the Hokage. But that is not to say that it do hurt or left him unphased. The punch had thrown him some several feet way a few trees leaving him sprawl on the dirt.
On cue, the rest of the ninjas moved to attack position bent on finishing the job. But a sudden chakra surge from Naruko stopped them on their track. Her head was downcast and her eyes completely covered from her front bangs. She made to move whatsoever to continue her attack and this stayed the group, their expression confused.
Sasuke got up and once move out of the cluster of trees that had fallen and approached her, albeit more carefully.
"Is that all you have to say, after all these years. I thought….i thought you were dead you bastard" she practically screamed, her throat constricted.
Sasuke winced at the raw pain that he could felt in her voice. Still he said nothing. He knew Naruko and when she was in this state it was better to let her talk it out.
"No news, no letters, it was as if you vanished after you promised to keep Kakashi and I updated every month. I could have thrown you in jail for breaking your agreements once again" She finished the last sentence with some vehemence.
The truth was that he considered it before embarking on the journey but his need to see her superseded everything else. Even the thought of causing Naruko more pain by his presence was not deterrent enough.
He half expected for Naruko to follow up with her treat though and he would have well deserved it. He stood more warily, more sure than ever now that another punch was coming his way.
Instead, she embraced him. The touch was soft and all her curves hugged his body like they created out of the mold. Warmth engulfs his senses and for a long time the last Uchiha was dumbstrucked.