Sasuke's POV:
I wanted her on my side so I just let her sob in my chest as her pigtails bobbed up and down.
"You jerk!"
She really punched me, knocking the wind out of my lungs. I coughed out.
"You could've returned to the village after all this time and you made us wait there years, you idiot!"
I started to catch my breath as I stood up.
"Naruko, we're in open space. Let's go somewhere safer and I'll explain."
I held out my hand. Naruko's teary eyes darted up to mine. I had to look away. And I thought Uchihas had piercing eyes.
She placed her hand in mine delicately.
I'm sorry, Naruko.
I led her to a deep cave near the water's edge.
"Is this your hideout?"
"No. We move around too much to have an official one."
I can see why she thought that though. There were crates in the corner. I didn't know what they held. But there were a few blankets on the ground for me and some burnt out wood next to them.
I walked over to the fire to get it started again.
"Why did you reach out to me?"
Naruko had her arms wrapped around her torso.
She didn't look comfortable at all.
The flames started again. I got back on my feet to face her.
"I need your help."
"My help?"
Her hands dropped to her sides and her face loosened up from its scrunch. Good. She didn't despise me that much.
"Yes. Wouldn't you say you know me the best, Naruko?"
She blinked then nodded. I noticed a tiny hint of red on her cheeks. Must be from the fire.
I should tell her everything.
"Itachi died."
"I know. And you killed him."
Her words cut through the air, stinging me as they did so.
"I've only met Itachi a few times but he seemed like he was always ten steps ahead."
Even Naruko would've known. Damn it.
I nodded.
If this is going to work out, she has to understand.
"Let me tell you about the beginning of the Leaf Village..."
Once I finished telling her the story, her brows were knit together and her mouth was slightly agape.
"With all that being said, I have a decision to make but I am conflicted-"
"Conflicted?" She stood up from the place she was sitting while listening. "Why are you conflicted? Listen to your brother! Don't let him die in vain!"
I stood up as well and sneered.
"The village tortured and killed my entire family! Do you really think I shouldn't feel this way?! What would you do?"
Crap. I always bring up family around Naruko just to bite her. I shouldn't though.
The nine tails took that from her.
When my eyes drifted back up to her, her fists were balled and her eyes were on the crackling flames.
"I don't know. The village is my home. It's where I managed to build new relationships and make bonds. I met...the most important person to me there. I wouldn't want to see it destroyed."
I stared at her as she spoke. I wish it was as easy as she wants it to be.
I walked around the fire, towards her.
"Is that all?"
I grabbed her shoulder once I was close enough.
"No."
She grabbed my arm to look past it and see my face. We were very close. Closer than last time I saw her.
Her eyes are drowning me. I can see the flames burning in the corner of that bright blue..
I blinked out of my thoughts.
"I want you to join my team."