WARNING: Necessary filler ahead!
Chapter Three:
The Tree
(The theme song for this chapter is "Stand My Ground" by Within Temptation)
The men made it to the village that night, with only about a half hour to spare. Unable to run due to exhaustion from their travels, the walk from the town outside the village took much longer than it should have. The town had changed so much since Sasuke had been there, back when his family had run nearly all of the businesses; he was grateful to leave.
Although Sasuke had remained silent and stoic as usual, his heart had sunk when they reached the entrance to the village.
The once decorative and beautiful entry gate had been destroyed by the elements and time, the Uchiha family fan faded nearly beyond recognition. He mentally prepared himself, accepting that almost everything in the village would have suffered a similar fate.
Kakashi insisted that they hurry to the home he had been building; Sasuke could inspect everything the next night. Sasuke avoided gazing at his old house, not wanting to struggle with sleeping that night due to nightmares.
Nestled right on the edge of the overgrown woods was a little building that was a muddy yellow. Sasuke remembered that the shack had been built where a guest house used to stand. It had been a place for those who weren't allowed to stay within the village; his family had been very suspicious, and rightfully so.
Kakashi led the group inside, quickly shutting the door behind them and turning the lock. They removed their shoes, tossing them on the dark floor, unsure of where they were landing.
"Is there a light?" Naruto asked, feeling along the wall.
"No electricity yet. The village wasn't designed for that sort of thing, remember?" Kakashi answered. "We'll have to live like cavemen for a while."
A flick of a match was heard as Kakashi lit a large candle lamp. The small room became illuminated.
"If we need anything," he continued, "I made sure to visit all of the businesses in the town so I can get there quickly. We'll have to get you food tomorrow night, Naruto."
Little by little, the room became easier to see as Kakashi lit candles. There was a small bed in one corner of the room, with a kitchenette not far from it. It featured a newer stove and sink. There was a small table with three chairs nearby, and a door that lead to the tiny bathroom that did not yet have running water.
"The candles are for you, Naruto. Our room is underground."
Naruto smiled excitedly. "It'll be like living on my own! Ha! Awesome."
Sasuke rolled his eyes as Kakashi pointed out a small trapdoor in the far corner of the room.
"We'll need to put something over this entrance eventually, so it can be hidden," Kakashi mentioned as he pulled on the hatch. "It's pretty bare down here; don't be too shocked."
Kakashi leapt down into the dark hole.
"Watch out," Sasuke warned before following suit.
Landing on the ground with a thud, he looked around. His night vision was still weak and undeveloped. "Damn, I can't see anything."
"Naruto!" Kakashi yelled, "Bring me one of those candles."
After a few moments, Naruto stuck his head at the top of the hole to the underground room. "Hey! This is cool. Can I like, sleep down here sometime too?"
Kakashi shook his head as he reached upwards for the candle. Naruto carefully handed it to him, aware of the hot wax it was dripping. "We need you to keep guard for us during the day when we're sleeping."
"Blegh." Naruto stuck out his tongue. "You know, I'm tired of being the guard dog... Hey, wait!" Naruto pushed his head further through the hole. "Where am I supposed to go to the bathroom if we don't have running water?!"
"Go outside like other animals do," Sasuke said quickly, smiling.
"Ehhh Teme! Watch your mouth or I'll beat your ass!"
"Try it, Dobe."
"I have before, and I will do it again!"
"Boys!" Kakashi massaged the back of his head. "I really need sleep." He looked up again at Naruto as Sasuke took the candle from him.
While Kakashi began to spout off directions to Naruto, Sasuke looked around. His mentor hadn't been exaggerating; the dirt room was bare and more so resembled a tiny basement storage room. A soft rug covered the earthy floor. There were two cots, each with a single pillow and white blanket. Nearby was a small table at the head of the beds; Sasuke rested his candle there, quickly removing his bag and setting it on the ground near his now claimed cot.
While Naruto was arguing with Kakashi (something about needing food during the day), Sasuke surreptitiously opened his side pocket and looked at the feather the fortune-teller had given him a short time ago. He stared at it for a time, his thoughts racing a million miles an hour.
The words Jelique had used, the things she had said... They left him feeling very uneasy. She had mentioned cherry blossoms... How could she possibly have known about that part of his life? That tree had been so important to him at one point in time. He frowned to himself; there was no way the tree was still alive. Sakura trees had a relatively short lifespan even when compared to humans, though there was a chance one had grown by itself nearby, considering there was no one around to plow over it. He would definitely investigate the spot where the tree had been when he awoke the next night.
"When will you learn I need to eat often, or my abilities weaken?!" Naruto shouted at Kakashi. "How can I protect you two during the day with a growling stomach?!"
Sasuke was futility attempting to tune Naruto out as he removed his over-shirt, revealing a tight, black shirt underneath. The sleeveless shirt revealed chiseled arms and his impressive six pack. He wasn't bulky, but he had a hidden strength beneath his fit, sleek stature.
"Nothing is open right now, Naruto. You'll just have to wait. May I go to sleep now? Or does your highness have more complaints I must attend to?" Kakashi really wanted to sleep. It seemed as if Naruto always had to have the last word.
Naruto looked at Kakashi with daggers. "I WILL be fed as soon as you rise!" With that, Naruto left them and slammed the trap door as he went.
While his companions had been fighting, Sasuke had already crawled into bed. He stared at the dirt ceiling as Kakashi readied for sleep himself. They were used to a lack of privacy, but still attempted to give each other space, even in the most cramped of rooms.
Unfortunately, Naruto did not share this sentiment.
More light pooled into the room as Naruto threw back the trap door once more. "Ehhh it's freezing up here! I need more blankets!"
Sasuke sighed heavily as he sat up, removing the blanket from his cot. "I'll give you this if you promise to shut up and go away." He threw it upward. The light cover was caught by Naruto, who frowned.
"Teme, if I wasn't so tired..." His voice drifted off as the door was shut again, hopefully, for the last time that night.
Sasuke shook his head in irritation as he returned to his spot. He noticed Kakashi was now quite settled, though he still wore his mask. Sasuke could also gather that he was smiling by the crinkle of his eye. Placing his hands behind his head to rest on them, he chuckled. "All this time, and he's still so needy."
"Tch. Some things never change." He settled down once more, gracefully landing on the cot before blowing out the candle between Kakashi and himself.
Not one for formalities or pleasantries, Sasuke began to drift to sleep, ignoring Kakashi's close presence.
Until Kakashi brought him back from the brink of dreamland.
"Maybe I should have gotten my fortune told, too. I've lived a long life. I'd like to settle down sometime."
Sasuke rolled over while also rolling his eyes simultaneously. He was never going to get any sleep at this rate. "Fortune-tellers are con artists. They tell you what you want to hear so you will give them money. It's very possible she told the exact same fortunes to others earlier."
There was a silent beat before Kakashi began, "You say that, but as far as we can tell, she took nothing from us. What little cash I have left is still in my pockets, so it wasn't a pickpocket scheme. Though she could have been a witch and those feathers could be cursed, I didn't get that vibe from her at all. And how did she realize Naruto is a simpleton?"
"Hmph. I don't claim to understand people's motives. But I did as you advised, so it should be left at that."
Kakashi chuckled. "I just want what is best for you."
"And I want to go to sleep. I think we can both get what we want if you stop talking."
Kakashi sighed and said no more.
Sasuke slept miserably.
Though he wouldn't admit it, he was freezing throughout the day. He found himself constantly waking up due to shivering, regretting that he had so easily given his blanket to Naruto. He hated that he still had his "human" moments: moments that tended to remind him it was a few years yet that he would be at his full power capability.
When Naruto threw open the hatch and announced rather obnoxiously that it was time to get their night started, Sasuke groaned. They had a long night of work ahead of them. There were two things on his mind he would never openly admit: first, he was cold; and secondly, though he was eager to begin the rebuilding process, he was scared to see what had become of his childhood home.
It was all very annoying.
Sasuke shivered as he gathered his things by the candlelight, shamefully admitting to himself there was no way Kakashi could not hear his teeth chattering. He was further embarrassed when Kakashi, who was wearing a short sleeved shirt, silently handed him a black, oversized sweater.
It was just another reminder of his mortality. He vaguely wanted to ask Kakashi when he could expect to be fully changed and no longer have these petty weaknesses to worry about, but his pride kept his mouth shut. Oh yes, his pride often got him into much trouble one way or another.
Hopping out of the hole, he nearly fell backwards when he noticed light pouring in from the only window in the barely two-room shack. Naruto grabbed Sasuke's wrist, catching him. "It's okay. It's all behind the clouds."
Tempted to rip his wrist free of Naruto's grasp, Sasuke mentally stopped himself. Naruto was right; the sun set fast during these late winter months. Any moment and the light would be gone.
A small, reassuring smile crossed Naruto's lips. Sasuke grunted in return as Naruto released his hand.
Kakashi appeared behind them, silent like a panther. "Well. I imagine you're-"
Naruto jumped at Kakashi, his face annoyingly close. "I'M STARVING. YES. YOU IMAGINED RIGHT. I AM HUNGRY. I COULD EAT A WHOLE COW. NOW. AT THIS MOMENT. IS THERE A FARM AROUND HERE?! I WILL EAT A COW. AND ALL THEIR CHICKENS. AND-"
"Please feed it." Sasuke sat down on the floor, careful to avoid the sunlight bleeding through the open window.
Kakashi cocked an eyebrow, one of his only facial features that remained unhidden. "Don't get too settled. You should have a look around."
Sasuke looked at Kakashi incredulously. "I just got up."
"Fancy that. So did I." As Kakashi opened the door, neither him nor Naruto seemed to notice Sasuke flinch. "I'm taking Naruto to the village to get some food and supplies. You may as well have a look around. We'll walk there and trace back."
As they said their temporary goodbyes, Sasuke silently thanked Kakashi. Sasuke was no fool. He knew Kakashi well enough to know what was really going on. Waiting a few minutes for Naruto's whiny voice to become a distant noise, Sasuke gathered all of his willpower and walked outside.
It was just a short walk to everything important to him. A short walk into an area once so loved, now destroyed by looters and the elements.
The setting winter sun cast an eerie glow over the abandoned buildings lining the first street of the village. They were dilapidated. Once budding businesses and bustling homes, the were reduced to rubble. Naturally, some of the foundation remained; however, it appeared some of them had caught fire and burned to the ground. Sasuke swallowed in disgust.
It was pure willpower carrying his feet towards his old mansion. As he continued down what was once the main street, he noted all of the places he had once recognized and cared about: the house of a favored friend, a particularly popular clothing store, and of course the old whorehouse, whose presence he could never quite understand when he was a child.
His legs felt weighted like his thoughts. Could he really restore all of this to its former glory? Could he do it justice?
He smiled inwardly. Of course he could. He was Sasuke Uchiha. The last known Uchiha. Nothing was out of his grasp. Except...
He stood where his mansion once was.
He had, at first, hoped it was a grave mistake. That he was confused; maybe he had forgotten the exact spot, taken a wrong turn. Something like that.
Sasuke audibly choked. Overrun with emotions he rarely felt, he was confused. It was like the pain he felt shook his very soul... if he had one. He wasn't sure.
He wasn't sure about anything anymore, except that his mansion was very much destroyed beyond repair. Generations of Uchiha were born and lived there. Sasuke had held onto a tiny sliver of hope that he would be able to repair the structure somehow, but it was beyond any help.
Was he much different from his mansion? Beyond help, hopeless, rundown and forgotten in a world that continued to go on without its existence?
Sasuke stood there for some time, feeling sorry for himself. He wiped a single silent tear from his face.
Pathetic. This was pathetic. He knew to expect the worst, and yet here he was, overrun with feelings like some common mortal.
After mentally shaking himself, he walked on. This was just another obstacle to power. He had faced many, and he had always triumphed. This would be no different.
Kicking up dirt with his feet, he walked past the pile of rubble that had been his home. He had one more thing he wanted to inspect privately before the others joined him.
The general area where the old sakura tree had been was covered and overgrown. This didn't surprise him in the least. The grass had grown quite tall. Various trees, none of them sakura trees, had appeared and taken over the fertile ground. Sasuke acknowledged the disappointment he felt to himself and prepared to move on, until something caught his eye.
A tree of some sort was in a clearing a short distance away. Recognizing it immediately, Sasuke dashed towards it, confused.
It was his sakura tree. There was no doubt in his mind it was the same tree. His pale, strong hands ran over its trunk, remembering it as if he had only been a child underneath this tree yesterday. A strong feeling of confusion overtook him, and could not help but wonder if he was imagining things.
He had heard of people misremembering things and conjuring ideas from their memories or imaginations; people would sometimes believe these strong feelings to be real when they were not really there. Had he created the tree with his will, so that he would have something left from his past?
He gently touched the place where he had slammed into the tree's trunk the night his family had died. Conjuring unknown strength, probably from adrenaline, a young Sasuke had severely damaged the tree that had been nearing the end of its relatively short life. This was the exact spot he had hit. This was the same tree from more than a mortal lifetime ago.
And yet here it stood, over a century later. If memory served him correctly, it would bloom very soon. This winter had been short and promised an early spring. Yes, it would bloom very, very soon.
His mood had been lifted greatly by the time he had returned to the shack. He was prepared to take on the daunting task up tearing the village down with renewed vigor.
A babbling Naruto, carrying a bag full of junk food, soon appeared with Kakashi right beside him. "...and the price! Did you see the price on that crap?! I should just steal the food. It's Sasuke's anyways, right? I mean, this is all his, right? Right?"
Naruto didn't get the confirmation he wanted. Instead, Sasuke appeared before them both, pulling a cart of equipment behind him.
"You two are slow as fuck..."
He walked between them both, the squeaky cart shadowing him, as he headed towards the nearest building.
Kakashi quickly followed suit while Naruto stood dumbfounded.
"Wait. WAIT. I can eat this first, right? Right?"
Author's note:
Update: It's been beta'ed! YAY xD.
I can't even begin to apologize for my very late update. I have been very sick; I had a condition where I couldn't read or be on the computer without getting a massive headache and nausea, it was terrible. And now I leave you guys with filler (but it was necessary!). DON'T WORRY. Sasu/Saku fluff is on the way! I am NOT giving up on this story by any means. I had more to write, but this chapter was getting long. Expect another update very soon!
