So i was pretty reluctant to post this. But what the hell, this is all for vokadisen.

Continuation of the prequel. Standard disclaimer applies.

"Sasuke. Sasuke! Wake up kozou!" He firmly shakes my shoulder.

My eyes open and I shoot up. Breathing heavily. My legs tangled in the sheets. Hands fisted at my sides grasping my robe.

Somber: "You were tossing in your sleep... and shouting. What does a kid your age have something so terrible to dream about?" Kenjin remains still and fold his arms across his chest.

I don't answer. Simply look down at my trembling hands. I catch my haggard breath. Trying to keep calm as the images still flash before my eyes. Tear drops leaving perfect little circles on the linen.

Laying back down I whisper: "Just a nightmare…" And I turn on my side, giving him a good view of my back. I clench my eyes shut tight, forcibly willing the images to stop streaming. But it's all in vain.

I hear Kenjin let out a heavy sigh. Listen to the ruffle of fabric as he stands. Barely catching the low footfalls as he pads across the room, quietly closing the shoji doors.

Rolling onto my back again, I finally realize that it is the dead of night.

Fully aware that I will not be able to sleep, I get off the futon. Rubbing sore eyes as I trudge towards the floor length window.

Cold air hits my body as I push it open and walk outside. It's a garden. Bonsai. Crickets chirp invisibly beneath the pale light of a lone lantern. Bare feet on grass and stone as I continue to venture further.

Leaves rustle in the wind. Wispy dark clouds float across the half moon. If I strain my ears hard enough I can hear the ocean.

I find a large rock and perch on it. Resting my forehead on my hands, leaning on the knees. I seem to hurt all over but at least the headache is gone.

I finger the bandages wrapped around my head. Kenjin had come back shortly afterwards to replace them, clean the cut, and take the tray away. He never explained himself. Just stayed silent and enjoyed the sight of me wince at the disinfectant.

Leaning back and staring off into nothing again. Remembering it all. Not yet ready to face the inevitable.

I sit, enjoying this momentary peace. And I wait for the sun to come back up and drown the darkness.

Back in the room, curled up on the futon. New light begins to cascade in. I start to hear the telltale signs of life. Muffled voices. The sound of people tidying up.

I wonder how many people live here.

With no need for permission I decide to find out on my own. Knowing Kenjin he'd just keep me locked in this room. Tentatively stepping out of the sliding doors, glancing back and forth in the empty wood hallway.

Dead end to my right, the noises are coming from the left. I don't meet or see anyone as I cautiously step forward. Pausing at every creak I make on the floorboards.

I reach the end of the hall and hug the corner. Listening intently to catch any clues of my whereabouts. The snippets of conversation I do hear are about food.

Which reminds me…

My stomach grumbles loudly, like some feral dog. I hold my torso, pleading for it to stop, but it just growls louder. At this point, my presence has been alerted and whatever conversation the men around the corner were having has ceased.

Something taps me on the shoulder and I let out a yelp. Quickly turning around and gape upwards. I see Kenjin's annoyed face. Since when was he this tall?

Gruffly: "I see you are well enough to walk. I went to check your room since you have not eaten since yesterday morning." He moves to walk around in front of me.

Confused: "But how did you get behind me? I never saw anybody."

Kenjin looks down his nose at me: "My room is across from yours, kozou." He walks away, then shouts back: "Come on already, I thought you were hungry."

I follow obediently, like some lost puppy.

He leads me to the dining area. In the middle there are two irori. The smell of food emanating from them. Off to the side is a large chabudai, six men already seated around it. Double fusuma doors were open, granting a pleasant view of the garden and allowing the brisk morning air to come in.

The men take no heed to my intrusion, even if they did stop conversing. Kenjin waves for me to take a seat next to a burly bearded man who chewed loudly. None of the men even glanced in my direction.

Kenjin crouched by the hearth, collecting breakfast into two bowls. Coming towards the table the six men either nodded or mumbled a 'good morning' at him. He nods in return and places a bowl in front of me, procuring chopsticks out of nowhere.

Remembering my manners, I mutter "Itadakimasu" before I silently gorge myself.

Kenjin dignified: "This is Sasuke. An Uchiha." The men pause at this, and the bearded man scowls at me from the corner of his eye. Kenjin continues: "I know you all understand what that means, and I am sure some of you may be willing to help him."

A couple of the men chuckle, a few of them grunt; the bearded man scoffs quietly. What does Kenjin mean? Could he possible know?

Eager: "Umm... excuse me. But how can you possibly help me?"

"You don't know who we are, do ya kid?" A thin bald man was the one had spoken. He seems to be the youngest in the group.

The bearded man grunts: "We are Yamabushi; warrior-monks. Those who lie in the mountains. We train to achieve enlightenment and acquire power. I believe we are the best suited to help you with you goal."

My goal…

The other man with white hair besides Kenjin speaks up: "That is correct. The Yamabushi will teach you how to fight. Give you the power you seek through feats of endurance, without losing yourself."

Kenjin bows at me: "Shugendo. We can lead you down the appropriate path."

Buddhist warriors? I have merely heard of such men. Enduring isolation and asceticism. I should have anticipated stumbling upon such men, traveling this far north into nowhere.

Unwavering: "Then it is settled. We will teach you. I am sure you have no objections. Your training will begin tomorrow. As for today, I will show you around the complex grounds. Prepare yourself, kozou." All the men continue eating in silence contentedly.

I gulp down the lump of anxiety in my throat. Gaze around at all of my future teachers. They appear to be strong, reliable men. I truly am grateful for their understanding and willingness. But why does it always seem as if my fate is inexorable?

uh as before any questions, dont hesitate to pm me. in case you havent noticed sasuke's like 12/13 years old.

R&R Thanks!