Renewing Broken Bonds

Alright, I thought I'd restart this. "Festering Hate" has most likely been deleted and I have a feeling, for some reason, that this will turn out better. This takes place after Sasuke has been brought back. And to those who were reading my other story, there will be flashbacks referring back to what was in there and also what would have been in there. Anyway, I hope this will catch your interest and I'm always open to suggestions and criticism.

Ch 1: Punishment

"Welcome back, Uchiha Sasuke." The Fifth Hokage said - her amber eyes boring into the youngest and lone survivor of the Uchiha massacre. Soft pale hands were folded in front of her face as she leaned on her desk. Mountains of paperwork piled themselves on either side of her. She was calm and collected – even with her quick temper – her eyes shifted from the fifteen year old dark haired boy to those who had, after nearly three years of failed attempts, had successfully retrieved him. Surrounding him was a team of eight. Haruno Sakura, her apprentice and the kunoichi who would undoubtedly pass her in the medical field. Uzumaki Naruto, the loudmouthed knucklehead whose dream was to be the next and greatest Hokage. Hatake Kakashi, the scarecrow or copy-ninja, the trainer of the original Team 7, whose members were Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke and his replacement. Sai, a member of the ANBU Black Ops who was the substitute for the Uchiha traitor. His appearance was just like their missing teammate, though his hair was shorter and he wore an ANBU uniform – which was exposing some of his abs – and a ninjato was strapped on his back. Yamoto, the fill-in sensei for Team 7 when Kakashi was unavailable to accompany them. He had short brown hair and a green vest was over his black long-sleeved shirt. A white forehead protector was framing his face. The other members were Team 8, Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba and Akamaru, and Aburame Shino.

Sasuke remained quiet, it was quite clear that he wasn't happy to have been brought back to his old village. He was taller, his hair the same but longer as his bangs framed his face. Those dark eyes were cold and hard. The clothes he wore were those of the Sound Village, a open white kimono that exposed his chest muscles and blue pants with a purple rope bow-like thing tied around his waist holding a katana – which was taken away incase he decided to use it on them. His lips formed a straight, hard line.

"Team 8," she said, looking at them. "Thank you for your assistance and you are dismissed."

They bowed deep with respect, before exiting. "Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Just as the door closed with a soft click, "Grandma Tsunade…" Naruto's voice trailed off as he stepped forward, her eyes shifted to him with an annoyed expression. She was tired of the comments on her age. "What's going to happen to Sasuke now? Now that he's back, I mean? I can't let him have the death penalty. Sakura has also agreed with me on this." He had grown too. Naruto had become taller than Sakura over the two-and-a-half years he had spent training with Tsunade's old teammate, Jiraiya. His attire hadn't changed much, other than the black that had replaced the white collar and the blue on the shoulders and the zipper. The blonde hair was a little longer as well and his baby fat was replaced with lean muscle. His face had lost the childlike quality and he had grown rather handsomely and his voice had deepened a bit. He continued, "Just because he made a mistake doesn't mean he should have to deal with that. Can't you bend the rules a little?"

The blonde Hokage shook her head slightly, arms now folded across her large chest. "I'm not the only one who will decide his punishment. The elders of the village also have a say in the matter, even if I wanted to help, my power as Hokage is limited, unfortunately."

"But Tsunade-sensei," Sakura spoke quietly almost too softly to be heard, also stepping forward beside her blonde teammate, as if to protect Sasuke from an undeniable fate. She had changed physically. She wore a red tank-top – the white circle on her back - with a lighter pink skirt over her shorts and elbow guards and purple sandals reaching up to her knees and gloves on her hands. Her body had developed more feminine qualities that any girl would love to have and turn any boys head. Pink locks fell from a red Leaf headband on the top of her head, still as short as it was after the Chunin Exams. She was now and Chunin. "We can't let Sasuke be killed, he is our teammate. All of us have made our share of mistakes. Can't you at least talk to the elders about it? He has helped us with Orochimaru, who has been killed, an S-rank criminal. Surely that should help him out in some way."

"I could bring it up," Tsunade sighed, her eyes softening at the sight of such loyalty and devotion. "But I can't guarantee anything."

"I don't see what the big deal is," Sai, the replacement for Sasuke said emotionlessly. Naruto and Sakura turned toward him; evidently he had a death wish. Sasuke, tilted his head slightly in his direction, he hated this replacement the first time he had come across his former team. "He is a criminal after all." The ANBU looked at Sasuke with a fake smirk and turned to see the blonde and pink haired female glaring at him.

"Hn," Sasuke made a sign that he was even listening to anything, returning his attention in front of him. He watched as his old friends glowered at the boy.

"What do they teach you in Root?" Naruto asked. "You're emotions are locked away so you know nothing of what people go through. You think differently of people just because, even you are human."

"Is there a point to this, Stupid?" Sai rolled his eyes.

"Sai!" Sakura was able to keep her voice from rising to a shout.

"What do you want, Ugly?" the emotionless ANBU inquired.

"Forget about it you two," Sasuke started, not even looking at them. "I don't need you to fight my battles and I most certainly don't need or want your help. Who cares what they do to me."

"Maybe we care," Naruto clenched his fists and ground his teeth before he would become angrier then he already was.

"Calm down, Naruto." The kunoichi soothed, placing a hand on his shoulder for support. "You can't let yourself get riled up."

He was about to say something until Tsunade spoke, "Until the elders and I council, Uchiha will be monitored by a group of ANBU and all of you, for now. I have a meeting with them in a few hours, go do something together before I send for you to hear his punishment," her eyes returned to the traitor. "You don't seem scared." It was a statement, not a question.

"Hn," he snorted.

Her gaze turned over to Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi – who was paying close attention to the whole situation. "I can't guarantee that he won't be interrogated for information and other things. He may have to go through so much if he doesn't get the death penalty. But I will try."

"Thank you," the three said.

Tsunade gave a small smile, "Oh and Sakura."

"Yeah, sensei?"

"Would you go to the hospital a little later today, after you and your team find out Sasuke's sentence?"

"Of course, sensei." The pink haired medic replied.

"Very well," she stood up from her desk and looked at the six of them – Yamoto in the mix. "You are dismissed and I will send someone for you four," she glanced at each of the original members of Team 7.

Sakura, Kakashi, Sai and Yamoto bowed in respect before exiting. As the door shut, the Fifth Hokage pulled out a bottle of sake from a hiding spot, taking a big swig of it. 'You're lucky to have people who still care, Sasuke.' She raised a second glass to her lips before swallowing and letting go of a deep sigh of satisfaction with the taste lingering on her tongue before – believe it or not – she went back to her paperwork.

----

"Oh man this is going to be great!" Naruto shouted excitedly as they exited the Hokage Tower. "I so hope you don't get sentenced too bad, Sasuke. Sakura and I will be there for you all the way! Believe it! Oh, and won't you Kakashi-sensei?" the blonde looked up to his silver haired teacher. Kakashi had told them that there was no need to call him sensei since Team 7 had went their own way, but they told him it was because the respect they had for him. The man had smiled under his mask upon hearing it. After Sasuke left, he felt that he wasn't the best teacher, even if he had taken him under his wing and taught him how to use the Chidori.

"Whatever, Stupid." Sai walked away. "I have something else to do." And with that, he disappeared within the blink of an eye.

"I also have somewhere to be," Yamoto said before vanishing in a puff of grey smoke.

"I guess it's only us then," the copy-ninja scratched his head. "What shall we do for a few hours?"

On queue, a sound of a growling stomach tore everyone from their thoughts and all eyes shifted to the ramen-loving blonde – who grinned sheepishly.

"Are you serious?" Sakura asked, her face had fallen.

Kakashi sighed, "We may as well as eat, seeing as how Naruto is hungry."

"Oh yeah!" Naruto jumped, "Ichiraku here we come!" he bounced off toward the ramen stand, leaving a trail of dust for the others to follow. The two males walked with a steady pace. Sakura, on the other hand, was walking slower, in deep contemplation. She shifted her eyes to see that citizens of Konoha were staring and whispering about Sasuke as he walked passed, without a care in the world. He was, as always, calm, cool and collected.

Sakura sighed slowly and Kakashi turned, stopping with his hands buried in his pockets. "Sakura?" he began. She looked at him. "Is there something wrong?"

The kunoichi shook her head, shifting her eyes to Sasuke's collar to see the small Uchiha fan as he walked toward the bar where Naruto was waiting for them. When Sakura had managed to catch up to Kakashi, he stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder. "I don't want anything bad to happen either, but there are some things that we can't do." His voice held wisdom and a small smile of reassurance. Pain could be seen in his uncovered eye. "We have to stick by him though. No matter how grim."

Sakura gave a small smile of her own, "I know." Her feet started moving again as she left the silver haired shinobi behind, only long enough for him to walk behind them. He too caught the stares, glares, whispers and other gestures that were directed at the Uchiha. Most were fearful and angry that he was walking among them so freely. Kakashi looked behind him to catch a little glimpse of at least three ANBU tailing them, though only Kakashi noticed.

'It's going to take a while before Sasuke gets some trust.' He sighed again.

After a few moments, the trio had arrived at the ramen bar, who was already receiving his first bowl. Noodles being slurped up upon seeing them enter, "It's about time! I was starving to death without you so I had to order!"

"Whatever," Sasuke said, taking a seat next to his best friend, or who was his best friend before he tried to kill him. He crossed his arms, closing his eyes, and remained quiet. Sakura sat on the other side of him, not even looking at the boy she had loved years ago. Kakashi had taken another seat beside Naruto.

"What would you like?" Teuchi greeted with a smile as the customers seated themselves.

"I'm fine," Kakashi said. Still after all their try's, his face has yet to be revealed.

"Just tea for me, please," Sakura smiled sweetly.

"Same," Sasuke answered, not even opening his eyes.

"So Sakura how's the life of a medic going?" the old man asked as he placed two cups of tea in front of Sasuke and Sakura.

Sasuke actually opened his eyes and gave the girl a quick glance before turning it to his tea.

"Its fine," the pink haired apprentice of the Hokage said as she raised the glass to her lips and took a drink. She had downed it in a few gulps.

"Wow," Teuchi chuckled. "Tsunade must keep you busy if you don't get to eat or drink."

"You could say that," Sakura reached forward and placed the glass in front of the owner, waiting for a refill.

"A medic doesn't really have time to do much else, especially when the hospital becomes short handed. I've even had missions to neighboring allies to help train their medics." She continued and pulled the tea back to her mouth.

"Sounds exhausting," he was currently filling Naruto a third bowl – who had practically inhaled it.

"Very, I expect to be there for at least twenty hours after we go back to the Hokage, if not more."

"Man, Sakura," Naruto said, whipping the ramen juice from his mouth with his sleeve. "Grandma Tsunade works you hard. I guess that's why you're the one on your way to surpass her in skill."

Sakura smiled, "But you're the one who's going to be the next Hokage. So you are going to surpass them in skill." She encouraged. "I know you can do it, Naruto. Just believe in yourself."

"She's right," the man behind the counter agreed. "Fight for what you believe. Even if others have a different opinion on it and don't agree, you still have those that will support you in the end."

Sasuke sipped his tea, listening but pretending not to care or notice the conversation that was taking place. He knew that in some way they were talking about him. Who cared? He left for his reasons and no one could have stopped him. Sakura couldn't, nor Naruto.

After more talk, everyone was finished – even Naruto who was bulging at the stomach. They paid and thanked the old man, minus Sasuke. "Oh man, I am stuffed!" the blonde groaned as he held his belly.

"Perhaps you should lay off the ramen, Naruto!" Sakura shouted in his face.

"I can't resist, it's just so good." Naruto defended, still groaning.

Sakura sighed, "What else are we going to do? Until Tsunade send for us?" she asked her sensei.

"Well, we could go to the old Team 7 training grounds." He suggested.

"Alright," Naruto wobbled in front of them forward. "Let's get some training done."

"Naruto," Sakura scolded softly, walking up toward him. "You can't train in your condition." Her hand gave off a green glow as she soothed his stomachache. When she finished she told him, "No training until you let your stomach settle. You shouldn't train on a full stomach."

"Well you shouldn't train on an empty stomach, like our first day of training." He pointed accusingly at the copy-nin – who was again reading his book.

The kunoichi smiled knowingly. "Still no training," she waved her finger up and down as if she was scolding a little boy and Naruto whined upon hearing this a second time.

Sasuke walked passed them, as if he were too good to be seen with his former companions, on the way to the training area. Naruto and Sakura looked at each other then shrugged before following him to the very place where it all began. The dark haired Uchiha looked around as he stood in the same spot when Naruto was tied to the center of three logs over three years ago. 'This place holds so many memories.' His dark eyes surveyed the surrounding area as he realized that it had been used during his time away.He growled to himself, 'I never wanted to come back here! Not until Itachi dies!' his fists clenched and a scowl spreading itself cross his face. 'There's nothing here for me! No one here for me! I don't need anyone, most certainly, not them!' the boy shifted his eyes to see the other three before returning them. Out of anger, he thrust his right fist forward and it came in contact with the log. He could see and feel his knuckles crack under the force of his punch. When he drew it away he brought it to his face to examine the damage that was done. Blood oozed from the first three knuckles and he smirked, completely aware that he had broken his hand.

"Sasuke," Sakura said as she came up to check on him, Naruto and Kakashi slowly walking up behind her. "What di-" the medic noticed his hand. "You broke your hand. Here let me-" she reached for it only to have it pulled away just before she could touch it.

Sasuke sneered, holding his hand away from her. "Stay away from me!" he demanded. "I don't need your help, nor do I want it!"

"Hey Sasuke," Naruto defended his first crush, "she was just trying to help a friend."

"Who said you were my friends?! I don't need any!" the Uchiha growled.

"Calm yourself now, Sasuke," Kakashi began. "We don't want you to get in trouble, since your punishment is being decided."

"Who asked you? Who asked if I wanted to be here in the first place? I left this village to get away from all of the weaklings so I could become stronger, to kill Itachi." He made sure to emphasize 'weaklings'. "This village had nothing to offer. I have no regrets for joining Orochimaru."

"Watch what you say, Sasuke," Sakura told him.

"Or what? I couldn't care less with what they'll do to me!"

The blonde was growing impatient with the person he had called best friend. His arms to his side and hands balled making his fingernails dig into his palms. "Sasuke, can't you hear yourself?" he was trying his best to keep his voice controlled. Two angry eyes looked at him, as did three more, one set worried and the one visible eye of Kakashi was showing that he didn't want this to go any further than it was going. "Have you honestly forgotten who you were before Orochimaru claimed you were nothing more than a vessel for him? All that time you've spent with him blinded you. He's poisoned your mind to where you lust for power. You turn on those who care for you most and you say that you don't care about what happens to you. You used to care once, so why can't you care anymore? Has your need for revenge blinded you from the person you were before?"

"What would you know about power?!" Sasuke snapped. "I have become powerful and I wouldn't trade it for anything, or anyone. As long as I kill Itachi, I have no need to explain to you."

"And what happens if you don't kill Itachi?" Naruto inquired, he was on the verge of shouting. Sasuke's eyebrow twitched with annoyance, but Naruto continued. "What happens when you do kill Itachi? Will everything be the same? Will everything go back to normal for you? What of those who have helped you out? Those who called you friend? Will you even be able to find yourself? …Will we ever be able to see the real you again…?" The blonde's expression softened, and Sasuke's did a smidge but most of the hardness was still there. Sakura and Kakashi's eyes were lowered a bit, impacted by Naruto's words. Would they see the real Sasuke if his revenge was fulfilled? Or would he remain as he was now?

Deep down, though Sasuke would never admit it to them or himself – but Naruto had some pretty good points. A small flicker of humanity stirred, though not quite enough to consume him completely. Sasuke's expression was still hard as he watched his rival and best friend from years ago watch him for what seemed to be an eternity. "Would you ever be the old Sasuke we knew when we were Genin?"

However, before any other words – no matter how harsh or pleasant, they were interrupted. An ANBU clad in their normal attire, his mask was that of a dog bowed before them. "Lady Hokage wishes to see you right away." He spoke.

"We're on our way," the copy-nin answered, as he nodded and disappeared. He looked over to see that there was still tension filling the air between the two teenage boys. "Shall we?" he asked them.

They both replied without looking at him.

"Fine."

"Hn."

The two started towards the Hokage Tower, Sakura watched them before she exhaled the long breath that was caught in her throat. 'Both of them have changed. I can't take it.' She caught up with the three males on her team, though she walked behind them once again.

----

"Come in," the Hokage's voice rang through the door. As Team 7 entered, she was massaging her temples. One by one they stood side by side.

"So…" Naruto started anxiously, "how'd it go?"

"Well," Tsunade began, rubbing her temples faster in circular motions. "I did what I could." Her amber eyes looked over to the Uchiha. "Your sentence has been determined," she leaned forward her hands folded in front of her face. "You will still be monitored by ANBU twenty-four seven. Probation for one year, no missions, no leaving Konoha. Team 7 is reinstated, though you are still a Genin with Naruto and…" she reached in her desk, and pulled something out, "you are to wear this twenty-four seven." Tsunade held a small device in the palm of her hand, an ankle bracelet type thing. "A monitor."

A frown formed on the Uchiha's face. "Either you put it on without fuss, Uchiha Sasuke, or I will force it on you." Her expression had shown them that she wouldn't be pleased if she had to hold him down. "You got off easier them most who have betrayed the Hidden Leaf Village. They were either put to death or sentenced to prison for life without parole. Even with my mentioning that Orochimaru was no longer a threat to the Leaf Village, I went through a great deal of defending you after all you've put us through, for the sake of your old teammates."

Sasuke snarled, "I didn't ask for you to defend me… or them." He turned his head.

"Will you put it on without complaint?" the Hokage asked impatience in her voice.

"Hn," the returned his attention to her, "if it will get you and them off my back."

"I don't understand you," Tsunade sighed, as she handed it to him as he took it hesitantly. She just now noticed his injured hand, but ignored it. "You have friends that have defended you in your abandonment. They went through hell when you left and are still going through it for you. Are you really willing to give that up?"

The bracelet clicked as Sasuke diffidently clamped it onto himself. "I shouldn't need friends and relationships with those who will only get in my way." He said rather coldly.

Tsunade elevated a brow at his answer. "Get yourself some new clothes." She ordered, waving them off with her hand. "Your apartment is waiting for you. Oh and Sakura, I need you remember?"

"Yes," the pink haired medic answered. She remembered Sasuke's broken hand. "… Sasuke…" he looked at her as she started to ask. "Are you sure you don't want your hand healed?"

"Hn." With that, he left them behind. Sakura and Naruto looked at each other.

"Give it time, Sakura." Naruto consoled her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's all we can do now." Tsunade smiled at the support he had given her before he had followed Sasuke out the door.

'Thanks, Naruto.' Sakura gave a small smile. 'You've always been one who's always understood me.'

"Sakura," she looked at Tsunade. "I have a new patient for you at the hospital."

Alright, how was it? Honesty works. Sasuke will get nicer, just give it time. I have an idea for Sasuke and Naruto getting in a fight but it will be a while before that happens. I would like to hear your thoughts, questions, comments. Criticism is appreciated and welcome. Please review so I know if you guys like it so far. Thanks for reading… now click the GO button…