Toki wo Koete no Kizuna

Chapter 3- Mezameyo ~Open Your Eyes

When it all returned to me, I was still very young. When Yukimura-Danna, or rather, Sanada Yuki, was nearly ran over, my past life flashed before my eyes.

At the young age of 5, I had met Sanada Yuki. My parents moved to a new neighborhood, close to a young boy I felt oddly familiar towards. We quickly became friends, seeing as we were the only children around the same age in the area. I was particularly attracted to the joyous youth, always full of energy. Without realizing the reasons why, I had sworn to myself that I would protect this boy even at the cost of my life. At the time I didn't know, that everything was planned by the cruel hands of fate.

His innocent smile glowed with a charismatic leadership that attracted people around him. He easily made loyal friends and his leadership skills manifested at the young age of 10. I flew to his side as one of his loyal subjects, a moth to a flame.

By the age of 12, we were closer than brothers. When he's troubled, he would ask me for advice. When I needed comfort, he would pat my back knowingly and give me support. We walked to and from school together, and every day I would walk him home before turning around and circle around to my house. At the time, I had secretly imagined myself as a knight and Yuki as the princess whom I will protect with my life.

On a particularly rainy day, I was walking Yuki back home after school. Scattered lightning lit up behind the dark clouds that covered the sky. Cold rain showered down on our small bodies as we ran back, sliding on the wet ground playfully along the way. We were rough, young boys, and that alone made me feel strangely at peace.

We laughed the whole way back, enjoying the feeling of the refreshing rain on our skin. We stood, hand in hand by the busy streets, waiting for the lights to change. The bustling sounds of cars driving on the watery streets and people splashing the pools of concentrated rain on the ground were matched with the haphazard tune of pelting rain.

What happened next occurred in merely seconds. My memory of that fleeting instant is not perfect, clouded with a rush of hidden memories I was never aware of. I remembered clearly, a kitten a woman had held in her arms jumped out, slipping on the rainy ground and skidded out into the center of the street, where a car was speeding towards it.

I remember feeling his hand slip away from mine, and watching him charge forward, his usual large, happy eyes sharpened into a determined glare. His teeth clenched violently and face scrunched forcibly into a scowl. I saw a silhouette that I had thought I had forgotten.

Perhaps it was that expression of his that ignited it, or the guardian from within me awoke when my Shinobi instincts activated. Mere seconds later, flashes of familiar images passed by my mind: His blazing boldness shone brightly whenever he spoke with Oyakata-sama. His concentrated state felt almost unreal every time he practices in the gardens. His world shaking yell always raised the army's morale as he charged into battle. His bloody body in my arms felt colder than ice as I held him, the rain drenched his lifeless body and drowned my sorrow.

I woke up to a unfamiliar room, the ceiling, walls and covers all created a blinding white; all colour drained into nothingness. I hated that feeling- that fear that I will part ways with him again. Standing beside me, tear-stained face drenched again by his anxiety, is little Sanada Yuki, wailing loudly. I pulled him closer to the hospital bed and embraced him tightly, relieved to feel warmth from his tiny body. His shoulders shook lightly, disturbed by occasional hiccups and sobs. I tightened my grip as tears formed slowly on my eyes. I'll never let you leave me again, Danna.

That was three years ago.

We went to the same high school, forming a sort of brother's pact. Occasionally I would be lost in my sea of memories, watching him with a pained expression. Confused, he would shake me out of it, asking if I was alright. Each and every time I wanted to tell him everything, tell him his impressive feats, his memorable tales and most of all, tell him how much I have missed him.

But every time I couldn't bring myself to saying it; to tell him how he fell in battle, how he was driven to death by the one who he cherished, and how he lost everything in a fleeting moment. I was always afraid, afraid to hold his limp, cold body in my arms. The fear of losing him again drove my mind and body to its limit. Irrational fears had already driven me blind.

But as long as he will never meet him, it will be alright. Yukimura will be safe under my wing.

I had an ugly premonition when we entered the Basara Academy. Everywhere I looked were familiar faces of another time. Countless occasions, I have taken a fighting stance, hands out, protecting Yuki, only to find the person whom would have attacked us back in time giving me a curious look before strolling off.

Uesugi Kenshin, Ujimasa Hojo, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Takenaka Hanbei, even Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga, one by one they appeared before me, each and every one had forgotten the past and of us. In a way, I felt a strong sense of loneliness. I saw another world that the others could not, and I lived another life that the others have forgotten. I felt abandoned and alone in the darkness of my heart, betrayed and ignored. The only light I saw was the innocence of Yukimura, the rewound time before he was tainted by the bloods of war.

When we arrived in our class for the first time, I felt a chill run down my spine. I immediately noticed the long, brown hair and peaceful face. Sleeping next to the window is the freelancer, Maeda Keiji. The sunlight streamed into the classroom, layering his back and desk. I sighed, scratching the back of my head. At that second I was determined to avoid all contact with the people that reflected the warriors in my memories. A part of me did not want to get roped into anymore chaos when finally, we had found peace and another part of me did not want Yukimura to reclaim his past, afraid that he would disappear once again.

As I was about to suggest to Yukimura to sit somewhere on the other side of the classroom, Yuki slipped past me and took a seat in front of Maeda Keiji, waving me over with his usual smile and pointing to the desk in front of him. "Over here, Sasuke!"

With a mental sigh, I obeyed and followed suit behind him. No matter what he chose, I never was able to disobey him; I could never win against a smile like that. "You want me to sit in front of you?"

"Yeah!" He beamed, throwing his book bag on his desk. "So if I eat in class, you can cover for me, Sasuke!"

"You're a slave driver, Yuki!" I joked, laughing as I slipped into the chair. The metal felt cold and hard, and the limited space made moving uncomfortable and cramped. I did my best to turn around and face Yuki.

The classroom was bustling with hushed conversations. Groups of students formed, dividing the classroom into personal sections. Students smiled shyly at new exchanges while others laughed loudly at seeing old friends. It was a typical first year high school classroom.

"I wonder what kind of person our teacher is?" Yuki shook with excitement, his eyes beamed with a distant integrity. "I hope he's someone with a noble dream! Someone strong and passionate!"

I laughed. The image of Oyakata-sama entered my brain. His tall and noble stance along with his fierce and fiery power matched the ideal role model Yukimura had always dreamed of. If Oyakata-sama was to be reborn as well in this time, I wondered how Yukimura would feel in his presence. Would they throw their passionate ambition at one another in the form of iron punches and detonating yells? Or would Yukimura run into Oyakata-sama's loving blows, delivering both messages of a loving father and pain of a strict teacher? I toyed with the thoughts playfully, snickering abruptly in front of Yuki.

"Huh? What are you laughing at, Sasuke?" Yuki frowned, resting his head on his table and looking at me. I ruffled his hair, chuckling at his innocence.

"Sasuke?" The familiar voice caught my attention. I raised my calm eyes towards the source. The sleeping bear behind Yuki, Maeda Keiji, had woken up and stared at me with large eyes. I stared back, eyes cold, warning him to stay away. I didn't care if he knew what I meant, I just needed to scare him away.

Yuki looked up at me and gave me a puzzled glimpse before turning around to lock eyes with the laughing Keiji. "Do you know him?" Yuki turned back to me, tilting his head with interest.

I smiled down at him and shook my head before glaring back up at Keiji. "And you are?" my voice rang out cold and dark, very unlike my normal behavior. I felt a need to be cautious if I intend to keep what's precious to me close.

Keiji rested his head on his hand, looking at me with a knowing smile. I twitched at the ominous reaction, feeling insecure from his odd personality. "Oh, nothing. I just heard that boy say your name." Keiji smiled broadly at Yuki, a hidden agenda slipped from his carefully crafted friendliness.

"Sasuke, it's rude to not introduce yourself before you ask something of another person!" Yuki growled at me, his brows furrowing into a selfish frown. There it was again, that nostalgic noble nature, reminiscent of the man he used to be. I could never win.

Yuki swirled around, twisting his legs athletically about the stiff seat. "I'm Sanada Yuki!" He chirped, grinning at Keiji. "What's your name?"

Keiji replied with a smile that could match Yuki's. Even in the past the two shared a type of innocence I had often found peace from. "I'm Kurosaki Keiji." He tilted his head just as Yuki had earlier at me. "Yoroshiku ne, Yuki-chan."

Yuki's eyes glittered, excitement about to erupt from his small frame. "Yoroshiku!" He nearly yelled. He was seconds away from jumping out of his chair, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

I stood up; my face molded itself into an unpleased frown. "And MY name…" I slammed my hand down onto Keiji's table, separating the two. "… Is Takasugi Sasuke. Yoroshiku." My tone dropped, and my face slowly inched towards Keiji's. An ominous shadow was casted over my glinting glare.

Keiji continued to smile at me, the corner of his mouth twitching uncomfortably and his eyes lost its usual beam. I could feel a spark stem from our eyes as we sent electric threats to each other. Yukimura tilted his head, confused. He watched us, shifting his eyes from me to Keiji in a rhythmic response.

The class door slid open and a large figure stomped into the room. I could feel a powerful force shift the floor, and since that time, long ago, I felt a powerless inaptness. All eyes turned to the source of the sudden shake. The tall man treaded to the front of the class, his intimidating demeanor quieted the class and just from a single glare, all the students scrambled to a spare desk and sat quietly. I trotted back to my desk and slipped in, intrigued. We waited impatiently for whatever unknown possibility this man may create.

The man turned to face the class, his mustache twitched as his face dropped into a threatening frown. He opened his mouth, "My name is Takagi Shingen." His voice boomed through the room. The corners of my mouth twisted upwards into a nostalgic smile. "I teach Gym and is the soccer club teacher supervisor. From today on, I'm going to be your home room teacher." As he finished, his frowned morphed into a smirk, eyeing us down with a formidable twinkle in his eyes.

I sighed, placing a hand over my eyes. This wasn't happening… The coincidences were plainly unbelievable. I wouldn't doubt that this school ends up like the battlefields of the Sengoku Jidai, with bloody bodies and inhuman choices.

"Heeeey Sasukeeeee!" I could hear Danna whispering my name a little too loudly. His voice was far from hushed and his pencil, poking me uncomfortably in the spine, was jabbed repeatedly in swift speed, replicating his spears.

Oyakata-sama, or rather, Takagi Shingen-sensei had started to do roll call. His voice bellowed loudly as he yelled out each student's name. In reply, a shaky voice was heard somewhere within this sea of nervous peers, all hunched over their desks, too intimidated to sit properly.

I tilted my head back with a wry smile. I could almost taste Danna's enthusiasm just through his tone. With a low voice, I replied, humoring the young tiger. "Yeeees?"

"He's so COOL!" I could see his eyes emit beams of excitement as he nearly yelled. Students around us stared uncomfortably at the distraction. The gloomy, nervous aura that had taken over the room quickly retreated as Sanada Yuki's blazing light erupted. "It's just like I imagined!" His face shone with joy, his mouth curved so far up into an almost creepy smile.

"Want to join the soccer club with me, Sasuke?" He prompted, continually stabbing me in the back. I mentally laughed, knowing now how painful it must have felt when Danna speared his enemies with his signature move.

"Alright, alright. Just stop trying to dig a hole into my back." I replied, turning my body around and swatting away his pencil before turning back to face the front.

"Sanada Yuki!" Takagi-sensei's voice boomed. I could feel the usual wave of pressure blow past the classroom as some students flinched at the sound. The memorable smash of his large axe caused hurricanes that matched his current manner.

I sighed as I heard and felt Danna jump up from his chair, his desk smashed into my own as I felt a throbbing pain from my back. With both fists pumped and face riveting with excitement, he yelled loudly, matching Oyakata-sama's intimidation with his own enthusiasm. "OHHHH! I AM SANADA YUKI. AND FROM TODAY ONWARD, I'LL FOLLOW YOU TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!"

His extravagant roar left the class in shock. I covered my eyes, mixed feelings of nostalgia and embarrassment surfaced to my face as both smile and color rushed up. Before long in this awkward silence, I glanced around to see students giggling out of control and students scared beyond words, watching the teacher for his verdict.

I felt my head smash into my desk as my body went limp after hearing Takagi Shingen's response. "OHHHH! I LIKE THAT ENTHUSIASM! SANADA YUKI, WE SHALL CONQUER THE NEXT THREE YEARS TOGETHER!"

"TAKAGI-SENSEI!"

"SANADA YUKI!"

"TAKAGI-SENSEI!"

"SANADA YUKI!"

I could almost feel tears forming in my eyes as I debated whether to laugh or cry. Although I should have seen this coming from a million miles away, I still thought that perhaps Takagi Shingen may have changed, considering his current position and responsibilities. But then again, he was always as extravagant even as the war lord, Takeda Shingen.

The rest of the students didn't take this turn of events as lightly as me. Their yelling only created an awkward air that floated painfully above the classroom, chocking and suffocating any reason or sense out of what's left of the sane students.

After a minute of yelling, I sat up and straightened my headband. The green cloth was a gift I gave myself after my memories returned; signifying what was left from my days as a Shinobi. Smiling to myself, I sighed and turned to Sensei. "Takagi Shingen-sensei." I merely said with a smile.

Takagi Shingen looked over to me, breaking the cycle of the tiger's roar. He nodded confidently and took up the sheet of student names again. "Oh yes. Next…" Following his example, Danna dropped into his seat, face still beaming with delight. I peeked at him, seeing that exciting smile brought back from memories of the distant past.

"…Takasugi Sasuke."

"Here." I held out a hand and smiled up at the teacher, my eyes shone with nostalgia. I wanted to tell him that this is not our first meeting, that I was so very glad to see him again. But again, I stopped myself. It would hurt more if my family did not trust me.

He stared at me for a long second, perhaps something in his brain began to turn, perhaps he got my message and understood my meaning, but he merely smiled back at me before continuing off to the next student. I felt a wave of exhaustion overlap my body as I collapsed onto my desk, resting my head on the cold wood. The fiery exchange from earlier had warmed the chilled atmosphere. I smirked at the thought, remembering the same exchanges were what amplified the morale of the soldiers many years ago.

Only a year after, my premonition revealed its ugly head.

"So here's the new student from Oshuu, Hijikata Masamune. Be nice to him." The class awed at his confident demeanor. He looked frustrated, even more so than he usually does. I frowned harshly at his appearance. The one person that has the highest probability to destroy or shape Yukimura's future stood before me and I could do nothing. The man that changed everything in the past, his appearance shook the very soul of the young tiger, the man that I had sworn eternal hate towards, just whisked by me as he headed to his desk, unaware of my bloodlust glare.

Masamune suddenly grunted, gripping his broken eye. He keeled over as pain shot through his body. Surprised, I turned around and opened my mouth, about to confront the blue dragon.

"Are you alright?" What came out was not my voice but Yuki's. I stared at the back of his head, eyes wide. My heart raced and body broke out in cold sweat, afraid that just the appearance of this man would boil his blood once again. "Are you alright?" I desperately pleaded for the cruel cycle of destiny to stop.

When Masamune locked eyes with Yukimura, I thought I felt the ominous wind of the battlefield and heard the rustling of the ancient trees. The soldiers halted as the two generals exchanged their first glances. What disrupted destiny's wheel surprised even me.

Keiji created a rift in the slow reconnection the two created. I watched painfully as Sanada Yuki turned back to face me, his face solemn and confused. His eyes down casted to his table, clouded with unknown nostalgia. I bit my lips and held back the wish to take his hand and leave.

I swore to myself, never again, would I allow Yukimura to feel that pain of being separated in the tragic war-torn lands. Never again, would I allow him to fall before my eyes, his body and soul mangled by both his heart and his swords.

I strolled back from the washroom, glad that lunch had started. I whistled an ancient tune, retrieved from Sarutobi Sasuke. As I approached the classroom, I saw Yuki's flowing brown hair. He had stood up and was talking to Keiji. I opened my mouth, ready to holler his name through the opened hallway window, but messy, raven black hair caught my attention. Yuki had been standing beside Masamune's desk, not Keiji's, and the three had been conversing enthusiastically.

I felt an insecure wave erupt from the depths of my heart as I screamed his name, louder than I had wanted. I threw the door open, sliding vehemently against the wall. The sound of the sliding door echoed into the classroom and out the halls. The door bounced back a short distance from the force, creating a loud BANG. The students that filled the classroom turned to me, shocked by the sudden disruption. I ran into the room and grabbed Yukimura's hand and started dragging him out, claiming that I wanted to hurry to buy the lunch breads before they run out.

Yukimura tried to protest, complaining to me along the way. I pushed him out the doors and around the corner before turning back to lock eyes with the one-eyed dragon. I sent a piercing glare, filled with all my hate, at his direction, warning him to stay away. The fear in my heart matched the agony I felt when I held Danna's limp body.

"Sasuke?" Yukimura stopped as we approached the cafeteria. He turned around to me and tilted his head. "You okay?"

I replaced the fear in my eyes with the usual care-free shine. I laughed loudly, walking ahead of him. "Yeah, of course I'm fine! Now let's hurry and buy the bread before it's all sold out!"

My barrier worked, as Yukimura rushed over next to me, smiling like his usual self. He laughed, "Yeah, let's get some juice too! And we can bring some back for Keiji-san and Hijikata-san!"

I paused and turned to him, frowning slightly. "But they can get it themselves!" I exclaimed, not pleased that we had to carry the extra load.

"Don't be so selfish, Sasuke!" Yuki laughed before entering the bustling cafeteria. I sighed, knowing that I couldn't win even before the battle started. I advanced in behind him, knowing that even if I couldn't keep Yukimura from interacting with Masamune, I would still protect him, more than I had before.

After practice, the two of us walked home together- a tradition that had been reenacted every year since we started school together. The night had long since fallen, the distant stars twinkled faintly, very unlike the bright glow they used to emit in Sarutobi Sasuke's memories. The chilly spring air filled my burning lungs. I sighed, lifting my arms and throwing my book bag behind my back, supporting my head with my hands.

"Tired?" Yuki chirped, looking over to me with his usual grin.

"I'm surprised you aren't." I sighed again, exasperated. "Takagi practically murdered us today at training. I'm still sore!"

Yuki laughed, looking up to the sky. "I like the training! And I like the running! It really makes my blood boil, you know!"

With a distant smile, I nodded.

"And today's been pretty awesome! We had a new exchange student from Oshuu!" Yukimura exclaimed. I watched him carefully, nervous about what he might think or say. "He's an interesting character, don't you think? I wonder what happened to his eye…" Yuki tilted his head again, iconic to his usual curiosity. I felt a strange sadness stab at my heart as I heard him explore his thoughts. If one day he ends up remembering his past, I wouldn't know what I would do. Or rather, I was more afraid of what he would feel. Before he closed his eyes eternally in my arms, Sanada Yukimura had a fleeting smile, full of grief and pain. Sarutobi Sasuke swore to himself that never again would he want to see that face before he sacrificed his life to follow after his boss.

Yuki quickly twirled his head to me, his confusion melted into a bright smile. "And when you downed that curry-pan, it was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing!" His innocence brought a calmed smile on my face. I relaxed my arms and let them drop to my sides before reaching up again and ruffling his soft, brown hair. "Hey! Hey, stop it!"

"Sorry." I laughed, retreating my hand. "Now hey, Yuki, do you want some onigiri when we get back?" I grinned at him. Yuki's face grew into a beaming light as he heard me say the word 'onigiri'. He nodded his head violently before yelling in a high voice.

"Waaah! Onigiri!" Before I could stop him, Yuki dashed back to the dorms, as fast as his legs could take him. With another reminiscent sigh, I ran after him, ignoring the throbbing pain my legs felt from soccer practice.

The next morning was chaotic, to say the least.

My alarm ran out of batteries in the middle of the night, "4:57AM" to be exact. With my alarm gone, I had little to no recognition of time. By the time I had woken, the sun was already beaming into my small room. I got up and rubbed my eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the abnormal light.

After my eyes adjusted, it dawned on me that the sun should not be shining so brightly at 4:57AM. I reached for my cell phone and flipped it open, the black screen brightened with a picture of Yuki and myself and the words- 7:43AM. I literally screamed and jumped out of bed, throwing my door open and turned to the door next to mine. A small wooden plate in the shape of a baby tiger and the words 'Sanada Yuki' hung quietly on the door. I banged on it furiously, screaming and yelling until Yuki slowly cracked the door open. Still in his pajamas, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, revealing his vulnerability.

I grabbed his shoulders and shook him violently, screaming, "IT'S ALMOST 8, YUKI! HURRY!" Yuki snapped out of his half-sleep state and replied with a loud scream. His face twisted into panic as he kicked me out of his way and ran downstairs to look at the kitchen clock. As I got back up again and rubbed my head, I heard his wail, louder than earlier, before he ran to the bathroom sink and started brushing his teeth, complaining and yelling at me in-between. I hurried to my room and changed, putting on my green bandana and jumped out of my room just as he ran up the stairs to his room. I took his spot and began brushing my teeth aggressively, turning to glance at the nearest clock every second. I could feel Yuki's panic as my heart began to race and eyes shot open with intensity.

After we both finished, just in time, I locked the door shakily as Yuki jumped up and down in panic. When I finished, Yuki dashed out of the dorm, a cloud of dust followed his path. I took a second to laugh to myself, the thought of him rushing tirelessly ahead returned to me. I rushed after him, packing my keys. After I got out of the dorms, I had already lost sight of Yuki. Sighing, I took the familiar stance my body was accustomed to. My legs naturally bent and my body swayed forward. With a single breath, I took off, sprinting after Yuki. It only took me mere seconds to catch up to him, a cocky smile smeared across my face. He glanced over to me, his sweating face still in a panic. "Sasu-"

I didn't allow him to finish. I sprinted past him and towards the school, leaving him behind with a strangled look. I grinned, my body reliving the past and mind revisiting the memories I had longed for. My body felt light despite my legs pounding with soreness. I could feel the wind blow past me and hear every moving shadow as I past them with ease. A nostalgic ripple started from inside me and flowed outwards, the warm feeling encircled me with power.

"SASUKE!" I heard Yuki's scream and turned my head. Yuki had been running with all his might, trying to catch up to me. His face, rather than panic, showed an intimidating challenge. Flashing him a smirk as acceptance, I turned back to face the school, dashing into the building. I launched myself over the crowds of students in the front of the school, and jumped onto the railings of the stairs, hopping up higher and higher to the second floor. Yuki followed, running over anyone and anything that blocked his path. Like a destructive fire, he discharged a killing wave that burnt a path for him.

Mystified by his power, I didn't notice what I had been jumping towards. When I shot myself up the final flight of stairs, I had come face to face with a familiar pair of light eyes. "Kasuga?"

I felt my forehead hit hers as I toppled over her. I could feel her warm body close to mine and her hastened breath. The rhythmic pain on my forehead slowed me down as I got up and smiled sheepishly at her. "Hey, sorry about that…"

"STUPID SASUKE, GET OFF ME!" My eyes widened at the familiar words. I looked at her, shocked, as she responded with the same confused looks. Her eyes widened and hands reached up to her lips as her mouth moved, silently reforming the words she had just released. My heart raced faster as I felt a rush of excitement at the possibility. I opened my mouth, about to ask her if she, too, retained her memories.

"Too slow watching girls, Sasuke?" Yuki giggled, rushing past me. I shot up, suddenly remembering why I was hopping around at the first place.

I took stance again and readied my legs to spring me forward. I shot an apologetic smile to Kasuga, "Sorry, Kasuga…" before leaping forward to catch up with Yuki, leaving the confused girl behind, sitting on the cold school floor, watching me with shocked eyes.

I jolted past Yuki easily, reaching out for the class door. I leapt forward and slid the door open at one swift motion, but Yuki had also jumped, in hopes of reaching the door before me. Instead, he grabbed the collar of my blazer and crashed forward, sending me down into the classroom floor first. The force of sending me down allowed Yuki to land into the classroom without problem. However, he landed on my leg, stepping harshly as I felt a surge of electrical pain run up my whole body, which was followed by a painful crush of my torso.

So much pain… I had not felt so much pain from the last 2 days in a very, very long time. The bell sounded seconds after I landed, and relief pooled over me. I welcomed the cold embrace of the dirty school floor as I felt Yuki's own body crushing mine.

Yuki apologized hastily as he laid on me. With a mumbled voice, I told him to get off before I died. In seconds, I felt the weight lift from my body and heard the low voice of the one-eyed dragon. Agitated, I tried to swing my head up and glare at the demon, but with my bones just crushed seconds earlier, I felt a surging pain from my neck down back to my leg. I gave up, allowing the dusty floor to give me comfort.

"Hahaha, you okay, Monkey?" Keiji laughed, squatting over me and laughing. I glared into the floor and mumbled for help before he grabbed my arm and pulled me up.

"Shut up, monkey brain." I replied, glaring into space. I could feel my whole body throbbing with critical pain. "Where's your monkey friend anyways?" Keiji supported me, hauling my arm over his neck and his other hand grabbed my belt.

"Yumekichi?" Keiji laughed, sadly. "I haven't found him yet. He might be a dog, a cat, a bird, or even a person by now." With a single breath, his strong arms pulled me to my feet.

"Ahh…" I replied, staring at Yuki and Masamune conversing. At the end of last year, I had confronted Keiji. He spoke and acted suspiciously, giving advice to other students which revealed a mysterious side of him that I felt linked to mine. It was apparent that he was also able to remember our past lives, but he chose to act solely, trying to change the future by advising others that shared our past. He never changed from that busy body he used to be.

I sighed loudly, watching Masamune and Yukimura laughing together. No matter what I do, can I not change this destiny? I shook my head, a sad depression spread throughout my body. Keiji helped me to my desk and settled me down, looking down at me with sad eyes.

"Sasuke, the past isn't going to change." He huffed, hands on his waist. I glared up at him, about to retort, but decided that even that is too challenging. Keiji sighed back, shaking his head. "Yukimura's death wasn't all just because of Masamune. Yukimura chose to-"

"Shut up, Keiji!" I yelled at him, the memories resurfacing and my hate emanating. "I know that, I know that, but…"

The sound of the door sliding close caught our attention. Takagi-sensei entered and marched to the front of the room as the students scrambled to their desks. Keiji gave me another hopeless look before sighing and returning to his desk.

Of course I knew that. Yukimura chose to do what he did. But even so, I can't forgive Masamune for his actions and his choices. If only Masamune had noticed, then Yukimura wouldn't have had to fall in battle in such a ruthless way. I bit my lips, eyes sharpened into a distant glare. No matter what, I swore that I would protect Yukimura now that I was given the chance to do so again.

The lunch bell rang, and I could feel my head throb along with the piercing sound. I collapsed over my desk and gave a long, deep sigh. I could hear Yuki moving about in his desk, stretching to see if I was alright. He was severely worried after he fell on me and kept poking my back in class to ask if I was fine. It got to the point where his pencil pokes started hurting, but I just ignored the pain. The physical pain had deceased once the emotional hurricane started again after Keiji's words before class. I dreaded the day I would lose Yukimura to him again.

Before Yuki got to me, Keiji had teleported next to my desk, looming over me. I glanced up and mumbled into the desk. "What is it, Keiji?"

"Can I talk to you?" He asked, his face solemn. Knowing fully well what he wanted, I nodded and stood up. I glanced over to Yuki, who watched with a worried expression as we left the room. I quickly shot him a friendly smile before turning back to face Keiji's broad back.

He led me to the roof of the school, where I saw a pair of senpai descend. It was Mouri Motonari and Chousokabe Motochika. I could recognize the messy, silver hair and sharp, threatening glare anywhere. Mouri and slammed open the roof door, his face twisted in anger, while Chousokabe chased after him, apologizing fervently.

I turned around to watch Chousokabe reach over to Mouri, smiling nervously while Mouri replied with a smack, hitting his hand away. The two then continued down into the halls. "Come on." Keiji commanded, his voice cold and serious. I turned back to him and shrugged, following him to the roof.

With a slam, he closed the roof door and turned to me, his expression somber. He leaned against the door, arms crossed and frown evident. I crossed my arms in response, standing in the middle of the roof, agitated. "So?" I merely asked.

"I should be asking that…" Keiji replied, sighing. He looked back at me, eyes demanding an answer.

"I don't plan on just letting Danna do as he pleases." I replied, frowning.

"It's his own life, don't act like his mother."

"It was his own life as well. He threw it away to protect that… thing!"

"That's his choice to make."

"I'm not letting him go down that path again."

"You can't change everything."

"Keiji, you of all people should know how it feels to have the person you cherish disappear before your very eyes; the feeling of the body turning cold in your arms!" I threw my hands out, desperate.

Keiji twitched, sadness spread quickly over his eyes. He stayed silent for a short while, his fist tightening. "But even so…" his voice was dry, but sturdy. "Yukimura died for what he believed in. That's what makes him a warrior, a samurai."

I stopped; my eyes casted down to the ground. The roof floor was dusty and the fences did little to stop the wind that started up. I could feel the familiar feeling of my hair brushing against my cheek and the nostalgic smell of fields of tall grass dominated by trees.

"If you want to see Yukimura happy, holding him in your cage isn't what you should do." Keiji's voice was soft, almost soothing. I looked up at him, his eyes softened and his anger dissipated to sadness. I turned around and looked out to the skies. Two birds flew by, flapping in the bright blue sky, scattered with soft clouds. The memories of his distant smile replayed itself in my mind, a broken tape, dug out from the depths of Sarutobi Sasuke's life.

The only one who could light that fire in his eyes, where he truly looked happy…

After class, I had recuperated enough for club activities. Yuki apologized repeatedly as we left for soccer, and even in the changing rooms. I told him, time and again, that he doesn't need to feel responsible. When we made it out to the fields, where Takagi Shingen had been waiting for us, Yuki still had an unfitting apologetic frown on his child-like face.

"Today, we're going to have a practice match." Sensei shouted. The players immediately burst into excitable conversation, nervous smiles erupted throughout the field as the teammates shifted around nervously.

"Sanada-buchou!" One of the students yelled, approaching the surprised Yuki, "Who are we playing?"

Yuki looked at the boy, equally confused. Even as the captain, he did not know about the surprise game. He walked up to Takagi, his face flushed with excitement. "Sensei! Who are we going to battle?" He yelled, clenching his fists.

Takagi-sensei laughed loudly, arms crossed. I was relieved to see Yuki had replaced his apologetic mindset with the fires of battle. I smirked and stretched my legs, knowing that I will need to play my hardest for the first game of the year.

Takagi-sensei gathered the team around and explained our plans. He then commanded Yuki to take the leading role, to devise his first team strategy as captain. At the end of last year, Yuki was nominated unanimously to be the new captain. With blazing confidence, he declared that he will raise the team to the national level and promised our last third year captain he will bring victory to the team. And just like that, Takeda Shingen's young tiger general, Sanada Yukimura returned to the battlefield.

The game was, plainly stated, one sided. With my speed and Yuki's power, we dominated the field. Yuki's fiery strength seemed to slowly return and my feather-like movements launched the battlefield into chaos. Signature move after signature move, Yuki devised his attacks in response to my back up, launching the ball with a blazing strength, representative of his past triumphs. The familiar nostalgia flushed back as my body responded accordingly, dancing in the wind and attacking in the shadows.

The final shot was devastating, the ball smashed into the net, a mirage of fire emitted from where it struck. With the whistle blown, we had won 6-0. Cheers erupted as we ran towards Yuki. I reached him and patted his back, both our faces glowing with excitement. Takagi-sensei stood at the sidelines, whistle in mouth and arms crossed. A pleased smile stretched across his lips. Another battle was won, another castle was taken, and another achievement was gained for the Takeda clan of another time.

After the game, the other team left, defeat on their shoulders. Without our notice, dusk had crept forward. We cleaned up the field, taking back the soccer balls and nets and dusting the grounds. As I helped the other members return the equipment, I noticed Yukimura had approached a sakura tree close to the grounds. He was bending over, talking to someone. Not even needing to guess, I knew who it was.

I smiled as I handed my things to another player. I asked him to help me bring the equipment to the storage room instead, saying that my legs were acting up. After they left, I turned to watch Yuki, his back to me. I frowned impatiently; the words Keiji had told me at lunch irritated my heart. I stepped slowly towards the two, each step my eyes narrowed further into a desperate glare.

When I finally approached close enough, I opened my mouth to yell, to call Yuki back to my side, to wake him from his dreams and order him to stop his foolishness. I never want to see that sad smile ever again, or hold that cold body.

However, I was too late.

"Sanada Yuki. This time, I'm going to be chasing you instead. You see?"

I stopped myself. I watched as Yukimura's eyes widened and Masamune smirk in return. I watched as they connected, eyes locked in distant destiny. I closed my mouth and gritted my teeth. With a wrenching heart, I escaped into the wind, no traces left behind.

Chapter 3- Mezameyo ~Open Your Eyes END

Azure: Wow, that was the longest one I've done, I think! Sasuke's own little side story and explanation on why he's the douche he is. (Haha)
Personally, I love Sasuke even if he's such a bastard at times. I plan on adding more of his playful character rather than this dark side of him in the future chapters! I hope you all will watch him with me as he develops and accepts Yuki's fate for what it is with a mother-like smile!

It took me… 2 days to write this in between classes and school. Yesterday was my last day of school, but today I had to go back for a review session for one of my classes and a study group after. Apparently I have also fallen with a fever (Oh no ): ), and right before finals, too. How unlucky ):

My updating will be sloppy for the next few days (and all of December, really,) because of finals. I really should be studying, but I had been procrastinating with writing! (hoho~) So I should really get back to it.

But the next chapter we'll be returning to Memories of Blazing Fire! PART 2! So exciting! I can't wait until I can start on that!

And Sasuke will find a conclusion! But he can't until he gets what's coming to him from Yuki! Poor Sasuke, this had been a pretty depressing ending. (Poor Sasuke, he had been pretty badly abused physically as well in this chapter, haha) I feel kind of bad leaving it like that... but he will find his conclusion! I promise you this!

Until then, thank you everyone for the support! Cheers! I wish everyone a warm and safe Christmas! (If I don't update by then…)

Side note- Buchou means 'Captain'
and Mezameyo, I believe, should mean 'open your eyes' or 'wake up'. I personally thought it was Mesameyo, but my sis told me it's Mezameyo. If anyone can correct me, that'd be great! :D