DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Naruto"

Chapter 31: Punishment

They were all staring.

As the former Team Seven walked down the Konoha streets, all eyes watched. It reminded him of the day after the massacre. He didn't like it. The people openly gaping at him—at them. Some noticed the lack of manacles on Sasuke's wrists and ankles with muted fear in their eyes. Others scowled in outright disgust. Some simply wore genuine curiosity. He supposed it was better than pity. He offered no acknowledgement to the prying eyes, but instead, kept his sight trained on the road ahead, trying to ignore the stares and mutterings.

Beside him, Naruto's smug grin was replaced by a frown as his eyes darted around. On his other side, he noticed Sakura's tense movements and clenched fists. She, like him, refused to meet anyone's gaze. He watched her from the corner of his eye and caught the slight twitch in her jaw.

"Relax," he said to her.

"You would think they'd be a little more grateful," she snarled. "An S-class criminal is no longer on the loose," she said sardonically. "Cowards."

Sasuke frowned, but didn't reply.

The walk from the village gates to the Hokage Tower was a long one. With the gossip spreading like wildfire, surely the Godaime would already know of their arrival. Sasuke was sure it would only be a matter of moments before ANBU showed up to take over the escort. But he kept this thought to himself—he didn't want Sakura and Naruto freaking out.

The strange thing is that ANBU never did show up. The three of them continued their silent march in peace. No one tried to stop them and no one spoke to them.

Before Sakura showed up, Sasuke hadn't given much thought to his return to Konoha, not in detail anyway, but even he knew that he should have been arrested upon entering the gates…even if Sakura and Naruto were the ones escorting him. Perhaps they were the reason why he hadn't been shackled yet? It was interesting to think that his former teammates held such a position of respect in the village. Sakura had certainly changed, thanks to the Hokage's tutelage. But Naruto? Was he any different? Sasuke couldn't see it.

When they finally reached the Tower, they made straight for Tsunade's office. Suffice it to say, when the door opened and the Hokage's honey-colored eyes were met with the sight of the original Team Seven, she was both shocked and none too pleased. Her face displayed a variety of emotions in only a matter of a few seconds. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened before narrowing into a scowl. Her teeth grit with such force, she could've probably bitten a rock into dust. Sasuke stared at her impassively.

"Uchiha!" Tsunade stood and placed her hands firmly against her desk as she leaned forward. "GUARDS!"

Two ANBU ran in at her bellowing. When they saw Sasuke, they instantly moved to shackle his wrists. He didn't resist as he was shoved and bound. Sakura's eyes widened and Naruto began shouting.

"Hey! Get your hands off him!"

"Tsunade-shishou!" Sakura yelled. "Please wait. Won't you even hear what he has to say?"

Tsunade's brow crinkled in fury. "Quiet, Sakura!" she snapped. "Don't foolishly think you'll escape punishment."

Sakura's mouth snapped shut and her eyes widened with shock.

"As I recall, you separated from your team and used force against an ally."

Sasuke's eyes flickered to the kunoichi beside him. He watched her uncertainly as her fists curled so tight that her knuckles turned white.

"Granny—"

"Shut it!" Tsunade's sharp eyes flickered over to Naruto, whose face was turning red. "Who gave you permission to leave the village, Naruto?"

"I needed—"

"I don't want to hear it." Tsunade glared at the blond before she slowly returned her fiery gaze to the nukenin. "What do you have to say for yourself, Uchiha?" she growled through her teeth.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. He knew that nothing he said would make a difference—Tsunade had never really liked him. He had been expecting Sakura to sway the Hokage's hand. He hadn't thought she would be punished as well.

An oversight on his part.

He looked straight at the blonde woman and saw the impatience festering in her eyes. "I left to kill a traitor and succeeded in killing three. I killed Orochimaru," he noticed Tsunade's slight flinch, "and Deidara of the Akatsuki. I reached my goal and killed …him." He couldn't bring himself say his brother's name—it was too difficult. He watched her with pensive eyes. "Do what you want."

Tsuande's eyes narrowed. For a long moment, she stared at them and said nothing. The lines on her face told of the stress she was experiencing and the battle raging in her heart. Finally, she closed her eyes and sighed. "Arrest him," she said tiredly. "A trial will be set for a later date to determine your punishment. You will be informed the day of. Until further notice, you are to have no visitors."

A sudden tense knot formed in Sasuke's chest.

"Tsunade-shishou, please," Sakura pleaded. "I didn't force him to come back. He came on his own; he said he wanted to come home." Her brow was furrowed and her eyes full of determination.

"That's no excuse, Haruno!" Tsunade yelled and Sakura visibly flinched. "He chose to train with the enemy. He was gone for almost four years. He is not getting off without a punishment and that is final!"

Sakura turned to look at him. Her jade eyes were glossy and the determination was gone. She looked apologetic and the flushed skin on her cheeks told him that she was trying so hard not to start screaming in rage. She wouldn't make things worse for him.

When no one made any movement to seize Sasuke, Tsunade's fist crashed onto her desk. "I said arrest him!"

The two ANBU firmly gripped Sasuke's arms and forcefully pulled him toward the door. As he was escorted out of the room and down the hall, he could hear Naruto shouting and Tsunade bellowing back just as fiercely. Soon, the voices died down as they got further from the Hokage's office. Sasuke wondered what sort of punishment Sakura and Naruto would receive for their recalcitrant behavior. He was certain their punishments wouldn't be too severe…hopefully they'd just be restricted to C and D ranked missions.

He had to fight back the scowl. If he was going to get out of this, he would have to cooperate and be as civil as possible. Maybe good behavior and Sakura's recommendation would be enough to get him a kinder sentence. Or maybe not. Tsunade seemed rather intent on punishing him, even with Sakura pleading his case. He would have to prepare for the trial and the possibility of harsh sentencing.

The ANBU led him none too gently to the Interrogation department. The shinobi on guard looked at them in utter surprise. Sasuke stared at him blankly as the guard fumbled with his keys. Finally finding the proper one, he unlocked the door and allowed them to enter. As they entered, the pungent odor of ammonia filled Sasuke's nostrils and burned his lungs. The concrete corridor was broken by metal doors and lit only by flickering fluorescent lamps filled with the carcasses of many bugs.

At the end of the hallway was another guarded door. This guard, having watched the Uchiha's progression toward him, was ready and opened the door for them without hesitation. The lighting dimmed significantly and a strange smell—different from the caustic ammonia—climbed up from the stairwell. It was the putrid smell of human filth, blood, sweat, urine, and vomit.

As they descended the steps, Sasuke had to fight the strong urge to resist his guards. He didn't want to submit to these people. They killed his clan. He didn't want to go deeper into that pit—it reminded him so much of Orochimaru's lairs.

He didn't want to be alone.

After twenty or so steps, they came to a landing and another twenty steps descended in the opposite direction. Once down, they came to yet another guarded door. Through that door, the stench hit him full force and he nearly gagged. He choked down his coughing and trudged onward proudly.

They were in another long corridor made of rough stone, this one lit by torches hanging from brackets on the walls. The barred cells were dark and of simple design. There was one cot with a rough blanket and flat pillow at one corner and a dirty toilet and sink in the other. There were shackles chained to the wall between the bed and the toilet. Sasuke's brow furrowed. He suddenly felt very undignified. He was somewhat thankful that he wouldn't be allowed visitors. Being seen in such a lowly state would be dishonorable.

As they continued down the hall of the prison, men mumbled and groaned from their cells and Sasuke stared onward, ignoring their piteous cries. The trial couldn't come soon enough.

Almost halfway through, the ANBU stopped and one of the guards unlocked a cell. Sasuke was pushed forward and one of the ANBU replaced his cuffs with the chained manacles. Sasuke kept all forms of resentment from his face as the ANBU mocked him and left with malicious laughter on their lips.

When he was sure they'd gone, Sasuke sat on the stiff cot and wondered if he'd ever see daylight again.

Time passed—he wasn't sure how much. One thing he did know was that it was not passing nearly fast enough because he felt an overwhelming sense of irritation. It felt like his mind was boiling with anger. He may have always seemed to be the calm and collected type, patient and rational, but that wasn't the case today. He tried to meditate, but all the unfortunate things that had happened in his life were pushed to the forefront of his mind. He couldn't escape his frustrating reality—the reality of cold stone and emptiness while awaiting punishment.

As if the current situation wasn't punishment enough, Sasuke was burdened with inaction. He had never been one to sit idly. Everything he did had a purpose. But now, he was chained to a wall.

He cursed loudly. It was cathartic. It was a release. It was something to do. Soon, a foul stream of obscenities spewed from his mouth. After he'd exhausted himself with his yelling, he took in a deep breath and fell backwards onto the bed. He stared mindlessly at the graffiti covering the ceiling. There were all sorts of things written on the stone—there were symbols, proverbs, pledges of loyalty to this or that country or shinobi, and crude pictures.

Chokichi Nagisa was here. Sasuke read. That's something to boast about, he thought sarcastically.

Fall seven times, stand up eight. Sasuke rolled his eyes. If there was any proverb Naruto could remember, it would have to be that one. When his eyes stopped, they landed on another phrase etched in the stone.

Tokiko loves Miyanna.

Sasuke frowned. If he loved her, why did he get caught? Did Tokiko ever make it back to the woman he loved? Did she still…love him, even though he left her?

Sasuke closed his eyes and sighed. There was too much time to think and none of the thoughts clogging his mind were productive.

After some time, a guard pushing a cart entered the hallway. He stopped at each of the prisoners' cells and dropped a tray of unsightly food on the floor. Sasuke could hear some of the men as they greedily ate the food, the sound of their wet smacking and mumbling was disgusting to his ears. When the guard arrived at his cell, he gingerly placed the tray down and looked at Sasuke with a strange sort of sympathy. Sasuke narrowed his eyes as he watched the guard, thinking that he looked familiar. He remembered him from his Academy days, but he couldn't put a name to the face. He supposed it didn't really matter. The guard continued down the hall and Sasuke chose not to eat.

It was difficult to fall asleep. Though his mind was exhausted, his body was restless. He tossed and turned on the stiff cot on top of the scratchy blanket, the lumps pressing uncomfortably in strange places. When he did finally fall asleep, it was to nightmares. He dreamed of the night his family was massacred and of the night he killed Itachi. Blood dripped from the ceiling to soak his body in its sickly stench. Accusing faces stared lifelessly at him from his prison walls. The words Tokiko loves Miyanna taunted him. He saw a man from a cell whispering his love for the woman he murdered. Lies. Lies. Lies. And then it was him...whispering thank you to a pink-haired girl.

His eyes opened. He was drenched in sweat and found himself panting for air. He couldn't get the image of Sakura out of his head. Different images from his dreams started to present themselves to his wakened eye.

Sakura with blood dripping from her face.

Sakura crying.

He screwed his eyes shut again and groaned. It took him a while to find enough peace of mind to attempt sleep again.

When Sasuke awoke, there was a tray of food on the floor. He looked away, but his stomach growled angrily at him. He rolled his eyes and got up slowly. His muscles were stiff, so he stretched for a few minutes, but as he did, he noticed tenderness in his wrists and ankles and saw the red skin beneath the manacles. The iron manacles would shred his skin with time. Sakura could heal him…if she were there. At the moment, he wasn't sure if he wanted her around or not. After his dream, guilt had taken root in his mind. And he had his pride—he didn't want her to see him in such a place.

Slowly, he made his way to the tray of food and examined it. There was a bowl of kayu and a single green apple. He sneered at the lumpy kayu and opted for the apple instead. When he finished with the bruised fruit, he found that his stomach was still not satisfied, so he took the bowel and spoon and ate a mouthful. The kayu was thick and mushy. The negi was overpowering and there wasn't enough salt. Grimacing as he swallowed the gruel, he took another spoonful and continued to eat until there was nothing left. Once finished, he went back to his cot and attempted to get more sleep.

He really had no way of knowing what day or time it was and it was irritating. Sasuke reached up to scratch an itch on his cheek and felt the stubs of facial hair growing in. By the amount of facial hair, he figured at least three days had passed. Vaguely Sasuke wondered if he'd be allowed a razor…or a shower for that matter. He scowled at the prospect of looking so unkempt. He stopped thinking about the irksome topic and returned to doing pushups. He didn't know how long he'd be stuck in this cell, but at least he could keep in shape.

He was just finishing his tenth rep when a guard appeared at the bars of his cell. It was too early for him to be bringing food, so Sasuke ignored him.

"Uchiha," the guard said.

Sasuke slowly pushed himself into a standing position. "What?" he growled.

"I was told to deliver this to you." The guard extended his hand to reveal an envelope.

Sasuke's eyebrows narrowed as he approached. He stuck his arm between the bars and snatched the envelope from the guard's hand. The guard frowned, but said nothing and went on his way. Sasuke turned to go back to his cot and sat down gracefully. The envelope was unmarked and, seeing as the guard didn't stick around, he was certain the letter had nothing to do with his trial date. He ripped open the flap and pulled out the letter. As he had thought, the letter was from a certain blush-haired kunoichi.

Sasuke,

I tried to write to you sooner, but the guards wouldn't deliver my letters. They said it was against the Hokage's direct orders. Fortunately, I was able to convince her otherwise. I don't know if you're sick of getting these from me. Anyway, I figured you'd probably want to know what I've been finding out, right?

As of right now, Tsunade-shishou hasn't announced a date for your trial yet, but I get the feeling it's going to be within the next two weeks. Hopefully sooner. I've seen those prisons and I hate to think of you being in such a place. What I'm trying to do is convince Shishou to allow you to have visitors. Right now, she's being rather stubborn. I guess that's to be expected of her. What I need to do is get her some sake—she'll agree to anything I say if she's drunk.

Sasuke smirked. He wondered if Sakura realized her idea was manipulative and sinister.

I overheard a conversation between her and Shizune. She's feeling very conflicted about your trial. She doesn't want to give you a heavy sentence, but she's afraid of what the Council will rule. She thinks they may push for your execution. She was very adamant about making sure it doesn't come to that and I have complete faith in her. Besides, the Council will have to go through me—and Naruto—to get to you. There's no way I'm going to let them hurt you.

There was a slight ache in his chest. The Council had already hurt him and he would pay them back. He couldn't stand the thought of Sakura standing between them. If they were ruthless enough to order the death of his clan, certainly they could find a reason to hurt Sakura. He wouldn't have it.

There's no way I'm going to let them hurt you. You've just come back into my life. I'm not giving up on you. Just remember, Sasuke: no matter what happens at the trial, I am still your friend.

As for your other friends…well, your return wasn't a secret, so I'm sure it's no surprise that the whole town is talking about you. All of our old Academy friends are asking about you. Honestly, they're kind of shocked that you came back willingly. They've been pestering me for answers. Luckily, Naruto loves to talk so…

Sasuke rolled his eyes, yet the ghost of a smile appeared on his face. Sakura loved to talk too, so he was a little surprised that she wasn't spilling everything. He figured she would be the first to spread gossip about him…well, her or Ino. He was grateful she was keeping tight-lipped. Lips…he shook his head and looked back at the letter.

Ino's been the worst. It's sad really. She gets so much attention, but she doesn't acknowledge it. You know that Choji is in love with her? Instead, she goes for guys like Sai who are pretty, but emotionally stupid. Or you…

Sasuke lifted a brow. Did she just admit an attraction to Sai? Was she comparing him to Sai? He was nothing like that idiot. He wasn't quite sure what she was saying about him, but he was sure he didn't like it.

Anyway. I'm going to continue to try to convince Shishou to let me come visit you. Be extra good, Sasuke. We're going to get you out of this, I promise.

Love,

Sakura

Sasuke took the letter and placed it back in the envelope and stuffed it into his pillowcase. He wondered why she hadn't mentioned anything about her own punishment. If only he had a pen and paper…

~.~.~

"Have you seen this guy?" Suigetsu asked as he held up a poor drawing of Sasuke's face.

The farmer looked at the drawing with furrowed brows. "Eh…who is that supposed to be?"

Karin snorted and crossed her arms.

"Huh? Who is—" Suigetsu spluttered. He glared. "It's Uchiha Sasuke!"

"Uchiha, you say?" the farmer asked. "Isn't that the prestigious clan from Konoha?"

"That's the one," Suigetsu said impatiently.

"Maybe you should check there."

The swordsman smacked his hand against his forehead.

Karin burst out laughing. Her laugh was cackling and highly annoying. "Ch-check at K-Konoha!" she gripped her stomach and a hand went up to cover her mouth as she snickered.

"Oi! What's your problem?" Suigetsu asked incredulously.

The farmer noticed the gathering tension in the air and wisely made his way back to his house.

"Konoha," Karin wiped a tear from her eye as her laughter died down. "That should've been our first stop."

Suigetsu looked at her with killing intent in his eyes. "You've known all along that's where he was going, haven't ya?"

"What can I say? I'm a tracker." She smiled deviously.

"KARIN!" He made to pounce on the girl, but Juugo stepped between the two.

"Calm down, Suigetsu," the orange-haired boy said softly.

Suigetsu turned his back to the two and crossed his arms indignantly. "Why would he go to destroy Konoha without us?"

"Maybe he didn't go back to destroy it," Juugo suggested.

"Then why go back at all?" Karin asked. "Sasuke seemed pretty sure of himself when he said he would destroy Konoha."

"Yeah, in front of Madara…" Suigetsu mumbled.

Karin rounded on him and gripped his shoulders. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"

"Nothing," he replied quickly.

"Tell me, you idiot!"

Suigetsu looked into Karin's prying eyes and sighed. "Well…you've gotta understand that boss-man's been getting these letters—"

"Letters?" Karin's eyes narrowed. "From who?"

Suigetsu knocked her hands from his shoulders. "From an old friend."

"He said he didn't have friends—"

"Are you stupid? Of course he has friends. Sasuke's a popular dude."

Karin's eyes flickered away from his.

"Anyway, I asked him once if he really intended to destroy Konoha and he didn't have an answer. Actually, he changed the subject."

"It doesn't matter," Juugo said. "What matters is finding him."

Suigetsu didn't miss the urgency in Juugo's voice. He knew that the cursed boy was afraid.

"Right. I guess we're off to Konoha."

~.~.~

Sakura sat in her room. She was so angry at Tsunade right now.

"Sakura."

"Yes, Shishou?"

"We've yet to enforce your punishment."

Sakura felt the heat rising to her face, but made sure to keep a calm exterior.

"Normally, I would show a little leniency toward you, but these are not normal circumstances. As your Hokage, I mustn't show favoritism."

"But, Shishou, everyone knows I'm your favorite. Maybe this once you could forgive me and forget about the punishment."

"Just this once, eh?" Her eyes snapped open and she gazed at her apprentice sternly. "Just this once will turn into every time." Her voice was very hard. " Sorry, Sakura, but I can't make any exceptions…even for you."

Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat and slowly nodded. "I understand."

"Good." Tsunade turned her gaze to her apprentice's file on the desk.

Sakura waited as her shishou flipped through the pages of her profile. She knew that she had practically made herself into a missing nin when she separated from the search party, but she had done what was necessary. And, technically, she hadn't been gone that long—she and Sasuke returned only a few days after Kakashi and Naruto did. But then again, she did attack a fellow ninja…

Tsunade cleared her throat. "Haruno Sakura, for two months time, you are on probation. You will not receive any mission above a D rank. Furthermore, you will not be permitted to attend Uchiha Sasuke's trial."

"What?" Sakura yelled. "Shishou, please! That's not fair."

"Whoever said that life was fair?" Tsunade growled.

"Please, don't do this," Sakura begged.

"Do not argue with me!" The Godaime's voice cracked as she yelled. "This is what the elders want," she finished in a harsh whisper.

"Forget about what the elders want! You're Hokage, do what you want."

"Sakura, it doesn't work that way. You will stay away from the trial, do you understand me?"

Sakura crossed her arms and her nostrils flared. She closed her eyes and unclenched her aching jaw. "Hai, Shishou."

Tsunade sighed and rubbed her temples. "I'm sorry, Sakura."

She wiped the angry tears from her eyes. This wasn't right. How could they ban her from a public trial? She was really starting to hate the elders. But for Tsunade's sake, she would be a good girl and follow the rules.

A/N: Sorry for the week late update. The last few weeks have been intense. For example, yesterday I worked 12 hour shift. Naturally, you don't get a lot done when you've spent all day at work. And that's where I've been for the last few weeks. At work. It's a lame excuse, I know, but it's the only one I have.

So what do you fabulous readers think about this chapter. It's a little fillerish, but filler is important. You can't have exciting action all the time, that's just unrealistic. Anyway, I thought it was important to relay the hopelessness that both Sasuke and Sakura are feeling. Next chapter, will be more about...well, I won't spoil it for you.

I'm thinking about joining in the fun for SasuSaku month on LiveJounal. We'll see though. I'd have to dig up some extra time, which'll be hard. Summer is so busy.

By the way, congrats to any of my readers who are graduating. Wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter. Everyone is amazing and awesome.

Thanks to Sakura's Indecision for beta-ing. You're always so prompt and thorough. Thanks a million.

And until next time (which is hopefully in two weeks)...peace!