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Here's another chapter for you.
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Chapter twenty-three - The trial of the missing ninja Sasuke Uchiha
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Assembled in the hole made by the dome of Sakura, the ninjas from the five great nations were sitting on the ground, patiently waiting for the trial to begin. In front of the many ninjas, a long rectangular table was settled with 7 chairs. A banner from each country was placed behind those chairs and high ranks ninjas were already standing still behind the table. A group of ninjas from the sand walk in front of the table and placed four chairs, 3 meters away from the table, and begin to draw symbols of chakra seals around it on the ground before walking away. As the chatter became more intense among the crowd of ninjas, the Kages made their appearance followed by Mifune and took their respective seat at the table while the ninjas stand up to greet their leaders.
"Damn this is formal." spoke Naruto as he sat back down with the others.
"Yes." replied Hinata, who was sitting besides him in the first line of seated ninjas.
"I hope it will go fine." added Ino as she took Kiba's hand in hers.
"What are you doing Ino?" asked the brown-haired boy with surprise.
"Does it bother you?" replied the blond-haired girl with an unsure smile and a blush on her face.
"No, don't worry we're here." answered Kiba honestly with a smile as Akamaru happily bark.
"Silence, please." spoke Mifune as he stands up, "Let the prisoners come."
And as he spoke the orders, Shikamaru followed by Sai, Shino, Choji and Neji brought Sasuke and his team mates toward the four chairs in front of the table and activated the chakra seal. All the while, the accused could hear the murmurs of the audience. Everyone was talking… Once the sealing jutsu was over, a group of ninjas from Iwa brought a bunch of extra chairs and put them at the left end of the table.
"What are those chairs for?" asked Naruto in a low voice as he holds Hinata in his arms.
"Pro-probably for the lords and the elders." explained the girl with a blush.
"Oh!" replied the jinchuriki in understanding.
At the same time, the land lords made their appearance followed by the remnant elders of each village and sat in the chairs, looking expectantly at their military chiefs.
"We're doom." spoke Suigetsu as he sinks in his chair.
"It's a trial, we still have a chance." said Juggo as he look at the silver-haired boy with a calm face.
"Do you see someone to defend us?" replied Suigetsu in an annoyed tone.
"Now let's begin this. Dear members of the alliance, Kages, elders and lords, welcome to this trial. We are here today to decide the fate of those four accused." spoke Mifune in a deep baritone voice as a samurai gives him a scroll and he begin to read it, "Karin, accused of desertion, affiliations with Orochimaru and his organisation, affiliation with missing ninja Sasuke Uchiha, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Hebi, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Haka, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Akatsuki, affiliation with Madara Uchiha, invasion of a neutral country, attempt to kill the Raikage, attempt to kill the Hokage, attempt to kill the Tsuchikage, attempt to kill the Mizukage, attempt to kill the Kazekage, attempt to kill the eight tailed jinchuriki, evasion, , conspiracy against Konoha, murdering one of Konoha's elder and inhuman treatments."
"Now try to make me believe we're not in deep shit." spoke Suigetsu as he glare at Sasuke.
"Suigetsu Hozuki, accused of desertion, affiliation with a criminal organisation called the Seven Swordsmen, affiliation with Orochimaru and his organisation, affiliation with Konoha missing ninja Sasuke Uchiha, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Hebi, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Haka, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Akatsuki, affiliation with Madara Uchiha, invasion of a neutral country, attempt to kill the Raikage, attempt to kill the Hokage, attempt to kill the Tsuchikage, attempt to kill the Mizukage, attempt to kill the Kazekage, attempt to kill the eight tailed jinchuriki, evasion and conspiracy against Konoha. Juggo, accused of desertion, affiliation with Orochimaru and his organisation, affiliation with Konoha missing ninja Sasuke Uchiha, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Hebi, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Haka, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Akatsuki, affiliation with Madara Uchiha, invasion of a neutral country, attempt to kill the Raikage, attempt to kill the Hokage, attempt to kill the Tsuchikage, attempt to kill the Mizukage, attempt to kill the Kazekage, attempt to kill the eight tailed jinchuriki, evasion and conspiracy against Konoha." read Mifune in the same tone, "And finally, Sasuke Uchiha."
At the mention of his name, the dark-haired boy took a deep breath and look at Kakashi with disturbed eyes as the list of accusation was read.
"Accused of desertion, creation of two criminal organisations, affiliation with Orochimaru and his organisation, affiliation with missing ninja Karin, affiliation with missing ninja Suigetsu, affiliation with missing ninja Juggo, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Hebi, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Haka, affiliation with a criminal organisation called Akatsuki, affiliation with Madara Uchiha, invasion of a neutral country, attempt to kill the Raikage, attempt to kill the Hokage, attempt to kill the Tsuchikage, attempt to kill the Mizukage, attempt to kill the Kazekage, attempt to kill Killerbee, the eight tailed jinchuriki, murdering one of Konoha's elder, attempt of killing Naruto Uzumaki, the nine tailed jinchuriki, attempt to kill Sakura Haruno and conspiracy against Konoha."
"Yep… Deep shit." added Suigetsu still mad.
"Now let's pass to the vote." said the leader of the Iron country.
"WHAT? AND YOU CALL THAT A TRIAL? ALL YOU SAY IS THE BAD THINGS THEY DONE AND DON'T TRY TO LOOK FURTHER?" yelled Naruto at the top of his lungs as he stands up and begin to walk toward the table.
"Naruto." warned Tsunade in a low and threatening tone.
"DON'T YOU NARUTO ME! I WANT TO EXPRESS MYSELF AND I'M GOING TO DO IT NOW. THIS TRIAL IS FAKE!" continued the boy as he stops in front of the table and hit his hands forcefully on it to prove his point.
"Is this the whipping kid I met the other day?" whispered the Raikage to Sarui one of his guard.
"Yep." replied the other with a smirk.
"I think I preferred him more last time." replied the tall man with an annoyed look.
"Okay he acted like a moron, but he had done well in the end." explained Naruto in exasperation.
"Uzumaki Naruto, you're not authorized to talk. Be quiet." replied the feudal lord of the land of fire.
"Oh yeah! And…" tried to reply Naruto when Hinata, Ino and Kiba jumped on him.
"Who votes for the Uchiha and his friends' death?" asked Mifune as if nothing had happened.
Instantly, the land lords raised their hands, followed by the elders, the Tsuchikage and the Raikage. On the other side of the table, the Mizukage smiled, Gaara remained impassive, Tsunade cross her arms and lean back in her chair while Kakashi cross his arms on the table. Most of the ninjas on the field raised their hands, except some from Konoha and Suna.
"How come the Hokages are not following their leaders? He is a missing ninja, you know the rules." spoke the feudal lord of Lightning.
"This missing ninja as you called him had turned this way because of you." spoke the Mei with an accusative voice as she pointed toward the lord of the land of Fire.
"Because of me?" spoke the said man.
"You have been so busy trying to get rid of the Uchiha clan that you forgot the lone survivor and you didn't give too much credit to his thirst for revenge. Sasuke had suffer from…" begin Kakashi in a low voice.
"He wouldn't be the first. They don't all turn into international criminal!" replied the old man as Sasuke look at him with a surprised look.
"True. But do they have a psychotic brother running at them? The kid was looking for power because his brother asks him to do it so the young lad could kill him. Itachi Uchiha was trying to prepare his brother for the day he would meet Madara Uchiha, who had been responsible for the rebellion in the Uchiha clan. But in the end, it was Konoha, by the hand of Danzo, who was responsible for the massacre. What would you do if the system had plotted the murder of your entire family?" spoke Tsunade with venom.
"Besides, he had done a lot of good things for Konoha before he enters this spiral and during it. He killed several members of the Akatsuki, Orochimaru and Madara Uchiha." added Kakashi.
"And long ago, he made friends. Friends that who would do anything to get him back. Naruto Uzumaki's opinion in the matter shouldn't be treated with such indifference." added Gaara, "Naruto risks his life for this village and for the sake of finding his friend back."
"And besides bro', I don't want you to kill the kiddo. It was an interesting fight. And I believe Naruto." spoke Killer bee as he stands up in the crowd.
"Naruto have made so much for us and for me personally that I owe him my help. I will not vote for his best friend's death and I hope that my village will do the same. I believe Naruto when he said that his friend deserve to live." concluded the Kazekage.
"Thank you Gaara." said the blond-haired boy with a small smile.
"Very touching." spoke the feudal lord of Wind without much comprehension.
"Nevertheless it's true. Naruto have save the village more than once." replied the Gondaime.
"By almost releasing the nine tailed fox on us." added the lord of Fire.
"He didn't and that's the point. And the same goes for Sasuke, he did try everything you said, but he didn't do it." said the grey haired Hokage.
"But he killed an elder." accused again the lord of Fire.
"Who had been declared a traitor to this nation right before." replied Tsunade in anger.
"And why aren't you voting for his death?" asked curiously the Raikage to the Mizukage.
"He's cute." replied Mei with a smile as she lock eyes with the dark-haired boy.
"WHAT? Are you kidding me?" asked A in disbelief.
"No. And besides, I know a young girl who would kill me if I let her friend die." replied the woman as she glance at the Raikage.
"Who?" asked the tall man in disbelief.
"That little pink haired girl, you know the one who saves our lives and was ready to die to save this world?" answered Mei.
"That Sakura girl… Yeah. I understand." replied A, "Then I will not vote for his death, but I don't want to let him go that easily."
"It was not my intention…" replied darkly Tsunade as the hairs on Sasuke arms begin to raise with goose bumps...
"Regardless of the Kages opinion, we are putting our veto on this. The Uchiha will be killed." replied the feudal lord of Earth.
"You can't by-pass the population." spoke the Tsuchikage.
"And who wouldn't want to see him dead?" asked the lord of Water.
"Me for a starter! Oh! And let see… Half of the population over there!" half yelled Naruto in anger, "And besides, you owe me and Sakura for this victory."
"As I can see, that girl is not here. What makes you so sure she would vote for him?" asked the lord of Fire.
"Because he is important to her." said the jinchuriki as he lock eyes with the Uchiha.
"Oh! And do you know if he is important enough for her to make her forget he tried to kill her? To make her forget he betrays her? You can't assume her opinion on the matter, you're not her. Sigh, we will thank you later for the success of this mission, but now is not the time. The accusations that are against him are too important to be put apart and if the lord of the fire land spare him, there will be war." spoke the lord of Wind in a firm tone.
"I thought you had understood by now that war doesn't lead us no where. HAVEN'T YOU SEE ENOUGH REVENGE?" said Naruto as he leaned forward despite Hinata pulls at him.
"You can't use your veto on us. Those who really rules over ninja villages are us, you don't have power over them. His fate is in our hands." spoke the Tsuchikage with serious look.
"Then let's pass this to a final vote and see if you can by-pass our authority over the population." spoke the lord of Fire.
"Mifune." said Tsunade.
"Yes, *cough*cough* in regard of what was said, we are passing this decision to the vote again. Who vote for the Uchiha and his friends' death?" spoke the said man.
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In the medical area
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'Where am I?' thought a girl with pink hair as her eyes remained closed.
Sakura knew she was about to wake up, she was feeling it. She could clearly hear noises coming from around her; it was a matter of seconds. As predicted, it took her one more minute before her eyes flew open and shut closed again. Blinking rapidly and slowly adjusting to the light, a pair of green orbs looked around the room in complete incomprehension.
'Where am I?' thought again the girl before entering into a burst of cough.
'Damn! I'm intubated!' thought in annoyance Sakura before taking all the tubes out of her and the cords away from her.
"Am I-I home?" spoke Sakura with a raspy voice as she looks around her, "No I'm still in a military camp. A military camp? God dammit! Sasuke!"
Hurriedly, Sakura throw the covers away and jump out of bed before landing face flat on the ground.
"Ow… That hurt." complained the girl.
Feeling dizzy to the point she was about to faint, Sakura tried her best to sit herself. She had almost no chakra, she was covered in bandages and her head was hurting like hell. Her body was so weak that she didn't know how she was even going to be able to walk again one day. Looking around, Sakura spot a pile of medical clothes and a bottle of soldiers pills on a small table near the bed. Sliding herself toward it, the pink haired girl ate two pills and begins to dress herself when a loud voice was heard in the distance.
"Dear members of the alliance, Kages, elders and lords welcome to this trial. We are here today to decide the fate of those four accused."
"What? Accused?" asked Sakura in incomprehension as the energy coming from the soldier pills begin to work it's magic.
"Karin, accused of desertion, affiliations…" continued the male voice.
"Damn it's a trial! Sasuke's trial! I have to go there." spoke the pink haired girl in panic.
Assembling her forces, Sakura took hold of the bed and begin to stand up with its help. Once on her two feet, Sakura look around the room for something to help her walk when she spot a cane.
"That should do it. Let's go."
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At the trial
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Once again, the ninjas vote. But it wasn't looking any better; many ninjas still had their hands up. Even if they weren't as numerous as the first time, they were still majority by a good number of votes.
"What would it take to spare him?" asked Naruto in panic.
"If someone could vouch for him, it would be your best option. Someone with a good reputation. But even with that, I doubt it will change their decision." replied the Tsuchikage.
"Okay I'll vouch for him, come on, guys! Please." begged the blond-haired boy to the other ninjas that still had their arms raised.
"…"
"Well, you have your answer young man. I pronounce the death sentence of…" begin Mifune in a disappointed voice as the land lords look at him expectantly.
"I'll vouch for him then." spoke a soft feminine voice.
Upon hearing it, everyone turn around with eyes as big as plates leaving Naruto completely speechless. There at the other end of the field, was the tenacious Sakura Haruno in all her glory… Well, almost… It was obvious that she couldn't do much then stand and that she were extenuate but at least she was there. As she was about to advance toward the Kages, her legs couldn't take the effort anymore and she fall to her knees.
'Damn…' cursed the girl in her head.
"SAKURA!" yelled Naruto with stress.
Suddenly, a young man stands up from the crowd and caught the girl in his arms.
"Hey, are you alright?" asked Kankouro as he secure his hold on her by passing her left arm over his right shoulder and help her up.
"Yes. Just a little out of energy." confessed Sakura with a blush a she looked at the boy.
"That's understandable. Want me to help you walk toward the Kages?" suggested the boy with a huge smile.
"Yes. Thank you." said Sakura trying to mimic his smile.
"Sakura." whispered Ino with relief as the two advanced toward the table.
"Sakura Haruno… As I can see you're still alive." spoke Mifune with a small smile.
"Sakura." whispered Tsunade anxious about her physical state.
"Why are you interfering into this matter young woman? You should take some rest after such a heroic act. Let us pronounce the sentence." said the lord of Fire as he looks at the girl who as now standing with Kankouro next to Shikamaru and Sasuke.
"Unfortunately, I can't let you do that my lord. You said that if someone could vouch for him it might help him. And if I remember correctly, I already apply for the job." replied the girl with confidence.
"He is a danger to this world miss Haruno! He almost killed you and betray you. How can you do something like that for someone like him?" replied the old man.
'He got a point…' thought Sasuke depressingly as he glance at the girl.
"I'm not doing it for him." confessed Sakura with a small smile.
And that surprised everybody.
'She's not doing it for him… But… I thought she loved him?' thought Ino as she looks at her friend in incomprehension.
'Good job Sasuke, now she hates you.' spoke a voice in the Uchiha's head.
"Then why are you…?" begin the Raikage not understanding at all.
"Sasuke and Naruto are best friends… Wheither some of you likes it or not. And I know that many of you don't understand us. So let me explained it once and for all." begin the girl.
"What is she talking about?" asked Naruto more and more confused.
"When you decided to put Naruto and Sasuke on the same team, you create something. They weren't just a guy who do good and a guy who do everything wrong. They were two loners, one from the day of his birth the other when he was a kid. Those two kids had nothing in this world to rely on. But when team seven was formed, they finally had something to fight for in their life. We were a family back then, we were friends. And due to their respective past, the boys connected in a way we normal people can't understand. They were friends but also rivals at everything. Like two brothers!" explained the girl, while giggling as she remember the stupid challenges the boys were doing, "But the bonds Sasuke had with his family were probably stronger than their link. He couldn't afford to let his brother live knowing he could kill again the people dear to him. So to kill him, he had trained all his childhood to grow stronger. And it worked. He was the strongest among all of us. But when Naruto decided to work harder to equal his 'brother', that he start becoming stronger faster and that Sasuke realize it, he realize he couldn't protect his friends. He became jealous… Tch. Even I could see it! And he went to Orochimaru to search for power to finally be able to avenge his clan. Unfortunately, Naruto is the kind of man you can't turn down easily. He looked after him for the last three years; training, working hard. His quest didn't stop until yesterday, when his friend, his brother, decided to come home, to come back to his friends, to his family."
"…"
"Naruto have waited far too long and suffer far too much. I won't let you take his friend away again. Never. Naruto had made so much for this world that he deserved that." concluded Sakura.
"Sakura… Why are you saying this?" asked Naruto not understanding.
"Please my lords, spare his life. And if you don't want to do it for Naruto than do it for me." begged the girl, pretending the blond-haired boy hadn't spoke.
"And why would we do that?" spoke the lord of Fire.
"You owe me for your son's health." answered seriously the girl as Kankouro shift uncomfortably and many ninjas on the field inhale sharply.
"…"
"Many people here owe me for their lives." added Sakura to put emphasis.
Not a single noise could be heard on the field. Many ninjas start to look at each other with uncertainty while others smiled. Naruto was still speechless and Sasuke and his team were looking at his ex-team mate like she had grown six heads.
"Sigh, Mifune…" spoke the feudal lord of the land of fire.
"What?" asked the said man as the lord nod once.
"Are you insane? His an s-class criminal!" half yelled the other lords.
"This young woman is not everybody." spoke the lord of Fire as he look away.
"Good job Sakura." whispered Kankouro as he understand where this was going.
"Yes my lord. Who vote for the Uchiha and his friends' death? Please, raise your hand." said Mifune.
And surprisingly nothing happened. Not a single hand raised except some in the feudal lords and ten or twenty hands from the land of Earth.
"Okay. And those who vote to spare the life of the four accused? Please raise your hand." spoke again the man of the Iron land.
And as he stops speaking, a majority of hand raised among the crowd. All of the ninjas from Konoha and Suna raised their hands followed by Ino, Kiba, Naruto, Hinata, Tenten, Lee, Gai, Temari, Kankouro and Shino. Even Neji, Sai, Shikamaru and Choji who were escorting the accused raised their hand. At the Kage's table, Kakashi raised his hand followed by Tsunade, Gaara, Mei and A. Even the Tsuchikage decided to vote for him to stay alive.
"Well, the answer seems obvious enough for me. Sasuke Uchiha, Suigetsu Hozuki, Karin and Juggo your life is safe." concluded Mifune as he sat down and the crowd of ninja yelled in satisfaction.
At this Suigetsu jump out of his chair and ran at Sakura, yelling his joy as he did so. But before he could even hug her, Neji grab him and launch him back in his chair.
"We're not done yet, Suigetsu. Now sit down. We'll be back in twenty minutes." spoke the Mizukage with a serious voice.
"We leave you the choice of punishment, but make sure it's worth it." spoke the lord of Water as all of them stands up.
"Of course." replied Tsunade with a serious glare.
Leaving the trial, the feudal lords got back to their respective tent to pack their belongings while the Kages assembled themselves in a tent near by to discuss.
"Damn, that was one heck of a show, thank you Sakura." whispered Suigetsu to the girl.
"You're welcome." answered Sakura as she start losing consciousness, sweat pearling on her forehead.
Reacting upon instinct, Sasuke tried to stand up to catch her, but Shikamaru put his hand on his shoulders in a warning manner before pointing at Kankouro.
"Hey Sakura!" spoke Kankouro as he take the girl in his arms before she falls down.
"Sakura you were so great! Wait… Are you alright?" asked Naruto as all their friends joined them.
"Sakura you idiotic moron! Why did you leave your bed?" asked Ino as she reached the two.
"'Cause you can't do shit without me?" replied the pink haired girl thought her eyes were closed in deep pain.
"I beg you pardon?" asked the blond-haired girl in disbelief.
"Ha, ha!" laughed Shikamaru at the crude reply.
"Get here." spoke Ino with anger as she scans her friend body.
But despise the festive aura that was lingering around them, the Uchiha couldn't help but feel bad and that didn't go unnoticed by Naruto.
"Hang on Sasuke, it's going great!" tried to encourage the blond-haired boy.
"Hn. Tell her to go back to bed." spoke Sasuke in monotone voice.
"What?" asked Naruto.
"She shouldn't have come." added the dark-haired boy.
"Hey! I'm not her dad. She would have come anyway; she would never let something happen to you. She loves you too much." spoke the jinchuriki with a smile in his voice.
"I wouldn't say that." replied the Uchiha with a sombre expression.
"What do you mean?" asked Naruto, not understanding.
"They're coming back." interrupted Shikamaru before he could continue his interrogation.
As the words were spoken, the ninjas return to their place with Ino, Naruto, Kiba and Hinata and Sakura who was still in Kankouro arms and sit on the ground. The Kages return to their respective seat while Tsunade walk in front of the table and lean on it, arms crossed.
"I hope you know you're lucky…" spoke Tsunade with an angry face as the Uchiha look away.
"Yes." replied Sasuke in calm and low tone.
"Sigh, we have come to a decision." said the Gondaime on the same bored tone.
"And?" spoke Naruto with impatience.
"Sasuke Uchiha, you have been found guilty of your crimes and will receive a punishment that doesn't involve death. You will be thrown in jail for the first year, chakra sealed, and have probation for 3 years. This probation will be dividing in three phases and could start before the end of your first year in detention, if your behaviour is acceptable. The first phase will consist of being forbidden to do any missions for the first year and will include two thousands hours of community services. The second phase, during the second year, will consist of an additional fifth hundred hours of community services and you'll be allowed to start doing C or D rank missions. Your chakra will also be reactivated during this period. Finally, during the third year, you'll be allowed to partake into every kind of missions, but you'll be supervised. During those approximate four years, you'll be monitored by anbus squads and will be under Sakura Haruno's charge. If you don't do the things that are ask from you, she will have to do them. And if she doesn't kill you before we found you, you'll have to do an extra three thousands hours of community services to repay your failure. Is that clear?" explained Kakashi in a serious tone.
"Yes." replied Sasuke.
"Oh! And another thing… We'll seal your sharingan for two years starting today." added the grey haired man .
"Of course."
"Sasuke. I also have my advice." spoke Tsunade as she walks toward him.
"Hn?"
Approaching the dark-haired boy until she was close enough of his ear, the Gondaime start speaking in a low, yet threatening, voice, loud enough for the Uchiha to hear but not for the rest of their audience.
"If you do anything again to hurt my apprentice or Naruto… I kill you myself in your bed. Got that?" said the woman.
"Don't worry…" spoke aloud Sasuke.
"Good!" replied Tsunade with a smile, "It's your turn Mei."
"Okay… Suigetsu Hozuki." spoke the Mizukage as she look at the shark-like boy.
"Yes sexy?" replied the boy with a grin.
"You're talking to your Mizukage. Remember that." warned the woman with an annoyed tone, "So, for your punishment… It looks similar to Sasuke. You'll be thrown in jail for the first year, you'll be chakra sealed and have a probation of 3 years. This probation will be dividing in three phases and could start before the end of your first year in detention, if your behaviour is acceptable. The first phase will consist of being forbidden to do any missions for the first year and will include three thousands hours of community services. The second phase, during the second year, will consist of an additional one thousand hours of community services and you will be allowed to start doing D rank missions. Your chakra will also be reactivated during this period. Finally, during the third year, you will be allowed to partake into C and B missions until you prove yourself worth of my respect. You will also be supervised by our special forces."
"And what about those two?" asked A as he point toward the two remaining accused.
"The punishment is the same. But, since Karin is from Kusa and we don't know the original village of Juugo, they're free to serve their sentence in one of the five great villages of their choice." spoke Gaara in a calm voice.
As the words were spoken, the two concerned ninjas stared at each other with wide eyes. They had the choice? How could they give them the choice? For Karin, it was inconceivable.
"I would like to serve my sentence in Konoha." spoke Juggo to the great surprise of the red-haired girl.
"And why is that?" inquired Tsunade with stupefaction.
Taking a deep breath, the tall young man looks at the ground pensively as the rest of his team turn toward him.
"Well… I have heard that Konoha has the most talented medical ninjas around the five nations." confessed Juuggo.
"And?" asked again the Gondaime, not understanding his motives.
"He is the source of Orochimaru curse seal…" answered Sasuke as the tall young man look at him, "The nature of his cursed seal his too unstable, he can't control it. Only the sharingan can stop him when he lost it. He needs medical attention and I can tell that Konoha is probably the only place where he could get that help. And since I won't have my sharingan, it would be best for both five nations that Kakashi have an eye on him until he is cured."
After the explanations of the lone Uchiha, a heavy silence installed itself among the assembly as Tsunade and Kakashi exchanged looks. After what seems like an eternity, the Gondaime glance at the orange haired boy and sighed.
"Alright…"
"And you?" asked the Kazekage as he glanced at the girl.
"I…" begin the red-haired girl.
For the first time, in a long time, Karin wasn't sure of her answer. Their team was split, Suigetsu was back in Ame, Sasuke and Juggo were going to Konoha and her… What was she to do? Go her own way? Follow Suigetsu or join Sasuke again? After everything that had happen between all of them, it was almost impossible to deny that she felt somewhat attached to them. She had found a sort of family now. It was hard to think she could turn her back on them. And those ninjas of Konoha, they were so nice and welcoming. They were so… special.
"Humm… I think I'd like to go to Konoha." spoke Karin in a small voice.
"Sigh, and this is your concept of fair distribution of the prison costs?" immediately complained the blond-haired Hokage.
"We could always make an arrangement…" suggested the Tsuchikage.
"Alright. But you better make it real…" replied Tsunade with a serious glare.
"So that's how it's going to end then?" asked Naruto in his usual loud voice.
"Yes." answered Kakashi with a small hidden smile.
"Officers bring the prisoners back to the medical tent and prepare them for their departure toward the requested villages. Take a squad of anbus for each of them. They are leaving in twenty minutes." spoke Mifune.
"Yes!" replied in unison the ninjas of Konoha and Kiri as they took Sasuke and his team away.
"And Ino?" asked the Gondaime.
"Yes Tsunade." replied the said girl.
"Prepare Sakura for an evacuation toward the village." spoke the woman as she pointed at the limp girl in Kankouro's arms, "Kankouro will walk her back to the medical tent and once you get back to Konoha ask for Shizune to have a look on her. Her situation is critical and I'm worried about her. Also, get yourself escort toward the village. After wars, thieves and dangerous ninjas are lurking around."
"Of course my lady." spoke Ino as she bow and walk away with Kankouro.
"Humm… Granny Tsunade?" asked Naruto.
"What?" replied the Gondaime in an annoyed tone at the stupid nickname.
"I'd like to escort Sakura back home…" begin the blond-haired boy.
"Of course Naruto." interrupted Tsunade, surprised by the request of the boy.
"And, can I have a word with Sasuke, before, you know?" asked the jinchuriki with a serious face.
"Okay. But make it quick." answered the woman
.
In the medical unit
.
In the medical tent, a bunch of ninjas were assembled around Shikamaru in the middle of the room with the huge map placed in front of the brown-haired boy.
"Alright, everyone knows the plan?" asked the Nara boy as he folds the map back in his vest pocket.
"Yes." replied the group.
"You four are ready?" asked again Shikamaru, this time looking at the Hawk team.
"Yes." replied the four members in the cell.
"Okay, let's go." spoke the brown-haired boy as he opened the cell door.
"WAIT!" yelled a very loud voice as the owner burst through the door.
"What is it Naruto?" asked the Nara in an annoyed tone.
"I asked Tsunade if I could talk with Sasuke before you quit and she said it was okay." explained the jinchuriki.
"Sigh, alright, but make it quick. I want to reach Konoha before the sun set." said Shikamaru as he locks the door again.
After most of the ninjas had quit the tent for a minute or two, Naruto walk toward the cell.
"Naruto… Long time no see." said Suigetsu as he lean on the bars of the cell.
"Hi Suigetsu! Sasuke?" greeted the boy before turning his attention toward the Uchiha.
"Hn?" replied the boy as he approaches his friend.
"Are you angry to get back to Konoha?" asked frankly the blond-haired boy.
"Not really… The truth has come out and I'm feeling better… I think." answered honestly the dark-haired boy, "Why are you asking this?"
"I don't know… I thought you'd be happier about not being killed…" replied Naruto with an unsure look on his face.
"Sorry, I don't really feel like I deserve a second chance." apologized the Uchiha.
"But you do. We all understand what you did and why you did it. Haven't you heard Sakura? And you know; if you're worried about your sentence, I'm sure it'll pass faster than you think and I'll do my best to come and visit you." tried to cheer up the boy.
"Don't bother with me Naruto." said Sasuke as he looks away.
"What? After all this time looking for you, you want me to not bother with you? Are you insane?" replied the blond trying to faint hurt.
"I don't deserve your friendship." spoke the dark-haired boy looking straight in his eyes.
"Don't you think I have a say in this?" begin Naruto, now serious.
"You have waist enough time with me." interrupted Sasuke as his gaze fall down.
"Sigh, Sasuke about what Sakura said, it's not exactly like that. She made things looks worst than they truly are." tried to explained the jinchuriki.
"A lot of things she said were right." replied the Uchiha.
"Yeah… But…"
"But what?" asked Sasuke, now annoyed.
"Past is past." said Naruto with a serious face.
"But…" tried the dark-haired boy, not sure at all.
"No but Sasuke. You're here now and you have an opportunity to start fresh. That's all that matter. Me, Sakura, Kakashi and all the guys are here for you and you know we'll be there for you when you need it. In fact, we have always been there even if you didn't want us around. So stop worrying about everything like a cry baby and let's forget everything. 'Cause honestly, I'm not mad at you and I miss you like crazy. Friends?" spoke the blond-haired boy with a confident smile as he shoves his right pinkie in the cell toward Sasuke.
Taking in all the information he was receiving, Sasuke couldn't help but feel guilty. After everything that had happened, he couldn't understand why Naruto would still want him as a friend. But Naruto was right, it was a new beginning.
"Sigh, friends." replied the Uchiha as he lock his left pinkie with his.
"Naruto, are you done?" suddenly asked Shikamaru as he enters the room.
"Yes Shika. I'm coming." spoke Naruto as he looks back at Sasuke and smile, "Okay… Well see you later then."
"Yes." replied the boy with a smile of his own.
"Whoa, that was the most horrible and cheesy thing I've seen since I saw Karin naked in the shower yesterday…" spoke Suigetsu as he looks at the two boys with disgust.
.
BANG!
.
"Idiot." replied angrily Karin as she massaged her hand.