Sapphire09 : Here you go ! New chapter. I hope I didn't disappoint you ;)

My grammar is not too good. Sorry if it annoys you....

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by Sapphire09

Behind Those Eyes

"He was unable…," Jiraiya continues as he lock his eyes to Sasuke, "…to kill his own little brother."

Everyone's eyes then widened, especially Sasuke.

"Eh?"

Jiraiya then turn his head towards the scene that has changed again. "This scene is set exactly after the massacre."

"I'm sorry, I have failed the mission," Itachi said. He kneels in front of Sarutobi; his head is bowing down so his bangs covered his eyes. Sandaime shake his head slightly. "No, Itachi. You have done well enough."

"Hokage-sama, I beg you to protect my little brother, Sasuke," Itachi pleaded. "I'm afraid that Danzo and the elders will try to turn him into an emotionless walking weapon, and that's the last thing I want him to be."

"I will. Would you like me to tell him the truth?" Sandaime asked. Itachi deepened the bow.

"Please, don't tell him. Just let this secret buried along with my death, Hokage-sama," Itachi said, his head still down. Sandaime glanced to his right and 7 years old Naruto appeared suddenly.

"Itachi… Then what about your brother?" Naruto asked in a tone more mature than his age. "Do you want him to live in the path of revenge, of hatred, forever?"

"When he becomes stronger than me, he will find me and will kill me. He will be hailed as Konoha's hero after he kills me. He will revive the new Uchiha clan. I will have nothing to worry about then," he said without lifting his head. Naruto then glares at him. "You already planned everything for him, haven't you?" Naruto said. Itachi didn't reply.

"YOU CAN'T DECIDE HIS FUTURE!! You can't decide who will he be, or his path of life!! You're supposed to help him find his own path, not to decide it!! Don't you know that you just destroyed your brother's life?!" Naruto yelled. Sandaime tried to calm him, while Itachi still frozen on his place.

Felt ignored, he then walk towards him and force him to look at him in the eye. Itachi's kneeling position makes it easy for his short body. Naruto narrowed his eyes after he saw Itachi's emotionless dull onyx eyes. He also could see dried blood from the tip of his eyelashes.

"Looks like there's no chance of saving you now, is there?" Naruto said in remorse. "Revenge… is not a simple word, Itachi. Even after he gets his revenge, there won't be any guarantee that he'll live happily. You have to know, to understand, that if you wish for revenge, an equally hard blow will be dealt back to yourself."

He then turns his back on him. "I will find a way, to make your brother knows, without breaking my promise," Naruto said. Itachi seemed to object, but Naruto look sternly at him, on the eye, "You better believe it." Closing his eyes, Itachi then disappeared in swirl of wind.

"Let's begin the sealing, Hokage-sama," Naruto said after the wind dispersed.

Sasuke was shocked. He doesn't understand what sealing, and Naruto… doesn't like Naruto, at all. The little Naruto he saw in the genjutsu were even more matured than the 12 years old one. He then realized that Naruto and Hinata never came to the meeting in here. The genjutsu then dispersed and they were back at the Hokage's office.

"W-what… what sealing?" Kiba stuttered. Everyone turn their heads to Tsunade's direction then. "… I'm not sure. I guess it was a memory sealing. If so, it would explain why he didn't seem to know about this."

"Memory sealing? Is it possible?" Neji asked. Jiraiya nodded. "There's high possibility. I don't know for sure, though."

"Sasuke, I will tell you this now. You are now already inside and at the center of Konoha. If you decide to stay, you'll be given a year of punishment decided by your… friends. But, if you decide to go, you and your team will face the guards. Once captured, you'll be punished by the elders," Tsunade said.

"I'll stay. Itachi is probably dead by now… If Madara died together with Akatsuki, then he must be dead too. I don't have any purpose anymore," he replied. He does need to rest his head because of this very shocking news. He needs to think.

Everyone look at him suspiciously. "Fine then. You will stay at an apartment, guarded by my most trustful shinobi. I will let you live back in your house after we were sure you can be trusted. Truthfully, I thought you'll attack blindly at Konoha after the meeting. That's one of the reasons that there were ANBUs guarding outside and watching the rest of your teams," Tsunade said as she trying to find a key.

When she found the key, she then tosses it to Sasuke that catch it with ease. "You can stay at Naruto's old apartment," Tsunade said. Everyone's heads snapped at the Hokage. "What?"

"Because of the upcoming chuunin exam, there was no other vacant apartment or rooms left. Naruto's old apartment was the only place left," Tsunade said. "That just reminds me. You guys never answer my question. Where is Naruto?" he asked, unconsciously tightened his grip on the key. Before Tsunade could answer, Jiraiya speak first.

"He's not here, that's all we can say to you right now. We won't give you other things to think about, so we will save it for later," he said. Tsunade motioned everyone to leave. They all leave, except Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi.

"Sakura and Kakashi will be your guard, at least for now. You may leave," Tsunade said again.

"Wait a minute! Do you mean that Naruto left the village? Are you serious?" Sasuke asked after his shock passes. His head ache badly. First, his brother turned out to be the nice person, and now Naruto left the village? Did he have been underground for too long that everything has been turned upside-down?

Tsunade doesn't seem too happy when he starts talking about Naruto, since she glares at Sasuke. She demands them to leave, except for Jiraiya. Sakura and Kakashi drags Sasuke outside the office, where the others waiting.

"Sasuke, we won't talk about Naruto, at least not until have cleared up your mind. It… was a touchy subject for all of us," Sakura said. Sasuke realize that she didn't call him Sasuke-kun like she used to call him. Sasuke stayed in silent. He decides that it is the best thing to do right now. He have to absorb the entire story and everything first.

"Kakashi-sensei will take you to the apartment. I and the others have to… talk about something," Sakura said before she waved at them and walk towards the other Konoha 12 (should be 9, or 10, if Sasuke included, now).

"Follow me, Sasuke," Kakashi said. Sasuke, then followed by Karin, Suigetsu, and then Juugo, follows him obediently. Not long, they then arrived in a seemingly normal apartment. Kakashi then led them to Naruto's old room.

"Here we are," Kakashi said as they arrived in front of Naruto's old apartment. He put in the key, open it, and led them inside the living room. What they see in there shocked them, mostly Sasuke.

"Damn! What happened here? This place looks like that a typhoon just strike in here!" Suigetsu exclaimed out loud. The sofa was ripped in most places, wooden table and chairs were broken, and most of the wallpapers were ripped. There were also many writings carved on the wall. Many curses were written. They were all held the same meaning, for the monster to die.

Suddenly, they can feel massive killing intent. Juugo admits that the killing intent is even more intense than his. Suigetsu and Karin fidget when they feel that killing intent. Three of them thought that it was Sasuke that felt offended. All of them glance to the source of the intense bloodlust. What makes them surprised is that it was not Sasuke, but Kakashi that is standing in front of them.

It's kind of scary, actually, to see Kakashi's only visible eye narrowed dangerously like that. The intense killing intent that is coming from him also could rival Shukaku's bloodlust. Even Sasuke feels a little bit afraid.

"Kakashi-sens…san. Since when did this place turned like this?" Sasuke asked carefully. In his genin days, mad Kakashi never had been a good sight to see. He also shocked to see the state of the apartment. He knew those writings and all are not directed to him, since he knows that his and his team arrival was kept in secret.

"Just recently, I'm sure," Kakashi said in low voice. "Everyone always came to this place everyday, to clean this place or just hanging out. Only today, that we don't have time to check this place." Kakashi then sniffed the air, trying to find some scent. When he found it, he let out some low growls.

Just then, Sakura and the other Konoha 9 came. Everyone gasped at the scene in front of them.

"Kakashi-sensei? Who did this?" Sakura asked demandingly. "You know who. Those damned…," Kakashi doesn't need to continue. Everyone knew who did those things. The Villagers.

Sakura then stepped out from the room. Before she manages to pass the front door, an arm stopped her. "Don't," the owner said.

"Shikamaru…"

"Shikamaru! Those damned… people deserved everything that…" Ino said, but Shikamaru cut it. "I know. Do you think that I'm not mad? Even after he's gone, they still doing this. But, we still have to report this to the Hokage… so she can legalize our action in punishing them," Shikamaru said the last part coldly.

Everyone could see that Shikamaru's eyes are glinting with anger. All of them then stomp out from the apartment, looking for anyone that disregards Naruto, right in front of their noses. All but Sakura.

"Kakashi-sensei, I'm sorry, but will you…" Sakura started. "I know. I will take care of Sasuke, in one condition…," Kakashi paused. He then points on the writings on the wall, "…bring the one that wrote that to me."

Sakura nodded, before she catches up with the others. Karin, Suigetsu, and Juugo release their breath that they didn't know was holding.

"Sasuke, just who is this Naruto-guy? When we were in that red tower, I overheard some ANBU talking about him. And now, they all mad because some guys trashed his home? He must be some important person," Suigetsu said in wild curiosity, in hushed voice. But, Kakashi still hears him. He glares at them before he went to other rooms, checking the damages that had been done.

"He… was once my teammate in my genin days," Sasuke said simply. "Is that all?" Suigetsu asked, obviously not satisfied.

"… He was also my worst rival, and was my best friend," Sasuke said. His back turned. "Your best friend?" Karin asked. Suigetsu raised an eyebrow. Juugo became interested by this Naruto guy, since he can be Sasuke's best friend, and worst rival, nonetheless.

Juugo, Karin, and Suigetsu knew that they are teammates, but they also knew that for Sasuke, they were nothing more than just that, teammates. Once team Hebi broke up, Sasuke won't even glance at them. They were nothing more in Sasuke's eyes but tools.

"You can use the bedroom and the bathroom perfectly. We already cast a protection seal in there, so the damage is reduced. However, the kitchen is damaged badly. We have to eat lunch outside. We can go whenever you are hungry," Kakashi said suddenly in monotone. Totally different from his care-free tone that Sasuke used to hear.

The door then opened with a loud smack. Sakura and the others came through. Behind them, around 20 villagers that proved guilty for Naruto's house wreckage forcefully dragged. Every member of team Hebi's eyes widened in surprise.

"SASUKE-SAMA!! YOU HAVE RETURNED!!" the villagers said when they noticed Sasuke. Karin, Suigetsu, and Juugo's eyes are blinked in incredulity. Sasuke, however, sharpened in anger.

"Sasuke-sama, do you like what we did to the demon's den?" one of the villager dare said, obviously oblivious to the killing intent around them.

"…" Sasuke can't say anything. He could feel his cursed seal acting up, resonated by his anger. He knows more than to lose control right now.

"How dare you…," a voice said. Near the entrance, an angry Tsunade could be seen. "How dare you say his name in dishonor in front of me," she said.

"Ho.. Hokage-sama..," the villagers said, cowering in front of their leader.

"Kakashi-sensei, take Sasuke… and his team, out. We…," Sakura stopped. She scanned the villager and the angry Tsunade, "…will clean this place up. I'm sure it'll be finish at dusk," she said. Kakashi nodded in understanding. He drags Sasuke and his team outside, pass the villagers. "Just don't forget to give the one that wrote those to me," he said before he disappeared. Sakura just nodded.

The one that is guilty for the writing become paler than Orochimaru himself.

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"What was that? I've never felt killing intent that high," Suigetsu said. Kakashi made no sound to reply, so is Sasuke. Karin, Juugo and Suigetsu look at each other in confused stare, before turn their attention back to their guard.

"Can you explain something?" Suigetsu asked in exasperation. "Why don't you ask your team leader? He was his best friend," Kakashi said simply. Sasuke then glares at him.

"Sasuke?" Karin asked softly. "Sasuke… just who is he? We all can feel your killing intent when that villager asked that question. Who is Naruto?" Juugo asked. Kakashi gave Sasuke a calm stare, to reassure him. Like it or not, he has been his sensei once, after all.

"… Like what I've said. He was my friend, my best friend," Sasuke answered monotonously. Karin, Suigetsu, and Juugo clearly not satisfied by his explanation. However, before they can voice their dissent, Kakashi suddenly stopped and talk.

"I hope you don't mind ramen. Because, that's the only thing you can get right now for lunch," he said. Sasuke stiffened. In front of them, the infamous ramen stand, Ichiraku Ramen stand, standing with all its might.

"… Do we even have a choice?" Suigetsu said. "Well, yes. Eat here or not to eat at all," Kakashi said back in his cheerful tone. But, Sasuke knows better. He know that his sensei still have the urge to go back and torture those villager once and for all.

Sasuke feels uncertain, but he follows Kakashi to inside the stand. He then followed by Karin, then Suigetsu, and Juugo.

"Wel… Oh, hello there, Kakashi-san. And who are those guys behind y…" Teuchi's sentence stopped midway when he sees Sasuke, and three unfamiliar faces. He then frowned right away.

"May I help you, Uchiha-san?" Teuchi said bitterly, clearly dissent to have Sasuke in his shop. Sasuke realize that, but he keeps his emotionless mask.

"Yes, please. May I have… Beef ramen, please?" Sasuke ordered. Teuchi nodded shortly. The others also ordered then.

"And, you? The usual?" Teuchi asked when it was Kakashi's turn. Kakashi just nodded. Teuchi then went back to make the ordered Ramen.

"Hey, why is he seemed to hate you? Totally different to the villagers we encounter at the apartment," Suigetsu asked quietly to Sasuke. "… Naruto was his best customer. To make it simple, everyone that loves Naruto will hates me, and everyone that hates Naruto will loves me," Sasuke said uninterested. Suigetsu just raised his eyebrow.

Their food came not long after. While eating, Sasuke couldn't help but to think about the Itachi, and Naruto.

'Looks like, I can never dispel the illusion Itachi gave me. I can never see his illusion, his tricks. It seems, I have to learn more about him, then. And, Naruto's words…' His word keeps on ringing in his head.

"If you wish for revenge, an equally hard blow will be dealt back to yourself"

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"… I know that you know where Naruto and Hinata are," Tsunade said seriously. Jiraiya just look at her silently before let out a sigh.

"Even if I know, it won't change a thing. They won't come back, and you know that," Jiraiya said. Tsunade let out a heavy sigh. "I know… but I want to see him, even for just a little bit. Or at least to know, how is he right now. Even though he won't admit it, Hiashi also misses Hinata. He is sorry for what he said to her. No matter what, he is still his father."

"… Right now, I'm the only one they trust for now, and I don't want to ruin that. Just… wait for another few years. I'll make something up, okay?" Jiraiya said in attempt to cheer her up. Tsunade just nodded weakly.

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When Kakashi, Sasuke, and the rest of team 'Hebi' arrived back, the apartment magically returned to its normal state. Even Suigetsu, Karin, and Juugo blinked at amazement.

Sakura then appeared from the kitchen and walk towards them and whisper something to Kakashi. He nodded and leave in puffs of smoke.

"Me and the others will be the one that guard you tonight. Sleep anywhere you wish, as long as it's still in our range of sight," is all what she said before she went back to the kitchen.

Sasuke just walk silently to Naruto's old room, leaving the others behind. The rest of team Hebi chooses to sleep in the living room. Karin is actually wanted to sleep in the same room as Sasuke, but Sasuke didn't let her. He said he wanted to be alone tonight.

At Naruto's old room, he sees that everything is still there, as if Naruto never left. Even his orange attire is in the wardrobe. The only thing that is missing in his room is his weapons, and the picture of the old team 7.

'What am I going to do now… mother? I lost my brothers, because of my own blindness…' he thought bitterly, as a lone tear fall from his eye.

Sapphire09: Soo... How is it? hope it's not crappy... Or weird....

tell me if I can make this chapter better, and sorry for the bad grammar ....

ADDITION: I've changed the chapter!! Nothing much, just some sentences...