Sasuke had a little more difficulty getting to sleep that night. His mind wouldn't stop swirling, wondering why Kakashi snuck in (in his old ANBU outfit to boot) just to see him. He never thought Kakashi would go to such measures. However, he knew it probably wouldn't happen again, Kakashi got his answer. Although, that knowledge did not stop the hope that swelled within him. He wanted to see Kakashi again, wanted to talk to him, and he didn't know where this anticipation came from. He distracted himself by reasoning that Konoha may have betrayed him, but the fault lie at its leaders and not its followers. He knew that Tsunade was innocent from that fault - all he needed now was for Danzo and the council to die. Then he would finally be free.

In the mean while - he should probably try to sleep.

The next couple of days went by pretty eventless, but sleep killed most of the day away. He wondered what they were going to do with him. They had no knowledge of his plans, and he wanted to keep it that way. If they found out, they would probably order his execution immediately - if not after demanding the truth first. However, he doubted that it would happen, seeing as they killed over one hundred people only on the basis of rumours and perhaps one man's word. And, Uchiha Sasuke hardly seemed like much of an exception.

He sighed, casting away those negative thoughts. He needn't become even more enraged with the council or he would be forced to move yet another checker, perhaps even forfeiting the game. Luckily, supper was apparently being brought. At least the food would preoccupy his mind for a little while, and he didn't expect how much it would indeed do so.

A very familiar masked ANBU (though not quite nostalgic with that outfit) came into his cell, holding his food.

"They said it is a hassle to feed you, so I volunteered." The tone implied that the words were actually a joke - but that was with almost of his ex-teacher's remarks so he didn't know what to take of it

So, instead of a response, Sasuke glanced despondently at the other. (Even if there was joy curling beneath his skin) He really didn't know how to respond, how to act. Kakashi came back - surely it wasn't to feed him means - the Kakashi he knew would never do that. While treading this trail of thought, a response dawned upon him and he spoke up, lacing his words with the arrogance that was expected of him. "The ANBU in Konoha have really degraded, being reduced to feeding a rogue nin, haven't they?" A dry chuckle followed this statement, and the words that followed slipped out before Sasuke could fully grasp their meaning. "Last I heard, they were murdering innocent children on the streets and disembowelling babies." Damn I didn't intend that to slip up.

At first, there was a dry laughter, but Sasuke couldn't figure out if it were real or not. However, he soon felt a scowl formed by his old teacher. "I've never done or heard any ANBU massacring innocent children."

Even though the arrogance from earlier was an act, the topic that was accidentally brought into play tugged on negative emotions. Therefore, the sarcasm and mockery continued to taint his words.

"Ah, but hearing and listening are two different things, and nobody cares to pay attention to that important detail." Especially when it involves the Uchiha. Sasuke added in silently. "It doesn't amaze me how quick people are to believe fabrication – but I guess deception after deception tends to blind people over time."

He could tell Kakashi knew he was bitter, and Sasuke was sure the other didn't know why. Perhaps the jounin could accurately guess his revenge was not finished, that something else haunted him. There was a sad irony as the two sat there, one holding food for his former student who disobeyed all reasoning, the other too cold and callous to care. Once again, Sasuke wondered why Kakashi was here, but he couldn't ask. He didn't want to reveal his knowledge of Kakashi's identity. He feared that if he did, Kakashi would leave him. He didn't want that, so he kept his mouth shut.

"Are you going to eat? Really they just thought it would be better if I feed you, seeing as I was going to talk to you anyway."

Genuinely interested, Sasuke raised an arrogant eyebrow. "And why doe an ANBU have business not only once – but twice – with a rouge nin?" And ex-student. The first time was unexpected yes, but this occasion seemed very much unlike his former teacher. He knew he wouldn't get the answer he wanted, but a variation of the truth. (Even if Kakashi was a pathological liar, it didn't mean he was completely dishonest either)

"I've been designated to find out the truths behind your eyes Sasuke."

Ah, there was one trait of Kakashi's – blunt when necessary.

"The Hokage actually decided to show mercy? She's not as ruthless as her teacher, that's for sure."

He couldn't tell Kakashi's response – for the porcelain mask blocked his view. Then again, the jounin was always hard to read. The only time he saw those emotions was when the other had tied him to a tree and told him not to exact revenge. (And even then, they were still difficult) Hs sarcastic laughter cut off the words that began to leave the jounin's mouth, irony popping in yet again.

A moment of silence enveloped the two awkwardly, as if Kakashi were expecting Sasuke to say something, but he didn't, so the jounin continued on with his sentence.

"You do not seem concerned if I find out your secret."

The mocking laughter continued. "So she doesn't care if you find out – or are you a special case ANBU-san?(1)" In truth, Sasuke probably already knew why his told teacher was sent to find out this information: Not because he was trustworthy, but because he was Sasuke's jounin-teacher. How much ironic pressure would make his teacher break? Would he be able to force the other to admit his identity? He doubted it.

But it was worth a try.

(1) If noticed previously, I prefer to stay away from the Japanese suffixes in this story – but "Mr. ANBU" just sounded odd.

Sorry it's late. Got preoccupied with this other fan fiction of mine and didn't type it up. Hopefully the next chapter ill be up soon. Maybe half-way through it.

BTW I totally didn't intend for that last paragraph to appear, but it just felt like it belonged there - so it's probably going to take a different spin than I originally intended Still Kakasasu though