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Chapter Four: Two Face

Triangles of light widened when the door of the prison opened.

"Uchiha, Sasuke, the council is ready for you," Shikamaru gripped his childhood friend by the arm, though he was still bound, and walked him up, up, up the stairs. The halls were quiet. Anyone that happened to poke their head out quickly withdrew back into whatever room they'd been in. Observers didn't even dare whisper.

Shikamaru stopped at the Hokage's office doors. Sasuke stood mumbling inaudibly under his breath.

"None of that, Sasuke," Shikamaru drug him inside the doors quickly before they were forced closed behind them. Shikamaru released his shackles and let Sasuke stand before the council. He noticed Gaara first sitting furthest from him. Across from Gaara was Hyuuga Neji, and proceeding down the table in twos: Yuhi Kurenai, Umino Iruka, Morino Ibiki, and Hayate Mitarashi, Lee, and Danzou. Jonin littered the walls watching the young homicide genius.

"Uchiha, Sasuke, you have been summoned here with numerous counts of murder on your head, specifically seeking justice for the Haruno household," Sakura stiffened at Tsunade's side, "You are charged with treason against Konohagarue. You have been estranged from this city for five years despite numerous missions to bring you back. The council will now discuss your fate before you." Tsunade sat and waved for those present to proceed. Shikamaru took his place next to Naruto and Kiba against the wall, in his normal relaxed state. Ino stood across from them by the other two sand siblings, Temari and Kankuro. Hinata and Shino held down a quiet corner of the room as well.

"Well all know well the events that unfolded that night in the Uchiha compound," Kurenai began, "it was tragic-"

"What are you getting at, Kurenai?" Danzou interrupted.

"Calm yourself, Danzou," Mitarashi stated from across the table with his arms folded comfortably. His wife Tori stood behind him.

"His beginning was tragic but his deeds cannot be ignored," Neji spoke up, "He disowned the Leaf, tried to kill Naruto, plotted with Orochimaru, possessed the curse seal, has murdered hundreds of innocent civilians, and runs with a band of rebels. He cannot be trusted." Tsunade nodded.

"I have seen many wars, lived and breathed the blood of those around me. Some innocent, deaths of the innocent are not what is in question here. They too are tragic events, but his allegiance is what we are here to measure," Ibiki surfaced. Quarreling continued.

"While his actions have no justification, we cannot be quick to forget the good he's done," the sand sibling cast a look down the table to the man in question. "He has struck out one of our largest enemies weakening the Akatsuki-"

"And then he took over for him!" Neji stood, planting his fists into the table.

"Hyuuga, restrain yourself or you will be removed," Tsunade reminded firmly.

"Before he left Sasuke was one of the most gifted ninjas I had ever met. I still hold much respect for him," many in the crowd became uneasy at this statement. There were still those who did not trust the sand siblings. Gaara shifted to stare blankly at Tsunade, "If you execute him it will only continue the cycle of deviance. You will only prove him right."

Neji sank back into his seat and the rest of the council was silent. Tsunade pursed her lips.

"Sasuke," the rebel lifted his head to face his accusers, "what say you?"

Silence enveloped the room for a moment. Even Shikamaru straightened a bit to listen,

"I do not apologize for my actions and offer no justification," Sasuke's eyes bore into Sakura's.

"TEME HOW COULD YOU!" Naruto raced across the room and grabbed Sasuke up by the collar, "HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO SAKURA-CHAN! You're even more cold hearted than I thought. No, you're worse than that, you don't even have a heart. There's nothing in your chest but ice and hate. Just because you're alone doesn't give you the right to take everything from everyone else especially those that were there for you! You are scum and I regret that I ever called you my friend."

"We aren't friends, Naruto. Bonds make you weak." Naruto, caught in a moment of fury pulled back his fist and let it spiral towards Sasuke's face. His fist never reached Sasuke's face. It was stopped by a gloved hand. Standing between the two was the same bubblegum haired girl Naruto was trying to defend.

"Unh, Sakura? What are you-"

"Anger will only spoil into hatred. One lost friend is enough for me." Tsunade inwardly applauded her student for her amazing act of forgiveness. Naruto grumbled under his breath as he looked at Sasuke before backing away to his place. Sakura turned to face the council before facing her parent's murderer, "It took you years to build up the hatred to kill your brother. You bore two faces, the one of the ninja wanting to be the best, and the man who fell short of his goal because without hate his life will never have any meaning!" calming herself down she continued, "I will never let myself get that far," and then the Uchiha went flying, "one night's hatred is enough for you in this state." The medic nin then calmly left the room. Gaara smiled to himself,

"I guess she can be two-faced too."