Chapter 16 Gone again

Disclaimer: don't own Naruto it rightfully belongs to Kishimoto-san.

'' this means thoughts

Italics are flashbacks

(Time skip: the next day)

(Location: Uchiha household Uchiha clan district east section Konoha hidden leaf village fire country territory)

"Thank you for everything goodbye…."

Hinata woke up with a startle realizing she was in her room of the main Uchiha household. Gazing through the small window she saw the morning sun was up she was still breathing hard from what she experienced. She started shaking remembering the events that occurred the treaty with Kumo and Ame, the Raikage's challenge to Sasuke in the arm wrestling match, the Uchiha's sudden change of attitude and finally what he said to her. Tears started forming on her pale eyes realizing the worst case scenario and the most horrible thing she will need, he thanked her and told her goodbye as a sign that he was leaving. She dried the tears putting her hand on her heart feeling it beating faster because of how scared she was no she couldn't lived with him leaving her, not him she refused to believe it. Then it hit her it was morning and probably what she saw wasn't real, perhaps her mind was playing tricks with her. She rise from the bed looking around trying to erase what she witnessed it wasn't real of course the Uchiha was here in his home with her.

'Maybe it was all just a dream?'

She took a deep breath" a really bad dream…."

Still believing it was a bad nightmare she left the bed ready to start her morning, she smiled ready to make her usual breakfast. The same breakfast Sasuke likes she has come to like cooking for the Uchiha he really like it and he will usually give her a compliment. She blushed slightly her big smile never left her face today she will be determined to cook him the best breakfast he has ever had, but first she needed to take a shower. Before she reached for her wardrobe her eyes caught a message scroll on her nightstand next to her team eight picture, the picture she took with Kurenai when her son Hiruzen was born and the recent picture she took with Sasuke wrapping his arm around like her was her boyfriend. As she walked to the nightstand she suddenly got an unknown feeling it felt bad it was getting worst as she was getting closer, she didn't like it one bit. She grabbed the scroll and opened it reading the context her eyes widened from the shock she was so shocked that she dropped it, the tears started forming again after reading the scroll.

'No….Sasuke-kun….'

(Scene change)

(Location: hallway fire tower)

Naruto and Sakura were on their way towards the Hokage's office because they have been called by Kakashi. It was strange for them to be call on so early in the morning but they were always ready to take on a mission, as ninjas they were always prepare for anything. It become stranger when they realized that Sasuke wasn't with them they were obviously expecting that their teacher will called on everyone from team seven, minus Sai because he was still in a mission with Yamato. As they walked the hallway they got this weird feeling, a unanimous sensation that something was not right. The feeling was getting stronger as they were reaching the Hokage's office they didn't like it the best thing they did was to ignored it. The blond jounin looked at his girlfriend looking ahead not noticing that she was looking at him from the corner of her eye, something was bothering him. Maybe it was the same thing that was bothering her; the point is he wasn't feeling like his usual self it was up to her to put a smile on his face.

"I wonder why Kakashi sensei has summoned us."

"Must be an important mission for him to call us so early in the day" replied Sakura.

"Still he didn't called Sasuke…."

"I guess he only wants to see just the two of us."

Naruto's cerulean eyes softened his girlfriend was still staring at him in concern" I don't feel so good…."

"That's obvious you're the one who eats ramen for breakfast" she giggled at his comment but she had an idea what he was talking about.

"I like eating ramen for breakfast."

"No you like eating ramen for breakfast, lunch and dinner" she smirked.

"That is true" he gave his goofy grin.

"You know if Kakashi sensei doesn't has a mission for us, I had the morning off from the hospital we can go on a date if you like?"

"Do you even had to ask Sakura-chan of course I will go with you" he gave his fox grin her question was the same as if he likes ramen.

"I had to make sure that the future Hokage is not busy that's why I asked."

"I always have time to spend with you. You should know that by now."

"You're right" she smiled.

The blond jinchurikki smiled taking his girlfriend's hand" Sakura-chan thanks for cheering me on."

"Always glad to make you feel better."

They finally reached the office while the bad strange feeling got stronger both jounins have ignored it once again as Naruto knocked on the door. They heard the reply from the mask Hokage as he opened the door closing it behind them they were surprised to see that they weren't alone in the office. Kakashi gazed at them while Hinata was in front of his desk however they were expecting a warm welcome by their teacher and friend it was the opposite. The mask Hokage was quiet and even with his mask on his expression was somber they could tell something was not right it only proved that the bad feeling in their guts was right after all. Hinata's had her head gazing at the ground her expression was blank, unreadable it's like she wasn't there the Hyuga kunoichi seems to be in some kind of state of shock. No one noticed that her eyes were red from crying too much she hasn't looked at no one and she hasn't bothered to greet any of her fellow Konoha friends.

"Hinata-chan?" Naruto turned to see his ex girlfriend.

"Hinata?" replied Sakura.

"Naruto Sakura thank you for coming under short notice" said Kakashi.

"We figure you might have a mission for us" said the blond jounin.

"It's not a mission, I want the two of you to listen carefully for what I'm about to say."

The two members of team seven heard the serious tone of their teacher something was really wrong, for him to acting so serious. Since they have entered in the office the bad feeling in their gut have gotten worse like it was telling them something horrible has happened, by now they have chosen to accept the feeling and prepare to face whatever the mask Hokage was about to tell them.

"What is it?" replied Sakura.

Kakashi sighed" I have some unfortunate news you two in your case it's very unfortunate."

"What do you mean?" Naruto was starting to get inpatient.

"I mean that you will take this news not too lightly" he started not taking his visible eye on them" Sasuke has left the village again."

Both Naruto and Sakura were in shock while they were horrified at the news Hinata hasn't said a word yet.

"What….?" Sakura covered her mouth from the shock.

"What do you mean he left?" shouted the upset Naruto.

"Please Naruto calm down…."

"How can you asked me to calm down after what you just said?" his hands were shaking probably from the anger or the horror of finding out that his best friend has left the village again" are you even sure that this is true?"

"Naruto….?" Sakura looked at her boyfriend with so much concern of course she understood the pain he was going through.

"I would never lie about something this serious, quite frankly I wish it was some kind of sick joke but it's not. It's true that Sasuke has left Konoha again I'm sorry I know how much this news is affecting both of you."

"How can you tell?" he tried to calm down not letting his anger get the best of him.

Kakashi grabbed a scroll from his desk showing it to the two jounins" Hinata found this in her room."

"Hinata….?" Sakura said.

They turned to the Hyuga kunoichi who still hasn't talk yet now they understood her quiet behavior, looks they weren't the only ones affected badly for the Uchiha's defection on the village.

"What's that scroll?" replied Naruto.

"It's a letter that Sasuke left for us before leaving the village" said the mask Hokage.

He offered the scroll as Naruto took it while Sakura was next to him wanting to read the context too. Both of them were curious to know what he wrote contrary to the last time he left the village, he never sent a letter. He only said thank you to Sakura before knocking her unconscious on a cold bench and leaving Naruto barely alive with a hole on his chest from using chidori on him. So many questions were running in their heads about what he will write to them was it really necessary to leave a letter after you have defected your home village for the second time.

"Hinata that will be all you're dismissed" Kakashi said.

The Hyuga kunoichi nodded before leaving the office when she finally closed the door the mask Hokage turned his attention on his two students, who by now they were reading Sasuke's letter.

Dear anyone who cares:

By the time any one of you read this I would have already left Konoha you might ask yourself why I left, it's an easy answer. In the three years I have stayed in the village since my return I have come to realize one important factor that left me to make this decision. The first time I left was because I needed the necessary power to obtain in order to defeat Itachi and honestly I didn't care about the village, I was willing to betray those who have become precious to me in order to reach my goal. Those are moments I'm not proud of I have come to regret most of those choices since I found out the horrible truth behind Itachi's actions in the Uchiha massacre. This time I'm not leaving to gain power but the reason is I don't belong in this village.

I have come to realized that I don't fit with everyone in Konoha I have become a complete outcast since I became a traitor, and most of the villagers pretty much hate me can't blame them though. I don't belong here even if it's considered to be my home village where I was born somehow I feel like it's not really my home. I admit I still hate the village for what happened to my brother I can't seem to forgive the elders for making the decision that changed the fate of the Uchiha clan, Itachi's and my fate as well. Therefore I think it's better for the traitor to leave and never come back I have chosen my path of the avenger, but don't feel bad or hate me for the matter. My stay in the village wasn't a complete waste I got to strengthened the bonds I have forged a long time ago with team seven and even formed friendships with people from our group, I am thankful for Ino for accepting me back as well as everyone.

I have also forged a strong bond with someone else and she was willing to ask me to stay with me under the roof of my house, I admire her courage for asking. She has become special to me I also thank her for willing to be my friend and let us forged our bond, thank you Hinata. Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi thank you for everything you three will always be precious to me because you have become my new family. I have a pretty good idea how will you all react when you find out I'm gone again just try not to get mad I am willing to pay the ultimate price for my treachery. I don't know what else to say but thank you for the people who are my friends and have become an important part in my life, even the lone avenger needs friends. I'm sorry I doubt you will accept my apology or not and quite frankly I don't care I'm not planning in coming back.

Thank you for the happy memories and farewell.

Uchiha Sasuke

Both Naruto and Sakura were shocked as they finished reading the letter they were speechless. They still couldn't believe that their third teammate and friend has left the village again. They were still trying to swallow the hard painful truth that he was really gone and he had no intentions in coming back. Sakura was the first to react as tears started falling from her jade eyes, she tried to dry them but more came out. What shocked both of them the most was the way he has written the letter, it didn't sounded like the kind of letter a traitor who wants revenge on their village would leave.

"This is…." She started while making a sob.

"What….what's going on?" Naruto finally spoke his eyes never leaving the context of the letter" this seems like some kind of will…."

Kakashi nodded" it does isn't it?"

"What do you mean Kakashi sensei?" asked Sakura.

"I think it's strange enough that this time Sasuke left a goodbye letter to notify his defection from the village, anyone willing to become a missing nin would never leave such thing as a goodbye letter. They will be informing the entire village of his betrayal and it won't be long before they dispatch the hunter nin unit after him, that person will be asking for his own death."

"So wait he wants us to know that he left the village?" replied the pink haired medic.

"Precisely he wanted to make sure that he left and he has become a missing nin again."

Naruto growled" I don't get it why, why would he leave I could tell that he was happy being here with us?"

"He was that's why he bothered in leaving the letter" replied the mask Hokage.

"But you said it yourself Kakashi sensei Sasuke-kun will be asking to be hunted down by leaving this letter" said Sakura.

"Like Naruto said that the letter seems more like a will than just a simple farewell letter, I agree with him too…."

The blond jinchurikki gazed at the floor while tightening his fists he was still holding the letter" Kakashi sensei don't tell me….does Sasuke wants to be hunted and killed by the village?"

"That's what I believe he probably wants to die as the traitor avenger."

"Why would he do that?" Naruto tried not to cry while Sakura put her arm on his shoulder trying to comfort him.

"I honestly don't know after changing his ways and finally learning his lesson I don't seem to understand his actions. However I have a feeling what Sasuke has planned?"

"You do?" said the pink haired kunoichi.

"This is just a guess so listen…."

Hinata has stood outside the office listening to the entire conversation she didn't wanted to leave after knowing that it was about Sasuke. Of course she didn't want to get busted for eavesdropping so she kept her distance from the office door, but she already had a solution. Like the sharingan the byakugan also had the ability to read lips she activated her bloodline looking straight the office. She saw the mask Hokage talking to the two jounin reading his lips, her eyes widened when she heard him say what Sasuke had in mind. She quickly deactivated the byakugan and left not wanting to get discovered by anyone walking the hall way, but as she left a few tears has formed on her pale eyes.

Naruto and Sakura stood in shock at what they just heard from their teacher, the news has hit them hard. The pink haired woman reacted as tears formed Naruto put his arm on her shoulder this time he was trying to comfort his girlfriend he looked like he was in the same positing to shed some tears too. Kakashi gazed at them with the same reaction he was taking in it badly too but as the Hokage he needed to calm down and not let the situation freak him out.

"You really think that's what Sasuke has planed?" Naruto said his tone was soft like it was impossible for the Uchiha to do such thing.

"It's a wild guess but it could be true and with informing us of his defection he wants Konoha to act on the matter and start searching for him, either way it all points out to the same conclusion."

"Then what are we waiting for let's go after him right now?"

"I agree the sooner we leave the sooner we will find him" Sakura replied agreeing with her boyfriend.

"Unfortunately right now I can't let anyone go yet, I must first inform the council of the situation they will decided what to do next."

"The council….?" Naruto had a horrible feeling.

The pink haired medic gasped" but if you do that they could probably make the decision to send the hunter nin unit after Sasuke-kun!"

"That seems like the obvious choice in this matter…."

"But he will get killed!" replied the blond jounin.

"I know but this must be done, you two want to bring Sasuke back and if my wild guess is right then we can't let him get killed. If the council wants his execution I will try and talk to them this is a very delicate situation we have in our hands. Since we had made an alliance with Kumo and Ame the council will probably act before the other villages to solve this problem."

"You mean kill him?" growled Naruto.

"I told you I will not let Sasuke die not as long as I'm Hokage, right now I want you two to stay on standby status be ready to receive any orders from me."

"But Kakashi sensei-"

Sakura cut Naruto off" right Kakashi sensei we will wait for your orders."

"Sakura-chan….?" Naruto looked at her he could see in her jade eyes that she was feeling the same way as him.

The mask Hokage nodded" then you're dismissed you two…."

They nodded leaving the office as they walked the hallway they could feel some tension growing between them. It was understandable after all they just found out that their third teammate has left the village again and this time death seems to be unavoidable, they were living with the fear that Sasuke might die for real this time. The best way to do in this kind of situation is to stay quiet but that wasn't their style both weren't the type to stay quiet, it was part of their commitment as an official couple. To always talk about things that was troubling them it was the best way to strengthen their communication with each other. Both of them knew how much the Uchiha means to them, they knew it this couldn't be avoided.

"Sakura-chan….?"

"I know what you're going to say but we have to trust Kakashi sensei on this he's not going to let Sasuke-kun die."

He smiled" right I trust him."

"Let's wait for him to call on us again so we can start searching for him together."

"You're right this time we will succeed."

The pink haired kunoichi smiled at least her boyfriend was feeling better and determined to search for their friend.

(Scene change)

Back at his office Kakashi was in deep thought about this whole situation that has become a serious problem indeed. He never expected this will happened thinking that the Uchiha has changed for the better and he was no longer interested in walking the path of revenge again, he felt disappointed at him and himself. He felt he has failed in helping Sasuke again just like the first time he tried to convinced him not to chose revenge before he left the village the first time, he failed as his teacher and as a Hokage. Every time he has failed helping him he felt like he has failed his friend Obito again because they were both Uchiha, even with the warning he gave him of his betrayal he still didn't listen to him. He knew the news will affect the village and their allies it was something he couldn't risked, especially hidden cloud. He sighed remembering the conversation he had with the Raikage in regards with the Uchiha if the Kumo kage finds out of his defection, he will take his chance to execute him for trying to captured his younger brother.

Kakashi has volunteered to escort the Raikage and his two bodyguards Shi and Darui towards the Konoha main gate. Sasuke's kidnapping os his brother, the Hyuga incident and the capture of Kushina were reasons why the hidden leaf and hidden cloud had problems in the past and they were neutral. But that was over as Kumo and Konoha have become part of the alliance the Raikage has agreed to work together with the other villages in stopping what remains of the organization Akatsuki. However the mask Hokage knew that the Kumo kage's grudge against Sasuke wasn't over yet because he rudely ended his arm wrestling match with the Uchiha, there was never a victor. Hopefully the two villages might work together for the future as true allies.

"I hope for the better between the villages of our alliance" replied the Raikage.

"I hope for the same thing as well."

"I do hope you know what know what you're doing still having that Uchiha" his tone was rude.

"Excuse me?" Kakashi didn't like where this was going an argument could happen any moment.

"I don't trust him and neither should you, he's a ticking time bomb ready to go off."

"On the contrary I trust him there is nothing to worry about Raikage."

The Kumo kage stared at him trying not to be rude or evade any bad expressions" Hokage I won't question your way of ruling over your village but let me ask you, what would you do if he betrays you again?"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow not knowing what to say he was quiet trying to look for an answer.

"He betrayed you and your village once he can do it again. People like that Uchiha are always thinking about themselves no one else, he only wants to become strong so he can use his strength against others just to achieve his selfish goals even if he has to attack his former comrades and his home village. It will be better off if he's taken care of for good…."

The mask Hokage has reacted to the Kumo kage's words he has tightened his right fist never leaving his gaze. His words were true thinking about the Uchiha Sasuke was really selfish, he was always thinking about getting strong in order to achieve his life goal of revenge on itachi. He remembered how he used to be always arrogant with revenge as his only reason to live, never caring about having friends or protecting his village. He remembered his betrayal and what he did to Naruto in order to escape to Orochimaru perhaps he was right all along that was all in the past. He was now seeing the new Sasuke who was completely different from the past Sasuke he didn't had to worry anymore because just like Naruto and Sakura he fully trust him.

"Raikage you don't know Sasuke like I do he has been through a lot and he has changed for the better, even if he's loyalty still in question. But I assure you that he's very loyal to his friends the people who have accepted him back, just leave everything to me."

The Kumo kage didn't like his answer" your loyalty for the Uchiha is impressive are you willing to risk the alliance for him?"

The mask Hokage was starting to get annoy at his questions" Sasuke is my responsibility, I will take full responsibility for anything that happens on his behalf…."

"Fair enough Hokage I will stop now but before I go let me warn you. If by any chance that Uchiha betrays your village again and if he decides to join Akatsuki once more he will be my number one enemy. If he goes after Bee again I will make sure he gets killed on the spot."

"I understand but like I said there is nothing to worry about, Sasuke won't betray Konoha again."

"For your sake and he's he better not…."

"Raikage-sama we're leaving" Shi said.

"Right let's go."

Darui bowed to Kakashi before they left walking out into the distance while the mask Hokage was in deep thought about every single words the Kumo kage has said to him on that day.

He sighed as he saw Shizune entering his office" what is it?"

"Kakashi are you done with the documents I handed you yesterday?"

He sweat dropped because he has forgotten to do those documents so he gave her a good excuse with the recent situation at hand" there's no time for that Shizune, summon the council members for an emergency meeting."

The raven haired woman heard his tone it was something serious she nodded" right!"

She left the office as he got up from his desk ready to leave as well his mind was thinking about something or more precise someone else which he thought he understood perfectly, he couldn't be any more wrong.

'Just what is going on inside that head of yours Sasuke?'

(Scene change)

(Location: forest region somewhere in fire country territory)

After taking some rest during the night Sasuke resumed his journey to unknown location. Leaving Konoha he had no specific location in mind he just kept on jumping through the trees, his facial expression remained serious. There was no hesitation in his eyes knowing that he has made a big mistake but it his decision alone to make he won't be missed in the village by the people that still hated him. He started remembering the people that mattered to him when he was still in the village, members of the rookie as well as team seven they were the only ones who cared for him. It was too late to be having second thoughts there was no turning back now for what he did, he has made up his mind a while back. He knew what he was doing he really felt like he didn't belonged in the leaf village even with his change after being locked up in ANBU headquarters for three years and he chose a new star to lived his life. He knew the consequences for his actions are highly sever what he did had no forgiveness, he was warned after all by Kakashi and he knew the outcome of his choice. His onyx eyes were fixed on the trees ahead but his mind was only thinking about his words on that day.

"If you betray Konoha again I will have you executed, so for your sake as well as Naruto and Sakura's sake I hope that this time you take the right path…."

It was such a shame that he had to disobeyed what his teacher said about taking the right path. He felt disappointed with himself in his point of view he thought he was taking the right path, his rightful path not the path Kakashi was expecting he will take. He figured he was obviously disappointed in him for making the mistake of leaving the village again, he was used to deceiving people even if this time he didn't meant it to happen. His dark path of the avenger was always his only purpose why give it up now after everything he's been through while staying in Konoha, so many memories were running through his head. Good memories that he has come to enjoyed and cherished trying to replace all of his painful memories with them he didn't knew how slowly he was letting go of the past, but running away was impossible. He started thinking about the people that mattered to him Iruka and the rookies and finally team seven he pictured them in his head smiling, and he saw himself smiling with them. He did said goodbye to them except Kakashi but he knew the mask Hokage will immediately noticed something wrong and he might ordered ANBU to watch over him, after he finally lifted the order of having him tailed by the organization.

'They must already know I'm gone by now….'

He never thought he would hate traveling on his own for being the avenger who was a loner. He missing traveling with his team hawk and team seven he was supposed to be a lone wolf, but he got used of having people around him walking with him. Now here he was alone walking the path he has chosen since the Uchiha massacre and he hasn't regretted his decision a bit, the people in Konoha will eventually be happy that he was gone. His friends that were important to him, it was another story the prize he has to pay he will be hunted down by his own village and he was prepared for the hunt. When he jumped another tree branch something caught his eye, he was alarmed seeing a body on the ground. He jumped getting next to the body it was the body of a little girl who seems to be around seven with chocolate brown hair wearing a sky blue dress with brown sandals. He noticed that she had some slight bruises like she was attacked but luckily he hasn't found any traces of blood on her, checking her pulse he was glad because she was alive.

'What could a little girl be doing stranded in the middle of the forest….?'

His conscious started speaking to him telling him that he couldn't leave her even if he was running from Konoha, there was a high chance that she could die if she stays here. He picked her up bridal style and resumed jumping on the tree branches this time he was planning to get to a safe spot to stay before going back to hiding. He made a couple of jumps as he reached a gore, he kept on walking looking around the forest he has come to recognized the area of the many times he has traveled the fire country. He knew this location well he could hear water running in the distance there was a river up ahead he thought that she must be thirsty and hungry. It was a miracle that she was still alive she was probably abandoned today or perhaps there was another reason, he finally arrived at the river when he noticed the girl was moving slightly. He gazed at her she was awake she was staring at him with a pair of haze eyes, she was trembling obviously she was afraid.

"I'm not going to hurt you…."

"Mommy and daddy" she replied in a whisper before her eyes started watering up.

"I didn't catch that."

Tears started falling" mommy and daddy are gone….I miss them."

"Did you get separated from them?" Sasuke felt like he needed to help her.

"No I…." she started sobbing.

The Uchiha sighed she has obviously experienced something terrible to be crying like this he gently put her on the ground letting her sobbing. He took his canteen offering it to her although he wasn't good in cheering people up.

"Here you must be thirsty?"

She nodded her face was full of tears she kindly accepted the canteen drinking the water, she felt so refresh enjoying the taste. She hasn't drunk water in a while pretty soon she drank the entire canteen making Sasuke sweat dropped.

'She was that thirsty, it must be the same if she's hungry….'

"Thank you" she handed him the empty canteen.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Only a little…."

"A little is good" he went to the river and filled his canteen" would you like more?"

"No…."

"Are you hungry?"

He only got a loud stomach growl coming from the little girl. He opened his backpack and took a napkin it was filled with some of the food that Hinata has made for him. He gave a small smile he has come to like her cooking and he was planning in eating her food for surviving in his new life as a missing nin, the food was probably a memento from the Hyuga kunoichi. A memento that he will eventually have to eat but right now there was someone else who needed the food more than him. The little girl was really hungry she was probably starving to death he couldn't lived with himself if she dies of hunger when he had available food with him. He looked at the piece of rice ball and shrimp made by Hinata he will have to let it go just like he let go of his friends and the bond he made with them back at Konoha, it's what he wanted.

"Here eat" he offered her the food from his wrapped up napkin.

She quickly took the food smiling making him blinked in surprise she was eating rapidly, like her life depended on it. If she continued to eat like she could probably choke the Uchiha offered her water from his canteen to help her swallow the food easily just looking at her eat it was enough to tell him that she hasn't eaten in days, who knows maybe even longer. At least the tasty food wasn't going to be wasted he will have to come up with ways to gain food he had no choice but hunt for it. He watched her as she has eaten the whole thing in less than five minutes she was now drinking from the canteen she was feeling so much better now her hunger was gone, the great taste of the food was very satisfying. He actually felt better with himself helping someone in need at least he can do some good with his status as a criminal.

"Thank you" she smiled at her savior.

"You're very lucky that I found you, someone like you can't survive in this forest alone."

Her eyes softened" I….it wasn't my fault."

"Where are your parents?"

Her eyes started tearing up again" they're gone…."

"Did you get lost while traveling with them?"

The tears were falling again" no….they are dead."

Sasuke stood quiet no wonder she was crying so much she was in pain because her parents were gone. For a moment he could understand her pain because of his parents, he knew all about that pain of losing your whole family. That pain has always been in his heart since the massacre.

"What's your name?"

"Aiki…."

"I'm sorry for your loss…."

She sobbed softly" my mommy and daddy are merchants they traveled all around the world. They sell all kind of medicine I always liked traveling with them meeting nice people and places. While we we're traveling here we got attacked by mean doggies."

"Dogs?" the Uchiha was confused hearing her statement they weren't wild animals that will attack just like that.

Aiki nodded" they were furry and they had sharp teeth we we're traveling when we got surrounded by them, they were so many."

"I don't think they were dogs, I will take my guess that they were wolves. A wolf pack they probably attacked you and your parents to defend themselves any stranger they meet they see it as a threat."

"Their ears were very pointy they did look like doggies to me…."

"Wolves are dogs only wilder and more dangerous."

The little girl continued to sob" mommy and daddy tried to protect me from the wild doggies and they told me to run. I obeyed them but they stayed behind I ran as fast as I could, when I stopped running I was lost and mommy and daddy they were gone I saw them getting attacked by the wild doggies…."

"I'm sorry…."

"I miss them I want to be with them."

"It's okay Aiki, your parents wanted you to be safe from harm. They died trying to protect you they wanted you to live its only natural that parents will do whatever means necessary to protect their child…."

"I'm all alone I'm scare…."

"You can't stay here that's for sure."

He watched her continuing to sob he knew he couldn't leave her here if her parents are really dead, it was impossible for a little girl to survive in this forest on her own. He didn't forget the reason he was traveling he had a mission and he couldn't get her involve in this his life was far too dangerous for a little girl to be in. For a moment he thought that it was his responsibility to take care of her and protect her maybe it was his pride or his intuition playing games with him, he sighed he had to thank Naruto for that hanging out too long with him has made him into a real softie.

'I can't take her with me' he looked around the forest' I know this route if I go west there's a town nearby I think it's Tanzaku there should be an orphanage there….'

He got on one knee meeting Aiki's level he took a piece of cloth which ironically Hinata gave him, it was another memory from Konoha. He used it to dry her tears once he was done drying every single tear drop he made eye contact with her.

"Look you can't stay here and your parents wanted you to be safe. I'm going to take you to a place to have a second chance in living with a family, it won't be your parents but it will be enough for you to have a happy life."

She nodded understanding him at least she was happy to meet someone like him who would take his time to help her, and by now she like him.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah…."

"It will be quicker if you let me carry you, we'll reach the town faster that way."

The Uchiha took Aiki on his back carrying her and she giggle" what?"

"My daddy…..he used to carry me this way" she gave a big smile she hasn't been this happy since her parents were killed.

"Right then off we go."

He jumped on the nearest tree branch jumping on others he decided to increased his speed a little, the sooner he send her to the orphanage in Tanzaku the better she will be safe. He was already a threat to Konoha he couldn't let her into his life the longer he continues being a missing nin the more dangerous he becomes, it won't before the leaf starts calling for assistance from their allied villages and that's when things will get more complicated for him.

"What's your name?" asked Aiki.

He looked at her" why do you want to know….?"

"I told you mine and you should do the same too."

"It's better if you don't know…."

"Come on don't be a meanie I want to know your name" she pouted.

He rolled his eyes not knowing why he felt like telling her" it's Sasuke…."

"Thanks" she replied giving a smile.

He didn't know why but even if he was going to sent Aiki to an orphanage where he might never see her again once he leaves her, he felt like he has forged another important bond with the little girl and just when he barely knew her. He was the one who said that having too many bonds will leave someone astray back then when he forged his bond of hatred with Itachi. But he was wrong having too many bonds is the reason why he has become the person he is today, and he couldn't be any happier to have those bonds.

(Scene change)

(Location: Konoha hidden leaf village fire country territory)

The village was having just another usual day running their daily activities and businesses however there was a slight change with today, that make the people talk more often than usual. The word was eventually out and it reached their ears of Sasuke's defection it became the hottest topic in gossip since Naruto defeated Pain and saved the village. The news didn't turned out well for almost the population a lot have disliked the Uchiha for knowing that he was just a traitor and for being responsible in almost causing a war with Konoha and Kumo, hearing that he left the village again only make them hate him even more. The minority who probably had second thoughts about him have completely changed their perspective on him, now they hated him joining the rest of the crowd. Now Sasuke has become their hated and most feared enemy ever no doubt he was up to no good they will have to live their lives in fear because he might try to attack the village when nobody expects it. Everyone of them were now hoping that he gets capture and executed in public so they can see the Uchiha traitor's death first hand, it proves how much they hated him. But now everyone hated him some were disappointed, while others were confused by his departure and some were thinking the worst case scenario for the raven haired Uchiha.

(Location: village urban district)

Everyone from the rookies were present they were all seated in a couple of stone steps that reached to one of the village's temples. Shikamaru was seated next to Temari, next to them stood Ino and Chouji. Tenten and Lee were on the far corner while Neji was next to them Shino and Kiba were on the opposite corner of the stairs while Akamaru was knelt next to his master. Finally Sakura was next to Naruto in the middle of the stairs obviously everyone have decided to have a meeting regarding Sasuke's decision to leave the village again, Hinata was the only one absent to the meeting because she probably didn't felt like talking about the situation. It was probably not a good thing to bring the topic knowing how delicate both Naruto and Sakura can be when it comes to the Uchiha the tension will obviously increased before the meeting ends. Everyone thought it will be best to have a meeting and speak what they thought of the whole thing, it was best to hear their opinions on the topic. Although they already knew what both the blond jinchurikki and the pink haired medic though of their friend's betrayal, they were obviously not going to hate him for what he did.

Shikamaru felt annoyed at the news and thought it was troublesome about Sasuke's defection from Konoha, just when he was almost accepted by everyone from their group. The villagers were a different story because he knew almost everyone hated him and probably it was impossible to change their minds, but some people could change only a small number. He couldn't help but get suspicious at Sasuke's actions the day before he left the village he knew he was acting so strange, it only make him believe him that he was planning in leaving all along. He already thought ahead that Naruto and Sakura knew something but it was too troublesome to think about the whole thing.

Temari was feeling the same way as her boyfriend something was really up with the Uchiha the day before it felt strange that he bothered himself to treat everyone to food. Especially when he was smiling not very Sasuke like although she has never had a grudge against him she did saw him as a friend and comrade. Her brother Gaara had some respect for him because he understood him in the past with his hunger to gain power and get revenge he used to feel the same way with his past treatment at the hidden sand village.

Ino was quiet but her eyes said a lot she was depressed after hearing the news about her friend. It hurt her to know he has decided to betray the village again after she has told him to give him a chance to become his friend, only to have her trust in him betrayed. She was disappointed in him how could he do this after she has come to see him as a good friend she thought she will understand him, she couldn't be any more wrong now.

Chouji tried to comfort his girlfriend he knew she was feeling bad after hearing the news after all she has freely decided to let the Uchiha be her friend and she found out that she did wrong in offering her friendship. Now she was feeling disappointed and there was nothing he could do to make her feel better but he didn't understood why he did it when everyone has almost accepted him back as a friend and one of their own. Now he didn't know what to think of Sasuke but to see him once again as a missing nin.

Lee was quiet but he was probably feeling worst than Ino because he was one of the few that trusted him the most, after Naruto and Sakura. He happily accepted the Uchiha as a friend and started seeing him as a great comrade but after listening to the horrible news he was so disappointed and hurt, he actually felt like he had no desire to train today. Pushing his skills over the limit was his passion and surpass his teacher was his lifelong dream Sasuke's defection from the village has really affect him in a negative way.

Tenten wasn't feeling so down like her boyfriend but she did felt a bit disappointed with the Uchiha. Just when she was ready to trust him and see him as a friend this happens. Now she was back to see him as a traitor and enemy to their village she always cares for her friend and they are important to her, Sasuke was definitely off from her list of friends.

Neji wasn't feeling disappointed or depressed like the rest of the young ninjas because he wasn't surprised at all. What will he expect from the traitor Uchiha he knew this was going to happen sooner or later the only thing he felt bad is that no one was able to stop him from leaving the village. He has never gotten along with Sasuke and this proves he was right all along, he was a threat to their village and they needed to stop him that's how he saw things. He was always strict with the rules of Konoha and taking care of him was their responsibility before it's too late.

Kiba was frowning slightly because he was also disappointed in the Uchiha's defection. He secretly thought of having him as a friend but he never gave it too much thought because he has been very busy lately since he married Ayane. He thought he has changed after learning his lesson he was wrong maybe it was the right thing to side with Neji now, he took a look at Akamaru and his dog was probably feeling the same way too. He has wasted his time thinking in accepting Sasuke as a friend.

Shino just didn't know what to think he should be disappointed like everyone else, but he felt disappointed in himself more. He thought he could understand what the Uchiha was going through he has come to care for his comrades a lot he felt the same way as Tenten. Maybe he wasn't so good in understanding people instead of having another friend back he has gained the person as a enemy, protecting his village was his priority just like any other ninja so he will be ready to face Sasuke if the chance was given.

Sakura felt like this whole meeting was nothing but a mistake it wasn't right after how she was feeling. After talking to Kakashi she has become very worried for Sasuke especially when she heard from her teacher the Uchiha's intentions with his betrayal. She didn't care what the others thought about it because she had a pretty good idea she wasn't in the mood to hear them say I told you so he was nothing but a traitor. She was going through a lot and she wasn't the only one but her boyfriend as well she knew that this was the last thing he needed right now, this meeting shouldn't be made period.

Naruto was not feeling in the mood to be having this group meeting with his friends because he knew what they were going to say. Most of them didn't trusted Sasuke and they didn't like him either he didn't wanted to hear negative things about his best friend it was enough from what he was told by Kakashi. He didn't needed this the only thing in his mind right now is to go and find the Uchiha before it's too late none of them will understand how he feels with exception of his girlfriend. If they will start disrespecting him he won't be held responsible with how he will act, he's not going to put up with anyone insulting his friend.

"You all know why we have gathered here?" said Shikamaru.

"We do and it won't change my view of Sasuke" replied Kiba with a frown.

"The first time Sasuke-kun left the village I was shocked I couldn't believe he would do that, but he does have a personal score to settle with his brother so I understand his actions for leaving. But now I don't know anymore" Lee said.

"I guess we don't know him like we thought" said Tenten.

"I just can't believe he did that wasn't he happy being here?" replied Ino with her head lowered in shame.

"Maybe he had his reasons?" Chouji said.

"Didn't he killed Itachi so he fulfilled the revenge that was forced on him well all know the truth of the massacre there's no need for him to continue walking that path anymore?" replied Shino.

"I will have to agree if there's even another reason for him to be looking for revenge?" said Temari.

"There shouldn't be one we all witnessed how Naruto fought Sasuke after the civil war he was the one that snapped some sense into him, after that I thought he would no longer go back to his old ways looks like I was wrong" Shikamaru said.

"I'm sure Sasuke-kun has his reason for leaving the village again" Sakura said carefully while looking at Naruto who was in deep thought.

"And what would that reason be Sakura?" Neji replied.

"I…I don't know…." Her jade eyes drift off for a moment.

The Nara sighed at the question not knowing the answer" beats me I really have no idea what's going on inside that head of he's, it's too troublesome to think about."

"And to think that the day before he left he was being all nice and happy with us" said Ino.

"He was obviously pretending to care I knew it was too good to be true" Kiba said his comment made Naruto's eyes hardened.

"What could you expect from him, Sasuke was always a wild card he was never loyal to the village in the first place. It was always his ambition before anything else he was forgiven for his treason and he thinks he can take advantage of that by leaving the village again. He's probably laughing right now that he made a fool of all of us" replied the Hyuga prodigy.

"Neji that's enough" Sakura gave him a glare to watch his words carefully because next to her Naruto was losing his patience.

"Pardon me Sakura but if my words are upsetting you that I would like to know if everyone present feels the same way as I do. We all have been given a chance to trust Sasuke again and welcome him as a friend and now he chose to betray that trust, how can you all justify him?"

"No comment" replied the Yamanaka as a couple of tears were falling.

"I really don't know what to say" said Chouji.

"I feel like Sasuke should have a chance to explain his actions and his reason for leaving the village again, I'm not going to jump to any conclusions yet. Everyone has a right to explain themselves and Sasuke is no exception" Shikamaru said his comment made Naruto and Sakura gave a small smile.

"I will have to agree with lazy bones he should be capture and brought back to the village so he can explain his reasons for leaving" Temari said.

"I would like to agree with Shikamaru but I feel like he couldn't be trusted anymore" said Tenten.

"Yosh I still trust Sasuke-kun I want to hear what he has to say" replied Lee.

"Everything should be decided with the council meeting that will happen later, if they decided that Sasuke should be hunted down then we won't have a say in the matter. However I would like to hear what he has to say" said Shino.

"I was ready to trust Sasuke and accept him as a buddy" Kiba said while petting Akamaru" but after this I think I won't be able to trust him again."

"I see I understand your decision but my opinion still stands, Sasuke is an enemy and he was never to be trusted from the beginning he's dangerous. If he betrayed the village again then he should be taken are off like all missing nins that betray their villages.

Sakura was alarmed when she saw Naruto finally losing his patience" shut up Neji!"

Everyone gasped at the sudden violent reaction from the blond jinchurikki although they should have seen this coming knowing how loyal he is to the Uchiha. They could feel the sudden tension that has formed around them it didn't looked good this could turn into an argument or probably something worst. Sakura hold her boyfriend's hand trying to calm him down there was no need to lose it and have a fight with his friends there was no need to make things worse even if she understood his reasons better than anyone. Neji was shocked at his the blonds' sudden outburst he wasn't expecting that from him but it's to be expected for saying the wrong this about the Uchiha, he wasn't upset though. He just stared at him knowing how much he care for his comrades and the village to the Hyuga prodigy Naruto was the complete opposite of Sasuke the only person he had a high level of respect, the kind of respect he would never have for the Uchiha. Everyone was at their guard because a fight could be the outcome just looking at the way the blond jinchurikki was gazing at the Hyuga, looks like he has reached his limit with his comments.

"Naruto please…." Sakura was still holding his hand not to do something he might regret.

"Sakura-chan let me do this trust me" he gave her a confident gaze he wasn't planning in doing something that he will regret he wasn't choosing violence as a way to solve an argument.

The pink haired kunoichi nodded letting him go she trusted him enough.

"Naruto you might think I'm being unfair and unjust but I'm simply saying the truth. Sasuke has betrayed Konoha not once but twice he has made his point by now that he's not interested in serving this village, you remember he even said that he hated the village even after serving his sentence in ANBU prison?"

"I know but this isn't about Sasuke it's about you…."

The Hyuga prodigy raised an eyebrow at his comment" I beg your pardon."

"Come on Neji we all know you have always had a grudge against Sasuke since the chunin exams, you two have never seen eye to eye on things. You're only making your decision base on your dislike for him."

"You may be right but still what I'm saying is correct. Missing nins have always paid the prize for betraying their villages through death, but it's the first time in history that we forgive one and gave him a second chance to live his life as a full blooded ninja of this village. Then he wastes the chance he was given by leaving again can you really justify my decision?"

The blond jounin stood quiet as Neji got closer to him with a serious gaze" you were the one that changed me for the better Naruto. You were the one that taught me that fate doesn't control anyone but one self is the one who controls his and her own fate, I have chosen my own fate. To fight and protect my clan, my Hokage, my village and even you if it comes down to it I will protect you from the threat Sasuke has become…."

"And I am certain that everyone present here will also protect you from any enemies even give their own lives for you I would do as well. I don't have to say it because everyone feels the same way about you. You have become one of our most dedicated and important allies, a friend I bet everyone are ready to die for you if the situation comes isn't that right?"

"Neji….?" Naruto was speechless by his speech but he was no longer angry with him.

"Sakura you're ready to give your life for Naruto?" replied the Hyuga prodigy.

"He already knows the answer" she smiled at him.

"You guys don't have to say a word about that" said the blond jinchurikki.

Lee had tears in his eyes" Neji your speech was so youthful!"

Tenten sighed" you always have to over react like this."

The Hyuga prodigy resumed his speech" you might hate me Naruto but that's my opinion I know you're willing to go far for Sasuke but we're not like you, we all have a limit. I can't do the same thing I mentioned about you with him I can't give my trust and support to someone who has already betrayed the village twice…."

"You don't know nothing how I feel so you can't expect me to understand, I trust Sasuke and whatever his reason may be I'm sure he's not planning in betraying us or the village" replied Naruto.

"He already did the moment he left" Kiba said.

"Like I said if we get the order to bring him back I would like to hear his reason" said Shikamaru.

"If Sasuke does return to the village….alive" Neji said.

Naruto gasped as he glared" you guys don't know anything Sasuke is-"

"Naruto stop" Sakura hold him she knew he was about to reveal the part of the goodbye letter which Kakashi told them to keep it a secret for now.

"Sakura-chan….?"

"I think that will be enough we all have our different opinions about this, let's leave it like that" she replied.

"You didn't finish your sentence Naruto" Shikamaru was starting to get suspicious.

"It's nothing I'm leaving…." He turned to leave.

'What's going on those two seem to be hiding something?' thought the Nara.

"Sakura aren't you going after him?" asked Ino.

The pink haired medic shook her head" I think he needs some time on his own or he won't listen to me no matter what I say to him."

"Sakura is there something you're not telling us?" Shikamaru was still pressing on the topic.

"What do you mean?" she tried not to be alarmed.

"Is there something wrong?" Shino replied.

"Why would Sakura-san hide something from us?" said Lee.

"Is it about Sasuke?" asked Neji.

"I'm not keeping anything from you guys, I have to run a couple of errands Kakashi sensei ordered me before going back to the hospital" she left trying to remain calm' damn that was close Shikamaru is already aware something is up, but Kakashi sensei doesn't want them to know about Sasuke-kun's letter.

"That was weird" said Ino watching her best friend leave.

"What is?" Chouji replied.

"Just leave it be Chouji" replied the Nara' did Kakashi ordered them to stay quiet….?'

(Scene change)

Naruto was walking the streets with his head looking at the ground not even his friends weren't so thrill to have Sasuke back. Other we're expecting an explanation from the Uchiha some of the villagers passing by were smiling at him while others were waving at him but he didn't noticed because of his mood. He was only thinking about Neji's words no doubt he didn't trusted his friend and he wasn't planning in forgiving him but he knew the truth according to what Kakashi told him, the Uchiha was really causing him to over think about his actions. As he walked the streets he heard the villagers murmuring to others speaking ill of his teammate, his eyes hardened how could they say things like that about him. Why did they have to hate him if they could only understand his pain then maybe there was no need to feel such hatred for him, everyone was against him he started getting worried for his safety. The only thing he could do is to believe in Kakashi's words that he will try to protect Sasuke from getting hunted by the hunter nins. For once he needed to be patient and not to jump face first like he has always done in the past this was a delicate situation he couldn't be reckless, the Uchiha's life was hanging in the balance.

He reached the academy it was the only place to visit in his mind. He walked to the tree where the swing was placed and he got seated there, it brought him some sad memories. He will always get seated here to remind him of his loneliness it was the one place where he will dropped his mask feeling sad that he was alone and hated by the villagers. He understood Sasuke in that department too with how much they have come to hate him he was still confused so many questions were running through his head. Why did he left why is he doing this, what is he accomplishing by leaving again and what did he meant in the farewell letter. The letter seemed to have an hidden motive which Kakashi suspects something is really up he was hoping whatever the real reason may be that it wouldn't be what the mask Hokage has in mind, it couldn't be that he and Sakura weren't going to let it happen. He noticed someone walking to him smiling he spotted his teacher from the academy.

"Iruka sensei….?"

The chunin smiled walking next to him" hey Naruto."

"You have the day off?"

"No I'm on my break the students are already done their work for the day, so what's wrong you seem down?"

"Iruka sensei…."

"Don't say it I have heard about Sasuke."

His cerulean eyes wandered to somewhere else" do you think that Sasuke is really a traitor?"

The chunin tried not to say anything that will make him upset knowing how delicate the topic of the Uchiha is to him" Naruto….if he left the village without any orders from the Hokage then he has chosen to leave for good."

"So you think he's a traitor just like everyone else?"

"I want to believe Sasuke but I don't know what to think, he seemed to be behaving after he served his sentence. I don't understand what could have happened to make him changed his mind?"

The blond jounin lowered his gaze" do you think he has a good reason for leaving?"

"If he has one I would like to hear it…."

'Just like Shikamaru' he sighed" what if he has an utter motive for doing this?"

"What do you mean?" Iruka blinked at his question.

"I mean that he could be hiding his real intentions by leaving, that maybe he has something else on his mind. I'm not going to believe that he left the village because he chose to betray us…."

"You have always believed in all of your friends, you will always trust in them no matter what I wouldn't want it any other way. You believe Sasuke is innocent then I will believe so too, I trust you Naruto."

He smiled" thanks Iruka sensei how about if we have some ramen together it's been a while since we have eaten at Ichiraku's?"

The teacher chuckle" I could go for some ramen right about now unfortunately my break is almost up, I have to get back to work. I have lost of work at the academy I also have to prepare for the genin exam that's coming soon, sorry I can't join you."

"That's okay we can go next time I'll see you later then" he left before waving.

Iruka smiled waving goodbye to his favorite student he took one glance at his departure figure his eyes had a sad expression' you have a lot of faith in Sasuke but this is the second time he has left the village. I couldn't tell you this Naruto but his chances of being forgiven are very low, this time he could be punished by death…."

He headed back to the academy building as he gave a smile' but I will still believe in you.'

(Scene change time skip)

(Location: Tanzaku town urban district fire country territory)

When Sasuke left Konoha he wasn't expecting to babysit a seven year old girl, it was the last thing on his mind. He's supposed to run and hide from the hunter nins and try to survive, make a living with his new status earning a profit by doing other jobs for people like a mercenary. This wasn't part of the job he had a frown of his lips as the little girl Aiki was still being carried on his back she was smiling continued to enjoy riding on him as they were walking through the busy streets of the town. She was truly happy finally arriving at a place with lots of people and many building she quickly got curious and felt like wanting to see all the different places. Of course she wasn't going to get the chance because the Uchiha had other plans there was one place he had in mind to go, none that she was expecting. Although he was looking forward to find the place he desperately searching for he felt bad that he had to separate himself from the little girl, he hated to think that has made another bond. He barely knew her and he felt safe with her like he could forget all of his problems just by being with her.

He took a glance at her she was smiling widely holding onto him like she was planning to never let him go. It was impossible to grow fond of someone when you just met her in less than three hours and you didn't knew a single thing about them, maybe because she was just a kid. But he knew he couldn't bring her in his life he had other plans in mind he didn't needed her in them she will eventually get hurt. His onyx eyes were on the road and felt relief spotting the building he was looking for in the distance it wasn't too far from the left corner of one of the streets. Getting closer he read the sign of the building Tanzaku orphanage it was the perfect place for Aiki to be safe although she was still unaware of his intentions. He stopped reaching the entrance he was ready for something that was about to become hard to do, saying goodbye.

'Damn it I have to do this….'

"Why did we stop?" replied Aiki.

"This is your stop."

She looked straight at the building" what is this place?"

"This is an orphanage" he replied still getting no reaction from the little girl" the people who work here will make sure you get a family that will take care of you."

Aiki felt like turning pale she reacted as she tightened her hold on him" what….?"

"You're going to be living here until you get adopted by a family…."

She lowered her head her lowered lip started trembling" you're leaving….?"

"I can't stay I have other things to do you'll be better off here."

"Will you visit me?" she sniffed a little.

"I don't think so…."

"No I don't want you to leave, don't leave me here please."

"Trust me you'll be safe here. It's not safe being with me."

"But I want to be with you Sasuke" Aiki was now in tears she was still holding onto him.

The Uchiha sighed removing her from his back putting her safe on the ground" listen you can't be with me I'm a ninja my life is very dangerous. I could die any moment it's better for you to be with someone else."

"I don't want you to go" she was now sobbing.

"You're not making this any easier on me" he was annoyed.

"Please take me with you" she pleaded in tears.

"I told you I can't!" he raised his voice.

"Don't leave me Sasuke take me with you, I love you…."

He finally had enough of Aiki's sorrowful pleadings he knew he wasn't getting anywhere is this keeps up, so he did the only thing he could do. Just like he did with Hinata he activated his sharingan and cast a genjutsu on the little girl, she quickly fell to the ground asleep. He sighed carrying her bridal style entering the building of the orphanage he arrived at the reception area where there was a young woman in his early thirties standing at the counter.

"Welcome to the Tanzaku orphanage how can I be of service?"

"Can you put this girl for adoption?" his onyx eyes were on Aiki.

"Yes we can what's her name?"

"It's Aiki right now she's very tire so it will be better to let her have her rest."

The receptionist nodded" I see is there any information you would like to verify with us about her?"

"I found her in the forest starved to death according to her, her parents are dead they were attacked by a pack of wild wolves and she barely escaped…."

The woman felt heartbroken at the story" how horrible the poor thing must be so traumatized for experiencing something like that, don't worry she's in good hands."

"Make sure she gets adopted by a great happy family, she deserves to be with one…."

"I will make sure she gets adopted by the best family ever."

"Thanks…."

He gave the sleeping Aiki to the receptionist as she smiled happy to have her in her arms. Sasuke stood quiet looking at the little girl without saying another word he turned to leave he managed to catch a glimpse as the woman took her away from the reception desk into a hallway probably where the rooms were located. He finally walked away leaving the building and chose not to think about the matter anymore but she will find a way to appeared in his mind, he was regretting his decision but it was the only way to protect her from the danger he was about to experience. Without looking to the orphanage he resumed his walking through the streets of the town his figure disappearing with the crowd, deep inside he was going to missed the little girl.

'I'm sorry Aiki….'

(Scene change)

(Location: council chamber fire tower Konoha hidden leaf village fire country territory)

Kakashi has entered the room with a determined look on his face he was going to tell the members of the council the situation that has happened this morning. He looked ahead seeing that all members were present of course except for the two elders Homura and Koharu they were still serving time in ANBU for hiding information about the Uchiha massacre. As soon as he walked towards the middle of the round table that was occupied by the members he had a bad feeling, something was not right. The air has changed force giving in it a negative energy and the expression of each council member said enough that something was wrong it was a serious expression like they have heard some horrible news. It made him wondered if they already knew but he was about to tell them, it wasn't possible for them to know since he kept this information as classified as he could. Even if some of the villagers knew it will take for any of the members to find out eventually. He faced them he was about to find out ready to tell them the news of Sasuke, he was still waiting for their reaction.

"Thank you for coming under short notice members of the council. I have called this emergency meeting for a reason we have a serious situation in our hands regarding Uchiha Sasuke…."

"That will be enough Kakashi" replied Inoichi.

"No need to tell us we already know" Shikaku said.

"What….?" the mask Hokage was shocked that they knew already.

"Like you heard we know that Sasuke has left the village again" Tsume said.

"With all due respect how did you all find out so soon?"

"Hiashi told us everything" replied Chouza.

"Hiashi?" Kakashi turned to the older Hyuga.

"He was the one that informed us of the Uchiha's betrayal, we also know of the other things he did" Shibi said.

"What other things?"

"Allow me to explain" Hiashi said getting up from his seat facing his Hokage" we have marked Uchiha Sasuke as a dangerous S rank missing nin not just for his betrayal over the hidden leaf village for the second time but on the charges for turning my daughter against me and the Hyuga clan."

"What?" Kakashi's visible eye widened in pure shock" explain yourself!"

"The Uchiha is responsible for making Hyuga Hinata betrayed her clan" said Tsume.

"That can't be you all know that she did it on her own free will, it was her decision to make alone. I apologize Hiashi for what I'm about to say but your daughter left your clan because she was sick of the customs, the laws and she was sick because no matter how strong she got you still saw her as a hindrance. There is no way that Sasuke was involved in her decision at all he has nothing to do with this."

"I apologize Kakashi but you're wrong" replied Shikaku.

Hiashi nodded" I'm afraid you're mistaken Uchiha Sasuke had everything to do with her decision to betrayed the clan, I know because he was controlling her."

"What controlling her?" the mask Hokage was more shocked than before.

The older Hyuga took a small scroll" I am holding in my hands the results of a test that my daughter volunteered to take she was very confident that there was nothing wrong with her. A genjutsu test according to the test results she was under a genjutsu a very powerful one, it seems the Uchiha has used his sharingan on her in order to have complete control over her. With having her as his puppet he made her do everything, including betraying the Hyuga clan once he left the village the genjutsu was dispelled. Of course my daughter will not accept the truth she's feeling a bit delusional at the moment…."

"It is forbidden for a clan member to use his dojutsu on anyone in the village, especially a member from a high clan like the Hyuga" Inoichi said.

Hiashi showed him the scroll as Kakashi was reading it seeing that the results were positive" impossible…."

"It is true the Uchiha has become an even more dangerous enemy than Orochimaru" Chouza said.

"We have already taken the decision of what to do with him" replied Shibi.

The mask Hokage stood quiet feeling that his worst fear has come true, that there was nothing he could do he knew he couldn't go against the council's decision' am I too late to have a chance to save him?'

"That's right we have come to the conclusion that this is your entire fault Hatake Kakashi" Tsume said.

"My fault?" the mask Hokage got upset by the accusation, giving an accusation to the Hokage was a serious crime the charges are treason and the punishment is death" explain yourself Tsume because your accusation has a high price to pay, how come this is my fault?"

"It's simple because you got rid of the ANBU watching over him" said the head of the Inuzuka clan.

He was shocked as Shibi nodded in agreement" if the Uchiha was still under ANBU surveillance he would have never left the village."

"He would think twice before leaving the village" replied Chouza.

"However you gave the order for the ANBU to stop watching him all because you were confident enough that there was no need to" Inoichi said.

"And these are the consequences for having so much trust in your former student" replied Hiashi.

"So it's all right that we put the blame on you, because of your carelessness Uchiha Sasuke betrayed Konoha again" said Tsume.

Shikaku has been quiet the entire time he gazed at the mask man" I'm sorry Kakashi but they're right, your actions are not approved of that of a Hokage…."

"This is true" he replied" and for that I will gladly accept to handle this situation myself as a way to atone for my mistake."

"That's our decision make up for your mistake and handle the traitor" replied Tsume.

"Make the right choice Kakashi" Shikaku said.

"Anyone opposes with our decision?" asked Inoichi.

None replied.

"Then this meeting is over."

Everyone slowly left the council chamber while Kakashi was in deep thought. He couldn't believe this has become more complicated than ever he didn't know what to think anymore, was Sasuke really controlling Hinata with a genjutsu. The genjutsu test proved to be positive but he could have sworn that she was in no such thing as a being controlled in a genjutsu Iit only made him ask so many questions. Was this true or there was something behind it, if he was really responsible for his action then why bother leaving a goodbye letter instead of walking away like he did the first time he left the village. The chamber was empty and he didn't wasted any time as he walked out of the room reaching the hallway he was heading to his office.

'I must take action now before word goes out to the ally villages, if I'm right about Sasuke's reason to leave the village then maybe just maybe….'

(Scene change time skip)

(Location: forest region fire country territory)

Sasuke has been doing nothing but thinking about Aiki ever since he left the Tanzaku town. He knew she was going to be all right at the orphanage she will eventually get adopted by a nice happy family, he couldn't be the one to take her in. She was just an innocent child who had nothing to do with this he feared for her life it was hard for him to stop thinking about her. He resumed jumping through the tree branches not having any particular place in mind but things seemed to have gotten complicated for him, now he was thinking about both. The people he left back at Konoha and Aiki he wanted things to get better not worst no matter how hard he tried he couldn't break any bonds he made, it was irritating. Spotting a place where he could rest between the trees he has been traveling a while since he left Tanzaku town, he needed to get his energy back. Hunger has gotten to him as he took some food from his backpack he realized he only had one last serving from Hinata's cooking since he gave most of it to Aiki. He will have to get food some other way obviously the same way to get money he was a missing nin now he will have to do other jobs for people.

As he sat down his things on the ground he got seated getting more images of the people that meant a lot to him. His friends, precious people that he thought he wouldn't have not after the death of his family the rookies, team seven and now Aiki. He growled why he was feeling this way he knew he did the right thing this is what he wanted in the first place, to get away and tried to forget those bonds break them somehow if he could. If he couldn't do it once he couldn't do it again breaking them was too hard for him even when he was been controlled by revenge, a small part of him wanted to embrace the bond he has forged without realizing. He took a bite of the rice ball thinking about anything that wasn't his home village it was pure torture why even bother staying in a village where he was hated by most of the people, then again he wasn't the only one. In the past Naruto was the one who was hated for being the jinchurikki of the nine tails that killed a lot of their people and he was the one praised as a hero, how the tables have turned. Unlike him the Uzumaki has earned the right to be viewed and treated as a hero, as he continued to eat he remembered the last time he spent time with his friends of team seven.

They were standing at training field number seven the same place where they took the bell survival test. The four members that composed the former team seven were staring at the three logs that were rooted to the ground so many memories were carved in this training field. The first time Naruto charged at him recklessly without knowing a thing about stealth and the meaning of surprise attack. When Sakura was easily defeated by a low rank genjutsu of a wounded Sasuke, and when the Uchiha was overpowered by the mask ninja. A test that showed them that they didn't had what it takes to become full blooded ninjas, the test where they learned an important lesson. When their teamwork was put to the test when Naruto was tied up on one of the logs punished not to eat while his teammates were eating in front of him with the condition not to give him a bite, they disobeyed their jounins orders proving that they were team ready to face things together.

Kakashi gazed at the field" it's been a while…."

"It sure has this place sure brings back memories" replied Naruto.

"Not quite good memories" Sakura said remembering when she fainted twice during the bell test, she was clearly embarrassed with her past self.

"True" said Sasuke he wasn't happy with how things turned out when he fought the mask jounin.

"This was basically the place where team seven was born" said the blond jinchurikki.

"Well you were already formed as a team the day you were put in the three man cell back at the academy, I preferred to call this place where you learned to use teamwork" replied the mask Hokage.

"Oh that's right Naruto was put on the tree because you caught him about to cheat on the test by trying to eat the lunches you brought" the pink haired medic gave a smirk feeling like teasing her boyfriend.

"It was very tempting they were right there waiting to be taken, I would have been an idiot not to give a shot" he gave a goofy grin.

"You're still an idiot to this day" the Uchiha replied.

"And you're still an emo so we're even" Naruto grinned as both ninjas looked like they were about to argue.

Sakura got between them" stop it both of you, can't we spend some time together without going at each other's throats?"

"He started" they replied in unison.

"Start acting like grownups."

Kakashi sweat dropped" things haven't changed…."

"I think they have gotten for the better" smiled the pink haired woman.

"I remembered when you got beaten badly by Kakashi sensei Sasuke" Naruto gave a grin.

"I remembered when you got beaten badly by him, falling for the most obvious traps he set for you. Let's not forget when he gave you that enema" the raven haired ninja was grinning.

"Or worst" added Kakashi.

"Stop acting like children you two or else" Sakura gave them a warning look.

"Anyway you three have come a long way since you three became a team, each of you became strong in your own way and you have managed to reached the rank of jouni" replied Kakashi.

"Except for Sasuke" Naruto gave a slight laugh because he was still a genin while Sakura elbowed him for his rude comment and the Uchiha frowned.

"I can tell you three have passed your teachers physically and emotionally, even if they are gone I'm sure they must be very proud of you."

"Even Orochimaru?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"I guess in a way yes he was sort of proud of you Sasuke, its normal that a teacher will be proud of his student's improvement and progress."

"He must have been proud that he had the perfect vessel" the Uchiha gave a grin.

"I know Tsunade-sama was proud of me she has taught me everything she knew…."

"Pervy sage once told me that he was proud of me I will never forget the day he told me that" Naruto gave a small smile.

"Don't forget about me" said Kakashi" I am very proud of you three you have all endured many hardships, I am happy that I was named the jounin for team seven…."

The three ninjas smiled at his comment resuming their gaze at the field.

"You know" Sasuke started getting their attention" there was a time I didn't like being put on a three man team because other people will only slow me down on my quest for power, revenge is the only thing in my mind. The last thing I needed was excess baggage but as time went by I started changing my mind maybe having teammates wasn't a bad thing after all, I thought that having friends was a good thing. I am happy that I had teammates…."

Naruto frowned" shessh Sasuke thanks for telling us how much you care."

"It's okay Naruto-kun Sasuke-kun doesn't think that way anymore, do you?" Sakura gazed at him with a warning expression.

"No…."

"I better get going I still have plenty of work to do" Kakashi said with a sigh.

"I guess a Hokage's job is never done" said the blond jinchurikki.

"It never does…."

"Sasuke-kun I guess you'll be heading back now?" asked Sakura.

"I don't know maybe I'll stay with you guys a little longer."

"Are you sure there's not something else you have to do?"

"What's with you it sounds like you want me to leave already" he gave a slight smirk having a good idea what she was up to.

"N…nothing nothing is wrong."

"Yeah you sure Sakura-chan?" her boyfriend was now a little worried.

"Yes nothing is wrong I just making sure that Sasuke has something else to do so he can go…uh oh I mean that's not what I meant!" she blushed.

The Uchiha chuckle while she blinked" what?"

"Told you, you were going to make the first move on him" he smirked.

Kakashi gave a perverted giggle before leaving in a cloud of smoke while Sakura was blushing a lot. Of course she wanted to spend some time alone with her boyfriend because she wanted to make out with him already and the training field was the perfect place for that.

Naruto smirked leaning closer to her" is that so Sakura-chan you've wanted to make the first move on me?"

"Quiet you!" she put him in a headlock.

"Ah Sakura-chan stop!"

The Uchiha chuckle remembering that great memory with them by now he has finished his rice ball, and he had plenty of rest. He got up preparing his backpack it was time to leave the life of a missing was more dangerous than the life of a ninja serving his village, he could be hunted anytime. Time to return to running away although it was never his style, it's not like he had a choice. After he was done packing he left going back to jump the tree branches little did he knew that he was being watched. From one of the trees emerged the Akatsuki Zetsu who has been watching him for a while and he was well aware why the Uchiha was running.

"So the information is confirmed after all, Uchiha Sasuke has betrayed Konoha again" said white Zetsu.

"So it seems Madara was right all along" replied black Zetsu.

"Time to report back…."

He went back inside the tree vanishing from sight.

(Scene change)

(Location: Hokage office fire tower Konoha hidden leaf village fire country territory)

Kakashi has finally taking action to solve the problem with Sasuke the council has given him the responsibility as the Hokage to take care of this situation for good. He has called for a couple of ninjas to become the team to find the Uchiha now while he still had the chance, before any of the allied villages might find out and send teams of their own. Shizune has heeded his call and brought four jounins to be part of the man cell for the mission, they were standing in front of him arriving early as he was expecting. Naruto and Sakura were part of the team of course along with Kiba, Akamaru and Hinata. He needed of good tracking team for the mission and he knew he did right in calling them, Naruto and Sakura weren't going to argue to be part of the team to find Sasuke even if he tells them they can't go they will still go going against his orders. Hinata was needed for the mission as a Hyuga the byakugan will be a great advantage in the search making her the perfect scout. Kiba wasn't feeling happy to be part of the team to find the Uchiha since he didn't like him, like any ninja of Konoha he was just following his Hokage's orders.

"I'm glad you all made it early."

"Of course we'll be here on time we have a pretty good idea why you call us" Naruto said reading his mind.

The mask Hokage nodded" I'm sure you do but first I must report the council meeting. The council has decided to let me handle this which means I must solve this situation as soon as possible I have called the four of you to go on a retrieval mission to bring back Sasuke to the village."

"We're on it" replied the blond jinchurikki while Sakura nodded in agreement.

"Bring him back?" asked Kiba looking puzzle" you mean you want us to bring him back alive?"

"Is there a problem Kiba?" replied Kakashi.

"Maybe I do, Sasuke left the village again I don't think bringing him back to the village is a good idea. He has proven his point that he's a traitor-"

"What was that?" Naruto cut him off sounding upset.

"Naruto stop!" Sakura took a hold of him preventing him from probably punching the Inuzuka

"Settle down Naruto" the masked Hokage gave a sigh" I know how you feel Kiba but I have decided to bring him back to the village alive in order to give him a trial like any other criminal."

"What trial he betrayed the village twice, I think the prize of death is more fitting for him?"

'Kiba that was the wrong thing to say' thought Kakashi.

"Damn you Kiba!" Naruto was about charged at him before Sakura was grabbing him using all of her strength to hold him back.

"Naruto stop I mean it!" replied the pink haired medic.

Hinata hasn't said a word on the matter she was still thinking about what happened with the Uchiha the night before he left, she didn't know if she was suitable to be part of the retrieval team.

Naruto finally calmed down not taking his eyes from the Inuzuka he needed to remember what was important, the mission to bring back Sasuke. Sakura next to him sighed although she wasn't happy with Kiba's comments on their friend she didn't blamed him for asking about it, there was no such thing as a missing nin who leaves his village twice only to bring back alive.

"I have chosen the four of you because I believe you will be able to find Sasuke faster than a regular tracking team. Kiba you and Akamaru are the perfect team as trackers using your noses to track his scent, Naruto has his shadow clones the more he can summon the better they will spread for a better search, Hinata has the byakugan fitted for being the scout and Sakura we may need medical assistance we may never know but it's better to be prepared."

"Also even if Kiba and Akamaru will be tracking Sasuke's scent I want this mission to be done as soon as possible, we can't let anyone find out about this especially our allied villages I'm certain that the Raikage will not back down from this chance if he finds out of Sasuke's defection from the village. I will increase your chances of success in this mission."

He made hand seals" summoning jutsu!"

POOF!

When the smoke cleared the small ninja hound Pakkun stood in place" what's up Kakashi?"

"Pakkun will also be accompanying you on the mission he has the best nose in the ninja hounds squad."

"Right all we need now is something that belongs to Sasuke to sniffed his scent, if it's something he had recently wear like a piece of clothing the better" Kiba said.

"Do you have something from Sasuke that I can sniff at?" asked Pakkun.

Kakashi sweat dropped" actually I don't…."

Everyone sweat dropped at the masked Hokage's epic failure.

"I have something from Sasuke" Naruto took something from one of the pockets of his jounin vest he took a blue Konoha head band with a scratch mark on the leaf symbol.

Sakura recognized it immediately" that's…."

"His old head band you've been keeping in it all this time?" replied the masked Hokage.

"Yeah I was keeping in it like some kind of souvenir from the past."

'Naruto-kun…..' thought the pink haired medic her jade eyes have softened seeing the expression on her boyfriend's face it seems no matter what he was somehow still tied to the past.

"All right then Pakkun, Kiba and Akamaru start your sniffing."

They sniffed the scratched head band for a minute before they reacted looking outside of the office.

"I have his scent and it's faint he's very far from here" replied the Inuzuka.

"We shouldn't waste anymore time or his scent might get too far that it will become impossible to track" said Pakkun.

"Right let's go!" Naruto said.

"Naruto I'm putting you in charge of this mission I will trust that you will make any rational decisions."

"Right!"

"Don't worry Kakashi sensei I will be coming too I will make sure he stays a good leader, I do have him on a leash" Sakura smiled looking to the blond who gave his fox grin.

"I feel sorry for you Naruto" replied Kiba with a smirk.

"Like I asked for your opinion…."

"Go and pack your gear you are to leave in one hour."

"Right!"

They left the office while Kakashi was in deep thought about what happened at the council meeting' I couldn't tell them about the council accusing Sasuke for casting a genjutsu on Hinata leading to her defection from the Hyuga clan because I want Naruto and Sakura to focus on the mission, but I still think that it can't be true….'

An ink bird came through the window of his office he knew what it meant' a message from Sai….'

He knew of the mission he sent Yamato and Sai a few days ago to investigate the locations where he assigned them that somehow Madara might be involved in. The attack on Sasuke and the Heaven and Earth Bridge and the attack on Naruto and Konohamaru a rain country could be related to him. The message from the former ROOT must be his report on their mission he opened a blank scroll letting the ink bird to turn into ink writing as it hit the empty context of the scroll. He started reading the information as his expression changed to deadly serious he stopped reading gazing at nowhere in particular, looks like his worst fears have come true after all.

'It's just as I thought….'

(Scene change)

(Location: apartment complex Konoha urban district)

Naruto has packed his gear ready to go for the mission to retrieve Sasuke he made sure all kunais, shurikens and scrolls we're placed before he checked up his clothing. Once everything was set he picked up his backpack ready to go he was really looking forward to this he was going to find the Uchiha and bring him back to the village. In the past he hated himself for not bringing him back and fulfilling his promise to Sakura now he has been given a second chance to be worthy as a friend and save his best friend he took one look at his nightstand his eyes were on the team seven picture. His cerulean eyes traveled to the last picture they took together when he and Sakura became jounins Sasuke was happy in the photo. He smiled taking his things he left his apartment and headed to the village gates ready to begin the mission no caring why he left he was still his friend and Uzumaki Naruto never abandon his friends.

'I'm going to save you Sasuke….'

(Scene change)

(Location: apartment complex urban district)

Sakura has prepared her ninja gear on her jounin uniform she was now preparing her medical gear making sure everything was ready and set, in case she needed to heal or perform an operation. A medic nin must always be prepared for anything that was the first lesson Tsunade taught her she has taken it to heart. She was about to take on an important mission to save her friend this time she was planning in helping her boyfriend save him just like in the past. She didn't felt happy that they both failed to bring him back before but now she was determined to help him save him to whatever dark path the Uchiha has taken again she was only concerned what will happen if they bring him back. She knew Naruto was probably thinking the same thing too that Sasuke could be executed for the second time he has defected the village, death was the punishment for all missing nins. She finally finished packing her medical gear taking her backpack leaving her apartment she needed to meet up with the retrieval team at the village gates.

(Scene change)

(Location: Uchiha house hold clan district)

Hinata has prepared her ninja gear ready to head out for the retrieval mission and for once in her life she was so determined to fulfill something, she knew the importance to success in this mission. It meant everything to her to bring back Sasuke but she feared for his life having the idea that his chances that his life was going to be spare again were very low. In truth she feel like she failed the Uchiha as a friend because she couldn't kept him from leaving the village she has secretly promised herself to help him as a friend but she couldn't and for that she hated herself for her failure. Some friend she turned out to be she tried to cry remembering the last time she saw him he has hugged her and thanked her before saying goodbye, at least he was thankful to have her as a friend. She took a look at the picture she took with him the way he had his arm wrapped around her like they were together, even if he did that because the photographer made a slight mistake in thinking they were a couple but somehow it felt so right.

She was finally done packing taking her back pack and making sure she had everything she needed for the mission including everything from her jounin uniform. She left her room walking out of the house with determination to bring the Uchiha back. She stopped in her tracks as she spotted Hiashi standing outside of the house and it didn't surprise her at all. Sure now that Sasuke was gone he saw it as a priority for his daughter not to stay in the house of the traitor anymore, in other words he was here on clan's business as always and not as a concerned father for his daughter. It didn't matter to her right now the retrieval mission was more important to her than her father and the clan.

"I will guess that you want me back in the clan now."

"Yes with Uchiha Sasuke a missing nin once again there is no need for you to stay in his house, it is also forbidden for someone to be living in clan household unless that person is engage to the heir of the clan."

Hinata lowered her gaze feeling hurt about what he said and mentioning the Uchiha's name" you have come on clan's business as usual I guess, I wasn't expecting that you will at least wish me luck on my mission."

"You have been selected for the retrieval team….?"

"Please try and understand I have made my decision for good, I am not returning to the clan ever again."

"You know things can't stay like this. You're still a Hyuga no matter what you can't stay here anymore."

"Father let's not talk about this anymore I'm done with the clan you should at least show some little pride that I have chosen an independent life, a choice of freedom just like uncle Hizashi once did."

Hiashi stood quiet thinking about the night his twin brother died for his own sake instead of the clan" he chose to die by his own choice as a way to be free from the tormented life that it is being a branch member but not this time, Hinata I don't want the same thing to happen to you too…."

"Father…."

"The elder's patience is growing thin if you don't return to the clan they will make the decision to execute you for treason and I won't have a say in the matter I'm powerless to prevent it from happening. The Hokage is also powerless to do anything because this is a matter within the clan he can't interfere whatsoever."

She rubbed her forehead trying to forget this discussion as if she didn't needed anymore problems" father I must hurry I have to meet up with the others for the mission…."

She passed him by walking away from him before he spoke again" I will take a guess that the Hokage has given you the order to bring him back alive?"

Hinata stopped in her tracks not turning her back to him she couldn't say a word because it was true. Her father was also a member of the council if she tell him her orders he can do something about it.

"The council has given Hatake Kakashi the responsibility to solve the matter of Uchiha Sasuke so even if he gives the order to bring him back to the village alive we can't go against his decision. However whether keeping the traitor alive is a good choice or bad it's clearly up to him, the consequences for his actions can cause him a lot of harm…."

"…." She couldn't take it anymore a small tear has fallen from her right eye.

"Leave him be, he has made his choice" he started trying to make his daughter understand" he was well aware the moment he set foot out of this village he knew he will be hunted down, I assure you that returning here is the last thing on his mind."

"How can you be sure?" she finally replied raising her head turning to looked at him.

"…"

"It's easy for you to say that you don't know anything about him, you probably hate him just like everyone else in the village. I'm going to try and understand him I will do my best to see his reason for leaving…."

"You have a lot of determination to bring him back…."

"Naruto-kun never gives up on his friends so I will do the same Sasuke-kun is my friend too."

Hiashi stared at her their eyes meeting" if it comes down to it, are you willing to face the painful truth that you might not be able to save him after all?"

"I am not giving up I will save him. I must go I have wasted too much time already."

She finally left while the older Hyuga stood in deep thought' if you only knew the truth behind his actions….'

"You're just the person I wanted to see I need to talk to you" Sasuke said facing the older Hyuga.

"My reason for coming here is to see my daughter, but very well speak."

"This might take a while to explain so pay attention. Later tonight I'm going to cast a genjutsu on your daughter."

Hiashi glared at him" I beg your pardon..."

"Relax she will be fine it will only be a genjutsu that will make her fall asleep, she will wake up tomorrow."

"You better have a good explanation for telling me this."

"I do I want you to convince the council that I casted a genjutsu on her and that was the cause of her making the decision to leave the Hyuga clan, she was under my complete control. You convince them by making Hinata take a genjutsu test the result will be positive due of the genjutsu I will cast on her."

"Do you realize what you're saying….?"

"I'm offering you a chance to get rid of the traitor, I'm sure you the villagers will praise you if you go with my wishes."

"I'm afraid I can't fulfill your request I can't lie to the members of the council. Besides going with your wishes will only earn you an execution, it's pretty clear that my daughter chose to leave the clan on her own free will."

"They will believe you when she has taken the genjutsu test they won't disagree, it's more appropriate for them to trust you than a traitor…."

Hiashi stood quiet but he has figured out what he was up to" you're leaving the village again….?"

"That was rather quick to realize."

"Why are you doing this?"

"I don't owe you an explanation this is your chance if you want to rid yourself of me, I know that's what you want it's the same thing with how the people of this ungrateful village stares at me…."

"You're only asking for your death, you have nothing to do with my daughter's defection from the clan."

The Uchiha was in deep thought but he gave a small nod" I want to set things right…."

The older Hyuga kept his stare at him" when will you leave the village?"

"Tonight…."

Just by looking into his onyx eyes he was able to tell what he was planning his decision was very clear" there's no turning back if you go through with this, I can get in serious trouble with agreeing with you but perhaps this is for the best it seems. If I help you then perhaps Hinata might finally return to the clan."

"I'm afraid that won't happen she has made herself clear and she has no intention of ever returning. So whatever you do it won't change her mind, she has proven that she wants to live freely without the boundaries of your clan. I can't help you there its Hinata's decision and I will respect it and you should as well."

The older Hyuga was once again in deep thought as he gazed at the Uchiha he wasn't looking at him with his serious expression for once he was feeling something for him. It wasn't hatred or pity it was something that he never thought he will have for another person from a rival clan.

It was respect.

"Uchiha Sasuke it appears you're not a traitor after all…."

"I have betrayed my village once and I'm about to do it again, it makes me a traitor obviously."

'In my eyes you're not' he thought before leaving.

'Uchiha Sasuke is planning to die as a traitor but I still have doubts of your intentions. Why would make himself looked like a traitor without doing a serious crime he lied about controlling my daughter to become one there's something more than this….?'

(Scene change)

(Location: village main gates Konoha)

The retrieval team has finally arrived and they were ready to leave, they were all on time knowing how important this mission really is. Naruto was determined as always he was going to bring Sasuke back for sure not letting anything or anyone gets in his way. Sakura was in the same boat she was planning in helping her boyfriend and the team to bring him back because Kakashi has trusted them with this task, a missing where the fate of the Uchiha was in stake. Hinata was quiet in deep thought probably because of Hiashi's words before leaving the Uchiha house hold he made it sound like Sasuke didn't had any salvation for his mistake in leaving the village again. She wasn't planning in giving up she was going to help the team get him back because she really believed they can do it, she made sure to ignored his words. Kiba was the only one who was unsure of this mission he didn't trusted Sasuke and he thought it was a waste of time to bring him back alive, he thought he was nothing but a criminal. In his mind it was probably better if he was executed of course he wasn't going to say it so freely if he wanted to get beat up by both Naruto and Sakura.

"I have his scent it's still very far away" Pakkun said sniffing the ground.

"Me too if this keeps up we might lose it" replied Kiba he was mounted on Akamaru's back.

"Right this time I will bring Sasuke back to the village that's a promise!" Naruto said.

Sakura frowned at his comment and pinched his ear" ah Sakura-chan!"

"No this time WE will bring him back together, I'm not letting you carry anymore burdens for my sake Sasuke-kun's my friend too" she let him go.

"Right sorry about that" he smiled at her and she did the same thing.

Hinata activated her byakugan while Kiba sighed at the sight" let's get going already."

"We should hurry" said Pakkun.

'Hang on Sasuke we're coming for you' thought Naruto.

(Scene change time skip)

(Location: Valley of the end border of the fire country)

Sasuke was standing on top of the head of the stone statue of Uchiha Madara, he was looking down onto the valley. The feeling of nostalgia has hit him giving him so many memories of this place they were memories he regretted making, it seems like yesterday that it happened. The day he fought Naruto, the day he spared his life and left going to Orochimaru the valley where he unleashed the power of the curse seal second level. He has no place in particular but somehow he felt like coming here just to reminiscence the past his painful past, a past where little happiness was shown in his entire life. The Valley of the end reminded him of the person he used to be, coldhearted and merciless who only wanted revenge. He knew it he was evil deep inside he didn't care for his comrades it was so easy because he didn't cared for his former team. Team Hawk was his team in order to bring revenge on Konoha, his onyx eyes drifted off as he remembered that horrible day when his friends and comrades were killed by the masked Akatsuki Madara.

Team Hawk we're jumping through the trees somewhere in the fire country they were in a hurry and their destination is Konoha. Everyone was determined to go through with this even if it was suicide to attack an entire village full of strong ninjas, in addition to the ANBU and the Hokage.

Karin was trying to hold her fear of course she was scared they were actually going to invade the strongest of the five hidden villages it was impossible for them to win, she was only doing this because she was following Sasuke's orders. She was completely devoted and loyal to him so she will follow him wherever he goes she tried to ignored her fear and move on, she will only do her specialty. Hide and help the Uchiha using her chakra sensor abilities.

Suigetsu was in the same boat as Karin attacking the hidden leaf village was insane, there were only four of them and thousands of Konoha ninjas. He thought that Sasuke has finally lost it going to a suicide run like this one he knew he wanted revenge badly. Although he was afraid he considered the Uchiha his friend and respected him he will continue to stay and fight by his side. The only thing he didn't like was being members of Akatsuki because his rival Kisame was in the organization too he only desired his sword Samehada.

Jugo was the most determined one to help Sasuke with his mission his loyalty was probably stronger than Karin's. The Uchiha was the only memento he has of his good friend Kimimaro, he was the only one who could help him control his rage preventing from going berserk and kill people. He will followed him no matter what he will die if it means he will protect or help the raven haired teen in his quest for revenge against Konoha.

Sasuke was only focused one thing only, revenge on the leaf village. He was still thinking about the truth of Itachi his reason for killing the Uchiha clan, his reason for suffering until his death. His hatred was so strong his will was only to fulfill his revenge on every single citizen and ninja in Konoha, especially the elders. He will make sure the three elders were the first to die they were the ones who ordered his brother to kill the clan as part of his mission in order to prevent a civil war from happening with the Hokage's followers and the Uchiha. He will spill all the blood from the people of Konoha in order to avenge his clan and his older brother, even if it's the last thing he will do. Itachi's suffering was his suffering too he now know how much he cared for him more than his loyalty towards the village. Everyone will die that was his decision he looked ahead noticing something appearing.

Everyone stopped seeing an orange spiraling mask appeared in some kind of invisible vortex. The one who appeared was a man wearing the spiral orange mask wearing the Akatsuki cloak. They all recognized him as the true leader of the organization Uchiha Madara he was the one that convinced Sasuke to joined Akatsuki along with the truth of Itachi. The Uchiha didn't had a clue what he wanted and he didn't care he had a revenge to fulfill, he didn't needed any distractions.

'His chakra appeared from out of nowhere how he did that?' thought Karin shocked at his appearance.

"Hey Sasuke…." replied Madara.

"I'm not interested in working for you anymore, from this point on Hawk will no longer work for Akatsuki" said Sasuke.

"You remember what I told you if you ever betray Akatsuki?"

The rest of Hawk were in attack position they know they were trouble because Sasuke has betrayed his trust, they remembered he will kill him if he betrays the criminal organization.

Sasuke got inpatient glaring at him he charged at him with chidori on his hand" out of my way!"

Everyone gasped as the Uchiha went through Madara like he was some sort of ghost.

"What….?" his onyx eyes widened.

"What just happened?" Suigetsu said.

'Did he use a genjutsu?' thought the red head with glasses' no his chakra hasn't reacted at all how can he do that?'

"Sasuke you messed up with capturing the eight tails…."

"What are you talking about he was captured we brought him to you?" said Jugo.

"It seems he used a substitution jutsu to escape in the last minute during the extraction process."

Sasuke got alarmed remembering his fight with Killer Bee' he must have switched when I hit him with the Amaterasu….'

"Are you asking us to capture him again?" asked Suigetsu.

"Madara I told you Hawk will no longer work for Akatsuki so get lost I'm going to Konoha to have my revenge."

"You'll be wasting your time if you go right now."

"What do you mean?" replied Karin.

"Konoha no longer exists, one of my colleagues Pain destroyed it" said the orange mask Akatsuki.

Everyone gasped except for Sasuke he didn't care he didn't even think about his former friends or teammates, he didn't care at all.

"Let's go…."

"But Sasuke didn't you hear what he said?" said Suigetsu.

"Shut up I said we're heading to Konoha!"

"There's no point in going there with the village destroyed, even if Konoha has lost a great part of their defense you will have to get through one powerful obstacle if you want to get to the elders."

"The Hokage….?" Jugo obviously guessed the village leader.

"Not quite he was the one that defeated Pain and the one who saved the villagers from getting killed by him, you know him very well Sasuke it's your friend Uzumaki Naruto…."

"….."

"Right now Naruto has become stronger than you, it will be best to head back before you regret it. That's not all it seem the sanin Tsunade known as the fifth Hokage has been put into a coma during Pain's attack. The council and the fire lord have chosen a new Hokage it's none other than Danzo."

"Danzo?" replied the Uchiha.

Madara nodded" he's one of the elders and the one who gave the orders to Itachi in killing the Uchiha clan."

Sasuke's eyes widened before he glared thinking about Danzo" he will be the first to die…."

"It's not wise to go to Konoha right now with Danzo about to become Hokage I'm certain the people who supports and trusts Tsunade are going to disagree with the fire lord's decision. The worst case scenario a civil war could break loose and just when the village is under reconstruction…."

"What are we going to do Sasuke?" asked Jugo.

"We're going to Konoha!"

"I will not let you" Madara said vanishing using his space time ninjutsu.

Hawk gasped as the masked Uchiha appeared above them, he has released Amaterasu from his sharingan. The black flames has spread and surrounded the group except Sasuke in a circle.

"What the….?" Suigetsu gasped.

"The fire is too much we can't escape!" Karin replied.

"We know how dangerous this fire is" Jugo remembered when Sasuke used the fire against the eight tails.

"What are you doing?" replied the Uchiha.

"Sasuke if you're so committed in going to Konoha to fight a meaningless battle for your revenge then allow me to share some reason in you. If you chose to go then I will burn your team Hawk with Amaterasu, if you don't I will spare them. If you really care for them you will choose the most obvious choice what will it be your team or your revenge?"

"Sasuke?" Karin was in tears she knew how she felt about him.

"Come on Sasuke don't leave us here!" said Suigetsu.

"You will make the right choice" Jugo replied.

The Uchiha didn't even think about it, he just continued to march towards Konoha. Everyone from hawk was in shocked while Karin had more tears they couldn't believed they have been betrayed by their leader and friend. Suigetsu was too shocked to say anything at all and Jugo looked like he was disappointed he thought that Kimimaro would never abandon his friends.

Madara chuckle at his choice looking back at the group" so beat it then…."

He unleashed the Amaterasu on hawk burning the three members with the black fire.

"Sasuke!" they screamed in unison feeling the horrible pain of being burned by the black flames.

'I am evil….I didn't even looked at them I didn't shed one tear for them, I didn't felt anything when they were burned. I was so trapped in my hatred and in revenge to think straight their lives were in my hand and I chose to have them all killed….'

He suddenly gave a smile sensing a familiar presence near him" I knew you would show up….Madara."

Using space time ninjutsu the orange spiral masked Uchiha appeared behind him, his sharingan was staring at him" we meet again Sasuke…."

To be continue

I finally updated you guys must be feeling better and I'm sure you guys are probably wondering what is Sasuke planning, I won't say a word but I did gave a small clue in this chapter. The latest manga chapter had me saying WTF with the whole Nagato being part of the Uzumaki clan and the possibility of the rinnegan being the dojutsu of the clan, and also Konan might be dead no I don't want her to die. Please read and review and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next chapter: fighting the darkness