Chapter 17

Sasuke keeps staring at nothing in particular. He was perched on top of a tree, looking at the vastness of the forest they were in. He looked up in the sky and a solitary falcon encircles above them, moving slowly indicating that it was so high enough, around a few hundred meters above ground, as if it just passed them by, but he won't be fooled. No matter how innocently-looking that bird was, he knew it was from Konoha that serves as a look-out in the aerial part of Konoha's defense. He snorted.

"Sasuke, we're going now! We got clearance from Konoha," Yamato shouted from below.

Sasuke looked down at their captain. He never met Yamato when he was in Konoha, when he was 12, but have met him several years later in different circumstances during those times when he was still thirsty for revenge. He had met him when Team 7 had infiltrated one of Orochimaru's hideout. And he knew that Yamato was a special case, as he learned that he had carried a gene similar to Shodai (First Hokage).

His eyes flickered to the two companions that made up of their team, and he frowned; he turned his eyes to where he was staring before and sighed. He was still not used to other people or rather being together with other people. He was assigned to a mission with Yamato as their captain and to make up for the standard 4-man cell in every mission, they were joined by a skinny guy named Masahiro who seemed too weary of Sasuke's presence, and a kunoichi named Mika, which obviously had her full attention directed towards the silent, grumpy-looking and ice-cold Uchiha. Both were still Genins. Sasuke didn't care about any of his companions at all. In fact he thought, this mission was as boring as hell, but this was given by the Hokage, and he swears she was intentionally giving him missions that bore him to death. Just like weeks ago, Tsunade had assigned him with Kotetsu and all they do was dust the whole archive room. He was so pissed at that time that Kotetsu distanced himself from the flaring Uchiha. And he just noticed that all of them were around D to C Rank missions around the village. It was only in this current mission that he had finally step outside the village after five years. He really wanted to walk out every time she was in front of the busty Hokage, but he could still control himself from doing that and all he could do was shot her a deadly look, gritted his teeth, scowl and hoping that she'd get the message. It was to no avail actually which added to his irritation. But…he owed her so much…so much… even though he's so pissed every time she tried to switch on the gauge for his patience just to see that he's aggravated and watch him controlling his temper and rage. She enjoys it….and Sasuke confirmed that the Hokage must have had a huge grudge against him…and he don't know what or why!

He sighed. He just wanted to go home and take a rest.

Home.

It took him off-guard just thinking about it. It feels weird now that he was actually saying and thinking things like 'home'.

For he never thought he would still be here, on this moment, taking missions, walking with people, just being alive… being free.

Five years ago, he never thought that he would still be walking the streets of Konoha today…he already set his mind that he'll be sentenced to life imprisonment, or death. He was so sure it was death. He knew that the only escape was inevitable death, for he was already tagged as an International S-Class criminal and he never expected neither pardon nor any chances that he'll get through life once again. He was a proud man, a characteristic an Uchiha was known for, and pity was the last thing he'll ask from people. He came back to Konoha for two things…to settle a score with Naruto, and to confirm something. Nonetheless, it was the least he had expected upon arriving and surviving the showdown with Naruto…

But here he was, still breathing….still alive.

He had Naruto to thank for that, and the Hokage, though he hated her. Not totally hated her, but it annoys the hell out of him when she leer at him, or just intentionally doing something that sometimes really gets on his nerves (the Hokage must've had the greatest time of her life really and maybe that's her way of torturing him). And it never was easy on him either.

Everything suddenly came back to him since that day.

After he had initiated an attack on Konoha, and lured Naruto out to challenge him on an intense battle, he found himself and woke up in a tightly secured area. The first thing that came to his mind then was he was in hospital with all the beeping sound, and the machines usually found in hospitals. But there was no white walls, nor windows, nor curtains. Just a closed space, concrete gray walls, and the machines, and one huge door. He noticed the seals surrounding the walls and knew that the whole room was under a sealing jutsu and by the looks of it, it's a complicated one. And he knew, he's inside somewhere, in a building…in Konoha. He had tried to laugh but it came out as a grunt instead, followed by a winced. He's body was aching everywhere. He looked down and noticed that he's wrapped in bandages everywhere…and he was under a binding jutsu.

He's still alive.

He was so ready to give in to fate that he'll die in that battle. Naruto had grown to be so strong and yet, he didn't feel envy unlike before. Back when he was 12, whenever Naruto learned a new jutsu, he felt that the blond jinjuuriki was a step ahead of him. Which annoys the hell out of him, and he felt that sickening jealousy and trampled Uchiha pride. He knew he was strong, he was at par with Naruto, but somehow, he felt at rest with all of this. They are equal.

"Yo, glad you're finally awake," said a voice. Sasuke's head snap to his right side, saw Naruto sitting on his own bed, "you've been down for five days y'know,"

He didn't answer but keeps on staring at Naruto, who's also had bandages around his head and arms. There was relief on the Jinjuuriki's face and his eyes glassy that looked liked he was going to cry anytime.

But he looked better than him. Much better. 'Must be the Kyuubi', he thought. He knew how fast Naruto's healing abilities were. He had witnessed it many times before and it never was a secret to all of them.

He sighed softly, and felt relieved. Wait what? Why did he felt relieved? To see that Naruto's alive too, and he hadn't killed him in that battle?

Maybe he was really relieved then. He hadn't killed the only person who didn't give up on him. Thinking about that, a smile…a very ghostly smile crossed his lips.

He grunt and looked away from Naruto, his eyes fixed on the ceiling but his ears were straining for any sounds. He heard Naruto shifted from where he had seated and knew the Jinjuuriki was facing him. He tried to move his fingers but it only brought a jolt of pain on him. Being the Uchiha, it didn't show on his face but the muscle on his face moved.

"Baa-chan said, it would take you 3 months to fully heal," the blond said silently, "she said it would be better if your body will heal on it's own,"

He heard a hitch on Naruto's voice so he didn't answer. What would he say anyway? But the fact that the Hokage, who was also the greatest med-nin in the world didn't heal him fully put a grimaced on him.

"Sasuke…" and there it was…Naruto's voice was broken. He had to look at him, he had to see him…the only person who had waited for his return…

No…

…One of the few who were waiting for him.

Slowly, he turned his head to see his former team mate…his rival…his match.

Naruto was smiling ear to ear but he was crying…like a river.

"Welcome home!" he said.

A pause.

He didn't know what to say, he didn't know how to respond. But there was a lump stuck on his throat. He tried to swallow, and it kinda hurts. Instead, he turned his gaze on the ceiling again.

"Hn,"

He heard Naruto chuckle followed by a sniff. "Sakura's gonna be happy,"

He's eyes become wide upon hearing the kunoichi's name. Naruto didn't notice the change on his facial expressions as he was busy rubbing his eyes with the sleeve of his hospital gown.

Sakura!

A bleary memory came to him. He was sure he saw Sakura that time and was certain that he had heard her voice.

"But you won't be able to see her for a while though. She's gone,"

He looked at Naruto to gauge what he was saying. He sounded depressed. They won't be seeing Sakura for a while? Why? Was she on a mission? The hell, he didn't really care, but there was that small part on him that was curious and nags him to know why. He looked back slowly to Naruto.

Naruto gave him a smile, but it was that kind that he was about to cry and tried to hide the miserable he felt.

"S-She's off studying, in Tea…uhm for five years," Naruto looked down on his hands that were busy crumpling the bed sheets. He noticed that the blond had bit his inner lips. He was trembling and trying his hard in suppressing a cry.

He scoffs, and rolled his eyes back to the grey ceiling again. What's so depressing about it? Well, he knows that Naruto was in love with Sakura. Maybe it didn't die away over the years. But why does he felt a bit irritated about it?

No, I'm not irritated!

"I don't care a bit about it Naruto," he said softly…the first sentence he uttered that day. He saw through from the corner of his eyes that Naruto looked at him, "What I want to know…is what's going to happen now," he said.

Naruto's eyes steadied and were changed to a determined stare to him. There was too much emotion on it, and resolve was clearly reflecting on his blue eyes. He stopped gripping the sheets. There was a long pause.

"Ne Sasuke…why…w-why did you come back?"

He snorted. "Isn't this what you want?"

There was a pause, and Naruto looked down, before looking him straight in the eye. "I've been looking for you for so long, but…you're here…I- I just can't believe it,"

"I told you we're going to settle our match one day, and this is just the moment," he said without looking at the blond Jinjuuriki.

"I-Is… that all?"

He didn't answer.

He didn't know how to answer that question. Yes, he returned to settle the things between him and Naruto once and for all, but could he tell him, that he had gone tired from running around? That he had already reached a dead-end and he didn't know what to do anymore? That he really planned it, but was just dilly-dallying because he didn't know how to kick it off and that a certain kunoichi had ruined his entire plan in just one night?

No way in hell! He is Sasuke and everything for him was laid in plans.

Instead, he tried to remember what had happened

…and why he had decided to come back to Konoha.

Months prior to his 'attack', he had been looking for the scrolls of a certain jutsu he had accidentally read in an old archive that belonged to the Uchiha clan in Bird Country. The said scroll tells about a certain ultimate defense jutsu that can also trigger as harmful as much as it can provide defense. It was actually used in the 2nd Nin-War to capture villages. In layman's term, it's a double-edge sword. Its range can cover hundred miles in diameter thus it would take a lot of chakra to use it. It was inclined and deemed dangerous, so the seals had been split into 5 different scrolls and hidden everywhere so that it can't be used. But he found it, studied it…and used it.

The last part of the scroll was hidden in underground where the fortress of a prison in Grass was located. And that's when he had met Sakura in a small village of Hotaru.

He closed his eyes. As much as possible, he doesn't want to remember that period.

But he cursed himself. He'll be lying if he convinced himself that the kunoichi wasn't a big part of all of this.

It was that meeting that the course of his plans was altered.

He had returned to his hideout, but the meeting with Sakura made him restless. Sleep was elusive and he just realized that the pinkette was always occupying his mind since then. Even if he tried to meditate, he can't concentrate.

And he cursed himself for that. Just what happened between them on that night shouldn't even bothered him, and yet it did brings him countless sleepless nights and woke up getting a hard-on-

He cursed. There's no way that Sakura affects him so much.

Then one day, it came to him…

There's no way a guy like him will think of Sakura that way! He, a mighty Uchiha who only thinks of power? Hah! What happened between them was because of an impulse! It was in the heat of the moment-a pure lust.

He closed his eyes…no, it can't be.

"I was tired Naruto. I just…I don't have to keep on running anymore. Konoha wants me, I'm here. This is where my brother had devoted his entire life, and this is what he wants,"

"But what it is that you want Sasuke?"

He was taken aback by Naruto's question. Honestly, he knew what he wants but he don't want Naruto to know about it.

So he chose not to answer. He heard Naruto sighed. "You're still an asshole,"

He shot a glare at the pouting blond.

"I heard that they have already located the base you used. They did found the former prisoners who have escaped from Grass…but only 3 of them…and they're all dead,"

Sasuke's head snapped to Naruto again, question on his eyes. During the last battle, he had told Naruto everything, about the 4 people that followed him during his attack on the impregnable prison in Grass. He didn't care about those people. They just followed him, said that he was famous and all. He just shot them a glare and didn't care.

"It's impossible! I put the four of them under a genjutsu and they won't be able to wake up,"

Naruto just shook his head.

"Apparently, one of them is alive. Maybe he had escaped from the genjutsu and killed the rest,"

"Who's the missing one?"

"Ahhh, I think, the pale guy that looks like a big fan of Orochimaru,"

Sasuke's brows draws closer each other realizing that it was Torima Aoi, or the Seiryuu of the group. Of all people, why him? He was much worst than Orochi! He sensed a menacing aura from and he knew that he was dangerous.

"Anyway, the ANBU's on trail with him now, and hopefully they'll find him,"

He nodded slightly. Just then, the heavy metal doors opened and came marching in was none other than the busty Hokage of Konoha.

"Ahh, glad you're finally awake, Uchiha," she muttered in a matter-of-fact tone. Sasuke grimaced the way she emphasized his last name, "you'll wish you weren't because ready or not, welcome to hell,"

"Baa-chan—"

"Shut up!" she screeched at Naruto, then narrowed an eye towards the no-emotion, still stoic Sasuke, "as for you Uchiha, prepare yourself to face the consequence of all the things that you've done up till now. We'll put you up in a trial in front of all the Kages and the council of Konoha, and don't you roll your eyes on me boy, you're going to have the ride of your life with this! "

And indeed it was the ride of his life. Even when he's still recovering from all of his injuries, he was put on trial for months. It was an extensive and grueling process that took 2 years to accomplished, putting him under a very tight security, a binding jutsu, and the never-ending wrath of the Raikage. He kept silent as was the warning from Tsunade, never to rebuke in the trial sessions and he must exude an excellent manners and behavior. It was easy for him actually, for he didn't care and an Uchiha that didn't care was an expressionless, impassive and stoic person. The thing he was known for…cold but serious and frighteningly beautiful. Of course, every now and then, there's that smug on his face every time someone said something about him (usually bad just to degrade him) which basically earned him a death-glare from the Hokage.

The trial went on, and he was judged. People who didn't know were ignorant, sometime running their mouths with the basis of on what's in front of them. They could never see the underneath, but Sasuke remain calm. Some wants him out, others wants him to stay, others offers a sympathy and understanding (which brought so much annoyance on his part), while others scorn him. He just let them be. Did he care? No.

But the new council was now a people of just. They trust the new budding generation of Konoha, never underestimating them. They trust the youth and put the future in their hands. They weren't the former set of councils, and they didn't follow the old system. They know how to scale things, and they know when to put their trusts on their people. And Naruto had stood for him.

Sasuke was tagged as an S-Class criminal, for crimes fit that label but he had never killed anyone. Though it may looked as if he had killed Danzou, it was technically that Danzou had committed suicide on that fight. He may have cut-off the Raikage's arm, but it was for self-defense, for it was the Raikage who initiated the attack. He may had tried to kill some Konoha shinobi, but it was a reflex on his part.

Who was to judge him? When he had just lost the path he was taking, for all the lies and the truth that laid before him. The road he took had guided him to a dead-end, so he seeks answers…real answers this time. He got confused so he seeks the horrifying truth behind power and revenge…to find the right road to salvation.

He had found it, and he wants to reclaim the lost honor, the lost times, his lost self.

…and it was Naruto and Konoha at the end of that road.

He was reinstated as a Konoha citizen, much to the relief of some members of Konoha 11 (including Sai with his fake smile though nobody knew what he really thinks on the matter), his senseis and the other people he knew, and much to Naruto's tears of joy. Neji, Kiba and Shikamaru had nothing to say on the other hand. Since the beginning, they were never close with the Uchiha even during their Academy days. But a comrade is a comrade, and if its for the benefit of the village, then they'll accept it without much fuss. But Sasuke knew, from the look on their eyes...a certain message. 'We have our eyes on you' - he would often smirk on them, which was often reciprocated with a glare from the three.

However, it took him time to be reinstated as a Konoha shinobi. According to the Hokage, he must earn it….earn the trust of the citizen and his comrades, rekindle the Will of Fire within him. After the trial, he was put under probation for a year. He was prohibited to go outside the village, and a binding jutsu was put under him. Aside from that, he was allowed to train with Naruto, Kakashi and Yamato as his guardians, not to mention numerous ANBU hiding around the place, all eyes unto him. He will display a smug over it, which will always gain him a snide remark from the Hokage.

He was also given a place to stay, his own spacious apartment, seeing that the Uchiha compound (or what was left of it) was still in rubbles, he opted not to go back there anymore. He wanted to move on, and that place was now a part of his past, and a great reminder of him of what transpired within the Uchiha clan. All of his properties, or the Uchiha properties, were given back to him, which he just put a shrug, but never the less, accepted them.

The konoha citizens, accepted him, but not all liked the idea that the former S-Class criminal was in konoha. The information about the Uchiha were not disclosed to the public, as requested by Uchiha Itachi himself, but some people knew, and they respected that. Some people were weary of the Uchiha survivor, but some were relieved that he was back.

Five months after that, the familiar faces of Suigetsu, Juugo and Karin were seen in the gates of Konoha, much to everyone's surprise, and Sasuke's expressionless reaction. His former team, Team Hebi. Everyone was alerted, but they said, they wanted to speak to the Hokage. Upon seeing Sasuke, Karin immediately clung to him, much to Suigetsu's teasing and Juugo just scratches his head.

Tsunade almost dropped her jaw upon seeing the three of them at her office. And they had one request for her—

…they seek for an asylum in Konoha.

The hokage's reaction was hesitant, asking them why they wanted Konoha's protection. Their answer stunned her, almost dropping her jaw for the second time.

"We wanted to be citizens of Konoha!" they chorused.

Sasuke doubted that though. There were many reasons why his Team Hebi was in Konoha aside from 'seeking shelter'. And he knows it. Karin was there because of him. Suigetsu was seeking for the Seven Legendary Swords of the Mist Nin, which was now in the heavy vaults of Konoha. And Juugo still considers him as the only one who can control him when he goes out on a rampage.

Sasuke almost slapped himself. He was seeing 'trouble' when these three were around. But beneath it all, he was happy…and relieved that they're all fine after all those years.

After a long deliberation with the council, advised from the other Kage (and much of the Raikage's fuming), and recommendation from her advisors, Tsunade had come up to grant them the asylum. But there pre-requisites to do that, and they must adhere to the Konoha rules if they wanted to stay.

Sasuke had been reinstated his Shinobi status 6 months after that. And lifting off where his status came from, he was still a Genin, much to Naruto's burst of laughter and teasing, which also earned the village hero a bump on the head, thanks to the hokage.

"Don't forget, you're still a Genin too!" she said. Sasuke smirked and whispered 'dobe'.

"I heard that, teme!"

"Dobe,"

"WHAAT?! YOU WANT A FIGHT?"

"Hn,"

"Oh shut it!"

That day, the two of them had huge bumps on their head.

Sasuke and Naruto registered for the Chuunin exam the next year, which they passed with much ease, even though a restriction has been put to the two of them. And just this year, they both gained the Jounin status.

And it was also this year that Sasuke was granted with his full freedom.

Remembering what had happened still amused him. And oftentimes, he didn't notice it, but it brought a ghostly smile on his mouth. He felt happy…but somehow…

…still, something is missing and he can't point a finger on it.

He sighed and looked at the vast forest in front of him. He must be imagining things. What could have been missing?

They were actually just a few miles from Konoha's South gate and stopped before going further. It was Konoha's new protocol that every team sent out to missions and have returned must asked for a clearance first and must stay out within a mile before they were allowed to enter.

Sasuke jumped from the tree, landed swiftly and silently on the ground and picked up his bag pack and adjusted it on his back. He gripped his Kusanagi on his left hand and then walked silently to the direction to Konoha, but not without noticing Yamato shrugged his shoulders and with a smile crossed his lips.

"This year's Chuunin Exam is a promising one. You think so too, right Sasuke?" he heard Yamato commented after they have walked for a while. He didn't reply. He was walking ahead of them, followed by Yamato, Masahiro and Mika. He didn't bother to wait for them.

The Chuunin Exam will be held in Suna this year, and Yamato's team was sent as delegates to oversee the preparations. Suna had applied Konoha's system for the Chuunin selection for years, but now, other countries have applied it as well and yearly, different countries host the preparation for the Chuunin Exam.

"Really Taicho? You saw the participants?" Mika asked, "I wonder how many will go through from Konoha this year. Ne, Sasuke-kun, you think Konoha will gather more Chuunins this year? I really wish I could register this year, but my sensei said I'm not ready yet, so I have to wait for next year to become a Chuunin,"

He didn't bother to answer again. For his mind had brought him to those years when they were taking their first Chuunin exam. It was where the tragedy had started…it was where it all began…it was where he was ensnared with the hunger for power.

He clinched his jaw. He admitted, he was so foolish back then, and young and innocent. He let his desire for revenge take over his reasoning and threw away what was right and logic. His brows knitted upon remembering all those things.

He's now a Jounin and that status and privilege was granted to him just this year…he had worked for that. And worked real hard this past five years!

…To be recognized as a citizen of Konoha, as a Shinobi with an honor, as the sole survivor of Uchiha, and to have a new life and to return home…

They have already reached the South gate of Konoha with the huge sign of characters 'A' and 'N' painted in red. As usual, it was Kotetsu and Genma who were assigned as sentries for the traffic flow in the gate. Sasuke didn't bother to glance at them when he passed, but he heard Yamato greeted them.

"Sasuke-kun, do you have something to do this afternoon?" Mika followed him and went in front of him, trying her best to flutter her eyelids to him.

He looked at the brown-haired girl, with same brown-colored eyes. This girl, the way she acts reminds him of Karin, and it annoys the hell out of him.

"No," he simply said. He was tired with the three days travel from Suna, and all he wants to do right now is to rest, and maybe have a spar with Naruto. Oh yeah, he just remembered, the loudmouth, self-proclaimed Hokage, dead-last Jinjuuriki had told him that he will be visiting Sakura in Tea and for some mission what-so-ever. He was not listening that time when he told him.

Sakura.

She was never there when he woke up. And often, Naruto was the one who who'll give him bits and pieces of news about her.

He learned a great deal about her, that she had accepted a study-grant under one of Tsunade's friend, who also was one of the great mednin in the world.

That she was staying in Tea, and to be able to finish the study, she'll be staying there for five years.

That she's now a full-pledge med-nin, at par with Tsunade.

That she had become so strong and had accomplished great things.

That she already have a kid.

Sasuke winced at that last thought.

So she have already settled down and finally decided to have a family of her own. So what? What's so new about it? Everyone will come to that point sooner or later. -was his thought.

Even the dobe was now engaged to the Hyuuga heiress. How he had accomplished such impossible mission was everyone's enigma. But the village hero told him that he'll settle down, once he became a Hokage, just like what his father, Minato did.

But somehow, the thought -that Sakura had finally settled and found a guy - made him irritated. It irked him and he don't know why.

Naruto didn't mention anything about Sakura's boyfriend-or the guy-or husband-or the kid's father, which he didn't ask anyway, for he's agitated and pissed every time the topic about her was brought up. And usually, Naruto mentioned it always during a spar. And as a respond, he'll always beat the hell out of Naruto. And that was his way of venting out his unknown irritation- pummeling his friend.

Annoying. That was his favorite word to describe her. And up to now, he thinks that she's still annoying...to no end.

"Then can I invite you to—"

Sasuke was brought back from his train of thoughts when he heard Mika.

"No," then he walked ahead, passing her by. Mika shut her mouth and her shoulder falls in disappointment.

"Oi Sasuke, walk straight to Hokage Tower, we still need to report to Tsunade-sama," Yamato shouted.

"Tch," they heard Sasuke muttered before he disappeared to thin air. The last thing they saw was a blur of raven hair jumping from roof to roof, heading towards the Hokage Tower.

"I told you to forget about him," said Masahiro to Mika, "he won't even look at you,"

"Thanks for the encouragement Masa-kun," Mika answered, mockery in her tone as she rolled her eyes and followed where Sasuke had trailed, to the Hokage Tower.

Masahiro was left and all he could do was sighed.

***sSxSx***

It was already nine in the evening, the cold air passed through the open door of the veranda of her room but she welcomed the comfortable breeze as it soothed her tensed body. The surrounding was quiet, albeit the sound of the evening cricket and Naruto's loud snoring which can be heard from across the guest room two doors down from her room.

She was supposed to be asleep already, but she can't. She was still gripping the scroll and was reading it countless times.

Going back to Konoha.

Well, what are you afraid of? You KNEW you'll going back home sooner or later.

I'm not afraid! I—just…

It's because of HIM right?

Sakura bit her inner lip and tightly closed her eyes. Yes, she was afraid. She was afraid this time will come, where she'll have to face Sasuke. She's afraid that when she comes back with her daughter, he might recognize Ryuna immediately.

She was so afraid that would happen…

…not because she denied him of his rights, nor she had hidden the truth from him..

…but because he might not accept Ryuna.

Sakura clenched her teeth, gripped the scroll tightly until it crumpled on her hands, when she sensed her daughter in the doorway. Her head snapped towards the door, and as fast as it can be, her expression changed immediately.

Ryuna was wearing her cow pajama this time (it was Michiko who sew the animal pajamas), and she was holding a green frog stuff toy, said that it a gift from uncle Naruto.

"Yes, honey?" Sakura asked. She was sitting on her dresser, and she absent-mindedly grabbed a comb while looking at Ryuna.

"Can I sleep with you mommy?" Ryuna said as she walked towards her mom.

"Of course. Upsie daisy~" Sakura said as she grabbed her little girl, "you've gotten heavy lately," she commented as she kissed her cheeks.

"No, I'm not," Ryuna pouted as she buried her head on her mom's neck.

"Okaay," Sakura said as she cradled the yawning girl in her arms, carried her and went towards a rocking chair that sits at the corner of the room. She sat on that rocking chair, holding Ryuna on her arms and started to rock the chair slowly. Sakura hums a soft mellow tune to put Ryuna to sleep while stroking her long black hair. Ryuna buried her head at her chest and the pinkette heard her sighed.

"Ryuna?" she called softly.

"Hm?" Ryuna answered.

There was a pause, so the little girl got curious why her mom called her, so she looked at her.

"Yes, mommy?" Ryuna asked as she looked at her mom's beautiful green eyes.

It was a full thirty second of pause, and Sakura just stared at her daughter. She was actually hesitating, but at the end, she sighed and gave her the sweetest smile to her daughter.

"Do you want to go and live in Konoha?"

Ryuna's eyes shone like stars in the sky. "Konoha…you mean where you came from, and Uncle Naruto and Kashi-sensei, and where there are ninjas!?"

Sakura chuckle the way Ryuna stuttered Kakashi's name. "Yes, wanna live there?"

"Of course! I want to see Konoha! I want to see the Ho..Ho-Hotage…hotage faces in the mountain!" Ryuna's mouth pouted and her brows scrunched up again.

"Hokage,-faces. Okay," Sakura tried her best not to laugh, but there was happiness on her face.

"And…and I get to eat at the, uhm…I-Ichiwaku ramen too, right?"

"Ichiraku," Sakura giggled, "by the way, who told you those things?" she asked her.

"Uncle Naruto!" Ryuna beamed with excitement and happiness.

I should have known! Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Mommy?,"

"Hm? What is it?"

There was hesitation on Ryuna face, but her daughter looked at her in the eye nonetheless.

"Uhm…uhm…can I, uh….Uncle Naruto said, there is a school there…to become a ninja. Can I…go to school in Konoha?"

Sakura didn't answer immediately and just stared on Ryuna.

Ryuna continued, this time crinkling her blouse, a habit when she becomes agitated or anxious, "Uncle Naruto said, I can have many friends at school. I wanted to go to school mommy, can I?"

It took her awhile to respond. This is it, her innermind said. There's no turning back. She smoothed Ryuna's face using the back of her hands, then she kissed her forehead.

"Of course you can honey. Konoha's Academy is the best in the world. They have the best senseis there,"

Ryuna hugged her tightly, "Thank you mommy! I'm excited already," she giggled as she rolled her face on the pinkette's bosom, "when are we going to Konoha?"

She didn't answer immediately, instead, she slowly rocked the chair again as she stroked Ryuna's silky smooth hair, going down to her back and up again. She repeated the soft strokes until she heard Ryuna yawned, and minutes after, she sensed that her daughter's already asleep.

Sakura looked solemnly at the figure standing at the door of her veranda, still clad in a full Jounin gear, reading with the ever-present green book.

"As soon as possible," she whispered.

Kakashi's visible eye crinkled indicating that he gave her a smile.

TBC

042413. ch.628

edited 04.26.13

A/N

Sorry for the long wait, but I just have to let this out now. Hope you liked it. (Haven't sleep to finish this huhuhu)

So, the mangaaaaaa. Sasuke was bacccckkkk! Wuhooooo, my week was great because of him y'know! Ok, won't spoil much.

So whatdyathink of this chapter? Uh actually, haven't scanned this so you'll find of bunch of errors, (as if you won't find one in all chapters, tee-hee) I know I promised a long chapter, but this one's kinda long too, but i felt like I haven't updated for sooooo long T_T). Reviews okay! Let's hit that 100 reviews!

Isogashhi~ isogashiiiii~~~ (~_)~ uchiha powwaaaahh!

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