"U-Uhm, Captain?" Ayame whispered.
"What?" Sasuke hissed back.
Ayame winced at the anger, but continued, "Could you run this by us again? Why did we leave the Taskforce van five blocks from here?"
Sasuke spared his teammates a glance. Well, obviously they would be at least bewildered.
They were on their feet, striding to the place that Mizuki would surely ambush them like last time. Sasuke didn't know why he was the only one who knew; it was trivial right now, though.
Everything (except for this moment) played out exactly as he remembered it. Naruto was the same cheerful idiot who said practically the same words. Hana and Kiba were alive, with him at the moment. The phone call happened again, which asked the same, stupid questions. And of course, the bazooka maniac.
His teammates didn't understand his behaviour; some of them showed their concerns prominently. But he knew he couldn't tell them. It was too crazy to believe. But he couldn't risk their lives so carelessly this time around either.
"The guy with the Sentinal could be anywhere on city grounds. Our van would make too much noise and we would be discovered."
A flimsy excuse, sure, but it should be enough to ward away any unnecessary questions...
"But how do we know he's near Mainstreet?"
Or not.
"Because, Kiba, I've got a hunch." Damn, he could easily lie better than that. So why was he sucking now?
"Okay?" Kiba said slowly, clearly unconvinced.
"Look, trust me, okay? It never hurts to be cautious," Sasuke said.
That was at least enough to get nods. But Sasuke knew they still found it odd nonetheless.
"Have you noticed how the streets are empty here?" Hana observed.
Sasuke noticed it too. There wasn't a soul on pavement, but he could see people in their homes.
"Maybe a curfew?" Kiba chimed.
"I doubt it," Sasuke said. "I never heard of this area employing any kind of curfews."
"Seriously, it's just weird," Hana said, baffled.
One block to Mizuki.
"Okay," Sasuke said, "capture formation: Alpha. Cover the next block."
"Roger," was the chorus.
Shino and Hana ran ahead and turned into an alleyway. They rushed through it until they couldn't be seen.
"Now, us," Sasuke said.
He, Sai, Ayame and Kiba ran across the street, careful to keep silent. Sasuke knew this was a sure-fire way to get Mizuki on both sides. Hana and Shino would use the back road to block the criminal's escape. Although they couldn't pinpoint his exact location, he was still somewhere close to Mainstreet, where it all happened.
Sasuke gave the signal to stop. His troops obeyed. Everyone was serious.
They all felt a slight tremor but paid it no mind.
Sasuke waited a few seconds longer, then signalled to continue. He pointed to another location, the one he used to hide from Mizuki the first time, and they all took cover.
As the lead, he would come out of the corner first, a teammate after; and then, they would take Mizuki down. He didn't have to worry about Hana or Shino. If the time came, then he would shoot three rounds, alerting them.
The silence was tense. Everyone was on high alert. He occasionally took a peek into the streets, where he was sure Mizuki would be.
But nothing.
Sasuke made the decision to move. This time, he would get Mizuk before the creep even knew what beat the crap out of him.
"Ayame, with me," Sasuke whispered.
"Roger," Ayame replied, just as tense.
She waited for him to move, watching as perspiration drowned his face. She had never seen him so apprehensive before. What was he hiding?
Sasuke ran out of hiding and dashed to the targetted area, Ayame rushed after him. The Captain put all his strength into his sprint. The next corner, that's where Mizuki would be.
They rounded the corner, arms at the ready.
But...Mizuki wasn't there.
Sasuke stared in shock at the empty pathway. It looked exactly the same when he chased Mizuki through it the first time around, so he couldn't have imagined everything, could he?
As time ticked away, Sasuke wondered if he had been wrong the whole time.
But then.
"You're not him."
He whirled to the voice. Mizuki was right behind them. The darkness of an opposite alley had concealed his identity until now.
"Mizuki?!" Ayame cried in surprise.
"They said he would be here," Mizuki emotionlessly continued.
Before Sasuke could react, Mizuki fired at them. The missile was too fast to dodge. The crazy school teacher had used the element of surprise yet again.
Sasuke saw his life flash before his eyes. All the things that he wished he could've done, could've changed. Everything was going to end.
Boom!
He felt like a ragdoll. The explosion sent him flying into the distance. He hit his head on the ground with a sickening crunch. All he could feel was the pain; his mind was numb to anything else. He could barely see through all the blood in his eyes. He was sure the red liquid was his, and it didn't stop flowing.
Once he mustered enough strength to move, he took in his surroundings, immediately noticing his body was on fire. The pungent smell of burnt flesh hurt his nose. He gurgled blood, struggling to contain the gushing substance... That's when he noticed...
He lost his legs.
"Ah!" He screamed. The pain was unbearable, forcing him to spasm pathetically. In the back of his mind, he knew there wasn't any possible way of living through this. The damage was untreatable. He was going to die, no matter what.
How stupid could he have been? He didn't even take into account that the time his teammates used the van and the time they walked to Mizuki's location were entirely different. Obviously, Mizuki would have taken that opportunity they wasted trotting to relocate to a better position. Even in this state, Sasuke could barely rebuke his idiocy.
His eyes were getting heavy. He could barely hear the sound of gunshots and people screaming his name. It hurt too much, so he easily let unconsciousness take him this time.
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
Sasuke groaned and slammed the receiver. He opened his eyes, taking in his room.
It happened again.
This time, however, he was killed before even going to the hospital, and seeing that freak Naruko or whatever.
So even if he dies, he wouldn't really die? It made absolutely no sense at all. Although his body felt no pain, Sasuke's mind lingered on the different sensations, what it felt like to be burnt alive, to bleed to death, to lose his legs. That was horrible. And worst yet, he didn't see it coming.
He got out of bed and went into the shower. He used the time to think.
So, as it was, no matter what happened to him today, he would wake up and repeat it over and over again? Why the hell was that? He read all about time-loop scenarios: a repeat of a particular space of sequence. And usually, there were reasons to that.
The most lectured idea was that if time was physically manipulated in any sort of way, it would be damaged until conditions were met to fix it. Okay, maybe he was thinking too much. Maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought. Maybe it was just a dream, a dream in a dream?
That was bull and he knew it.
He got out of the shower, put his uniform on, and was close to commencing breakfast when knocking stopped him.
He looked at the door in wonderment. Wasn't Naruto supposed to be here after he started making breakfast? That's when he realised he took a while longer in the shower.
Although he was repeating the day, it wasn't waiting for him. It was going on as it should be, which better explained why Mizuki was at a different spot on the same mission.
He went to the door and opened.
"Goooddddmoorrrnniiinng, Sasuke!" was the immediate hyperactive greeting.
"Whatever," the Uchiha grumbled, walking away and preparing his own meal.
"What's up, sourpuss? Usually, you'd be all 'Get out of here, dobe'."
"I really don't have the time to deal with you," Sasuke said.
"Okay... weird?" Naruto observed, going to the fridge and taking out two cups of instant ramen. He put them in the microwave and whistled a tune while waiting. Upon noticing Sasuke aggravated posture, he decided to lighten up the mood. "So... nice weather, huh?"
"... Yeah," Sasuke murmured.
"Really, you answered the weather question? That's it, what's going on, man?"
Sasuke glared at the noisy dobe. "Buzz off, I've got a lot on my mind, that's all.
Naruto scratched the back of his head, bothered. "Dude, relax, can I help it if I'm worried?"
Sasuke softened, albeit subtly. "It's nothing to worry about."
He couldn't tell Naruto about it. The blonde would probably call him crazy or something.
He needed to figure out a way to deal with Mizuki. He guessed that was the focal point for the rewind. He didn't know what else to go with. Plus, he was pretty desperate to end this loop process quickly. He wasn't going in blind, at least, but it didn't mean it would be exactly like the last time. Every second wasted, every second spent doing something different, affected what people said and did. He saw first-hand how the difference could literally mean life and death.
This time he would request a ten men squad, divide them in all corners of the city block, and make sure Mizuki didn't get the better of them...
It failed.
They were able to corner Mizuki with the advantage of numbers, but Sasuke realised that in cornering Mizuki, everyone was in one place. It only took one missile to kill them all.
So this time he tried a different route. He took his original squad, used the van, and timed when Mizuki would fire at them. After looping again, he organised another assault, focusing on every, single second he counted.
It still didn't work.
They did surprise the maniac, but for some reason, he was still able to get the better of them. While making the arrest, the ground shook underneath them, Mizuki used that time to show them his C-4 jacket - hidden underneath his clothes - before blowing them all to smithereens.
The next loop, Sasuke was more apprehensive in getting Mizuki. But still tried.
Mizuki used the missile again.
He was so tired in seeing his teammates die that in one loop, he requested to go on the mission alone.
"That is out of the question!" Jiraiya rebuked. "Task Force agents don't operate in singles. Now, get a squad and hurry back here so I can give you the debriefing!"
He disobeyed the pervert, and again paid with his life.
Nothing seemed to be working. Every time they had Mizuki, he always killed them. It didn't matter how he did, he just...did.
So Sasuke ran out of options. He needed something that could give him an unstoppable advantage. His teammates were good at what they did, but this moment didn't need good - it needed exceptional. As much as he loathed doing what he needed to do, he had no other choice.
"Jeez, bastard, when you asked me to come on a mission with ya, I thought you lost it," Naruto panted.
They were both racing across city blocks, heading close to Mainstreet. Sasuke had timed it just right. If they kept at this pace, they would make up for the van they left behind.
Sasuke grunted, "You're the only one who has an S-rank in sniper operations. Naturally, you're perfect for this job...you bitch."
Naruto cradled his L115A3 Long Range Rifle. He gave a grin, "Black Ops, dude. My body went through extensive training to use any weapon. I can use this heavy baby while standing, unlike some people."
Cocky bastard.
They ran another block, Mizuki was getting closer.
"I need you to back me up all the way. When you see an opening, don't hesitate to shoot the guy's arm off.
"But you never ask for my help. Your damn Uchiha pride won't allow it or some junk... And isn't that a little extreme?"
"Believe me, dobe, it's the only way we can be sure the guy won't fire that Sentinal."
"Mkay."
Sasuke looked at his friend, perplexed. "Just like that?"
"Why not?"
"... Forget it, we need to stick to the mission."
Once he was at the familiar area, Sasuke signalled a stop.
"Do you see him?" Naruto whispered.
Sasuke pretended to be looking around. He knew exactly where that bastard would be; it wouldn't help drawing suspicion, though. "I think I saw something move in the distance."
"You think it's him?"
"Yes, I'm going first. Make sure you're at an adequate range. We don't need him to see you. Aim, then take out the arm holding the launcher."
"I know how it works, Sasuke-kun~"
"Just shut up and say roger."
"...Do you want me to shut up or-hey!"
Sasuke left the babbling idiot, heading straight for Mizuki. He quickly rounded a corner, making sure Naruto knew exactly where he was going. He had his doubts the blonde would take the hint, but Naruto appeared behind him as requested.
Then, Mizuki.
"Freeze!" Sasuke screamed.
Mizuki was about to round a corner, but stopped. He looked back, surprised. "What?"
"You're under arrest, Mizuki. Put the rocket launcher down and your hands up!" Sasuke spat.
"You're not him. Where is Naruto?" Mizuki rasped.
"Put the rocket launcher down!"
Mizuki didn't listen. He raised the launcher, aiming at Sasuke's head. "Where are you, Naruto?!"
"Put it down!"
Mizuki began pulling the trigger. He wasn't going to follow. He was going to kill (again).
Bang!
"Ahh!" Mizuki screamed. He felt something pierce his shoulder, forcing him to drop the launcher to the ground. He latched onto the bleeding wound, finding it hard to move.
Sasuke struck then, grabbing Mizuki and slamming him on the ground.
He tore the man's shirt off and looked at the strapped bomb. The loops had given him enough knowledge on disarming the thing, which he did, effortlessly.
"What the fuck? How did Mizuki get out of prison? Is that a bomb?!" Naruto sputtered, coming closer and lowering his heated rifle.
"I don't know that myself, but he's going straight back," Sasuke said, a hint of pride in his tone. He handcuffed Mizuki and took great pleasure in the man's discomfort.
Mizuki looked at Naruto. His eyes widened and he snarled. "No! I'll kill you!" He squirmed helplessly.
Sasuke sighed, he did it; he finally captured Mizuki. Finally, something good came out of this.
The ground shook.
Sasuke staggered from the prisoner. Dammit, how could he forget about the ground?!
Mizuki got to his feet. Noticing that his hands were handcuffed, leaving him useless, he dashed away from the vicinity.
"Shit, he's making a run for it," Sasuke cursed, rising to his feet and preparing to give chase.
"What the hell?!" Naruto yelled.
Sasuke looked at Naruto, and also reeled in shock.
The redheaded girl with tattered clothes, Naruko.
"Hey, are you okay?" Naruto called to the delirious redhead.
Sasuke hadn't seen her in so many loops. Watching her limp aimless, from a different angle, was weird in itself. He wondered if she would shoot fireballs again, but was surprised when she simply fainted, right into Naruto's arms.
Naruto just stared in shock. After a few seconds, he regarded the girl he was holding. "Seriously, this day just gets more fucked up by the second."
Sasuke realised that Mizuki was still on the run. He gritted his teeth in anger. "Naruto, look after her. I'm going after Mizuki!"
"Sasuke wai-"
Sasuke raced after the teacher. Mizuki wasn't far. Thanks to his handicap, Sasuke was slowly gaining on him.
Mizuki abruptly turned a corner, straight into another street. Sasuke followed, determined to put a stop to this once and for all.
"Orochimaru-sama!"
Sasuke froze in place. Mizuki had called to someone. Sasuke had no idea that there was another person other than Mizuki on this night.
"Kukuku," the Uchiha heard, "look at you, Mizuki-kun. What have you done with yourself?"
"I'm sorry, sir. I tried to kill Naruto, I really did! But the damn brat shot me on the shoulder!"
Sasuke hid behind the corner of a building. He peeked at the duo. This 'Orochimaru-sama' had a black, sleek suit, long hair, and pale skin. His eyes were yellow, snake-like. That wasn't natural.
"How could he have gotten you? You have a bazooka, for goodness sake."
"... I'm sorry."
"It's alright," Orochimaru cooed, walking to Mizuki and placing a hand on his head. "There won't be any more mistakes, hm?"
"Right, sir!"
"Right," Orochimaru quipped, driving his hand straight into Mizuki's chest.
Said man coughed out, spitting copious amounts of blood. He looked into yellow eyes, stumped. "S-Sir?"
Orochimaru retracted his hand. It was covered in the dark liquid. He sighed and shook his head. "It's so hard to find good help these days."
Mizuki dropped to the ground with a thud, his body kept twitching. Blood slowly started streaming into the street road.
Sasuke could only watch the scene in horror. Who was this guy? It shouldn't be possible to stab a person using your hands alone!
"You can come out now, child."
Sasuke's eyes widened. The snake guy knew he was there? It wasn't possible. He made sure to keep hidden.
Orochimaru sighed again, then gave a smirk. "If you won't come to me-"
He disappeared and before Sasuke could process anything, he felt warm breath beside his ear.
"Then I'll come to you."
Sasuke felt his something pierce his back. A metal blade greeted his trembling eyes, protruding from his chest. His body was locked into place, experiencing shock from the abrupt stab.
Orochimaru made himself properly known, walking until he was in front of the Uchiha. "What's that? You want to say something?"
Sasuke choked, the pronounced pain was dreadful. He couldn't force his body to act. He just stood still.
"It's a shame," Orochimaru moaned. "The young die so quickly these days. I was really hoping for a fight."
".. W-Who a-are y-you?" Sasuke rasped, finding it agonising to speak.
Orochimaru stared at him in something akin to surprise. "I'm amazed you're able to talk. I really wish you were someone with at least a little bit of...ability in you. It would have made this more interesting."
Sasuke struggled to keep focus. His vision continued to fuzz. His eyes swayed from his enemy, legs wobbling like noodles.
"Well, since you're going to die, let me humour you," Orochimaru chuckled. He casually leant against the same wall Sasuke used as cover, staring in disgusting joy as the Uchiha slowly bled to death. "Have you ever heard of the word chakra?"
Sasuke's eyes widened. That word again.
"Judging by the look on your face, I'll take that as a yes, Sasuke Uchiha, heir to the ancient Uchiha inheritance."
Sasuke gasped.
"Come off the surprise. You're famous over the internet, with millions of woman waiting to take you to bed. It's quite hilarious, if you think about it."
Orochimaru took a glance behind him, then focused his attention on Sasuke again. He raised a hand, each of his fingers began to glow blue, light emitting from all five tips. "This is just a sample of what I'm capable of. It's a special technique that is used for sealing. You probably don't know what sealing is, but that's okay. Our ancestors were a truly knowledgeable bunch."
Sasuke was lost. He only had his eyes trained on the glowing fingers, hazily wondering if it was just a cheap trick or if he was losing his mind.
"Unconvinced, huh? You're probably wondering what on Earth you're looking at. Well, it is, in its raw form, chakra. You know, the life force we have in our bodies; the thing that was rumoured to exist thousands of years ago under the reign of ninja. I mean, aren't you wondering how I seemingly vanished in one instant and was behind you in the next? You probably are. It also has to do with chakra. That's right, kiddo, it is real. And it's here now."
Sasuke didn't know what to think. It was too much to process everything in one go.
Orochimaru ran a hand through his long, black hair. "You're barely standing. I kind of feel regretful for taking you out so quickly. Who knows, you could have had so much potential under Akatsuki."
The Uchiha dropped to the ground, his eyes closed. His body squirmed for a few moments, then stopped.
Orochimaru tisked in disappointment. "Aw, and just when I was getting to the good part too. Oh well."
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
Sasuke smashed the receiver. He got up from his bed. His mind gradually started processing the last loop. A man with glowing hands, who could teleport, had yellow eyes and knew about chakra.
Chakra.
That word, it seemed really important. Now that Sasuke had the time to think about it, that call in his office - was that man Orochimaru? It wasn't impossible, considering that Orochimaru went on about chakra and immediately knew that he knew.
What the hell did that mean, though? Chakra wasn't real. It was some fabrication created to limit the human body's mysteries, like why we can think, breath, eat, talk - why we have hearts to live. It was a farce...oh, so he thought...
"Oh, right, I made hake, chips and sauce."
It wouldn't be long now. The call would come soon. He just needed to wait.
"Why did you make hake, Sakura?" Sasuke asked, trying to at least have small talk.
Sakura blushed and coughed. "Well, um, I know it's your favourite."
Sasuke blinked, she was right. "Oh, thanks."
Sakura nodded, trying to keep from blabbing nonsense.
The office grew quiet for a while. Sakura felt awkward. It felt as if Sasuke wasn't even focusing on her at all. He looked distracted, like he was waiting for something.
Ring! Ring!
Sasuke looked at the phone. It was time.
"Sakura, can you give me a few minutes alone? I have to take this," Sasuke said, picking up the phone and waiting for the pinkhead to leave.
Sakura's mouth thinned, but she knew better than to disagree. "Okay, call after you're done."
Sasuke waited for her to leave, he then put the phone to his ear.
"Hello?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"... Sasuke Uchiha-"
"Remain calm and act natural, that is what you wanted to say, right?" Sasuke cut off. He had enough of this shit. He died way too many times to tolerate crap from anyone trying to play with him.
"Hm...interesting, you sound like you've talked to me before."
"Listen," Sasuke began, "If you're Orochimaru, call off your lackey."
"..."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed - so he was getting somewhere. "If Mizuki attacks tonight, I'll stop him and you."
An empty threat, but the enemy didn't know too much about him.
"... Mizuki's going to attack tonight, you say?"
"No games!" Sasuke yelled. "I know your plan!"
"You remember."
Sasuke paused. For the better part of a minute, nothing was said from both parties. 'Remember,' Sasuke thought slowly. Why did the voice use that word instead of something else?
"I'll let you in on something. I'm not Orochimaru and I have no idea about this Mizuki character," the voice said.
"Then who the hell are you?!"
"Let's just say I'm a friend for now."
Sasuke tisked, typical.
"I'll take a shot on a pitch and say that you've talked to me before. In fact, I'd say you've talked to me a lot. Not only that, you've heard me repeat the same questions over and over, like a broken record. Am I right?"
Sasuke eyes bulged almost out their sockets. He took a moment to look at the phone he was holding. Who was this person on the other line? He put it back to his ear.
"You're like me?" He whispered, still struggling to comprehend.
"... Yes and no. It would be much easier to explain things in person."
"In person?"
"That's right. Don't go to work in your next loop. Take the day off. Come to the corner of Ichiraku Avenue and Saito street at nine in the morning."
"I don't know you," Sasuke said. "This has trap written all over it."
"What do you have to lose? If anything happens, you'll just repeat today like usual. It's fair incentive."
"..."
"..."
"... I'll think about it."
"Good answer."
The line went dead.
This time, Sasuke didn't get a chance to see Orochimaru. He had neglected to disarm Mizuki's C-4 jacket. Poor dobe didn't see what hit him.
The next loop he had gotten out of bed, taken a shower and immediately set to making breakfast. Naruto came over like usual and the two conversed, seriously.
"A day off? You're the Captain, dude. Unless the chief approves, you don't get days off," Naruto said, perturbed.
"I know, that's why I need a favour."
Naruto tilted his head. "Dude, are you really asking me for help?"
"Yeah."
"But...Uchiha pride?"
"I can swallow it."
"... You ne-"
"I know I never ask you for help. So be glad I am now!"
Naruto grinned, it was the cockiest one yet, and Sasuke struggled not sock the blond.
"You do realise I'm gonna have this over your head, right?"
"As long as we never speak of it again, I can live."
"Alright, the emo prick needs my help!"
Sasuke levelled an even stare. "Fuck you, dobe."
"So what do you need me to do?"
"I need you to act as Captain while I'm gone."
"The hell? Dude, those guys hate me!"
"Can you blame them, you stupid moron? You pranked every, single one of them. Man up, bitch."
"Arg, I can't believe I'm doing this. I just hope Sakura can keep them off me."
"She'll probably join them," Sasuke snorted.
"You're an ass."
"Don't care."
Sasuke stood on a sidewalk. He wore a grey hoodie and black track pants. He watched as people passed him, conversing amongst themselves. He had made it to the corner of Ichiraku Avenue and Saito Street thirty minutes earlier than agreed. He looked at his wrist-watch, it was almost nine.
He felt like an idiot for agreeing to this, but the voice did have a point. He had nothing to loose. No matter what happened to him, the day would just repeat itself. Of course, he wasn't entirely an idiot. He made sure to grab a nine millimetre before coming to this place - just a little insurance.
Before he knew what hit him, he felt someone grab his hand.
"Come on," the girl said.
Sasuke looked at who was dragging him away from the streets. He stood rigid.
"You again?!"
The blonde girl stopped too. Her clothes were the same as usual, but they weren't torn. She glared back at him and tugged his hand. "Move. We need to be at a place that isn't open."
"Hell no!" Sasuke yelled, not caring who heard. "You're the voice?!"
She grabbed him and dragged him forcibly away. Sasuke was amazed at her strength. Were all girls this deceivingly strong?!
They went into a nearby alley. The girl promptly slammed him against the wall, forcing him to gasp for air. Her arm covered his neck and her other hand twisted his.
Sasuke grunted in discomfort. The bitch was trained, well trained.
"How much do you know?" she demanded.
"You should be answering me," Sasuke countered. He winced when she added pressure to his hand.
"You're not in a position to make demands or threats. How much do you know?"
"Aside from that, you're a crazy bitch, not much."
"Bastard, just answer my question!"
"Tch, I know a little."
"What's the little?" There's the pressure again.
"Like your name, Naruko."
The moment he said, she released quickly, like he burned her. Sasuke took in a healthy dose of air. He glared at the girl. "What the hell was that for?"
For a brief moment, Naruko looked torn, then she shook her head. "I needed to be sure."
"About what?"
"About you...remembering."
"So you're the voice that called me?"
"No."
That staggered Sasuke. "W-What, but you told me to come here!"
"I didn't, Baa-chan did."
Sasuke's face soured. Old lady, was that even a name? This girl was teasing him.
"Stop playing with me," Sasuke growled.
"I'm not, but If you want me to kick your bony, Uchiha ass, I'll be happy to."
He would have asked how she knew him. But considering that almost everyone knew him, his question would have been redundant.
Naruko made to say something else, but a hurling shoe - which came out of nowhere - hit her square on the face. She comically landed on the ground, complaining about her nose.
"Honestly, you brat, do you have to start a fight with everyone?" A woman said, walking out from the darkness of the alley and making herself known. She wore a grey dress that covered her curvaceous body. A green leather jacket enclosed around the outfit. Her light, blonde hair was done into two pigtails. She looked calm, her brown eyes experienced.
She turned her gaze from the dizzy blonde girl to the lost Uchiha and gave a warm smile. "Hello, Sasuke."
Sasuke shook his head. He stared apprehensively at the newcomer, feeling like a trapped animal.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"Tsunade Senju, former research scientist in Human Anatomy and Biology, at your service."
"Arg, Baa-chan, the shoe, really?" Naruko groaned."
Sasuke gaped, this woman didn't look anything older than thirty. Why the hell was Naruko calling her Baa-chan?!
"That's what you get for picking fights," Tsunade rebuked.
"But he's a bastard!" Naruko whined.
Tsunade shook her, "Grow up, Naruko."
"Can someone tell me what's going on here? Are you the voice that called me?"
"Not exactly," Tsunade thoughtfully said.
"Okay, that's it, I'm out of here," Sasuke huffed. This secret shit was getting on his nerves.
"Don't you want to know why you keep repeating a day? Better yet, don't you want to know how you can stop it?"
Sasuke paused, and regarded the busty blonde. "You know how?"
"I can't explain everything here, but yes, I know how. If you will join us, then you'll know too."
"I don't know you."
"Then there's no better time than the present. Remember, you have nothing to lose," Tsunade said smoothly.
Sasuke stared at her for a long moment. Tsunade expression was calm and unchanging. If he accepted her offer, there was still the redo that could undo everything. This way, he could get information that he needed in stopping the time-loop, if that information was helpful.
"... Fine"
Tsunade smiled sweetly. "Excellent. Welcome to the Madara Resistance."
Sasuke frowned at her. "I didn't say I was joining any... Wait, what?"
Tsunade started walking away. "Come along now. We have a lot to talk about."
Naruko followed, meekly rubbing a hand around her nose. "Damn shoe."
"Hey, wait a minute!" Sasuke shouted.
"Your questions will be answered in a safe location," Tsunade dismissed, never turning to him.
"What the hell is the Madara Resistance?!"