Chapter 2: Bonds
Sasuke's internal alarm clock woke him up early the next day.
He yawned as he hopped out of bed.
He went to the bathroom and rubbed his eyes.
Hn wasn't a dream after all. Sasuke thought before he took off his clothes.
He turned the water to cold and took a brisk shower.
Once he was done, he walked inside his room and got an outfit. The outfit was a black sweater with the Uchiha fan on the back. Gray shorts and white bandages wrapped around his shins. He also wore the common blue ninja sandals. He put the outfit on and walked to the bathroom to finish with the rest of his hygiene.
Once he was done, he decided to pay Kaguya a quick visit.
He closed his eyes and entered his consciousness.
He smelled the scent of good breakfast cooking. He went to the kitchen.
It was an amusing sight. He watched as the short Kaguya had an angry snarl on her face. She used a stool to boost her height, so she could reach the oven top.
Sasuke smirked at her displeasure. 'Someone doesn't have the height requirement.'
He instinctively ducked to dodge one of her Ash-Killing Bones. He would have to remember that she couldn't hurt him.
'Shut up Uchiha. You caused this!' Kaguya shot him a glare before turning back and finishing her scrambled eggs.
A smirking Sasuke sat down. 'What are you cooking?'
'Scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, and pancakes. Would you like a plate?' Kaguya asked him.
Kaguya took pride in her cooking. She would always cook big meals unintentionally and would usually have some left over. It was one of the things that gave her relaxation and peace. Even though she was annoyed at the abnormally tall oven.
Sasuke nodded. 'Yes I would. Thank you.'
Kaguya continued cooking. 'Your first training will focus on your Kekkei Mora.'
A curious expression formed on Sasuke's face. 'Kekkei Mora?'
Kaguya nodded. 'Yes, a Kekkei Mora is an advanced branch of jutsu unique to me and my direct bloodline. Technically since we have a connection, you should be able to use the jutsu also.' Kaguya finished up with her cooking and stepped off the stool to grab a plate. She put food on it and placed it in front of Sasuke. She also grabbed silverware and gave it to him.
'Interesting.' An intrigued Sasuke said. He bowed to her and grabbed the fork.
Kaguya watched him closely as he took a bite.
Sasuke closed his eyes as the flavors danced across his tongue. This food…was probably some of the best he ever tasted in a long time.
'Well…how is it Uchiha?' Kaguya asked, expectantly.
Sasuke's eyes opened. 'It's delicious.' He said honestly.
Kaguya could tell he wasn't lying. She proudly smirked. 'Of course it is.' She placed her plate of food down and sat. She began eating.
'We will start training later in the day. I have to go to the academy.' Sasuke said, almost done with his food.
Kaguya nodded to him, blissfully enjoying her food.
Sasuke shook his head with a grin and finished eating. He stood up. 'I will see you later.' He then exited his consciousness.
-Cutscene-
Sasuke started his trek to the academy.
As much as he dreaded going, he knew he had to form bonds, so it was needed.
He started to pass by the training grounds, before he heard thumping noises.
Curious, he walked to the sounds.
He stopped as he watched a dark brown, twin bun haired girl throwing Kunais. The girl was approximately a tad bit older than him from what he could tell.
Every Kunai she threw hit dead center on the bullseyes on the trees.
Sasuke tried to remember the girl, but for the love of him he couldn't.
She stopped and turned in his direction, likely feeling him looking at her.
She smiled. 'Well well watching my impressive moves are you? What's your name? I'm TenTen.'
'I'm Sasuke Uchiha.' Sasuke responded. Yeah he definitely didn't recall her.
'Uchiha? I must say I'm sorry about what happened to your clan.' An empathetic look formed on her face.
'Thank you. I have to ask. How good are you with weapons?' Sasuke asked. TenTen appeared to be a specialist with weapons and if she was, she could help Sasuke master his weapon proficiency.
TenTen raised an eyebrow as she proudly smirked. It finally seemed like someone appreciated her skill. 'I'm an expert with weapons and fuinjutsu.'
'Let's make a deal. You help me train in those areas and I'll help you train in whatever area you need help in.' Sasuke said.
TenTen smiled. 'Deal.'
'Well I have to get going or I'll be late to the academy.' Sasuke nodded to her before leaving.
'Nice meeting you Sasuke!' TenTen waved at him. Sasuke Uchiha…hm she couldn't wait to get to know him more.
-Cutscene-
Sasuke made it to the classroom and entered it. He could see that Iruka-Sensei was not here as of yet.
He turned to his left and could see Naruto sitting by himself in the middle row.
He walked over and sat beside him. 'Hey loser.' He said with a smirk.
'Bastard! Where have you been? I've been waiting for you.' Naruto smiled at his friend.
'Got held up but I'm here now.' Sasuke said.
Sasuke and Naruto heard loud shuffling noises.
They looked up to see Sakura and other fangirls.
Unlike Sakura's love and unhealthy obsession with him, Sasuke only saw her as a little sister at the most. He couldn't return the same affection because he didn't feel the same way. He would have to put a quick end to the fangirling.
Sasuke was proud to see Ino walk in after them and not participate in the fangirling. She smiled and waved at him, but then sat down.
Sakura and the other fangirls appeared on the side.
'Hey Sasuke-kun! How are you doing? I missed you!' A blushing Sakura said to him.
'Yeah we all missed you Sasuke-kun!' Sasuke heard the other fangirls yell.
An annoyed expression made its way to his face and he was about to say something until-
'You need to leave him alone, billboard brow.' Ino said as she glared at Sakura. 'Can't you tell you're annoying him.'
Sakura looked angrily at Ino. 'You're one to talk Ino-pig!'
Ino crossed her arms and scoffed. 'You should put your focus into getting stronger and not annoying Sasuke-kun. Otherwise, you're going to stay the weak and frail girl I know you are.' Ino told her.
Sakura looked hurt as she took in what she said. Her words also had an effect on the other fangirls.
A proud smirk was on Sasuke's face. He didn't even have to say anything. He was glad Ino put Sakura and the fangirls in their place. It would have been an extremely annoying time in the academy if she didn't.
Iruka-Sensei then entered the classroom and told everyone to sit down.
He went to the front and started to talk about something Sasuke had no care in.
He closed his words out and he began thinking. He subtly looked around the classroom at everyone.
Sasuke figured it would be a good way to make bonds and connections with people through training or something they are passionate about.
Like Shikamaru Nara for example. Lazy as hell but a genius and battle strategist. If he remembers correctly he liked playing the game Shogi. He could help Sasuke with his battle tactics and smarts.
Or Choji Akimichi though 'big-boned' as he called it, he was very strong and could help Sasuke with his strength. Of course he liked food so there's that.
Sasuke liked Shino. He was calm and collected, but sharp and intelligent. He didn't really know what he liked, but he would still be a great asset.
Sasuke remembered Rock Lee. Of course he wasn't in the class because he was older, but his taijutsu was impressive. To the point Sasuke copied it and still implements it to this day. He could of course help Sasuke master his taijutsu. Lee liked working hard.
Sasuke glanced at the short dark blue haired girl in the corner. She had silver light purple eyes. Reminiscent to the Hyuga clan. He briefly remembered her. Hinata…right? They never talked in his past life. It was quite sad really. If he remembered correctly she liked and stalked Naruto, but Naruto didn't return the feelings. Looking at her now, she could be another potential female for him. He would make sure to socialize with her this time. After all she was a part of the Hyuga clan, though inferior to the Uchiha, they were strong sensors and powerful.
Speaking of the Hyuga Clan, Sasuke remembered her cousin Neji Hyuga. Unfortunately he died in the past during the war. He was a genius and prodigy like himself. He could use his help also.
And lastly Kiba. The boy was brash and hot headed and Sasuke really didn't know what he could help him with. Who knows though, everyone had their own niche.
He already knew he and Naruto would train together anyway. Ino was already on a good start and Sasuke wouldn't mind pushing her further. As for Sakura, as long as she let the fangirling go, Sasuke wouldn't mind helping her out either.
Sasuke stood up as he heard Iruka-Sensei dismiss everyone.
'Oi Sasuke wanna go to Ichiraku Ramen? I'm starviiingg.' Naruto rubbed his growling stomach.
'Mind if we come along? I'm hungry too.' Choji asked as he took a bite out of his chips.
Shikamaru sighed. 'What a drag Choji that's like your fifth bag of chips.'
'That was just preparing me for lunch, Shika.' Choji smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
Shikamaru facepalmed.
'Yeah it'll be like a boy's lunch. What do ya say Sasuke?' A smiling Kiba showed his fangs as he asked.
Convenient. This will kill two birds with one stone. Sasuke thought. He shrugged. 'Help yourselves.'
They started heading there and Sasuke noticed the quiet Shino tag along too.
They looked at each other for a second then nodded. Silent respect shared between them.
The group then left.
-Cutscene-
The Konoha girls were seen shopping.
TenTen held up a white female Shinobi shirt. 'So do you girls have somebody you like?'
'Sasuke-kun of course!' Sakura said while trying on a bracelet.
'I like Sasuke-kun too.' Ino said while shooting a glare at Sakura.
TenTen raised an eyebrow. She thought Sasuke was nice and seemed cool, and of course he was cute, but she wondered why the girls liked him so much.
She looked at Hinata. 'Well what about you Hinata?'
Hinata's face turned very red. 'D-Do I l-like somebody?' Her mind immediately went to Naruto and she got even redder.
'Awe so it is someone. Who is it?' A teasing TenTen put an arm around her shoulder. 'Hmm you don't seem like you like Sasuke…lemme guess…Naruto?'
Hinata immediately fainted.
'Hinata!' The girls screamed as they went to her.
-Cutscene-
Sasuke was walking to the Hokage Tower.
He could surprisingly say he actually enjoyed his time with the group of boys.
Choji and Naruto had a ramen eat off to see who could eat the most ramen.
They were neck and neck until they barfed from eating so much, so fast.
It was amusing to watch.
Sasuke connected with each of them and asked them if they wanted to train with him. They said yes, agreeing that it would be a mutual benefit.
Sasuke also said if they wanted to, they could hang out with him whenever.
After a while, everyone was stuffed and bid farewell to each other.
Sasuke wondered what else he missed while being consumed with darkness. It was crazy he cut off so many bonds and was lonely back then. Now it was different. A welcome difference that is.
He made it to the tower and went inside.
Outside the Hokage office, Sasuke sees an Anbu member.
'I'm here to speak with the Third Hokage.' Sasuke said.
The Anbu member nodded before teleporting temporarily.
After a moment, the Anbu member came back.
'You may enter.' The Anbu member opened the door for Sasuke and Sasuke walked inside.
'Sasuke, nice to see you. How are you holding up?' Hiruzen smiled at Sasuke.
Sasuke could see underneath the fake smile and was surprised he was gullible enough not to notice the fakeness as a child in the past.
'I'm good. I came to ask you something.' Sasuke wanted to get this over with, so he could get to training.
'Yes, anything Sasuke.' Hiruzen said.
'Can I move back into the Uchiha complex and when can I access the Uchiha Clan's money since I'm the heir now?' Sasuke asked.
Hiruzen looked slightly surprised. 'Are you sure you want to move back in, Sasuke?'
Sasuke nodded.
'Well if you say so. You can actually move back in now since it's cleaned out and about the money, you can access it when you graduate. Since technically you'll be a certified Shinobi at that time.' Hiruzen said.
Sasuke nodded again. 'Thank you. That is all I wanted to know for now. I'll be taking my leave.'
'Remember I am always here if you need someone to talk to Sasuke.' Hiruzen gave him a fatherly smile.
Trust me. I know all I need to know about you. Sasuke held back from scoffing and left.
-Cutscene-
Sasuke made it to the Uchiha Complex with his belongings.
He wanted to explore two things first.
He wanted to go to the library and see if anything was useful.
He wanted to then visit the Naka River to see if he felt even a hint of Shisui's Chakra.
His head turned as he observed his surroundings.
A little Nostalgia kicked in. It's been a while since he's been here, even during the past. Before the memories started kicking in, he teleported in a Lightning Shunshin. Sasuke didn't have time for it right now.
Sasuke made it to the library and walked inside.
There were thousands and thousands of books.
He went to the important section titled 'Justus.'
Sasuke activates his Sharingan and skimmed through all the books in the row.
Most of it was Justus he already knew and then some, so he figured it was a bit of a waste.
He looked around some more and stopped as he saw a secret door to his far right.
He walked to it and saw a statement.
Must have Rinnegan and Yin-Yang Release to enter.
Well ain't that convenient. Sasuke activated his Eternal Rinnegan and placed his hand on the door to transmit Yin and Yang Release Chakra.
The door pulsed with the Chakras and slowly opened. Sasuke deactivated his Dojutsu.
Sasuke then walked into the room.
It was a dark room with the only light being directed towards a podium with what looks like a flaming scroll on it.
Sasuke's interest grew as he walked to the flaming scroll. He tried to use a small wind jutsu to put out the flames, but they didn't go out.
He then infused Chakra into his hands to protect them from the flames and opened the scroll.
It was a summoning contract…to a Phoenix.
A Phoenix is a supernatural being with the ability to burst into flames and then be reborn from their ashes after having a long life. They have enhanced strength, regeneration, the ability to control fire, and more.
This summoning contract allows you to summon one to aid in battle.
This peaked Sasuke's interest to the max. He wondered if this was here the whole time. Not like he would've been able to use it back then anyways.
The requirements stated that he had to draw blood and write his signature with his finger.
He took out a Kunai and stabbed his index finger just enough to draw blood.
He then wrote his full name on the signature line.
Sasuke watched as his signature glowed dark red for a minute then stopped.
His eyes slightly widened as he felt a new energy within his Chakra reserves.
'Why hello there Sasuke-kun.' Sasuke heard a light but sensual female voice in his head.
'Who are you?' A bewildered Sasuke asked.
'Come meet me and you will know Sasuke-kun.' She said.
Sasuke closed his eyes and took a breath in and out. He then entered his consciousness.
Sasuke opened his eyes to see what looked like the living room.
'Who is she, Uchiha? And how did she get here?' Sasuke heard Kaguya's voice direct to him.
Sasuke turned towards the newcomer.
She looked around his age. She had long orange-red hair with piercing golden eyes. She wore a black kimono with a golden slash across. For footwear, she wore black Shinobi heels and her nails and toenails were painted dark red. (She looks like Tsunade Senju).
All in all Sasuke could say she was beautiful.
'Awe thanks, I appreciate that Sasuke-kun.' The girl smiled brightly at him.
Damn he forgot they could hear his thoughts.
The girl giggled. 'My name is Fenikkusu, but you both can call me Fen for short.'
Sasuke nodded to her. Her name literally meant Phoenix so there was no doubt who she was.
'Fenikkusu huh? I sense a strange energy inside you.' Kaguya analyzed Fen.
'Well that's most likely because I'm a Phoenix Kaguya-chan.' Fen said.
'How do you know who I am?' Kaguya questioned her suspiciously.
'I have already seen all of Sasuke-kun's memories and know everything. We are connected by soul after all.' Fen answered.
Sasuke then followed. 'I found a secret Phoenix summoning contract in the Uchiha library. I signed it and now she is here. Although I thought I had to summon you and I also thought you would be the bird?' Sasuke was very curious.
'I'm happy to answer Sasuke-kun. With this summoning contract it connects us on a soul based level similar to Kaguya and you, or a Tailed Beast and Jinchuriki. Also I can shapeshift and this is my human form.' Fen answered.
'I understand.' This was extremely fascinating to Sasuke. 'So what do we do from here?' He asked.
Her golden eyes glowed with excitement. 'Well now's the fun part Sasuke-kun, training. You have a whole new array of powers that's waiting to be revealed, but you did want to visit the Naka River right?' Fen asked.
'Yeah. I'll be back soon.' Sasuke exited his consciousness.
Fen looked at Kaguya. 'So…I heard you like cooking Kaguya-chan…' A mischievous smile then came on her face. 'What d'ya' say we have a cook-off?'
A competitive glint shone in Kaguya's eyes. 'You've challenged the wrong Goddess.'
-Cutscene-
Sasuke made it to the cliff above the Naka River. It's been about 2 years since Shisui's death and he doubts this would work, but he's willing to try for his brother in all but blood.
He sat down and got in a crisscross stance.
He closed his eyes and extended his senses around the Naka River.
Please work..Sasuke thought almost desperately.
Nothing happened at first, but then he felt something. Particularly at the very bottom of the river.
He focused on that point and quickly jumped to his feet.
'Wind Release: Massive Gust!' Sasuke shouted the technique.
The water was parted both ways by the huge gust of wind.
Sasuke looked down and could see a worn and torn leaf village headband. He summoned a Shadow Clone and it quickly teleported to where it was.
With haste, the clone grabbed the headband and what was left of Shisui. It teleported back to Sasuke and dispelled.
Sasuke stopped the technique. He looked at Shisui…or what was left of him.
He held the tears as they were threatening to come out.
All he saw was Shisui's skeletal remains as the rest must have decomposed by now.
He knew it was Shisui because of his headband. Some ninjas would infuse their own Chakra into their headband just in case they were in trouble and needed to be located. At the depth Shisui was, he doubted anybody without his senses could find him anyways.
The tears still fell from his eyes unwillingly. Memories of Shisui, Itachi, and him appear in his mind. It was way too late. There was nothing he could do.
Tears continued falling until suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He immediately got on guard until he looked up to see Fen and Kaguya.
Sasuke wiped the tears. 'What are you two doing here?'
Fen smiled warmly. 'It's okay Sasuke-kun. I've come to help and Kaguya-chan wanted to check on you too.'
Kaguya crossed her arms. 'More like forced to come out here. Don't get your hopes up Uchiha.'
Sasuke could see past the act and could see the subtle almost nonexistent to the untrained eye, a look of concern in her eyes.
'It's nothing you can do.' Sasuke looked dejected while staring at the remains.
Fen smiled and fiery flames of blue surrounded her hands.
'What is that?' Sasuke watched her with his full attention and Kaguya did the same.
'This is Holy fire Sasuke-kun. Mixed with my Phoenix tears, it will bring Shisui back to life.' Fen said.
Sasuke looked surprised and Kaguya's eyes widened.
Fen giggled. 'I know it sounds impossible Sasuke-kun, but not for me. After it's done, it will make me extremely tired and I may be sleeping for a while, but that's all.'
Sasuke and Kaguya watched as she went over to the remains.
Fen's face held a focused expression as she held her hands bottom side up.
She made herself cry and the tears fell on her hands. The blue flame now turned a glowing whitish-blue. She rubbed her hands together and placed them on the remains. 'Now watch Sasuke-kun and Kaguya-Chan.' She said.
The flames surrounded the remains and Sasuke and Kaguya watched in astonishment as tendons, muscles, organs, skin, and other body parts formed.
Shisui was seen brand new, even with his tanto and clothes Sasuke remembered him wearing.
The flames went away as Fen stumbled back. Sasuke, even though ecstatic, quickly went to her and held her.
She looked up at Sasuke and smiled brightly. 'Looks like it worked Sasuke-kun. Unfortunately I will be out for a while so I'll see you then.' Fen's eyes closed and she disappeared back into Sasuke's consciousness.
A still astonished Kaguya nodded at Sasuke. 'Uchiha. I'll leave you to it. Let me know whenever you want to start training.' Kaguya disappeared back into his consciousness too.
Cough Cough. 'W-Where am I?' Sasuke heard Shisui's voice and his head snapped towards him.
'Shisui!' He ran and gave him a hug.
'S-Sasuke? What are you doing here and how are my eyes back?' Shisui was very confused because he could have sworn he was just dead. He still hugged Sasuke back though.
Sasuke decided to do this the easiest way possible. 'Look into my eyes, Shisui.'
'Why Sa-' The moment Shisui looked into Sasuke's eyes, he felt a ton of memories rush into his head.
He clutched his head and grunted as it happened.
Sasuke decided to show Shisui everything that happened until this point.
After a couple of minutes it stopped.
Shisui took a couple of heavy breaths. 'I-I understand now.' Shisui calmed himself before standing up. He looked at Sasuke with a proud smile.
'You've become very powerful and strong Sasuke. Way above me and Itachi. I mean the Rinnegan and Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan? Yin and Yang Release? I'm so proud of you.' Shisui started. 'Speaking of Itachi…damn that Danzo.' Shisui's Sharingan activated.
'How dare he manipulate Itachi into committing those acts.' Shisui angrily growled.
He thought things would be settled with his death and leaving everything in Itachi's hands, but everything went downhill. It made him quite livid and sad.
'Right. I still want to kill him this time around also.' Sasuke grunted out.
Shisui calmed himself. 'We have to play this smart Sasuke. No one knows I'm back alive and that's something we can use to our advantage.'
'I understand. I know you have a lot of questions.' Sasuke said.
'Indeed I do. Firstly, whenever Fen awakens, tell her I thank her very much for bringing me back to life. It's crazy so many events happened after I died. It's even crazier that another war happened, you fought a Goddess and somehow came back in time with that Goddess inside your consciousness.' Shisui could barely wrap his head around it. Things he thought were impossible were not so much by a long shot.
'The best thing we can do is prepare for what's to come, Shisui.' Sasuke said.
'Yeah and Sasuke..' Shisui gave him a brotherly smile.
'I saw how you fell into darkness and hatred, but I am glad you let all of those feelings go to walk on a new path. You even stopped the curse of hatred which is a very difficult thing to do. I will be here for you and help you on your new journey. Don't worry also, I won't tell a soul about what I saw.' A smiling Shisui said while patting him on the shoulder.
Sasuke gave Shisui a genuine smile and nodded. 'We have about 5 to 6 years before everything starts. In the meantime we can train and get stronger.'
'Certainly Sasuke. How about we have a spar? It's been a while since I stretched my bones.' Shisui competitively smirked.
Sasuke smirked also and got in a fighting stance.
The two watched as a leaf fell and once it reached the ground their Sharingans activated and they charged at each other.