Sensitive, trained ears detected the subtle cadence of three pairs of feet making contact with the wooden floor of the guest house. Sasuke, immediately alert, questioned the intrusion. "What's the meaning of this?" The dim outlines of three figures emerged from the shadows, each bearing the unmistakable red glow of the Sharingan, their gazes fixed on Sasuke.
Aware that conversation was not their intent, Sasuke swiftly activated his Sharingan, attempting to ensnare the trio in a genjutsu. Two succumbed to the illusion, collapsing to the floor, while the middle Uchiha resisted momentarily. Reacting with blinding speed, Sasuke closed the distance, delivering a punishing knee to the resistant Uchiha's stomach. The swift assault left the young Uchiha on his knees, writhing in pain, before succumbing to unconsciousness.
The skirmish unfolded in the confines of the dimly lit guest house. Sasuke's movements a blur, His Sharingan outpaced the trio's abilities, rendering them helpless against his tactical prowess. The brief struggle culminated with two incapacitated on the floor, and the third defeated with a debilitating blow.
As Sasuke left the guest house he took note the sun was beginning to rise and the air hung heavy with tension. However, his path intersected with Fugaku, who awaited him outside. Fugaku's discerning eyes met Sasuke's, and without a word, he revealed a knowledge beyond mere self-defense. The older Uchiha acknowledged Sasuke's capabilities, recognizing a depth of skill that surpassed mere survival instincts.
Sasuke, intrigued, questioned Fugaku, "What was the meaning of that?"
Fugaku, his expression unreadable, replied, "In times of uncertainty, one must discern allies from threats. Your skills go beyond defense, Takashi. I won't push anymore, you obviously have your reasons for keeping things hidden. The third hokage has summoned you to his office. My son Itachi will be escorting you." Surprised that his brother would be escorting him but kept an emotionless stare.
A sudden shimmer in the air revealed a child, no older than five, materializing beside Fugaku. The revelation of Itachi, the child prodigy, entering the scene added an unexpected layer to the unfolding encounter. Fugaku's authoritative voice introduced the child, "Itachi, this is Takashi. Please escort this man to the Hokage's front office." The name Itachi sent a nostalgic warmth through Sasuke, and he couldn't help but smile internally at the sight of his younger brother. The setting, a snapshot of family dynamics, resonated with a longing for the connections he once had.
Itachi, with a respectful nod, acknowledged his father's command, "Yes, Father." Sasuke observed the exchange, appreciating the glimpse into the past that echoed with the familiar dynamics of his Uchiha family. It was a moment that tugged at the strings of sentiment, reminding him of the family he longed to embrace once more.
As Itachi turned towards Sasuke, a trace of the stoic demeanor he would later adopt was already evident. "Can you keep up, mister?" he asked, a question laced with both a challenge and a sense of responsibility. In a synchronized movement, the two Uchiha vanished from Fugaku's presence, setting course for the Hokage building.
Their swift journey brought them to the front of the imposing Hokage building within a matter of minutes. Itachi, his tone matter-of-fact, conveyed the protocol, "Only genin level and above are allowed inside the Hokage building. I'm sure the guards will point you in the right direction." Sasuke expressed gratitude, "Thanks, Itachi. You've been a big help." Itachi, without dwelling on sentiment, nodded and retreated back to the Uchiha compound.
Approaching the Hokage building's entrance, a guard opened the door for Sasuke, revealing a young Genin female named Anko Mitarashi waiting inside. Her presence, though unfamiliar to Sasuke in this timeline, brought forth memories of brief interactions in his original reality, particularly the sharing of the cursed seal.
Anko, her demeanor reflecting a mix of professionalism and a shared history with Orochimaru, greeted Sasuke, "My name is Anko Mitarashi. I'll be leading you to Lord Third." The hallway leading to the Hokage's office unfolded, a mixture of shadows and flickering torchlight creating an ambiance of secrecy.
Guided by Anko, Sasuke entered the Hokage's front office, where a gruff voice granted permission to enter. Anko's brief presence was acknowledged and dismissed by the Hokage, leaving Sasuke alone in the room with the aged leader.
"Takashi Uchiha," the Third Hokage began, his gaze sharp as he delved into the report before him. The absence of records and familial connections prompted the Hokage's scrutiny. Fugaku's endorsement, while meaningful, warranted further inquiry. "What I want to know is the actual truth. You haven't caused any trouble since you've been here. So, who are you, where are you from, and what is your objective?"
Sasuke, measured in his response, began to unravel his fabricated backstory. "Truth is I'm from a land far away. My mother was a mistress to an Uchiha while he was on a mission, so I don't know who my father is." The narrative continued, detailing his training and the quest to find others with the same eyes. Sasuke added a layer of aspiration, "I believe with me being here, I can present a new path of light for them."
The Third Hokage, considering Sasuke's words, took a deep breath. "Because of the predicament I'm in, I'll be resigning from my position soon. As the Third Hokage, I will be making one of my final judgments." The Hokage, recognizing the unique circumstances, issued a directive. "Takashi Uchiha, I hereby order you to be under supervision for the next six months. Given your age, I will also be giving you a specialized test to measure your capabilities so you can become a registered ninja within Konoha. You are dismissed."
As Sasuke bowed in acknowledgment, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the Hokage's decision. Exiting the office, he found Anko waiting for him. The transition between the austere atmosphere of the Hokage's presence and the Genin's casual demeanor was a stark contrast. Anko, realizing the age difference, couldn't help but be impressed by the handsome figure before her, a thought that tinged her cheeks with a subtle blush.
"I will escort you out. A Chunin will be at the compound later on today to tell you more information regarding your situation," Anko informed Sasuke. Nodding in gratitude, Sasuke walked alongside the Genin, contemplating the unfolding events. How was he supposed to get anything done with eyes constantly on him and he couldn't even use his dimensional travel. That's when he remembered the dream he had. He had already created an alternate timeline so anything he did here didn't interfere directly with him. Was it true or was it just a dream? Maybe the alternate future could be so much more if he helped them out. Only time would tell.
The Uchiha left the Hokage building and continued his walk towards the compound. A walk that he had taken many times when he was younger. He could feel a pair of eyes on him, they had been on him the moment he left the Third's building in fact. Sasuke vanished and began to hop from building to building. Whomever it was, was right on his heels. Sasuke had arrived at the training grounds where Kakashi had first trained Team 7 with the bell test and he stood in the open field. A few seconds later a man with pale skin and a leaf headband stood a few meters away from him.
Sasuke's discerning gaze honed in on the approaching figure, a chilling realization settling over him. Orochimaru, with his serpentine grace, slithered into view. The mere sound of his voice, elongating Sasuke's name, sent shivers down the Uchiha's spine. "Takashiii Uchihaaa," Orochimaru hissed, a tone that always managed to crawl beneath Sasuke's skin. A question, laced with both curiosity and a hint of malevolence, escaped Sasuke's lips, "What do you want?"
Orochimaru, reveling in the discomfort he stirred, spoke with an unsettling grin, "It seemsss that Sarutobi has instructed me to be your temporary specialized instructor." The revelation landed heavily on Sasuke's shoulders, the irony not lost on him. Out of all the Jonin in the village, it had to be Orochimaru chosen for this role. "I didn't know it would be this soon; I just left his office. Fine, let's get it over with." Sasuke's consent hung in the air. Without uttering another word, Orochimaru initiated the confrontation.
The mist-laden training ground served as the silent witness to the inevitable clash between Sasuke and Orochimaru. Each breath carried the weight of anticipation as the Uchiha prodigy faced his former teacher and current instructor, his missing left arm hidden underneath his cloak but it was his testament to his fight long ago against Naruto.
Orochimaru, the embodiment of serpentine elegance, initiated the encounter with a seamless dance of taijutsu. His movements were a sinister ballet, a blend of precision and malevolence. Sasuke, poised to meet the challenge without relying on his Sharingan or Rinnegan, matched Orochimaru's fluidity with a keen understanding of his taijutsu legacy inherited mainly from Rock Lee.
The dance of blades and fists commenced, the echoes of steel and air clashing with a rhythmic intensity. Sasuke, utilizing only one arm, demonstrated a mastery of evasion and counterattack. Orochimaru, undeterred by the seemingly disadvantageous circumstance, sought to exploit Sasuke's vulnerability with every sinuous strike.
In a burst of speed, Orochimaru executed the Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, unleashing a gust of slicing wind toward Sasuke. The Uchiha, displaying unwavering agility, dodged the attack with a swift backflip. Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with approval at Sasuke's acrobatic finesse.
Seizing the moment, Sasuke retaliated with a Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique. The inferno erupted from his one-handed seal, aimed precisely at Orochimaru. The serpent-like Jonin countered effortlessly, weaving around the flames with a series of acrobatic maneuvers. The intensity of the fire revealed Sasuke's commitment to proving his prowess beyond the constraints of his missing limb.
As taijutsu resumed, Orochimaru unleashed the Dance of the White Serpent, a sequence of rapid strikes that sought to overwhelm Sasuke. The Uchiha, exhibiting a blend of Rock Lee style evasion and his own adapted taijutsu learned from the many encounters he has had, expertly parried Orochimaru's blows. The silence of the mist-laden battlefield was broken only by the clash of their movements.
Sasuke, with a strategic shift, employed the Body Flicker Technique, disappearing from Orochimaru's line of sight. The serpent-like Jonin, momentarily caught off guard, scanned the surroundings for Sasuke's reemergence. The Uchiha, utilizing his enhanced speed, appeared behind Orochimaru, attempting a precise strike with his remaining arm.
Orochimaru, anticipating the maneuver, executed the Soft Physique Modification technique. His body contorted unnaturally, narrowly avoiding Sasuke's strike. The grotesque display of flexibility showcased Orochimaru's mastery over forbidden techniques. The mist clung to the scene, adding an eerie ambiance to their dance of shadows.
Undeterred, Sasuke channeled his chakra into the ground, employing the Lightning Release: Shadow Clone Technique. A clone materialized, and both Sasuke and his doppelgänger engaged Orochimaru simultaneously. The serpent-like Jonin, with a flicker of amusement, contended with the dual onslaught. Sasuke's strategy, though daring, reflected a tactical ingenuity that went beyond the mere utilization of jutsu.
Orochimaru, in response, invoked the Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, summoning serpents from the mist to ensnare both Sasuke and his clone. The chakra snakes coiled around their forms, restricting their movements. It was a testament to Orochimaru's ability to manipulate both the tangible and intangible aspects of battle.
In the waning moments of their confrontation, Sasuke initiated the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique. Chakra-infused flames engulfed his surroundings, creating a barrier of searing heat. The mist evaporated, revealing the intensity of the Uchiha's final gambit. Orochimaru, momentarily obscured, prepared for the inevitable clash.
As the flames subsided, the training ground bore witness to the aftermath of their intricate dance. Sasuke stood, weary yet resolute, his remaining arm adorned with sweat and soot. Orochimaru, the enigmatic instructor, acknowledged Sasuke's prowess with a lingering gaze that hinted at both approval and a hunger for further exploration.
The mist, now dissipated, allowed the tranquil surroundings to settle. Sasuke, despite the trials of the battle, felt a sense of accomplishment. "It looks like you pass. I'll be sure to give my report to Lord Third." Deep down Orochimaru wanted to continue the fight but he also knew the Uchiha was giving him trouble and he didn't even activate his sharingan. Granted he wasn't giving his all either, he still felt conflicted about how the unknown Uchiha had kept up with a legendary Sannin.
Sasuke didn't say another word and started walking away from the training grounds. Orochimaru watched the back of the Uchiha with a sinister gaze. He was hiding something other than power and he would find out one way or another.
Finding his way back to the Main Street of the village Sasuke decided to go to a nearby Ramen shop. "Welcome, what can I get you?" The owner asked the Uchiha. With a swift gaze across the stools he noticed that there was only one seat open. He went and sat down next to a blonde woman who was on her 7th shot of Sake. "Yes I'll just have an order of miso pork ramen please." A dish that was introduced to him by Naruto that he had come accustomed to eating. "Coming right up." Sasuke looked over at the woman who was throwing shots back like it was water. "You do know that's not healthy right?" Sasuke said as he looked at the man making his ramen.
"And who the hell do you think you are?" Sasuke heard the woman's voice and he finally just put two and two together. He didn't realize who it was until now. Lady Tsunade, the second member of the legendary Sannin trio. "My apologies, I was just trying to give a word of advice." The blonde looked at him drunk and stopped dead in her tracks. Black hair, his black eyes that she seemed to get lost in. His face was seemingly perfect. "No…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off rude. I…I just have a rough life. Ya know. This seems to make it a little better." She said, shaking the sake bottle in front of her. "My name's Tsunade. I don't think I've seen you around before." She placed the bottle down and held her hand out.
Sasuke reached out and shook it with his only hand. "The pleasure is mine. Takashi Uchiha." Tsunade was a little surprised. "You're pretty well mannered for an Uchiha." She said with a slight smirk. Even though he knew how most of his people were, the comment ticked him slightly. "I wasn't raised here. I just had a meeting with the Hokage about citizenship." Her face was evidently red from drinking, but she was glad because just looking at the handsome Uchiha made her heart throb. "Well…welcome. If you ever need anything just give me a holler. I'll be around." The owner came around and put the ramen in front of Sasuke with a pair of chopsticks next to his bowl. "Thanks." He told the owner. "I do appreciate the gesture, but I don't think you'll remember this conversation when you wake up." He said with a smirk as he grabbed his chopsticks with his right hand.
Tsunade took another shot and glared at Sasuke. It had been the first time in a long time that a man didn't look her way. Yea she was in her mid to late thirties but she looked as if she was in her early to mid twenties. Her body was one of a kind and yet this Uchiha had looked in her direction with any kind of attractive emotion. "Hey Uchiha, what's your deal?" Sasuke slurped his noodles before answering. "What do you mean?" He said as he looked over at her with an eyebrow raised. Her face turned an even darker red. "Do you not —" at this point she had reached her limit and started to fall out of her chair.
Sasuke reached out and caught her on reflex. Slightly annoyed because he didn't get to finish his ramen. "This day just keeps getting better and better." Sasuke said to himself out loud. The owner of the Ramen shop laughed as he looked at the scene in front of him. "She lives over on the corner of Katon Blvd. literally the only house there. She had to move where there wasn't anyone because neighbors kept complaining about her drinking. Don't worry about paying for the ramen, just make sure she gets to her home safely." The owner really didn't give Sasuke much of a choice to say no and he didn't really feel like being looked at as the bad guy if he was to put her on the ground.
He tossed the Sannin over his shoulder and sighed. He felt like his day was dragging out. All he wanted to do was go to the compound after eating and figure out how to get home, his home. Sasuke embarked on his way to take Tsunade back home, taking a few alleyways as shortcuts. It also limited people from seeing him carrying an unconscious woman on his shoulders. It looked bad on his end.
After some time walking he finally made it to her house without people catching him carrying Tsunade over his shoulder. He turned the door knob to see if the door was open and to his surprise it was. "I guess no one would break into the house of a legendary Sannin." He said to himself as he walked in. He looked around and walked over to an open door and guessed it was her room. As gently as he could he laid her down on the bed. Sasuke then placed a blanket over her and turned around to leave. Just as he turned his back she reached out and grabbed his hand. "Please don't leave me by myself." Sasuke turned his head for his onyx eyes to be met with light golden amber ones. At this moment he didn't see the hard shell of the future fifth Hokage. He saw a woman that had so much hurt lingering inside of her that she was lost.
He felt bad, but this relationship wouldn't be appropriate. He was still married, what if he found a way back home. How would Sakura feel? How would his daughter feel? But then again, what if he never makes it back home? Would he stay single and live a miserable life? These were the many things that ran through the Uchiha's head. He didn't want to worry about any of that now, what he would do is at least be a good friend to a woman in need. Sasuke took a step towards her and wrapped his arm around her for an embrace as he sat next to her.
Tsunade wrapped both arms around his midsection and buried her face into his chest. Tears ran down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. Two wars she had been a part of in her lifetime. So much loss that she didn't really have time to grieve. One of the reasons why she drowned herself in alcohol all the time, it helped numb the pain. After a few minutes of her crying she wiped her eyes and looked at Sasuke in his visible eye. "Thank You Takashi. You don't know how much this meant." She said with a few sniffles.
Sasuke smiled at her and then stood up. "It's ok to cry, you don't have to be strong all the time. I have to get going, I'll catch you some other time." Sasuke then left the room and walked out of the house.
The sun had just started touching the horizon giving an orange glow over the village. He was out a lot longer than he expected. The events of today just kept unfolding and all he wanted to do was sleep. If he could catch a break from reality he'd definitely call for a timeout, but his destiny just didn't seem to want to work with him.
Finally making it to the Uchiha compound without any interference Sasuke was stopped by the guards. "Fugaku is waiting at your temporary residence for you." Sasuke didn't bother to say anything. He understood that there was a lot of mystery surrounding him, but his father and everyone else were just proving to be headaches.
Arriving at the small home Sasuke saw Fugaku leaning against the building with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. "As odd as it sounds you might be distant relatives with my wife. You two share an uncanny resemblance." The older Uchiha said to Sasuke. "It'd be easier to trace my bloodline if I actually knew my father." Fugaku's eyes opened, staring at Sasuke. "I got the report from Lord Third. Seems like you passed with flying colors. Your supervision will most likely arrive tomorrow. I'm ordered to make accommodations for you and said supervisor, so you'll be upgrading to a two family home starting this evening." Sasuke was slightly taken aback. "I wasn't expecting for my privacy to be in jeopardy."
"Really? You're literally a nobody. Zero information can be found on you considering the aftermath of war and all we have is your word. You should've expected this at least to some extent. Now come, your new place to live is going to be a few blocks from here." Fugaku explained as he began to walk. Sasuke followed right behind him. Looking around the compound as they walked, memories of his childhood played out in front of him. It was as if he was seeing holograms of his memories.
The sound of Kunais and shuriken clashing echoed nearby. They were approaching the Uchiha training grounds where Genin and academy students honed their skills. As they walked by Sasuke saw Itachi and who was standing next to him made Sasuke's stomach drop. His mother Mikoto Uchiha, was teaching Itachi since she was a Jonin before she decided to settle down and become a housewife.
Fugaku watched the training sessions for a bit, noting that Mikoto only had to show Itachi something once before he was able to mimic what she did almost exactly on the first time. A smile of approval crept on his face as they continued to walk.
"Alright we're here." Fugaku stopped in front of the house and tossed the keys at Sasuke. "Takashi,…I've put all my chips on bringing you in here. Don't make me be wrong. "Don't worry, you made the right choice." With the keys he caught earlier he entered the two bedroom home. Sasuke entered the home and immediately took off his cloak along with his sword. He sat down on the living room sofa and focused in front of him to create a dimensional portal in front of him. There was no luck, just a dull feeling behind his eye like access was cut off to that jutsu. Sasuke closed both of his eyes and drifted off into slumberland. Tomorrow was a new day.