The bars of the door rolled down and the sign on the glass was flipped on 'closed'. The Senbei shop was the last to close for business in the Uchiha district as the lady fed hungry kittens during the late afternoon. Over the years the district's business was skyrocketing as their standing was now considered more convivial in Konoha thus the Senbei, one of the oldest, was the first to open their doors and last to close them. They wanted to keep up in the race of whose shop was excelling more.
A strange figure headed toward the compound while she was tidying up. Uchiha Uruchi's eyes squinted, crinkling, trying to identify the black figure. Her glasses lay long forgotten on the table inside and she couldn't pinpoint who the person was with their long black cloak fluttering from the wind. If old age had her questioning her sanity, it must've been the grim reaper knocking on her door.
The figure walked past the guards at the entrance with no repercussions or questioning, they bowed to him, and as he got closer she recognized that the tall, broad-shouldered figure wearing a dark cloak was none other than Fugaku's second-born.
Uchiha Sasuke.
A name that struck dread in many, but she only saw the little boy who cheerfully greeted her when coming home from the academy years back. He would buy something from the shop and follow his brother's footsteps like a small duckling. Even if time modified people's souls and wiped out the honest smile on his face, Sasuke still attempted to appear friendly and greeted her briefly.
He saw the woman eyeing the sword attached to his belt, peaking underneath his cloak knowing full well what kind of curiosity it rose in people. He would have refuted the whispers on the street but couldn't.
All the rumors were accurate.
Once he took upon S-class missions, he was out for long periods and the village seemed to have changed. The assignments weren't for the lighthearted and were nowhere near the first one he took as a genin. His new targets made Zabuza look like the candy man. Histasksasked for more time and energy, from someone fast, calculative, and meticulous. Someone like him was unafraid and relentless- only two characteristics stereotypical of his surname.
The moment of his birth the clan elders regarded him as a spare heir. No one would have guessed, that a second-born would become an ultimate game-changer for the clan's political standing and governing. After years of being ostracised from the village and distanced from its inhabitants- the Uchiha finally took their rightful place as its founders.
During the post-war period as each land tried to get back on its feet, Sasuke protected the village as its shadow. Being someone who patrolled from the dark meant ensuring the balanced power in Konoha. There was no clan allowed to overstep their boundary. The world may have changed but the crime rate was sky-rocketing, making their Police Force work overtime much to Uchiha Fugaku's dismay.
The people of Konoha warmed up to the Uchiha ever since the Konoha Elderly Council joined forces with the Police Force and the shocking truth behind the Root's disbandment.
The clan head stood tall as their leader and had yet to step aside for his sons to take over. His exhausted face begged for them to finally settle. With each return to the village, Sasuke noticed the slight changes. He could see a few grey hairs and wrinkles around the dark eyes he inherited from his father. They were dark as the lowest pits of hell and back when he was an academy student he feared each time they gazed into his student report card.
"It took you longer this time, Sasuke. Your mother has been worried."
Even if his muscles ached from exhaustion and he wanted nothing more than to flee towards his house- Sasuke couldn't bear leaving his mother in distress. Fugaku's message translated meant: Mikoto had been nagging him the entire time. His father was a man who may pat him on the back for his cruel methods during a mission but would crumble in front of his wife in private.
Once inside his childhood home Sasuke took off his sword and the black cloak, revealing the Uchiha emblem on his back and the forehead protector hanging from his belt, demonstrating his loyalty to Konoha. The hallway was quiet as ever, now and then, Mikoto would demand grandchildren complaining how the house was too lonely ever since Sasuke stopped playing with his dinosaurs and action figures.
Upon entering the living room, a stunning woman with long black hair beamed at him. For years, she had to stand on her toes to hug her sons. Uchiha Mikoto still stuck to her youthful appearance. Time and time again he had been told, that he had taken after her however his arrogance and temper ruined such a resemblance, and people immediately connected him to Fugaku.
"Welcome home."- Her soft voice chirped before a loud, enthusiastic yelp resounded.
"Happy birthday!"
Uzumaki Naruto, hero, and Hokage candidate entered rubbing his bruised forehead and bouncing on one leg. He grimaced in pain before even congratulating him and Sasuke didn't bother asking why he was limping. The promising Hokage knew how to make an entrance.
Nara Shikamaru followed, face-palming in shame, and wherever the Nara was, Akimichi followed. Soon Choji entered who holding the cake attempted not to think about the delicious-looking chocolate frosting. Sai reluctantly walked in, carrying a book wrapped up as a present, with that faux smile that easily got on everyone's nerves.
"I was kidnapped."- Hyuuga Neji appeared utterly disinterested while dragged by the ever-so-exuberant Rock Lee.
Uchiha Mikoto smiled in glee, loving the sight of her son still obtaining his friendships while Sasuke's eyes raked the room trying not to cringe at the exploding confetti. He showed appreciation but still hated such trivial celebrations and something told him Naruto and his mother had spread the news of his upcoming homecoming for his birthday.
"Today's the 23rd, isn't it?"- He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Yes, now c'mon, stop being a teme! Make a wish and blow the candle."
"Yeah, blow the candle before dickless almost ruins the cake again."
Sasuke did so. No wish was made, he just wanted to get rid of the crowd in his home after a long day of traveling. Their group had get-together parties every once in a while. It became a tradition after fighting toe-to-toe in the war, they wound up being the people he had his first drinks with.
That celebration was the only normalcy the young Uchiha heir could get. If it weren't for his pride, Sasuke would've shown his gratitude for Naruto who managed to keep them all together. But he was prideful so he only nodded and muttered a 'thank you'.
Sasuke's birthday wish was a quiet night and a long shower in his house, still, being such good friends they didn't respect his wishes. The bunch made themselves comfortable in his home and soon enough Itachi followed suit. His brother blended in easily with the annoying crowd. Deep in the night, they sat on the porch, some had already left. Sasuke saw Neji and Sai knocking out Rock Lee who couldn't handle the liquor. The bowl-haired guy decided to practice taijutsu and chopped down two trees in his yard. Nara was fast asleep next to Naruto which left him and his brother.
"Sasuke, wasn't this grandfather's sake?"- Itachi panicked since they were told not to touch those bottles in the basement.
Sasuke shrugged his shoulders and poured himself another cup. "Ain't like the dead can talk. The bottle's as old as Madara."- He replied and took a sip.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while observing the night sky. The house was facing the forest, therefore with the lack of light pollution Sasuke had a great nocturne view. Some childhood habits died hard, even if there were times when the brothers were separated. At five years old, he'd spend nights out with his brother. Sasuke ran a hand through his spiky dark hair and sighed, glancing at Itachi who was deep in thought he nudged him with his elbow.
"You are twenty-five, Sasuke."- Itachi stated the obvious. "That time... No matter what I did, I couldn't prevent it."
"It was my duty to Konoha and the Uchiha."
Their clan had long been considered an offender to Konoha years after the nine-tails attack. To prevent any harm, young Uchiha Itachi made a deal with Lord Fourth and learned the ropes of politics far too soon. He intended to clear their name with a year-long investigation while Sasuke was still at the Academy. As any shinobi would, his brother thought ten steps ahead, wanting to prevent a future of bloodshed and sacrifice in the name of their village.
Itachi's intention was well-planned. His brother thought they'd alter their lives. He didn't want him to grow up fast with the same trauma and burden but in the same way they couldn't fight the curse of their clan, destiny was a fickle thing.
In the end, his younger brother was forced to leave and betray him. The snake sannin had left him a horrid parting gift during the Chunnin exams, completely changing the trajectory of his life. Once the hectic events were over, Sasuke was summoned to the secret underground chamber of the Uchiha temple. A room he thought was only a myth.
He walked through the dark halls under the shrine led by his brother. The dark, leaky hallways mocked them with their impious height. He had never been let inside, and now he understood why. It was the kind of place described in a children's tale where the evil antagonist dwelled. Once upon a time, its long passage with doors leading to various rooms was lit up by torches; now, there was the ceiling lighting there to guide their way.
Once they walked inside the meeting room he saw a throne standing in front of ancient scripture from the Uchiha clan. Now it was modernized with tables and chairs probably utilized only by the most trusted members of their main branch. Sasuke ignored the impressive amount of weaponry and forbidden scrolls. The presence of his father and Lord Fourth was shocking, they appeared to be waiting for him. There was a man in formal wear, his long scarf revealing his high social standing. Sasuke had seen that man with greying hair and a pair of glasses before.
"Welcome, Sasuke."- Naruto's father had always been cordial toward them. His calmness had always been exemplary considering his son's attitude. Yet in that room, even he appeared to be on edge. "This is Homura Mitokado from the Konoha Council."
"Why are we here?"- Sasuke asked immediately leaving no room for formality.
"Orochimaru has been growing an army of his experiments. His fixation on your clan is only another dire matter. We have discussed-"- Homura elaborated but was cut off quickly.
"You want me to infiltrate his lair?"- Sasuke put his hands in his pockets, his pride didn't let him show the nervousness in his trembling hands. Even his father and brother avoided his gaze.
"You are not obliged to accept."- Minato surprised him. "You are a young and inexperienced shinobi."
"But... I am the best for the job and already carry his mark. It will be easy to fool him that I'm blinded by power."
"Your boy catches on quickly, Fugaku-sama."- The elder praised. "Think carefully, boy. That mark you carry will consume you. We hate to admit but studying under that traitor is the only way to obtain control."
"Think carefully, Sasuke."- His father insisted. "You will be considered a traitor to Konoha... and disowned by the clan. Years will go by and you'll still be a missing-nin. A stay at Oto's secret lair isn't for a lighthearted shinobi."
"I agree with Fugaku."- Lord Fourth nodded and the elder who persisted glanced at him with a disapproving look. It was clear to Sasuke that the Council was adamant and had decided for him.
"All you care for, everything you dream of, that mark eating your chakra will take. Think of it as a mission to protect the village and those you love."- For a politician, during a discussion, Mitokado made sure to know his opponent before striking. Uchihas fed on love, it was the core of their Sharingan.
"You don't have to answer now."- Itachi persisted. When his family and Minato attempted to change his mind, the elder council insisted he feign treason.
"I may be out of line... Sasuke, I am referring to you, not as your Hokage but as someone's father... This mission will wind up in a kill-or-be-killed situation... There will be times when you'll question your morality. Are you fully convinced?"
At fourteen, Sasuke understood the only way to hone his skills was on missions away from village grounds. It started with the rivalry between him and Naruto and later was a point of realization- he needed to be more powerful. What he was being served, however, was a death-certain task should he be discovered before obtaining knowledge from the snake sannin. After Orochimaru had punctured his neck with a curse mark, Sasuke was adamant about utilizing and manipulating the snake to his own will. The mission was a chance.
Though, there were many people he'd turn his back on. The chaotic curse of his bloodline was based on bonds formed during his lifetime. Severing those bonds for a Uchiha was a punishment worse than death and falling from grace. His mind raced through all the scenarios. Undoubtedly, if he stayed the seal on his neck would take over one day and become his calamity. Sakura's desperate cry would be a more frequent scene in his life after the Chunin exams and people would crumble around him. All those he cared for.
For the first time in his life, he felt useful. There was no needless comparison to his brother. He was just Sasuke, a shinobi of the Leaf taking on an important assignment to serve the village. Sasuke had a purpose.
"I accept."
Lord Fourth was stunned by his eager answer and his father's stoic expression faltered. For a couple of years, Uchiha Sasuke was deemed the traitor of Konoha and the Uchiha clan until his return when the council cleared his name.
His brother still couldn't get past the self-blame. Even if Sasuke gained the title of a hero, it didn't erase the horrid years of Orochimaru's tutelage. The snake sharpened his ability to massacre a village. He handled it exceptionally well. Nearly ten years later, after a war and hundreds of S-class missions, becoming a spy in Oto left a dark mark on his life and gained him a title in the Bingo Book with the highest bounty on his head.
Nothing compared to the price he paid in the aftermath. Sasuke sank onto the floor his arms slouched over his knee staring into the moon. Once he left, all friendships were cut off, some he barely obtained back, but he never managed to bring back Haruno Sakura.
Circumstances provided that they hardly met and talked tete-a-tete. After the fourth shinobi war, the medic applied to further her studies in Suna, and Sasuke held himself back. Taking on missions, protecting Konoha from its shadows, and staying away from her. Though keeping distances wasn't his biggest strength.
"You got a dumb look on your face again..." Itachi concluded. "Got Sakura on your mind."- Itachi stated, not even questioning his little brother once he saw the ridiculous longing expression.
"Fuck off."- Sasuke grumbled lowering his head just in time to dodge Itachi's fist.
"Good. You're awake."- His brother never stopped teasing him.
"So... You know where she resides, where she works, what she does, but still refuse to act?"
Sasuke didn't want her involved with a Uchiha. She didn't need the intensity of his obsession in her life. Once a Uchiha knew of love, they were addicted, obsessed and God forbid if anyone put a scratch on that person, the world would be burning. Madara and Obito fell victim to such a pattern and a war brewed. Because if she were ever to fall into his grasp, and confess her love like she once did by the gates, he'd completely succumb to the madness.
"Sakura-chan's coming to my wedding."- A drunken voice interrupted their conversation followed by a yawn.
Itachi looked startled when Naruto butted in. Sasuke wasn't surprised. The blonde knucklehead needed a short nap and was renewed as he had never been inebriated.
"She doesn't have a plus-one."- Naruto nudged him again.
"So?"- Sasuke mumbled sounding entirely unbothered.
"She's getting transferred here in Konoha under Tsunade's order."
Sasuke remained silent while Naruto continued revealing information knowing the younger Uchiha would never ask. "She'll be residing in the new apartment complex."
"How do you know all that, dobe?"
"It is my second birthday gift to you, teme. Appreciate it."
They saw him help a yawning Shikamaru to stand, waking up the Nara clan head in the process. "We're off. See ya."- Naruto waved at Itachi.
"Thank me later Sasuke."- The blonde's voice resounded in the quiet district. He saw a few house windows lit up. His friends had woken up a few neighbors.
"Before I go..."- Itachi stood up clumsily and chugged down another glass, staring at the empty bottom of it. His brother was wasted, but his lips curled up into a teasing smirk as if he were completely sober."Did I mention the new building is right across from our district?"
It dawned upon him that keeping his distance was nearly unattainable. Sakura would be within his grasp as some twisted fate intended. Something about Naruto's smug grin told him that the blonde had pulled some strings to keep them closer. Was Naruto clueless and kept adding fuel to the flame? Sasuke wasn't shy of his affections toward the pinkette but only his brother knew the frightening depth of it.
His elder brother remained silent and bid him goodnight, leaving him to his thoughts. Sasuke's body was inflamed, either from the sake of catching up or from the sudden report. Under the shower head in his bathroom, he switched the tap left but even the cold water nipping on his skin didn't settle the turmoil. Quickly he got out, his hands pulled back his hair out of the way so he could shave properly. Being away on a mission for so long, he neglected the growing beard on his jawline and upper lip. As carefully as possible he guided the razor through the white foam on his face.
The pinkette's flushed face appeared in his thoughts. Had a year or two passed already? Her panting, her sweaty body still holding a soft cherry scent, sounds of begging, whimpering, and flesh smacking. Her nails dug holes into the dark motel sheets and her back arched giving him more access to her plump asscheeks while she cried more. Pleasure and pain- Sakura took everything he offered.
Sasuke cursed feeling the stinging pain from his cheek as the razor accidentally dug into his skin leaving a small slash. He cursed his appearance looking like a teenage boy learning the ropes of shaving the barely grown stache. Wiping himself clean, he ignored the growing tent under his towel. All his blood rushed down his body every time he recalled what transpired that night.
She was his midnight thought, she and her clueless self. While Sasuke bashed his golden restraint after leaving her that night with a note, Sakura denied ever begging him to take her virginity. She denied ever encountering him in that forest and spending the night and evaded any conversation regarding it.
The same way Sasuke denied torturing a man for coming onto her a year back or keeping tabs on her whereabouts. The less she knew the better.
The liquor took over his tired body and Sasuke finally sprawled down on his bed, he opened the drawer on the nightstand taking out an envelope. His fingers took out the latest pictures: Haruno Sakura was glowing, catching up with the medical staff during a break. His heart settled to see her healthy and smiling, he noticed she had changed her hairstyle for now it was reaching the middle of her back and his hands itched to touch those silky pink strands.
He used his arm as a pillow ignoring the numb pain in his strained bicep while his dark gaze remained fixated on the Polaroids he was holding like a fan of cards. He decided to keep her beaming happily like that, the pinkette mustn't know of his threatening aura directed at her admirers. Sakura must never discover why her last attempt at a love life made a stupid excuse and left her stranded. That discovery will unveil Sasuke's unhealthy obsession and addiction. It would only become an obstacle in his plans.