2This is an old fic. I have re-written this but this was first started before I had seen the fight between Kakashi and Itachi & Kisame. At the time I didn't know much about the show … and some of the chapters may reflect that.
I might not re-write all the chapters … but I will clean them up. I have 7 or 8 chaps, and I will post them when I find them.
Warning/Disclaimer I do not own any of the Naruto characters. Also this story might contain boy x boy, so if you are uncomfortable about this then do not read.
Possible parings- Sasuke/Naruto …
There is Orochimaru/Sasuke content- later chapters.
Sorry for any out of charater
On with the story!
Thoughts
It was a cold day; wind was slicing through the air. The tress blowing, leaves whirling this way and that. It was early morning and not many people were up except Sasuke Uchiha was. Sasuke was not a person who could just sleep the day away; he preferred to be up and about doing something, more preferably training. His favorite thing to do was to go for walks, he didn't talk much and he preferred to be left alone.
Sasuke sat there wide-awake in his bed, lost in his thoughts.
Things have been happening so fast. What was going to happen now?
He didn't know the details but things were a mess ever since the attack.
All the adults …they spoke worryingly, but why exactly? … Sure the Hokage had been killed among others but it was over … wasn't it? …Or was it because of… He wondered.
After all Gema did mention him. Was it possible …? Could everything that has happened be his fault? But it had to be him it was the only thing that made sense … After all the sand ninja had been part of it and Baki couldn't have called the shots … those ninja, the sound, they knew the village extremely well, and so it had to be… Orochimaru. Well the one responsible for sand aligning themselves with sound and the Hokage's death.
… What did he want?
Was it just to kill the Hokage or is there more to it? Sasuke didn't know. Where did he fit into all of this…why had he put this curse mark on him…why?
What purpose?
Kakashi said to never let it gain control; it was obvious Kakashi had dealings with the curse mark before. But … how? Better yet … who else had 'this' mark? … It didn't really matter, one way or another, this Orochimaru business was not going to get in his way.
He had to focus on… Itachi. On tracking him down, he was sure he was capable. (He had the chidori as well as his sharigan as well as the cursed mark; should he really need it) So the only thing left to do now was to find him. But how to do that? With everything going on how could he possible look for him? Kakashi kept an eye on him, and it wasn't just Kakashi but practically everyone. (He was exaggerating a bit) So how…what should he do? It wasn't like Itachi would come to him … at least not anytime soon.
… And about being spied on …
Asking Kakashi wouldn't get him anywhere. He wouldn't tell him. Which was irritating, he had the right to know why he had ninja fallowing him around. Knowing Kakashi though, he'd probable just say it was just a precaution. The Village was just attacked and all …
He could try to leave the Village … doing that would brand him as a traitor though … And he wouldn't be able to get a solo mission ... And even if he was willing to be labeled a traitor, he was being watched to such a degree that he practically didn't have privacy.
Unless …
Unless someone covered for him, created a diversion; a very good one. Perhaps Sakura? She might. She had a crush on him, since the Academy; maybe even longer. And no matter what he said or didn't say she still held those feelings for him. If he asked her, he was sure she'd do it.
…
She might be able to pull it off, but keeping quiet about it was another story.
Sasuke's fists clenched around his blue blanket in irritation, his eyes closed. Letting out a breath of air, his features relaxed and he once again concentrated on his thoughts.
Excluding Sakura, there was always Naruto. Despite being loud and the two of them not being on the best of terms, Naruto might be willing to do it. Sasuke was sure he wouldn't have to worry as much about him keeping quite. Where Sakura might blow things in a few hours Naruto might last a few days. That would be enough time to get a good enough distance away from the borders of Fire.
But … could he really trust Naruto? Could he really trust Naruto not to take it the wrong way?
If Naruto understood what his actions would do then for sure Naruto would be against it. But he could always explain a little … just enough that even Naruto understood somewhat (No one would ever understand) why he wanted … needed to leave. Needed to find Itachi.
An annoying 'buzzing' sound cut through the quite of the lone house. Blinking Sasuke reached out a hand and with one finger pressed the off button on his alarm clock.
Sighing the raven haired Uchiha tossed his blanket off and stood, popping some joints in the process. After getting dressed, he exited his room without a backwards glance.
Perhaps a walk will help …
The crisp cool air blew ruffling the trees and flowers. The sun had just risen and no one was around.
He aimlessly walked not a pacific destination in mind. As he walked his mind went over what to do? He stopped atop the small red bridge and pulled himself up so that he was sitting on the rails.
~88~
Not far away in a small house a yawn issued from under the covers as Naruto a boy with short spiky yellow hair emerged. He glanced at his alarm clock to find that it was just barely past 6:00.
Naruto found it strange that he'd woken up without his alarm going off. In his own home he usually didn't have a problem sleeping deeply.
He supposed he was just restless from everything that had happened. The old man's death, the fight with Gaara and then the aftermath ….
He had been worried about Sasuke when he had been told what was happening by Sakura. So majorly worried, almost frantic that they wouldn't make it in time. Even though he knew (grudgingly) that Sasuke was extremely good at fighting (Not that he'd ever say that aloud) and that he could take care of himself but it was three against one. At first he had been angry that Sasuke had rushed in…
It made him want to pound Sasuke for rushing in like that. It was like he wasn't even thinking!
And to make things worse…if he and Sakura hadn't arrived when they had Sasuke would probably have been…killed. It scared him just to think about it…
The blond let out a sigh as his thoughts kept swirling.
Glancing again at his clock Naruto decide it was best to get up seeing as there was no way he could go back to sleep. His mind was too worried and frustrated. Reaching a hand to his alarm clock, he switched it off. Bringing up his hand to his mouth he covered it as he yawned. While his free hand pulled of his night cap and then proceeded to yank the blanket off him.
Once successfully free from his blanket, he stood and rubbed slowly at his eyes before going about getting dressed for the day.
His thoughts coming back in full as his mind became more awake Naruto decided that a walk would help clear it.
Once ready in his orange outfit he locked up and headed out into the cool crisp morning air.
He aimlessly walked, his eyes focused on the ground. After about ten minutes (I have no clue how close or far that bridge is to Naruto's) the small red bridge came into view. The one where the members of team seven would meet for missions and group meetings. And usually where they all parted ways. He walked slowly and quietly up the bridge thinking, his thoughts more focused on Sasuke than anything.
Feeling that he wasn't alone Naruto glanced up and spotted the Uchiha that was filling his thoughts.
Letting out a slow breath of air Naruto made his way to the Uchiha until he was right next to him.
"Uh …Hey."
The black haired raven scoffed, keeping his attention forward, "Dobe." Out of the corner of his eye he noted Naruto frown slightly before continuing, "What are you doing up this early?"
Slightly shocked that Sasuke had actually spoken to him in a decent manner he was momentarily stunned. Coming to his senses Naruto replied, "I just couldn't sleep … so I decided to go for a walk."
"Hn." Was the black haired boys replay.
Naruto looked away from his stony teammate to the sky, noting a few clouds but not enough that it would likely rain. He turned his attention back to the other boy as he spoke up.
"You couldn't sleep, why something wrong?" Sasuke sounded a tad like he actually cared.
"No. Nothing's wrong …" Naruto sighed heavily before continuing. "I just have a lot on my mind is all."
"Hn." Was the Uchiha's usual reply to most things.
Naruto looked Sasuke over; he was wearing his blue shirt with his white pants. To Naruto it seemed that Sasuke had a lot on his mind as well
"Hey Sasuke … what do think is going to happen know that the … the Hokage's …dead?"
Naruto watched as Sasuke turned to look at him "They will probably find someone who can take his place." His tone saying it should be obvious.
Frowning the blonde's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Well I kind a figured that. What I meant was what about who killed him?" Sure he knew he wasn't that smart but Sasuke had made it sound like he was too stupid to know that when the Village leader dies a new one has to take his place. (Not that he is stupid)
"I don't know Naruto."
Sauske's voice took on a slightly different tone; an obvious sign that he was getting irritated. Naruto inwardly sighed; he hadn't even asked more than one question.
"Listen Sasuke -" Naruto didn't get the chance to finish as Sasuske interrupted him.
"Just shut up Naruto! You're asking questions that I do not have the answers to and you are starting to annoy me." Sasuke all but yelled.
He'd only asked one question …
Angrily Naruto bit out "Look Sauske I'm just concerned is all, so you don't have to snap at me!"
Sasuke gave Naruto a withering glare, "Well you shouldn't be. It's not like it has anything to do with you."
Naruto glared at the other, fists clenched.
Why did Sasuke have to be so uptight all the time? He was always pushing people away. But why did it hurt so much when Sasuke refused to tell him, to talk and confide in him, he didn't know why but it just hurt so much and that made him upset. He stared at the ground trying to will away the few tears that welled up in his eyes. Yelling at Sasuke wasn't going to get him anywhere.
Sasuke closed his eyes, his forehead creasing slightly as he frowned. Why did Naruto have to always butt into things that wasn't his business.
Calming down, the Uchiha opened his eyes while unclenching his fits. He turned his head to glance at the oddly silent blonde, who was staring fixatedly at the ground. Looking a tad closer it looked like Naruto was about to cry. Whether that was the case or not, Sasuke didn't want to deal with a crying blonde.
Sighing rather heavily the Uchiha shifted slightly before uttering, "Look Naruto, I didn't …" Sasuke trailed off, scoffing lightly; ideally wondering what he was doing before wiling himself to continue. "I didn't mean to snap at you it's just I…guess I do have a lot on my mind, and I just don't know what to do." Inwardly Sasuke cringed, that sounded so sugary …
Naruto's breath caught his heart; oddly enough skipped a beat at the fact that Sasuke had basically given him an explanation.
A small simile formed on Naruto's face, "What are you thinking about that you don't know what to do?"
The Uchiha glanced at the blond, his feature smooth and rather unreadable, "Things …" Steeling his nerves the raven haired male continued, "I want to leave the Village … but- "
" … But?" Naruto prompted.
To Sasuke's shock the angered explosion a part of him expected didn't happen. Yet.
"Kakashi is keeping an eye on me and there's something that I need to do. That I 'have' to do."
Naruto stared at the black haired male for a few quite moments before calmly voicing, "You want to leave the village … what could possibly be that important…" Naruto stopped as he recalled something.
~Flashback~
"For me this is something far more than just an exam, whether I become a chunin or not means less than nothing to me."
~End Flashback~ (Not much of one)
Naruto stated slowly, almost unsurely "This is about your brother isn't it?"
Sasuke looked up slight shock written on his face; while a part of him felt hatred bubble up at the mention of his once brother.
Naruto simply uttered "Why?" Ignoring the other's shock in favor of learning the others reason. Under different circumstances Naruto would have been thrilled at the emotion the Uchiha displayed and promptly rubbed it in his face.
"And here I thought you had a short memory span, I had forgotten that I mentioned him to you." Sasuke stated after schooling his features and making sure his voice was level.
"You didn't answer my question."
"It's none of your business, so butt out."
"If I recall correctly Sasuke." Naruto gritted out. "You basically said you hated your brother, so why do you want to find him?" Naruto was slightly mad. Is Sasuke nuts or something, if he hates his brother then why does he want to find him? Also quite irritated at the other's attitude.
Just as he was about to voice something else to his stony teammate a memory popped into his head.
~ Flashback ~
"He's still out there…my brother…I promised myself…that I would stay alive….until I killed him…"
~ End Flashback ~
That's right! Naruto thought with wide eyes, happy that he'd not forgotten but worried.
They were family. Why would Sasuke want to kill the only family he has left?
Not waiting any longer for a replay Naruto shouted, "You want to kill him!" He was so furious he grabbed onto Sasuke's shirt pulling him off the bridges rails so that their faces were mere inches away.
"How could you! He's your family! Your brother and you want to kill him!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed dangerously as he replied coldly "It's none of your business Naruto!" The Uchiha snarled, dangerously close to hitting the blonde.
"I have a right to know Sasuke and you better tell me!" Naruto voice was getting louder.
Angrily Sasuke flung Naruto's arms off him and stated in as calm a voice as he could "You do not have any right whatsoever, so butt out!"
"No! You tell me Sasuke! You tell me unless you want Kakashi Sensei to hear about this!" Though in the back of his head Naruto was sure that Kakashi knew a lot more than he did.
"What makes you think he'll believe you?" Sasuke throughout, even though he knew Kakashi as well as most older shinobi knew of his want for revenge and why.
"You want to find out then go ahead don't tell me but I promise you I will tell him." Sasuke scoffed, Naruto's threat meant little.
"Just shut up Naruto, this has nothing to do with you!"
"Sure it does." Sasuke's brow rose.
"How so?"
"Because we're a team and I only want to know why you would want to kill your brother, he's the only family you have left!"
Sasuke stared at him silently. The anger inside him slowly dying down. Sasuke knew that telling Naruto 'something' might help him in the long run.
The Uchiha stared at their feet for a few moments as Naruto worked on breathing calmly.
"Why Sasuke …your entire clan was wiped out why would you want to kill the last person of your clan? Then … you'll truly be alone."
Sasuke's eyes snapped up and locked with blue.
Alone …
Naruto was an 'idiot'. He was already alone.
"You just don't get it Naruto." Sasuke stated quietly.
Naruto continued to bore his eyes into the Uchihas, after a few minutes passed Naruto was about to try something else when the other spoke up.
"I didn't always hate him … in fact I use to look up to him."
Naruto held his breath as Sasuke spoke. His heart pounding like crazy; his mind wishing, wanting to understand.
"Then…" Naruto said slowly.
Sasuke clenched his fits tightly, enough to cause his fingernails to tear the skin and bleed lightly.
"I can't forgive him for what he did, and no matter what I will always hate him. And I will never stop till I kill him." His eyes showing that his words were a promise.
"Why? Why do you hate him! What did he do for you to hate him so much that you want to kill him?" Naruto rapidly replied.
Looking up then glancing to the side Sasuke spoke lowly, "He killed them."
What…
Naruto looked up his eyes going wide. His heart clenching tightly and his thoughts focusing solely on those three words.
Naruto chocked out a low "Who?"
Silence stretched, in the distance birds chirped and the wind blew. After a few tense minutes Sasuke's eyes narrowed darkly and he gritted out with hatred and bitterness, "My entire clan, he slaughtered everyone except for me." Deep inside sadness welled up and he scoffed at the feeling.
Naruto spluttered. Horror welling up inside of him as the words processed. He felt slightly queasy, as he clenched his stomach.
… His brother killed the clan?
Anger slowly welled up inside of Naruto, anger towards Sasuke's brother. He felt his heart turn slightly; he wanted to comfort Sasuke but knew that wasn't what the Uchiha wanted. He felt like crying knowing that even if that 'was' what Sasuke wanted; he'd push Naruto away.
"Sasuke … why?" The main thing his brain was focusing on and he wanted to squish the thought of not knowing.
"Just leave it Naruto, forget about it."
Inwardly Sasuke cursed at telling Naruto 'anything' but opted to forget about it since it wasn't that much information. It was also common knowledge to most, if not all adults.
Looking around slightly, Sasuke noted it was getting later in the day, his attention focused on the non-ranting blonde to note the odd look on his face. Deciding that he really didn't care, Sasuke opted to take his leave.
Turning away from the blond, gaining the others attention, "Look Naruto just keep this to yourself, don't tell anyone else." What Sasuke was more concerned about was Naruto telling Sakura.
Naruto made a small noise of protest before huffing angrily, "Fine."
And watched as Sasuke took off.
~ That's the end~
The numbers are just spacers … They are not important.
Review if you wish. They will be appreciated.
