Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Part one:

Chapter 1:  A Bright Spot.

Naruto kept replaying the sound in his head- over and over again. It reverberated through his skull, fundamentally changing something up there. He had never heard him laugh before. Not like this at least. And only once before. It was a soft, raspy thing as if his vocal cords were unused to producing such a joyful sound. Ridiculously, he wished he could bottle it up. So, when they asked him why he went so far for his dark-haired friend, he’d play it to them. Yet, the thought of anyone hearing Sasuke’s laughter or seeing the expression that crossed that stupid pretty boy face of his made an ugly feeling twist in his stomach. His feelings for his best friend had always been confusing.

Pushing the turbulent emotions running through him to the back of his mind, he turned to the right. Sasuke was unconscious again. If it were not for the rise and fall of his chest Naruto kept tracking every few moments, he’d be more panicked. Both of them had severe bruises littered over their bodies- the entire landscape destroyed around them. Destruction followed in the wake of their battle. Naruto’s right arm had felt like it was going to explode when his rasengun met Sasuke’s chidori. Painful jitters of electricity were still coursing through it. He found himself thankful that his arm was not destroyed, the sun seal resting on his palm had not stopped pulsing. It was as if he could feel Sasuke’s heartbeat through it.

A physical representation of the connection between him and the boy he had been chasing for what felt like an eternity.

Sasuke’s own left arm was a bit more mangled than Naruto’s. Guilt tore through him. The act of hurting Sasuke worse than hurting himself.

Their conversation ran through his mind. Sasuke had agreed to try. It almost felt surreal. Despite everything, all the pain and chaos, seeing that tear track down his friend’s face as he turned his head away, made every hardship worth it.. The laughter and tears proving what he already knew. That Sasuke had been waiting for Naruto to save him. 

And he finally did it. 

A shaky exhale left him. He wished he could see the ninja’s face. But Sasuke had drifted off soon after the tears started falling. He wondered if they were going to die anyway. If the blood pouring out of the deep gash in his stomach would steal him away. A gash caused by Sasuke’s chokuto. His eyes were drawn to the wound he inflicted on Sasuke- between his ribs- on his right side.  

Would they meet death together? 

The thought brought a strange peace to him. It always had. Greeting the shinigami with Sasuke had always been the only way he saw himself dying. When news of his friends trying to kill Sasuke reached him, death by his side was something he imagined during his loneliest nights, a sort of reprieve that they’d be together in the afterlife at least. 

His morbid thoughts were curbed by the flashes of all the people counting on him- Granny Tsunade, Sakura, Kakashi-sensei, Iruka-sensei- and so much more came to mind. 

He knocked his own head hard against the demolished statue below him- remembering they still needed to undo the genjutsu. Naruto tried to move again, but it felt impossible, pain tearing through his body. He looked down between them, Sasuke’s hand resting limply at his side. Gulping, the seal pulsed harder as he reached forward, their blood was spilled between them, intermingled. Reaching with his forefinger and middle finger- his fingers forming the famous tiger sign. Nervousness flooded through him when his fingers touched Sasuke’s hand, electricity that had nothing to do with the aftereffects of the slumbering boy's chidori tingled up his arm.  

His heart thud loudly in his chest, despite how he had poured all his affection out to Sasuke earlier, this act seemed forbidden still. Something they never seemed to reach. It felt like too much. Memories from a failed past made him hesitate and he began pulling away, but Sasuke’s hand suddenly moved. Pale fingers clenched around his own two tanned ones.  

Naruto’s eyes snapped up to find Sasuke looking at him through half-lidded eyes, mismatched and more piercing than ever. His eyelashes were long, thick and casting shadows on high cheekbones. They said nothing. Naruto just wrapped his fingers tighter around Sasuke’s- their seals acting as a gateway to each other's emotions the closer they got to touching. What would happen if he pressed the golden blaze of his sun-seal to the silvery glimmer of Sasuke's moon-seal? He was tempted. The closer their seals got, the clearer his dark-haired friend's emotions became.

But-

That was one line he would not cross without Sasuke's permission. He didn't need to. He was already living in a reality he had only ever dreamed of.

Finally touching Sasuke, not to hurt, but just to feel felt unbelievable. It was a pity they had to destroy each other to get here. 

He kept his own tears at bay, blinking rapidly. Giving up on him, Sasuke Uchiha, had never ever been an option.

Not. For. One. Fucking. Second. 

His friend drifted off again and Naruto followed- exhausted but the happiest he has been in years. The unison sign formed between their bodies, resting on their fallen blood. 

Sakura found them soon after, supported by Kakashi, on shaky legs. The genjutsu Sasuke had placed her under, feeling all too real. Teacher and student landed on the ground near the two boys who were on the brink of death.  

One closer than the other. Sasuke’s pulse was extremely weak, her fingers pressed harder into his neck and then wrist, eyes noting the way his skin seemed to have torn apart along his left arm. It’d scar. Both boys were out cold. Sakura wished she could tuck them both away into a warm corner of the world where they could heal and rest. But the world was still a horror movie with bodies wrapped up and hanging from that damn tree.

Motionless. 

They needed to be awake enough to stop it. 

She decided to start with Naruto. Her teacher was putting pressure on the wound on Sasuke’s ribs- trying to stop the bleeding. 

“Sasuke needs attention as soon as possible.” He spoke- both of them aware that Kurama’s chakra will keep Naruto hanging on. She pursed her lips at his words. Of course, she knew that. Her heart clenched when she threw a look at Sasuke, looking less menacing and gentler than she’d seen him since before he left Konoha.  

He was the boy she loved. The only one she ever had. She dedicated her heart and soul to him.  

Naruto though, was her best friend. It was always the two of them. Naruto and Sakura. When everything else changed, they never did. Sakura may be in love with Sasuke, but Naruto was her family. He came first.  

“I’m just stabilising Naruto.” Sakura said, eyes tracking all the damage the boy she loved did to the one who was like her brother. Kakashi sighed from behind her, as if he had read her mind.

“There is no stabilising Naruto if Sasuke doesn’t make it.” There was no displeasure in Kakashi’s tone. He was stating a fact. 

A bitter laugh escaped her. That was true. There is no world where Sasuke dies, and Naruto doesn’t follow- whether physically or mentally. Her two teammates bound in a manner she could never comprehend no matter how hard she tried to. Chasing after their shadows. She thought she finally caught up. And then they’d left her in the dust again. Sasuke left her, ignored her and chose Naruto. But, had she ever been an option? At least, a thought?

Was it their tragic childhood that bound them so tightly? Did I ever stand a chance of understanding either one of them?  

Even though her thoughts were a whirlwind, her hands worked meticulously. Chakra glowing a soothing green, eyes laser focused on her task. Working on Sasuke next, she closed his wounds enough so he would not lose any more blood. He looked translucent.   

Once they were both stabilised, and healed to the best of her abilities, they moved them. Kakashi carrying Naruto on his back while Sakura carried Sasuke in her arms. If only the feared Sasuke Uchiha was awake to see the girl he called annoying at every turn, carrying him much like a princess in her arms. It made her giggle, her teacher smiling in response, aware of the girl’s thoughts. It was a lively sound compared to the death around them. 

They both avoided looking at the tree. 

They found a cave. Not wanting to be far from the battlefield. It felt wrong. Sakura made a fire while Kakashi went to hunt for food. He came back complaining about how eerie it was that even the fish were under genjutsu. They looked skeptically at their fish before deciding they had no other option. She attempted to make a broth afterwards and feed Naruto and Sasuke as much as she could. It reminded her of all those years ago, in the forests of death when she thought that nothing could ever separate them after surviving that death trap. 

The next day, she found a river and washed herself off, contemplating whether she should scourge a small village for some clothing before deciding against it. The act seemed reprehensible. Wiping the dirt off Naruto’s face, she marveled at how young he looked. Seventeen only two days ago. His tears as he bid his father goodbye at the forefront of her mind. Her mind traveled to her own father, and she prayed she would not come to know her friend’s pain anytime soon. 

Kakashi, apparently had no problem stealing and came back with decent food. Of course, she yelled at him for it before giving in. They sat side by side. The only people in the world conscious right now. Sakura forced thoughts of her mother and father into that little box in her mind. If she did not, she would fall and shatter. 

“Let’s hope they actually resolved everything before getting knocked out like this. Last thing we need is Sasuke still trying to kill Naruto.” His tone was light, trying to add sound to the stifling silence. Sakura found it hard to talk. 

“I don’t know what I’d do if he wakes up with murder still on his mind.” It was a lie.  

She’d kill him herself. It would be an obligation at that point. It would kill her inside, and change her forever but for Naruto, she'd do it. For Naruto and for the world.

They both just sat there and watched them. 

God, she was so tired. Sleep plagued with dead bodies across an entire field. Neji’s cold, lifeless body and Rock lee’s screams haunted her, a cruel nightmare. And then she woke up to another one, bodies wrapped in cloth. Bodies that belonged to her friends, to her mentor, to her parents. 

Sometimes she would hide somewhere just to cry. Kakashi said nothing when she came back with red-rimmed eyes. But he’d sit closer, their shoulders touching. It made her feel better, unknotted the string of anxiety in her chest. When she was younger, everything felt like it’d be okay because her teacher was there. And now, at age seventeen, it felt like that too. Her teacher was right here and if these boys don’t wake up, they’ll figure something out together.

Fortunately, they did not have to. 

By the third day, after another healing session- Naruto woke up. Blue eyes opened with a wince. It was as if she had a massive boulder on her shoulders and suddenly, it lifted. A glimmer of sunlight cut through the darkness she had felt shrouded in for days.

“Where is Sasuke?” He asked groggily as she combed his hair back, tears falling and hugging him tightly. A small, startled sound left her blonde teammate at the strength in Sakura's embrace. But she didn't care as sobs left her. She clung to her best friend who she had worried she may never see again.

Stupid, precious boy.

He looked to the side and saw their former teammate. She could feel the tension leave his body. Sakura guided him up, giving him water and then doing a check-up once she managed to get herself under control.

Kakashi knocked him lightly on the head when he came in, somehow managing to smile although he was wearing that mask. 

“Glad you’re awake, kiddo.” was all he said. As if he had not been watching these boys like a hawk as well. 

“Glad to be back!” He grinned, wide and bright. Kakashi filled Naruto in. He was pragmatic, going over the horrifying details with a stoic demeanor that only came with years of working as a ninja. She watched Naruto's face grow more horrified by the second. 

“So, we’ve been out for three days?” Naruto yelled a little- eyes wide. 

“Don’t shout.” She chided. 

“That means- the people-” 

“Their chakra has been getting drained the entire time.” Kakashi finished for him.  

“Shit.” 

“Yup.” Sakura pursed her lips, not wanting to think of the people who have a limited amount of chakra. Of civilians. Of her parents. Of what happens when that chakra was drained completely. 

Naruto glanced at Sasuke again, his hands clenching at his side. He was healing nicely but still very much injured. He’d have to be submitted as soon as the world turned back to normal. 

“More importantly, Sasuke-” 

“He is back.” Naruto cut off Kakashi now, lips thin and eyes determined. Sakura’s breath hitched. 

“Are you sure?” It was hard to believe. In fact, she did not believe it. She hated to admit it but a part of her had accepted that they may never pull Sasuke away from the darkness he willingly flung himself in every time. Maybe that was the problem. Because it had never been 'they'. They had never been capable of pulling Sasuke away from anything. Ever since Sasuke had left, it had only ever been Naruto who could push past the wall he had put between himself and team seven when he decided they walked different paths.

“Yes!” He exclaimed, as if he believed it without a single doubt. Here Naruto was, recovering from the damage Sasuke had inflicted on him, and still, he believed in their dark-haired friend with such blinding conviction. 

“Naruto, we need to be prepared if he is still volatile.” Kakashi stated, all three of them staring at the slumbering boy now. Beautiful as always, even when he barely escaped death. It was a deceiving sort of beauty.

“Well, he isn’t! He is back! He- he's okay now." Naruto paused, licked his lips and rephrased himself. "Actually, not too sure if he’s okay but he won’t be trying to kill me or you guys anymore.” He reached out and lightly touched Sasuke’s arm. He then brought his arm back and looked at the sun-seal he had on his hand. It was glowing, the light searing in the tiny cave. Silence engulfed them. 

“What if he doesn’t wake up in time?” Sakura said, wondering how many have already died due to chakra depletion. 

“He will.” And Naruto said it with that same conviction. The way he said he would become Hokage. The way he said he would save Sasuke. Sakura had no choice but to believe him. 

Kakashi went to hunt. Sakura started the fire again. Naruto watched Sasuke. 

At night, Sakura slept closer to Naruto. They curled towards one another. It was easier. Sleeping was easier now that Naruto was awake. Better than that, being awake was easier now than Naruto was there to fill the space around them with hope. 

It was the sixth day when Sasuke finally woke up. 

Those three days with Naruto awake had been challenging. Getting him to stay and rest became an everyday fight. On the last day, she let him go scavenge for food with Kakashi and he came back with teary eyes. It had been a while since he’d seen what had happened to the world. Naruto and Sasuke’s battle only prolonged this entire situation, most likely causing more deaths. She wondered if Naruto thought about it. 

No, she knew he did. She wished she could wash away his guilt. But he was guilty. So was she. So was Sasuke. They were guilty of refusing to let go of the dark-haired boy who promised ruin. Sasuke was guilty of always choosing violence without ever thinking of the repercussions.

As if Sasuke could sense Naruto’s distress after he’d gone outside the cave, he woke up. Sharingun spinning when he realised he was not alone, startling Sakura. Stumbling back, she prepared herself for any hint of genjutsu. Naruto had no such reservations, with the limp he still had, he crawled over to Sasuke. 

“Sasuke.” He breathed out, tears hitting the paler boy’s face. No grimace or hint of irritation from Sasuke. They stared and once again, she felt as if she was intruding. This scene felt intimate. Something nagged at her. A puzzle piece she was meant to put together.

Kakashi came in and it broke the weird tension. 

“Uh, he’s up and nobody has died. Perfect.” 

“Kakashi-sensei!” Sakura scolded but he waved her off. 

“We need to break the infinite tsukiyomi now.” It was Sasuke that said that, voice monotone but hoarse. His business-like tone got them into motion.

Sakura healed him enough so he could sit up, eyes trained on his shoulder. It was difficult looking into his eyes He was supported by her as they walked outside the cave. Kakashi walked close incase Naruto fainted again. Sasuke went immediately into ninja mode. Nobody spoke about what was in the air.  

The members of team seven looked at the sight before them. The quiet was chilling. The tree of life dangling the bodies of people they knew. People they loved. A gulp formed in her throat. 

“You ready, Sasuke?” Naruto asked and the boy nodded, mouth down turned at the inhuman sight. Their hands, the ones with the seals on, reached for each other. Even though Sasuke was physically leaning on her, it was as if she was not there. Their eyes locked, and they spoke without sound. Together, they formed the rat sign. Their eyes closed, a shudder running through both of their bodies. Sakura could feel it echo into her from Sasuke.  

A beat. 

Then their chakra materialised. 

Kakashi and Sakura watched with rapt attention, as Naruto’s chakra flitted around him and Sasuke’s mimic it. Red scurried along Naruto’s body and Sasuke’s coiled, purple around him. It then reached to where their hands were connected, Sasuke’s pale fingers- thinner than Naruto’s- wrapped and covered Naruto’s index and middle finger. Their chakra intermingled, circling each other, forming two halves of a circle. Curving where the halves met, hovering centimeters above their hands. 

It looked like Yin and Yang. She recognised it from the books she would pour over late at night, studying the nature of chakra and its basis. The academic in her was fascinated by it, seeing the symbol that represented these two energies liven up an otherwise dead world. Sasuke’s chakra formed the Yin and Naruto’s formed the Yang. It glowed, alive and breathtaking.  

Naruto and Sasuke’s eyes opened. 

Then the symbol dissipated, and chakra rushed down their bodies and into the earth- overflowing as if the earth was absorbing it. They all watched in amazement as it seemed to rush across every bit of land they could see- red and purple. Tangled together and breathing life into the world. Everywhere, their chakra began swirling, warm like the sun and the other, cool like the night air. She could not think. It seemed none of them could, all shocked by the scene they were witnessing. The colours were vibrant. It began swirling upwards, like clouds of smoke, towards the sky- painting an eerie world into something beating.  

Her skin prickled, goosebumps across her body. 

Everything eclipsed, and the sky was a magenta colour. Only for a blindingly beautiful moment. Before that blood-stained moon, slowly faded to the beautiful white she once knew. And the sky became night again. Stars sparkling. She did not know she would miss the stars as much as she did. 

The two boys were breathing heavily. Sasuke especially.  

The tree of life began wilting and the wrappings unraveling.  

Sakura looked to Naruto from where he knelt on the ground, tears flowing down her face- her grip tightened subconsciously around Sasuke’s waist. Naruto’s expression mimicked hers. While Kakashi and Sasuke were impassive as always. It felt like nothing had changed. 

They were team seven once again, twelve years old and fighting foes together. 

But, everything had changed. Sakura was stronger than that twelve-year-old girl ever thought she’d be. Achieving something that always seemed a distant dream. From on top, they watched their comrades come to life again. 

Finally, she’d get to go home. 

... 

They both collapsed soon after. Sasuke first and then Naruto. 

They never could let her be worry free for too long. 

Never had Kakashi Hatake ever wanted to be the Hokage.  

Him? 

A role model and leader for the village? It was laughable. He should have turned them down. Should have told them to find someone else. Someone with hand’s less soaked in blood. 

But the only other person they’d choose was Naruto and well- 

He was still so young. Kakashi had failed to protect many people he cared about. He was determined to not let that extend to Naruto and Sakura. Obito flashed in his mind, and he knew what he had to do. Sometimes what we wanted no longer mattered. Sometimes it was about what we owed to people. So, he took on the mantle and all the responsibilities that came with it, determined to try his best at this whole leadership thing. 

And he still managed to read Icha Icha: makeout tactics so it honestly wasn’t all bad. 

Besides the fact that Naruto now thinks Kakashi can just make international criminal offences go away.  

“You can’t let them drag him away the second he wakes up.” Naruto angrily hissed, for the eighth time that day. They were at the hospital. The person they spoke of, in a coma-like state a few feet away. Naruto had woken up first. And then kicked up a storm until they allowed him to room with Sasuke when he heard his friend was once again, still unconscious. They sedated him a few times but by the fourth time, when he woke up again, relentless in his pursuit- they gave up. All his antics were setting his healing progress back. Tsunade had almost murdered the boy.

“I will do my best-” 

“Your best is making sure that Sasuke stays out of prison!” Naruto waved his arms around, glancing at Sasuke every few seconds. Naruto was in hospital clothing, all bandaged up. Like this, he looked like the kid he was, bright and full of life. 

I was younger than him when I worked in the Anbu.  

It was odd. To think about how young he truly was when he had joined an organisation trained to be killing weapons.

“Naruto, I can hear you from outside!” Sakura came in with a bang- hair up and medical coat on, clipboard in hand. It had been two weeks since they released the genjutsu that had almost destroyed the world, and she was already so well put together. She had become an amazing young lady. Sometimes he forgot that she too, was a kid. 

He thought about how she was yelling as loud as Naruto. It brought relief. Those six days spent waiting on Naruto and Sasuke had slowly diminished the girl’s spirit. A haunted look had occupied her eyes. It was still there. War does that to people. But so was that sparkle of life again. Her parents had suffered greatly but were thankfully alive. Despite all that, she was working hard at the hospital, prioritising her duties in a way a younger her would have been unable to do. 

“Sakura!” Grinned the blonde-haired boy, saying her name with that same childish adoration he had when they were eleven. “Your hair looks so pretty tied up like that!” He complimented and she rolled her eyes, coming to check some vitals. A professional first. 

“I hope you’re not bothering my patients Kakashi-sensei.” Sakura stated, jotting something down. 

“I was just telling Kakashi-sensei that he can’t let the elders throw Sasuke in a prison the minute he wakes up.” The jotting paused. She glanced at Naruto before looking back to Kakashi. She agreed with Naruto. Of course, she did. The two supported each other always.  

“My patients will stay under my care until I discharge them.” Her tone reminded Kakashi of Tsunade-sama.

He huffed in response. 

“Look at you two, bullying your teacher, the Sixth Hokage.” He put emphasis on the last word and watched Naruto’s face screw up.  

“I still don’t get why you’re Hokage of all people.” He grumbled, crossing his arms. Kakashi laughed, standing up and ruffling the boy’s hair. 

“Take care, until I come again. Duty calls.” He joked. His students parroted their goodbyes (Sakura telling him to stop reading inappropriate things at the office and Naruto yelling that their conversation was far from over). 

When he found himself in his office later, Tsunade was there- pacing. 

“There’s a lot of damage. His body has endured stress it should have never been under. The boy has pushed himself to his breaking point again and again. And that’s not even looking at the mental aspect.” The situation was cause for alarm. Mainly because they knew of Sasuke’s importance to the two kids they both loved and cherished. 

“Imprisonment will make it worse.” Kakashi added. 

“They’ll torture him first. Try and get information out. See where his mind truly is.” 

Kakashi knew this. His mind flickered to a twelve-year-old Sasuke, smirking victoriously up at Kakashi when he finally produced lightning. He rubbed the crease in his forehead. 

“It’s unavoidable. If we want to prevent other issues.” Kakashi said. Tsunade slumped in the seat before him. She knew this as she was the Hokage not too long ago. The Hokage- usually the most powerful person in their hidden village. Second most powerful politically in the nation it was in. Only one person was superior, the Daimyo lord. The final decisions should lie with the Hokage. And it did. But they knew what the council in power could do in the shadows. 

Tsuande rubbed her temples. 

“He’ll hurt himself trying to prevent it.” She was not talking about Sasuke.  

Kakashi loved Sasuke like he did his other students. The kid was important to him. But, he could not allow Sasuke’s bad choices to ruin the future of the other two. The crimes he committed were too big- too personal for the elders. He was the embodiment of their own crimes. A walking reminder. A ticking timebomb. Kakashi could overrule them but what would they do in response? Risk the village’s stability for his student? A student who tied his noose with his own hands. 

Not that Kakashi could not understand his student. But such was the way of the world. At the end of the day, children who came from tragedy were still expected to bleed the same as those who did not. And if they didn’t, the world would swallow them up for that transgression. 

“We’ll have to keep it from him.” 

“The torture?” 

Kakashi nodded, feeling aged suddenly. They both shared a look, understanding that they were betraying their students trust. Sakura and Naruto would be livid. 

But he was still fresh to his position and could not go against protocol yet.  

Those who abandon their mission are scum but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.  

He thought of Naruto, who dragged his own hospital bed closer to Sasuke’s every night. Naruto who was content to just watch Sasuke until the boy fell asleep on his own. Naruto who reached out some nights, to trace the moon seal on Sasuke’s hand but never actually touching. Naruto who frowned whenever the glint of the handcuffs on Sasuke’s left wrist caught his attention from where it was attached to the pole of the bed. 

Perhaps he should have told Naruto about the cameras. Because, of course Sasuke would need surveillance. Either way, he knew it would have not stopped Naruto. Unaware of the intimacy of his own feelings. 

It just so happened that when Sakura took Naruto to another room in the West wing to do a full examination, Sasuke woke up. 

Tsunade was with Sasuke, doing her own examination on him, reading over the notes Sakura had written. Her student truly had outshone her. The only thing she lacked was experience.  

Tracing the boy’s face with her own eyes, she was struck by how young and innocent he looked. Sasuke Uchiha was an enigma to many, a living legend. Infamous. She had not known the boy for long before he left the village. What she knew was through the rumour mill painting him as a merciless monster. The other half of what she knew was through Naruto and Sakura’s affection for him. Their idolisation. Yet, the person before her was just a boy. Not a monster nor a god. 

Seeing Naruto and Sakura’s grief had left her with a more tainted view on him. Nevertheless, he was still just a child. But in the world of ninja, children ceased to be children the minute that kunai was placed in their hand. 

And the shinobi system did what it does to all bright-eyed, twelve-year old ninjas. 

She was updating the information regarding his head trauma, when the air shifted. When the air became electric . 

It happened fast. The boy’s eyes snapped open and then he was tumbling off the bed, trying to get away. His chakra flared but his cuffs activated- meant to only drain when he surpassed a limit. The force of him trying to jump away, had the bed skidding across the hospital room as Sasuke slammed into the wall, the cuffs quickly draining him the more energy he used.  

His eyes darted around, a crazy look. Seemingly trying to make sense of where he was. Tsunade walked over slowly, pushing the bed slightly to the side from where it had pushed Sasuke further into the wall, his wrist caught awkwardly. She could see angry, red lines encircling it.  

“Sasuke.” His name drew his attention to her. He looked at her warily. Like she was his enemy. His entire body was tense. “I am not going to hurt you. I am here to help you.” She stated, and he glared- the softness slumbering gave him gone. Tsunade noticed how the cuffs glowed and knew in that moment; the boy could overpower it if he wanted to. 

“Where is Naruto?” He asked, voice cracking from under use. 

“He is here, just doing an examination in another room.” Tsunade now knelt before him, checking his eyes. Sasuke pursed his lips and looked away, before it snapped open again and looked at the door- 

Tsunade felt it a second later. 

The door slammed open, banging against the wall. 

“Sasuke!” Naruto yelled, shirt clearly on backwards. Confusion filled her. 

“You are supposed to be doing your examination.” Tsunade clicked her tongue, taking a step back from the dark-haired boy. 

“I was!” Naruto eyes flickered to hers before focusing on Sasuke again. “But, then I felt him wake up.” 

What does that mean?  

Naruto rushed over to Sasuke, kneeling immediately but not touching. 

“You’re awake.” He said, relief and happiness so clear in his voice that Tsunade could not bring herself to chase him away. 

“Clearly.” Sasuke responded, dryly. His face held no emotion. One would not say the boy had just asked for Naruto a few moments ago. 

“Of course you have to be an ass right after waking up!” Naruto laughed, no malice or anger in his voice. His eyes then focused on Sasuke’s wrist. He turned to her. “Grandma Tsunade, the cuffs-” 

“Cannot come off.” She finished sternly. 

“He just woke up Granny! Don’t be like that!” Naruto complained, whining. 

“It’s fine, dumbass. Shut up.” Sasuke grumbled, annoyed. It was fascinating, seeing a glimpse of a boy behind a hardened ninja. A glimpse Naruto brought out within a few seconds.  

“I am trying to help you, bastard. You shut up!” Naruto shot back, glaring without heat at the boy.  

“I don’t want your help!” Sasuke hissed back, eyes narrowing. 

“I don’t care what you want-” 

The bickering was cut off by her pink haired student appearing. 

“Naruto! You idiot!” Sakura rushed in, clearly having ran after Naruto. Her next words died on her tongue as she saw the scene before her. Her eyes went to the boys on the floor and then to her mentor and then back to the boys. Quickly, she schooled her expression and cleared her throat. 

“Good to see Sasuke-kun is awake.” She said, not really addressing the boy. Eyes locking back on her mentor. A tension settled with her arrival.  

“Yeah! He is up and being his usual surly self!” Naruto chimed in, oblivious to the tension and smiling brightly. 

“I am not surly-” 

“Sure ya aren’t, you surly bastard!” Naruto grinned wider, leaning over as if he wanted to touch Sasuke. 

Sakura seemed unsure. It was strange watching her student’s body language scream insecurity. An insecurity that seemed to correlate to Sasuke.

Tsunade intervened. 

“Sakura- take Naruto and finish his examination. I’ll check Sasuke.” Sakura nodded at Tsunade’s words, obedient and dutiful. 

“What! But I wanna stay with Sasuke!” Naruto yelled again and Sakura rushed to smack him on the head. 

“This is a hospital! Shut it!” She hissed before hauling the boy up by the collar. Sasuke was still on the floor, resting against the wall- hand attached to the bed. 

“You are rooming together. You’ll see him soon after your examination brat. Stop making things difficult and go.” The former Hokage clicked her tongue, moving forward to help Sakura get Naruto out the door while he complained and whined, pushing his head one more time through the doorway to yell at Sasuke he’d be back soon.  

The Uchiha was silent throughout the entire tackle. Sakura had not looked at him once.  

The former Fifth Hokage turned towards him, and he silently got up, pushing the bed back to its original place and sitting on it. No resistance. His demeanor was drastically different. Every emotion drained and all that was left was apathy. She did her examination, explaining his injuries to him and what he was still recovering from, a mask of formality on. Once she was done, she stared at him as he gazed pass her and out the window.  

Arms crossed, her finger tapped against her upper arm as she struggled to find a way to word this. 

“I am sure you are well aware of your predicament and standing.” Tsunade stated. His mismatched eyes looked at her, the purple of the rinnegan intimidating.  When he said nothing, she continued. “And of your former teammates compassion for you. Naruto says you are no longer looking to cause trouble. I urge you to consider both these factors when Kakashi, Lord Sixth, comes to visit you later.” 

He stared at her, eyes searching. His eyes truly were unnerving. They seemed so empty and lifeless. He gave a small nod. 

She told him which button to press if he needed help and then left. As she walked away, a flash of blonde passed her, its destination as clear as crystal water. Sakura was down the hall, hands on her hips and shaking her head.  

A memory came to her. She was in hospital, broken ribs and leg. Her hospital door swung open, and Dan was there. Long hair ruffled and handsome face flushed as if he had run a marathon the moment he found out Tsunade woke up.  

Naruto’s disgruntled yelling could be heard. 

Tsunade could not help but think about the irony that Konoha’s golden boy, the hero, could not live without the village’s biggest shame. 

Waking up in the place he once called home was strange.  

Now that everything was said and done, the anger should be gone. That fight at the valley of the end and Naruto’s words reached into him, touching the part of himself that he had kept hidden and locked up since he was seven years old. It was akin to the feeling of warm sunshine after a cold, freezing day. The way the sun would touch one’s cold fingertips and spread to the rest of the body. 

Yet, despite it all, the anger remained. Thrumming under his veins. The anger was more prominent than ever. His hatred for this place had not dimmed. This village was built on the massacre of his clan and the abuse of Naruto. His Naruto. The thought was possessive, but it did not bother him. His bond with Naruto was special, different in a way that scared him for many years. That fear still lingered too. But he was trying to be brave. Trying to not kill the last light left in him anymore. 

And trying to see the good in this place soaked in blood. He did not have any love for this godforsaken village but- 

“Are you even listening to me?” Naruto spoke from where he sat on the seat next to Sasuke’s bed. It was a week later, and Naruto had been discharged two days after Sasuke had woken up. But he was here, every day, adding colour to the white, sterile room. Smelling like earth, sweat and miso, overpowering the chemical scent. Filling the silence with something other than the beep of the machine next to him. 

“Yes.” Sasuke responded curtly. Naruto’s eyes narrowed. 

“What did I say?” He hissed, arms crossed. 

“Iruka is like a mother hen. Shikamaru is Kakashi’s assistant. Sakura has been asked out thrice. And you got a letter from Gaara. Also, you visited the graveyard with Hinata and the rest.” Displeasure ran through him at the last two thoughts. He wasn't sure exactly why hearing about Gaara and Hinata from Naruto had irritation flaring inside him. His friend was silent for a bit, while Sasuke's gaze lingered on how the sunlight shone through glass windows.

“Bastard.” Naruto muttered before speaking again. “Sasuke, look at me.” 

He faced the blonde, his best friend, who he had always felt too much for. His eyes were bluer than the day sky, and hair brighter than the sun. It was hard to look at him after everything. Still, he met his gaze. Naruto’s eyes bored into him, seeing through him. 

For a moment, he seemed like he was going to say something that would amplify the charged air between them. But then he sucked a breath in, grinned wide and sunny. 

“You’re not jealous because guys are asking Sakura-chan out, are you?” He joked, leaning his forearms on Sasuke’s bed, centimeters away from his right leg. Despite the blanket on his legs, the warmth from Naruto’s arm was distracting. 

“Please.” Sasuke said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. 

“Eh, I’m sure you still have a chance ya know? Pretty sure she’s still smitten with you.” Sasuke knew Naruto was just joking around but it left him thinking about the pink-haired girl and how curt she was with him. Their interactions were clinical. She did her job thoroughly as a doctor, making sure he was healthy. 

Maybe she was hurrying it up so he could be thrown into prison. He wouldn't blame her. 

“Are you jealous? Still chasing her skirt everywhere?” Sasuke retorted, glaring a little. Familiar feelings of annoyance flickered through him at the thought. Memories of Naruto flirting and calling Sakura pretty any chance he got. Naruto spluttered, cheeks turning red. 

“What? No-” His hands waved in front of him, signaling a hard no. “- She’s like my sister now! If anything, I was too busy chasing you around to worry about Sakura.” Naruto stuttered some more. 

“Well, now you’ll have all the time in the world.” 

“That’s not what I meant!” 

“What did you mean?”  

“Shut up! I don’t know. Stop being annoying.” Naruto whined, pressing his face into the hospital bed. Sasuke looked at his hair, wondering if it felt as spiky as it looked. They were in a weird limbo. He had spent so long with nothing but the intent and urge to kill, that ordinary interactions like this left him restless. He wasn't sure how to be around Naruto and not poke the bear.

Small relief flickered through him when the stilted conversation picked up again. Naruto spoke passionately about many different things. Sasuke wondered how he could feel so much for so many things. It sounded exhausting. To care. To live. To love. To be loved. 

Naruto took the empty bowls with him, staying until the nurse came to kick him out, promising to visit tomorrow. 

The sky was dark now. Funny how he had not noticed the light fading from the sky until Naruto had left. Sasuke found himself wishing he could push the window open and climb onto the roof. But he was only allowed to be uncuffed to wash and use the bathroom. He missed the open sky and the ability to go wherever he chose.

His hospital door slid open and Kakashi strolled in. 

“Sorry for the late hour.” The apology meant nothing. Sasuke had no privileges here. 

“Kakashi.” 

“Sensei. Kakashi-sensei.” Kakashi corrected but Sasuke did not respond, choosing to look out the window. The man hovered close to his bed. “Was beginning to think he’d stay even after hours.” 

“He’s a moron.” 

“A moron who cares about you.” 

“That’s the reason he’s a moron.” 

Kakashi sighed. Sasuke heard some shuffling and then Naruto’s chair scraped against the floor as the man sat down. 

“You need to cooperate. Or they’ll thrown you in that prison forever.” 

“Like I care.” 

“You should and you do. Because Naruto cares. He cares enough to kneel on cold snow for you, enough to destroy his body for you, enough to die with you.” Kakashi’s voice was cold and scolding. It reminded Sasuke of his tone when he tied Sasuke to that tree and gave him two choices.

“I am not a threat anymore. I gave up on avenging my family. Now, you want me to beg those people for my life?”  

“It’d break him, Sasuke. Losing you, would break him. You know this.” 

Sasuke felt tired. Tired of his own importance in Naruto’s life. The pressure felt crippling. He closed his eyes. 

“You’ve hurt him enough, no?” 

That sealed his agreement. Kakashi always knew how to twist the knife just right.  

“Stop that.” 

“Stop what?” 

Then Sasuke’s eyes snapped open, and he whirled on Kakashi, eyes cold and just like the boy he was a month ago who wanted to destroy the world as punishment for the cruel hand life had dealt him. 

“Don’t use Naruto to control me.” His voice was venomous. 

“Must you always think the worse?” Kakashi responded lazily after a moment. 

“Yes.” 

The man sighed again. 

“Your trial is in three days. We both know the outcome. Naruto doesn’t. But if we can lighten it, it’ll stop him from tearing the prison apart to get to you.” His former teacher and mentor left after that. Two choices again. 

Truth is, both times, there had only ever been one choice.

Sleeping was more difficult than ever that night. Dreams plagued with creaking floorboards covered in warm, thick blood. The scent was so prominent he could taste it on his tongue hours after he woke up. 

...

Three days later, his trial was held.  

The clan leaders were there:  

Shikamaru from the Nara Clan, representing reason and tradition. 

Ino from the Yamanaka Clan, useful for testimony and analysis. 

Choza from the Akimichi Clan, calm, level-headed and very much respected. 

Shibi from the Aburame Clan, highly analytical despite their choice to avoid politics. 

Hiashi from the Hyuga Clan, Konoha nobility and an old, powerful voice. 

Tsume from the Inuzuku Clan, loyal and protective of the village’s integrity. 

Katsu from the Sarutobi Clan, prominence increased after the Third’s election. 

This information learned in his academy days was easy to recall. Only seven from the eight official clans were present. Because the eighth clan was massacred in a single night under the orders of said government. 

The village elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane were seated on either side of Kakashi. He could feel them. From the different presences he could feel around him, the elders and Kakashi were on a raised platform before him, with the clan heads seated on either side of him. And two others were seated, their presence equal parts comforting and frustrating. Sasuke stood at the center of the room, eyes blindfolded, chakra cuffs working overtime. He wondered if Naruto could feel it through the seal.  

Sasuke felt familiar hate simmering low in his veins. He gritted his teeth. 

“Good afternoon to the clan heads. We are gathered here today for the trial of known criminal, Sasuke Uchiha. We hope to come to a uniform decision regarding the boy’s punishment.” Kakashi’s voice was commanding, steady and clear. 

Documentation of his crimes were brought forward.

Kakashi read them aloud: 

“Sasuke Uchiha stands on trial today before Konoha’s jurisdiction for the following crimes: Defection from his lawful village to an enemy village, affiliation to S-rank criminal Orochimaru who murdered Konoha’s Third Hokage and conducted inhumane experiments, attempted murder of fellow Konoha ninja, affiliation with terrorist group- the Akatsuki, attacking Kumogakure’s jinchuriki, attacking the Five Kage summit and killing samurai on neutral ground, assassination of the former Sixth Hokage, Danzou Shimura-” Sasuke felt his own chakra spike hotly but pushed it back down, fighting the instinct to slaughter. “- Intending and threatening to destroy Konoha, attempting to assassinate the Five Kage’s and Naruto Uzamaki, Konoha’s jinchuruki-” He heard Naruto inhale sharply. As if he was surprised that last piece of information was revealed. Sasuke frowned. “- in order to create a revolution and dictatorship.” 

Kakashi paused. Taking a deep breath. Naruto’s chakra felt volatile. It was lashing out, causing everyone in the room to tense. 

“Naruto.” He heard Sakura whisper but in the deadly silent room, she might as well have shouted. Naruto’s chakra calmed down at her voice, still angry but contained. Kakashi cleared his throat. 

“We shall commence.”  

Then, another voice took control. A voice he recognised from his brother’s memories. 

“Does the accused plead guilty or not guilty?” Homura spoke, voice gravelly with age. 

Forcing the words that followed out was easier than he thought. After all, he did commit every crime they mentioned. It was the truth. 

“Guilty.” 

“And, you want a pardon for all those numerous crimes?” Koharu said, detached and cold. Their voices grated on something sinister inside him, but he focused on the warmth emitting from his right. Even when blindfolded, Sasuke could feel him so clearly. He knew he had to say it. It was the only way. Holding his head up high would not get him anywhere. But God, was it fucking hard. The darkness from the blindfold just caused him to recall his mother’s lifeless body that much easier. To recall the bodies of his aunts, uncles, cousins- 

“Will you not answer?” Hiashi Hyuga asked, voice stern. 

He let out a breath between gritted teeth, trying to compose himself. 

“Not answering is defiance.” Homura snapped. Sasuke could see it so clearly, the two elders- dead at his feet. It'd be easy. They'd be dead before anyone could do anything.

And then he could feel it. Naruto’s inhale. He was going to speak up. But someone beat him to it. 

“The accused should be allowed to collect himself and gather his thoughts. Our jurisdiction was not built on being unreasonable. Or at least, it is not anymore.” Shikamaru spoke. Sasuke had vague memories of the boy and was surprised by how confident he sounded in a room full of middle-aged to elderly people. Even more surprised that he spoke up for Sasuke. 

Koharu clicked her tongue. 

“The youth and their ideals.” 

“Let’s get back to Sasuke.” Kakashi intervened. “Are you asking for a pardon? Do you regret your crimes?” 

Bile rose in his throat. But he got the words out. 

“Yes. I am pleading for forgiveness as I deeply regret the harm my actions have caused.” The words felt like ash on his tongue, but he said them. Whether he actually sounded apologetic was another thing. Hell would freeze over before he regretted killing Danzou.  

“Do you have any defense?” Kakashi asked, and Sasuke imagined him sitting lazily against his chair. 

Sasuke thought for a moment. Thought to defend himself passionately but just those vile words earlier were enough to steal the energy to fight away. 

“My only defense is that it was not malice that drove any of my actions.” He heard sighs and scoffs. 

“What drove your actions then?” Koharu asked this time. 

“You are well aware of what drove my actions, Utatane-sama.” Sasuke’s voice drawled out- just barely concealing the poison beneath it. 

“Impudence!” Homura yelled- a chair scraped harshly against the floor. The blow, too personal. 

“He clearly shows no remorse for what he has done! And instead, points fingers.” Hiashi spoke now, tone clipped and short. 

“Everyone needs to remain calm and look at this rationally. He is still a boy.” Chozi spoke up, voice loud but neutral. 

“Loyalty is important. We cannot forgive someone who holds no loyalty to Konoha.” Shibi of the Aburame clan spoke now.  

“He barely tries to defend himself either.” Katsu of the Sarutobi clan added. 

They all piled on, as if they had been waiting for the opportunity to say exactly why he did not belong.

A surge of power- strong and much like a tornado. 

“Because you won’t let him!” Naruto yelled and he was closer, right before Sasuke.  

“Stand down.” Koharu spoke, voice like ice. 

“No.” 

That single word echoed in the trial room. It bounced off the walls and back to him- leaving Sasuke feeling breathless. 

This stupid idiot. 

“Excuse me?” 

“No. I won’t be silent since you’ve already made up your mind before even giving him a chance!” 

“The boy has committed multiple crimes-” Tsume of the Inuzuka clan spoke but Naruto interrupted. 

“I know that! We all do! But, he only did that because this place failed him just like it did-” There was a stifling silence caused by the words Naruto held back. The unspoken words everyone heard clearly. He heard Naruto exhale before continuing. “Yes, he has done wrong, but he has more than made up for it. He saved the world-” 

“-And then tried to stage a revolution immediately after!” Koharu hissed. 

Naruto’s voice was loud with uncontrolled anger. 

“Doesn’t change the fact that without him, all of you, would still be wrapped up like fucking mummies!” 

“Naruto!” Sakura’s voice carried through, and Sasuke felt her move towards him. “Calm down!”  

“Take a seat, Jinchuriki.” Those words made Sasuke bristle. Naruto was the hero of the world. He should fucking slit her throat for daring to speak to Naruto like that. 

“What Naruto, the world’s hero, is saying holds truth. Sasuke did help save the world, and is the only one who is on par with Naruto. That power is very valuable and would be an asset to Konoha, effectively securing us as the most powerful hidden village and the Fire Country in a league of its own.” Shikamaru spoke up, his voice bringing clarity. 

“That means nothing if he is not loyal.” Tsume spoke, and a tense silence followed. Naruto was anxious. Who knew what stupid thing he would do in his pursuit to help Sasuke?Sasuke decided he could give them this one thing. Could relent. After all, it was true. 

“I am loyal.” Sasuke’s voice commanded the room’s attention. He could feel Naruto looking at him. Everyone was surprised he was trying. 

“Is that so?” Kakashi finally spoke again, urging Sasuke on. Eager now that Sasuke was giving him something to work with.

“Yes. I am loyal to Naruto. And Naruto is loyal to Konoha.” 

The words were charged and filled with a truth that had no shape yet. It was all he could give them and hope it’d be enough. He could feel Naruto's gaze burning into him, even with the blindfold on. 

The trial became less heated after that. Those words seemed to quell their tempers. Sasuke’s crimes were ranked in its severity and what they considered the appropriate punishment. Naruto and Sakura were called to the stand once again to speak on his behalf and what good he had left in him. It was nauseating to hear. He wanted them to stop. The kind words felt undeserving. While he may hate the government before him and did not think he needed their forgiveness, he knew he did not deserve forgiveness from his former teammates. But they were so willing to give it to him even when he did not ask. 

They were much better people than he’d ever be. 

Four hours of having the worst time of his life dragged out in front of him.  

One hour into it and a special guest arrived, the Kazekage came to stand in his defense. Because of course he did. For Naruto most likely. He didn’t know the Kazekage was in Konoha. Gaara’s voice was calm, polite and diplomatic. After accounting the events at the Kage summit, he finished off with words that twisted something inside him. 

“Sasuke Uchiha’s attack at the Kage summit was brutal but as I was once lost in the darkness like him, I know that he too can find the light. Naruto has that effect on people.” He was escorted out afterwards, in the name of national security.

Two hours into it, Kumo witnesses were brought in. The man he put under a genjutsu and Killer Bee- who was strangely lighthearted about Sasuke’s attempted kidnapping. 

Three and a half hours, Naruto spoke again.  

“People make mistakes when hurt. They turn down bad roads and cloak themselves with justifications as to why they had to choose violence. Do we just turn away every person that’s ever made a wrong decision when we have not walked their shoes-” Naruto’s voice was firm and unwavering. “-Or when we have made our own set of awful decisions? I am not asking you to give a criminal a chance. That’s not what he is. He is a changed person and wants to help build a better Konoha for the future. He is looking at the future and I am urging you all to look at the future as well. The war has already torn apart so many, stolen lives and dreams. If we can prevent another young life from being stolen- then that’s exactly what we should do. I will lay my head on a block that Sasuke can be trusted. I trust him more than anyone else and without him, we would not be able to build the bright future we want. If we fail him now, it will mean that nothing has changed!”  

I trust him more than anyone else.  

The idiot actually said that. Stupid stupid stupid.  

Four hours- everything was out in the open. All crimes laid out. 

Naruto had pleaded for him, using his title as the hero to his advantage. His former teacher also vouched for him. Sakura- the next Tsunade- stated he was worth saving.

He felt sick. 

“The trial has concluded. Take Sasuke Uchiha away to a holding cell and his sentence will be decided in one week from now, after our council has discussed this matter thoroughly. Nobody is allowed to see him.” 

“What?” Naruto’s voice broke out again. And had he not been the hero of the world, everyone's reactions would be different.  

“Naruto.” Sakura again. A tug on Sasuke’s hand, an invisible one. He wanted to come closer. 

“No- why can’t we see him?” His voice rose higher. 

Guards on either side of Sasuke, grabbed his arms. Kakashi was before him. They were taking him away. He was thankful, feeling drained from the trial, his injuries still healing and the cuffs keeping his chakra low. There was more commotion, shuffling and the feel of Naruto. He knew Sakura was holding that dumbass back. 

“You’ll be free Sasuke!” He yelled loudly, uncaring of those around him. “I promise I’ll get you out!” 

Sasuke’s lips quirked up just the tiniest bit as he was led away. 

And when the inevitable torture came, Ibiki’s cold, calculating face before him, pain clouding all thoughts- Sasuke hung onto those words. A lifeline was what those words were. They were a hand reaching out and with torn fingernails and bloody hands- he tried his best to grab onto it. At night, when the lashes on his back hurt too much, he grabbed onto it. When he could not tell the difference between reality and the nightmares, he grabbed onto it. 

The tone of voice. 

How loud it was. 

The fact that it was his voice. 

For that one week of absolute despair, even then- Naruto unknowingly saved him. He was the only reason he clung onto his sanity.