1.5/2
"Sasuke Uchiha, the last standing bloodline, besides Itachi Uchiha. You have committed several heinous crimes and they're far too serious to be ignored." One Kage says, my eyes not looking to see who it is.
"His crimes are: Leaving his village and becoming a Rogue ninja." Hearing that, my hands start to sweat knowing what's coming next. "Teaming up with Orochimaru, willingly letting Orochimaru pursue his experiments―"
"I'm... worried..." Sasuke murmurs, his shaky voice barely reaching my ears.
"I'm scared too," I murmur to him in return.
The person continues to list Sasuke's crimes. "Kidnapping Konoha's Jinchiriki, becoming a member of the Akatsuki terrorist organization, attacking the Kage summit disrupting a conference, and killing several dozen Samurai."
Tsunade shifts uncomfortably in her seat as I peek in her direction. She's unable to say what's on her mind and my dad is visibly trying to figure out how to save Sasuke. Both are exchanging silent glances and I know Sasuke has been trampled by his heinous crimes.
My mind starts to interfere as I finally hear everything Sasuke has done; He only has said surface-level crimes, not murder. He killed his clan, but... What is this? And... He joined Orochimaru? Why? When did he find time to do that? How long... No... I can't think correctly.
"Please..." Sasuke tightens his hold on my hand when I try to remove it. "Don't let go. I need you."
"You left those crucial details out, Sasuke. How long have been doing this?"
"Not long, I promise." Sasuke nearly flinches when he spots Itachi entering the room. His alibi and the witness to his crimes. Of course, the village needs everything and everyone to play a part in this matter. "Naruto..."
"He's here temporarily," I say reassuringly, still waiting for the excuses to rise in my head.
The excuses where die-hard lovers come up with to gloss over murder as if it's dust on someone's shoulder. I can't romanticize this... I can't believe what I'm hearing.
What in the world has Sasuke been doing? Why did he purposely not tell me this?
I would've stood next to him if I had a few days, maybe weeks, beforehand to prepare for this.
"Naruto, please don't get upset." Sasuke murmurs, seemingly afraid that my impassive expression means something other than stoicism.
"I want to hear the reason, Sasuke." I try to remove my hand again, but Sasuke refuses to let go of it. I give up and let him hold my hand longer. "I may not seem like it, Sasuke, but I'm not going to choose the wrong side blindly. If you refuse to explain yourself, I'm not sure what our relationship will end up as."
Itachi's eyes look in our direction, causing Sasuke to look away from everyone. "I'll respect any decision you make, but please... give my explanation a few days."
"It depends on what you say, Sasuke."
"I know."
"Itachi Uchiha," Gaara stands from his seat and reads from the paper, "this states that you're no longer working for the Akatsuki and this village. Does Sasuke play a part in your reasoning?"
"My brother is someone who leads his own path. I lead my own. If I terminate my previous decision then I have done it out of my own willingness. I cherish Sasuke, but please refrain from including him in my decision-making. He's an adult who isn't in control of my adult decisions."
Why extend your statement in that matter, Itachi? It sounds a bit bitter from someone else's perspective.
"Agreed." Gaara looks up from the paper. "However, when Sasuke was still a teenager, you did play a part in his decision-making at that age, did you not?"
"Rarely to never."
"So, tell me, what did you do when Sasuke asked Orochimaru for help?"
Itachi sighs. "He wasn't there long. I can say he was there long enough to get stronger, but Orochimaru didn't obtain his body for immortality. Uchiha bloodlines are powerful, so it's a compliment that people consider targeting us for power. It shows that we're a threat to everyone around us, isn't that right, council?"
That didn't sound like a friendly question.
The council doesn't answer Itachi. All of them don't even bat an eye at the indirect accusation.
"What do you know about Sasuke?" Gaara ignores Itachi's previous words, knowing that asking him will lead to a trap.
"Danzo targeted me as a weapon and then settled for Sasuke's power." Itachi leans back in his seat, looking a bit tired. "He didn't capture Naruto Uzumaki. Instead, he treated him secretly while avoiding enemies who kept their eyes on him. Sasuke didn't attack anyone besides the Samurai, who were pretending to be Samurai."
"How do you know this?"
"Because he told me."
Gaara hums. "Continue."
"As far as emotional motivation, I'm not aware of where his mentality was during this. I am only saying what I saw or heard."
Gaara turns to Sasuke who looks up at the Kage. "Anything you would like to add before I conclude with my thoughts, Sasuke Uchiha?"
"I was scared that I wouldn't be alive by the time I saw Naruto Uzumaki again," Sasuke says as I start to see something glowing on his neck. My eyes narrow at the weird sight.
"Isn't it strange how Danzo knew exactly when to grab you?" Kurama says. "Do you think Orochimaru is associated with his plans?"
"Even Orochimaru wouldn't work for someone else to accomplish his goals. I think Danzo must've copied Orochimaru's signature curse mark. I'm not defending Orochimaru, but stating my thoughts on this." I say to Kurama in my head.
"I've dealt with mind control as a war weapon before, Naruto. I think Sasuke has no recollection of anything besides events he went through consciously."
"The Yamanaka Clan should be the only mind-related clan out there, right?"
"We don't have time to play detective, Naruto. Listen, although that clan can take over someone's mind, there are jutsu that can also control someone. Similar to Kakashi."
"Are you saying this so I'll forgive Sasuke or something?"
"No, Naruto. I have no interest in your romantic situations. I'm only trying to help you stop thinking so much at once. No offense but your brooding is ruining my nap."
"Fine, if you're so cranky about your nap, what do you suggest I do?"
"Clearly, this mark can only be removed by the source itself. We'll need to find a way to fix this before the situation spirals."
"Sasuke is almost done talking. Hurry and tell me."
"That's harsh, considering Sasuke is spilling his heart out to you and the village."
"I hear everything he's saying while talking to you, Kurama. Hurry before anyone notices."
"Alright," he sighs heavily, "as far as I know, Itachi has the knowledge to use the Sword of Totsuka. See if Itachi will help with this situation and remove the main cause of Danzo's surprise attacks."
"And if I fail?"
"Then Sasuke is forever in prison and you're left back to square one. Quite frankly, I'm against hearing another decade about how much you miss Sasuke and wishing you could hug him once more."
"Kurama, I hate when you say unnecessary responses that are unrelated to topics."
"And I hate when I hear unnecessary mentions at midnight while―"
"That was once and we agreed to never mention it again."
"I never agreed to anything."
I inwardly sigh in defeat before diverting my attention to Sasuke. He finished speaking ten seconds ago and is looking at me for a reply. "You're still on your second chance with me. You didn't ruin it yet. Don't worry. As far as I know, you're still important to me throughout this. My forgiveness for your crimes is another discussion."
Sasuke still looks doubtful of my words.
"If I didn't mean what I said, I wouldn't have my hand holding yours this long." I muster a small smile. "Mistakes are permanent, yes, but redemption is something that never works unless those mistakes are corrected with patience. I'm not defending your crimes, instead, I'm defending your suffering."
My dad stands with Killer Bee and stands next to Gaara. "Naruto, as my son, what do you think I should plead?"
I place my hand where my heart is. "My gut is telling me that he's innocent so that's what should be pleaded. He'll change for the better. I know he will."
My dad and Tsunade both share a small nod, considering their thoughts for Konoha's future. "Okay, Naruto, I'll plead for his innocence."
"Are you crazy?!" A voice shouts.
"What?" I try to reply but the air is out of my lungs in an instant.
I'm being held against a wall by Karui, who seems to be attempting to force me into giving up information regarding Sasuke.
"If I sell out my friend, then you will find a way to kill Sasuke." I deadpan, finding this entire situation a waste of my time. She knows my thoughts so what is she doing this for?
"Retaliating will cause another cycle of hatred, so let's be civil and talk this out; adult to adult."
"How civil are you willing to be?" I try to hide the sarcasm in my voice.
"Until you agree that Sasuke needs to be punished for his crimes. I'm satisfied with prison so tell me what the world needs to hear. Right here, right now."
I glare at her for assuming what Sasuke's punishment should be. She wasn't there. She doesn't know his life story. She only knows what she witnessed. "Sasuke's innocent."
"Love is blinding your senses." She hisses.
"Then I'll offer my face as a solution."
"I'd rather punch Sasuke. Where is he?"
"I'm not telling you."
"Then I'll accept your offer until you do."
"Hopefully, you'll release your frustration before the verdict is said."
"Wouldn't count on it."
In order to defuse the situation, I'll offer myself as a punching bag. Sasuke is being held back by my shadow clones as I'm severely beaten. Karui doesn't seem to have noticed him and I'm glad that her attention is only on me. Every shadow clone that Sasuke defeats is replaced by another to prevent him from stopping this.
That is until I'm saved by Sakura, who blocks Karui's punch. Her face reads frustration as clear as day.
"Stop this, Karui. This is nonsense. Can't you see that Naruto is bruised and unarmed? What shinobi kicks someone while they're down?"
"Sakura, stay out of this..." If not for her arm, I might kiss the ground any second now.
"Why should I stay out of this? I stayed out of your way for years, Naruto. You never wanted help from anyone. You continue searching for answers and do everything on your own as if you wear armor."
"I'm fine, Sakura. This is nothing."
"Then do this for Sasuke. You might not forgive him completely but he needs you. I'm sorry for being someone who isn't your comrade all this time. I was only a bystander who couldn't help you because you refused to be helped sometimes. I should've tried harder. I should've been like Sasuke. I should've been your comrade like him."
"I never said I didn't see you as one, Sakura. Thank you for being there for me. I can admit that I'm stubborn." I attempt to smile but my face hurts too much to try. She nods in understanding at my words and hands me to Sasuke.
Karui's teammate Omoi holds her back from punching me, the Hokage's son. He's telling her that I'm the type of shinobi to never give up or speak about my comrades' secrets, a trait about me that he likes rather than my stoicism.
"Naruto!" My mom practically suffocates me in her arms as she holds me close. "Oh, my baby! What happened?! You were gone for a few minutes, Dattebane!"
"It's nothing, mom. I just had a small argument with someone."
"Small?! You're all bruised up and Sakura is still trying to heal you!" She nearly screeches.
"It's fine, mom. I promise. I'm twenty now so things like this are barely an issue."
"I'll find out who did this! I swear!"
My dad comes into the room and gently pries my mom off of me, nervously laughing as she tries to reach for me. "Naruto, maybe you should try not to use your face next time, okay? Mom and I get worried easily."
"I'll try not to." I let Sakura finish healing my face so Sasuke can take me to our seats.
"Naruto," Tsunade's voice pulls our attention to her, "do you truly believe Itachi will resolve this by using his jutsu?"
"Itachi seems to be doing much better so I can tell that this will be safe for now."
"He's supposed to be returned behind bars, but if he's the key to stopping Danzo, I'll allow it for now. Everyone agreed with me so consider this a test. If Sasuke returns to his old ways, he goes to prison. If he doesn't return to his old ways, he can serve his sentence in Konoha."
"How long is this test?"
"Considering the fact Itachi will be behind bars and Sasuke will be under house arrest after this, I would say... until the next meeting. A few days shouldn't be an issue."
"But... My birthday―" I stop myself from finishing that sentence.
I almost asked to celebrate my birthday. That's not what I should focus on. I should be aware that Sasuke may or may not attend it on time. Whining about his possible absence shouldn't happen.
What would everyone think once I start begging to do things with Sasuke? Would they think Sasuke cast a spell so I would be head over heels?
I just can't help my need to spend time with him.
"You two can celebrate it in your home. You have that day to yourselves, I believe. Just try not to do anything rash. Lord Hokage will be held back in the office resolving everything along with me. Your mom is planning to come to join us to give you two privacy after the cake cutting."
"Are you not joining the cake-cutting?"
"I may be a part of the Uzumaki clan, Naruto, but I don't have a place in your family. I'm honored to have attended it a few times, but it's time for me to act like the former Hokage this year. Maybe last year was my last time. Who knows?"
"Tsunade―"
"The curse mark removal will be done in a few minutes. Please refrain from including yourself in the matter, Naruto. It'll be a screeching hour."
"Yes, ma'am."
Tsunade leaves the two of us alone and Sasuke releases a breath. He looks intimidated.
"Are you sure that's who Jiraiya is secretly dating? She's intimidating."
"I never thought you could be intimidated."
"I'm human, Naruto."
"I know. It's still weird hearing you say it out loud."
"You thought me that it's okay to be weak. Not everyone has to be strong to be a hero."
"You're right... Because you're my hero, Sasuke..."
He rolls his eyes and hides his face by looking away from me. "Not here, idiot."
"I didn't do anything."
"You're trying to flirt with me."
"Mhm... Is it working?"
He reluctantly nods. "Unfortunately."
I smile complacently. "Then I can't wait to see more of it."
"Whatever, Dobe."
"I'll take my thanks in photos," Itachi says, making hand signs as Sasuke stands still in the middle of the room.
"Why?" Sasuke asks, not moving from his spot.
"Because If you two get married―"
"You are not doing anything that mom would've done," Sasuke interjects.
"I mean, dad would've done the same thing for mom." Itachi notices Sasuke's saddened expression and sighs. "Five photos and I'll keep them framed in my room."
"Deal." Sasuke looks appeased.
Is this how all siblings talk?
"If Minato and Kushina―" I cut Kurama off by internally shushing him.
"Not another word out of you!" I hiss at him in my head.
"Just a thought." Kurama chuckles at my embarrassed expression.
"Just take your stupid nap!"
"Yeah, yeah..."
Itachi is able to use the sword to completely remove the Cursed Seal of Heaven from Sasuke. He extracts Danzo from Sasuke's nape and almost struggles to seal him in the sword when Danzo tries to fight back. Itachi completely overpowers him without moving an inch and my mom sighs loudly, entering the room.
"Goodness, that man was persistent." My mom says, watching the ANBU take Itachi's sword. "All of this for power?"
"For now, the main guy is stored away so the world can rest easy momentarily."
"Technically," when my dad starts to talk, all of us groan knowing he'll add to the bad news, "he might return one of these days so we'll strengthen security until that day comes."
"Great, can we go home before I go insane? If I see or hear anything about Danzo, I'll find a way to get rid of him myself."
"Honey―" my mom interrupts my dad.
"You had to leave the village because of him. I'm not listening to anything until he's permanently gone."
My dad walks over to her and I know exactly what's going on to happen. I look away and try not to cringe when I hear them kissing behind me.
I'm not used to this yet.
"I promise I'm staying this time, my love." I hear my dad say to her.
"Do you promise, honey?" My mom asks.
"I promise."
"Thank you, honey."
I inwardly groan and leave the room to give them privacy. This is going to take a while so I'll get fresh air in the meantime.
"Looks like rain," Sasuke says quietly.
I nod, turning my head to him. "How do you feel, Sasuke?"
"Free." He feels the back of his neck.
I lean down and kiss the back of it, smiling. "That's good to know."
He turns his head to look me in the eyes. "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm trying to convince myself that you're truly innocent," I whisper, looking down. "Who knows what he did?"
"Don't give up on me so easily, Naruto. I won't be defeated so easily. You know that."
I reluctantly nod, resting my head on his shoulder. "Yeah... I know."