26 2/3

Sasuke POV

I continued to pace the lobby. Tsunade and Shizune had been in there for hours now! My pacing was clearly wearing on everyone's nerves, but I didn't care. They didn't SEE her when I found her. Her face was barely recognizable. Every inch of skin was discolored. Gashes and cuts littered her pale skin. She looked seconds away from death's door.

I jumped when the sudden bell sounded. I whipped around just as the 'in-surgery' light shut off. Tsunade and Shizune stepped out of the room, both looking none the worse for wear. I rushed to their sides but was cutoff by the intimidating blonde Sannin. Now that I think about it, she reminds me a LOT of Sakura. Personality wise at least. Loud, Obnoxious but kind and caring. Also having superhuman strength that could end a man's life if he pissed them off enough.

"Your girlfriend is going to be fine, emo brat. She's resting now. The nurses are coming to move her to a room. You can follow them when they arrive. If they ask or try to force you to leave, throw your fucking name around. It works for the obnoxious Yamanka kid, and he's only cousins of the clan head. If that doesn't work, throw my name around! I don't give a shit. Now, my buzz is gone and a nurse looked at me funny on the way up here. Booze and terrorizing call my name. Later, brats!" She waved over her shoulder. I was not impressed. Just because she used that advanced 'Transformation' technique to look like she was still in her early 20s, doesn't mean she needs to act like it! I jumped when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and was greeted by my brother's smiling face.

"Come. I'll escort you to Sakura's room. I'm sure they won't say no to little old me." Itachi giggled, GIGGLED. I recoiled in disgust.

"What in the sage's left testicle was that, Itachi? Since when do you giggle?" I eyed him like a roach on the ground. This was very un-Uchihalike.

"Shhhhh. You can't tell anyone. It's our little secret." He leaned down, his 'whispering' louder than his speaking voice. "That pig-tailed blonde demon got me drunk! She's planning something Sasuke! I think she wants my body!"

"Itachi, we've been in this waiting room for almost four hours. HOW are you drunk?" I asked incredulously.

He put his finger to his lips, as if I were the one whisper-shouting and from within his black haori, pulled out an empty sake bottle. "I found this empty bottle next to me! She's trying to frame me!"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Mother always said that area was a pressure point to ward off tension headaches. Either mother was a liar, or I had skipped right over a tension headache into migraine territory.

"I cannot deal with this right now. You need to go home and get some sleep." I said, acting like I was the older sibling. "ANBU!" I called out firmly and smirked as one of the elites landed in front of me.

"Here, Lord Sasuke. I am ANBU agent Ferret, member of team Mu who are charged with Lord Fifth's safety, and by extension his family, while in the village borders. How may I serve you?" The professional explanation was delivered prompt and concise. I like these ANBU…

"Good to meet you, Ferret. I need you to take this… thing home." I said in distaste. Not at all impressed with Itachi's behavior. Mother was attempting to defy the Gods and force her way back to the world of the living, I was sure. Don't get me wrong, I want my brother to be happy and enjoy life. But there is a time and a place! "Put him to bed, make sure he drinks some water. I'm not dealing with a hungover brother in the morning. Are you the captain of this team?"

"No, Lord Sasuke. That would be Cpt Komodo."

"Got it. Well, once you accomplish this task and he's snoring and drooling in his bed, report to Komodo as usual."

Ferret saluted me sharply and gently helped my brother to his feet, escorting him out of the hospital.

"SASUKE I LOVE YOU!" Itachi's voice cried out as he was guided through the door to the stairwell. I sighed. This would get out, and do you know who would hear of it more? Me. I'll be demanding additional training for this mess.

I turned back to the surgery room just as the double doors opened once more. Two middle-aged nurses were wheeling out Sakura in her bed. I rushed over.

"I will be following you and staying with Sakura. I trust this won't be an issue?" I asked in the haughtiest voice I could manage. That Yamanaka had nothing on me.

"Are you family?" The closest nurse asked politely?

"Well no, I'm he-"

"Then I am afraid you cannot escort us, young man. Only family outside of normal visiting hours." She said primly.

I gnashed my teeth. "You know exactly who I am, woman. I am coming with you. Or do I need to go fetch Tsunade? She mentioned something about sake and terrorizing nurses." I hissed, the vindictive green beast purred it's appreciation in my chest.

"N-no, Lord Uchiha. That won't be necessary. B-but I am afraid, and even Lady Tsunade will agree, that you will need to wait until we exit the room. Mi-miss Haruno needs to be cleaned and put into the proper attire." She squeaked out in fear.

I smiled internally. Not as smooth as Kenta, but a much more satisfying result. "That is agreeable. I will be back in one hour. I will go and get some personal items from Sakura's house and make sure her parents were informed. Which room is she being transferred to?" I asked, polite clan heir back in place. The woman relaxed a bit, thinking she was in the clear. That wouldn't do. This wasn't just any patient, this was MY Sakura.

'Where the hell did THAT thought come from? She's not my… She's my teammate. That's what I meant.' I nodded to myself, that's exactly what I meant. I pinned the woman with a glare once more.

"R-room 201, Lord Uchiha! Your name will be on the l-list when you return!" Her pitch rising slightly in her fear. Much better.

I nodded sharply. "I will be back." I turned on my heel and marched out of the waiting room, turning as I arrived at the door Itachi had been escorted out minutes ago. "Miss Haruno is a close family-friend of the Uchiha Clan. I expect she will be treated as such?" My eyebrow arched in challenge.

"T-the very best!" She cried out, eyes trying to blink away the tears quickly forming.

"See to it that you keep to that promise. I can promise you, if anything happens to her under your care, Tsunade will be the least of your worries." I accentuated my threat with a flash of crimson. With that, I swiftly left the hospital

********************************** Sasu In Lurrrvveee*********************************

Something tickled my nose and I swiftly bat it away, the pull of slumber still clinging tightly to my muddled brain. I dug my head deeper into my pillow. The barely coherent thought floated through my mind.

'Mm. Much firmer than I remember my pillow being, but it's much more comfortable'

I smiled to myself and was about to let my brain drift off once more to dream land when the unmistakable sound of a giggle snapped me to consciousness immediately. My mind quickly taking in my surroundings, processing the information at record speeds.

'White walls, smell of disinfectant. Hospital. Sakura in surgery. Scared some Nurses. Talked to Sakura's parents and got some clothes and hygiene products. Returned to hospital, glared at nurse for good measure. Pulled chair to bed, fell asleep…'

My eyes slowly lowered to the position by head was previously resting. Not a comfortable pillow, Sakura's lap. My stomached dropped as in the same instant the heat that rushed to my face was so intense I momentarily thought I was unconsciously activating a fire technique. Another, louder giggle snapped me back to reality. I stared straight ahead. I couldn't look at her!

"Sasukkkeeee?" Sakura sing-songed. "Did you know you drool and snore ever so quietly when you sleep? It's kinda cute." That infuriatingly attractive giggle sounded once more.

"I do no such thing. I am an Uchiha, not some barbarian. You must still be suffering from a mild concussion. I heard even Tsunade is wary when dealing with brain injuries. That must be it." I said through gritted teeth, wishing I would just die on the spot.

"Sasuke!" Sakura's voice cracked like a whip, forcing me to look at her. I may just die now. "You are acting like a blushing virgin over there! Sit!" I sat. "We are teammates, we've seen each other near naked plenty of times on missions. You fell asleep on my leg. That's it! It wasn't some lewd or perverted act! You fell asleep watching over me and making sure I was OK! I am flattered and humbled. But if you do not stop acting like a complete idiot, I will bodily throw you out that window. Do I make myself clear?" Her hard gaze bore into mine. I nodded once more, forcing myself to relax. She smiled in satisfaction and softened her gaze.

"Thank you, Sasuke. You must have been exhausted. It's 9am! The nurses have already been to check on me twice. They also told me you were the one who found me and then brought Lady Tsunade here?" She was smiling softly, eyes downcast staring at the folded hands in her nap.

"I did. You scared me Sakura. You were lucky I couldn't sleep and decided to go for a run. Who knows if or when you would have been found? What happened?" My voice was laced with concern but also slightly chastising.

Sakura's eyes narrowed in anger. "Those fuckers jumped me! I… Wait, I need to tell Lord Fifth. I will tell you, I just don't want to repeat myself more than I have to. Can we get a message to him?"

I nodded. "Totally understandable. I will go get him personally… Unless… ANBU!" I barked out, instantly a different ANBU from last night was in front of me. I rolled my eyes. "Who are you?"

"Cpt Komodo, Lord Sasuke." He replied in a deep bass.

"Do not lie to me, Captain. Is this Standard Procedure for your duties? Or is this my dearest Older Brother being an overprotective idiot?" I asked in a bored tone.

"It is… Both. Lord Sasuke." He replied hesitantly. I flashed my eyes just in time to catch the tiniest of twitches in his hand.

"Lies. Next question, Captain. You are sworn to protect the Hokage and his family, correct?" Tone never changing. He nodded hesitantly again. "Then what would your team's job be if Lord Fifth was attacked and murdered by his younger brother for being a complete buffoon?"

"I… would tell my men to not get involved." He said in a defeated tone.

"You have redeemed yourself. Let my dearest brother know that Sakura is awake and needs to debrief him on the attack last night." I ordered. He rose gracefully and swiftly to his feet, gave a crisp salute and was gone in an instant. I rubbed my ear, an annoying ringing had started.

"Oooooh. So this is what a Chunin giving orders is like? I definitely have to pass next time. When I do, Lord Sasuke, could I bother you for some… private lessons?" Sakura's sultry voice purred directly behind me. I froze on the spot. Turning ever so slowly to face this enigmatic beast. Seeing her, my brain shut down.

She was sitting propped up in her bed, same exact spot as before. The covers not an inch moved. She had a book in her hand and was thumbing to the next page. She felt my gaze on her and she turned and gave me a small smile. "That was very good, Sasuke. You're a natural leader." She smiled brightly before turning back to her book.

"I… But you…? And my ear? What was that?!" I shouted, completely confused. She was RIGHT on top of me! I felt her breathe!

She stared at me in shock and confusion. "What are you on about, Uchiha? I told you to get ahold of yourself. You're talking crazy now. Form a coherent sentence!" She snapped in annoyance.

I simply shook my head. Had to have been my imagination. The mental strain of the last day, coupled with not the most quality sleep. Yup. That was exactly it. All in my head. Just like this annoying ringing!

"That advice I gave you all those months ago? That was all the time I needed to make my move. Look at her, she sees you as nothing more than a friend now. Sakura will never be yours, Uchiha… Sakura is mine." Hatred I hadn't felt in nearly a year came rushing back, embracing me like an old friend. Without hesitation, I reached into my weapon pouch, spinning swiftly on the spot and lashing out like a cobra right where I knew the neck of that blonde haired, teal eyed bastard would be!

I caught myself as my momentum carried me straight through empty air. I swiftly righted myself, my 'Sharingan' eyes darting around, figuring out where that back-stabbing Yamanaka was.

"Sasuke! Seriously what the hell!" Sakura had closed her book and thrown back the cover. "What is wrong with you, you're acting like a complete lunatic!"

I stared at her as if she had grown a second head. "How did you not see him? He was whispering right in my ear!"

"There was no one Sasuke! Just you!"

"No… no you're wrong. You were reading your book and that slimy fucking bastard is one of the fastest in the village now." I said, rage still fueling me.

"No, I wasn't Sasuke. I was watching you the whole time. You were standing there, and went wide eyed. I went to get up to check on you and then your face went red in rage and you lashed out at the empty air. I swear Sasuke. Are you feeling OK?" Her voice was dripping with concern. She was watching? It didn't make sense! I KNOW he was there!

"SAKURA! You're awake and better! Yes!" Naruto's voice temporarily making me forget the incident and my anger. I watched him barrel forward, knowing how enthusiastic his greetings could be. My hand twitched but Ami knew him better than I. She clotheslined the blonde as she grasped his collar and pulled back hard. He went bug eyes as his momentum was suddenly going the opposite direction.

"Naruto Uzumaki! We are in a hospital. You use your inside voice this instant! Sakura is still recovering. Lady Tsunade healed her, but she still needs rest. Normal people hugs, only!" Ami snapped at her idiotic teammate. Even I smirked a little. I pushed the mystery incident to the back of my mind, Sakura was all that mattered right now.

"I'm sorry, Ami! Please I'm just so happy to see Sakura is ok!" Naruto whined.

"So am I. But do I look like some uncouth lout, disturbing the rest of the injured and sick? This is the second time in less than 24 hours. Do we need to have another manners lessssson." Ami hissed a bit, sending a shiver down my spine as a flashback played rapidly in my head.

Naruto's face went white as a sheet and he shook his head rapidly. "No, Ami! No manners lesson! I'll remember from now on, I swear, ya know!" He pleaded in a MUCH more subdued tone.

A rustle from her sleeve and a soft faint hiss preceeded her pouting face. "Pity. Riromaku had a lot of fun at our last one." Her eyes shone with a crazed look. "Now, if you are gentle, go give Sakura a hug."

Naruto fled like the Shinigami himself. He stopped once he got to the bed, and knelt down before giving Sakura a gentle, no less loving hug. I scooted over to Ami and leaned down, whispering quietly, tuning out the gabbing duo.

"What exactly is involved in manner's lessons? I've never seen Idiot look more afraid in his life."

She flashed me a wicked grin. "Whenever Naruto acts improper, especially if it embarrasses me, he volunteers to be my test dummy for my new poisons and venoms Oh! Did you know that one of the traits he received from Kyubi is accelerated healing?! That includes being immune to all but the absolute deadliest toxins out there!" She squealed excitedly. The same squeal she used to have when she talked about a new outfit or makeup, was now used when talking about poisoning her own teammate? Who the hell was this girl? I took an extremely unnoticeable large step back.

Her maniac grin only widened. "Last manners lesson, I tested my latest toxin on him. From everything I researched in how my snake's venom would react with the poisonous plants, it should have killed him within 5 minutes. Naruto is just shy of 13 and slightly below average height for his age. A full grown male between the heights of 5'6"-6'0" and within ranges of 130-200lbs could last anywhere from 10-30 minutes. However do you know what it did instead? Do you?" The crazy glint in her eye was becoming more ominous by the minute. I shook my head, completely and confidently hesitant. "He puked up a gallon of blood, passed out for 24 hours, and then woke up as healthy as he was before! Isn't that amazing!?" She was vibrating with an absolute EUPHORIC energy.

"Holy hell, Ami! He could have died! I know he's annoying but don't yo" Ami burst out laughing.

"I'm joking Sasuke. I mean I do have that toxin, I tested it on some bandits last mission. I have my notes, which are very detailed might I add… Poison making and toxicology is a very fine art. The measurements must be exact! Anyway, I have never used a toxin that could potentially harm Naruto. He tests all my non-lethals when he acts like an uncultured swine. Of course, that's not to say that they're not totally harmless…" She let the threat hand in the air, causing me to shiver. Naruto stepped back from Sakura and Ami quickly took his place. Naruto joined me a moment later.

"Did you find out anything about the assholes who did this to her?" The blonde growled.

"Naruto, do you still have feelings for Sakura?" I blurted out, still completely unable to shake the rage and jealousy that clawed in my chest.

"What? Where did that come from? No, I don't for your information! Sakura and I are too similar. I'd end up 6ft under if we dated. Why are you asking?" He asked suspiciously.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief, the monsters in my chest, also pleased, when back to slowly simmering below the surface. One thing that you could always count on with Naruto, he physically couldn't lie. It just wasn't part of who he was. The only time his conscious would allow him to lie was on a mission. He wasn't completely hopeless as a shinobi, but he was close.

"No reason. Just a thought that popped into my head watching you two talk." I lied smoothly.

He bought it and smiled. "Oh. I mean, Sakura is still one of the prettiest girls in the village, but yeah… She's like a sister to me. I was just so happy to see she was OK. Kenta and Ami showed up at my door and told me what happened. We rushed over here immediately. So, to my original question, bastard. Find out anything?"

"Where is Kenta?" Trying to keep my tone neutral. The monsters began to growl menacingly at the mention of his name.

"Kenta? Ummmmm. Oh! He said he had to tell Ino, she and Sakura are close, ya know? Then he said he'd grab some flowers to cheer her up!" Naruto's grinning face made the monsters lash out. I barely restrained myself from smacking that smile off his face. Did Naruto know the truth? The blonde he considered a best friend and brother being nothing more than a two faced snake? I doubt it. Kenta was loyal to Naruto, to me though? Not so much. He'd always been jealous of me. It would be just in his wheelhouse to befriend me, only to stab me in the back.

My internal raving was cut off abruptly as a voice called out. A voice I knew all too well. A voice that made the monsters in my chest bellow their hatred for the owner.

"Helllloooo? Is this Sakura's room? I can't see anything! Ino, make yourself useful for once in your life." The voice of Kenta Yamanaka growled out. Ino said something in reply, but I couldn't make it out.

My heartbeat was loud in my ear. So loud it drowned out everything around me. I took a deep breath. Calm down. I took another, the beasts grew more frenzied. I took another, deeper breath. Naruto had taken the plants and Kenta's cheery smile gazed around the room. BREATHE SASUKE! His gaze met mine and he smiled smugly. The beasts broke free.

I was barely, barely able to retain even a shred of logical thought. I closed the distance between myself and the blonde in 3 large strides. I grabbed him by the arm, tight, and began to drag him out of the room.

"We'll be right back. Kenta and I need to have a few quick words." I growled out, the world coming into sharper focus. My eyes were reacting to my emotions, there wasn't a single twitch that I would miss. We made it to the hallway and I slammed the boy into the wall and forced eye contact with him.

"Sharingan Illusion: Forceful Extraction" I growled out. My eyes spun their hypnotic dance, Kenta's eyes losing focus and glazing over. My technique taking hold. I smirked. Even the 'genius' Yamanka was powerless against the all-powerful might of the- I flew back and crashed against the wall. Kenta's open palm drawing back towards his body.

"Pathetic. You think your shitty eye illusions would fool me? I'm a fucking Yamanaka and the most powerful sensor in our generation. You can keep trying if you like. Or you could just ask me whatever shitty question to my face instead of trying to get information in an underhanded way, you cocky bastard." He growled out, eyes burning with barely restrained anger.

I straightened to my full height, which was unfortunately still a few inches shorter than the tall blonde. "I would ask if I thought I could trust you! You showed your true colors though not even an hour ago! I see you for the two-faced snake you are." I spat venomously. His eyes narrowed in warning.

"You can say many things about me and I could easily brush them off. But you're doubting my honesty and integrity. The two things I pride myself the most on. You have one minute to explain why you're reverting back to a rage driven rabid dog, or I will personally gift wrap you and drag you to T&I so you can be questioned your reasoning for attacking a fellow shinobi with the intent to cause harm. Hokage's brother or not, no one is above the law." His tone flat. He was serious. I'd be lying to myself if I said I could take him on easily. He's a craft opponent with half a dozen ways to end a fight in seconds. I reached deep into myself and forcefully crushed the beasts still calling for blood. Lying bastard or not, he was 100% right. I could be sitting in jail within the hour.

"Is it true?" I asked, sharingan slowly spinning, ready to catch the smallest tell when he lied to me.

"Is what true, Uchiha?" He snarled.

"That you purposefully deceived me so you could steal Sakura from me?" I asked neutrally. I opened my eyes wide, I would catch him and then destroy him.

He looked at me as if I had just declared myself Lord of the Elemental Nations. "No. Ew. I mean Sakura isn't gross, but EW. She's a good friend, nothing more. I already told you I'm your best man in 10 years. I meant that Sasuke. Besides, my heart belongs to Fú." He said truthfully. TRUTHFULLY?! I must have missed it, I wouldn't this time.

"So you're telling me you have zero feelings for Sakura? You've never thought about her in anyway other than as a friend?" My voice rising slightly in mild hysteria. I couldn't be wrong. I am NOT going crazy!

He adopted a thoughtful expression. Seconds later he burped and gagged, barely restraining himself from full-on puking. "I just tried thinking of her that way, it's a definite no." He said in a strained voice, taking deep breaths through his nose to keep himself from puking.

All the fight went out of me and I went numb. He wasn't lying. Not a single time. I blinked when I saw a pair of sandaled feet in front of me. When did I fall to my knees? I looked up as the face of Kenta Yamanka squatted down to make eye contact with me. No fear in his eyes that most people had when seeing an Uchiha with an activated 'Sharingan.'

'Why would he fear making eye contact with you? He snapped your most powerful illusion like he was an inmate breaking out of a prison made of paper' A condescending voice in my head scathingly asked. It wasn't wrong though.

"Sasuke, what is going on, man? I'm here, talk to me." He said, voice full of warmth and concern. This teenage boy had been nothing but kind and supportive to me. He knew when I needed to talk, or when I needed my space. He never pushed, he simply guided me to the answers I already knew. He single handedly saved me from myself all those months ago. He is the reason I stand here today, my brother back in my life, a Chunin in under a year. But, that voice was SO fucking real. I HAD to know.

"Can you… Can you use your technique to show me your memories? Just from the time you woke up until I drug you out? I believe you, I do, but I have to know without a doubt." I asked in a voice, laced with guilt that I still doubted him. The guilt spread to every pore on my body as he smiled warmly.

"Of course, dude. I don't know what's going on, but you know I'm always here to help. Now, try and clear your mind as best you can. I know you're in turmoil, but the less clear your mind is, the more I have to force." He said kindly.

I nodded. "Ok, I'm ready, I think."

"Ok, on the count of three. 1…2…3"

I gasped as a rush of memories began to forcefully play in my mind. I relaxed as best as I could and the images became smoother and less of a pressure inside my head.

Kenta waking up and zombie walking to the bathroom.

Kenta getting ready for the day.

Kenta flexing in front of a mirror completely… didn't need to see that one. I felt, more than heard his uproarious laughter ringing inside my head.

Kenta joining his family for dinner, a knock at the door.

The ANBU member sent by my brother informing Kenta of Sakura.

Kenta rushing out of his house to Ami's. Ami and Kenta rushing to Naruto. Team 11 rushing towards the hospital, worry and fear in their hearts

Kenta stopping in the middle of the road and glancing to his left. Yamanaka Flower shop.

Kenta telling Ami and Naruto to go ahead before going inside the shop.

Ino and Kenta bickering as soon as she noticed who it was. Kenta barely able to keep his cool while informing Ino about her friend.

Kenta and Ino racing around the shop, grapping flowers at random and then beautifully arranging them into elegant bouquets.

Kenta writing out a note… and signing it from me…

Kenta walking into Sakura's room, an absolutely horrid monster immediately snarling in his face.

I took a shuddering breath as the connection broke, my sobs the only thing that could be heard. I'm literally the worst person in this entire village. I once again let my hatred rule my thoughts and emotions. I not only doubted Kenta, I was ready to kill him. Kenta, my one true friend. Kenta, my one true best friend.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and a light pressure as Kenta squeezed reassuringly. He just kept his hand there, offering me his support and comfort. The guilt became crushing. He knew that this simple gesture was the only thing that helped. He never asked, never questioned it. He just KNEW. He shook me a bit to get my attention.

"Let me see." Was all he said, hand reaching out tentatively. I nodded immediately.

"Focus on the memory that's tearing you up, I'll do the rest." He said with utter confidence. I could only nod once more. His warm hand touched my forehead, the calluses that proved his devotion to growing stronger were rough on my skin. I focused and the memory played once again.

*******************************More Broments!****************************************

I opened my eyes and jumped. Kenta was laughing hysterically. I was so confused, how could he laugh at a time like this? I used my 'Sharingan' on him! I attacked him in blind rage!

"Holy shit. Yeah, I would have attacked me too! Damn, Sasuke. You went easy on me if I'm being honest. If I had thought you or someone else had said something like that about Fú-Bear? They'd be a drooling vegetable when I got done with them." He chuckled once more before smiling at me. His eyes open and honest and full of forgiveness.

Fuck him.

He got serious within moments. "Sasuke, someone cast an extremely powerful illusion on you. Whoever they were, they are really, really good. I need you to show me everything else up until that point. Please."

I nodded, before remembering everything that had actually led up to that point. I swallowed my embarrassment and motioned for him to get it over with. I swear to the gods I will rip his lung out if he laughs. You only need one to live anyway.

Once again his warm hand met my forehead and the embarrassing scenes replayed once more. I opened my eyes, REFUSING to make eye contact. I waited, but no laughter, not even a chuckle game. I tentatively turned my gaze on the blonde and breathed a sigh of relief. He was sitting cross-legged, eyes closed and brow furrowed in concentration. I didn't say anything. I'd seen him in this position a few times; he was digging deep for information.

Eyes still closed he mumbled a question that I didn't catch. He spoke a little louder. "Do you remember anything, anything weird or strange before you heard Sakura's voice and mine?"

I thought back to the moment before I heard Sakura's throaty voice tickling my ear. My ear!

"There was a strange ringing noise right before I heard both voices." I said, wondering where this was going. "I think you're forgetting that illusions don't work on me. I'm an Uchiha. My 'Sharingan'

Kenta's eyes snapped open. "Your 'Sharingan' is a powerful tool, not a crutch. I shattered your illusion easier than Lady Tsunade can shatter a man's ribs. Stop thinking you're invincible or untouchable because you have fancy eyes. It'll get you killed." He growled out. I had my scathing reply on the tip of my tongue, ready to lay into this trash from some shitty clan… Holy shit. I was making the same exact mistakes that got my clan nearly eradicated. He was right! Every other word out of my father's mouth had been how we were the elite of the elite. We were at the top and everyone else was beneath us. I took a deep breathe, pushing those disgusting feelings of 'hurt pride' and 'clan honor.' Had my clan had any true pride or honor, they'd be here today.

"You're right. But it does make it much harder for me to be placed under an illusion." I replied instead. Humble. Good one.

"True. Let me break this down for you then. One, you didn't have your 'Sharingan' on. An activated Sharingan is much harder to place an optical illusion on. This brings me to my second point. While hard, not impossible, especially for someone as talented as whoever put this illusion on you. Finally, three. Even if you had your cheat eyes on, this was an auditory illusion. You'd have still fallen for it." He finished, stunning me. All three points, correct.

Fuck him.

"How the hell did you figure all that out?" I asked incredulously.

He pinned me with a completely unimpressed stare. Not even answering me.

I grumbled under my breath, it was a valid question! I closed my eyes and focused on every- Oh. That's what the look is for. That was a valid question if Naruto had asked it. I'm wound up and letting myself get out of sorts. I needed to focus. Kenta is right, whoever cast this illusion was extremely skilled.

The only thing I knew for sure at this point was that I was getting really sick of being embarrassed over and over. This emotional rollercoaster was NOT something I was prepared for when I woke up. Scratch that, I'm never prepared to feel more than 3 emotions in a single day, at MOST. When you're feeling uncomfortable, go with what you know.

"Hn"

There.