Expect the Unexpected - Part 1

As Itari walked through the village, he noticed a crow fly above. It had what seemed to be a letter or note within its beak. He stared at it until it was no longer visible.

Seated beside a window, Sasuke's attention was drawn to the same crow. It flew to the window, pecking at the glass. Sasuke opened it, taking the letter from the crows possession. As he inspected it, he smiled. The crow left and Sasuke closed the window.

Sasuke sped through the content of the letter before ripping it into a myriad of pieces. As he began to put on his jacket a knock came at his door.

"Yes, Itari?" Sasuke asked as he opened the door.

"Is everything okay?"

"Of course. Why? Don't tell me you're scared of a crow, Itari." Sasuke jokingly remarked.

"Not scared. Just curious."

"Well, it's nothing. But, between you and I, it was from the Takamori Fangs. They have requested that I see them immediately."

"How long will you be gone for?"

"I don't know. But, I don't want Danzo getting too comfortable with the idea of me being gone for too long."

"I will make sure everything is in order whilst you are gone, Sasuke."

"I know you will."

Sasuke closed the door and walked past Itari.

"Are you not taking anything with you?" Itari called, turning around.

"I always travel light." Sasuke responded, continuing to make his way.

Sasuke always preferred travelling by foot. Whenever possible, he would run through the trees to prevent tracks being left on the ground. The more he carries, the harder it would be. Having to make a 3 hour journey to the Takamori Fangs' hideout would only be extended with anything unnecessary.

The scenery slowly became blurry. He was close. The surrounding area of the Takamori Fangs' hideout had a distinct smell. It could only be described as a fusion between burnt oak and mint.

As Sasuke got further into the mist, he could sense he was already being watched. He knew this was common, the Fangs always keep watch of those who travel within their boarders.

With their main building in sight, he leaped to the ground from the branches above. Once a few steps away from the door, a voice came from behind.

"You don't waste any time do you, Sarutobi?"

"The letter was urgent, was it not?" Sasuke asked, seemingly annoyed at what had been said.

"Indeed, it was. After you." The man gestured at the door with his hand, guiding Sasuke to enter.

Sasuke kept his eye on the person for a second before opening the door.

"Sarutobi! Have you forgotten your manners?" Stated Naru Takamori. He sat ahead, at the far end of the room.

"I apologise, Naru. I have no weapons on me, just a short knife." Sasuke removed it from a strap on his shin, handing it to the person who walked him in.

"I was in such a rush to come in, I forget to relieve myself of any weapons. Please, forgive me?"

"Sarutobi... step forward." Naru Takamori commanded.

Sasuke walked to the centre of the room. He heartbeat remained steady, and his eyes stayed locked on Naru Takamori. However, he was aware that he was being surrounded by the Fang members.

"Why did you join us, Sarutobi?" Naru asked.

"Because I believe in justice." Sasuke answered.

"Does belief involve action?"

"Of course, it does. If I didn't act upon my belief, I wouldn't have joined."

"Interesting."

"Why are you questioning me, Naru? Have I done something?" Sasuke asked, puzzled.

"You know exactly what you done, Sarutobi. You just don't know that we know."

"What are you talking about? I'm confused."

"Shindai. Step forward." After Naru's order, a man stepped forward from the side of the room.

"Tell him what you saw, Shindai."

Shindai stared into Sasuke's eyes. His face void of emotion.

"What is it, Shindai? Tell me." Sasuke stated.

"I saw you kill a group of people who were tied to a tree. You killed them with an explosive clone."

"What?! Shindai... Naru... there has been a massive mistake."

"Are you calling me a liar?" Shindai responded, anger building within him.

"I don't know what you saw. But what you just mentioned did not happen."

"Is there any truth to what he saw?" Naru asked.

"Yes, I did tie a group of bandits to a tree. They had kidnapped a child from the village, and I went to retrieve him."

"And what did you do with the bandits after the child was rescued?"

"Nothing. I left them there."

Naru looked at Shindai, "Did you see a child with Sasuke before he killed the bandits?"

"No." Shindai whispered with rage.

Sasuke scanned the room with his peripheral vision.

"Don't think about leaving, Sarutobi." Naru said. "The people you killed were not bandits. Do you take me for a fool?"

"Don't say such nonsense, Naru."

"They were workers. They were known for doing jobs for people as a living. Nothing you say will convince me that they did such a thing as kidnapping a child!"

"Someone is lying! And it is not me, Naru. Shindai did not see the child with me because I tied them to the tree before I found him. Once I got him, I did not return to let them go. Whatever he saw, it did not happen."

"You're embarrassing yourself, Sarutobi. My people do not lie. It seems you have taken the path of the dishonouring us. You know what happens to those who break the rules."

"Naru... don't do this. No one needs to get hurt. This is a massive... massive, misunderstanding." Sasuke responded through his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm.