Chapter 19 - S
Sasuke's known civilians owned scented shampoos, soaps, and all types of creams with the purpose of smelling 'nice'. However, being born into a family of ninjas, he didn't understand why they did it until his brother told him civilians didn't think the same as ninjas. For them, having a type of strong smell won't result in their demise if the enemy manages to catch their scent. They could afford to smell 'nice'. They don't have to blend in the shadows to manage the quickest kill. And it's because of that that it doesn't surprise him the people in this world are the same.
Still, he thinks as he grabs a somewhat clean towel, it's strange to smell of vanilla.
It's not strong enough to overwhelm him, but it is noticeable for his heightened senses to ignore. Distracting in a way. The shampoo's smell was stronger and fruity, it reminded him of the one he faintly remembers Sakura using in their genin days. He always scowled whenever he was able to discern that particular fragrance from other smells. He thought they would die because of that and that's why he mostly chose to partner with Naruto when they had to separate in pairs.
He stops drying his hair as he thinks about the absurdity of the consequences of that decision. Because, now that he thinks about it, if it weren't for those actions, Naruto wouldn't be his friend. He had noticed him when they were kids and he knows Naruto had done the same, but they wouldn't have formed any bond if they hadn't interacted. They would still be competing to know who the best was.
It was because of Sakura's hair they managed to spend so much time together and form their friendship.
Or perhaps not. This is supposedly their third life. So maybe it doesn't matter if they're in the same team or if Sakura's hair smells 'nice' or not, somehow their lives were going to end tangled, wanting it or not, repeating the same dance and battle all over again.
Sasuke glances at his right hand and brushes the symbol of the moon with a thumb. He feels a faint echo of pain and willpower that makes his lips twitch.
It's not the same this time, isn't it? Naruto, unlike in their previous lives, has decided to make him see reason and return to Konoha with him. He would not give up until he recognizes their friendship again.
And that's why he has to kill him. He knows Naruto is too headstrong to give up and he's going to interfere with his plans if he's alive.
Though he grudgingly admits, some small part of him is glad Naruto's here. Not only for the reason that he can use him to heal himself with the sage's power. It's because, even if he tries to fight it and hates it, he can deny Naruto is the last bond he hasn't completely severed. It isn't because lack of trying. It just seems that whenever he tries to cut it, it comes back with vengeance. Like a cockroach.
He sighs, exhausted just by thinking of that blond idiot, and starts walking out of the door leading to the bedroom naked, cane loud against the wood floor as he hopes the closet he used to block the windows has clean clothes. It has. They're slightly bigger but even the baggy, hard-looking jeans give him good maneuverability to work with.
He's now clean and even if Sasuke's not in any way full, he can ignore the light grumbling coming from his stomach thanks to some crackers.
That particular reason was the most important one that caused him to leave the heavily guarded bathroom. He remembers leaving most of the stuff he obtained on the bed and he's glad to find it there. The room is dark but he still can discern the food from other implements. Good sight has always been a trait of the Uchiha, Sharingan or not.
If knowing how much time has passed was just that easy. It can be, but he doesn't know how the weather works in this world so the air is not going to be helpful. He's going to have to come out for that and probably ask someone. He discards the idea though that reminds him he still needs to gather information about everything. It's a good thing he's seen books in the living room of the house. There was also what looked like a library near the make-ship hospital and that looks like a good place to start.
It'd be better to do that when the others are sleeping though. There's no light in the room that could tell him if it's day or night but he probably can taste it if this world is similar to his own. Which looks like it does if it has human-like beings in it. He can try it just to be sure because if there's one thing he likes about being a summoner it's the slight physical changes it offers you depending of the chosen summon. He'll never be able to do the stuff Orochimaru could without physical modifications, but he can taste the air and see through his tongue like most of snakes.
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