He continues his search for Power

[3rd POV]

The people of Konoha gathered in the cemetery, it was a requiem - a funeral - for the shinobis who gave their life to protect, not only the present but the future as well. 

The air was heavy, thick with emotions of grief and sadness. The silence which persists was only broken by the occasional sobs that only worked to inflict more pain in the hearts of the people.

The sun was setting, it looked as if it was melting in the horizon. A dull orange illuminate the world, as if also saddened by the death of life. Covered in that depressing light no one could stop their tears. 

They mourned for the people they could no longer hold. They mourned for the love they had lost.

Tears flow and flow and flow. They cried and cried and cried. Not because they are weak, but because they have been strong for a long time.

..

..

Sasuke watch all this from a distance, his lips rest in a thin line that hides a stretch of sadness. He observed them for a long time until the funeral was coming to an end.

Then he turned around and ran to the same direction that he came from. He leaped from roof to roof, the sight of the village became blurry due to his speed. In the span of a short time, he reached the hospital again.

As he neared the window of his room, he noticed the peculiar state of the room but he went in anyways. 

The moment he set one foot inside the hospital room, the sharp edge of a sword touch his neck. "You are under arrest, Sasuke Uchiha." said the one holding the sword in a stern voice.

He scanned the room and located 4 other shinobis, from their mask and attire they were ANBU.

Sasuke slowly put his hand up and let them cuff him. He was obviously expecting this, he was an international criminal that has done deeds worthy of such status.

He was instead grateful that they allowed him to spend time at the funeral considering they knew his location and therefore could arrest him earlier. There was a tracker tag in the pocket of his cloth to begin with.

They cuffed him and made him wear blindfolds before taking him to the deepest level of Konaha prison where they kept S class criminals. 

---__---__---__---__

[Sasuke`s POV]

[IMG]

There was deafening silence throughout my cell, it amplified my thoughts, making them seem like voices in my head. It was cold and the smell of iron pierce my nose.

I did not know the appearance, size nor colour of my surroundings as they covered my eyes. My whole body was also covered, with both my arms and hand tightly tied to my chest in such a way that I could not weave a single hand sign.

Which was stupid considering I only had one hand and won't be able to weave a handsign anyways. But if that made them relax, I won't judge.

There was also some kind of seal/device that suppressed my chakra - or at least tried to.

I could break free anytime but I did not, choosing to stay as I am now and waiting for the time when I would be released as per what happened in cannon.

Which was not really reliable when I think about it, as my knowledge from the show 'Naruto' could be an alternate version of the world I am in. I don't think I could depend on it too much.

Or maybe I could and I am just making excuse because I don`t want to accept what I know of the future.

The Otsutsukis, Boruto, Sarada and me being out of chakra etc.

If these knowledge were indeed accurate or maybe even just partially true, then there will be a storm in the future. Something much bigger than what we have faced. Something big enough to mark the end of the Shinobi world as we know it.

And I was the only one who knows about it and therefore the only one who can stop it. But to do so I needed something which I have sought all my life..

Power.

Again it all comes down to how powerful I am. I thought I would finally have a break after finally reaching the pinnacle of shinobi strength. But here I am, still too weak to face the upcoming storm.

"hahaha." I let out dry chuckles, laughing at my own predicament. 

My chuckles reverberate and echoed in the lonely cell. Making my thoughts literal - I was laughing at myself.

---__---__---__---__---

Now that I had time alone for myself, I really got a chance to observe myself. How I feel, and how I think.

And turns out, I had serious mental issues. Who would've guessed?

It was quiet and lonely which definitely did not help my mental state which was in absolute pieces. It was understandable, Sasuke had gone through so much manipulation and trauma that its just sad.

Anger, Hate, Envy, Greed, Sorrow and Grief. These were the emotions his heart feasted on before he was eventually made to realize that he was walking down a wrong path. Then these emotions were replaced with overwhelming guilt and self loathing.

It was a wonder how the original Sasuke dealt with all of these alone. He was so mentally destroyed yet had no one to talk to.

Luckily I was not just Sasuke anymore, I was more.

So in that lonely cell I picked myself up piece by piece. I was the doctor and the patient, healing myself in the silence of isolation.

Time passed, and in that passing time I also planned about the future and imagined my next course of actions. Being alone in that cell proved to be a blessing in disguise with fruitful results.

But it was not like I was undisturbed throughout my time spent here. Frequently I would be visited by someone and they would feed me a pill. It was most likely the Akimichi food pills which were often eaten instead of a meal during missions.

...

It was around 201612 seconds - (or nearly three days, I was forced to count to tell the time) - after I was put into this cell that the distinct footfalls of two people caught my ears.

Unlike the times when someone came to feed me, the sound indicate two people and the sound was more rhythmic and lighter.

I waited and listened. The sound became louder and louder, indicating that they were getting closer and closer. One set of footstep was slightly louder which tells me that it belonged to someone big.

They reached the door of my cell. I heard the sound of key opening the cell and the door creaked as it was opened.

I turned to let them know I noticed them.

"Sasuke." I heard a familiar voice.

Kakashi.

"Sasuke Uchiha, after consideration of your crime and assist in the war, the 5 kages had come to a decision of releasing you." said a stern voice which belonged to the person besides Kakashi

Took more than 2 days but finally,

I`m free.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[3rd POV]

Sasuke was taken out of prison and was instantly transported to the hospital where the doctors made sure he was physically healthy.

He was also greeted by Sakura who was crying tears of joy when she realized he was free.

It was quite an emotional moment even for Sasuke, to know that there were people who cared so much for someone like him.

Someone who was so bitter.

He was glad and it honestly felt underserved.

He was checked by the doctors for other illness or permanent injuries, and when they found none and was sure that he was recovering they let him go.

After leaving the hospital, he went around Konoha visiting his old friends and apologizing to them personally. They were not rude but they were not that welcoming either.

Understandable.

He also went to the Raikage and Killer Bee. Killer Bee was cool about it but the Raikage was understandably still upset. "If it was up to me you would rot in that cell kid." was the kindest words he could give him.

There were others he wanted to talk to as well but the day was limited. It was dark and he was about to go eat at a restaurant when he was invited to dinner by the new Hokage and his Sensei, Kakashi.

---__---__---__

[Sasuke`s POV]

The place was busy, people were chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their meals after a long day of work. The sweet aroma of flavor spread in the near surroundings, the smell alone made the saliva in one`s mouth delicious.

We sat at a corner where there was a little curtain for privacy. We were quiet and Kakashi silently poured sake in small cups for me.

"So , what might be your next plan Sasuke." Kakashi asked me as he sip his sake. His lazy yet sharp eyes bore on me, observing me even when it looked like he didn`t.

"I will travel the world." I said as I eat the food on my table. It had been long since the last time I had a proper dinner.

Kakashi did not speak, indicating that he wanted me to say more, "The war just ended and villages are in good relationship but that doesn`t mean that evil characters are gone from this world." I said to which he nodded.

No matter how I tell myself otherwise, I felt responsible and wanted to repent for my crimes to a certain degree.

Maintaining peace and protecting the village, as my brother would.

"But why leave the village."

Honestly, why should I stay in the village. I said a part of me felt responsible to repent for my crimes and protect the village. But a part of me was also rather salty about what the village had done to me.

But I wouldn't say that so I went with another excuse which was also a reason for me leaving the village.

I stopped eating and looked at him, I pointed my eye and he seems to get what I mean as he nodded.

I possessed the Rinnegan and Sharingan and there are many people in this world that would kill or destroy a village for my eyes. Staying in the village will just expose the village to unnecessary dangers of being attacked.

Which may sound extremely foolish, considering people are aware of the strength of the Village, Naruto and even me. But that is exactly what people are sometimes, foolish when they are blinded by greed.

I might be able to absolutely defeat any attackers but even if a single civilian died because of that it would be unacceptable. So it would be best if I leave and avoid any troubles.

And to gain power, which was mostly the reason why I am leaving.

"I could also carry out any missions during that time." I said and continued speaking, "But could you do me a favor Kakashi sensei.." I added the sensei part as I was about to ask him for a huge thing.

It took some time but after some persuasion he agreed with my request after a huge sigh. I felt bad taking advantage of his kindness but I really want it.

We continued chatting about various things, from asking me for information about criminals, to lecturing me.

It was a fun time we shared that night, he also told me about Naruto`s predicament of having to study, which was why i did not meet him today.

Soon, the moon hung higher and higher into the sky, prompting us to end our discussion. We said goodnight and we parted ways. I went to a hotel to spend the night, I cleaned myself and seek the bed immediately.

---__---__---__---__

The sun was rising in the horizon, penetrating the blanket of darkness that once covered the world. The air was chilly but the sun was warm. Birds were chirping as if to welcome the sun, as if to celebrate the new day.

On this morning, I stood at the giant gate of Konoha, Kakashi and Sakura were in front of me. They had come to bid me farewell. 

I really appreciated the gesture.

"Here`s the thing you asked for." Kakashi said as he throws a scroll at me. I caught and stared at it intently before cutting my eyes to his. "Thank you." I said with a small bow.

"Don`t be too reckless out there okay. Or else the blame is going to be on me." He dropped his head to the side and gave me a closed eye smile.

I nodded.

Then I turn my head to the side to look at the girl I avoided looking in fear that I might look at her too much.

She had short pink hair that reminds of the tree that bears the same name as her. The occasional breeze that blew teased her hair, forcing them to dance at its tunes - like cherry blossoms.

Her face was lovely, with each parts the right size and at the right place. My eyes can't help but search for imperfections but they failed as of now.

She had emerald eyes that reflects everything, making me want to look at the world only through her eyes because I was sure it must be more beautiful.

Her eyes scampered around, looking everywhere but me, she had a blush on her cheeka which compliments her hair, she seems more like a flower than a human.

[IMG]

I observed her with a straight face while her eyes gathered courage and confidence. Then finally - with a pensive face that only worked to make her cute - she looked at me.

"Sasuke." 

'That`s my name, I never knew my name was so pretty.'

Heh, I am down bad.

Who could blame me. I find her unhealthy obsession to me extremely attractive.

Maybe because it kinda reminds me of my brother? Or maybe it's an Uchiha thing.

"Couldn`t you stay for a while? Lady Tsunade is making an artificial arm with Lord Hashirama's cell and you could wait for her to finish," She said and I could almost see her fist bumping herself because she said that without a stutter.

'Absolutely.' I wanted to say to the crazy girl that claimed to love me since forever for God knows why.

Her reasons to love me was still unfathomable to me even with my knowledge. But I can`t help my heart melting for her when I knew - more than ever - how much she was and is willing to go for me.

"I`m sorry Sakura.." I said and her eyes tear away from mine and bore down on the ground. Her lips spread in a thin smile, a little embarassed at being rejected but more sad than anything.

'Of course, what was I expecting' seems to be her line of thoughts. She was like an open book and with my eyes I was easily able to read her.

"But I will return soon to get the arm if I am allowed so." I said and she perked up immediately. She looked expectendly at Kakashi.

"Fine fine.." He said.

She smiled and turned her head to look at me again. Her gaze turns shy and she played with her fingers as she said, "And what if I said I`d go with you.". 

I held myself back from laughing out.

Talk about being clingy and desperate, this girl was both and more.

This girl really is a hopeless simpete. But I don`t hate that, she is my simpete after all.

Many might find it annoying but to me it was absolutely precious.

What kind of man would not like a tsundere waifu to be obessed with you? I reckon not me.

I smiled, a genuine smile that seems to stun her if her expressions were anything to go by. I moved a bit closer and with my two fingers I tapped her forhead.

"Thank you. But maybe next time." 

I turned around and took my leave after that. The yellow sand beneath my feet and the yellow sun made my path almost glow golden. 

I could feel her passionate gaze follow me all the way until I was out of sight. It felt good and I feel giddiness in my heart when I think about the fact that someone was eagerly waiting for my return - something like leaving a puppy for work.

I leaved the village without turning back.

But just as I was out of sight, a yellow haired boy was standing by the side of the road. I stopped and observe.

He came in front of me and stood his ground. He had a smile that showed his white rows of teeth and he seemed content.

Naruto.

We did not talk, instead we let the silence work its magic. Silence can say as much as many words glued together.

We stood there under the golden sunlight, as if confirming what the other person truly meant to us.

We acknowledged each other`s presence. We were rivals, we are brothers.

Then Naruto brought something out. It was an old headband that belonged to me long ago. I had abandoned it when I left the village but it looks like he had kept it.

I took it from his hand and observe the headband. Memories flood in my head and I can`t help myself from smiling at how things turn out.

'I am glad things played out the way it did.'

No words were needed. I moved past him and I slowly walked away with graceful strides.

I feel light and for the first time in forever, I feel okay.

I am okay.

..

But I could not stay idle, for threats far beyond anything we have ever known was looming over us.

And I would make sure to protect the things I had gained. But to do so I needed more strength, more techniques.

More...

I may not walk the path of revenge anymore but it seems I could not stray away from the path of power.

I took out the scroll Kakashi gave me and read aloud the name of the technique written, 'Flying Thunder God Technique' .

.

.

Power.

.

.

If that's what it takes to protect what I have..

Then I will have power.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------