Repatriation Ch 51

Hours later, Sasuke stopped on a large branch and brought out his map once again.  

“We’re in a good place to stop for the night,” he said aloud.  “Let’s camp out here.”

Without a word, the six others dropped to the ground and began their preparations for the night.  Each shinobi had a sleeping bag.  Since it was only a one-night mission, Sasuke opted for no tents…they would sleep under the stars tonight.  

Umi and Kawa collected some larger pieces of wood while Lee got the fire going.  Sakura collected the divided rations from each of them so that they could eat their one big meal for the day.  Teki and Karin didn’t see anything else that needed to be done, so they just watched the others for the time being.  

“I’ll be so glad when this is over,” noted Karin to Teki.

“Yeah, me too,” he agreed.  

“I wonder how they’ll assimilate us into the Leaf shinobi,” she said.

“Uh, I, uh…I have no idea,” Teki stuttered out.  After all, he had been prepping for an opportunity to escape for over two weeks now and it seemed that this would be the night it would happen.  He hadn’t been thinking about actually joining the Leaf shinobi corps at all.  He just wanted his freedom, something that didn’t seem very likely.  His two choices had been repeated to him often:  become a Leaf shinobi or go to prison.  

“Karin, can you help me carry this?” asked Umi when she found a large log, one that might keep the fire going for a while as they slept overnight.  

“Sure,” said Karin and she ran off to help leaving Teki there alone.  

Soon the entire group was set-up for the evening and enjoyed their dinner around the fire.  Most of them turned over early to get some decent sleep after the long day of traveling.  Sakura, of course, placed her sleeping bag next to Sasuke’s.  She was also sure to have a clear view of the cargo should she ever want to check on it.  Something still didn’t seem right about the whole situation.  

Soon enough, everything went quiet.  Lee took the first watch.  There were no incidents.  

Kawa took the second watch.  Again, there were no incidents.

“Teki,” said Kawa at the end of his watch.  It was about three in the morning by this point.  “Teki,” he said a little louder.

“Hmm?” Teki finally answered groggily.  He had been waiting for this.

“It’s your turn,” said Kawa.  

“Oh, um…ok,” Teki answered.  Kawa waiting for him to sit up.  “Go ahead, I’m fine,” said Teki.

Kawa listened to his comrade and walked over to his own sleeping bag and rolled over.  At the same time, Teki got up and walked so that he was sitting with his back to the tree next to the cargo.  He yawned.  Just a little bit more, he thought to himself.

Another hour or so passed and everything remained still and quiet.  

Teki stood up from his spot next to the tree.  He had already made sure to pack any essentials that he would need for his flight to freedom.  He also had already packed anything that had meant something to him over these last few years.  

He started to walk away when one final thought popped into his mind…I wonder what is in that box?  Should I…?  They’re all asleep…no one would know, especially if I closed it up again. It could be something valuable.  Something I could sell and get me further along in my journey.

Teki knelt down next to the box and as quietly as possible, started to undo the latch holding it closed.  That’s when he felt the steel of a kunai under his chin.  

“Curious are we?” said Sakura, now standing behind him holding the kunai.

Without hesitation, Teki was able to send an elbow into Sakura’s gut.  She kept the kunai firmly in hand, but let her arm fall down to the side, releasing Teki from his precarious position.  The wind had been knocked out of her…so her reactions had been slowed.  Teki followed up with a kick to the head, effectively knocking her out.  His skills were definitely more precise and quick than what he had led on since this whole “mission” with Sasuke had begun.  Sakura had no idea what had just hit her.

“What’s going on over there?” asked Kawa from nearby.  

Teki didn’t answer, but instead threw Sakura over his shoulder and started running and leaping to get away as fast as possible.  

“What happened?” asked Umi.  

“I think Teki just knocked Sakura out and ran away with her,” said Kawa, now trying to get out of his sleeping bag.  The others quickly woke up from the noises they were hearing and they came to the quick realization of what had just happened.  

“Sasuke, we need to…,” started Lee.

“No, he’s mine,” said Sasuke, who was pissed beyond belief at this point.  He had tried - he really had.  Sakura tried to warn him, but he so wanted Teki to be reformed, he neglected to notice even the smallest of hints that Teki really was playing him for a fool during this entire mission.  Now he had hurt Sakura and her life was in danger.  The only saving grace was that he didn’t get the box to the cargo open and it was still safe and closed at the campsite.  “Watch the cargo while I’m gone,” was the last thing he said as he took off after Teki.  

Karin called after him.  “Just follow the same path we came in on…he’s taking the same route!”

Sasuke ran after Teki.  He was faster than Teki…that plus the fact Teki was carrying along another person meant that it wouldn’t take long to catch up.  Teki knew it, too.  The only possible escape at this point was…

Teki placed Sakura who was still unconscious down on a large boulder and held her upright by her tousled pink hair.  If not for Teki’s hand, her body would have flopped down.  This time it was Teki who held a kunai to Sakura’s neck.  He stood there waiting for his pursuers to make an appearance.

Soon enough, Sasuke emerged from the trees and walked slowly towards Teki and Sakura.  

“Stop right there, Sasuke.  I’ll kill her if you don’t,” said Teki.  

Sasuke stopped.  “Do you know who I am, Teki?”

Teki was not expecting that question.  “O-of course.  You are Sasuke Uchiha of the Hidden Leaf,” he answered matter-of-factly.  

“I know you have been held for a while by my village.  Do you have any idea what my history is?” Sasuke asked.

“S-sure,” answered a nervous Teki.  “You told us yourself what the crimes were that you committed.

“Yes, but you have no idea what I’m capable of, do you?” Sasuke asked.  "I didn't go into that much detail."  

“What…you…are….capable….of?” Teki repeated slowly.

Suddenly, the world went blood red.  

“W-what is this?  Where am I?” asked Teki aloud.  

“This is what you are dealing with.  I was on your side, Teki Abunai.  I wanted you to succeed.  I felt sorry for you.  And you repay me by betraying me?” asked a very annoyed and angry Sasuke.

“B-but I didn’t know…,” started Teki.  By now he was practically stuttering, his mind not working very well due to fear.  

“I have been working on this.  It is called Tsukuyomi.  My brother’s world was stronger than this one, but since I received his eyes, I have been working on it so that I may equal his someday,” explained Sasuke.  “I can do anything I want to you in here.  This is my world.”

“Oh, God, please,” said Teki now on his knees in Tsukuyomi.  

“Shall I tie you up?  Torture you?  I could even kill you if I wanted,” noted Sasuke.

Teki sobbed.  “I’m sorry,” he said lowly.  Suddenly, Teki was lying face-up on the top of a surface.  He was prone and vulnerable.  Sasuke’s form appeared and carried a kunai.

“Shall I use this kunai on you as you would use it on Sakura?” he asked.

Teki closed his eyes.  

“That’s enough, Sasuke,” said a voice from back in the real world.  “It’s over.  Don’t hurt him anymore.”

Sasuke eyes clicked and suddenly he averted his gaze towards the object of his affection who was now awake, standing in front of him and holding both of his hands.  “A-are you ok?” he asked her.

“I’m fine.  It was my fault.  As much as I warned you about Teki, I still underestimated him and his agility,” said Sakura.  

He looked over at Teki, who was still somewhat dazed.  He stared straight ahead as if stunned.  

“He was going to kill you, y’know,” said Sasuke who reached out so he could pull Sakura close to him.  She hugged him back.  

“Yes, I know.  Thank you for saving me, but don’t hurt him any more.  That’s the old you.  Please just…let’s take him back to the village so they’ll put him in prison,” said Sakura.

“Yes, that’s a good plan,” said Sasuke.

Just as he said that, three others emerged running towards them.  It was Umi, Karin and Kawa.  

“Sasuke, are you alright?” Karin asked.  

“We’re both fine,” Sasuke replied.  “No need to worry anymore.  But we will be taking Teki back to the Leaf with us as a prisoner.  Kawa, can you escort him back to the campsite?”

“Sure thing, Sasuke,” answered Kawa.  

Kawa picked up a still-catatonic Teki and carried him back to where Lee was still guarding the cargo.  

They packed up their things and made sure nothing was left behind.  They made sure the fire was definitely put out.  Seven shinobi stood there ready to go.

“Lee, I’d like you, Karin and Umi to deliver this cargo to its intended destination per the customer's wishes,” said Sasuke.

“Are you headed back to the Leaf, Sasuke?” asked Lee.

“I think its best with a prisoner and an injured comrade that we head back,” said Sasuke.

“I’m fine, Sasuke,” Sakura insisted.  

Sasuke reached over to touch her head.  “Ow!” Sakura shouted wincing from the pain.

“I know you aren’t severely hurt, Sakura.  I just don’t want to take chances.  I’d rather have you back at home, especially being kicked in the head as hard as you were.”

“Oh alright,” said Sakura.  “The mission is almost over anyway.” If I thought it was that bad, I would just heal myself anyway.  But she did enjoy Sasuke doting on her.

“Kawa, you’ll be heading back to the Leaf with me,” said Sasuke.

“Hai,” answered Kawa.  

“We’ll meet you three back at the inn tomorrow morning.  Take your time getting back.  Get a good night’s sleep when you do return.”

Karin and Umi both nodded to Sasuke.  They took off in a puff of smoke.  Lee then nodded the affirmative and took off behind them carrying the cargo to be delivered on his back.

The four heading back to the village started walking in that general direction with Teki firmly between Sasuke and Kawa lest he try something funny again.

OlOlOlOlOlO

“Enter!” shouted the voice of the Hokage from the other side of the door.  In walked Sasuke.

“Ah, Uchiha,” noted Tsunade to herself.  “I can’t wait to hear this report…I heard you had quite the mission inside of a mission a couple of days ago.”

“You could say that,” said Sasuke.  “I wanted to give you the full report now if you don’t mind.  I’m going to be a bit busy for about the next week or so.”

“I know, I heard,” said Tsunade.  “The compound is ready, is it?”

“Finally,” said Sasuke.  “We start moving later on today.”

“Well, let’s hear it then.  Eleven shinobi, some volunteer work, training, and a C-grade mission,” stated Tsunade.

“Sakura Haruno was placed in charge of seven of the homeless shinobi.  Four are scheduled to leave the village later today and three will give up their shinobi status and remain villagers of the Leaf.  One of those three will become a worker at the orphanage, another will apprentice with one of the local bakers who will also provide her with a place to stay,” explained Sasuke.

“And the third?” asked Tsunade.

“Juugo, he will be staying at the Uchiha compound with Sakura and me.  He will be the only civilian working with the messenger birds.  He will be their primary caregiver, freeing up the current messenger corps to do more tasks like collect and deliver messages.   Closeness to animals has always been one of his talents, so it fits well.”

“I see,” said Tsunade.  “What about the others?”

“Of the eleven shinobi we started with, four were evaluated and trained for acceptance into the Leaf shinobi corps.  Three will be moving on into that role.  Graduation from the academy is set for only a month from today.  We will coordinate their teams at that same time.  Depending on the teams and the jounin, they may become like big brothers or sisters to their younger teammates.  Either way, it gives them a chance to start anew.  They will be on their own team, can then tackle chunnin exams with their team, and begin to go on regular missions,” said Sasuke.

“I’m guessing Teki Abunai was the one shinobi who did not make it as a Leaf shinobi?” asked Tsunade.  “You were concerned about him.”

“I’m afraid I failed him,” said Sasuke.  “I could not reach his heart and he chose actions during our two-day mission that went against his team and the Leaf….he attacked Sakura and tried to examine the cargo which was strictly off-limits.”

“Is he in prison now?” asked Tsunade.

“He was turned back over to Ibiki for proper placement. This time I’m sure he will not be living as good a life as he was when he was merely being detained,” said Sasuke.  

“Hm,” nodded Tsunade.  “It seems like your mission has successfully concluded.  How is Sakura anyway?”

“She’s fine.  Teki kicked her hard, but she’s got a hard head, too.  It turned out to be just a bruise.  They checked her out at the hospital and they felt she didn’t even warrant a stay.”

“Good!” said Tsunade.  “I’m glad to hear it!”  Tsunade collected her thoughts, trying to determine if there was anything else she needed to know or do before letting Sasuke go.  “Sasuke Uchiha, nice work.  You are dismissed until a week from today.  Once you are moved in, be sure to invite me over for a meal and a drink or two.”

Sasuke smiled.  “Hai, I will.”  He turned and exited the Hokage’s office.  

Sasuke had one final stop to make before he was officially off of duty for a week.  He immediately made his way to the main gate.  Standing there waiting for him were Sakura, Suigetsu and three other familiar faces.  

Sakura smiled as she saw Sasuke approach.  He held his hand up to wave to his comrades.  They greeted him when he finally arrived.  

“So…you are all off then?” he asked.  “It’s kind of bittersweet for me.  You are all fine shinobi so I am somewhat sorry to see you go...but I’m sure our paths will cross again someday.  Take care, and be safe out there.”  

After a few handshakes and a few hugs, the four shinobi exited the Leaf village through the main gate leaving Sakura and Sasuke standing side-by-side watching them go.  Suigetsu was the only one of the four to pause and turn.  Once again, he was leaving comrades of his behind.  It wasn’t that he wanted to stay, but having someone by your side is comforting nonetheless.  

Sasuke saw Suigetsu pause.  He walked out to meet him.  

“You are always welcome here,” he told his comrade, putting his hand on his shoulder. “I know you enjoy hunting for those swords of yours, but if you ever need a break, come back and stay at the Uchiha compound.  I’d be happy to have you.”

“Thanks, Sasuke."  They smiled at one another.  Suigetsu turned and started walking away once again.  "Good luck with the clan restoration and all," Suigetsu said with a smirk.  Sasuke just ignored that last smart-alecky comment.

Once Suigetsu was a good ways away, Sasuke rejoined Sakura just inside the gate.  

He let out a huge exhale and smiled.  She grabbed his hand and they started walking.  

“Where to?” Sakura asked.

“Let’s go home,” said Sasuke.

“The apartment?” she asked.

“No, our new home.  I know nothing is there yet, but…for some reason, I’m feeling like today marks a sea change in my life.  Like…I can finally move forward with the rest of my life,” Sasuke explained.  “I am finally done making amends for the transgressions of my past.  Now, with a new Uchiha compound, and a fiancée and friends by my side, I’m ready to move forward.”

Hand-in-hand, Sasuke and Sakura walked towards their new home, ready to begin the next chapter in their lives...together.