Chapter Text
The Fourth Ninja War had finally ended and the Infinite Tsukuyomi had been released. Now, back in Konoha, new challenges had to be faced.
Sasuke expected to simply be thrown into jail and interrogated by the Intelligence Division. Sometimes, however, life surprises us.
Tsunade was still the Hokage but she had already put forward Kakashi’s name for the position of Sixth Hokage. Sasuke didn’t know her all that well but anyone could see that it was pathetic to argue with someone like that. Kakashi had no choice but to accept his new position. Preparations were being made for the new Hokage’s inauguration ceremony and everyone was looking forward to it with high expectations. The ceremony would be held in a couple days and everything needed to be as perfect as possible for a country which was recovering from the war. Such events have the power to lift up people’s mood and to give them something positive to occupy their minds with. That’s why everyone was so enthusiastic about it.
Sasuke had been required to meet the Fifth Hokage at her office. He thought they would most likely discuss which measures would be taken regarding his situation. After all, despite having helped in the Fourth Ninja War, he was still considered a Missing-Nin.
It was 10:25 AM. The meeting was in five minutes. Sasuke had no expectations. He knew what this was all about. He couldn’t really say he was nervous or anxious but he was somewhat hesitant. The last few days were nothing but a blur in Sasuke’s mind. So many things had happened in such little time. He had way too many thoughts to deal with, too many emotions to process. However, every action has a consequence and it was about time for him to face the consequences of his own actions – whatever that meant. That meeting was the first step.
The two guards at the entrance of the Hokage Tower didn’t even question his presence. Already inside the building, was a ninja waiting for him:
“Uchiha Sasuke, the Hokage is awaiting you. Please follow me.”
After a moment, the ninja knocked on the office’s door. Sasuke heard the Hokage’s voice too well. It’s impossible not to. That woman could be just as loud as a certain someone.
The door opened and the guard gave him permission to enter the room. There she was, sitting behind her desk. She wasn’t alone, though. Her secretary and Kakashi were there. Nothing he hadn’t expected.
“Uchiha Sasuke. Right on time”, she said.
“I am here at your request” was what he was able to say. He wasn’t particularly fond of formalities but, truth be told, he was in no position to be imprudent.
“I’m sure you know the reason why you are here.” Tsunade paused to take a glance at him. She was looking at some sort of document. “All actions have consequences. Your name is on the Bingo Book. Someone accused of committing treason and murder cannot walk the streets as they please. I am sure you understand the gravity of your situation.” She paused again.
Sasuke caught a glimpse of Kakashi’s face but didn’t waste time trying to decipher his facial expression. “We are well aware of the effort you put into fighting the enemies during the war. We also know about your apparent willingness to come back to Konoha after your fight against Naruto.”
Naruto. That name usually awakened many different emotions in him but not on that day, not at that moment. He couldn’t let that happen, therefore, he pretended to be unaffected by it.
“Of course that brat couldn’t go without discussing this matter with me. I can’t say that surprised me, though. After everything that happened there’s no way he would just leave it at that.” the Fifth sighed heavily.
Once again, Sasuke was struggling to keep his stoic attitude. Staring at a specific object usually helped him stop that kind of thoughts. Despite his efforts, he could perfectly picture Naruto babbling on about him.
“After a long discussion,” Sasuke heard the Hokage say, “we came to an agreement. We decided to pardon all your crimes as Konoha will take responsibility for the events that caused you to become a Missing-Nin.”
Now that was unexpected. The last thing Sasuke expected was to be pardoned. He couldn’t help but be surprised. Despite that, a part of him was pleased with the idea of Konoha finally paying for its role in the Uchiha massacre and its consequent events.
“I suppose that comes with a price” assumed Sasuke thoughtfully.
“Exactly. I’m not going to lie, Uchiha. It was hard to decide on a proper ‘punishment’. You will be thoroughly interrogated as we believe you might have valuable information. After that, you will join the Anbu. That way we can keep an eye on you. Furthermore, your abilities will be extremely useful for the organization. Finally you’ll have to report to us every day in the first few weeks as a member of the Anbu.”
Sasuke found Konoha’s authority rather questionable and, after everything he went through, the last thing he wanted was to be forced to work for Konoha. For better or for worse, however, he had decided to stay which meant that, if he wanted to be a ninja, he had no other option but to work for the village: the place that didn’t feel like home anymore, the place that had made him suffer so much, the place he once swore to obliterate.
For his surprise, Kakashi finally spoke:
“With all due respect, Tsunade-sama but I think Sasuke would benefit from being given some time. Many things happened during these last three years. Jumping right into something new might not be the most sensible decision.”
Sasuke almost gasped soundly but he had more self-control than that. This time, the secretary was the one to intervene:
“That might not be a bad idea, Tsunade-sama. I believe that travelling would help him understand his life, his own beliefs, feelings and even his future aspirations. Besides, a team could be assigned the mission of keeping Sasuke-kun under surveillance. That way it would be easier for us to keep track of him.”
The Fifth Hokage meditated and only spoke after what seemed like an eternity.
“It’s decided, then. I’ll give you three months to travel starting this Saturday because Kakashi’s inauguration ceremony will be held from Friday to Sunday. Keep in mind that you’ll be constantly under surveillance during those months. If you make any suspicious move, prepare to face its consequences. Understood?” she asked assertively. He nodded.
“Very well. You may go now.”
Sasuke had already his back turned and his hand was on the door handle when Tsunade added:
“I’m pretty sure that brat will want to talk to you after this. I told him we would have a meeting. I know that is none of my business but listen to whatever he has to say.”
Sasuke didn’t like her tone of voice. She was right. It was no one’s business but his and Naruto’s.