Queen of Air and Darkness

vi. to give up a human heart

Kakashi raised one hand and the guard sprung into action, surrounding the two duelers. The crowd was a roaring tempest, spurred into chaos by the tension of the fight and the reveal of Sasuke's identity. Konoha's most famed prodigal son, once their shining future, now their most infamous traitor, stood in the middle of this storm of people, unbothered by the near-riot he had incited.

Sakura sat before him, her face unreadable as she stared up the flat blade of his practice sword. Kakashi ignored the nagging of guilt at the sight. There were more immediate concerns than the pride of his former student.

"Sasuke Uchiha," Kakashi proclaimed. "In the name of King Naruto, you are under arrest for the crimes of high treason and regicide."

The guard moved closer, but Sasuke did not lower his blade from Sakura's throat. It was a wooden practice sword, not meant for cutting or slicing, but that did not mean it was not a weapon. And it did not mean that Sasuke wasn't a danger. The men under Kakashi's command seemed to sense this as well because they did not move close enough to seize the rogue fighter.

This time, however, Sasuke looked up at the crowd as if seeing it for the first time. With an expression of sheer disinterest, he released a lazy smile and shook his head. "I believe that goes against your own rules," he said. "Victory at a tournament comes with a pardon, does it not?"

Kakashi's stomach sank. Traditionally it did. "There are always exceptions," he said, using the tone he reserved for leading men into battle. It brokered no disagreement, and on those loyal to him, created instant obedience. Sasuke carried no such loyalty, the only thing he felt for Kakashi was an easy disdain. But Sasuke was not the only audience.

What Kakashi did not say was that these exceptions were made at the King's pleasure, not his own.

Sasuke bowed, mockingly, keeping his eyes trained on Kakashi, flourishing his sword like a trained entertainer. The theatricality added just the right touch to make Sasuke look like an absolute prick. Kakashi grimaced at the sight, wondering what other habits of Orochimaru his former student had picked up.

But Sakura had stepped out Sasuke's reach and into the outskirts of the ring, which made him suddenly more comfortable with ordering the young man's arrest. He was moderately certain that Sakura could handle herself against whatever Sasuke unleashed, but he did not want her in the middle of the attack zone if things happened to get ugly. He nodded down at Iruka, signaling his approval for the arrest to begin when a voice rang out in the middle of the scene.

"Stop this," Naruto's voice vibrated with power. Instead of his usual youthful whine, it was a command with the full force of the crown behind it.

Kakashi looked the dais of his king and cursed internally. Even from afar the look on Naruto's face was heavy with emotion. Despite the calm power of his voice, his eyes were wide with frantic passion. There would be no arresting Sasuke if Naruto had anything to say about the matter. No, Naruto would never allow his old friend to await his fate in the dungeons where he belonged.

"Tradition is clear," Naruto continued as he gestured for Iruka and the other members of the guard to step away. Then, curse him, he stood and stepped down the stairs of the dais and into the ring.

There would have to be a very long discussion about protecting his royal personage after this stunt. He would not be able to keep Naruto alive for very long if he decided to dive directly into Sasuke's orbit.

But of course, Naruto continued with this madness. "Sasuke has claimed his victory," he said, stepping through the cluster of guards. Did he have to make this proclamation in front of everyone? Kakashi wanted to shout. There would be no going back after a decision this public. "He will be my champion."