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Shadow Hokage

Sasuke woke up to the light from the rising sun breaking past the partially closed curtains of the hospital room. He had a room to himself, which he didn't mind. Other people tended to be bothersome and the less face-to-face interaction he had, the better. However...

Sasuke shuffled himself, turning to face the window more.

It had been two days since Konoha's battle against Takahashi and his Cult Clan. From what Sasuke remembered, Naruto had pep-talked their old Team 7 into taking down Takahashi the only way they knew how—together. It didn't take too long. Less than an hour, once Takahashi started chaotically flailing about to protect himself. He was a genius in the scientific field, but his battle sense lacked, therefore making him a slightly easier target.

Right now, Takahashi was being kept in confinement, while Konoha deliberated on the best course of action until the Village Hidden in the Stone took over. And, as Sasuke started to sit up in his hospital bed, he wondered if their mission would finally be over now. This mission had taken him and his fellow comrades into the unknown, but he wasn't not used to unknowns. Unfortunately, he was also dealing with mental and emotional issues during said mission that he'd temporarily tried to set aside so he could focus, but... Over time that had become increasingly difficult.

It was tough being in close quarters with your crush for long periods of time with no supervision.

Sasuke took a deep breath and exhaled, continuing to stare out the window. Konoha did look pretty in the morning... He had to admit it. The sun rising over the stone faces. It reminded him of his childhood and how he used to look up and feel like the world was at his fingertips. So innocent. Maybe a little naive too? Sure, he'd atoned for his past decisions, but a bright future was still hard to imagine. He didn't want to think negatively like that anymore, especially because he'd been given reassurance by Naruto that those thoughts shouldn't plague him like they once had.

Naruto was still only one person though. And while he was the only person Sasuke truly needed that acceptance and love from... If he were to stay in the village... Fight for the village... One day die for the village... He needed more than Naruto on his side. At least, logically speaking, that made the most sense.

A knock on the door drew Sasuke's attention away from the window.

"You're up early, Sasuke."

"Kakashi."

Kakashi walked in and shut the door behind him. "Looks like not even the morning sun could thaw out your coldness."

Kakshi chuckled and Sasuke glared.

"Of course, I'm only kidding."

Sasuke nodded and watched as Kakashi walked over to the side of his bed.

"How're you feeling?"

Sasuke shrugged. "I feel fine. Not sure why they're still keeping me here."

Kakashi looked out the window. "You'll probably be discharged today."

"Right." Sasuke looked out the window again, following Kakashi's lead.

A moment passed before one of them spoke. Kakashi started, "Listen, Sasuke, I wanted to talk to you about a few things in regards to your status here in the village."

Sasuke felt a tremble in his fingertips. Kakashi was on his side... Even though he was Hokage and had other people to satisfy—he was one of Sasuke's only true mentors growing up. He wouldn't be tossed to the side by Kakashi. Never.

"I know it's not the most pleasant or fun conversation to be had, but I want you to know that you have a place here. In Konoha." Sasuke subtly nodded to that notion. "Now... Have you given any thought to continuing working in the ANBU by any chance? Or—"