ENDLESS CYCLE

Chapter 9: The New beginning

Naruto watched Sasuke sleep peacefully on the couch, a mix of admiration and concern. He'd never known family, so the prospect of raising a child, especially one as young as Itama, seemed daunting. Yet, Sasuke's willingness to share the burden was a comfort.

They were currently residing in Nidaime's tavern, a three-bedroom house with well-maintained equipment thanks to a self-sustaining seal.

As Naruto prepared a cup of coffee, Itama began to cry. Sasuke immediately stood up and took the baby, a comical sight that made Naruto chuckle. He was certain Sasuke would be a wonderful father.

"Hey, let me take Itama," Naruto offered. "You haven't slept all night."

"I'm fine," Sasuke replied, though his eyes revealed his exhaustion.

Naruto insisted, gently taking the baby from Sasuke's arms. "You have an appointment with the Hokage later. You need rest."

"Okay. Just hold him loosely. He doesn't like a tight hold. Check his diaper for rashes and put some of this on. Then try to—"

"Hush, hush," Naruto interrupted. "Suki, stop nagging! I know what to do. Just go to sleep. You look like a dead meat."

With a defeated sigh, Sasuke retreated to their shared room. The three of them shared a room, a necessity given Itama's frequent cries.

Later that afternoon, the Hokage was still in a meeting with clan leaders. Five days had passed since the incident, and the leaders were demanding answers.

Flashback

Sasuke and Naruto had used a distraction to escape, their departure unnoticed by most.

End of Flashback

Hiruzen was about to address the clan leaders when an unknown presence entered the room.

"About time you acknowledged my presence," Sasuke said.

"He's been here for five minutes," Hiruzen replied calmly.

Everyone was confused. How had they not sensed Sasuke's chakra earlier?

"This is Sasuke," Hiruzen announced. "He is an..."

"Uchiha," Danzo finished.

Fugaku, the Uchiha clan head, was perplexed. "I don't remember a person by that name."

"Uchiha-sama, I am not tied to your clan," Sasuke explained. "My father married a non-shinobi. My mother died before telling me his name, and I never knew my father."

"That explains why your chakra is a bit different from other Uchiha," Danzo said.

"It seems like you're investigating the Uchiha," Sasuke replied, noting Danzo's interest.

Danzo glared at Sasuke while Fugaku remained suspicious.

"Sasuke and Naruto are my indirect students," Hiruzen said. "They have come to settle in our village as residents."

"Hokage-sama, do you think you're being too trusting of them?" Shikaku Nara asked.

"I have confirmed their identity and alibis," Hiruzen replied. "As Hokage, I will assign them as Tokubetsu ANBU. They will only answer to my requests and missions."

"But Hokage-sama, assigning a special rank just for them will upset the balance of ranks," Hiashi Hyuga argued.

"Quite the opposite," Hiruzen countered. "As shinobi, they will work in the shadows and take orders only from me."

"What happens if you die? How will they work? Will they serve the next Hokage?" Fugaku asked.

"Planning to kill the Hokage won't do any good, Uchiha-sama," Sasuke retorted.

"No," Hiruzen said. "My existence is the only reason they were tied to this village. Once I die, they are free to go wherever and whatever they want."

The Hokage's statement caused a stir in the room.

"You smell dangerous to me," Tsume Inuzuka said, eyeing Sasuke. "I'd rather become your ally than an enemy."

"My bugs feel the same way," Shibi Aburame agreed. "But I need assurance that you won't betray the village."

"We didn't sense him earlier, even with those prideful doujutsu clan members," Shikaku said. "He could have killed one of us but chose to let the Hokage gain our trust."

"Then, is there any objection to my proclamation?" Hiruzen asked. "If there's none, then I will take it as everyone agreed to my decision."

"Ruto and Sasuke will now have Tokubetsu ANBU status and will be living in Nidaime's tavern," Hiruzen announced.

"What do you mean by living in my late sensei's apartment?" Danzo protested.

"Danzo-san, Nidaime-sama's lineage is with them," Hiruzen explained. "Ruto's son Itama is a part Senju and has the right to use their clan secrets. Not to mention that Ruto and Sasuke have acquired the key to Nidaime's house."

"Ruto's parents gave the key before they died," Sasuke added. "I don't think there's a need to explain since you are not a Senju."

"You are here to earn our trust," Danzo insisted. "You need to comply with our demands!"

"We have a little misunderstanding here, 'Danzo-sama,'" Sasuke said with a smirk. "The only trust I need to acquire is the Hokage's. The Hokage needs your trust on his decisions. See the difference?"

"Smart kid," Shikaku commented.

"To be praised by the smartest clan head is an honor," Sasuke replied. "I look forward to some guidance in the future."

"This meeting is dismissed," Hiruzen announced.

After the meeting, Sasuke returned to Nidaime's tavern and informed Naruto that their plan had been executed successfully.

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A/N
Had a chance to continue this on.

corrected grammar