Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 37

The sky was still overcast days later and drizzling when a familiar figure moved towards the gates of Konoha. Their sudden appearance from the surrounding forest caught the attention of those on the wall as a ninja greeted them at the entrance.

"State your business," an ANBU Ninja said.

"Just resting for a period of time."

"For how long?"

"A week, maybe more given the circumstances."

Being granted entrance his eyes skimmed the streets. There were few patrons outside which was to be expected in this cool, dismal weather. But the farther he moved inside the Village he could pick up on the very familiar chakras of his former teammates, excluding one. Knocking on the door to the Hokage's office, seeing as how Shizune was nowhere to be found, the woman called for him to enter, catching the rather surprised look on her face.

"Well then, I was wondering when you would come by again, Sasuke," the woman greeted. "It has been a while."

Formally, yes, as the ninja remove the hood that was dripping wet to reveal dark strands of hair that had grown out a few inches from his travels. Then there were the instances he would sneak in undetected. Most of the time it was just to observe its occupants, mainly Mai. However, during his most recent visits she had not been around, working in the field. Instead, he would stay in her home in secret much like the first time she caught him before moving on. Though this time he was determined to catch her upon leaving. There were certain thoughts of his that had been plaguing him for weeks, months that needed answers from the one person that was the cause of them.

He followed Naruto's chakra through the streets. It was no surprise he found the knucklehead at his favorite ramen stand with Sakura, Sai, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. They were beginning to leave when the blonde's head turned in his direction instantly pausing before giving a strained smirk.

"About time you showed up," the knucklehead said.

The comment caused everyone's brows to pinch in confusion before following his line of sight. Instantly Ino's eyes lit up, even Sakura, but not as much, which slightly intrigued him. Maybe she was finally getting over her obsessive nature with him that was a relief in itself. Though it was obvious Ino refused to give up when she shouted,

"Sasuke!" and nearly tackled him in a hug,

His pointer figure to make contact with her forehead warding off the attempt as she stumbled back a step rubbing the now sore spot with a pout.

"So mean," she muttered lowly.

"Where have you been?" Shikamaru asked.

"Around," was the Uchiha's answer.

As his eyes continued to survey the group, who began talking among themselves on what they should do for the rest of the late afternoon his sights paused on Naruto, standing towards the back. His expression was not a pleased one, which was a rather uncommon emotion for the naturally overly happy ninja. Arms crossed over the chest in a rather standoffish manner their eye contact was only broken when Sakura suggested something and they began walking.

There was little they were able to accomplish though as it finally began to rain. Individuals in their group peeled off to head home for the evening until only the two of them remained.

"If you have a problem, spit it out," Sasuke finally stated when alone. "It's obviously been bothering you this entire time."

"What the hell took you so long?" he asked. "Were you taking your time returning to Konoha?"

Sasuke's brows narrowed. "I wasn't doing nothing."

"Were you really so 'busy' you just couldn't stop by even for a moment."