日向導 - A Hyūga's Guide

Chapter Forty Nine: The Battle of Brothers [II]

Do you remember?

Sasuke tightened his grip on the hilt of his katana as they approached the Palace. They could see the small gathering of puppets at the entrance, and knew that Toneri was waiting for them.

It was cold that night, even though it was in the middle of July.

He got down from his horse, motioning Naruto and Gaara to do the same. They sent their horses to hide away while they held their hand up to signal the rows of soldiers behind them. He gave them a glance, nodding with his eyes narrowed in determination.

I hated you then. It's funny thinking about it now; I couldn't really stand you and your attitude.

With one signal, the first platoon approached the gates, fingers twitching slightly as they controlled their puppets. Toneri's eyes did not leave his own; he looked excited, absolutely thrilled at the aspect of finally fighting the 'Last' Uchiha. He smiled widely and spread his arms wide.

To be fair, I think you felt the same way, didn't you? You didn't like me then because I was different—I didn't see you in the same light that others did, and that confused you.

The dew on the grass, the warmth of the sun, all of it felt awfully good as Sasuke ran forward with his sword cutting down the few puppets that dared charge him. Right behind him was his life long best friend, his brother in everything but blood. He felt amazing, he felt free, finally away from the judging and expecting eyes of his father—doing something that he decided without the risk of being ridiculed.

If I was honest, I would have behaved the same as you if I was in your position, and I think that's why we understand each other, ya'know? If I was the Heiress to the throne with so much pressure on my shoulders, I would hate the world and everyone in it.

"Where is he?" He blocked the attacks of Toneri's puppets, his eyes remained focused on the man who stood there observing him. His eyes flashed red for a second, his Sharingan coming alive for just a moment before he stilled his emotions. He should not get angry lest he lose his focus and get himself hurt.

"Who are you talking about, Sasuke?" Toneri drew out the syllables in his name in an attempt to get under his skin. Seeing how unaffected the young Uchiha was, he frowned and sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Follow me."

Naruto reached out to stop him, skillfully dismantling the animated porcelain dolls, "you can't go alone."

"Go." Gaara yelled as he held off a smaller army. "We will handle things out here, you two should have each other's backs."

But, there's a part of me that knows, or wants to believe that we would have found each other again. That we would have this exact same dynamic; me hating you, and you hating me, but somewhere along those times, we would have fallen for each other. Don't you feel that way too?

They both nodded and turned back to Toneri who had long since began his entry into the Palace without sparing them a glance. Suspicious and alert, they followed him without relaxing or letting their katanas down. They did not have to speak any words as they shared curious glances; the Palace looked different, that was to be expected, but it looked oddly peaceful. There were no disturbances, but that did nothing to calm the duo down—the place looked dead.

Gone were the sounds of guards in training, or the maids speaking amongst themselves as they admired the men who worked out in the courtyard. Gone was the laughter and yelling of a multitude of people who felt safe—it was replaced by dolls who did not speak. Who did not laugh or cry, who did not shout or scream—gone was the life that which the Palace was known for.

"Your brother is right beyond these doors." Toneri stopped and spun around quickly.

"That was too easy." Naruto mumbled the exact words Sasuke was thinking.