Let The Light In || SasuSaku

Chapter 4

          He had arrived at the village two hours before. The entire journey was carried out with firm steps along the dirt road. The sounds of birdsong flying across the horizon followed him throughout the trip, as well as the breeze making the leaves dance. When he noticed the tall and dense trees, showered with green leaves, he understood that his fate was inexorable. Behind the village entrance, two ninjas wearing navy blue clothing and an olive-green protective vest quickly headed towards Sasuke. When he said his name, a clear tension descended upon the men's eyes. That was nothing new to Sasuke, as all the dark legacy that the Uchiha name carried over the years created a heavy aura, a cross to be painfully carried. It would be unfair to blame them for reacting this way.

          He decided to head to the main tower to inform the Hokage about his return. He could not help but carefully observe the village and its transformations. He was impressed by how modernized the place was, and even more so in such a short time. Amidst the anonymous, wandering crowd, Sasuke found it difficult to remember how everything used to be - and it was easy to see why. When he finally returned to Konoha, the nations were at war against Uchiha Madara and he needed to be on the battlefield. After the conflict ended, he was briefly imprisoned in the village of Konoha, and following his release, he decided to go on a two-year journey of redemption. It was no surprise that the village was so different.

          - "Look who decided to appear in the village again.... My favorite student" - said Kakashi, maintaining his usual expression, a mixture of disdain, indolence and sarcasm.

           - "Hm... I was nearby. I took the opportunity to spend a night." He answered, closing his eyes.

           - "Well, I'll be honest with you. I woke up with my back stuck. I stubbed my toe on the corner when I got to the office and I soon remembered that I had forgotten my paperwork. I went back home and as soon as I arrived I spilled tea over those same documents" - Kakashi said, with a relaxed smile. "I knew something would happen throughout the day, I just didn't imagine it would be a good surprise" - He continued, in a satisfied tone. "Under normal circumstances, I would advise you to take advantage of this brief break to relax in the hot springs."

           Sasuke remembered Kakashi's unpretentious and random comments, which were usually followed by something really important.

           - "I need a favor. Tomorrow, Naruto will be leaving for his honeymoon and I don't want to disturb him; Sakura is working intensely at the hospital, so you're the only one I can turn to", he said, changing his expression from disdain to serious. "Following the end of the Fourth Ninja War, an atmosphere of uncertainty emerged among smaller countries, while large nations have worked together to restore peace. We were not aware, but the Lands of Water and Waves were invaded by criminals from neighboring countries, such as the Land of Iron. They established themselves on apparently vulnerable borders. Like sneaky shadows, they infiltrated and stole not only precious natural resources, but also high-caliber ninja weapons, silently undermining the integrity of weaker nations. I suspect that these groups are organizing themselves for a large-scale invasion and we will not allow that to happen, especially after the horrors of the last War" - said Kakashi - "Thus, I give approval for the neutralization of this group, without causing alarm for other nations."

           - "Okay," Sasuke decided to agree, heading to the door.

           - "Before you leave, I want you to stop by the intelligence division. There you will find more information about this case." Sasuke quickly turned around.

           - "One more thing. I know I assigned you this unexpected mission, but before you leave, go see them."

           Sasuke hoped to see Sakura before embarking on the mission. He was convinced that she would never forgive him if he left without seeing her, but he had no idea how to approach her. It was a relief when they found themselves in the corridors of the intelligence division. Now, there was only one person left that he needed to find again, and he already had a clear clue as to where to find him: Ichiraku.

            Recognizable and peculiar sounds intensified as he approached the place, where he believed he would find him; Sasuke knew that certain habits persisted. Upon entering the restaurant, he noticed the changes it had undergone. The space was cozier with a soft light from the lamps, as well as with a modern kitchen and new seats.

           - "Heh Heh Heh..., you know, uncle, I was so excited to use my wedding gift, I even dreamed about it."

           - "Noisy as always," Sasuke thought.

           - "SASUKE... You're back. Sit here!", pointing to the chair next to him. "I'm glad you're back, it's been so long!", Naruto continued enthusiastically. - "This time, I'll pay." "Uncle, two special ramen." - "So... Sasuke" Naruto stared at him with a dubious expression that could be funny under different circumstances. However, before he could continue his sentence, Sasuke interrupted him.

           - "Congratulations, Naruto. Looks like you finally found someone willing to bear you." Sasuke commented, letting out a trace of a smile. Naruto, surprised by his friend's speech, responded with laughter.

           - "Rude as always." The two enjoyed the ramen in silence.

           - "Naruto, shouldn't you have lunch with your wife?" Sasuke's eyes revealed a certain curiosity regarding the recent change in his friend's life. Naruto responded instantly, with the words flowing without pause, even though his mouth was busy savoring his dish:

           - "Hinata preferred to stay at home organizing her bags for our trip and getting some clothes from her old house." Sasuke preferred not to delve into this subject further.

           After lunch, they continued walking through the streets, only stopping when they reached the top of a hill, close to the exit gates. From there, they enjoyed a panoramic view of the village, contemplating the houses, the vegetation and, in particular, the imposing faces of the former Hokage. Being there, next to his friend, evoked a deep and pleasurable nostalgia.

           - "I'm leaving." - said Sasuke, with a faint current blowing his hair.

           - "So early? Are you sure you don't want to stay any longer?"

           - "Stop bothering me, loser."- said Sasuke, smiling smugly, turning his back and heading down the hill.

           - "Hehe... Thanks for the wedding greetings earlier." The instant he reached the ground, Sasuke caught the sound of footsteps echoing from behind.

           - "Sasuke-kun!" shouted Sakura. Surprised, he turned around, facing the hesitant figure of his former colleague.

           - "Huh...Sakura, it's you..." Sakura remained in front of him, closed her eyes, gathering courage.

           - "Please... this time... take me with you!" Time seemed suspended as he considered his answer. A fleeting breeze played with tree leaves that gently danced across Sasuke's face, but even that didn't take his eyes away from hers.

           He watched the change in Sakura's eyes at those final words. He realized nothing would change her decision, as she was already determined to move forward. He simply closed his eyes, turned his back to her, and uttered the sentence that would shape the course of their lives.

           - "If that's what you want..."

           A smile appeared on his lips as he continued his way. Sakura hurried to catch up with him, with a rich and burning wave of happiness flooding her. At the top, Naruto happily watched the two friends heading towards the exit gate of the Konoha village.