The Choice

Chapter 5

Three Years Later

Sasuke's POV

The sky stretches wide and blue, the sun casting its brilliant light upon the world below. A chorus of birds fills the air with their joyful chirping. With each step, I draw closer to Konoha; at this pace, I estimate I'll reach the village in about half an hour. It's been three years since I returned to the Leaf after that catastrophic Moon destruction event. I wonder how much has changed in my absence. Naruto has kept me informed about the goings-on, but there's something different about experiencing it firsthand.

Flashback

I was sitting near a lake relaxing and recharging after searching another dimension for Kagura's leftover army or for any threats from the otsutsuki. The ninja world is starting to get back to normal and it does not need another catastrophic threat to shake it up. As I was relaxing I heard the flap of Garuda's wings signaling that I have received an update and letters from Konoha. Most were typical letters from the village, routine updates. Kakashi's letter, Naruto's, and once again, none from Sakura. It's become a pattern, Sakura's silence. Perhaps she's given up hope, seeing as I never replied to her messages and that thought kinda stung, but I didn't dwell on it. As usual, I started with Kakashi's letter. It was business as usual - mission reports and Kakashi's notes. Then, I moved on to Naruto's letter which I presume will contain all the nonsense of who's who. I think Naruto has picked up a side gig as my personal assistant by keeping me updated on people's life in Konoha which I don't give a shit about. Why do I care who is dating who and what are they upto in their personal life. Not my business.

Sighing, I opened his letter for another useless set of information, "COME HOME, IT'S ABOUT SAKURA"

That's it, no further explanation. My mind started working in overdrive. What happened? Is she safe? I know she can take care of herself, she is strong but is it like one of the incidents like Kido? What the hell Naruto? Why hasn't he given any more information. Without wasting any time I started my journey towards Konoha.

Approximately 25 minutes later, I reached Konoha and I can see the Konoha gate and there are two guards stationed at the gate. When I reached the gate, they were shocked to see me. Well I can't blame them. It's been a long time and although I have been acquitted for my past crimes due to my contribution in the war, some people still hold a grudge against me for the same. Not that I blame them. I have yet to repent for my sins.

"Colour me surprise, It is Sasuke Uchiha. For a minute I didn't recognize you. But who can mistaken the Rinnegan." the first guard laughed nervously.

Although, I keep my Rinnegan hidden with my hairs, they might have seen it due to the wind that is blowing my hair.

"I am here to meet with Kakashi"

"Huh?" they replied

"I mean the Hokage sama" Damm, old habits die hard I muttered to myself.

"Yes, Yes, Please enter," they stuttered "the Hokage tower is to the..."

"I know where the tower is" and then I left. I took the roof as I want to avoid the streets and any unwanted looks. I am not here to create any chaos. I just need to talk to Kakshi about Sakura, help her and then will leave the village immediately.

As I reached the Hokage tower, I ran into Shikamaru, he was coming out of the Hokage.

"Hey Sasuke, Long time no see. Wasn't expecting you in the village. Anything we need to be worried about?" he asked.

"Huh, Just need to talk to Kakashi"

"Okay, he is in there. See Ya," he replied and walked away to continue his business.