SASUSAKU: TROUBLED TIMES

Negotiations

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT

The night after the battle was long, the high-ranking soldiers could barely rest. The other soldiers retreated little by little. Some went to the nursing bases, where they were treated, while Sakura provided aid, despite having little chakra reserves. Others rested in their tents, a few celebrated the victory, and the commanders gathered in Naruto's tent where Emperor Neji was accompanied by Shisui, Obito, Nagato and Sasuke.

"What are your intentions now?" Neji spat, while he looked at the men present, but especially at Naruto. Everyone was tired, despite having won the battle, and practically the war, they were dejected, and they only wanted to sleep for 5 days in a row.

"Neji-sama," Naruto began, "I understand your stance regarding your relationship with Hinata-chan, but there is no need to spill any more blood. We can reach an agreement," the emperor looked at him with contempt, as if he were a filthy stray dog.

"And what kind of deals am I going to make with a worm like you?" he spoke with hatred.

"Can you accept that we both live in peace and tranquility outside of Fire Country?" Naruto asked.

"Live in exile?" asked the emperor.

"Yes, that's what I propose," Naruto replied. "Besides, it was what we intended before your men chased us, and tried to kill me on more than one occasion," Neji snorted dissatisfied, but deep down he knew that any another proposal or that same one, one of them had to accept them. He wasn't going to be able to do much more, he had no army, he had lost, and he knew it.

"Neji-sama," Sasuke spoke this time, "You don't have many other options, you must accept Naruto's proposal. Even though your clan does not accept the Uzumakis, outside the Fire Country they are unaware of such history, and it will not stain the Clan, if that is what worries you," as Sasuke spoke, his words reminded him of something personal. Was he a hypocrite for defending the situation of his friend and not the situation of his wife? Something was beginning to stir inside Sasuke.

"I must admit that your army, Uchiha, has always been up to par, and I see that it is still as powerful as before. If it hadn't been for you, the Uzumakis would have lost," Neji replied, looking at Sasuke. "On the other hand, being married to a Senju will make you weaker as a Clan member," he stopped for a second to observe Sasuke's expression well and continued, "I wonder what will the clan leader think about all of this," he said his words maliciously, observing the reactions of the present men. Obito, he knew his cousin's situation, but Shisui and Naruto looked at Sasuke in surprise, but neither man said a word.

"My clan's affairs will be resolved soon, the matter of my Clan does not concern any of you now," Sasuke replied dryly.

"And yet you find yourself in the same situation as my clan and Uzumaki," the emperor responded. "I imagine that, as a faithful defender of breaking clan rules, you will continue to be married to the Senju to strengthen both clans," he remained silent for a second. and finally he said "or will you also live in exile?" he emphasized the question with a cynical smile. Sasuke just wanted to hit Neji, rage ran through his entire body, he remained calm, but his body was shaking with rage. No man dared to say a word.

"What the Uchiha clan decides is not the emperor's concern," he responded, trying to keep his voice calm. "Nor is it a situation that will spark a war," he finally said. The emperor did not like that, he felt insulted and made to stand up to face the Uchiha. Sasuke didn't move a finger, he waited for him to get up, but he didn't, he just snapped his teeth in hatred.