Redemption In Your Eyes

Leaves

The guards at the village stiffened and met the entering group with menacing scowls, but surprise and horror replaced them when they caught sight of the leisurely way Team Seven accompanied them. None of them even spared the chunin sentries a passing glance. They were headed to one place and person.

Townspeople watched with round eyes as they passed, and nin in the crowd tensed, unsure what to expect. There was a thick silence as they made their way towards the Hokage's office in deliberate strides.

Aster raised her eyes from the ever-moving ground as Sakura and Naruto fell into position with Kakashi, taking the lead. The red carpet made things seem surreal. Haven't we seen enough red? Her stomach wove itself in intricate knots and she fought the urge to sway and lean on the wall. After a few more steps, the dizzying desire began to win.

Biting her lip, Aster prepared to fall, but as her weight began to drop, Itachi slowed his pace. Her shoulder hit his arm, and the result was like being electrocuted. Straightening her spine abruptly, she continued with new resolve.

Sighing to himself, Sasuke eyed the décor of the hall, realizing that he hadn't been in here after the death of the Third. His mind wandered, trying to sort and compose his surroundings and actions. It didn't work. His thoughts were turning into sludge and he was too tired to do much to fight it. Abandoning the effort, he drifted back the twisting corridor.

He almost jumped when he realized he was standing next to Naruto, within arm's reach even. It had been so long, and the current circumstances were so different. One thought became clear, and he only wished it were an answer. Where does this leave us?

Turning slightly, Sasuke tried to catch Naruto's eye, hoping to say something, even if he wasn't sure what. But the attempt was preempted as they came to Tsunade's office doors.

Kakashi held the door open, and Itachi, Sasuke, and Aster entered, anbu lining the walls and the infamous Tsunade watching them with distrust. They stood at attention, feeling the extremity of the atmosphere's tension. Naruto took his place without clarification, for once, and Sakura moved beside him slowly, both filled with the anticipation of a struggle.

Letting the anbu squirm under her gaze, Aster stepped up beside Itachi. Her eyes rested on the formidable, blonde woman standing behind the desk in front of them. It was still unbearably silent as Tsunade watched them. Growing sick of the quiet, Aster took a bold step forward. "Is this really necessary?" she waved her hand towards the hordes of black ops surrounding them.

The calculated tone Tsunade used in combination with a stern look of cold mistrust stilled her immediately. "Yes. It's absolutely necessary."

"I don't think-" Aster started, but Itachi caught wrist, holding her back gently. 'Don't.' She barely swallowed her gasp, forcing relaxation through her muscles.

"Ironic that the three of you return here, especially after your history," Tsunade set her jaw grimly, commanding the room's attention. "Give me one good reason to send the anbu out of the room." She was answered with silence as Aster bit back her arguments. "There isn't one is there?" Tsunade made sure to lock gazes with her.

Grinding her teeth, Aster replied softly, "No, there isn't." They continued to stare each other down for a moment. "But..." Itachi shot her another warning look and Sasuke tensed. Aster ignored them. "If we wanted to attack, wouldn't we have done so by now?"

Tsunade suddenly seemed amused. "No, not necessarily." Forcing her eyebrows together, Aster frowned at her. "Asking me to send the anbu out sounds suspicious, even to you. Admit it."

Crossing her arms and looking for a way out, Aster diverted her gaze. The blonde Hokage's eyes bore into her, making her squirm. "Alright, yes it does." Aster reconnected their gazes. "But what are we to do about it? I only made an honest request." She took a step forward, breaking from the group and further agitating Itachi and Sasuke. "Why is the truth so dangerous-especially in Konoha?" Aster moved boldly, challenging the sannin. "Can you tell me, Tsunade-sama?"