No Need for Love

C h a p t e r 30 - Red Eyes

(Name) P.O.V

I exhale another deep breath of exhaustion while entering a small clearing. A gleaming river stand in front of me. I stand still, taking in the sight. I listen to the rippling water while watching the sun's rays glisten on the surface. It's a calming sight. Placing my backpack near the trunk of a tree, I walk towards the river. Getting on my knees, I reach into the chilling water. The wet sensation quickly cools down my burning flesh. Cupping both my hands, I rinse my face with the clear liquid. Feeling better, I take the opportunity to rest and clear my thoughts.

'It's close, I'll be there soon.'

Moving to my backpack, I sit down leaning against the tree. The peaceful atmosphere ignites a familiar feeling within me. One that I've felt before. Maybe it's not a feeling, but a memory. A time that was peaceful and happy. A time when things such as worry and responsibility didn't exist. If there was a way to stop that time, than tranquil moments could be kept for eternity. Unfortunately, that isn't possible. As the famous saying goes "All good things must come to an end." Its this saying that makes me confront myself.

'Has all the good in my life really come to an end? If so, then what am I doing? Why continue a journey that only leads to anguish and loneliness? If that isn't the case, then when will the "goodness" end? It doesn't matter. There's not much left of it anyways...right?'

I escape my sea of thoughts while reaching for my bag. I somehow end up irritated with myself.

'How can I think something like that?! I guess I can't help it. There's too much happening right now and I can only handle so much. I'll just take it one problem at a time. And right now that's only one thing...I'm starving!'

Reaching into my bag, I pull out a packaged box filed with dumplings and onigiri (rice balls), along with a water bottle. Bringing a dumpling up to my mouth, I take a bite savoring the flavor. I sigh in relief as the horrid feeling of hunger slowly fades away from my stomach.

'It's a good thing I took the time to make these beforehand.'

Contently swallowing the food, I decide to only eat half. I'll save the rest for later. After drinking some water, I put everything back in my bag. I allow my food to digest for thirty minutes before I start traveling again.

'I'm pretty far from the Leaf now. If anyone tries to come after me, they'll have a hard time following my trail. That gives me one less thing to worry about at least.'

I continue to walk while looking up at the clear sky. Releasing a sigh, I think of everyone at the Leaf.

'I wonder how they're doing? I hope Sasuke's okay.'

Time seems to move faster as I get lost in thought once again. Before I realize it, an hour goes by and I'm finally standing in front of the place I used to call home. My old village. This is where it happened. Upon entering, I look at everything. The signs, the streets, the buildings...I remember it all; even though it doesn't look the way it used too. Anyone would be able to tell this place had been abandoned for years. The buildings that were glamorous before are now old and shabby. The paint on most of them has either faded or chipped away. A few of the smaller houses have even fallen apart due to weathering.

It's hard seeing what I used to know be like this, it's depressing. I mean, this was my childhood after all. Walking through my desolate hometown, I follow the path that leads to my old house. When reaching it I stand still, merely taking in the sight. My lips press together as I start to get teary eyed. Turning my back towards the house, I look away. I take a deep breath before wiping my eyes.

'No more tears. Crying won't bring my childhood back. It won't bring my mom back! I came here for a reason, and I intend to go through with it.'

Facing the house once again, I walk up to the front door. I reach for the handle when a frightening chill runs down my spine. My breath hitches as my eyes widen in sudden shock and fear. Quickly grabbing a kunai, I turn around ready to attack.

'Someone's watching me...but who is it? And where are they?'

Looking at my surroundings, I see no one. Everything looks as desolate as it was before, but I know someone's here.

'If they're from the Leaf then this is bad. Have they been watching me this whole time?! If they're after me, then why are they just now making a move? It doesn't make sense!'

Three kunais suddenly come flying towards me. Leaping to my right I'm able to avoid them. Seeing where they came from, I throw my kunai in the opposite direction, hoping it'll hit my target. The sound of my kunai being deflected rings through the air, and my mystery stalker comes out of hiding. In front of me stands a person I'm assuming is male, based on his height and posture. I can't see his face since he's looking down. Not to mention his large hat and cloak keep me from seeing his face as well.

Everything about him leaves me on edge, and I can't deny the uncomfortable feeling that's set in my stomach. Despite his strange persona there's something that catches my attention. Its his cloak. It's long and black, almost reaching his feet. That's not the only thing. The pattern accompanying the black color is one I've surely seen before. Those red clouds outlined in white seem too familiar.

'Do...do I know this person?'

"Who are you?!" I shout at the man.

He doesn't move or respond in anyway, he just stands there. After a few seconds he slowly begins to lift his head. That's when I finally catch sight of two gleaming red orbs. Letting out a gasp, I immediately jump back while pulling out another kunai.

"N-no way..." I whisper completely frozen in place.

"What's the matter? Don't you remember me?

...(Name)."