Twisting Fate

The Bridge

Sasuke got what he wanted when he got to the battlefield: his body did all the thinking for him. Right away they asked him to assist on the lines and he was more than happy to do just that. He had his sword in his left hand as he spun around, knocking away kunai and shuriken flying his way and slicing open any that dared to get too close. In his right was a chakra rod. His moves were swift, efficient and with deadly accuracy. His body knew how to fight, how to defend itself, and when he sensed that there wasn't much threat on this battlefield, Sasuke left his body to it's own devices, but made sure to be aware enough to clock back in should the need arise.

It wasn't until the enemy had full on retreated when Sasuke finally stopped, he was weighed down by his heavy poncho sopping wet with sweat, did he realize that he had been battling for hours. He's effectively clocked out of the battle for hours, lost to his own emptiness.

He didn't miss the looks sent his way as he headed for the camp on the battle line to learn of his next orders. Minato caught him before he entered and scanned his body with his eyes, making note of all the small cuts and tares in his clothes and skin. He opens his mouth, probably about to insist that he go and visit a medical shinobi, but then appeared to think better of it and just quietly followed after the stoic Uchiha into the camp.

Sasuke just stops a few feet in, leaning against some of the crates filled with supplies, and crossing his arms over his chest. He looks over at Minato, not wanting to be obviously out of his element - which he is - but has to ask. "What are we doing now?"

"Waiting for orders," Minato says simply, then smiles. "Are you hungry?"

Sasuke stares at him for a moment, wondering if this was a ploy of some kind. It has been a while since he last ate and he is feeling fatigued, especially after the amount of movement he did today. But he wasn't about to admit that he needed help. If it came down to it, he would go out into the forest and hunt for his own food when he's alone, but if they are just going to leave again soon, he might as well eat while he's in the base.

"Maybe a bit..." Sasuke says slowly.

"Oh good," Minato says, kindly. "I was worried that you weren't eating. Come, let's go eat while we've got the time." He waves his hand for Sasuke to follow. The raven haired man paused for just a moment before bowing his head a bit and following the tall blond. Maybe a part of his aggravation stems from his hunger? He hadn't eaten in a while, maybe his blood sugar is low?

Or, he's stuck being a horribly irritable person for the rest of his life. There's that too.

And if that ends up being the case, nothing will be able to help his shitty attitude and Sasuke's going to be alone and miserable for the rest of his life. Wonderful. If that didn't tank his already bad mood, nothing could.

Minato must have been at this forward camp before - that or they are all structured similarly, but that wasn't a smart option so he'll go with the former - because he easily leads Sasuke over to where they were cooking some healthy, easy to make, broth, that will boost their chakra regrowth and energy. It's not the best stuff but it was more than Sasuke has had in a while and wolfed it down faster than he thought he would.

Sasuke sets the bowl of broth down next to himself on the stump, resting his hands against the wood on either side of him, and stares into the fire with his black right eye. The hot broth settled nicely in his belly, lightening his mood after what feels like forever being in his horrible pit.

Minato stands up, reaching down to take Sasuke's bowl too before walking over to the chunnin that was in charge of cooking the food. Sasuke follows him with his eye before letting it sip closed and he lets his head hang back. It's late evening. There are people shuffling around him, talking about the battle, or missions they just returned from, family back home. All things Sasuke didn't care to really listen to. All things Sasuke didn't care to really think about either.