Changing the River of Time

Training Leave!

Aki-sensei caught the fist sent his way, an amused expression coming onto his face. "Nice reflexes," he told the Uchiha, who only hummed and took his arm back. He didn't ask what the Uzumaki was doing perched on his windowsill, only went back to cooking. Aki-sensei never sought people out, after all. Not unless it was important. 

And Sasuke trusted the Uzumaki. And wasn't that a strange feeling? He trusted Team 7- trusted the people they trusted, by extension. If he was being completely honest, he really cared about the people, too. Cared for them like he'd only cared for a few people- all of whom were now dead. 

Sasuke made two plates, setting them down on his kitchen table and taking his place. Aki-sensei took the silent invitation, taking the open seat and bringing his hands together. "Thank you for the food," he happily called, digging in with gusto. After a couple of bites, he smiled at Sasuke, bright and unreserved. "You're a really good cook!"

Sasuke nodded his thanks, going to work on his own meal.

Dinner was a nice affair. Small talk flew between the two as easily as if they did this every day, and any silence that crept in between topics felt natural and comfortable. As if Aki-sensei knew when Sasuke needed a break from speaking- though that wouldn't surprise the Uchiha at all. Only after both plates were drying beside the sink and both people sat back at the table did Aki-sensei get down to business. His face was serious, and he didn't shy away from eye-contact.

Not that he did that often. Aki-sensei was someone who made sure you knew he was talking to you- someone who wasn't afraid to look into your very soul to learn what you were thinking and how to help you. 

"You're leaving soon, aren't you?"

Sasuke nodded, mind snapping from his observations back to the impending conversation. "I don't think I can learn more from staying here."

Aki-sensei nodded, a thoughtful- if not slightly pained- expression coming onto his face. "I see. Konoha is quite a diverse town, but it's still only one experience. There's a lot more to this world than one village... and it's best to see all you can before it's too late."

Sasuke nodded, taking the advice to heart. But he knew this wasn't what his teacher wanted to talk about- not what brought the man to his home tonight. "Sensei, what is it?"

Aki paused, sighing as he linked his hands together. "I... have some news. And I think you're ready to hear it." 

"News?" The options of what it could be about ranged from... well, everything. From about Aki himself to the dobe to... to his clan. To his brother. He wouldn't be surprised to learn that Aki somehow convinced his brother to come back.

Aki nodded, lips pursing as he searched for the words. "I have to warn you. It's... complicated. It's messy. There is no right answer, and there's a million things hiding in wait to take advantage of what you may or may not do with this knowledge." He paused, pinning Sasuke with a hard look. "I need you to swear to me. Swear you won't do anything reckless- that you'll wait until you're out of the village and with someone you trust to read what's contained in the scroll I'm about to give you. Swear you won't do anything alone, that you'll talk to someone about your plans and remember that, whatever you decide to do in the name of justice, that there are people behind you. I'm behind you. Naruto's behind you. Sakura's behind you. Kakashi will stand with and for you through thick and thin."

"I need you to know you don't have to go through anything alone anymore. I need you to know we will help you with whatever you need."

Normally, Sasuke would brush this kind of thing off. He already knew, and he didn't really need anyone to do his work for him. But something... something in Aki-sensei's eyes kept him from saying that. From brushing this warning off like he normally would. Instead, he nodded. "I swear upon the Uchiha name."