The Choice

Chapter 5

Sasuke's POV:

I can't stop thinking about what happened at the team meeting earlier. I can't recall ever seeing or hearing about Naruto getting sick before, until today. He seemed fine when he arrived, but he went straight to the tree instead of by Sakura and I. Someone should've checked on him, I should've, especially when I heard whimpering behind me.

When he started vomiting, I turned to Sukura, who must've been concerned too as she got up and rushed to his side, and so did I. Oddly, Kakashi-sensei didn't seem disturbed nor did he make a move to even check on his student, that's questionable. I'll have to watch for more signs like that and figure out what's wrong with my partners.

I proceed to think of any other prior warnings that those two had any problems while I continue preparing for our new mission. I could ask Sakura if she's noticed anything off with the two. There should be some opportunities during our trek to deliver a scroll to the Sand Village.

I was drawn out of my thoughts when a voice calling my name rang through the house, "Sasuke!"

"Yeah, Mom?!" I returned in the same manner.

"Are you ready to leave yet?" She asked while advancing up the stairs.

"Yep, coming!" I called back while zipping the bag closed.

*Knock, knock, knock*

"Come in," I spoke normal now.

"All ready? Toothbrush? Hairbrush? Extra undies and socks?" My mother wondered aloud.

I felt my cheeks heat up from the awkward inquiry, and it showed.

"M-mom! Yes, I have all I need." I replied, flustered, my cheeks blushing in response.

"Good. I prepared some food for you and your team. I hope everything goes well. Say, how is little Naruto doing? I haven't seen him around in a few years. I've always wondered what happened between you two; you used to be inseparable when you were kids. Maybe we could invite him over after you complete your mission?" My mother rambled on with a smile.

I stiffened at the mention of the blonde I used to know. We used to be so close, but that all changed after I lost Itachi. I couldn't hang around such a happy-go-lucky soul anymore; I needed to focus on my training to show my father that I was a competent ninja just like Itachi was. Naruto was just too distracting, and I pushed him away in the worse way ever. I used to take my frustration out on him. I don't think he'd want to come back, let alone be on the same team. He changed after our relationship did, which is logical, but I abandoned him. I'm the worst friend ever. I glance back at my mother, who was watching me with a trace of concern at my silence.

"Thank you for the food, Mother. He seems fine; we don't communicate much anymore. Have you ever seen or heard of Naruto getting ill before? Also, would Father be alright with Naruto coming over? He didn't seem too fond of him when we were kids." I answered nervously.

Now my mother fell silent for a moment before only answering one of my questions; "Well, I have two weeks to convince him, so ask him before you leave, please. I'd like to have a response to know if I need a battle plan prepared to deal with your father or not, haha."

"You could ask him yourself; we could walk to the front gates together if your not busy and don't mind." I bowed my head waiting for a response.

"Of course, I'll go! Just let me get my shoes on, and we'll be off, just like old times." She smiled even more, and her eyes seemed to sparkle in delight.

I just smiled softly to myself with amusement of my mother's positive energy for a moment before grabbing my bag off the bed and following her downstairs.