Disguised Curses- a series of Outtakes

So, I was writing Disguised Curses, over in the A/U section- I suggest you go read it, I put a lot of heart and hard work into it. Anyways, that story is set just a bit after Sasuke's return to Konoha after beating Orochimaru and Itachi, and there's a short scene that mentions his trial upon his return. My best readers/fans/ friends asked about details, so I decided to write out the scene of his return and his time in front of the judgement seat.

This first part is before the Konoha council, and the next part is trial by peer (fellow ninja). I am in progress of writing the second half, but real life is a bitch and it may be a while before it gets finished.

I owe several people for both helping with inspiration, editing, and general help for this fic. Blackwidina, Aini, Leeana69, and Feion_Phylar. Without their help and continued support this and other productions of my mind would not exist.

If you like this, please check out my other writings. And feel free to put up reviews, no matter what they are. i'll even take flames on this one. hehe...

Italics for emphasis, bold for Kyuubi. Now on with the story....

The Return


Sasuke panted as the gates of Konoha came within view in the early morning light. After he’d beaten Itachi so narrowly he’d passed out, and he wasn’t sure how long he’d been unconscious. At least he’d had the common sense to hide before it had happened- Itachi’s body had been gone when he awoke. No doubt his companions from Akatsuki had “cleaned up” after the battle. And now, Sasuke was going to do his own cleaning up- years worth of legal offenses, not to mention the emotional ones.

Now he could only hope that Tsunade would listen to him before ordering his execution. He had much to tell her, and he wanted to live. He’d do almost anything within his power to stay alive, where he could watch Naruto. He held a long ignored affection for the blonde rival and teammate, something that reminded him of his feeling towards his brother before life had gone to hell. And with Naruto being one of the last living demon vessels left, it would only be time before Akatsuki caught up with him. Sasuke refused to let his friend get taken or manipulated as he himself had been. Trying to live with the Snake for so long had been barely manageable, but the decision to leave had always eaten at Sasuke’s mind- once he managed to see past the all consuming rage toward his brother. He hadn’t ever forgiven Itachi for the clan massacre. And now, he wouldn’t really get to have the chance.

He never wanted to see Naruto have to make a similar decision.

Instead, Sasuke took a deep breath and forced himself to walk that last distance until he reached the wooded edge before the gates. The prickle down his spine alerted himself of several strong chakra presences in the area, and he walked into open sight slowly, hands up and empty. ANBU surrounded him in seconds, the fierce unrelenting stare of Ibiki Morino challenging him. Silently he allowed his body to bend and slide, easily going to his knees as he kept his hands free, open, and touching absolutely nothing. He didn’t even twitch his fingers as he knelt, knowing he was screwed the instant any of the ninja thought he was attacking. So he waited, silent and still as the snakes he’d observed from time to time. Patience was a blessing- if only he’d learned that much younger.

“Uchiha, Sasuke. What brings you here?” Ibiki’s rough voice filled the area with disdain and serious doubt. He so didn’t trust the teenaged Uchiha.

“I need to speak with Lady Tsunade. I will go quietly and without havoc if I can just see her for a few minutes. Please.” He tacked the last on like an afterthought, though really, he just had to make himself say it. He was the last Uchiha. He never had to plead or beg or grovel. Until now. Apparently, Ibiki wasn’t impressed with the display, and his face wrinkled into a frown around the deep scars.

“Do it. Code four.” Two ANBU nin cuffed him, stripped his of all weapons pouches, his sword, and the pair of scrolls tucked into his belt. They jerked the front of his shirt open, shoving it off his shoulders to look for hidden weapons, thoroughly patting him down. The cuffs blocked the seals on his wrists for shuriken, and they found nothing else. Then one did something, and suddenly what chakra Sasuke had recuperated since his battle with Itachi was gone, locked out of reach. He forced himself to relax, not wanting the stress to trigger his curse-mark. He really didn’t want to fight, not now, not against these ninja. It would destroy any possible chance he still had.

And then it was time. A quartet of ANBU flanked him while Ibiki took the lead. The rest of the ninja that had been there scattered, and Sasuke absently wondered how quickly news of his return would spread. Or if they would keep things secret until such time as his fate was decided. But no, then they wouldn’t be sure to lead him openly through the streets to the Tower. There were very few people up and out, nearly all of them ninja. None addressed him- his escort discouraged it- but he still saw a wide range of shock, anger, and on one tanned face, a look of utter dread. He recognized his pre-genin teacher, Iruka, before that shocked and uncertain visage disappeared down a street towards the academy. A several minutes and a few random faces later, they entered the door at the base of Hokage tower. Two of the ANBU peeled away as they entered, and Sasuke silently followed Ibiki up the flights of stairs, careful not to stumble with his wrists cuffed behind his back. It’d be one nasty fall. Then finally, finally, he was before a set of doors he remembered all too well.

The chuunin at the door paled slightly before ducking inside to see if the Hokage was available yet. Silence, the unmistakable sound of something breaking, and then more silence. The ninja stepped back out to give an apologetic look toward Ibiki. “Morino-san, it will be a few minutes.”

“I am sure there is no rush.” Sasuke felt a moment of dread at the look in the man’s eyes. He was the village’s interrogation expert for a reason. And that look fairly screamed with sadistic interest in Sasuke’s mind. Indeed, no rush. He just wanted to be sure he was alive when Tsunade finally decided to see him. Not that he could really do anything about it… He sighed as the thought hit him. He had expected some hassle upon his return.

At least ten minutes crawled by in an unbearable silence as he stood limply under the supervision of his guards. Finally, the door cracked open, and Ibiki led him inside. The two ANBU from before were waiting inside, no doubt already having had reported initial findings to the Hokage. They took the chain to his cuffs from Ibiki, and finally, the last Uchiha was able to look at his one-time Hokage.

Tsunade was most definitely NOT pleased to see him. “Morino, report.”

Sasuke tuned the interrogator out, keeping his gaze locked with Tsunade’s, determined not to show fear or weakness to someone that quite literally held his life in her hands. She could order his execution, immediately, and no one would contradict her. He was a missing-nin, a traitor.

Traitors were usually executed promptly, often after having been in the hands of someone like Ibiki. Sasuke would die if he had to, but he didn’t want to die. Not right now. And at the look of anger in his judge’s eyes, he wasn’t holding much hope.

Finally Ibiki silenced and Tsunade watched the boy before her, older than the last time he’d stood here. “Anything you have to say, say it now.”

“Orochimaru is dead, by my hand. Sound is a crumbled place with few survivors, and none that will pursue Konoha or any of its allies. That threat has been eliminated.” A blonde eyebrow rose high. “I have proof he is dead. I have his head, sealed in a scroll. The head of his true body.”

“Explain.” Damn but that voice was cold. He didn’t know her voice could be so… calculatingly cruel. And she hadn’t even gotten personal with him yet. “It would be easier to show than tell, Godaime. He altered his body as much or more than he did that of his subjects, and victims. As such I thought it best to bring his most recognizable piece left.” The scrolls taken from his rope-belt were presented before him, and he indicated the darker one with a curious mark on the edge. “You’ll want room for this.” People parted in front of Tsunade’s desk, leaving the floor relatively empty. A finger dug along his arm, gathering blood left on his body from his fight with his brother, then slicked over the seals on the scroll. With a twist the scroll opened and rolled across the floor, an arcing line of symbols stretching the length. A moment later the seals relaxed with a soft sound and released the severed, grotesque head of the ex-Sannin. The serpentine head lay limp and lifeless across the paper of the scroll and the floor underneath. The eyes could not be denied as his, and as the ninja in the room looked upon it, there were sounds of coughing and obvious disgust.

Silence reigned for several long minutes while all within the room collected themselves from the ghastly sight. "He is truly gone then." A soft whisper but one heard clearly in the room. "How do you know that those that are left won't be a problem?"

"The Sharingan is useful for many things, Godaime. It was simple enough to find those who didn't want to be there and send them home. Others simply took a bit of persuasion to believe they would not ever feel the need to attack Konoha or her allies. Of course, said persuasion also has memory seals, they won't remember Sound, nor will they remember me. I'm not good enough to make them forget everything, though. I tried to be as cautious as possible. What's left of Sound is a pile of rubble and some victims who will never go anywhere."

"And your personal intentions?" Sasuke was about to answer as carefully as he dared, when a whirl of energy burst through the office door, startling everyone inside.

"Baa-chan! I smell snak- !" Naruto froze in the doorway, eyes wide and glued to the sight of Orochimaru's head. Slowly his gaze flicked up to Sasuke, back to the head, and up to Tsunade. "Sorry. Later." The door slammed behind him and Sasuke could have sworn there had been tears in Naruto's eyes.

"Why are you here, Uchiha? We're not letting you back in so you can run off and break everyone's hearts again. I have never approved of your choices when it came to seeking vengeance."

"My vengeance is done. Itachi is dead as well. We fought not long ago at the old mansion outside the city. My purpose here is to offer what intel I have for the safety of the place I once considered home." His voice softened but he kept the stern gaze leveled at him. "I would also like to apologize before you execute me as a traitor."

A critical apprehension swept over Tsunade’s visage, clearly doubting the Uchiha’s words. “And what news could you hope to offer that could change standing orders on missing nin? Especially one of your threat?” She watched the boy’s eyes as they flicked around the room, pausing uncertainly on almost every ANBU member, before sighing and lowering his head. “Akatsuki is on the move. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but soon. The fact they hunt the tailed beasts, the demons, was common enough knowledge. They will come for Naruto.” He said the last almost softly, raising a warded, but intrigued look on Tsunade. ”I want to protect him. I know I’ve hurt him, physically and emotionally, and he may never forgive me, but I can’t let those bastards use him the way I let that snake use me.” His eyes lifted, coal black burning with an intensity that hadn’t been seen in far too long. “I will do whatever you want me to, if it can mean helping him in some way. I can’t explain it, but.. he is someone that matters. I can finally admit that. He matters to me.”

Tsunade weighed those words and features against her gut, not yet sure how to handle this. She could use someone of Sasuke’s power, for his words about Akatsuki were true. Jiraiya had said as much just the week before. But there was concerns too, about his loyalties and potential future actions. Then a brilliant, if potentially disastrous, idea hit her mind. “Morino. Put him in solitary, the soonest I’d be able to consult the council is later tonight. Do what you feel is necessary to ensure he’s secure, but I need him sane and able to talk.” A crooked, cold smile filled the interrogator’s face. “Save it until after I deal with them, Morino. I mean it.” Her cold blue eyes locked back onto Sasuke. “You better damn well mean anything, Uchiha. Providing the council lets you live, you’ll also face a trial of your peers. They have much more personal issues than the decrepit idiots pretending to rule this village.” Sasuke’s face paled satisfyingly, and she pointed the group out the door. “Get out of here. And get someone to come clean up this mess!”

Two hours later found Sasuke chained to a wall in an isolation cell, a warded blindfold over his eyes, chakra still inaccessible. The guards had left him in only his underwear, a pair of boxers that did nothing to fend off the chill of the underground room. He hung limply, not resisting his bonds. He knew he was lucky to have a few more hours. He could only hope things worked out. He wasn’t certain exactly how long he’d hung there, waiting, when the door creaked open.

“Sasuke?” Oh kami, no. He’d never ever forgotten that voice. The uncertainty and tears in that voice made him want to grit his teeth. How had things gotten this bad? Wait, trying and nearly killing him several times certainly didn’t help.

“You shouldn’t have come here, Naruto.” I don’t want you to see me like this, he thought, but didn’t say. “I- ”

“Shut up.” Suddenly Sasuke was glad he couldn’t see the blonde’s face. He should never sound so angry, so hurt. Naruto was always the bright one, the eager voice amongst them all. How broken was he from Sasuke’s stupidity? “You what? You apologize? That’s not going to make things easier. It won’t fix how it hurt every time I had to come back and tell Sakura that I couldn’t uphold my promise to her, to bring you back! ‘Sorry’ isn’t going to make me forgive the times you tried to kill me. If it wasn’t for me being what I am, I’d be dead!” The anger had risen, nearly suffocating in its intensity. The words stopped, but little sounds continued, the blonde’s sniffling, his shuffling feet. And then those went quiet. Sasuke strained to listen, sense, anything to know if he was alone or if Naruto had merely stopped moving.

Hot breath scalded the back of his neck, before a growl rumbled into the room. “Pathetic waste of flesh, aren’t you?” Naruto’s voice, his scent, but not. This voice was rougher, deeper, darker. Malevolence rolled thick in that tone. “You tried so often to kill us, calling him weak, pathetic, idiot. But I look at you now, and you’d just be so much meat between my claws. I could destroy you and play with the remains before the guards would even notice something is wrong. But I promised him I wouldn’t even touch you, not like this.” The heat left a little, and this time there was a slight scrape of claws to track.

“Kyuubi?” It was the only explanation. Naruto, and yet not? Sasuke hadn’t known that Naruto could allow this to happen though. It was something to keep in mind, and study on.

“Hush, Uchiha! I wish I could have had a better conversation for our first real meeting, but there are limits. I will talk to you another time, providing you live. Maybe if they order your execution, they’ll let me do it. I haven’t played in blood in far too long.” A heavy sigh filled the room. “I will see you another time. The brat has something he wants to say and then we must leave before the guards come back.”

Silence for a moment, then a groan. Sasuke listened as his company took a couple of stumbling steps before stopping and speaking. “Tsunade spoke with some of the council. They will hold your hearing tonight, and she’s summoning some of our old rookie group to a private meeting afterwards. I’m not allowed to either meeting.”

“That makes no sense.” Was he hearing this right? He’d be judged but not by one of the two who deserved it most? What was Tsunade thinking? Naruto’s voice cut into his thoughts. “I’m still the demon, as far as the council is concerned. I can’t change their minds no matter what I try to do. And plus, I already gave Tsunade my opinion for reference.”

”What did you say?” He wanted to know, desperately needed to know. Maybe it showed in his tone too much, for the blonde chuckled.

“I’ll tell you when you survive the council and Tsunade, and whoever our age she decides to sic on you. That means you have to live, no matter who wants to see you burn for your mistakes. Offer the old brats whatever they want, then abase yourself to the others. It should see you alive for a little longer. And then we’ll see what it takes to prove yourself again.” With those cryptic words, Naruto left, and Sasuke hung in silence, waiting with dread until his dooming judgment. He had plenty of time to think.

******

It was almost black outside when his ANBU escort delivered him before the council. They had given him back his clothes, but hadn’t bothered to bathe him at any point, and the smell of old dirt and blood offended more than just his own nose, if the faces around him said anything. His arms were bound tightly behind his back, wrist to elbow, pulling his chest and shoulders into one clean line. The ANBU guards flanked him and stilled. He allowed his eyes to travel the room- Tsunade sat with the three council heads and several clan elders. Kakashi stood off on one side, separate from the rest, and Sasuke could see his eye spinning, recording everything. There were other faces he had seen before, but very few he actually knew by name. Jounin, ANBU, clan heads…. He took a steadying breath, remembering what Naruto had said hours before.

“Uchiha Sasuke, you are here to be tried and held accountable for various crimes within the past several years. Before your actions are judged do you wish to say anything in your defense?” The old man in one of the council seats spoke firmly and just loudly enough to be heard through the room. His company sat with expectant looks- only Tsunade’s face looked remotely blank. The raven- haired teen nodded and answered in a clear tone that carried.

“I am guilty of many things, I can’t deny this. And I am ready to accept your judgment.” He glanced barely at Tsunade. “But I was advised to do whatever I must to make amends, if I can.”

A scarred, elderly man sneered. “We’ll see what you have to say when we’re done. Read the charges.” An ABNU stepped forward from the shadows behind the council, picking up a scroll next to Tsunade’s hand.

“The charges against the accused, Uchiha Sasuke, are as follows: Desertion of one’s home village, punishable by banishment, imprisonment, or death. Alliance with a known threat to one’s home village, punishable by lifetime imprisonment or death. Several counts of attacking ninja from one’s own village without reason or risk of life, punishment variable to the extent of damage, possibly punishable by death. Allowance of hometown secrets to fall into an enemy’s grasp, punishable by imprisonment or death.” The masked ninja rolled the scroll back up and placed it silently next to Tsunade, stepping back into the shadows.

There was something sinking, trying to die in the depths of Sasuke’s stomach. He was screwed, so very screwed. What in hell could he offer to these people to evade the worst possible outcome? He kept his blank mask on, letting himself betray as little as possible. He had to survive, somehow. He remained silent as Tsunade stood.

“Do you have any questions thus far, Uchiha?” Actually, he did, about that last comment. He opened his mouth, and then shut it, remembering something they learned from the academy. Anyone with a unique bloodline specifically restricted to one area could be considered as a secret to their village. For someone like him, the last blood-carrier of the Sharingan, that would go especially double for him. “No, Tsunade-sama. I have no questions at this time.” Wait, was that his voice sounding so pitifully humble? Determinedly he beat his pride down, knowing that it was necessary at some level to carry the attitude that went with his position- on his knees at someone else’s mercy.

“Considering the gravity of his misdeeds, he has done things that benefited this village, intentionally or not.” Tsunade addressed the council in attendance. “He is responsible for bringing down Orochimaru, an enemy and vicious threat to this village, and the same traitor he’d run away to join. In addition, he also executed a member of Akatsuki, his own flesh and blood, Itachi Uchiha, a high ranking missing nin from this very village. We have proof of both instances, and if I understand correctly, the idea to hunt and kill his own brother was something helpfully enforced by this village. It could be seen as the village’s fault that he ran off in pursuit of means to fulfill this near expectation of him.”

Sasuke could barely hold back the surprise that filled him. Was Tsunade defending him? Or did she have some other goal in her mind? His shock instead was voiced by several people among the council and clan heads. Shouts and disdainful voices echoed in the room, indignant over the implications of their Hokage’s words. The noise escalated until no one could discern who was saying what, and Tsunade lost her infamous temper. The table blew apart, the middle where her fist made contact dusting away. The show of anger and power shut everyone up. “We’re not here to decide who is guilty for what, only to judge on the consequences of his actions. But in light of history and suggestions planted in a young mind, sometimes a different perspective is needed. That is why I mentioned those things. I am not condoning anything, and as yet, no one has even asked why he did these crimes.” She held up a hand, halting the impending questions. “All I’m saying is that this village is no more innocent than its weapons.”

“And you plan to make him one of our weapons, instead of letting someone else take him?” someone sneered.

“No one will ever ‘take’ me.” Sasuke’s voice filling the room out of turn attracted a lot of heat- none of it positive. But several people gestured, wanting an explanation. “I am a ninja, not just a weapon. I cannot be stolen away like a knife, if I am not willing. And there is no other place I would go. No where I want to go.” He scanned the faces, meeting eyes with those daring to look straight at him. “I went willingly to that bastard, Orochimaru. And I paid for it, in my time there, and since killed him. I brought his head as a trophy to Konoha, I don’t want it. I fought and killed my own brother, and now, I just want to deal with something simple and normal now. I don’t want to run away, hiding at every unknown. And whatever you demand from me, even my death, would be welcome.”

“Are you asking for death?” Big white eyes- a Hyuga. Sasuke dropped his gaze in a stab at deference, before flicking back up to lock with that bright, empty whiteness. “I do not desire death, but it would not be the worst thing that could happen in my life.” No, ransacking Itachi’s still warm body for his Akatsuki ring had been one of the most traumatizing thing he’d ever had to do yet. Even playing puppet for Orochimaru hadn’t been so devastating. He’d come to realize, if too late, that no matter how much he hated Itachi for the clan massacre, he loved him too. After all, he was his aniki- the brother he had looked up to and worshiped. Dreaming and plotting Itachi’s death had never allowed for the reality of those personal feelings.

“Why have you returned here?”

He didn’t hesitate a response. “It’s my home. I belong here.”

“Why did you kill the traitor you ran away to join?”

“He deserved to die. He was a poor excuse for a ninja, even with his power.” His eyes blazed but the seals kept the Sharingan from appearing. “He deserved far worse than he got.”

Once again silence ruled, each member of the clan heads and council thinking. Clearly, there were so many questions to ask, but no one knew of where to go next. The Uchiha’s words held so much personal venom. “With the council’s permission, I would like Sasuke to show what Orochimaru did to him, so they understand a bit better about the before, and the after.” Sasuke refrained, barely, from turning to stare at Kakashi. He knew the man was watching every nuance in his body and could already read the shock- he didn’t need him to memorize the look full on. His prior mentor wanted him to show the council his curse-seal body. A few moments passed and various members nodded. Even Tsunade seemed interested. “Give him about ten percent access to his chakra. I will watch him.”

The ANBU nearest him touched his shoulder and Sasuke sighed in relief, a slight relaxing of his muscles as the tight lid on his chakra was released, however minutely. He reached out to the sense that always lingered under his skin, the tingle of dark power that pulsed in his body. It was painful, with the extreme restriction, but the seal was made to be able to push past such things, and soon he felt the odd sensation of his body changing as the stage two curse form took over. His wings quivered behind him, eager to drive his body out of here. “I am the Hawk of Konoha, and the Serpent was killed by my talons.” Hn. He never noticed that his personality was a little different like this. Something to check out later- if there was a later.

Of course, like this, he had to find a secret pleasure in the shocked outcries of his judges. Didn’t they know this was what Orochimaru had liked to do, change his underlings far beyond their usual abilities? But he had been stronger, and had been bound to win. Even the mighty adders bowed before predatory birds, because no matter how hard they fought, they lost. It was meant to be as such.

“Remove him from the room while we deliberate. And seal him back up.” ANBU gripped him roughly, dragging him from the courtroom and down the hall to a small, quiet room. One knelt before him and spoke before touching him. “I need you to change back before redoing your chakra seal. Council’s orders.” The soft-spoken voice was dark, vaguely familiar. Sasuke blinked, making note of the voice before forcing down the seal, wincing as his still battered body complained at the rapid change. Once he felt the power tucked away and his body turned to normal, he slumped onto the floor. Another touch, and his chakra dissipated again. Sasuke remotely wondered, if they let him live, if the chakra suppression would become permanent. It wasn’t very much a promising idea. It would mean he’d probably be denied from becoming a ninja again, forced into becoming a civilian with talents. He barely noticed the cuffs around his wrists had snapped during the change and the ANBU had to replace them, again leaving his arms and ribs stretched uncomfortably. Instead he focused on his shallow breathing, ensuring he didn’t pass out before he could be summoned back into the room, and let his body relax.

A full hour and twenty minutes later, the ANBU was rousing him, leading him back before the council. Some of the members looked smug, others disapproving. Once everything was settled- including his constant watch guard of ANBU, Tsunade cleared her throat. She seemed, not angry, but peeved, like she’d had to tell someone off. “Uchiha Sasuke, as mentioned before, this is not a case of deciding your innocence or guilt, but rather judging you on those crimes that are openly known and acknowledged, even by you. Before I lay out what the repercussions are, members of this council have a last few remaining questions and you also have an option to plead your case, if that is what you wish. But understand that whatever may be said will most likely NOT change any of the current decisions as to your judgment. Do you understand and accept this?”

Sasuke took a deep breath. It wasn’t quite time yet- were they giving him just enough cord to hang himself with, literally or proverbially? “I understand everything you just stated, Hokage-sama. And I will accept whatever judgment the council has decreed.”

One of the council elders rose, an older woman. “You said you would do anything to stay here, is that correct?” He sneered mentally. They were going to try and milk him for all he was worth.

“I said that, yes. I’d gladly offer this village everything I know from my time with Orochimaru. My knowledge of what happened in Sound was second only to Kabuto and the snake himself. I’ve already offered my life… what else could you want?” The glare he got from Tsunade warned him that he was toeing the line, but he didn’t care. He knew she was the one that would have to make the executive decisions, the council had power but not as much as they thought.

“You would give up all rights as a ninja and become a civilian?” He gritted his teeth. “If that is what you demand, I would comply.” He would comply- but he’d hate it. He wasn’t meant to be a civilian, he’d have no way to keep himself sane and a viable person in the community like that. He’d still train and spar, even if he had to do it alone in the dark.

“A civilian life is more suited for a clan head and future father.” Shock presented itself as the utter stillness creeping into his body. Father? There was no fucking way they were going to treat him as a breeding stallion! He wouldn’t risk passing on the curses riddling his blood and DNA to any potential children. “Excuse me?” He turned eyes colder than his glacial voice towards the area the comment had come from. A middle aged man with a smug look on his face grinned wider.

“You’re the last of a priceless clan, Uchiha. You have to produce an Heir. Preferably as many as possible…” That cocky grin was pissing him off. “And we can’t have such a valuable resource running off into the fields of battle and letting his clan die away.”

Sasuke felt his fingers twitching against his elbow, itching to kill the pompous man. Instead, he answered, slowly and clearly, as non-threatening as possible while still showing his distaste for the man. “My clan is dead, because of someone from my family that I had to kill. I’m not even old enough to claim the clan head title, regardless of the situation.” He tore his attention from the annoyance and directed it to Tsunade. “I can’t even guarantee I’m fertile. Too many experiments.” He watched her scribble something onto a scroll before her- more notes. No doubt things he’d be questioned about later.

“Then you will submit the clan secrets, all archives and documents, and anything else that-“

“If I can be quite blunt, Tsunade-sama, this is unnecessary and out of line.” Kakashi stepped forward, and the Hyuga clan representative nodded in agreement. “Clan secrets are secrets for a reason, and control and manners of the major clans are left to themselves for a reason. They should not be made public knowledge and it is rude and unwise to demand such a thing.”

The busty blond nodded. “Point noted, Hatake. Please return to your post.” She waited until he had again returned to his spot against the wall before turning her attention to the one who had made the demand. “Danzou, enough. There is no reason why everything should be submitted to the council. However, I will demand a personal file on you, Uchiha. And anything clan related that you bring to me will go into the restricted, sealed records.”

“I will do what I can, Hokage-sama.” Shit. That was too close a call. He’d heard rumors about that man, and he had no doubt putting clan secrets in his hands would result in terrible, horrific things. Tsunade sighed and waved him off. “If that is all, there is a sentence to announce.” Consent circled around the table.

“On the status of the accused, Uchiha Sasuke is hereby removed from the ranks of ninja until such time as he proves himself trustworthy, the time not to be less than six months. If such time occurs that reinstatement happens, he shall be considered a genin and must take the Chuunin exams as any other of his rank. Until that time, he will be considered a civilian, but is permitted to train and spar as to keep up skills and strength. However, any and all usage of the Sharingan is barred. All moderate and high level jutsu of any kind is expressly forbidden. Any usage of the curse seal is to be considered an immediate S-class threat and will be treated accordingly. Uchiha Sasuke will also submit to thorough medical exams and complete questioning to determine any risk of threat contained by body or mind. Breaking of any of these rules will result in imprisonment, and possibly execution. Do you understand and accept these terms, Uchiha Sasuke?”

“I understand the terms, Hokage-sama. Although, I would request emergency usage of my Sharingan be allowed in the case of possible attack. I am well aware my return will be not easy to accept by many of this village.”

Looks passed between the council members, and finally Tsunade answered him. “Should such as you imply happen- whether it be an attack or some other act against you where you feel your life is in danger for no reason, then that situation will be taken into account and consequences decided accordingly. But the rule still stands- usage of your Sharingan is barred until further notice.”

He nodded, keeping his head down at the end of the motion. He was lucky, this time. He doubted it if there was a next time. Konoha wasn’t known for being overly generous with traitors. Fair and just, typically, but not generous. “I accept the terms of my judgment as they have been laid out.”

“If that is all, then you’re free to leave, Uchiha. With an escort, of course.” Kakashi appeared at his elbow, headband lowered over his eye again. “Meet me in the other room in half an hour, Hatake. And get him clean in the mean time.”

Obediently Sasuke followed the Jounin out of the room and down the steps, descending to an empty room. Kakashi removed the shackles once inside and the door was closed. “Strip.” He pointed to a side table that held a bowl and a few cloths. “Get the worst of that stench off. And I don’t want to ever see you in those clothes again.”

Sasuke did as directed, leaving his filthy torn Sound outfit on the floor near the door. “I’ll probably need more water than this,” he commented. Hell, he needed a shower, then a nice long soak. Not only was he sweaty and bloody and filthy, but his overly abused muscles were beginning to complain. But it’d be a bit longer before he could rest and sleep to recuperate his energy. Gingerly he washed the worst off partially healed wounds, then wiped down as much as possible before finally giving up. He doubted he looked or smelled much better. He heard the muffled sigh before suddenly something was surrounding him, water wrapping him up and lifting him above the floor. Kakashi was blatantly ignoring him, but Sasuke could see a hand sign being maintained, and realized with sudden clarity exactly what he was in. A water prison. ‘Good one, Kakashi.’ He rushed to scrub in the orb, holding his breath as possible to avoid drowning in his makeshift bath. Seconds after he was done he dropped ungraciously to the floor, a wad of black cloth being shoved under his nose. “Get dressed. The night isn’t done yet.”

~~~~ End chapter ~~~~

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