The Sacrament of Reconciliation

I had an epiphany, so I decided to include more into this chapter over creating a new one with the new revision. I felt and thought the new portion would flow better closing some loop holes.

Sorry for the wait as well as the short chapter. This chapter is the transition point within the story. Enjoy!

Chapter 12


Crouching, Sasuke watched the sun make its daily descent below the horizon; beyond Fire Country noting each color shifting from bright yellow, to blazing orange, to fiery red, reaching violet before coming to its zenith. Maybe the sun knew its true Master dwelled within these walls. He wondered, briefly, if Naruto watched the sunset – he hoped: Able to share something beautiful together apart.

He observed Konoha from his perch atop Hokage Mountain as people bustled under the softly illuminated glow of artificial lights lined along the narrow streets, a false security in which enemies care not. If they wanted you dead you simply died. There was a slight shift of air to his left, Sakura. Around him her chakra masking skills diminished quicker than a dying candle flame.

“Evening Sakura.”

“Good evening Sasuke-kun…may I sit with you.”

“I hold no deeds to this land, Sakura. You may seat yourself wherever you wish.”

Her face flushed a dusty pink as she sat noticing their two foot proximity, figuring space now lead to future closeness.

“It is good to have you back home Sasuke-kun. I really missed you.”

“What do you want from me Sakura, hmm?” His intonation was light and curious no arrogance, or mockery could be discerned, yet a slight irritation lingered dangerously upon his tone.

As if old times she inundated him with useless babble.

*********

‘Your ruthless arrogance rooted in revenge leaves behind the bitter taste of pity, I never associated with one so proud.’

Proud. Minato’s words loitered triggered by memories of an overwhelming love, which never blossomed beyond a single night of passion the Ancient felt leaving behind a core deep ache. Madaras’ pale hand hovered, feeding tendrils of chakra releasing the lock-seal granting entry inside his living quarters. Spreading his senses Naruto’s signature registered from within their sleeping chamber. Sliding open the shoji door – he spotted a younger Namikaze seated upon the window sill gazing out across the Leaf he gave pause mid-step. Wondering if the other would fully grasp his words, or simply fail to see the slinking shadows of truth.

“This village retains none of its former glory.”

Angry Brandeis blue eyes continued observing city streets before addressing a man so far beyond redemption that even fate seemed plausible, “as people evolve ideals evolve extending to their surroundings, and environment alike, but you fail to understand – to accept such a simple truth.”

Deciding to give the younger male his full attention the Uchiha smiled morbidly, “My father placed actions above words. Speech is frivolous, motion is concrete. Inherently, humankind will beguile and deceive with words…..manipulation of the highest caliber, but a true deceiver masters spewing; blending both truth and lie alike. True deceit is most profound when matched with action. You must remember: fertile soil’s a requirement for growing strong trees, and if the soil is insufficient, or becomes so…each tree will over time wither and die. In such an occurrence we are faced with two options: neutralize the ailment and recondition the soil with the possibility of losing trees or allow the trees to live seemingly, well as the disease feasters and spreads, leaving behind a carcass: A memory of the trees once magnificence.”

Unrelenting, the blonds’ hardened gaze pinned the older male his tone lacking respect for the one before him, “So….denying a man the opportunity to demonstrate overcoming such obstacles….affects you how?”

A slither of pale light reflected off silver plates illuminating Madara’s warrior status, “How was Orochimaru able to defeat Sarutobi, Namikazie-kun? Your expression displays your obvious understanding. Unable to deal the killing blow granted him to train harder, grow an army, and learn enough deception to challenge, overpower and destroy the third by forcing him into a self-sacrificing situation. Orochimaru should not have escaped Konoha.”

Mulling over the elder’s words Naruto conceded the dark Raven’s accounting rang true, indeed. He would never voice this opinion verbally, but the logic was sound forcing the younger ninja’s concession; even if hypocrisy rang louder than the academy’s lunch bell.

“What are you after, Uchiha? I am sure we can agree pity for the orphan living in a dinky apartment on the opposing side had little to do with moving me here, within the tower. So, I will ask you once more: what do I have that you want?”

Removing his metal arm guards, chest plate, and shin guards Madara held Naruto’s eyes; calculating, determining, assessing, before concluding. Raven hair hung heavy against his back as the soft glowing moonlight reflected in coal colored orbs.

“A drake Naruto-kun.”

Fear rose and swelled as a chaotic churn of emotions manifested deep within. To conceive a drake required mating, and dragons mated for life.

“Why so silent, hm, unable to comprehend such a request? The mere thought both frightens…..angers you even now, knowing this village’s very existence hinges on your decision. What say you Naruto-kun?”

His eyes never moved from the other’s imposing figure, processing those words. He fully understood the impossible decision placed upon his fathers shoulders.

Could he place the village above himself, above his happiness?

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Thirty days passed since his involuntary servitude, seven days since parting with what little happiness could be claimed selfishly, knowing the ones he held dear would be forever safe; forever protected. His sacrifice cost him more than any other would willingly concede. He found the elder Raven’s perplexing behavior questionable, he appeared almost saddened; questionable characteristics indeed.

“Why do you hate the Leaf Village? You speak of Konoha no longer retaining its former glory. Yet, you refuse to acknowledge the truth: The Shodamine did what you could not. So, like a good little avenger never evolving, lacking honor threw a tantrum when glory basked in the fairer man’s presence.”

Elation spread throughout Naruto’s body as Madara observed an obviously, pride sated golden boy. He would enjoy crushing his delusion with a truth even said ninja could never conceive.

“I see……I will show you a story of truth, evolving, honor, and glory.” Reaching inside a black velvet pouch the younger male never noticed Madara sprinkled golden grains, of sand across the gleaming wooden floors surface. Tiny granules swished, and swirled creating a golden vertical vortex cylinder of pure chakra.

“Your magic parlor tricks fail to impress, Uchiha?”

The slight failed to ruffle the elder Raven as he spoke with calm authority that broke no room for refute.“We are visiting my past….Konoha’s past.”

Naruto was snatched out of his observation by a pale smoothed hand clamping his own, painfully, as both men disappeared into the elder Uchihas’ seemingly, volatile twisting weapon of mass destruction.

Not bothering to question him further, the blond shinobi figured the ability to transcend time and space, breaking-down and reforming the body’s molecules, allowing a person to travel backwards, extraordinary. Besides, when a guy dies only to return to the Land of the Living nothing short of Armageddon could render his vocals temporarily useless.