A Monsters Rest

I know its taken me a long time to update. I'm really sorry. Blame it on being easily distracted.


Chapter Three: Reconnaissance

“I believe I gave you a task, Sasuke.”

Sasuke turned abruptly to stare at the smug gray haired man.

“You do expect to stay here for some time, don’t you?” Kakashi said with a forced grin, “If that is the case, then you will have to obey and complete the tasks you were given. I expect the entire courtyard to be swept before nightfall, so I suggest you start sweeping.”

He smirked at the death glare he received before calmly beginning to walk away. He didn’t walk more than two steps before he turned.

“It’s best that you give up any foolish idea you might have had about getting into the sanctuary.”

“Why is that?”

“There is no way to break or remove any seals that are placed on the door. Furthermore, only certain priests know that hand signs and movements to get into the sanctuary. If that wasn’t enough, you need two people to open the door. Anything less than that is impossible.”

“You certainly seem sure it’s impossible. That will make it all the more pleasing when I prove you wrong.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. Those allowed to take care of Naruto bear no grudge against him. I highly doubt that any one of them would give you the opportunity to hurt Naruto.”

“I don’t really care, Kakashi-san.” Sasuke answered calmly, “I will find a way to avenge the wounds dealt to my clan. I don’t care what it takes. I’m going to kill Kyuubi.”

Kakashi cocked his head to the side and crossed his arms.

“In some way, I hope you do find a way to overcome all of these barriers.”

He stared at the enchanted door his eyes clouding.

“At least Naruto could finally be at peace. It’s cruel to keep him locked away in there as if he were some sort of disease.”

He turned his eyes to Sasuke. His gaze seemed sad and worrisome.

“Naruto deserves better than the death you plan to give him and the life he’s led up to this point. I don’t think anyone could contemplate the pain he’s had to undergo.”

Sasuke shrugged his eyes not meeting the older man’s gaze.

“Our entire village has had to live with pain, Kakashi. A little hardship doesn’t excuse the problems he has caused. He must be punished.”

“Punished, huh.” Kakashi said with a laugh, “You think it so easy, so black and white. He’s done wrong, so he must be killed. If that were true than the entire village would deserve to be destroyed for the pain they have caused Naruto. Where do you make the distinction, Sasuke? Where do you draw the line? When did we decide that torturing the life of an innocent can atone for the lives of others?”

Sasuke let his eyes drift to the door before he answered.

“Your right, Kakashi-san.” he said, “It isn’t fair or just, but you forget that we aren’t talking about human morality. The Kyuubi is a demon. Demon thoughts and feelings are irrational and unlike humans in every sense of the word. Since this is true, human morality must be altered to match the perceptions of the beast. Even if the path I have chosen turns me into a monster, I will still walk it. My morality may be flawed to you, Kakashi-san, but you do not know my life. You cannot know the pain that I have had to face, and nothing you’ve said is going to change my mind.”

“Suit yourself,” he said with a shrug, “It isn’t my place to make decisions for you, but I still expect the courtyard swept.”

Sasuke stared at the inconsistent man as he walked away. He pushed the broom across the courtyard slowly. His eyes darted to the enchanted door as he waited for the two occupants to emerge. He let his eye wander around the courtyard noting the leaves that scattered the stone walkway and the dusty blackened dirt that clung to the stones. He was barely halfway finished with the courtyard and the sun had already turned a deep pink as it sunk in the horizon. He moved faster now, and pushed the broom across the courtyard knocking the leaves and dislodging the debris that clung to the craggy stones. He froze in his work as a light effeminate voice fluttered through the trees.

“Have a nice rest, Naruto.” Haku’s voice resounded cheerfully, “We’ll visit again soon.”

Sasuke’s eyes snapped up to the enchanted door. The darkness behind the door was all encompassing. Sasuke’s eyes swam through its depths hoping to see anything. He let his blood boil through his system and flood to his eyes which had now turned an eerie crimson. With his sharingan activated, Sasuke caught a glimpse of a smoky ethereal shape. The shape was small, its body still and unmoving. He continued to let his eyes flounder in the darkness as the door slid slowly closed.

“Sasuke-kun,” Haku said as he rushed over to his side, “So, did you see anything? I noticed your eyes, sharingan right? Did you see Naruto?”

Sasuke continued push the broom along the ground.

“No, I didn’t see anything,” he said gruffly.

“Oh, that’s too bad.” he said, “See you around.”

Night was already creeping its way across the sky before Sasuke had half of the courtyard swept.

Kakashi tsked and said, “You’ve passed your time limit, Sasuke. I’m afraid as punishment for this, you’ll go without dinner. I expect you to sweep the courtyard every day from now on. It is sad that a ninja can’t do the simplest of jobs.”

“You forget, Kakashi-san,” Sasuke replied, “I am not a ninja anymore. I’m simply a shinto preist.”

“If you cannot perform this simple task, I don’t think you’ll be shinto preist for much longer.”

Sasuke glared, but said nothing. The punishment and scorn was little in comparison to the advantage of sweeping the courtyard. He would be by his nemesis at all times, and would be able to memorize the chakra seals, and movements.

“It won’t be too long.” he thought glaring at the door, “Wait Kyubbi, I’ll kill you soon enough.”

Kay, look for chapter four, but I won't promise you it will come out soon.