Path to Perdition (complete)

A/N: Ok first i'd like to reply to a review here because I am sure a lot of you might have the same question.

Review: I'm kind of bother by Sasuke's characterization. I would have thought he'd be more disgusted about what Naruto has become. He should have hated Naruto for betrayal. Since well Itachi has betaryed him in the pass, he might be overly shocked that Naruto has betaryed him, but then he would be a hypocrite, ne? ;

Review Reply: ok replying to nit picky time. Yah he would be a hypocrite and here's a small explanation. i guess sasuke doesnt exactly hate naruto...i mean maybe he does in someway, but he also knows that its not just naruto's fault...i mean oro had a LOT to do with this as well! so i guess he can make a concession and naruto really needs him...its like naruto being there for sasuke all those years ago, when sasuke had defected if you know what i mean. but all things will be cleared in the next few chaters...even sasuke's little disgust and hate and all that...you'll just have to wait. plus its time fr sasuke to be waking up and getting somethings into focus...now that he's killed itachi the only other person he loved was naru...so he has to save naruto...or just give up on love!

ok secondly...you are all going to hate me after this chappy is done...but thisis just to remind you that happy ending will happen. you'll just need a lot of patience cos i dont usually just jump into a happy ending...naruto has problems and they won't go away too soon! sorry about that. and now enjoy read and please spend some time on reading the keys to different kinds of thought given below! and please dont hate me...i'll try to live up to your expectations!

‘Tiny little voice’

‘Naruto’s conscience’

Naruto’s thoughts

Chapter 8:

Naruto looked at the sleeping figure next to him; it was the early hours of the morning. Naruto disentangled himself and slipped his clothes on. Then he went out, walking through the town slowly, trying to digest everything that had happened that night. He knew that all the feelings he had suppressed had surfaced suddenly…but he tried to kill me…Sasuke hated me…he was the one who left me, he was never there for me…I can’t love him…there’s Orochimaru-sama, Jassin…what would they say?

He broke into a run, trying to rid himself of the panic he was feeling. It had been wrong for him to bring Sasuke to Otogakure…he should never have thought he’d been fine with Sasuke close by…he ran faster and faster, trying not to scream, his emotions making his mind swim. Suddenly he stopped, if he went further than this point Sasuke would be in pain again…he sat down on the ground.

Memories of Konoha just forced themselves into his conscience. Tsunade laughing, Kakashi being late, Sakura whacking him on the head, Konohamaru following him around, Sandaime’s reaction to sexy no jutsu, which lead to remembering Ebisu and Jiraiya., Iruka-sensei saving him, Lee, Neji and TenTen, Kiba…the whole rookie nine, the fun they had had and last of all, Sasuke…Sasuke smirking at him as they climbed the trees together, Sasuke helping him in the fight against Haku, Sasuke’s smile when they escaped from Orochimaru, Sasuke defending him from Sakura’s rants...and then Orochimaru.

Orochimaru being there when the pain was so intense, Orochimaru making sure he ate, Orochimaru teaching him, Orochimaru protecting him, Orochimaru in bed, Orochimaru smiling when he graduated as a jounin, Orochimaru letting him snuggle up when he felt down, Orochimaru eating cake on his birthday, Orochimaru watching as he trained Jassin…and then Jassin, Jassin when he was twelve, Jassin when it was his birthday, Jassin with sauce all over his face when they had cooked, Jassin who had brought out the old Naruto in him, Jassin’s eyes when he’d kissed him...

Naruto made a decision. He touched his cheek and realized he was crying. But then he had to do it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasuke woke up to an empty bed and frowned. He’d finally got the blonde to respond and he was gone in the morning again! He dressed and asked for breakfast to be brought to the room. He was half-way through the meal, when Naruto came back. Sasuke looked at him in concern, his hair was mussed, his face looked dirty and his clothes looked like he’d rolled around on the ground.

“What have you been up to dobe…?” Sasuke froze the moment he looked into Naruto’s eyes. They were blank and dead. “Naruto? What’s wrong?”

Naruto suddenly smiled. “Nothings wrong, teme. That food looks good, mind if I share?” he walked over to Sasuke and sat down, placing some of the rice on his plate. Sasuke gave him a suspicious look but didn’t say anything.

“I want some tea, what about you?” Asked Naruto. Sasuke nodded and Naruto said he’ll go down and get the tea himself. Sasuke wondered what the hell was wrong…he had been hoping Naruto would act a little different after all they had admitted they loved each other last night, he didn’t want Naruto acting romantic or anything, but he wished the blond would act a little less weird.

Naruto walked back in and handed a cup to Sasuke, and then he went onto to finish his breakfast. Sasuke sipped his tea slowly, just enjoying watching Naruto however weird he was acting. Then his vision blurred. Sasuke blinked, he was feeling heavy all of a sudden. Then his eyes widened with realization and he tried to stand…Naruto had drugged him.

“Na…ru…to?” Sasuke started to fall forwards, but Naruto caught him. He looked into the blonde’s eyes to see a bit of desperation. Then Naruto’s lips were on his kissing him desperately, before excruciating pain went through him. Sasuke noticed in the recesses of his mind that this was the same jutsu Naruto had used to link their chakra. He forced himself to look at Naruto; the blonde had tears running don his face.

“Why…are…you…crying…dobe?” after which his head lolled back. Naruto picked him up and placed him on the bed, before contacting Orochimaru with chakra. He only used it if the need was great.

He waited as the huge chakra ball glowed…then Orochimaru’s face appeared in it. The man smiled. “Well, Naruto-kun, how have you been?”

“Orochimaru-sama, I want to come back, I’ll be taking a detour, but I will be back by tonight. Takeshi-san plans to…” Naruto filled him in on that and afterwards left to assassinate Takeshi.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kakashi lounged about in the forest close to Konoha’s gates. With Sakura working in the hospital and Sasuke gone, he didn’t have much to do…he’d refused to take on another gennin team, having one had pained him enough…he didn’t need to get close to anyone anymore. Hearing about Naruto, made him sick to his stomach, well…it was Orochimaru’s fault, but the fact that they couldn’t reverse it made him nauseous.

His eyes drooped and he decided to take a short nap…after Jiraiya had stopped writing Icha Icha paradise, he hadn’t got anything to read. He was just about to drift off when he felt a familiar chakra heading this way…Kakashi leaped off his branch. No way…it couldn’t be! He made his way towards the clearing half a mile away from the gates. He stopped staring at him.

“Naruto…”

The blonde looked up. “Kakashi…I figured someone would realize I was heading this way…but I can’t feel anyone else.”

Kakashi noticed that he looked troubled….those expressive blue eyes were trying to go blank, but bits of conflicting emotions were showing through. It was then that Kakashi noticed what Naruto was laying down so carefully and gently. Sasuke’s unconscious form being placed at his feet the blonde stood up. “I would say it was nice meeting again, but I don’t normally lie.”

“Well…you are lying now. You could stay; you know…since you haven’t exactly done too much harm, we could put you on probation, have you watched for a year or so…it could work…” Kakashi tried to persuade him. He didn’t miss the hope that flickered in the man’s eyes, but it was washed away by the hard, determined look.

“What makes you think I want to stay, Kakashi? Orochimaru-sama is waiting for me and I must leave. I would never return to this hell…never.” Naruto said bitterly.

“Seems to me your trying to convince yourself.”

Suddenly there was a kunai at his neck. “Don’t push it, Kakashi…I don’t have too much patience now…goodbye.” And he was gone. Kakashi released the breath he didn’t know he had been holding. He couldn’t help but feel the air for defeat…for a moment he had been sure Naruto could be persuaded.

He picked up the limp form of Sasuke, carrying him back to Konoha. Just why wont you listen to us Naruto…? Why do you keep hurting yourself?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Orochimaru looked out of the window. He was sure the Uchiha had succeeded somewhat…but Naruto-kun would still come back to him. He turned to Kabuto who had just come in.

“Naruto-kun is on his way back…it seems the Uchiha may have succeeded beyond what I expected … we’re going to have to look at the damage and then work on it. Do you have the serum? Test it on a few people…be sure to have it perfect and await his arrival.” Orochimaru smirked. Naruto could never go against him.

Kabuto nodded. “As you wish Orochimaru-sama. It will be worse this time…there will be a lot of pain…he might not make it.”

“He will make it. I’ll be by his side one more, tiding him through everything. But we will have to wait for the right moment. Keep watch on him…you Kabuto…I don’t trust anyone else. Least of all Jassin-kun…he seems to be in love with Naruto-kun. I can allow that if it doesn’t interfere too much with my plans.” Orochimaru dismissed him and narrowed his eyes, which made him look like a snake about to strike. Konoha would be his…no one could interfere.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Sensei! You’re back!” Jassin cried joyfully before tackling the blonde. The moment he had done so he blushed, crimson. Naruto smiled at him.

“Yes, I’m back. I wonder what made you doubt that. How have you been?” Naruto asked, deciding to ignore the kiss from before. He didn’t need to love anyone else anymore.

Jassin’s eyes took on a hurt look. “Is something wrong sensei? You don’t look very good. And where is your toy?”

Naruto shook his head. “I’m fine. Sasuke…I got rid of him. I need some time alone Jassin, if you don’t mind…I need to see Orochimaru-sama and then I want to get some sleep.”

Naruto left the boy looking shocked and hurt and went to find the Sannin. Somehow home didn’t feel like home anymore. Naruto rubbed his head…there was a headache coming on. He entered Orochimaru’s office, only to find it empty. He whirled around as he felt someone…it was Kabuto.

“Orochimaru-sama has left on some business Naruto-kun. It is very important. You should get some rest he’ll be back in a week.” Kabuto informed him. Naruto nodded and made for his room. So even Orochimaru-sama had left…he really needed comfort…he needed the Sannin telling him it would be all right, but it didn’t seem to be happening. He lay on the bed trying to block out his thoughts.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasuke opened his eyes to see white walls and a white ceiling. He blinked it seemed familiar. He turned to see Sakura and Kakashi gazing down at him. Dread filled him.

“Naruto…where’s Naruto?” he looked around and then looked at hem pleadingly. “Did he come back?” their faces told him everything.

“Sasuke-kun…” Sakura saw the pain in his eyes as realization dawned. “I’m sorry Sasuke-kun…he left.”

Kakashi could have sworn he saw something shatter behind those dark eyes. Sasuke’s hands were clenching and unclenching in the sheets. “He left.” The dark haired man said flatly.

Kakashi nodded. “He said he couldn’t return to Konoha. And that Orochimaru was waiting for him. We found this with your clothes.” Kakashi handed him a small sealed scroll. “It’s not got anything to do with chakra. So it’s not dangerous.” He smiled.

Sasuke just stared at the scroll. “Could you…could you leave me alone?” His tone was the curt one of the Uchiha from before, even if it had been hesitant before. They nodded and walked out. Sasuke waited till he couldn’t sense them before opening the scroll.

Uchiha,

Forget anything that happened last night. It wasn’t meant to be, Sasuke. I am not the Naruto you knew and loved and I’ve had enough fun with you. You’re free to go. Just be on the alert and await the arrival of me and my forces at Konoha…we will obliterate the village. See you then.

Uzumaki

Sasuke reread it once more. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry…everything he’d done had just been in vain. Orochimaru was right; Naruto was never coming back to him. He ripped the scroll to pieces…rage flowed through him with lots of shock and pain. He let out a loud, frustrated scream. Kakashi was in the room in a minute.

“Sasuke…what’s going on?” Kakashi looked at his former student’s strained face.

“He meant it! He meant every fucking word! He fucking cried! Why won’t he fucking give in? Why does he have to make us go through this all over again? Why is he going back to that fucking snake? I hate him…I hate him for being an asshole!” he looked at Kakashi, as his face crumpled. “But then I love him too. But he’s never coming back.”

Kakashi watched as Sasuke lay back down and turned away. He didn’t cry…somehow this time, the tears didn’t come. Just the painful realization that he’d messed up his only chance to bring Naruto back. He failed everyone…especially himself.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jassin was worried. It had been three days since, Naruto had come back, but the blond had locked himself up in his room and let no one in. he hadn’t even been eating his meals. Jassin wished Orochimaru-sama, was back…he was the only one Naruto would listen to. He decided that he’d have to do something…even use puppy eyes just to convince the blond to eat.

He walked to the blond’s rooms and knocked. There was no answer. Jassin frowned, Naruto had at least answered before. “Naruto-sensei? Are you in there Naruto-sensei?” Jassin felt panic slowly creeping up. He concentrated the chakra into his palm and shoved it at the door. Thankfully this door wasn’t chakra protected, it shattered into many pieces. Jassin ran in and saw Naruto slumped over his desk.

“Naruto-sensei?” Jassin moved forward to shake the blond. As he put a bit of pressure on the blond’s shoulder Naruto slid sideways and off the chair. “Naruto-sensei!” Jassin ran out of the rooms looking for Kabuto. He almost barreled into the silver haired man.

“Kabuto-nii, Naruto-sensei’s collapsed!” Jassin informed him. He could never keep his famed cool demeanor when Naruto was concerned. Kabuto nodded crisply and motioned to a few men behind him to get the stretcher. He would have to inform Orochimaru-sama that the time had come right away.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naruto opened his eyes to darkness. Where was he? It seemed familiar this place. A spot of colour began to unfurl…Naruto frowned trying to see what it was. As it opened up further and enveloped him, he realized where he was…it was The Valley of the End. Naruto sighed…not this memory again. He could see small forms moving down below.

Suddenly he was falling, as he got closer he could make out who the specks were…it was Sasuke holding him, Naruto up. Naruto watched pain blooming near his chest, as Sasuke put a chidori through the other Naruto at the same spot.

A small laugh sounded. Naruto looked around. He put a chidori through you…you still love him? Look at him…a power hungry maniac, he’s playing with you.

Naruto’s eyes widened, the tiny voice was back! No Sasuke was his friend; Sasuke was just going through a dark phase then. Another voice, his conscience cropped up. Dark phase? The boy tried to kill you…no one tries to kill their friend while going through a dark phase…think about it!

Naruto shook his head, trying to stop it. He found himself in another memory…it had been a year after the fight at the Valley; he was trying to get Sasuke to come back. He could see himself fighting Sasuke once more.

“Come back, Sasuke…this isn’t going to help. The snake bastard can’t give the power…he only wants your body!” the other Naruto called out. Sasuke smirked.

“I’ll do anything for power dobe, I’m an avenger…” a sharp pain went through Naruto again, when Sasuke’s kunai cut a long gash into the other Naruto’s side. The fight had gone on for a while, before Naruto managed to overpower Sasuke with Kakashi’s help and drag him back.

All he ever wanted was power…you were never a part of the equation…he only befriended you because you promised to help him defeat Itachi. He never helped you…he knew Haku could never kill anyone…especially not gennins…Sasuke only works for his own gain.

Pain enveloped Naruto again, the kind which came in waves like just after he’d been raped. Naruto cried out, flaying around, but someone caught his hand. Naruto forced his eyes opened…it was Orochimaru-sama.

But he was out on some important thing…did he come back just for me?

Orochimaru’s soft voice invaded his conscience. “Naruto-kun…stay with me…don’t give in!”

Naruto tried to concentrate on the Sannin as he blanked out. The tiny voice continued its painful commentary…every single time Sasuke had gone against him or hurt him replayed in his mind. The tiny bit that tried to talk of his love for Sasuke was being shoved into the recesses of his brain. Pain consumed him, blanking his mind of everything except Sasuke until every thought of Sasuke was associated with the pain.

Orochimaru watched the blonde struggle and scream as the serum did its work. He made sure to be there every time the blonde regained a bit of consciousness. For some reason he enjoyed the blond’s pained screams…he was screaming his throat raw. It was the testimony to the fact that Konoha would be crushed in a matter of time.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jassin had heard the screams and wondered what was going on. They weren’t letting him in. but then if Orochimaru-sama was in there…it would be ok right? He knew he was trying to convince himself…for some reason, he didn’t trust Orochimaru-sama anymore. It was intuition he supposed.

The screams had stopped for the past six hours. Jassin was keeping time waiting to see if Naruto would come out. The door suddenly opened and Jassin looked up to see Naruto standing there. He almost sighed in relief. “Sensei! How are you feeling?” he tried to see through the bangs into Naruto’s blue eyes.

“I’m fine Jassin-kun…how are you?” Jassin frowned, that wasn’t Naruto’s normal tone. He gasped in shock as Naruto’s red eyes met his. Naruto smirked and cupped his cheek. “Were you worried Jassin-kun?”

Jassin‘s eyes widened as Naruto kissed him, backing him up against the wall. He pulled away. “Sensei…stop it!” Naruto raised an eyebrow, his red eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Why? Isn’t this what you wanted, Jassin-kun?” Naruto placed a hand on Jassin’s chest. Jassin shoved him away, looking at him with confused eyes. “Please sensei…stop it!”

Naruto’s eyes clouded over. “Fine. I’ll be in my rooms; if you change you’re mind you can come in…if I’m not with Orochimaru-sama.” He stalked off.

Jassin looked at Orochimaru who was smiling at the doorway. “What he hell did you do to him?”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: That’s all for now. This will most likely end by chapter ten I think. I don’t know…how was it? or maybe i'll make it longer? i dunno you choose but i may make it longer...we'll see.

Taka