Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Fate's Entwined	By : sasunaru16 Category: Naruto AU/AR > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2081 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own own Naruto or any of Masashi Kishimoto's characters. (Wish I did, but I don't.) Nor am I making any profit off of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
I do not own Naruto or any of the characters. All that belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 5
Grinding his teeth he tried to ignore the stare he was receiving from one of the vendors, who seemed inclined to ignore him after he had already asked for some fruit. Deciding he was better off just trying another vender, he started to turn away when he was stopped him. Glaring at the pale hand on his shoulder he looked up to see a fake smile planted on a pale face.
“You know he would not want you to treat him that way.” Sai told the vendor while still holding Sasuke’s tense shoulder.
The vendor continued to stare at both paled skinned and ebony haired ninja, until a small smile broke across his stoic face. Nodding, he handed Sai the bag of fruit Sasuke had asked for. Handing the fruit to Sasuke, Sai held out his hand for the money—which Sasuke begrudgingly handed to him. After paying the vendor, Sasuke continued to shop. What had happened with the vendor had been seen by almost everyone in the market so no one else gave Sasuke trouble. Well not too much trouble at least. Sai silently followed Sasuke around as he bought as much food and supplies as he could carry. That way he wouldn’t have to go shopping too much.
Aside from what had happened with the vendor, Sai offered Sasuke no other help. It was not that he was trying to be mean but he suspected that Sasuke wouldn’t accept it anyway. At least that’s what he gathered from all that Naruto had told him. To say he had been surprised when Tsunade had sent for him to watch over Sasuke would be an understatement. Yet Sai supposed it was because he was probably the best choice. He was a trained anbu who thought logically but also had a connection with Naruto. However, his said connection would not necessarily over rule his sense of reason.
Sai had been even more stunned when Sasuke had told him he didn’t have to hide himself. Sasuke’s reasoning had been that while he wouldn’t sense his chakra he would still know he was there. Hence why they had ended up shopping together. Also as weird as it sounded to Sai, it seemed having him present helped Sasuke become part of the village again. Otherwise he may not have been able to withdraw the allowance from the bank that Tsunade had allotted him. Or buy all the supplies it seemed he was gravely in need of.
Once back at his apartment, Sasuke sat down at his dining table and opened the scroll Tsunade had given him. Sai had initially planned on simply watching him but Sasuke’s surprised expression caught his attention. He grabbed one of the apples Sasuke had bought and sat at the table to eat it. Sai only smiled when Sasuke looked at the bitten apple then sneered at him.
Sasuke looked at the scroll Tsunade had given to him again.
So this is her plan? He glanced at Sai who was still eating his apple. Maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut.
Sai threw away the apple core, then sat in front Sasuke again and cleared his throat.
“So Sasuke-kun,” Sasuke sneered at him again. “What has Lady Tsunade given you that has you so sullen?”
Aside from you? Sasuke wanted to slap the smile of Sai’s face. It reminded him of Orochimaru.
Sasuke rolled the scroll back together and shoved it into his pocket. He stood from the dining table and made his way back to his bedroom. Just before he closed his bedroom door he glared at Sai once more. Sai only looked at Sasuke innocently as he remained seated at the dining table. Sasuke slammed his bedroom door shut. After turning on his lamp, he threw off his shirt and collapsed onto his bed.
Sasuke stared at the spinning fan on the ceiling above his bed. Reaching inside his pocket he pulled out the scroll. He stared at it wondering what in the world Tsunade could have been thinking. Sighing he opened the scroll once again to look at its content.
Sasuke Uchiha is assigned to assist in the safety and service of Kohona Orphanage. He will be under the supervision of Sai until further notice. During the time of his service to the orphanage, Sasuke will be under the charge of Urushi. Sasuke’s designation of services and scheduling will be left to Urushi’s discretion. Sasuke will continue his assignment until further notice given by the Hokage or Urushi.
Sasuke tightened his grip on the scroll.
What the hell is she thinking? I’m not a fucking babysitter.
While Sasuke wasn’t sure when he was supposed to start his assignment, he surmised that it would be soon. Very soon. After rolling the scroll back up, he tossed it onto the bedside table. He pushed the curtain aside to reveal the moon high in the starless sky. The day had wasted away without him even noticing. Letting go of the curtain, he leaned over and turned off the lamp. The room was engulfed into a pitch black darkness that reminded him of when he couldn’t see.
He stared into the darkness and wondered when he would start feeling some sort of stability.
“Probably not until the end of the five year probation.” He muttered to himself.
When he had told Tsunade his reason for returning he had not expected her to believe him. Nor had he expected to be given the freedom to live in this apartment. While he had this freedom he knew that he couldn’t step a foot past the Konoha gates. Unbeknownst to Tsunade, he had been somewhat conscious when she had not only sealed his chakra but added a range seal. Should he stepped a foot outside the village gates his body would be electrified from the inside out. Aside from him accidently finding out, the only two who would know about it would be Tsunade and Shizune. In addition to all that he still had a feeling he was going to have to revive his clan. What, so they could be cut down at the order of what remained of the fucking council who had already done it once?
Sasuke sighed and tried to calm his rising anger. While he would love to kill the remaining council members he needed to stay in Konoha. It was the only way he could be safe from whatever the hell was tracking him. Also the good thing about having his chakra sealed meant he wouldn’t strain his new eyes too much so they could heal.
Sasuke touched his eyelids with his fingertips and frowned. They were really all he had left of Itachi. Sometimes he wondered if that was another reason why he returned so easily. All the time he had been headed back to Konoha he wondered about his decision. Was he really returning because it would be a safe haven at the moment? Or was there some odd connection between that desire and his brother’s eyes? His brother, who had killed his own family and been named a traitor. All for the sake of Konoha’s survival. When he thought that perhaps that was a huge reason for his desire to return he couldn’t grow angry because of it.
Perhaps with Itachi’s eyes, Sasuke could become the shinobi Itachi believed in. The Uchiha that would one day truly be a Kohona shinobi and not just an Uchiha.
Sasuke rubbed at his eyes and looked towards the door that separated him and Sai. He wondered what was in store for him next. He knew Sai had been his replacement for Team seven. Which made him wonder how close he was with Sasuke’s old team mates.
He turned away from the door.
Probably closer than I ever let them get. He shut his ebony eyes. Three days down…and four years and three-hundred sixty-two days to go.

Sai stared at the closed door. He knew Sasuke had not left because he could sense the small presence of Sasuke’s sealed chakra. Nevertheless he wondered what Sasuke was doing all the same. So far Sasuke had only surprised Sai when he continued to remain so stoic. Sai wasn’t too sure what he had been expecting when he had first learned that Sasuke had returned. However this apathetic shell was definitely not it. Glancing around the apartment from his seat, Sai remembered when they had been informed of Sasuke’s return.
Sai watched as everyone he had become friends with through Naruto came into the Godaime’s office. He had a clue about why they were all gathered so late at night. Sakura had mentioned that while she had yet to see him, Sasuke had returned. At least according to Naruto, who happened to not be present at the moment. Also judging by team eight’s appearance, they had just returned from their mission. Hinata stood next to Kiba fussing with the injury on his cheek. Next to them stood Shino, whose focus was as indiscernible as ever.
Shikamaru looked bored as usual and Ino was talking very closely with Sakura. Sai’s eyes narrowed, Ino was very close with Sakura—her hand was even on her hip. He shook his head, he’d leave that for another day. When he continued his observation of the others, he noticed Choji smiling at Sakura and Ino.
Well that’s interesting.
Neji was leaning against the wall looking out of one of the windows in the Hokage’s office. Sai wondered what was wrong with Tenten, who was being comforted by a frowning Lee. While Sai had not known her for very long he had never seen her look so upset. He doubted it had anything to do with Sasuke since Sakura had told him not many knew about his return.
The door to the Hokage’s office suddenly opened to reveal a worried Shizune and a somber Tsunade. Everyone watched Tsunade as she crossed the room and dropped into her chair at her desk.
“Now that everyone is here I will get straight to the point.” She scanned all of them—momentarily staring at a sleeping Kiba, who was leaning on Hinata. “I know some of us desperately need sleep…or a drink.” She mumbled the last part.
“Sasuke Uchiha has returned. He returned voluntarily and because of that he won’t be as severally punished. I have cut off his use of chakra and he is under anbu watch at all times. While I may not know Sasuke as well as all of you, he seems to be different from what I’ve heard about him. I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing.”
Tsunade glanced at everyone to see their reactions so far. All she received were a multitude of stares—ranging from stoicism to shock.
“Either way he will be put on probation for a minimum of five years. If he should prove himself loyal somehow he will be taken off probation. Also as some of you know, Naruto is not here because of his usual leave for his birthday to Suna and I had already given him a mission prior to Sasuke’s return.”
Before Tsunade could reach for her bottle of sake, a cup of tea was placed in front of her. She glared at a smiling Shizune.
“Also Sasuke may be seen negatively due to the villagers’ recent acceptance of Naruto since he defeated Pein. I don’t think the villagers will be violent towards him but I do not doubt they may be somewhat hostile. To what extent I am unsure of. Because of this and other matters I have decided to allow Sasuke to live in the apartment Naruto set up for him under the surveillance of an anbu at all times. I am not ordering or asking you all to befriend the brat. Nor am I saying he will find complete sympathy in me. However, I do know that Naruto would be greatly disappointed and angry with those he considers friends and family if we were to abandon Sasuke to such hostility. He wouldn’t wish for anyone to be treated as he once was.”
“Tsunade-sama which anbu was chosen to watch over Sasuke?” Sai couldn’t help but ask.
“I have chosen Iguru to watch over Sasuke. He is a very capable anbu.” Tsunade frowned at Sai’s look of concern. “You don’t agree with my choice?”
Sai smiled and shook his head. He really didn’t need to upset the Hokage further, especially since she had yet to have her sake.
“Tsunade-sama, when does Kakashi-sensei get back from his mission?” Sakura asked, still close to Ino.
“Well his mission took him all the way to the Hidden Cloud so he could very well be on his way back already. He has been gone for almost three weeks. He should be returning soon.” Tsunade sighed and rubbed her brow. “It’s possible he’ll hear about Sasuke’s return before I can even tell him. I will be sending Sasuke to his new apartment tomorrow morning. Should anyone hear anything about him misbehaving or being mistreated let me know. Though I doubt it. You’re all dismissed.”
Sai headed to the main gate to await Sakura since he was already set to go when Tsunade had summoned them. He looked up at the pitch black sky which only made the moon glow even more. While he couldn’t put his finger on it, he had a bad feeling about leaving. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the mission or if it had to do with Sasuke’s return. Sai turned away from the moon and saw Sakura running up to him.
“What’s wrong?” Sakura frowned.
Sai may not look upset to others but Naruto and she had learned to recognize some of his subtle expressions.
“We need to complete this mission as soon as possible.” Sai sped up his pace as they headed away from the village.
“Why?” Sakura made sure to keep up with him.
“I’m not sure but I have a…” Sai frowned.
“A feeling?” Sakura asked.
“Yes. I have a feeling about the anbu Tsunade-sama has issued to watch over Sasuke.”
“Iguru?” Sakura asked confused but then her eyes widened. “Do you think he’ll hurt Sasuke?”
“I’m not sure but I think we should finish this mission as fast as we can.” Sai stated with serious conviction.
Sakura glanced at him for a second, then nodded in agreement. They both sped up their pace—becoming as invisible as the wind.
Returning to the present, Sai glanced at the clock on the wall, it was already one in the morning. He was supposed to meet Sakura half an hour ago. He took out one of his small drawing scrolls and drew a mouse to scout out what Sasuke was doing. The ‘recon’ only took a minute—Sasuke was asleep. He quickly drew an ink clone of himself to send to Sakura, he would rather remain here himself than leave a clone. Just in case. After all, his initial ‘feeling’ had already been correct.
Sai’s clone let himself out from the balcony, making sure to leave unseen and unheard. Sai made sure to relock the balcony door and shut the curtains. Popping his neck, he sat on one of the living room sofas and made himself comfortable. He closed his eyes and decided to rest but not fully sleep. Otherwise his ink clone would disperse when he fully fell asleep. He would leave sleeping to when things settled down a little more. He had a feeling that he would definitely be needing it judging by Sasuke’s reaction to the scroll he had been given. Though Sai let part of his conscious follow his clone, he made sure to also remain alert in Sasuke’s apartment.
Sai’s clone made his way to the park, Sakura’s choice. Sakura had told him she didn’t want to listen to her parents nagging about them disturbing their sleep. Sai didn’t care where they met, as long as they didn’t go to his apartment. Otherwise he would have to explain his wall décor—which he would rather not.
When Sai finally arrived he found Sakura swinging in one of the swing sets. He plopped down into the swing beside her. Sai remembered reading in one of his books that men should be the ones to initiate a conversation. Something about it proving that they cared about what woman were thinking about. Sai thought it was a rather dumb idea since if he didn’t care he wouldn’t have come at all right? However he decided to follow his books advice since it somehow always seemed to have a fifty-fifty chance of working.
“I was right.” Sai said looking at Sakura. She frowned at him.
Was that the incorrect thing to say?
Sakura stared at him for a second before asking him to clarify what he was right about.
Ah forgot you shouldn’t start in the middle of your point. That seems to anger Ino a lot too.
“When I said we should finish our mission as quick as possible. I was right.” Without realizing it, he frowned. “It seems Iguru was not the best choice to watch Sasuke.”
Sai looked at Sakura again, who looked—
“Is he—what did Iguru do?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing,” Sakura frowned. “What do you mean ‘nothing’?”
“Iguru did nothing.” Sai quickly continued seeing Sakura’s glower. “While Sasuke apparently had nothing but water to sustain himself these past three days.”
Sai watched as Sakura’s face changed from one expression to another until she wore no expression at all. Which from what Sai had come to learn was not a good sign so he spoke up before she decided to leave.
“Tsunade-sama has taken care of Iguru and I have been ordered to watch over Sasuke.” Sai said quickly.
That seemed to deflate whatever she had planned to do.
“You? She told you to watch over him?” Sakura asked, completely flabbergasted.
Sai must have shown so sort of offended expression because she was quick to apologize.
“Iguru neglected Sasuke due to his biased feelings regarding Naruto. While I am Naruto’s friend, I also realize I cannot allow that to take over my judgement. Also since I have not had any real one on one experience with Sasuke, I will not have that clouding my judgement as well. If Yamato-taichou were not Tsunade-sama’s body guard he could also do it. Since that obviously leaves him out that would leave me.” Sai said frankly.
Sakura smiled and nodded. After listening to Sai’s explanation and seeing how serious he was, she couldn’t help but believe him. He had changed a lot since they had first met and she knew it was all thanks to Naruto. However what Sai didn’t seem to realize—which Sakura would keep to herself, is that he was taking this mission seriously because of his friendship with Naruto. While he wouldn’t mistreat Sasuke like Iguru, he would unconsciously do his best to rehabilitate Sasuke—all to make Naruto happy.
Sakura had felt at a sort of impasse ever since Sasuke had returned. Yet after seeing Sai’s response to his return Sakura couldn’t help but feel invigorated. Sasuke at one point had been a friend and a team mate. She shouldn’t wait for Naruto to come back to slowly bridge together whatever relationship she could. While she wasn’t crazy about him as she had been before, she would still like to try and befriend him once again. Slapping her knees with determination she stood up from the swing she had been sitting in.
“Alright then I’ll come and see Sasuke tomorrow. Maybe I can help—”
Sai interrupted her before she could finish declaring her plans.
“Actually Sakura you can’t because Tsunade-sama has apparently decided to assign Sasuke to some kind of rehabilitation. I’m not sure of the details but I believe it will begin very soon.”
“Rehabilitation?” Sakura frowned, ignoring her interrupted plans. “And what do you mean ‘we’?”
“Well,” Sai rubbed his left shoulder. “Since I am to be with Sasuke all the time, Tsunade-sama told me I am to also help in his rehabilitation. However since Sasuke refused to show me the scroll he received, I have no idea when, what, or where the rehabilitation is.”
Sakura wondered what in the world Tsunade was thinking. She had a feeling that because of this she probably had to meet with the council. Which meant Sakura couldn’t ask her about it, at least not until she cooled off. Her best bet of finding out would be to meet up with Sai like this again or to go with Sasuke and Sai to see what they would be doing. Or spy on both of them…
No that would be too creepy and might make Ino mad. Sakura frowned. Wait a minute…
“Sai you remember when Tsunade said that Sasuke would be on probation for at least five years?”
Sai nodded.
“Does that mean you have to watch over him like this for five years?” Sakura asked.
“I don’t know. It is unheard of for a nukenin to return voluntarily without being removed from the bingo book.” Sai frowned. “Tsunade did remove his execution order, even though he killed Danzo. Which makes me wonder how she was able to gain the approval of allowing Sasuke to remain out of prison?”
Sakura bit her lip and wondered how Tsunade had been able to get that approved. On top of that why had Sasuke not been interrogated? All nukenin’s were at least interrogated. What bargaining chip could be so big that would allow her to do all that she had done?
“Sai—”
“Sakura—”
“Sakura,” Sai began again. “I doubt Sasuke will tell me anything about what happened when he spoke with Tsunade-sama. So perhaps it would be best for you to talk to Tsunade-sama about it. Since you are her pupil after all, she may tell you or perhaps ask Shizune if she knows.”
Sakura nodded, still worried about Tsunade.
Before they parted ways, Sai agreed to keep Sakura informed about Sasuke and meet up again. They agreed to meet around the same time but leave after thirty minutes if either one of them didn’t show up.
Sai’s clone returned to Sasukes apartment, where Sai released him and had him return to his container of ink. Done for the night, Sai relaxed into the sofa again and tried to catch up on some light sleep.

Sai’s eyes popped open, only for him to quickly shut them against the sunlight peeking through the curtain. Gaining his baring’s, he listened for what had woken him up from his light sleep. He could just faintly hear someone climbing up the apartment building steps. Sai knew that they were looking for Sasuke because only his apartment was at the top of the building. Quietly jumping up from the sofa, Sai hid his presence and looked through the doors peephole. Sai sensed no danger from the person he saw coming up the stairs.
The young man was wearing some kind of black gown or robe with a long white apron. He wore a black hat with three buttons on his head. The buttons had symbols that Sai felt he had once seen before but he couldn’t quite put his finger on where or what they meant. Two of the buttons were beige and one was white—they all had some kind of odd black lined square. The man had a round nose, black hair that barely went past his shoulders and a well-trimmed goatee. Judging by his appearance he did not look like a shinobi. To Sai he looked like some kind of cook.
Sai looked away from the peephole and stared at Sasuke’s door. He had a feeling Sasuke wouldn’t take it too kindly if Sai answered his door while Sasuke was still asleep. Sai looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was seven. No wonder he still felt a bit tired—compared to some missions though he would go without sleep completely. Just as the man outside knocked on the door, Sai knocked on Sasuke’s door.
He only got to knock a second time before Sasuke’s bedroom door flew open. Sai was about to explain himself, when the man outside shouted Sasuke’s name and banged on the door again. Sasuke pushed past Sai to rip open the front door to his apartment and glare at the culprit.
“Ah good you’re awake!” The man said with a beaming smile.
Sasuke only continued to glare at the man in front of his door. Sai thought it would be best to speak up otherwise Sasuke might glare at the man all day. Sasuke didn’t even turn to look at him when Sai popped up behind him and greeted the young man.
“Good morning.” Sai plastered a smile on his face. “How can we help you?”
That got him his own glare from Sasuke.
“Ah yes. I am Urushi from the orphanage. I was told to look for Sasuke and Sai.” He looked at Sasuke. “I’m assuming you’re Sasuke since I was told you are quiet and only glare at people.”
Sai’s eyes widened at Urushi’s outspoken response. When he glanced to see Sasuke’s reaction, he had to stop himself from snorting. Sasuke was now sneering at the still cheerful man.
“And I guess that would make you Sai. I’m sorry but I’m not too familiar with you but I did hear that you are quite pale and dress like a girl.” Sai was given a once over and a nod. “Yup looks like you’re Sai.”
Sasuke snorted and finally stepped away from the door to head back to his room. Without talking to either Sai or Urushi he slammed his bedroom door. A minute later Sai heard the shower running. He looked at Urushi, shrugged and signaled for him to come inside. Once they both made their way past the kitchen and into the living room, Sai explained that he had just woken Sasuke up.
“Ah. But I doubt I would have received a smile even if he had already been awake.” Urushi chuckled.
Sai nodded in agreement and both men sat on one of the sofas to wait for Sasuke.
“I have only been told to see and treat Sasuke as a volunteer. Do you know why?” Urushi asked as he crossed his arm and relaxes into the black sofa.
“Volunteer?” Sai frowned and looked at a surprised Urushi.
“Wait. You don’t know what I’m here for?”
“Well I assumed Sasuke knew because he didn’t even ask why you were here.” Sai responded in honest confusion.
“Hokage-sama didn’t tell you about both of you coming with me to help out at the orphanage?” Urushi looked at Sai with a worried smile.
Sai remembered Urushi having said something about being from the orphanage. But why the orphanage?!
He received a sympathetic look from Urushi when he realized his predicament.
“You see, I live at the orphanage and I am in charge of it as well.” Urushi smiled again. “I was given the title since I was an orphan myself and have a better understanding of the children because of it.”
“I see.”
“Sasuke was also an orphan himself so perhaps it will help him connect with the orphans.” Urushi suggested.
“I guess that’s how Tsunade-sama wanted me to help him with his rehabilitation.” Sai sighed.
“How is being a babysitter going to help rehabilitate me?” Sasuke said suddenly from his opened door.
Urushi and Sai both twitched at the sudden interruption. Even if Sai had been engrossed in his conversation with Urushi, he should have noticed Sasuke’s presence.
Even without his chakra he can still sneak up on people.
Sai starred at Sasuke, who was leaning on his door frame with his arms and legs crossed.
I need to inform Tsunade about that.
“Working and volunteering at the orphanage is not babysitting.” Urushi glared at Sasuke for the first time. “There is much more to it than just watching them.”
Sasuke raised his eyebrow at Urushi sudden change in demeanor. Saying nothing he pushed off from the door frame and headed for his front door. Following his actions, Sai pushed up from the sofa he had been sharing with Urushi and followed after Sasuke. He had noticed that Sasuke didn’t explain his actions nor showed any indication of which action he was going to take. So Sai decided it wasn’t worth asking about.
Sasuke made sure to lock up his apartment and stared at Urushi, waiting for him to lead the way. Sasuke didn’t know where the orphanage was so there was no point in trying to lead the way. Urushi stared at him for a second before nodding and they began to leave the apartment building. Lucky for them they were all in good shape, otherwise Sasuke’s top floor apartment would have been a pain in the ass. Especially for Urushi since he had just climbed the stairs not too long ago.
When they finally made their way away from the building, Sai noticed Sasuke throwing away an apple core. When had he eaten the apple? Hell, when had he grabbed the apple? Sai could have sworn he had been watching him the entire time. He had a feeling watching over Sasuke was going to be much more interesting than he had first thought.
As they made their way through the village, Sasuke noticed he was being stared at even more than he had been the day before. Yet this time the stares were not as hostile as they had been before. Some stared at him in curiosity while others stared at him with indifference. Deciding to let it go he stared at Urushi’s back. He wondered what he was going to have to do when he was at the orphanage. He remembered Urushi’s reaction to what he had said about it and wondered if he had already fucked up.
To be honest he didn’t mean to be offensive, he just didn’t see what good would come of him ‘volunteering’ at the orphanage. He could see how maybe taking care of kids could prepare for the revival of his clan. But other than that what else would happen? How was being surrounded by the remembrance of his past going to help rehabilitate him? Granted he wouldn’t attack the orphans but perhaps he could do some other kind of damage by being there.
He noticed that Urushi was leading him further and further away from the village. While he wasn’t worried about Urushi attacking him, he was worried about the range jutsu. When they reached what he believed to be about the same distance as the gate he stopped. He felt the rush of Sai’s sudden stop behind him when he made sure not to collide into Sasuke. Sai went around him and looked at him in what Sasuke could only assume was concern.
“Why’d you stop?” Urushi called a few feet away from them, noticing that they had stopped following.
Sasuke could tell that Sai wanted to know to. But having learned that Sasuke wasn’t much of a talker he didn’t bother asking. Either way Sasuke was not about to tell them why he did not want to go any further. While he may not be sure why Tsunade had kept the range seal between her and Shizune, he thought it best to not say anything either. When he saw Urushi heading back towards Sai and him, Sasuke knew that he was going to have to make a choice.
Clenching his jaw Sasuke continued towards Urushi. Hoping that Tsunade had not created a mistake that would almost cost him his life again.
It wasn’t until they were inside the main hall of the orphanage that Sasuke relaxed his jaw. Sasuke guessed that he wasn’t a pile of fried bones because they had not technically crossed the gate.
Urushi didn’t seem at all concerned about Sasuke’s earlier reaction. Urushi told Sai and him to wait in the hall while he went to go check in with one of the other caretakers. However Sasuke could not say the same about Sai, who he could feel had been staring at him non-stop. Sasuke’s eye began to twitch when Sai only continued to stare at him. Unable to stand it anymore Sasuke turned around and glared at him.
Sai just opened his mouth when Urushi suddenly reappeared.
“Alright you pale bastards, follow me!” Urushi led them down the main hall.
Sasuke glared at him but nonetheless followed. Since he didn’t feel Sai’s stare anymore he guessed Sai decided to talk about it later. Whether Sasuke talked with him was another thing of course. As they followed Urushi, Sasuke noticed that many of the orphans who had been in the hall were now looking at him. He even heard one of them whisper to another about his being Naruto’s old friend.
So he’s part of this place too. Sasuke sighed and ignored their stares.
Urushi led Sasuke and Sai into what looked like an office or apartment. One half of the room like an office, with a book case, large desk, and chairs. Whereas the other half held a bed, mirror, and dresser. In the center of the room behind the desk and the dresser was a large window. Sasuke could see several orphans outside playing, running, or sparring.
Urushi indicated for Sai and Sasuke to take a seat while he sat between the window and the desk. Urushi looked at a clipboard that was on the desk in front of him then looked at Sasuke and Sai.
“So I need to give each of you something to do.” Urushi smirked. “So Sai what can you do?”
Sai blinked.
“What I mean is what talent or hobby do you have?” Urushi asked again.
“Well as a shinobi I can kill, spy, and rescue.” Sai said in all seriousness.
Unable to help himself, Sasuke snorted at Urushi’s stunned expression.
“Um Sai I meant something that you could help teach the kids here.” At Sai’s unchanged expression, Urushi continued. “Their shinobi training is left for when they go to the academy.”
Seeing Sai was still confused, Urushi turned at looked at Sasuke.
“What about you Sasuke?” Urushi asked, trying to smile.
Even though he had snorted at Sai’s response earlier, Sasuke wasn’t too sure how to respond either. Like Sai had stated, they were shinobi who were in essence taught to spy, kill, and rescue. Sasuke almost felt bad for Urushi when he groaned and rubbed at his beard.
“Right.” Urushi sighed and flipped the page on the clip board. “How about I just go through a list of things that the students mentioned they would like to learn?”
Sasuke grit his teeth.
Why the hell didn’t you just do that in the first place idiot?
Sai simply nodded.
“Right.” Urushi shook his head and began to read off the list. “Music, gardening, cooking/baking, astronomy, medicine, archery, photography, zoology, acting, taijutsu, art, camping, hunting—guess that requires killing something. Anyways…tea making, knitting, weapon—nope. Let me scratch that off. Ok, writing and fishing. Ah, I need to update this list. So did anything stand out to either of you?”
Urushi set down his clip board to smile at Sasuke and Sai. They both knew how to do a couple of things on the list because of their training but they didn’t know which to say. Urushi guessed as much and told them they should pick something that would hold their interest. If it held their interest it would help in teaching the orphans. Thinking about that Sasuke realized that he knew which would hold his interest the most—thanks to his earlier memories of Itachi.
“Archery.” Sasuke said pointedly without explanation.
Urushi smiled, nodded and flipped back to the first page to take note of something. He then looked at Sai expectantly. Sai was still unsure of what to pick. Urushi had told his to pick something of interest but Sai had never had a hobby before. So how could he know what to choose?
He began to say as much when he realized something.
I do have a hobby.
Sai reached into his back pouch and pulled out his picture book. He stared at it for a second before looking at Urushi.
“Art.” Sai finally said quietly.

“Remember Sasuke-kun. You cannot let any of them get away with misbehaving.” Lectured Keiri, the only female caretaker at the orphanage.
In the four days Sasuke had been coming to the orphanage, he had learned to try and stay away from Keiri as much as possible. She was a middle aged caretaker with an inflexible mind and she irritated the crap out of him. Aside from her and Urushi, there was also the seventy-four year old laid back Kanpu. He saw the kids as serenely behaved kids who caused no trouble. Sasuke wasn’t sure which of the three caretakers he’d like to kill first.
When Keiri turned to point out something to him he made his escape.
Damn she never shuts up.
Sasuke picked up his pace when he noticed he was going to be late as he passed the clock in the hall. When he entered the gymnasium/art studio and saw Sai was already setting up, Sasuke shook his head. So much for Sai always keeping Sasukes under surveillance—he always left Sasuske to his own devices when Keiri was near. Once Sai noticed Sasuke’s glower, he plastered an innocent smile on his face.
Ignoring him, Sasuke began to set up his own lesson. Since the orphans were still beginners, he figured it would be better to continue practicing with the soft adhesive tipped arrows. Once finished setting up three stations, he turned to gather the hand cleansers only to find a chubby blond kid had already grabbed them. Sasuke sighed when the child only smiled at him while holding up the items to Sasuke.
Shinobu was a five year old orphan who had been at the orphanage since he was two. Urushi had told Sasuke about his past when he noticed how much Shinobu followed him around. Apparently at the age of two Shinobu witnessed the murder of his parents. His parents had been owners of a cheap tea house but when they didn’t pay their ‘taxes’ properly they had been killed. Killed to set an example. During that time Naruto was on a mission in the same area and found out about it. After taking care of everyone involved, Naruto had brought Shinobu back to konoha with him. Since then Shinobu befriended Naruto and thought of his as some sort of god.
Sasuke realized Shinobu was the kid he had heard on his first day talking about him and Naruto.. To say the least Sasuke was caught between irritation and amusement. Somehow Shinobu always knew when Sasuke was at the orphanage and refused to let him out of his sight. Yet Shinobu did certain things that reminded Sasuke of Naruto that he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. While Shinobu was always somehow trying to find some way to help or be with Sasuke, he always played pranks on Keiri. Pranks that even Sasuke found amusing.
Try as he might, Sasuke couldn’t bring himself to dislike Shinobu. Sasuke had a feeling Shinobu was going to remain in his life whether he liked it or not.
Sasuke finally grabbed the supplies from Shinobu’s small chubby hands. He nodded his thanks and distributed the cleaning supplies to all three stations. He felt Shinobu following him the entire time. Just as he stepped away from the stations he heard excited voices. He turned to look at the gym’s entrance which was now being crowded by several of the orphans. When the three boys leading the rest of the others in noticed Sasuke’s scowl, they began to shush the others. Sasuke ignored Sai’s smile at the kid’s reaction to his displeasure.
When Sai and Sasuke had first begun their ‘lessons’ the orphans realized that Sai didn’t rile easily. Thus they had acted rudely and loudly. That is until Sasuke had scared the crap out of them by shooting several arrows at them. Sasuke had sneered and told them to keep quite. One of the kids had been stupid enough to ask why art was being taught beside archery. It had only taken a dark glare and an aimed arrow to shut up the orphan. Now all Sasuke had to do was look at one of them and they took care of their own behavior.
Misbehave my ass.
Knowing that his ‘students,’ nine in all, already knew what to do Sasuke stepped off to the side. The orphans lined up in their rows based on Sasuke’s quick analysis of the skills they had shown on the first day. Depending on their development they would be moved or simple stay in their group. Sasuke watched as Shinobu got ready to shoot his arrow. He winced when Shinobu’s arrow hit one of the gyms lights fixture. Luckily Shinobu had allowed shot out the light the day before. Then again at least he wasn’t accidently shooting anyone as he had done on the first day.
Sasuke unconsciously stepped towards Shinobu when he noticed his usual smile had disappeared. That was until Shinobu saw Sasuke looking at him. Shinobu grinned, showing that he was missing at least two teeth. Shaking his head Sasuke went back to watching the others take their shots. Sasuke smirked when he saw Yumi hit the bull’s eye mark. Unlike Shinobu she had hit the bull’s eye on her first try and had continued to. Sasuke had a feeling he was going to have to give her something more challenging before she became disinterested in the bow.
Sasuke frowned when he noticed that Yumi suddenly looked somewhat peeved. When he found the reason for her irritation, he snorted. Shinobu was glaring at Yumi.
Just like Naruto.
Seeing that his ‘students’ were all occupied, Sai glanced towards the other side of the gym to see how Sasuke was doing. Sai was still amazed at how easily the orphans responded to Sasuke. It was as if he was meant for some sort of leader or mentor role. Sai had a feeling that Sasuke didn’t realize this though. At first Sai had been worried about how they would be able to conduct their lessons with Sasuke in his sight. Then Urushi had suggested teaching together in the gym. Sai and Sasuke could only stare at him. Yet somehow it worked and Sai was pretty sure that was all thanks to Sasuke—not that he would say as much out loud. No need to further inflate his ego.
Sai tensed when he noticed Sasuke had caught him staring. Before he could escape with a smile, Sasuke simply looked away. No glower. No sneer. Sai blinked in amazement. That was the first time Sasuke had not glared or sneered at him. Perhaps working with the orphans was helping somehow. Sai followed Sasuke’s almost subtle glance at one of his ‘students’— he had looked at Shinobu. Sai could only wonder about that glance. What was it about Shinobu that caught Sasuke’s interest? Perhaps it had something to do with Shinobu’s connection with Naruto. While Sai wasn’t too sure of the reason, he simply hoped that Shinobu’s presence would help in rehabilitating Sasuke. If Sasuke was rehabilitated, then Naruto would be happy and that was all that mattered.
Setting that aside Sai went back to watching over his students. Some of them were very talented, whereas some were down right horrible. But Sai had read that when talking about someone’s creations he had to look for good points and focus of those. No matter how hard they were to find. For the most part he tried to comment as little as possible on his students work. He also made sure to let them create what they wanted to create. Because he had also read that creators would better appreciate something when it was done out of desire rather than requirement.
Before he knew it, it was already time for the orphans to head over to the academy. The orphanage housed a total of twenty orphans ranging from three to fifteen years old. Apparently since there was quite a few of them, they had to go to the academy in the afternoon—when the academy students with families would be heading home. They used to be able to send some of the students during regular hours but couldn’t anymore due to their increase in population.
The orphans said their goodbyes and left.
Sasuke and Sai were cleaning up when two toddlers suddenly burst into the gym. They made a beeline to Sasuke and hid behind him. Sasuke frowned and looked at the two squirming kids to Sai. Unsure what was going on, Sai shrugged and made his way over to Sasuke.
“Hana! Sora! Come here this instant!”
Sai looked towards the gyms entrance and saw a winded Keiri. Pushing away from the doorway, she stomped her way over to Sasuke and tried to grab the children. However every time Sasuke tried to move out of the way the children moved with him. When it looked as if Keiri was going to try and push Sasuke out of the way in frustration Sai quickly interceded.
“Keiri-san what is the matter?” Sai asked, smiling and stepping in between her and Sasuke.
“The matter is that these two demons need to clean up the mess they have made in the play room!” She huffed, trying to glare at them around Sai and Sasuke.
“Ah. I see.” Sai peered over his shoulder at the little boy and girl. “Why didn’t you clean up your mess?”
They stared at him for a second then harrumphed and looked away from him. Sai felt his smile slip a little. Suddenly Sasuke lifted the two toddlers in the air by the shirts and walked out of the gym. With eyes wide Sai glanced at Keiri then followed after Sasuke.
Sasuke made his way to the play room, already having familiarized himself with the orphanages layout. He passed a stunned Urushi, who had just returned from the village. When Sasuke got to the play room he came to a sudden stop in the doorway. Except for a raggedy doll and worn toy sword the room looked spotless.
This is the mess she was bitching about? Sasuke’s eye twitched.
He moved into the room and set the children down to wait for the others. The children looked at him in worry but he simply held up his hand, indicating for them to wait. Sai was the first to enter and had the same reaction as Sasuke. He stopped in the doorway with a subtle twitch in his left eye. He glanced at Sasuke then made his way to the window and leaned his back on the wall. Urushi’s voice indicated his arrival just as he stepped into the doorway still facing Keiri.
“Keiri-san I don’t understand. Hana-chan and Sora-kun rarely leave a mess in the play room.”
He entered the room still engrossed in his conversation with Keiri. He only stopped when Keiri had barely made her way in as well.
“Be that as it may, they still left a mess.” Keiri said in all seriousness.
“You mean a doll and a toy sword is a mess?” Sasuke asked flatly.
Urushi finally looked away from Keiri to see the mess she had made such a fuss about. In the short time Sasuke had known Urushi, he had hardly ever seen Urushi without some kind of smile. As for right now Urushi’s usually smiling face held no expression. At all. Sasuke figured that Keiri realized her mistake when her face began to pale. Guess she didn’t see Urushi like this that often either.
“Hana-chan why did you not put your toys away?” Urushi asked softly.
“I was helping her go to the restroom.” Sora answered for her.
“Sora-kun, Urushi-san asked—”
“I see.” Urushi interrupted Keiri. “When you came back from the restroom what happened?”
Sora now hesitated.
“It’s alright,” Urushi smiled softly. “You can tell me.”
“Well we came back to keep playing but Keiri-san was already here.” Sora gathered his courage and continued. “She started yelling at us about being ‘dirty demons not picking up our mess.’”
“What?!” Keiri exclaimed.
“I see thank you for telling me.” Urushi ignored Keiri’s outburst. “Well Sora do you think you can put away the toys and take Hana to the bunk room?”
Sora nodded, quickly put away the two toys and left with Hana. Once the sounds of their feet were gone an impregnable silence filled the play room. Urushi passed Keiri and paused in the playroom’s door way—without looking at anyone he spoke.
“Sai, Sasuke you are done for today. You can go home.”
Just as he began to enter the hallway he spoke again.
“My office, Keiri-san.”
It wasn’t long before it was just Sai and Sasuke in the playroom. For some reason Sasuke had wanted to witness Urushi ream into Keiri. He wasn’t sure if it was because she annoyed the shit out of him or due to what just happened. At the same time he had to hand it to Urushi for the way he handled it. While it was obvious he was upset with Keiri, he had not demeaned her in front of Sai, Sasuke, or the kids.
Deciding it was best to let it go Sasuke exited the play room. Before they left though Sasuke made sure to head back to the gym to finish packing up his lesson. Sai did the same. Sasuke snorted at the irony of what he and Sai were now doing.
Stupid old women.
Once they finished with everything Sasuke made sure to sign-out in the orphanages log entry. As he made his way back to the village he noticed how it was already becoming sundown. The day was already making its way to dusk. Usually Sasuke wouldn’t return to his apartment until the sunlight was almost nearly gone. After their lessons, Sai and Sasuke would meet with Urushi to talk about different aspects of the orphanage. Apparently he and Tsunade thought it would help him establish some kind of role with the orphanage. Though most of the time it was Sai and Urushi talking while Sasuke listened.
Just as their meetings ended Kanpu would be back from having picked up the orphans from the academy. Sasuke had heard that only two teachers taught the orphans—one of which happened to be Iruka. He knew this because just before he would leave, Shinobu would inform him of whatever Iruka had taught that afternoon. Since he would be leaving early today he would not see Shinobu before he headed back to his apartment.
And for some reason that seemed to bother him.
(TBC)
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Fate's Entwined