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Enemies & Comrades

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Sasuke can predict that it's going to be a long day.

He looks around the room with his dark eyes. Some Anbu members are on patrol from the inside to the outside. Not to mention, the Analysis Team is at present. Inochi, who is Ino's father, stares at them like a hawk. Sasuke should've expected that they all don't play around. Not to mention, it feels more like a hostage rather than a trial. Lady Tsunade settled the event at the Hokage house, which is odd because they are more likely to be held in Konoha's prison.

The young Uchiha looks at his wrist to Itachi's that they have restraints connected to the floor. Sasuke moves his gaze at the people in front of him. Three councilors of the Leaf are giving the brothers stern faces. Sasuke even saw Itachi glaring daggers at them. He could sense the anger coming from his brother.

It was unlike Itachi because he is passive. To a point where it becomes unsettling.

Sasuke then checks the time on the clock, waiting to be afternoon already. He hears his heart beating and feels multiple pairs of eyes on him. Once noon hits, Tsunade begins the trial. She has a seat with the rest of the councilors.

"Alright. I have some questions to ask, but first, let me start the introduction." The Hokage rested her chin on her folded hands.

"Itachi, Sasuke. It intrigues me that you two want to be Konoha citizens again. I've never once come across a rogue that ran away from their problems but, eventually, realizes that it didn't teach them perseverance, resilience, and strength." It did shock Tsunade. However, it didn't fully convince her. So, she goes deep with it.

"As someone who wants the Konoha citizens safe and to be able to rely on one another, give me your reasons. Why should we have you both on our side?" The Senju asked firmly.

Not just her but everyone else in the room wants them to elaborate. Itachi and Sasuke turned their heads to look into each other's eyes. They don't know who is going first. After a few seconds, it ends up being Itachi. He takes a deep breath and conveys.

"I honestly didn't know my brother would think the same way as I did. Except my life wasn't like his. I went through more hell than anyone couldn't imagine. I've obeyed so many orders just to keep my loved ones safe. If I confronted them, no one would understand me. I never wanted to take my family's lives away because they were scheming a coup. I never wanted Sasuke to bring hatred upon me. I never wanted to be known as the demon with no morals."

Itachi kept spilling his emotions, and people around were appalled to see a change of demeanor. He feels more relieved. Then his gaze drifts to the elders. "I followed your words because I thought it'll prevent another shinobi war and the loss of innocent lives. Lord Hiruzen believed it as well. So, to answer your question Tsunade-sama," Itachi stares into the Senju's light brown orbs.

"Even though Konoha ruined my life after everything, I am still willing to protect my home because the people I was with after leaving are not my comrades. They're my enemies." Itachi finalized his explanation, which made the Hokage speechless.

Sasuke looks at his brother with genuine joy. Itachi is not afraid to speak what's behind closed doors. He no longer is punishing himself. Guess it's now the other Uchiha's turn to explain.

"If you have me on your side, I will fight against the rogues to make peace. Naruto and I may not always agree on some things, but we don't condemn losing our allies. I also want my brother to stay in my life. So, leaving Konoha for good taught me it wasn't the right choice because I can't break the bond with the ones that loved me."

Sasuke glances at all of the faces in the room. They're not giving stern looks. Not everyone, though, because the elders are still in disbelief. Soon enough, Tsunade sits straight and has some words to say.

"You're going to think I'm crazy for what's coming." She can't believe she is doing this. "Itachi, Sasuke, I am siding on you two," Tsunade confessed.

Danzo, Koharu, and Homura turned their turns in shock. "Tsunade, that is absurd! You can't possibly have them roam around the village like they're ordinary civilians." Koharu countered. Homura adds another reason. "If the invasion happens, the Akatsuki will target Naruto and Itachi." He proclaimed. Danzo also spoke. "That means we have to protect their former member." The man is following up the lines with his colleagues.

Tsunade turns to them as well and glares. "Don't you hear yourselves? No matter how times we tried to keep Naruto safe, you all never acknowledged he has been fighting for his life. Why do you think he wants to avenge Jiraiya's death? He is doing it because he cares about his home. Naruto will not sit around and let the enemy overthrow us. You three lack faith and trust in the younger generation and let history repeat itself." She argues back on their reasoning.

"I am siding with Itachi and Sasuke because they were never spiteful from the beginning. They were lost boys that lived in a world of reluctance." Tsunade left everyone astonished. Even the brothers were amazed that she believed in them.

In a minute, Inochi steps in on it because he has something that can contribute to Tsunade's argument. "I looked into their minds before the arrest and discovered that none of them were born or raised with resentment towards others. Fugaku and Mikoto wanted to, at least, make them happy. They became estranged and thought it was for the best. However, Itachi got misunderstood. An irony will come up if this village gets invaded." The Yamanaka Leader tries to prove a point.

After stating a counter-argument, the Leaf counselors thought it through. Tsunade was right about them having no hope for the future of shinobis and people with criminal records. But she does comprehend that it's hard to accept. Before concluding, Koharu asked Itachi and Sasuke one last question.

"If you two make a promise with us, will it involve amending the shinobi world?"

The brothers' widened their eyes. It sounded profound.

Danzo and Homura gave Koharu a look of bewilderment. The woman may be strong-willed, but she does have courtesy.

In short, Itachi and Sasuke simultaneously spoke. "Yes."

Koharu puts on a subtle grin. A simple yet meaningful answer. She shifts her body to face Tsunade. "I'm on your side now." The woman stated. Her face became surprised because Koharu usually disagrees with her standpoints.

The female councilor moves her body in the men's direction. "So, what are they? Enemies or comrades?" She delivers the real question.

After a short period, Homura admits that they are comrades. Danzo, on the other hand, is the one who hasn't said anything yet. The Uchiha brothers can hate him for the longest, but will it affect them if they stay in the same village? Danzo raised his visible gaze upon Itachi and Sasuke. He begins to speak. "I may not be fond of where they came from, but if they are going to take action against the opponents, they will be our comrades." Danzo settled in his words, and it stunned the people in the room, including the brothers.

Tsunade plays a content smile and makes the announcement. "Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke, you both are officially part of Konoha. Again."

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

Once the trial ended, Itachi and Sasuke went straight home. It'll take some time for people to get used to them in the village. But hopefully, they can rely on the brothers.

"Hey, Sasuke," Itachi called out his name from his room. The man is changing his outfit because he is about to do something. Their bedrooms are next to each other. So they can have a non-physical conversation. "What?" Sasuke answered. He is relaxing on his bed because he is tired. Hours of having people breathing down his neck is exhausting.

"I'm going to visit Nanami," Itachi tells him. He redid his ponytail, which Sasuke makes fun of because he hasn't changed his hairstyle since he was a kid.

"Have fun." The younger Uchiha replied before falling asleep.

Itachi heard his drowsy voice and chuckled merrily. It feels foreign yet incredible to be in a normalized environment.

After taking a nice nap, Sasuke exists his bedroom to go to an area of the house that holds a significant memory. The room where his parents lost their lives. During the first days under house arrest, he and Itachi polished the room and set up a memorial. Sasuke opens the doors, where he sees a picture of his parents on their wedding day in the center of the room. He begins having a little talk with them.

The boy sits in front of the portrait. "Otou-san, okaa-san. Itachi and I got approved to live in Konoha. I know it sounds bizarre because we've made some interesting choices. But overall, we are happy. I hope you two can forgive Itachi. He deserves more luck." Sasuke gently touches the item. Even though he wants them to be part of his life again, he must move on from his past and start fresh.

"I love you both endlessly." Sasuke puts on a smile. He says goodbye to his parents.

The raven can't resist seeing his love.

Sasuke could feel the excitement in him. He scatters onto the top of buildings without having a cloak on. Out in the opening, villagers can see a certain Uchiha is back. Sasuke also wonders if Itachi is safe. His brother wore coverage for now until Tsunade expounds their status. Sasuke pauses because he sees a girl dressed in pastel purple come out of the Leaf hospital. A subtle smile etched his lips.

Misa did some experiments because she was looking for a treatment to make Itachi healthy and maybe others with the same illness. Not to mention, Tsunade established a laboratory just for her students. Sakura and Misa have been helping patients and working with the doctors after they got certified.

The petite girl stretches her arms to release the stiffness in her muscles. When there are no assigned missions, she is either hanging out with her friends or testing different types of procedures.

"Hey."

Misa opened her rosy eyes, and she gasped. She doesn't know how much or how many times Sasuke will ever surprise her.

"What's with the high energy? And shouldn't you be at home?" Misa is clueless about his sudden appearance. Sasuke still has a grin on his charming face. "The arrest is over, and we are part of Konoha." He disclosed and is referring to himself and Itachi. Misa's jaw drops. She didn't hesitate to run her legs and bring Sasuke into a hug.

"I am so proud of you two!" Misa gets overjoyed that people can rely on the brothers. She felt his arms on her waist. She pulls away to notice he looks lively, and it warms her heart. Sasuke dug his face into her soft, ebony locks. "Want to walk around the place that we usually go to?" He asked Misa in his soothing voice. Misa blushed because he sounded so handsome and gentle.

"Sure." She happily accepted his request.

They intertwined fingers and began heading to a significant spot in the village.

While walking through the pathway, Sasuke and Misa saw Sakura with Neji from a far distance. The other couple is in their happy moment. Misa draws a wide smile after she witnesses Sakura hugging Neji's arm. They resemble a cherry blossom princess and a Hyuga prince.

"I'm glad that Sakura found someone. I'll still remember the times when she liked me." Sasuke didn't ignore the fact that she was falling for him. But, in the end, she only sees him as a friend.

Misa knew Sasuke was not heartless, as most people would assume of him. He does care, and it's something he should express more often. "It was cute, though. I remember she would gush about you nonstop." Misa giggles in delight. Sasuke sighs, "I also feel bad that I called her annoying." He reflects on how blunt and rude he was back then. He hears Misa speak, "You two didn't get along, and it was fine. A reminder, Sasuke-kun, she can brutally beat someone up." She sets out a warning for him.

Sasuke doesn't know what to expect in Sakura's fighting skills. Overall, he is looking forward to seeing it.

Soon, the lovers made it to the lake area, which holds significant memories. It's afternoon, so the sun is shining, and the sky is light blue with cotton-like clouds. Sasuke and Misa sat on the emerald grass and listened to the river make an elegant melody.

"I have the Curse Mark embedded in my body, and I am not sure if I'll permanently keep it," Sasuke confesses. "Is it by choice to get it removed?" Misa questioned.

As a response, the raven nodded. "Orochimaru can do all types of things, and it's forbidden for others to know. I've used it in battles, and it does benefit my tactics. But I wonder what I'll be like without it." Sasuke has thought about returning to his original self and discovering untold jutsus. Maybe there are various Dojutus somewhere and not just the Sharingan or Byakugan.

"You'll remain strong, Sasuke-kun. It's best not to take things for granted." Misa is open with her statement. She knows Sasuke is very much a powerful shinobi. He just gets insecure about not being worthy enough.

Misa scoots closer to him and rests her head on his shoulder. Sasuke cranes his neck to put his chin over her head. "If our lives continued several years from now, what would we be doing?" The dark-haired boy inquiries about the future. Misa thinks for a bit because his question sounded overwhelming.

"I would be expanding the ways of becoming a Medical Ninja to a new generation of shinobis. I'll have them know my legacy evolves around great people." The Akiyama presumes her future.

Sasuke dips his face to kiss her head. "For me, I want to protect both the inside and outside of the village. Maybe I'll follow Naruto's orders if he does become Hokage." He can picture his knucklehead friend standing on the roof of the Hokage house with a big smile. Naruto would see below him are his supporters. His people.

The Uchiha could feel his lover moving her head away from him to show her sunny smile. "I like that," Misa said wholeheartedly. Sasuke even draws a satisfying grin.

He sees her leaning into his face to have her soft lips over his. The raven closes his eyes to gravitate towards such love. He also has his only angel in his arms.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

A clanking noise echoed in the quiet laboratory. The spoon mixes the stuff inside of the beaker.

Misa has her white coat on and her hair up in a ponytail. She has done numerous attempts with the disease on a glass plate. It somehow doesn't want to disappear. Hopefully, this time it'll work.

She is in the room alone because Sakura has to take care of business with Shikamaru and Shiho, a member of the Konoha Cryptanalysis Team. They've been cracking down on the code that Jiraiya left before his deceased. According to them, it was a message about Pain. Unfortunately, it wasn't descriptive of what he was referring to.

The real one is not amongst them.

Misa takes an eye dropper and has it filled with the mixture. The young kunoichi takes a deep breath. She does a single drop on the living organism, and something happens.

It's gone.

A loud squeal can be heard in the room. She finally invented a cure for Itachi's illness!

There are numerous old books scattered on the floor. Misa went frantic about looking for other medicines to make. Surprisingly, those science books are from the Warring States Period. If Sakura and Misa recreate them in the present time, it'll be perfect usage during a battle.

"I am certain that this will cure the disease."

Misa takes a trip to the Uchiha compound, and it's not just her that knows about it. Nanami as well because Itachi told her the location.

Five days have passed since the trial. Tsunade made a public announcement that Itachi and Sasuke became Konoha citizens. And, of course, many civilians and ninjas had mixed emotions. Tsunade also explained their return and what the people didn't know after all these years.

The many flaws in the village reveal that Konoha is not perfect. However, it is a place for everyone to have a home and become successful shinobis.

Itachi was skeptical at first. A strange-colored liquid in a cup looks questionable. Here goes nothing. Itachi takes the object and downs it. There was an herbal taste, but it didn't harm him.

"How is it?" Sasuke asked with a clutched expression.

After a couple of minutes, Itachi's eyes widened. "My body feels like it's rejuvenating." He claims that it certainly did work.

Everyone around him became flabbergasted. Nanami goes to Misa and squeezes the life out of her. "This is amazing, Misa. You truly are a hero." She is appreciative that her friend puts effort into helping others. Nanami felt a pair of arms wrapped around her waist. Misa speaks, "I am doing what is good for my friends. It'll never end until I get old and can barely walk." She dabbled in some humor because the atmosphere got very emotional. In essence, Misa is glad that Itachi will be doing better.

It was Sasuke's turn to give her a big thank you. He showers her with kisses on the forehead and hugs. Misa flushed at the display of affection. To think that Sasuke is an introvert is beyond her. "Thank you so much, Misa." He thanked her dearly.

"You're welcome." She answered with a smile. Once the lovers separated, she even got a hug and a thank you from Itachi.

After some time, Misa left the compound to find her brother. Koichi has a free day, and he wants to have a hangout.

The ebony-haired beauty goes to the park because he said to meet him there. Misa can see children having a good time while their parents watch them. Misa moves her pink irises to notice Koichi is waiting on a hill that has a stairway. Instead of walking on the steps, she hops in the air and lands gracefully.

"Nice way to be a showoff, onee-chan," Koichi replied with sarcasm dripping in his voice. Misa giggles, "I take that as a compliment." She approached her brother, who was watching the clouds. Koichi then brought his attention to his sister.

"So, Sasuke onii-chan has returned. Even Itachi. How do you feel about that?" The younger Akiyama is curious about his sister's reaction. She responds to him, "I have a stable connection with the brothers. To make it simple, I am pleased with Tsunade-sama's agreement. They're good people, Koichi." Misa emphasized her trust in the Uchiha family.

Koichi may not understand his sister's bond with the brothers, but he can assume they care about each other. "I am not like most people, onee-chan." He admitted. Misa turns to him with a quizzical expression. He clarifies his assertation. "I knew you weren't insane with your reliance on the two brothers. I respect that you have generosity and welcome them as regular people." Koichi explained with unfeigned words.

Misa grew a tranquil smile on her face. "That's very cordial, Koichi." She is grateful to have a brother like him.

Koichi smiles ear-to-ear and goes back to looking at the clouds. But all of a sudden, something caught his eye. "Onee-chan, what is that?" The pre-teen boy points his index finger at it. Misa's gaze follows his extended arm and finger. She sees it as well. Over at the Hokage Rock, she saw multiple figures that look more like a blur of orange. The tension in the air instantly came in.

"Stay here," Misa demanded Koichi, and he obeyed.

She hurried to check out what is up there.

When Misa makes it over to the