∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗
Seal Our Fate

───────

During their peaceful afternoon walk around the green fields, Sasuke and Misa spotted a person sitting under a tree. They had a picnic blanket laid out, eating a blue popsicle. Misa beams, "Jiraiya-sama!" She calls the bulky man's name loudly. He heard her voice and smiled, "Misa-chan! And Sasuke?" Jiraiya becomes appalled when seeing the Uchiha.

The couple makes their way to the Toad Sannin; Misa looked happy while Sasuke had on his typical blank expression, but he is intrigued to encounter Naruto's master after so long ago. "What are you doing here?" Misa asked Jiraiya. He speaks, "I would ask the same for the both of you." Jiraiya takes a look at the blue sky as the birds fly around carelessly. "I'm doing some mediation and thought about some things on my mind," The white-haired man responded. He shifts his gaze onto the couple. "Since when did you two get back together?" He questioned them.

"A few hours ago," Sasuke spoke bluntly.

"I see," Jiraiya said. He can tell they haven't lost their love for each other because they are holding hands. "May we join you?" Misa asked politely. The man draws a sunny smile, "Of course! Here!" He pulls out two popsicles from the basket. "Can't have a conversation without any snacks." Jiraiya chuckled happily. "Arigatou!" Misa's rosy eyes glimmered and takes the sweet treat. Sasuke almost grimaces but he eats it anyway. Revolting, he commented mentally.

The three of them sat underneath the tree as they talk. Sasuke told Jiraiya about his return and the reasoning behind it. The Toad Sannin didn't expect a sudden change in the younger male's behavior. Sasuke is still the same boorish boy that he is. But most importantly, he hasn't forgotten the love and support from his comrades and his beloved angel.

"Itachi had also made some amending." The raven begins to speak about his brother. "I did forgive him because his sole purpose wasn't to become a sinful human being. He had to do it because he wanted to keep me alive and protected. Itachi is willing to risk it all. My nii-san knows what could happen if the shinobi world gets corrupted. I even acknowledged why I look up to him as a role model. He is loyal at heart and fears none." Sasuke truly admires Itachi with every inch of his soul.

Misa comprehends that he is passionate when describing someone significant to him. Jiraiya as well. "So, he was misunderstood." The man let out a sigh. "That is a tough life decision, and I cannot imagine the types of pain he had to compress. I may be unfamiliar with Itachi, personally, but I can hear in your tone of voice and words that you do love your onii-san. Despite the tragedy for the clan." Jiraiya doesn't understand why these kids have to suffer. Things would've been different, but life is imperfect.

Sasuke adds, "Orochimaru gave up his efforts of taking over the world." After telling, he witnessed the subtle change of expression from Jiraiya. "At first, I thought it was some kind of joke that he was playing. The man spoke the truth." Sasuke tries having Jiraiya to understand. He told the Sannin about how his master's change of ways created a positive impact. Even if it wasn't convincing for Jiraiya, Sasuke will respect him because Orochimaru's wicked actions from the past cannot be forgotten.

The white-haired man opens his mouth, "He is returning to his old self. He used to be reserved, quiet, and loyal. His ego got into his head that he wished death will not take him. I know Orochimaru as a real companion. You'd be surprised that he has fears." He smirks because it does unbelievable to hear a rogue that has some humanity. Moreover, Jiraiya hopes Orochimaru remains the way he is now.

"I want to ask, how is Naruto?" Sasuke is finally asking about his hyperactive teammate.

"The little brat is still the same old Naruto, but he has grown into a stronger shinobi. I witnessed all of his improvements, and he has changed drastically. Not to mention, that boy found the love of his life." Jiraiya is crying tears of joy on the inside. Sasuke becomes astonished, "I never knew that usuratonkachi had it in him." He nearly stuttered his sentence. Misa had seen Sasuke's astounded reaction more than once in her life. But this time, she bursts out laughing because he rarely asks about Naruto.

Jiraiya tugs a grin, "The boy is full of energy, and he is not afraid to show it," He said. The man goes on to do some story-telling about his journey with Naruto. They were inspiring. Naruto has made a positive impact on a lot of things. Sasuke lets out a deep breath; he is pitiful that he took everything for granted. They've experienced similar aspects in their lives, and he is not the one who had to go through the misery.

Naruto is not just any friend. He is close to being like a brother to Sasuke.

Suddenly, Jiraiya starts bringing up information that won't be pleasant to take in. He has been thinking about it ever since the reports have gotten worse each day. He must commit to it. "When the time is right, I'll be taking my leave and battle against the Akatsuki." Jiraiya has spoken in a resolute voice. Sasuke and Misa grew speechless. The tension in the air has risen. Jiraiya continues with a full explanation. "The Akatsuki has been our sworn enemies for years now, and our lives will be in a poor position at any moment. I felt the fear was competing against me because the more I gain confidence, the more I will take it all from the enemies." He paused to analyze their reaction. Somber is painted all over their faces.

"Everyone must understand that peace can be made, but you have to earn it through a series of challenges. It is tough and fateful. However, you all will be heroes." The Toad Sannin finalized the biggest announcement.

Misa's face hardened, "Does anybody else knows about it?" She questions dryly. Jiraiya answers, "Only Tsunade." He mentioned his long-term friend. Misa can expect that her master is going through a rough time. The kunoichi brought her gaze to meet the man's stern look, "We believe in you, Jiraiya-sama." She tries her hardest to not sob. But Sasuke can hear it clear as day. He gently holds her hand in a firm grip. She interlaced her delicate fingers with his.

The beauty did her best to form words, "You've done great things in our lives, and no one can be like you, Jiraiya-sama. Everyone will remember your name." Misa stares deeply into the older man's joyful eyes. He is touched by her appreciation. Over the years, Jiraiya is praised by different generations of ninjas. His first students are unforgettable; they were lost and vulnerable kids in a cruel world. After educating them on survival and what it takes to become a shinobi, they followed in his footsteps. But unfortunately, one of them no longer exists. Jiraiya will never forget the boy, who was ambitious, playful, and tender-hearted.

"Naruto must feel lucky to have you as his master." Sasuke brings up the Jinchuriki once again.

"That little knucklehead better be grateful." Jiraiya chuckles amusingly.

A serene wind soothes the heavy air.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

Subsequently, the three of them said their goodbyes with hugs and support. Misa never wanted to break the embrace. This overwhelming decision will change the shinobi world.

Misa was silent while heading back to the village. She doesn't notice it, but Sasuke has been making short glances at her. He is worried about the angel next to him. "Misa, it's okay to let it out," Sasuke spoke abruptly. She perks her head to crane her neck and looks at him with a glare. "No," Misa immediately denies it, "I can't keep crying. Whether I hate it or not hate it, I still have to face merciless people." She believes that it is useless to weep around.

However, Sasuke provokes half of her statement. "I agree that we have to encounter the unpleasantry in our lives, but I disagree with hiding your emotions. I don't want you hurting yourself." He tells Misa gravely. Her eyes widened at his stern voice. "What I am trying to say is, you don't need to keep the perfect posture when you are not alright." Sasuke tries to prove a point. He does care about her sanity. Momentarily, Misa realizes that she wasn't thinking right.

The girl brings her arms around his sculpted torso and buries her face into his chest. "I am sentimental and it makes me feel insecure because I want to be seen as a strong person, not a weakling. I am sorry that I was being hard on myself and making you worried." Misa apologized to Sasuke. He then puts her into a tighter hug. "As I said, you can't keep the beating yourself. It is tough to pass on. I also don't want Jiraiya to fight the Akatsuki." Sasuke feels the same way.

"Itachi has told me stories about the ones that are responsible for the devil's work, and I can tell they are full of rage. They desire to recreate their ideal world where no one can live with peace and harmony." The Uchiha parts from his angel to notice that she is interested to hear more of it. Sasuke continues, "I sadly don't know what they look like but I do know their names. Pain is the leader of the Akatsuki, and another one is Uchiha Madara." He then gave Misa information about the two rogues.

Pain is a private man who doesn't have ordinary prowess. He is a form of a god. Uchiha Madara is the enigma; no one knows his background or his identity.

Misa furrowed her thin brows. She is puzzled. "Sasuke-kun, Uchiha Madara is long gone from now. Do you think it's an alias?" She asked him. It would be impossible for a legendary shinobi to live for many generations. Sasuke nods his head, "I thought the same when Itachi told me. It could be someone who has the same name, but I doubt it." He can read the confusion on Misa's face. She takes a breath, "And that Akatsuki leader, Pain, sounds unbeatable. We have dangerous men that we have to look out for. But, I do have a feeling they are not the only ones." She is certain that there will be never-ending madness.

Sasuke takes her small hand to give a comforting grip. "You and I are willing to take all perils because we promised that we protect each other. Never forget that, hime." He wants Misa to not get discouraged. They live in a messed-up world, but hope can be found. She feels the pressure being lifted from her shoulders. He doesn't hesitate to take care of her because he reads her like an open book. Misa loves him with her whole life.

As a non-verbal response, she takes his hand to lay a soft kiss on his knuckle. Misa sends him a thankful smile. Sasuke gestures with his head at the trail, to indicate they should keep moving forward. Misa nodded earnestly. The lovers intertwined their fingers to continue walking. At a short mile, they come across a training ground. Sasuke can feel the nostalgia. He pictures a moment when Team 7 did their very first assignment. The bell test is a significant one.

"Onee-chan!"

Out of nowhere, a child's voice hollered. The couple turned their heads to where it was coming from. Misa rushed over to the child and bring them into her arms. "Koi-Koi! How was your mission?" She asked her little brother. He answers, "It was pretty interesting. I had to capture a Neko and get a paw print. I also wore Neko ears which wasn't much of a disguise but it did fool them." Koichi wasn't sure it was the most bizarre mission that he ever completed.

He then hears Misa giggling. "I remember having a mission like that. I'm surprised nekos can be fierce shinobis." She remembers fighting a cat that was the size of a skyscraper and miraculously won against it. "Oh, they are." The boy is relieved that he didn't get mauled by any feline. Misa playfully snickers and she parts from the embrace to tell her brother something important. "There's someone that you know of is here." She moves aside to show Koichi. His mouth instantly gapes at the sight of Sasuke.

"Sasuke onii-chan," Koichi says his name. "It's been a while, Koichi. I didn't expect you to get close to my height." Sasuke tugs a smirk. Koichi chuckles, "I don't have to bend my neck up anymore. Now it's my onee-chan's turn." He rested his arm over Misa's head. She frowns at both of them. "Yes, I get it. I am the smallest person in the world. You don't have to rub it in." The girl crossed her arms while the two boys are amused by her grumpiness.

"Can you properly throw a shuriken?" Sasuke wonders if he improved his weaponry skills.

Koichi nodded, "Of course!" He said with morale.

The younger Akiyama makes his way to the training ground and looks at the three stakes. He takes out three shurikens and expertly throws them right into one of the stakes. They are aligned perfectly. Misa starts clapping her hands, "Good job, otouto! I knew you could do it!" She cheers for him. "Onee-chan~" Koichi whines and blushes. He gets shy whenever he receives compliments from people.

Sasuke etched a smile onto his face. He is proud of his little friend.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

"Are you deciding to meet everyone again, Sasuke onii-chan?"

Koichi joins the couple as they are heading to the Leaf Village. Sasuke thinks it through from the younger boy's question. He doesn't know if he is ready to encounter his old comrades. Koichi realized that the Uchiha hasn't spoken yet because it was difficult to answer. The younger patiently waits for him. Sasuke lets out a sigh, "I honestly do want to see them again, but they won't be happy because I left without a proper goodbye and I fought against my friend. I'll be taking some time to build the courage." He shouldn't be afraid or nervous. Sasuke wants forgiveness but does he deserve it?

The raven knows that his doings affected a lot of people negatively. It was foolish, but he doesn't regret it. Without Orochimaru, he wouldn't be able to learn how to enhance his skills. Sasuke knew that the choice he made was going to benefit him. Regardless, many will disapprove.

"I see." Koichi understood. "It's okay, onii-chan. You still have a chance. I believe your teammates are the people that will comprehend more than the others. Don't pressure yourself." He delivered some reassurance. The eldest turns his head to give a shocking look at the boy. Koichi resembles Misa. They share almost the same traits. Full of kindness and determination. Whenever Koichi calls Sasuke onii-chan, it brightens his heart. A little brother that he never knew he needed.

"Arigatou, Koichi." Sasuke thanked the sweet boy. "You're welcome, onii-chan." Koichi smiled. Misa softens, seeing them two interact is undoubtedly precious. The people wouldn't expect Uchiha Sasuke to show fondness when it comes to children. Eventually, the younger Akiyama had a curiosity about Sasuke's lifetime outside of Konoha. The raven did admit it was a struggle to get used to living in a different village. "Everything from there was not for the faint of heart." Sasuke surmised his life at the Sound to have no shed of light.

Misa and Koichi could hear the somber in his voice as he speaks. He must've felt lonely and homesick throughout the years. Sasuke spoke again, "It felt like it was the right thing to do of coming back to this place." He takes a glance around the area. His dark gaze lands on the Hokage mountain. A piece of work to show the importance of leadership and innovation. Sasuke will never forget about Naruto's ultimate goal. He also hopes for a better future where they all are honored by admirers.

The Uchiha then moves his gaze onto his love. He, without a doubt, wants to start a life with her, and maybe have little ones running around.

In Amegakure, the unknown man has books and scrolls laid out on the floor. The heavy rain fills in the silent atmosphere as music. He reads through the history of the Akiyama Clan. A clan with generosity and talent. So cliché, the man scoffs. Every clan has to have despair in them because there is no such thing as perfect. He dives deep to look for more details. All of a sudden, there was one that caught his attention. It had something with the Uchiha Clan being an influence.

"Now we're talking." A deep, rich voice spoke in total satisfaction.

The man reads what the book has to offer, which he believes has been untouched for many years. Page after page, he is intrigued because Uchiha Madara is part of it. Both clans shared loyalty from one to the other. It wasn't just the Senju Clan to be their only trusted comrades. Then suddenly, it starts to get even more interesting. As he reads about Madara's trust for the clan—romance played a big role. The great warrior fell in love with a woman from the Akiyama Clan.

Right when he read the ending, the lovers didn't last long because a tragedy happened when Madara had his feud with Hashirama. The man closed the book and shifts his visible eye at the cold, wet scenery. The Sharingan is activated with three tomoes on the crimson surface. The masked man wasn't sure if this was a coincidence or some kind of connection. "Let the secrets be revealed," He said.

Uchiha Obito is the shadow that knows it all.

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Author's Note
Yoooo things are about to get crazyyy 😜😜 I finally put Obito in the story instead of using him as the unnamed character that you all have to figure out with the hints and stuff. I'm pretty sure you all saw it coming 😆 But I love it bc I am glad to know that you all are looking forward to the epic events 😙 Also yep indeed my readers we are going to have the arc that we've been waiting for a long time. I'm very excited like legit hehe 😎💗🔥 Let me know what do you think is going to happen in the story and find out real soon ✌️