Salvation

Chapter 23: Destiny

"We've been following them for almost two days now. When are they going to reach their hideout?" Naruto said, clearly frustrated.

Sasuke sat beside him and Kakashi stood against a tree. His arms were folded in front of him and Sasuke could tell he was working things out.

"They have to be close," Kakashi merely said.

"How do we know that they haven't figured out they were being followed and decided to lead us to some random location," Naruto asked as poked the fire with a stick.

'We don't, but it's the only thing we have to go on right now," Kakashi answered and Naruto's face saddened.

"I can't believe we didn't see this sooner. I can't believe I didn't see this sooner," Naruto said, somberly.

Kakashi moved away from the tree and sat beside Naruto, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I think we've just taken Sakura for granted for so long. We're all guilty of it. But don't blame yourself," Kakashi explained.

"Then whose fault is it?" Naruto asked.

"The bastards who took her," Sasuke said and both Naruto and Kakashi looked at him.

"Yeah, you're right," Naruto said and his face turned into one of determination. "We will get her back."

"Yes, Naruto, we will. Alright, let's get a little sleep. I'll take first watch. I'll alert the two of you if Karin or Gin make any movement," Kakashi said.

Sasuke didn't say anything. He laid down on his blanket and rolled over, facing away from his teammates.

His thoughts drifted to past memories and how he was in this situation. So much had changed so fast and he barely noticed it. But now, as his thoughts jumbled and emotions sitrred, he suddenly felt very uncomfortable and the need to leave this whole situation overwhelmed him. How did he let them suck him back in? He was free-he was gone-he had broken all ties, and yet they somehow were able to keep that small connection with him.

I could leave right now. They wouldn't know until morning. But what about Sakura? She has Naruto and Kakashi coming for her. She'll be fine. I know they'll save her. Yeah-but who will save them? I know these people better than anyone. I have to help. No, wait, I don't have to do anything!

Sasuke felt his anger swell and he jumped up from his spot. He looked down about to grab his bag and run. It was the only thing he knew how to do. It was the only thing he could do. As he grabbed his stuff a voice stopped him. "It won't get any easier if you take that path."

Sasuke turned to see Kakashi sitting on a tree branch, looking down at his book. Sasuke didn't say anything, he just turned back to his stuff, ready to take off. "You think you can just walk away?"

"Yes," Sasuke said, quietly and he could feel Kakashi's eye on his back.

"What makes you think that?" Kakashi questioned.

"I did it once," Sasuke said, still not turning to meet his teacher's face.

"And look where that got you," Kakashi said.

Sasuke turned around, anger flooding his veins. "I don't care what you or anyone think," Sasuke hissed.

Kakashi put down his book, walking over to Sasuke.

"You do, or you wouldn't be here," Kakashi said quietly.

"What do you know?" Sasuke asked, glaring at Kakashi.

"I know more than you think. I may not have seen my family slaughtered by my brother, but my family is dead. My teammates dead. I know what it feels like to be alone, but I also know what it feels like to be cared for and to care for people. I thought I had lost that forever until the day you three walked into my life," Kakashi said. Sasuke didn't say anything-he just listened. "With Naruto's determination and strong-will, with Sakura's love and caring devotion, with your need to learn and exceed, I felt like I had actually belonged. I've grown as your teacher, just as you three have as my students. I only know that I will do anything for you three and that scares me." Sasuke gave Kakashi a shocked look.

Kakashi laughed a little and rubbed the back of his head. "It does, almost so I even wanted to get away. When you left for Orochimaru, Naruto with Jiraya, and Sakura trained under Tsunade, I mssed you three and I retreated to my old self, and I didn't like it. It may be hard to accept or do, but you have to understand that this is growing up and acccepting who you are. This is who you are Sasuke, and it's ok to embrace it. You don't have to worry about getting close to them only to see them taken away from you. I've been through that and it's no way to live. You have to embrace the present and prepare for the future whatever it may be, but you can't be afraid of it. You just can't."