Transposed

I was looking for a breath of life,
A little touch of heavenly light.
But all the choirs in my head sang— No!
To get a dream of life again,
A little of vision of the start and the end.
But all the choirs in my head sang— No!

Let the fates make what they will of my choices— they are mine alone.

The future is ours; let us do with it what we will.

Time slips past quickly after Naruto leaves.

Months pass, and it's already spring. A little more and it will be half a year since his departure. My otouto does write, typically about once or twice a month. Half the time the letters are filled with incomprehensible fuuinjutsu theories, or rambling complaints about his sensei being a gigantic pervert. I can tell he's happy though, training and traveling the elemental countries with his godfather. Yes, Jiraiya finally admitted that little detail... I wonder when Sarutobi-sama and Jiraiya will tell Naruto about his parents.

I find myself a little jealous of their growing relationship, to be honest. Besides the other three members of Team Seven and Naruto-kun, there's not really anyone I trust at my back when the excrement starts flying. And Kakashi-sensei is hardly a father figure. Maybe a cousin... or a distant older brother. Tch— as if I need more of those.

I can't say I'm exceptionally fond of the young toads that carry Naruto's messages— but they tolerate me and mine well enough, and we've settled into a routine. They deliver the messages; I provide a small 'payment' of candy or baked goods, same as for my own summons.

Konoha is a little lonelier. Or maybe... home feels emptier. I keep busy with training and what feels like an endless stream of C and B-rank missions— occasionally with Team Seven, but typically with older chuunin and jounin. I'm even recruited to do another few sessions teaching academy students; apparently I made a lasting impression.

But today, none of that matters.

Today is my first day off this month. My plans call for light training in the early morning, breakfast, an hour or three of research related to my various pet projects, and then relaxation... Maybe with a good book. Far, far away from any windows. Maybe in the Naka shrine? Is it blasphemous to read Icha Icha in a Shinto shrine, in a hidden room that was once a secret meeting place where treason against your home village was planned?

...Nah.

I would prefer to spend afternoon socializing with Shino and Ino, but the two are out of the village, on separate missions.

Oh, and dinner with Kakashi-sensei in the evening.

Sensei's due back today from an A-rank, and I've cajoled him into having an actual, home-cooked meal after a week or more of field rations, instead of just take-out... Or into just crashing at my place and noshing on any leftovers in the fridge, if he arrives late at night.

Because really, that man needs someone to mother him.

...I think I may have a complex.

Well— everyone needs a hobby, right?

My day starts off troublesome, as Shikamaru would say.

Typical. I think to myself, starting today's exercise regimen by taking a casual jog in a torrential downpour. At least it's not cold.

The rain dulls my senses. Not my vision, of course, nor the sixth sense I've cultivated with the Eyes of the Raijuu— but hearing, smell, and even touch are muted in this deluge.

I am aware of the few individuals that brave the weather as I jog through the former 'Uchiha District'—what is now often referred to as the 'Shinobi District' and on occasion 'Orphan District'... Aware enough to sense my visitors before I can see them.

Two individuals wait beside the gates leading to what is now the Uchiha clan compound, shadowed at a distance by two others.

Interesting...

The situation becomes a touch less 'interesting' and more 'aggravating' and perhaps even 'dangerous' once I'm close enough to see said visitors. A scarred older man, one of his arms carefully tucked away in a sling, hidden beneath his traditional clothes, and the second gripping the cane he leans on. He is followed by a single blank-masked ANBU who is holding an umbrella over the elder's head.

Shimura Danzou.

A flash of rage that I quickly suppress, tucking it away in a corner of my mind.

No. Not until you can prove his treachery beyond doubt.

I slow to a walk, letting the rain wash away the vestiges of my anger... and my fear.

Why would he approach me personally? I suppose I'll find out shortly.

Don't let that bastard see you squirm, Sasuke.

Taking a measured breath, I muster my strength, and approach the two, smiling politely. "Good morning, Honorable Elder. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Conversation remains relatively light as I lead them into my home.

Seems like I'll be offering tea and dango to my enemy, I think sardonically. Fantastic.

I feel more like an adult already.

The Uchiha boy is quiet and polite, just as his watchers had noted.

'Very guarded with those outside his small circle of friends. Trains almost exclusively with them, usually on private grounds' the reports state. The academy records are along similar lines— '...an excellent student. Polite, hardworking, and a team player. A candidate for early gradation.' Even the notes on his abilities as a teacher are generally positive.

The boy had an excellent showing in the chuunin exams, and handled himself well in the invasion afterwards. Hiruzen evidently came to the same conclusion, considering the promotion. He also seems to have acceptable control of his emotions... at least not bad for someone his age. Both facts bode well for his plan.

He watches the boy impassively, following him into what once was the Uchiha main house.

The Uchiha is as tense as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, Danzou muses. This is both good and bad. Good, in that boy is at least a little off balance, but bad as Uchiha Sasuke knows enough to be on guard.

Then again, he's shown himself to be stiffly formal around Hiruzen...

No ties to anyone besides his teammates and the Kyuubi vessel.

And it is because of the latter connection that this idea was born.

He needs control of the vessel.

Konoha needs better control of the Kyuubi.

We cannot afford another October 10th. We'd barely started recovering from the end of the Third Ninja War when the Kyuubi attacked. Even now, Konoha still hasn't reached the same level of strength as before the Third Ninja War... Orochimaru's attempt to destroy us and remove Hiruzen certainly didn't help.

Konoha needs the vessel to act as a deterrent.

And still Hiruzen continues to dismiss my suggestions.

While his implanted sharingan... well, perhaps that could do the job, but he doesn't have the needed access to the vessel. This Uchiha could be the key— no, he would be the key to controlling the vessel, and thus the Kyuubi.

The boy shows them to the living room and, having snatched a towel from a hook when entering the home, makes his excuses, deftly escaping from the room in order to change into dry clothes.

Danzou makes himself comfortable, signaling his agent to take up a less obtrusive position in the corner of the room. The other two would remain outside the home unless they were called for.

He settles down for a short wait, gaze passing over the room— assessing.

As a whole, the room is cozier, less ostentatious than it once was. Still, some parts are... unsettling. In particular, the collection of photographs on the wall— Uchiha family members stare solemnly at any visitors in the room, dark eyes following every move. Judging.

The image of Uchiha Shisui glares balefully from one corner.

He would swear his 'lame' arm itches in this place, and even more so in the Uchiha child's presence. A psychosomatic sign that indicates his guilt, some might argue.

Shimura Danzou knows himself better; he feels no guilt for doing what was necessary.

The Uchiha were traitors. Uchiha Shisui could not be trusted with the abilities he'd developed. Thus, the Uchiha needed to die... at least, those that could no longer be useful.

It remains to be determined whether Uchiha Sasuke could be useful.

...This will have to be handled carefully.

Less than five minutes later, the boy strides back into the room, hair still dripping, soaking his collar, but dressed in a fresh chuunin uniform, with a tray laden with a pot of tea, the requisite cups, and a handful of pastries, balanced on one hand. He places it on the coffee table, bows politely, and takes a seat. "May I offer you some tea, Elder Shimura?"

"Please." Danzou accepts a cup graciously, sampling the tea before setting it aside. "Thank you."

The boy murmurs a quiet 'you're welcome,' and proceeds to nurse his tea silently, expression curious. He waits for the elder shinobi to make the first move.

"You have been recently promoted to chuunin rank, which opens many doors— many opportunities to pursue different fields, whatever your interests."

"True. Though it means less time to spend on said interests, as well." The youth retorts, taking another sip of tea, "I would have requested more time off for my studies, if the village didn't need every certified battlefield medic running missions."

A fair point. And what the Uchiha could already do with jutsu he'd created from medical techniques was impressive. Not many medics had the backbone to use their art in combat. There are few battlefield medics in Konoha; most preferred to work in the hospital among the civilian doctors. Fewer still had the creativity to design as many jutsu as the boy is alleged to have done...

"Hmm. Yes, but Konoha is always short on medics; most villages are. And somehow, I doubt that you wish to pursue a career in the hospital?" It would be a grievous waste of talent.

"Hn." A bland smile— the boy tilts his head slightly to the side. "No, I do not."

Good. "As expected. In that case, I would like to add one more offer to the ones you doubtlessly have been receiving."

The Uchiha arches a brow, the question implied. "Hn?" The boy reaches for a croissant, taking a small bite.

A spark of annoyance, ruthlessly suppressed. 'Hn,' he says. Aggravating Uchiha habits.

"As a result of my position in the village, I have not had the opportunity to pass on my own techniques. I have neither immediate family, nor living students... no heir. I wish to remedy that."

Narrowing his sole exposed eye, Danzou continues in an even tone, "Uchiha Sasuke. You have shown... remarkable talent in the shinobi arts. Talent I am interested in cultivating. Thus, I would like to offer you training. An apprenticeship." Mostly, your talent with the sharingan. Although perhaps you would be an appropriate successor; it would hold a certain amount of irony... Time will tell.

A tense silence. Danzou's single visible eye bores into the Uchiha's, as if trying to pierce his thoughts.

Again, the boy offers up that placid smile. "I shall give your words some consideration, Elder Shimura. Thank you for your kind offer."

A refusal, then. He would see about remedying that. Eventually. Another sip of his tea; the cup is nearly empty now. "Do consider your options over carefully, Sasuke-kun."

A polite nod, "Of course, Elder Shimura." The boy offers more tea, a little stiffly; the elder shinobi declines.

Good... He understands the implicit threat.

This would be easier and more difficult if he was stupid or more malleable.

Shortly thereafter, Shimura Danzou makes his excuses, leaving the Uchiha to his own thoughts.

For now.

The rain slows to a light drizzle by the time my next visitor comes calling.

Unsurprisingly, I am decidedly unhappy the second time my routine is interrupted on my day off. Having finally finished my exercise routine and had a proper shower, I'm about halfway through breakfast when there is a knock on my front door.

Consequently, my scowl when I open the door is just short of wrathful and accompanied by a murderous glare.

"Eeep!"

I glance down, where the girlish squeak had come from, to see a started Aburame Hotaru. Or, well, as started as an Aburame gets without unleashing swarms of deadly insects.

Okay. This is unexpected.

I blink, and settle on giving her a polite smile. "Good morning, Aburame-san. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Sorry for disturbing your morning, Sasuke-sensei. Yes. What, you may ask? Ah... I was wondering if you could help me with genjutsu some more... Please?"

"Hn." I consider her request, mulling over the possibility in my mind. She's about the same age I was, when Shino and I first began designing our own genjutsu, plotting out ideas and experimenting.

Why not? If nothing else, it'll be a decent distraction.

"Well, alright. Come on in; I'm just finishing breakfast. Want anything? Juice? Tea?"

"Thank you for the offer, Sensei, but no. I already ate."

I shrug, leading her into the kitchen after shutting the door behind her. "Your call." Gesturing at the free seats at the kitchen table, I return to my food. "Make yourself at home."

We sit in silence for a minute. I eat my breakfast contentedly, and Hotaru, after choosing a chair across from me, fidgets in her seat, occasionally glancing up to watch me.

"Hn... I have to ask, why not simply request some help from Shino? He has to be more accessible, and he knows most of my genjutsu— we designed them together." It's a little flattering that she came to me, instead of approaching someone in her clan.

The soft hum of insects indicates her discomfort. "Shino-senpai is busy with training and missions..." She offers the explanation hesitantly.

"So am I. We're the same rank, after all; promoted at the same time, even."

"...Un, but you already said we could come to you for advice."

Smirking wryly, "True enough, although that was while I was the acting sensei. Still, I suppose it's no harm. So, what did you want to know?" It's nice to have a motivated student, however temporary.

We spend half an hour chatting genjutsu theory at the kitchen table before I drag the little firefly out to the nearest training ground for some practice. Technically, I can't teach her any techniques without gaining the permission of a parent or guardian, but I can observe and offer tips.

Rules can be worked around, if need be.

The girl has a strong mind for her age and a good imagination, but needs to practice focusing on details when crafting genjutsu. She does, however, have a knack for visualizing insects. Perfect for the jutsu Shino and I dreamed up during our own academy days.

Typical Aburame, I think fondly.

In the end, she cajoles me into acting as a tutor for her on my days off, promising to gain permission from her parents. I agree, with the caveat that she keeps up with her schoolwork and remains in the top half of her class.

Stubborn brat.

She's definitely driven and talented enough to graduate on time, or even early, if she wishes it.

I feel a little sorry for the poor bastard that will be her jounin sensei; I suspect she'll run them ragged.

Shino, Ino, and I are relaxing, having recently finished a long three-way spar. It's been some time since we've had a chance to test each other's limits, and fighting on a non-lethal level is becoming challenging for all three of us.

I've learned to maintain a constant flow of lightning-aligned chakra throughout my body— unless chakra depletion is a risk, or I've been given a strictly 'medic-nin' assignment. This amplifies my reflexes to rather frightening degree— truly scary, Shino says, considering the ability of the sharingan to predict an opponent's actions. 'Flowing' lightning chakra also makes it remarkably easy to disable an opponent's arm or leg with just a touch; all I have to do is direct the lightning chakra to my hands. An unfortunate side-effect is the rather wild, spiky appearance my hair takes on if I wear it loose.

Shino has, as he planned, built up his resistance to a variety of poisons— assisted by his allies. Said kikaichu are essentially poisonous at this point, though not so much as the infamous Aburame rinkaichuu. Not all the poisons they can deliver are immediately lethal... or even lethal at all. Frankly, I believe that makes him more versatile than a rinkaichuu host.

And Ino? Well, she's not as blatantly dangerous as Shino and I, but her ability to tear someone apart with her mind— whether with words or literally— is terrifying. Her taijutsu is becoming quite formidable, and she's started training with a variety of bladed weapons... and continued training with Mitarashi Anko. Not just another pretty face, in other words.

"Why do you suppose Kakashi-sensei called us here?" Ino voices the question all three of us have had on our minds for the past two hours, more so now that we're lazing about in the afternoon sun.

Back at our usual training ground for the first time in... maybe five weeks? The three of us are leaning against the training posts near the bridge. We've been continuously drafted onto different missions with other genin and chuunin. Wearying, but not particularly exciting work, in my case— mostly missions that included protection detail and fetch-and-carry, with a handful interrupted by combat with either low-ranked ninja or bandits. The constant stream of missions is understandable, considering the state of Konoha's economy; we're still recovering from the invasion.

"Chances are they're disbanding us as an official team." Shino murmurs soberly. "We've hardly seen each other the past few months, and Ino will likely receive a field promotion soon, if the rumors I've heard are correct..." That our careers will be heading in different directions from this point on goes unsaid.

Ino flushes— pleased at the praise, but also vaguely embarrassed. She's taken several C and one B-rank infiltration missions where she showed exemplary skills at manipulating her targets, and subsequently stealing the information required from their minds. "Not that soon, I would think. And all three of us are specializing in interrelated areas, so we'll still see each other in the field."

As things stand now, the four of us meet once every two weeks at best— usually socially, and rarely for a joint mission. While our team has yet to be officially split up... Shino is right; I have the same feeling about this meeting.

"Hn." A pang of sadness, carefully hidden behind a smirk; I've recently discovered it's an easier way to hide my emotions behind amusement or anger— both of which come more naturally to me than a blank, polite mask. Though that, too, has its uses.

"It has been a busy few months. Never mind that; you know we'll always be a team. Some words on a sheet of paper buried in the records room won't change that." I'll watch your backs as much as I'm able.

A faint flicker of chakra at the very edge of my senses, and— sensei arrives via shunshin. "Maa, maa... So touching! You guys are going to make me cry."

Sensei has a way to hide from both Shino and I at the same time? Impressive. Then again, he could have simply transported himself from just out of our range; a multi-stop shunshin isn't impossible, just difficult.

"Good afternoon, Kakashi-sensei," the three of us answer in concert.

"Good afternoon, Team Seven. As you've deduced, I come as the bearer of bad news. Oh, and I suppose good news, too." He gives us what is unmistakably a smile, his right eye curving into a crescent.

"Hmm... I suppose I'll start with the pleasant surprise." Sensei muses out loud, "Ino-chan, congratulations. You're being offered an internship in T&I. Although you'll be under the direct supervision of Mitarashi Anko—"

"Yatta!" Ino practically shrieks with joy and launches herself at Kakashi-sensei. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! How did you know? Sensei, you're the best!"

"Of course I know my cute little students' ambitions... You did the work, Ino. Anko and I just put in a good word; nothing you didn't earn. However, this will limit your ability to take missions out of the village, at the very least for the next six months to a year."

Heh. I wouldn't be surprised if sensei didn't have to use that many favors. Ino really is a shoo-in for the position.

Ino, although definitely listening, continues talking excitedly over sensei anyway. You'd think Kakashi would be used to her exuberance by now, but he still looks quite uncomfortable at her enthusiastic hug.

Shino and I exchange an amused glance at his predicament.

"Dinner to celebrate?"

Shino nods in agreement, "Of course. I will determine who else is in town right now— just our former classmates this time, I think. Shikamaru and Chouji, at least, should be available. How do I know? I saw them this morning."

"Hn. Sushi? The new place; I'll make a reservation. Split the cost between the two of us?" It's near the Hokage Tower and supposed to be good, if a little expensive. It's fine to treat our friends once in a while and I've been saving my missions funds for things like this anyway... Although feeding an Akimichi is expensive. When did Ino's childhood friends become our friends anyway?

"Aa. I'll get the numbers to you by five."

I direct my attention back to Kakashi-sensei. Ino has finally stopped her octopus imitation and let Sensei go, stepping back into line with Shino and I.

"You two probably already know Shino's plans for the next few years."

"Hn." Of course we do. Shino-kun is planning on training primarily with his clan members— working on expanding colony size as well as his kikaichuu's capabilities. Not to mention his ambition to increase the number of colonies that can coexist in a single host. Besides that? Not a clue. We're all allowed secrets.

"Yep!" Ino chirps cheerily.

"...And Sasuke-kun has no doubt informed you of his plans as well."

Not in much detail.

I scowl back at Ino's reproachful gaze. "Somewhat. They know I was contacted by several people." Including an offer to join the guard force of the Daimyo, which could eventually lead me to join the infamous Twelve Guardian Ninja... I thought that one was rather silly, considering my age and relative experience.

I didn't let anyone besides Kakashi-sensei know that Danzou offered me a place in Root. Though, he probably passed the information on to Sandaime-sama. "And that you, Sensei, offered me an apprenticeship... and that I decided to consider all of my options before agreeing to anything." And I still have time to think on my decision— a few days. Unsurprisingly, once Kakashi-sensei brings up the topic, I start thinking of my options again.

Which is the best path forward?

ANBU has been my goal, the pinnacle of my theoretical career since I was in the academy. Since I decided that I would help Naruto in his goal— who better to be the Hokage's shadow than an ANBU? Kakashi-sensei could give me a solid backing in most of the shinobi arts and set me on the path, so the thought of an apprenticeship with Sensei is very tempting...

But he is weaker than Orochimaru... Then again, maybe not. They're a poor matchup, considering Kakashi is an assassination specialist first and foremost, for all that he can act as a frontline fighter. And all three of the Sannin, particularly Orochimaru and Jiraiya, are frontline heavy hitters. Factoring in that Orochimaru is older, more experienced, and nearly as much a chakra monster as Hoshigaki Kisame, but with better control? Not to mention the esoteric knowledge... Enough of that; I've definitely burned that bridge, and good riddance.

An internship in the T&I Department might get me enough training to qualify for ANBU in a few years. Perhaps not as quickly as one-on-one training with Sensei... Although, it would mean I could stay close to at least one of my friends.

I have to grudgingly admit that an alliance with Shimura Danzou and entrance into Root would get me into ANBU just as quickly as sensei... and it could give me access to answers for many of my questions regarding the conspiracy that led up to that night. Risky, though. Very risky. And Itachi would probably be very disappointed, considering how much he sacrificed to keep me out that that man's clutches.

So. What to do? Think sideways, and then narrow the options down. You want a career in ANBU, Sasuke, and that means dousing yourself in enough blood that the scent never leaves. Could you do that?

Any man or woman can learn to kill easily enough— that much I've learned since joining the ninja ranks. I believe I know my own mind well enough... I could slaughter people others would consider innocents in the defense of my team, my family— and because they love Konoha, I could do these deeds in the name of the village. I know and have come to accept this fact about myself. ANBU is well within my abilities, from that perspective.

Could you specialize in torture?

There few acts I would not sink to if the people important to me were in danger. Yes, I have a moral code. Yes, parts of it would be considered very skewed by any civilian standard. Torture, though... At best, the answer is a maybe. Maybe I have it in me to torture a suspected enemy outside of the heat of the moment; I am uncertain.

But there are other things to consider. A career in T&I requires large spans of time spent in the village.

And I?

I live for battle.

Perhaps... it would be something to think about once I've settled down, started a family. If I ever settle down.

The apprenticeship with Kakashi-sensei is frankly, the best offer of the lot. Besides, it's not as if I can't learn anything from Morino-san at the same time.

"I know!" Ino's exclamation jars me from my thoughts.

"Hn?" Shit; I completely missed the rest of the conversation. Shino sends me a knowing look and surreptitiously signs a summary. Basically— Team Seven is being officially disbanded, as all three of us suspected.

Ino, of course, continues talking, despite flashing a cheeky smile at my bout of absentmindedness. "Let's take a team photo! We haven't gotten one since we passed the genin exam. And that was ages ago!"

A last official team photo, huh?

Ino snags both Shino and I by the collars of our chuunin vests, yanking us none-too-gently to her side before slinging an arm over each of our shoulders. It looks a bit awkward; Shino's started to shoot up in height, looming over everyone but Sensei— in a year or three he'll be looming over him too, I'd wager.

Awkward, but somehow wonderfully nostalgic all the same. We've been together nearly a year and a half. It feels like forever and the blink of an eye at the same time.

"Alright— Sensei! Have you got a camera on you?"

Shino huffs, a small grin hidden by the collar of his coat, and I flash an indulgent smile at Ino— Kami, but I'll miss her antics. I'll miss them both.

"Hn. Let's start a tradition." I murmur thoughtfully, stretching an arm around Ino's waist, squeezing her in a one-armed hug. "Pick a date to meet every year— today, even. Spend some time together; grab dinner or lunch, or even just coffee. Enough time to snap another photo."

None of us are allowed to miss that day, okay? Not for anything.

...None of you are allowed to disappear.

Click.

Flash!

The end.

No, seriously, that's it. Nothing more to read here. (Uuu... So much writer's block for this chapter!)

... Have I mentioned how much I love you all? Thanks for sticking with me, for the faves, follows, and reviews. I'll see you when I see you!

Edited— January 25, 2017. Thanks to the anonymous guest for catching a few typos. I found and fixed a few more.