Sasuke sighed as he stared out over the village. Even though he was allowed free passage through Suna, he was never really alone. Someone always seemed to be in the vicinity wherever he went, keeping an eye on him.
The Chuunin Exams were long over. Two months had passed since then and he had a lot of things plaguing his mind.
His thoughts returned to what he had overheard when he had taken Ichiru for shuriken practice, that day when Kakashi had visited.

“… giving up on the things she wants. And he’s not even remotely grateful…”

Sasuke sighed again. His entire life he had been pushing people away, cutting bonds with everyone, thinking he’d be better off alone, only to find out his entire life had been based on lies.
And now he no longer knew how to interact with people.
How sad was it that the only person that wanted him around was a four year old?

And Naruto, but he acted like a four year old half the time.

It was strange, but now that he’d seen the Uzumaki again, he wanted those bonds back.
Even though things with Taryn were better now, it was still awkward at times and their only conversations seemed to consist of childish bickering and careful contemplations. Thought he had to admit that it was mostly his fault.
They had been able to cooperate on Taryn’s mission though. He had to admit she made a good fighting partner. He could see now why Itachi had valued her.

She had risked a lot, protecting him. The respect of her friends and family, retaliations of other nations. And how had he repaid her? Indifference and spite.

“Things she wants? What do you mean?”
“You don’t know about her and Kakashi-sama?”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed in thought. Even back then, when he was still a Genin of team seven, it had been evident that the masked man liked her.

Sasuke glanced to the side where a hawk had settled itself on the rocks not far away.
So it was Hiro this time who was keeping an eye on him.
At least Taryn’s students never bothered him. They usually minded their own business, letting him know they were there, but leaving him to himself.
They weren’t so bad he supposed.
At least with them around he could get some training done. He would never regain his full strength ever again, but at least he could mold some chakra.

He got to his feet and stretched his limbs. The chakra flow through his body was slow but steady. Not enough to activate his Sharingan. Maybe he’d never be able to use it again. The seal on his eyes was the strongest.

Sasuke rolled his shoulders and focused his chakra to his mouth to perform the fireball jutsu. He growled frustrated when only a small flame came out.
It was only a small progress since last time.

Footsteps behind him made him look up. Hiro was strolling towards him, his hands in his pockets. The boy leaned against one of the rocks and eyed Sasuke’s progress solemnly. “Do you want to spar?” he offered.
Sasuke stared at him. “With you?”
“You see anyone else around here?” Hiro asked.
Sasuke scoffed. “Aren’t you worried I’ll kill you? I am a criminal after all.”
Hiro shrugged. “You won’t do that to sensei.”
“What makes you so sure?” He stared at Hiro annoyed.
The boy had a knowing smile. “What do you say? I have a new technique I want to try out.”
“Whatever,” Sasuke snorted, “just don’t whine afterwards when you’re all bruised and battered.”
Hiro snorted and held out his arm so his hawk could fly up. “Let´s see who’ll do the whining here.”

***

“I´m just nervous,” Daro admitted, “it´s their first mission across the border.” He sat at Taryn’s kitchen island, staring at his tea. “They’re all eager, but they’ve never been outside of Wind Country before.”
Taryn smiled at him. She had seen his students. They would manage just fine. Tenshin was a slender boy. He was fast on his feet and stealthy. He’d make a great spy someday.
Miroku was buff and a bit insecure. His clan had a special ability. He could sense chakra through vibrations in the ground. He wasn’t very skilled at it yet, but he would be with some training.
Then there was Habiri, the only girl in the team. She was a water user.
All three came from shinobi families. Daro had confessed to her that it made him uncertain if he was up to the task of sensei, since his parents were regular citizens. She had told him it didn’t matter where you came from. All that mattered was teamwork and trust.
“They’ll be fine,” Taryn assured him. She smiled and sipped her tea. Ever since being appointed his team, Daro had come to her for advice. He was doing a great job. She was proud of him. “The land of Rivers is our ally now. Besides, they know how to fight.”
“I know,” Daro sighed, “but they can get reckless.”
“Hmm,” Taryn mused, “that sounds familiar.”
Daro’s lip turned upwards and he hid a smirk. “Were we really that bad?” he asked.
“Worse,” Taryn sighed.
They both laughed.
“You’re doing a great job, Daro,” Taryn said softly.
Daro looked at the table shyly. Even after all these years, being praised by her made his face heat up.
She was someone he admired. “I just hope I can teach them something useful,” he said, “like you.”
Taryn shook her head. “I didn’t even know what I was doing half the time. Just keep working on their weak points. Find a way for them to use it to their advantage.”
Daro nodded seriously. “I will.”

They looked up when the front door opened. Sasuke came strolling in. There was dirt on his clothes and a large cut ran across his cheek.
Both Daro and Taryn eyed him confused when he walked past them towards the fridge.
“What happened to you?” Taryn asked, but he ignored her. She looked at Daro who shrugged.
Taryn felt a bit nervous. Had he gotten into trouble with the other shinobi? He must have been fighting with someone. He wasn’t clumsy and no cut like that came from falling.
Just when she was about to comment on it, the door opened again and Hiro came in. He wore a grin on his face. His shirt was torn and there was a bruise forming in his cheekbone.
He smirked at Daro. “So, this is where you ran off to? What’s Casey gonna say?”
“Shut up will you,” Daro said, but he was smirking.
Taryn sighed and shook her head. Something told her she didn’t want to know what had transpired.
“Are you two staying for diner?” she asked instead.
“I can’t,” Daro said apologetic, “I’m meeting Casey tonight. And I have to prepare for the mission.”
Taryn nodded in understanding. “You should hurry then,” she said with a smile, “don’t keep her waiting.”
Hiro sighed disappointed. “I can’t stay either. Yumi is coming back from her mission tonight and mom wants to have a family dinner.”
“See you sensei,” Daro said while standing up, “and thanks.. you know…”
Taryn smiled warmly. “I’ll see you when you get back.” She watched the two boys leave and sighed. They were leading their own lives now.
She stood up and made for the fridge.
Sasuke took a step aside to make room for her.
“A letter came for you,” she said while taking out a milk carton.
Sasuke blinked in surprise. A letter? For him? Who would write to him? “Who is it from?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” she answered, “I did not read it. It’s in your room.” She put the milk back. “I’m gonna pick up Ichiru. Omelet with dinner?”
Sasuke nodded absentminded. His mind was still with her earlier words. He barely noticed her leave the house.
Who would write him a letter?

***

“So much paperwork,” Naruto complained. He slumped down in a chair across from Kakashi.
Kakashi sighed. “Yes, that’s the life of Hokage.” He shove a file towards the Uzumaki boy. “You can start on this one. That’s a list from all Academy graduates. They need to be divided into teams and appointed a sensei. The list with available Jounin is with it.”
Naruto’s eyes lit up and he grinned. “I get to pick teams?”
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. “It’s a very responsible job, Naruto. Lives can depend in how you divide the teams.”
Naruto’s eyes turned serious. “How do I know what’s right?”
“You’ll have to look at each student’s abilities and figure out how they can complement each other. Don’t place all the strong ones in one team. And put them under a Jounin that can help them improve.”
Naruto’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. This would be a lot harder than he had anticipated. With a sigh he studied the list of students. “Five girls and seven boys. That would make four teams of three. At least one team would have two girls. Or one team of all girls.
Naruto shook his head. He shivered when he thought of girls like Ino and Sakura in one team. They would need a strong boy on their team to tone them down. He was already feeling sorry for the kid. 
He sighed. ‘Here goes…’

***

“You can see the entire village from here,” Ichiru beamed. He was leaning out of the window of the Kazekage’s office.
Gaara sighed while plucking the boy from the windowsill. “Be careful Iku. Your mother is going to kill me if you fall down.”
“Are you causing trouble Iku?”
Gaara turned around, the boy still under his arm, and looked at his sister. “About time you showed up,” he said, “I was just about to toss him.”
Ichiru gasped and started struggling.
Taryn smiled amused. “Why didn’t you?”
“Mom!” Ichiru complained.
Gaara smirked and let go of his nephew. He’d just come back to haunt me.” He turned to his sister. “Any news?”
“Not much,” Taryn answered, “the village is still stable. There’s been progress with Juugo of Tempin too. They’re using chakra suppressors. They seem to be working. He’s been moved from the prison blocks and given an apartment close to where the Uchiha Quarters used to be. He’s under strict guard, but at least he gets to go outside once in a while. I don’t think he’ll give them much trouble. He wants to be a good person.”
Gaara nodded. “I’m sure Kakashi knows what he’s doing.” He eyed her carefully. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
Taryn bit her lip and looked at Ichiru. “Why don’t you wait for me outside? I need to talk to uncle Gaara.”
Ichiru looked from his mother to his uncle and nodded meekly. “Okay.”
“I’ll be right out.” She waited until the door had closed behind him.
“What is it?” Gaara asked concerned.
Taryn sighed. “Kakashi’s been thinking about putting Itachi’s name on the KIA Stone. He wants to know how I feel about it.”
Gaara looked at her thoughtfully. “How do you feel about it?”
“I don’t know,” Taryn said softly, “part of me wants his sacrifice to be acknowledged, but Itachi didn’t want anyone to know.” She sighed. “He’s doing this for me. And I appreciate it, but the whole of Konoha is gonna know the truth. I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
“What does Sasuke think?” Gaara asked.
“I don’t know. I haven’t told him yet.”
Gaara nodded and looked at the door. “He is going to ask about it one day,” he said, “what are you going to tell him?”
“I don’t want to lie to him,” she said, “he deserves to know the truth.” She sighed, “he’s still so young. I’m afraid he won’t understand.”

 ---

AN Please check out my new story Clash of the Brats.It's a colab with Amaterasu and includes more Taryn and her students :) The first chapter was just posted. I would really appreciate some feedback :)