#but i love sasuke uchiha first and foremost and that has cursed me and made me unable to enjoy so many fanfics

[anubisthe1]

I would have enjoyed " kamui blues " fully if it wasn't for whatever the fuck that guy called sasuke uchiha in that book was.

That is why my favourite book from the author is "the new recruit "

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day One Hundred Ninety-Three: Far Back in Time ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Madara ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Of Monsters and Men ] [ AO3 Link ]

The room sits in an awkward silence. Behind a desk to the right hand side sits Madara, hands calmly folded atop the surface and clearly ignoring the awkwardness. Nearby, Shisui stands beside the so-called ‘guest of honor’: that being one Hyūga Hinata. Opposite her, side by side, are the brothers Sasuke and Itachi.

The tale behind this seemingly fated meeting is long...which makes Sasuke wonder how it really has only been a handful of weeks. Barely a few months since he saved what he thought was a helpless human from a rogue of his kind...only to learn she carried blood of the old miko of Japan.

And the path from their meeting as strangers to...whatever one would call them now has had its share of twists and turns. But now, the Uchiha coven’s patriarch, Madara, has his hands on the magic-wielding woman.

Sasuke is torn between fury and terror.

Fury because their leader is already long compromised, in his (and few others’) opinion. For far too long his flaunted his power and position, enslaved other Nightwalkers under the premise of debt, and now he seeks to do the same to Hinata.

Terror because this man is one of the most powerful in Japan, if not their world. Acting against him is almost certainly suicide. But nor can Sasuke just sit here and do nothing in her defense. After all...it was his own actions that brought her into this little drama. And despite his best attempts to keep her from it, and ensure her safety...here she sits in what is nearly literally the lion’s den.

“So…” Madara offers after a lengthy silence. “I’m sure everyone here is a bit perplexed at this meeting’s purpose.”

Sasuke’s jaw grits. He knows damn well what Madara is after…

“I’m here to ensure several things. First and foremost...the safety of my people.” A hand gestures to Hinata, who gives him a careful glance. “As Sasuke has likely told you...your kind, once upon a time, were quite the threat to ours in various parts of the world. Japan’s own history of Nightwalker and witch interactions are not as...bloody as many others. But I still cannot turn a blind eye to the potential threat you - and others like you - may pose to my people.”

“...please sir,” Hinata offers quietly. “I...I have no intention to harm anyone. I’m just...trying to live a normal life as best I - as best I can. I’m just a college student who can see things others can’t.”

“Easy enough to claim,” Madara counters. “I cannot know your true intentions. Words are shallow things in our world. Promises are easily broken, vows tossed aside. Few things are guaranteed between Nightwalkers. Except the concept of debt.”

“D...debt?”

Considering her a moment, Madara then sighs. “...perhaps a moment to recount the history between the members of this room. Allow me to take you far back in time, to when even I was a young lad. Back in our land’s more...primitive days, miko - those you have descended from - were considered shamans. Priestesses. They were said to be possessed by spirits of the dead, or even gods. Many were even said to marry said gods. Shintō, the old ways of Japan, is riddled with mythology many are unaware is based more in truth than they can ever realize.

“While I cannot say for certain gods do not exist...what is likely the basis for such mythos was the existence and proximity of those like us.” Madara gestures to his underlings. “Nightwalkers, as we’re called in most lands. Those inhuman, ‘cursed’ to walk the night as humans claim the day. Many of us can change our shapes: animals, monsters, a blend of human and beast. Humans have, in many places, regarded us as demons, as gods, as spirits...monsters…” Shoulders shrug. “Our supposed roles and titles span as many names as we do lands...but we exist everywhere, and many of us have inspired myths, stories, legends. And while miko and witches in most lands - true practitioners of magic: manipulation of elements, energy - have even to us been turned to myth...we are learning this is not quite the case.”

Hands weaving fingers, Madara leans forward upon his elbows, considering her. “...had you lived a millennium and a half ago, you would be considered a powerful voice between gods and humans. You would undergo training, serve a god, and perhaps even wed one. Of course...after the mandates put into place to protect Daywalkers and Nightwalkers from one another...such unions are no longer allowed. But once upon a time...you would not be our enemy. You were, in fact, the closest thing we had to bridges between us and humans. Ironic...given that humans thought you the same between mortals and gods.”

A moment is taken in silence to let his history lesson sink in. “...so, now the question remains...what are you now, Hyūga-san?”

Still looking confused, she replies, “I...I’m just a person. I’ve been trying to h-hide from...from Nightwalkers all my life. I never wanted to be...whatever I am. I tried to ignore it as my father told me to, but...it never faded. If it weren’t for Sasuke-san intervening...I’m sure that vampire would have killed me. I only barely escaped his attempt to make me forget the encounter. A bit...useless, since I knew about your kinds long before then.”

Hinata’s expression then turns a bit desperate. “...please, he - he never did anything wrong! I know humans aren’t allowed to know about you, but...it wasn’t him who exposed your world to me. I’ve always seen it, as my mother did. He’s been teaching me about how to be safe! How to...to navigate my odd path between the two worlds. Please, I…” She wilts. “...I don’t want to hurt anyone. I would never do so on purpose! I don’t even know how to control, or...or train what I can do. Even if I wanted to...I doubt I could. Please...please just let me go…”

“You know I can’t do that,” Madara murmurs.

“She’s been around me for months now,” Sasuke cuts in, tone biting. “We’ve been alone more than once. If she’d wanted to hurt me, or try to manipulate me...she’s had her chance. Instead, she saved my life. There’s no longer a debt between us. She repaid it. You have nothing to hold her on except unfounded bias!”

“You said yourself, miko were once bridges between us and the humans,” Itachi murmurs in his brother’s defense. “Never in any of my research have I encountered evidence of miko misusing their power. Only in defense did they ever turn it against our kinds. Rogue ‘kami’ or ‘yōkai’ would be battled...but so long as we do nothing to beget harm, she has no reason to act.”

“And she had none until you kidnapped her,” Sasuke spits.

Madara, looking unimpressed, simply retorts, “Your lack of civility is getting old, Sasuke. Must I remind you to whom you are speaking…?”

“This human is my responsibility,” the youngest growls, eyes threatening to redden as his temper sparks. “I have been approaching her. Never has she attacked me, threatened me, coerced me. She’s been nothing but kind and patient. Hinata is no more a threat to us than a moth to a lamp. And I’ll be damned before I let you ruin her life she’s tried so hard to keep normal just because you’ve suddenly decided miko are of interest. If you knew they existed before...why only act now? Why act surprised there’s still some of their bloodline left? Admit it: you’re not scared of her...you just want to use her. Turn her into another plaything like the hybrid, or a tool for your schemes like the rest of us! I won’t allow it!”

Both his brother and cousin tense in preparation for a confrontation at the bold words...but it never comes.

Instead, Madara stares at his underling, blinking owlishly. “...you won’t allow it?”

“...no. I won’t. I don’t care what you do to me. I won’t let you sink your claws into an innocent. Not again.”

Madara’s eyes flicker over Sasuke’s face. “...so, you’ve fallen for manipulation of another kind.”

A hint of confusion tinges Sasuke’s furious stare.

“...in many cultures, so-called witches are said to have familiars. Creatures, beasts, beings that are loyal and obedient. In truth? They are enslaved Nightwalkers. Most are forced into the position with their magic...but a very rare few go willingly. Often because they mistake another feeling for that of loyalty or a need to protect. Hinata-san has not used her spells or wiles on you. You’ve done this to yourself.”

“...the hell are you talking about?”

“This defensiveness you feel is born out of love.”

The proclamation staggers him back half a step. “...excuse me?”

Across the room, Hinata stares, eyes wide.

“Oh come now, Sasuke...surely you’re not that dense,” Madara drawls. “Or perhaps it’s more your stubbornness than anything else. You saved this human because it was your job. She saved you because she cared. And you’re seeking to save her again because this little journey between the two of you has given rise to feelings beyond the platonic. You’re no longer acting out of responsibility, my boy...you are enamored.” He gives a smirk. “...just as dangerous as if she’d spellcast you. But now...what to make of this…”

Breath heaving slightly, Sasuke glances to Hinata, locking eyes. He...he loves…? But…? Rationally, he realizes it makes sense. After all, the mere notion of her being hurt had hurled him into a frenzied state. Something he’d fought tooth and nail against when nearly dying as not to hurt her. But hearing it aloud, having it spoken, and made real…

“...I believe I must think on this matter,” Madara muses. “Perhaps...such ties may solve our little dilemma. If there is a mutual interest in your safety, it may be enough to ensure nothing goes wrong. At least...so long as the attachment remains. But how to navigate the mandates…” Leaning back and looking thoughtful, he offers, “...she will remain here for tonight. Itachi, you will come with me. We have much to discuss. Sasuke...I expect you won’t go far. For now, consider our little meeting adjourned until I can puzzle the matter further.”

Barely daring to breathe, Sasuke watches as the senator rises, and then takes his leave. Itachi makes to tail him, giving his brother a warning look.

With that, all that remain are himself, Shisui, and Hinata.

“...holy shit,” Shisui offers, breaking his silence since their arrival.

Wasting no time, Hinata stands, crossing the room and looking to Sasuke worriedly. “...are you all right?”

“I should be asking you that.”

“I’m fine. A little tired after...whatever they knocked me out with, but I’m not hurt. They just...brought me in here. Even fed me.”

“Well...you’ll have a room here overnight,” Shisui then offers, stepping up. “Best to roll with things for now, Hinata-san. And I’m sure Sasuke’s going to make sure no one’ll bother you.”

Still reeling, Sasuke just vaguely nods. If anyone even hints at trouble...he just might kill them, in all honesty. He’s still far too worked up about her safety.

“...okay. I think that’s best for now,” Hinata agrees softly.

She’s taken to a remote room of the manor, and Sasuke just...stands outside. He knows he won’t be sleeping any time soon, too keyed up and paranoid.

And with far too much on his mind.

But...at least it’s looking unlikely Madara has plans to harm her...and certainly not kill her. For now, he has to trust Itachi can convince him to keep his reach to a minimum. If anything happens to her...he’ll never forgive himself.

Drawing up a chair from another room, he simply plants himself atop it before her door, elbows atop his knees, and lips pressed to woven fingers. His aura alone, surely, is enough to keep anyone out of this wing until Madara returns.

And until he does...Sasuke’s got some reflecting to do.

                                                       .oOo.

     Ahhh more Nightwalkers crossover! And thankfully not TOO long after the last part xD (day 188, for anyone wondering - someday I'll get the mini series within this series organized, I just...haven't had the time OTL)      ANWAY!      Here we make a little progress! Madara explains some his reasoning, Sasuke calls him out on his bullhonkey, and Madara in turn calls Sasuke out for what's REALLY going on between him and his witchy woman x3 ngl I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but...they just kinda took the reins and made this, haha~      ...I feel like I wanna say more, but my brain is fried after no sleep and a day-long headache (I just barely got this done and now it's SUPER late OTL), so...I'll leave it there for now. If you have any questions cuz I'm making no sense, you can comment and I'll explain after I (hopefully) get some sleep, lmao      But yeah, for now, that's all! Thanks for reading~

[sasukeuchiha-eternalmangekyou]

~Curse Mark~

(Part 4) - (Part 5) - (Part 6)

Contents: -Orochimaru and Kabuto (Chunin Exams: Preliminaries Aftermath)

Orochimaru and Kabuto at the Hospital

“About Sasuke? I’m sorry, I don’t know much about that I’m afraid, but I wouldn’t worry too much.” ‘From here on, it’s up to you Sasuke.’ – Kakashi replying to Sakura’s concern (Episode 51: A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke)

Kakashi’s idealism formed around Sasuke’s capability of keeping the curse mark in check is unstable at best, but he’s done all he could physically do since this was about to become a mental challenge for his student to undertake. The overall result rests on the Uchiha’s shoulders, but if needed, Kakashi is there to steer him in the right direction, but there’s little he can accomplish when it’s up to Sasuke to locate where the line of revenge ends. Little is known pertaining to the mark’s capabilities and mounted influence. In turn leaving faith in Sasuke is all he can do.

I personally believe Anko and Sauske should’ve been introduced so she could explain more about who Orochimaru was and his typical intentions (because no one knew his plans at the time) instead of leaving the entire issue a morbid curiosity. She at least has experience with the curse mark and knows her former sensei rather well. It’d prove beneficial for Sasuke to realize someone else understands what he’s battling, trying to maintain a power he’d easily find necessary in the long run. But lacking information only gave more leverage for Orochimaru’s method. Although he originally came for Sasuke after Kakashi sealed the curse mark, his overconfidence got the better of him in that moment, and he didn’t bother attempting it. However, if Kakashi was willing to fight to protect Sasuke, the instance may have turned out differently.

“From now on, each of the Hidden Villages will clash with each other in a long and violent struggle. Even the Sound Village won’t escape that violence. And it’s your intention to be the trigger to that hostility by using Sasuke as a bullet. Isn’t that correct?” “You guess very well. So well that it’s a bit creepy in fact.” – Kabuto and Orochimaru (Episode 51: A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke)

This is basically the scene that sets up Orochimaru’s intention without fully stating how he plans to use Sasuke. But we get the general sense of his goal in wanting to bring about an era of war and antagonism among the villages including his own. As we find out later on when he’s fighting against the Third, Orochimaru prefers to be the one to set things in motion, not be on the sidelines. Which may as well have been his downfall considering the aftermath of that battle.

I’ve taken this quote to simply explain what Orochimaru was truly after once the collaborating steps fell into place. By utilizing the power of the Uchiha Clan’s bloodline and kekkei genkai, it would not only be an easy feat to bring about war, but also to learn/collect jutsu as he intended to further his capability and create new ones. We’ve seen the far extent of the sharingan’s proficiency and the continuous evolution, yet there’s more even Orochimaru isn’t aware of that lies dormant within the Uchiha lineage at that moment in time. We know he went after Itachi prior to targeting Sasuke due to him being the elder of the two remaining members and is exceptionally skilled at such a young age. Of course plans changed when Itachi proved too strong, so he set his sights on the younger, more vulnerable brother. Either way, he had his objectives set and stated.

Having Kabuto gather information during the exams provided insight on Sasuke’s preexisting skill set. However, capability with the curse mark was still unknown, which means he was taking a huge gamble when giving it to Sasuke in the first place. He could have died in the struggle and that would’ve left little option for the Sannin to consider.

“The curse mark that was given to him appears to have been sealed by Kakashi, but in any event, that is not my concern. While there is still some darkness left in his heart we must act and that’s why I want you to abduct him.” “It’s unusual for you to act so hastily, is it not?” “Perhaps, but there’s still a little something that’s troubling me. Sasuke is driven by revenge. He’s burning to bring down his older brother, Itachi, for what he did to their family. He won’t rest until he achieves that goal. And yet, when we fought each other even though he knew he couldn’t prevail against me he came at me without any fear of death. I didn’t think he’d be the type of person who’d be in such a hurry to die a meaningless death. According to your information, contact with that Nine Tailed one has altered Sasuke’s heart and mind so much so that Naruto now holds a certain influence over our Sasuke. The thing to do is to get Sasuke away from him immediately because then it will be so easy to make him mine forever.” – Orochimaru and Kabuto (Episode 51: A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke)

This part clashes with Orochimaru’s original plan he stated to Kakashi earlier, that sooner or later Sasuke would willingly come to him seeking power. Yet it is shown three times afterwards that Orochimaru is not prepared to take the chance. After Sasuke’s fight against Yoroi and Kakashi sealing the curse mark, he came for purpose of taking Sasuke but ultimately left as stated. Then we reach the point I’m at now where he decides to send Kabuto in to abduct him before outside influences reach Sasuke’s heart and overcome the darkness. And of course later when Orochimaru mentions to the Third that he was going to have Sasuke be taken during the middle of his strike against the Leaf.

Having Kabuto come in to take Sasuke rather than wait it out was all due to Naruto’s presence. Sasuke’s friendship with Naruto is considered, to me, the first and foremost method of saving Sasuke from himself which is known to be true by the end of the series. It’s widely known that Naruto manages to influence and change those he comes in contact with, simply by being his energetic, amiable self. Sasuke was spurred into action to fight Orochimaru in the Forest of Death and in the Preliminaries to tackle the spread of the curse mark purely by Naruto’s words. It’s not difficult to discern a deep level of friendship and rivalry push the two to better themselves. In turn, Orochimaru figured if he removed the source of light, only darkness would remain and eventually cripple the impracticable measures of happiness Sasuke already thought he had to this point (which he truly did gain but was later viewed as a negative). Bonds would morph into a weakness, a limiter holding him back, the anchor to his progression. Although the other two are overlooked, Sakura and Kakashi play their part in this too, but they are mistakenly not seen as noteworthy in Orochimaru’s concerns.

Orochimaru is well attuned to how such people can shift the tide of someone’s mindset. Having been friends with Jiraiya (since Masashi loves his parallels in the core teams) I’m sure he’s felt a similar thing in the past. He also knows the mind in general, being able to anticipate and calculate the way someone will counteract in situations. Like he said above, someone in Sasuke’s position shouldn’t be so willing to toss his life aside to die an aimless death when his focus is on living long enough to kill Itachi. And the Sannin was justified in his thinking due to Sasuke’s initial reluctance to fight in the beginning. However, he saw Naruto’s impact work twice.

He’s worried the darkness/hatred revenge offers isn’t enough to offset Naruto’s ability to change people. Like the whole sun and moon symbolism we see way later on during the war and Orochimaru’s later analysis with Boruto and Mitsuki. It’s clear to him, at that point, that obtaining Sasuke through force is the better solution. Not on lacking trust in the curse mark’s effects, or the seal Kakashi has given him, but on Naruto alone. I’m sure he assumes once Sasuke is away from all those swaying influences and is given the later proposal of power for his life, that he’d take it, having nothing else to lose. Clearly we don’t get to see this unfold or even the time skip in the canon verse, but it’d assumedly be the same result to him.

“I suppose brilliance can sometimes have its disadvantages. We failed to avoid Orochimaru’s watchful eye and it’s most unfortunate for the both of us.” ‘He’s so young, but the seeds of evil have already taken root just waiting to be exploited. He’ll be ripe for Orochimaru’s special ninjutsu.’ – Kabuto speaking to an unconscious Sasuke (Episode 51: A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke)

I bet Kabuto was contemplating on killing Sasuke after all, but in the end probably wouldn’t have done so. Knowing what we all know now about Kabuto’s origin and how he came to know Orochimaru, this quote actually makes a lot more sense than reading it will no background information.

Kabuto’s experience in medical ninjutsu and intelligence level was perfectly situated to obtain Orochimaru’s attention. He also felt at a loss when his mother forgot all about him, causing confusion and anger.

He’s taken note of Sasuke’s essential embedded evil that made the curse mark compatible in the first place. Ignoring the fillers later on circling around the Sound Four, I figured well beforehand that some kind of preexisting darkness had to be present within the host body to take on such malevolent chakra. Anko might have had something in her as well that allowed her to survive, but unfortunately we didn’t get any legit background on her time training with Orochimaru (again excluding the fillers).

Now I want to comment about Sasuke’s state during the recovery of receiving the seal. His eyes are covered and it appears as though his breathing is still sporadic due to him being hooked up to a machine. At first I wasn’t sure about the eyes being concealed, but I saw someone else comment (forever ago in a fanfiction author note) that perhaps his sharingan was activating. And I thought it was plausible due to fluctuating chakra control. Like the seal was trying to adjust and manage the curse mark while under duress of the seal, keeping Sasuke in an unconscious state once again.

‘If it turns out that someone as good as him is working for Orochimaru, I’ve got to work harder.’ – Kakashi referring to Kabuto (Episode 51: A Shadow in Darkness: Danger Approaches Sasuke)

This signifies when Kakashi needed to rethink his previous reliance on Sasuke’s will alone. If Orochimaru had powerful allies like Kabuto at his disposal, then anyone of them could be sent to abduct or persuade Sasuke to leave the village at any given moment. Kabuto was able to outwit and take out a group of ANBU, not something a typical ninja can manage. This was the turning point of when Kakashi decided to take more action and work harder to protect his student. In many cases it seems almost lacking on Kakashi’s end, but he has limitations set before him as well. Sasuke’s persistence pertaining to his own need to handle the situation was well received but not so much that Kakashi would leave him alone for extended periods of time. However, once the invasion went south for Orochimaru, Kakashi seemed more relaxed in the idea that no worrisome harm would immediately come.

It’s another reason why he takes to personally train Sasuke for the finals (also knowing he’s going against someone as dangerous and powerful as Gaara). By telling Naruto he had other matters to take care of and that he didn’t have time to deal with him, it wasn’t about playing favorites as Naruto assumed, but Sasuke’s life was at risk. This also implores Kakashi to begin more rigorous training for himself before beginning to train Sasuke once he’s able to leave (or chooses to leave) the hospital.