Fic - Rasen
Title: Rasen
Word Count: 325
Character: Sasuke-centric
A/N: A fic based on the awesome song “ Rasen” by Onitsuka Chihiro
Warnings: Implied suicidal actions
Disclaimer: The various characters of NARUTO belong to Masashi Kishimoto, not me.
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Even though Sasuke is not dead, he is still nothing.
He knows that, because that thought plagues him everyday: He could not kill him.
Perhaps it was out of cowardice, or a flawed conscience, but he could not. As soon as he realized that he could never avenge his clan, he knew that he could never go back. So he ran, far, far away, never looking behind.
Then, when he couldn’t run any further, he took on a new life.
Here, the days blend into each other: a never-ending cycle of waking up, work, sleep, and waking up once more.
Other than working on the fields with him, it is as if the other villagers never realize he exists with them. Some of them know about his previous existence, or spread rumors on how he acquired that legendary sword of his, but that is never discussed within his earshot.
But he still knows. Years of learning to track, to listen for those people, so they will not find him, are not undone so easily. He listens, even though they never come.
One day, he walks towards a cliff at the edge of the village. The cliff faces west, towards that place from long, long ago. As he watches over the great expanse of land underneath him, he walks forwards.
For Sasuke, he knows that there is no more meaning in life for himself. He cannot avenge or repent, and neither can he hold onto his rusted anger. With his soul disappearing little by little each day, he no longer exists. So now, this is the only thing he can do.
Soon, the hesitation disappears, and he hastens, running towards the horizon.
But then, when he feels the wind surround him, he remembers them, who he has tried to forget, and why he has to live.
As soon as his feet touch the ground, he stands up and begins walking forwards. At last, he realizes it.