Prologue

Three years ago, Sasuke's point of view

Swords clash and, for a moment, Sasuke actually feared the outcome of this battle until Asuma started to laugh. "Come on, Sasuke. I thought you were stronger than me. Remember what I said would happen if you-" He cut off as Sasuke's sword rested against his throat. He watched  as Asuma Sarutobi,a man whose skill had assured his survival, brought his hands up and shattered Sasuke's sword. He jumped back as Asuma chuckled. "Perfect trice, Sasuke. If I hadn't seen it coming. You lose, so honor the deal. Stay away from Shadow, or else."

Sasuke watched as everyone walked away, but he felt empty inside. He walked around the Hidden Leaf while he thought about the day. He stopped at the lake, and sat on the edge of the pier until the alarm sounded through the village. Ninja, Jonin and higher, ran past him and headed for the north end of town. He got up and followed, suddenly  wondering what was wrong.

As soon as he got to the arena, all he could see was a very confused crowd. The Hokage, obviously losing her temper, shouted, "All of you shut up and your questions will get an answer if I have one for it! So, SHUT UP!" The crowd went silent immediately, and her temper visibly calmed.

"I have some very dangerous news. Today, Shadow Sarutobi disappeared from our village. The last time she was seen, she was in her home. Her father, Asuma Sarutobi, was the last person to see her. He is offering a very large reward to anyone who can give information that leads to her safe return."

She moved out of the way to reveal Asuma, unnaturally pale, and Kuranai standing side by side. Seeing them reminded me of the last time Shadow and I were together, the night Asuma Caught us. I was immediately pulled back to that night.

*

"Sasuke, come on!" Shadow giggled very excitedly as she tried to pull him along quicker.

"Shadow, what's going on?" He asked her,worried about her state of mind.

"I have good news for you." She pulled him into the barbeque restaurant and waved over Infinity, one of the other waitresses, as they found a seat. He reached over and pulled her jacket over her shoulder, earning him an extremely rare full smile as she pulled one of her dad's cigarettes out of her pocket and lit it.

They ordered drinks, as they always did, before he asked. "So what's the news you had to tell me?"

"I was told today that-"

"Shadow! What are you doing here with that traitor?!" Asuma's voice boomed through the restaurant, causing Sasuke to jump and Shadow's mood to visibly darken. She stood up and snapped, "You don't control me now, Asuma! I told you not to act like you were that overbearing, single-minded, b*****d father of mine. I'm so sick of your crap! If you think you will be a part of my life, or my family's, you might as well not bother, because my next mission will be my last one." WIthout another word, she walked out, leaving both men and the rest of the people in the restaurant staring at her retreating silhouette.

*

Without another word, Sasuke walked away from the arena and headed home. He did nothing to stop the flood of tears that fell once he closed his front door. He wished, more than anything, that the promise of a family with Shadow could be true.