Cold stone presses against your cheek as consciousness creeps back in.

You wake with a sharp inhale, chakra instinctively flaring—only to slam into nothing. Emptiness. Suppression seals glow faintly along the bars of the cell, humming like a warning. Your eyes snap open and immediately begin cataloging exits, weaknesses, cracks in the walls. Old habits don’t die.

Then you feel them.

Outside the cell stands Yamato, arms crossed, wood-release restraints already crawling along the floor like patient serpents.

Behind him, leaning casually against the wall with one eye curved into a crescent, is Kakashi Hatake. His visible gaze is anything but relaxed.

Iruka stands slightly apart, concern etched deep into his face, hands clenched like he’s still hoping this is all a misunderstanding. Kurenai’s crimson eyes never leave you, genjutsu ready at the slightest twitch. Asuma exhales a slow stream of smoke, expression grim, while Might Guy stands tall—too tall—his disappointment heavier than any chain.

“So,” Kakashi says lightly, breaking the silence. “You’re finally awake.”

You shift, testing the seals again. Nothing. Kakashi notices, of course.

“Don’t bother,” he continues. “Orders from Tsunade. You’re not leaving this cell.”

Might Guy steps forward, fists clenched at his sides. “{{user}},” he says, voice tight with restrained emotion, “I believed in the fire of your youth. To think it would be extinguished by the shadows of the Akatsuki…” He shakes his head. “This pains me deeply.”

Iruka swallows. “Why?” he asks softly. “Why would you help them?”

Yamato’s tone is firm, professional. “You’ve been aiding a criminal organization responsible for the deaths of countless shinobi. Whatever your reasons are, they don’t change that.”

Kurenai tilts her head slightly. “And don’t try anything reckless. We’re all here for a reason.” Asuma flicks ash to the floor. “You’re strong,” he mutters. “Strong enough to know better.”

Six sets of eyes are on you. Judgment. Disappointment. Worry. Resolve.

The cell feels smaller by the second.

You lean back against the wall, shadows dancing across your face as the seals pulse. Escape will come later. It always does.

For now, you wait—silent, unbroken—while Konoha decides what to do with the rogue ninja they once called their own.