Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto…if I did I wouldn't owe the government £8000 in student loans...sobs

Chapter 1 – Revived Hope

Spring time had arrived in Konoha with the tell-tale sign of sakura blossoms blooming in the trees and the sweet melody of baby birds... It is the season of life…animals giving birth to their young after surviving the harsh winter months...

It's ironic how during this beautiful season of life, Death is not taking a break and enjoying the stunning scenery like the rest of the village. His presence still lingering...

The smiling faces of children playing outside in the warm, bright sunlight contrasted deeply with the current atmosphere inside room 103 of Konoha Hospital.

"…" Why?

No words are said as the sounds of sobbing echoed through the room, bouncing off the white-washed walls before diffusing out into the corridors.

The expressions on the nurses' faces sadden at the sound of sorrow escaping room 103. Although they should have become accustomed to this now like the sound of an old alarm clock that seems to never ring although it does but our bodies seem to adapt to it. Perhaps the sound of Sakura crying is still foreign to many people. She always had such a sweet smile on her face which she used to greet everybody, along with those wide emerald eyes that always seem to shine…even on grey, rainy days. Why must this happen to her…the medic who would work long into the early hours of the morning to make sure all her patients are comfortable and well.

"I hear Tsunade-sama and Shizune-sama have tried everything but he hasn't responded to any of the treatment. Plus his condition does not look good," one of the nurses stated, looking down towards the floor.

"Sakura-sama…" whispered the other nurse as she stared at the slightly ajar door.

"Sakura…" Even the Konoha's Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, had to choke back a sob as she watched her student, who has always been like a daughter to her, tightening her hold on the hand of the patient in the hospital bed. She let a few tears flow out as she tilted her head to the ceiling to try and regain her composure.

Why did this have to happen to him?

What are you going to do now…Sakura…

Tsunade closed her eyes briefly before straightening up and focusing her gaze on the window sill. The lily Sakura had bought when she first heard him being admitted into hospital had now wilted. The water in the glass vase had evaporated as well.

It's been 2 weeks already…

Tsunade returned her gaze on Sakura. She quickly regretted doing so as the sight of Sakura made her want to burst out into tears. The girl looked so pale; the combination of a lack of sleep and a diet of only instant hospital coffee. Ever since he had been admitted she's just been sitting there silently …holding his hand…She had to put a stop to this, otherwise Sakura would forever remain at his bedside and neglect her own wellbeing.

I guess I have no choice…Knowing her she will agree but…

The infamous Tsunade, well known for her exceptional medical abilities in the ninja world had tried everything. After reading through scroll after scroll after scroll, and performing jutsu after jutsu his health had not improved. The only consolation was that his condition had not worsened…yet…

That 'yet' was the reason she was there…if his condition was to dramatically take a turn for the worst she had to be there…in his last few moments. He was important to her…so important that the slight thought of losing him causes her chest to ache immensely.

This pain…

The pain of losing someone special…

Sixteen year-old Haruno Sakura had experienced this pain before…That sour, stinging ache located in the upper left part of her chest…

3 years ago…

That night…

That bench…

"Thank you"

She could not…NO…She will not experience that pain again. She just had to find a way to cure him…anything…If she had to sacrifice herself to order to attain it…even if she had to sell her soul to the devil…she would do it in a heartbeat.

Just…don't leave me alone...

Please…

What Sakura didn't know was that there was still one route they had yet to tap into, but Tsunade seemed to be remaining very tight-lipped about it.

Tsunade opened her mouth as if to say something…but closed it almost immediately whilst biting down on her tongue.

I can't make Sakura do that…but if it will save him…

The frustration and upset she was currently experiencing was building and with just a slight glance at the person with the breathing mask adorning his face she unconsciously swung her fist into the wall.

Shit…I lost control…

The sound produced upon impact spiralled into the room as the nurses from outside rushed in.

"Is everything alright Tsunade-sama?" they said simultaneously.

"Don't worry about this. Just keep tending to the other patients and contact Shizune if anything happens. I need to save this boy!"

The nurses hesitantly bowed slightly before exiting the room and closing the door. It was then that Tsunade realised that Sakura hadn't even looked in her direction! Even the nurses outside heard the loud noise yet the girl who sat just 5 feet away from her remained stationary. Her eyes didn't hold that same sparkle as it did in the past and they were red and puffy.

Tsunade couldn't bear it any longer. She rushed to Sakura's side and placed both hands on her shoulders, turning her forcefully round to face her. Sakura did put up some resistance but in her current weakened state she was easily overpowered.

"Sakura…do you know how much you are torturing yourself right now? He wouldn't have wanted to see you doing this to yourself. Wake up Sakura!" screamed Tsunade with so much emotion it left her breathing a bit short afterwards.

"…" Still no reaction from Sakura whose eyes were turned to the side…focusing on the boy in the bed…her hand still holding his as if just letting go would mean losing him forever.

Guess I have no choice…it's better than seeing her this way…

"Sakura…I lied…I'm sorry but there is still another way to save him…" Tsunade whispered as she turned her head to look out the window, releasing Sakura's shoulders at the same time.

BANG!

The chair that had been occupied by Sakura for the last two weeks had flipped onto the floor. Loud footsteps were heard echoing through the room before Tsunade realised Sakura was now grasping onto her shoulders with tears pouring down her face, settling on her chin for a bit before falling onto the cold floor of the hospital room.

"…really? There really is another way to save him?!" Sakura's voice was hoarse as she hadn't spoken in days, although you can almost feel the anger rising within her… "Why didn't you say so earlier? If there is even a slight chance of working I am willing to give it a try! Why didn't you tell me?"

Tsunade turned her direction back to the hospital bed.

"Is it money? I can sell my house! If it still isn't enough I have other possessions like jewellery and clothes and…"Sakura paused when Tsunade still hadn't answered back, her gaze remained on the bed, tears forming in her eyes.

"Is it a rare herb located in a dangerous place or something? I am a strong kunoichi and even if I have to search through every blade of grass to find that herb I will do it! Trust me!" Sakura was getting a bit restless from the silence. Tsunade still hadn't uttered a single word and her gaze had yet to shift.

"…Are you willing to sacrifice anything for him?" Tsunade managed to mumble out.

"Yes!" Her answer was ringed with certainty and determination.

"…Is he really worth it?"

"Yes!" Again…so much conviction and resolve…Tsunade smiled slightly whilst turning to face Sakura. Those sparkling green eyes that she has missed so much these past two weeks seem to have returned to their rightful place.

I guess this is what makes her Sakura…

"Alright…we can save him then…" Tsunade said slightly turning back to the bed.

"…Gre…" Sakura was about to shout out until she heard he teacher sniffling back a sob whilst her eyes remained glued to the bed.

"What you must sacrifice…is your happiness…" Tsunade choked out before running out of the room. She felt she could no longer control her overflowing emotions as she exited the hospital, heading towards her office. She needed alcohol …NOW!

My happiness…

Happiness…

Hap-

"I'll do it. For him…anything…" she whispered as she pushed his spiky hair away from his face. Slowly she leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. She slowly got up…a bit shakily at first as the adrenaline from the previous conversation with her teacher had faded away and she realised her body was screaming for rest. She smiled lightly towards the boy in the bed before exiting the room. Her first steps outside the room for two weeks. It only just occurred to her spring had arrived; her favourite season.

I guess I was in that hospital room for a while huh?

When she finished admiring the sakura trees, taking in their beauty, she turned towards the hospital, staring at the window of room 103 before running in the direction of the Hokage Building.

Wait for me…

Naruto

End of Chapter 1

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Was it obvious that it was Naruto in the bed? I tried to write it so that people would think it was Sasuke. I know Tsunade should be more devastated if it is Naruto but I didn't want to give too much away. In my opinion, she doesn't give a rat's ass about Sasuke so…

Guess my writing skills are still not up to scratch. I just do maths now so numbers mainly…haven't written in continuous prose for ages!

Me: How do you use speech marks again?

Well, my first fanfiction so do tell me what you think! Should I continue or not? I kind of have a plot in my head... I don't mind constructive criticism…I kind of know I'm not that great so please point out grammatical errors and all sorts.