Based off chapters 9 and 10. Sixth 2010 dropbox-cleanout update. The dead person Sasuke keeps talking about is Kakashi (remember when he gets 'killed'?). Mostly Sasuke POV.


H e r o


com·rade

[kom-rad, -rid]

noun

1. a person who shares in one's activities, occupation, etc.; companion, associate, or friend.


"I won't let my comrades die."

His heart thumped in his chest as he sprinted forward. Left, right, slam! He's dead- but he can't stop-

"Sir, get behind me," Sakura said quickly, her voice strangely determined for the look of fear in her eyes. With a flip he jumped away from the nin- Who are they? What do they want why would they just kill him-

With a final skid across the ground he jumped between the girl and the oncoming attack.

"I won't let my comrades die."

It hadn't just been a distraction, it hadn't, he'd meant it but he had died so there would be no one left. No one but him to do this.

"Sasuke-" Sakura whispered in shock, but before anyone could react a large whoosh filled the air and the nin got swept out of the way, back and back and to the ground at Kakashi's feet. "Kakashi-sensei!"

"I won't let my comrades die."

"Those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."

"Good work Sasuke." Kakashi says quietly as he walks past him, letting his bloody hand drift in a soft pat over his shoulder. As soon as the man is gone he touches his own hand to his shoulder, feeling the wetness beneath his fingers. "You too Sakura…"

Something flashes in the man's eyes as he looks at the blonde who sits on the ground, far away from any of them.

"Are you afraid, scaredy-cat?" He teases suddenly.

"Those who abandon the rules are trash,"

"What's with that face, moron?" He couldn't move, couldn't feel anything but numbing pain as he collapsed to the ground. Naruto caught him quickly, tears gathering in his eyes.

"Why?"

"I don't know… my body just moved on its own… idiot."

"But those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."

"Sakura… you're heavy…"

"Sasuke!" Sakura's eyes filled with tears as she hugged him so tightly his body hurt. "I'm sorry." She whispered so quietly only he could hear. "I'm sorry I was so useless. I couldn't do anything, I'm so useless. I can't protect anyone…"

He didn't reply but let her talk, because he didn't really have an answer. Finally he gave a her a small smile. "I can't let my comrades die."

"What are you, stupid? There's no such thing as a hero!"

As Inari bursts out Sasuke keeps to himself, narrowing his eyes but just glaring down at his hands. No such thing as a hero? What did that make Kakashi, then, as he'd risked his life protecting them again and again? What did that make Sakura, when she used her own body to protect their client? What of him?

"Come with me to the bridge! I don't have any regrets anymore. This is why we have to fight!"


he·ro

[heer-oh]

noun,plural-roes; for 5 also -ros.

1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.


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