AN: I just finished this last night straight after releasing the first chapter. I initially intended to wait a little bit for more reviews/feedback to come in so maybe i might change the flow of the story but what the hell. When i woke up this morning the few reviews that i got was encouraging enough for me to cast my doubt aside(thank you very much for the reviews and feedback!)and just release the second chapter.Just a note on one of the reviews yes the use of the daisho is an influence from RK OVAs(or just plain samurais in general but didnt know much about them until after watching RK and reading up on them)i fell in love with swords when i started watching RK and also the habit of naruto now liking to tuck his arms into his sleeves was something which i noticed Himura often did in the anime.Well anyway enough of the ramblinghere it is and once again enjoy!

Chapter Summary: Naruto's reaction to the news!(though i thought thats pretty obvious) Naruto and Sakura speak to each other after both of them have gone through their own emotional battles.


"Good." Tsunade sighed and took a look around the room in contemplation of how to tell Naruto the news. After a few moments of thick silence she decided to be honest and straightforward.

"Naruto, Sasuke is dead."


Will of the Flame

Chapter 2:

Acceptance

" Sasuke….is….dead?" Naruto repeated in askance, looking desperately at both Tsunade and Shizune hoping this was all a sick joke. Tsunade looked aside. She couldn't bear to see the look on her surrogate little brother. Herself was a picture of pain. She knew how much Sasuke meant to Naruto. She knew the fact that if he couldn't complete his task and fulfil his promise to the girl he cared so much for it would tear him apart. Shizune was tearing openly staring straight at Naruto unable to form any words at the moment only feeling the pain that she knew would surface in Naruto once the information sunk in. Jiraiya looked off to the side with a dark solemn look on his face. He had his arms and legs crossed in manner to withdraw himself from the scene. He doesn't deal with angst very well. He had viewed this as a possibility before. However he has never voiced the possibility fearing how Naruto would react to such negative thoughts.

Suddenly just as Sakura had done, Naruto stood up knocking his own chair away. He however didn't run away in tears. He did start backing away from the rest. He also started to wave his arms wildly in front of him barking a bitter laugh. His reaction shocked the remain 3 in the room.

"Sasuke dead! You got to be fucking kidding me! How can he die? That snake bastard wanted him and Sasuke is strong! He wouldn't have gone down so easily in the company of that snake bastard and that fucking traitor!" Naruto spat out the whole time barking out that painful bitter laughter and shooting them accusing looks. Though one couldn't fault his logic over the situation, those in the room could see that he was using this to go into denial.

Naruto continued to take small steps backwards in his bid to deny what has been told to him.

"There is no way he is dead you hear me! There is NO Fucking…" The rest of the sentence was silenced as Naruto was covered by a forceful hug pinning his arms to the side and his shock once again rendering him immobile. This time round it wasn't Tsunade but the tight forceful embrace came from Shizune. Her left arm curled around Naruto's arm and body gripping tightly on the back of his robe and her right arm at the back of his head pressing it down on her shoulder while her own head pressed down on his. Jiraiya left his seat to close the door once again and perhaps also to get further away from the intense emotions that are rising in the room

"Don't.. Naruto…" Shizune muttered out loud on his robe in between sobs. "Don't.. doubt us…It's painful enough having to deliver this news to you knowing how much he meant to you as a brother. Don't… doubt us.. It's even more painful seeing you react this way trying to pretend that what we say isn't real! We… wouldn't… do… such a thing…. to you…Just let it out Naruto-kun. We….. know you are….. in pain…. That you are hurting…"

Jiraiya now leaning on the door was facing his feet with his eyes shut tightly willing his tears back. Tsunade still unwilling to look up also has her eyes shut tight. However she has already started releasing tears of her own.

Upon hearing the last words Shizune said, Naruto lifted his arms clutched Shizune's shirt tightly dug his face deeper into her shoulder and let out a long loud pain filled wail. Hot tears streamed down from the corners of his eyes and drenched into Shizune's shirt. The vibrations of the painful release shudders through Shizune. She shifted her hold on the boy to a more gentle yet firm hug stroking his back allowing him to pour his emotions out and run themselves down while she herself does the same crying for the boy's loss.

The occupants of the room remained that way for quite a while. All waiting for Naruto to finish letting out his grief and pain. As his tears reduced to sobs and finally coming to a halt Naruto released his grip on Shizune's shirt. Instead of immediately letting go he tightened his arms around Shizune for a moment in a light squeeze.

"Thank you Shizune-oneechan." he said softly into her shoulder.

Finally he released her and as he wipes his remaining tears away with his robe he calmly made his back to his seat. Making eye contact with Tsunade he gave her a small sad smile and Tsunade returned one of her own. Shizune as she herself makes her way back to her seat squeezes Naruto lightly on his shoulder in a final show of support to carry on.

Naruto's eyes shifts a bit in discomfort knowing that the conversation will not end in this manner. As he runs through his head what to ask, Tsunade rests her eyes on Naruto with a gentle attentive expression on her face. Naruto decided on asking a simple question.

"How?"

Tsunade closed her eyes for a moment and gives a slight nod more herself rather than anyone else.

"We don't actually know for certain. I sent out Anbu forces for intelligence missions in hopes of finding out the location of the Sound's hidden village ever since you left. About a month ago we managed to pinpoint its location. After confirming the location I sent out a squadron specialising in infiltration. They returned a couple of days ago. From the reports that were submitted upon infiltrating the village it was discovered that the village was in chaos. It was stated that the reason for the chaos couldn't be pinpointed however it could stem from the fact that a pair from the squadron found the bodies of Kabuto Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke."

Tsunade paused to see if there was any reaction coming from Naruto with her last few words. Naruto eyes were downcast and had a solemn look on his face however he remained calm. Naruto aware of Tsunade's intentions just glances up and softly said, "Carry on ba-chan." For once Tsunade couldn't get irritated at his way of addressing her. In fact, she welcomed it as it reminded her so much of the bright energetic boy that he once was before he left and hopefully someone that he would return to be soon. Tsunade nodded in acknowledgement and continued her narration.

"Of the pair one got close to inspect the bodies while the other posed as a lookout. Reports from the lookout states that from his position he could see who they were clearly and got confirmation from his partner after he returned from his examination to prove the authenticity of the bodies. However the squadron was engaged in a battle on their way to exiting the village. They managed to overpower their enemies escape from further attacks and even secured a prisoner. Unfortunately with a stroke of bad luck those who were injured in this mission included the person who did the examination and is currently in the hospital. Although his condition is stable he is in a coma and we have yet to get details other then hearsay that was reported by his partner. Further information can only be received in due time and if he wakes up. However they managed to bring back proof for one of the bodies."

The last sentence was said in a slow cautious manner that had an implication that didn't go missing on Naruto.

"He did it didn't he?" He asked in a tight controlled voice.

"Naruto, you have to understand that….." Tsunade's attempt in a rushed explanation was halted when she saw Naruto sharply raise his arm for her to stop and him shutting his eyes tight in pain. Tsunade shook her head slightly and rubbed at her temples trying to sooth the built up pressure that has formed in her head from today's short but intense event. This was painful for the both of them in different ways but painful nonetheless.

Naruto took a very deep breath and exhaled forcefully. Letting his arm drop to his side again and as he slowly opened his eyes again it could be seen that despite the evident pain in his eyes he had calmed himself down once again.

"I understand Tsunade-bachan. It is protocol in all hidden villages when faced with such situations. Though just because I understand doesn't mean I have to like it," he forced out seriously. Jiraiya still leaning on the door gave a small proud knowing smile. Shizune blinked in slight shock and Tsunade just stared blankly.

"What?" snapped Naruto in slight irritation at the looks the pair were giving him. In his irritation and dislike of how things turned out he didn't realise the fact that he had just said something very uncharacteristic of his old self and had displayed to pair one way in how he had matured in his travels.

Tsunade shook her head dismissing the look she was giving him. "Of course not Naruto. Not for a moment I expected that from you."

Hearing that Naruto's expression softened and he proceeded to ask his next question.

"What are you going to do with it? I know this so called proof of yours are his eyes. There is no denying it and the fact that you have it preserved somewhere. What else other than that would prove his presence?"

"For now the Elders' Council and myself have yet to reach a decision." Tsunade replied simply. Naruto quirked an eyebrow at Tsunade.

" For now? Why the hesitation? Its been a few days already and a few days too long for such an important decision. Even if a decision didn't want to be made it haste a day or 2 would have proved sufficient to think it over and reach a conclusion or at least a plan," Naruto prodded sensing something was off. Tsunade's eyebrow twitched, Shizune blinked even more than earlier and Jiraiya's knowing smile grew to a grin.

"Since when did this brat get so smart and perceptive!" Tsunade thought and narrowed her eyes at Jiraiya for a moment. Tsunade sighed and laid eyes on Naruto once again.

"Ok brat. I have plans but seriously I'm not going to tell you about it now."

"Why not!" exclaimed Naruto characteristics of his former self shining through.

"Because its been taxing enough on both of us and those in the room already! The reason why I dismissed you earlier in the first place was for you for get some rest and settle down before having to hear the news. I even gave instructions for the nins in the village not to reveal the information till I said they could!"

Tsunade paused taking in a breath trying to calm down.

"Besides I wanted to speak to you about it without Sakura's presence. Although she has accepted it she is still very unsettled over the news."

Tsunade looking at Naruto now could see that the look of guilt entering his face. Tsunade sighed.

"And look. I didn't tell you that so that you beat yourself up over it. Go…." Again he interrupted her, this time by suddenly standing up again. He stepped forward and retrieved his swords that was still lying on the table. As he re-secured his swords to his waist belt Tsunade spoke up again in irritation.

"And just what are you doing? I didn't even get to finish what I wanted to say earlier!" she said seething and glaring at the young man.

Upon finishing the menial task Naruto looked up with a mischievous grin on his face and said playfully

"I do recall being dismissed earlier."

Not giving Tsunade a chance to retort he turned around tucked his arms into the sleeves of his robe and made his way to the door. Jiraiya seeing this let out a chuckle and stepped away from the door. If looks could kill Naruto would probably be headless from the intense glare Tsunade was giving him.

"Don't you forget your neatly written report Brat!" Tsunade shouted after him.

"Hai hai ba-chan. You will have it in 2 days time instead of a week," Naruto said nonchalantly waving his hand without turning around as he exited the room.

As soon as the door closed Tsunade threw her hands up in the air and lets out a cry of frustration.

"Argh! That brat is so infuriating!" Jiraiya and Shizune just chuckled at the outcry as both could hear that despite the frustration and irritation evident in the tone of voice, there was also hints of affection in that statement which Tsunade tried to smother.


Night has fallen as splashes were made in the running water of the stream by a person idling next to it in the dark. This person with cheek length pink hair and glazed aquamarine eyes that was stained with a tinge of red signifying an end to a bout of crying was carelessly throwing pebbles into the running water. Sakura was seated huddled up with her knees to her chest an arm lying on top of her knees cushioning the chin that rested on it and the other arm reaching out to her side to pick a random pebble to be thrown next into the stream. Staring out at the water she thought of the first time her team worked together in this very area trying to get the 2 bells from Kakashi-sensei. Sakura chuckled and thought of the good old days long gone.A sudden prickling sensation running up her back alerted her to an intruding presence behind her. Immediately getting up and drawing out a kunai she got into a defensive battle stance. Looking into the shadows of the vegetation that was behind her she tried to spot the location of the presence she felt. Directly in front of her about 25 metres she spotted a gleam of light resembling a reflection of the moon rays that was out in this clear night sky. Narrowing her eyes she barely makes out the figure enough to know that the object reflecting the light was a forehead protector meaning she was facing a ninja.

"For a while there you were resembling a brooding bastard I used to know," the figure said in a chuckling voice. She knew that voice. She just heard it earlier this afternoon.

"Naruto?"

"Who else could be bothered to associate himself with a brooding bastard?" the figure asked light-heartedly as he stepped out of the shadows and into the dimly lit clearing. The moonlight was shining directly at Naruto and even in the distance Sakura could tell that he had on his face a sad reminiscing smile. She dropped her guard and as she kept her kunai she replied in the same light-hearted manner, "Other than myself only a one-eyed tardy pervert and a loud obnoxious brat. Though he doesn't seem to be very loud and obnoxious at the moment."

Naruto laughed out loud.

"Loud enough for you Sakura-chan? People do change over the years you know," said Naruto reducing his laughter to a chuckle as he took steps to reduce the distance between the 2 former team mates.

" I noticed you changed a lot. From growing taller to the fancy clothes new weapons and opposing mannerisms."

" I can't say the same for you other than your similar height growth and those gloves of yours," Naruto said teasingly leaving a lot of things out that he noticed.

"And you are still a brat despite your changes," said Sakura crossing her arms in mock annoyance. "How could you not see the most obvious change in me?" She continued glaring at him. By now Naruto closed the gap to about slightly more than a metre away. He looked at the way she was standing with her arms crossed and one of her feet tapping impatiently waiting for his answer. He looked up at the sky tapping his cheek with his fingers in thought. He then shifted his gaze back at Sakura purposely alternating between her face and the way she crossed her arms with a teasing look to match his earlier voice.

"Well I didn't think you would want me to mention about those," said Naruto allowing his gaze to linger a little longer than necessary at her crossed arms or rather….

"Those?" she blinked and looked at where he was looking at. Her eyes widen in realisation and immediately struck Naruto at the side of his head.

"Hentai!"

"Itai!" Naruto was bent over one hand on his knee supporting his weight the other hand rubbing the side of his head that was struck vigorously. " And here I was about to add that you are treating me a lot nicer. Though after that hit I could definitely say that you have grown stronger."

"Hah! You better know it!" exclaimed Sakura crossing her arms once more before realising what she was doing and settled for placing her hands on her hips. Though that wasn't any much better in Naruto's view as it just puts emphasis on how much curvier her body has grown. However Naruto decided to keep this to himself.

"Well at least for the time being," Naruto thought mischievously

"And I seriously hope you haven't turned into a pervert like Kakashi-sensei or Jiraiya-sama," she said narrowing her eyes at him. Naruto straightened himself and shrugged at her statement taking a few steps to the edge of the bank of the stream.

"What is that suppose to mean?"

Naruto shrugged once more and bends down to take a seat. He pats the ground next to him in a silent invitation to sit next to him. Sakura frowns slightly in confusion and finally just decided to settle down next to him.

"What's with all the secrecy? Its not just the shrug earlier. Also the lack of explanation for your training, your travels, your new outfit, weapons and the nervous looks you were having when I was asking those questions earlier this afternoon," Sakura said voicing her thoughts and curiosity. Naruto curled up in a similar manner to Sakura's posture before he made his presence.

"Everyone has their secrets Sakura-chan. Some more than others. Returning back to Konoha I knew there would come a point where everything will be revealed. Not just to you but to everyone I know and possibly more. However that is not my intention tonight when I looked for you. However I promise you that you would be the first to know," said Naruto his solemn mood not having left him totally.

"And you always keep your promise ne?" Sakura said smiling genuinely at Naruto. However Sakura didn't realise how the innocent question reminding her of his ways affected him in a drastic way. Guilt set in so fast and hard that it hit like a punch from Tsunade to his stomach. Naruto avoided eye contact like a plague and started trembling like he did earlier on. Sakura noticed the change and knew something was wrong. she shifted her body to directly face him while Naruto was still facing the stream.

"Naruto?" Sakura asked with concern though still oblivious to what exactly is going on with him. She placed a hand lightly on his shoulder. Naruto jerked violently at the touch shocking Sakura. Naruto curled further into himself gripping the sleeves of his robe tightly eyes shut. Sakura seeing this put her in threat of going into another round of bursting into tears.

"Naruto.. Please.." Sakura pleaded.

" I'm….sorry…Sakura-chan," Naruto stuttered his voice coming out raw and hoarse. " Really… sorry…." Naruto continued tears already trailing the corners of his shut eyes.

"For?" Sakura asked with a timid worried voice.

"For… breaking…my…promise….not once…twice…Sasuke's gone… This time for…..real…" Naruto struggled to get out. Finally getting what was going on after hearing this and the way he struggled with his words Sakura launched at him in a fierce hug bursting out in tears loudly. If Naruto had not reacted quickly to brace himself with his arm she would have knocked him over sending both off them sprawling on the ground. Sakura tightened her hold on him and shook her head violently at the back of his neck her hair wiping around gently hitting his neck repeatedly.

"NO! No…. don't say that…. If its anyone that should be sorry its me! If I didn't… didn't make you promise me that…. you wouldn't be suffering like this…. I'm so horrid…. Even after all the times you risked yourself saving protecting us… I still… I still treated you like dirt!" She cried. She cried hard and loud as she pressed her face into his back now. Naruto held on to her arm and shed his own tears silently in contrast to hers. As her crying became soft sobs she continued in a small voice, " I promised myself to make it up to you."

"Sakura-chan… you don't have to…" Naruto said softly touched by her words. " and I wasn't the only suffering. You are suffering too."

"No! Yes! I mean… argh whatever! that's not important at the moment."

"Yes it is to me." He continued with the same soft concerned voice. "Even though it's not like my silly crush on you back then anymore, which annoyed you to no end, you are still one of my precious people and I still care for you none the less."

Naruto could feel fresh tears on his back as he heard her mumble almost incoherently, "See. Even now you still care for me even when I was so mean to you."

"The past never mattered to me Sakura-chan."

"I don't care. I'm still going to make it up to you. After you tell me all of your secrets I'm sharing with you mine and dig out things even you don't know about yourself."

"Hai."

"You are going to be my bestest friend next to Ino-pig."

"Hai."

"We are going to hang out more often. Go shopping so you have more things to wear than just your blinding orange jumper and this oversized samurai robe."

"Hai."

"We'll find new places to eat at so that you won't be eating just ramen at Ichiraku or that nasty instant stuff you have stuffed in your kitchen."

"Hai."

"And I'll find you a girlfriend that will be just as pretty as I am so you will stop having perverted thoughts about me."

"Hai."

Suddenly Sakura pulled back though her arms still lightly around Naruto and shifted herself again so that this time so could stare at him straight in the eyes. Naruto blinked. Sakura's eyes narrowed slightly.

"You weren't thinking of anything perverted about me this whole time were you?" she asked with a hint of a venomous voice. At this point Naruto couldn't help but burst out in a loud boisterous laugh for a few moments like he used to in the past while Sakura still looked at him skeptically. Naruto just closed his eyes and shook his head slightly with a small sincere smile to show her how silly her thoughts were. Casting her doubt aside she launched herself onto him for another fierce hug. This time however due to the different direction from where the force came from he couldn't brace himself and he fell on his back with Sakura a little off to his side arms around his neck. She snuggled closer while mumbling something very softly.

"Best of friends ne Naruto?" he couldn't help but be touched by the childish sincerity of those simple words.

"Hai." he replied simply putting his arm around the girl that was once the girl of his dreams. As they remained silent in this position not much time passed before Naruto heard soft snores coming from the girl.

"She must have been exhausted after the emotional rollercoaster ride today."

Seeing that his robe was spread out after their tumble to the ground and not wanting to disturb the girl's peaceful slumber he wrapped his robe around the both of them as best as he could to prevent both of them from catching a cold on this chilly night.

Looking up at the clear sky and the shining stars Naruto wondered how such an emotionally and mentally wrecking day ended with such a note of childish innocence. Naruto was all too aware of how being a ninja and leading a traumatic life at the earlier points of his life has robbed him of his childhood and innocence. Being forced to grow up at a fast pace. At times of high emotional and mental pressure could cause one to regress into a state of him or her being a child revealing what it was like for the person when him or her was very young. Looking down at the fragile state that Sakura was right now he could see that when she was a lot younger she probably was a lonely girl wanting nothing but a close friend. Despite the differences that they both had 3 years ago and even now maybe they actually had quite a lot in common if only the degrees were to differ. Thinking back on the words that Sakura had rambled about, Naruto was lulled to a peaceful sleep himself as he looked forward to a better friendship with a childish grin plastered on his face that was synonymous with Uzumaki Naruto.


AN: O.O! OK! the way this chapter ended was not how i initally planned. There wasn't even much mention on Sasuke which i initially wanted to focus on. However as i wrote that scene it seem to have taken on a life of its own and veered away from my initial planstill Sakura ended sleeping.( they didn't fall alseep when i planned it they actually headed back home playfully bickering like they used to.) As i read through the scene once more i realised what was going on between the both of them or rather Sakura and the last paragraph was my attempt at narrating what i saw out of the situation which i have witnessed and experienced for myself inreal life. i hope i did at least a proper or a decent job of wrapping up the scene.A note to Demon-sword even though this will not be a NaruSaku pairing i hope you enjoyed this close moment they had together. though this chapter came out real fast after the first 1 dont expect the next one to come out so soon ill be busy as i have to head back to camp (national service) thus ill be away from my laptop for quite awhile. sobs