Chapter 4

HEY Y'ALL BEFORE WE GET STARTED I WANTED TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE LATE POST SCHOOL GOT THE BEST OF ME AND MY IDEAS WERE NOT WITH ME

I AM NOT BACK TO NORMAL SCHEDULE AND THE END OF THE SEMESTER IS COMING CLOSE SO I'LL BE POSTING MORE AND MORE PLEASE BEAR WITH

ME AND ALL MY TARDINESS!

-K U M A

Sakura had kept herself close by to the others as she followed along the paths of all the trees tainted with the red. As the sun began to set she felt her body stiffen as a cold breeze swept between them all

'gee…it's getting dark..'

she thought to herself as suddenly the kazekage announced that they should rest, she watched as the anbu tried to prevent and no matter how bad her legs ached she had to agree with them they had no timed to waste. Suddenly her own thoughts were disturbed as she moved her head quick enough to catch a glimpse of the fading Susanoo.

'Sasuke..'

she said quietly, her body felt like jolting forward quickly until the words of the others to be cautious filled her ears. Following with the others she quickly caught up to the sight hiding in the rubble blinking her eyes and squinting to get a clearer view.

Chei chakra was being absorbed thanks to an anbu that specialized in chakra. Chei body becomes weak and begins to shrink into his true self. His skin begins to turn and regains pupils in his eyes. A quick laugh exited the man voice as the sand begins to separate and jolt to the low cut grass. An anbu appears behind him and forcefully kicks Chei to the low cut grass.

"We're not done."

The anbu said as he turns his head to see Itachi. Along with the others that assumed the dead was still being controlled by Chei. The kazekage turns to feel an odd feeling about this but by the time he could think his thoughts out the anbus surrounded Itachi with their swords raised at eye level. Itachi stood in silence as he watched members of the Leaf Village & Sand surround him. He was impressed that both the Sand & Leaf were working together, for once he had seen peace folding upon his eyes

The anbus begin to close in towards Itachi who was no intention to cause harm. A light glow surrounded his body while the other's eyes widen as they watched. Itachi body begins to peel away knowing his time was up. Chei laughs in a mocking way before an abu kicks him as he rolls over to his back.

"Shut up or we'll have no problem killing you."

Following sweat dripping from Chei forehead. Itachi looks up at the night sky with stars scattered around and the moon fully lit. Jet black birds fly past in a triangle shape oddly not making a sound. In a blink of which Itachi stood was now only black liked first on the low cut grass.

"We'll camp here.."

The Kazekage said after minutes of silence. The others nodded and began to come out of hiding. Members of the leaf unpack tents, supplies and gather wood. Anbus gather around the Uchiha who was assisted by medical ninjas. They conversate the good news and help carry the Uchiha to the camp.

"Good thing that's over.."

Rong said walking alongside.

Sakura observed alongside the others and gave the order to move along and head back, nothing seemed too out of place as others started setting up camp in a secluded location. The pink haired girl helped with organizing the prison shelters and the medic shelter so Sasuke could have a place to rest without having to share a tent. She was setting up the bedding inside and as she walked out she watched as they brought the beat up Uchiha inside. She bit her bottom lip, seeing him in this much pain sent chills through her body she hated how easily people could get hurt. "Hey...he'll be staying over here,"

she said aloud with a small wake of her hand as she took the string and tied the folds of the tent doors to the side leaving the entrance open.

"Get him something to drink….I'm sure he's dehydrated and make sure he stays in that bed."

The Kazekage watched everyone set up supplies then motioning the anbus standing beside to put Chei in a useful place. The respectful anbus nod and drag Chei by the leg, being rough with him as possible.

"I'm not dead!"

He shouts in anger as his face was dragged along dirt to where the prison shelter was being set up. They thoughtfully tied the man up with the rope that have chakra seeping around it. This would prevent him from escaping. Anbus who were assigned to watch the area were sitting behind a small tent. They drop Chei to the ground rough and walk back towards the Kazekage while others sit on guard. The anbus nod in respect to Sakura while they gather just outside to the burning fire. Rong who tagged along near the entrance of the tent as he looks at the condition of the Uchiha then nodded to Sakura request as he rushes off. Sasuke glances over at Sakura unable to move his body but could hear the worries in her voice. Rong rushes back with a canteen of water.

Sakura's attention turned quickly to the man being dragged on the ground she watched him and could never have believed the thing out there from before came from this weak person. 'Interesting, where could they have claimed all this power?'

she asked herself and quickly turned her gaze back to the other as Rong rushed passed her with the water requested for the injured man. Her green eyes fell upon his dark tired ones and she shook her head with a sigh. Placing a hand on Rong's shoulder she gave him a warm smile.

"I'll take it from here, thank you please go catch up with the others I don't want you to be behind on your duties."

she continued as she took the canteen of water and set up a chair next to the Uchiha after placing a blanket on him and letting her eyes fall on the medical work done to stop his bleeding.

'Job well done..'

she thought as relief spilled through her.

A light delightful smell of fish filled the area quickly as the fire burned just outside of where the anbus sat. Turning the fish to one side for it to be done evenly, they had plenty to go around too. "Yes ma'am "

said, Rong, as he hurried up towards the smell of fish which he was surely hungry from a long day. The Kazekage walked into the tent to of which Sakura was last seen in, noticing that Sasuke has fallen fast asleep.

"We're having fish near the fire ... care to join us?"

The Kazekage asked as he scopes the tents being put up. Anbus and members of the Leaf gather at the fire as they munch away at the delicious fish. Bits of laughter escape their mouth as some made jokes of how it was cooked or a memory that they all shared.

Sakura laughed at the anbu's reaction she knew very well how hungry he was. Her green eyes followed his form and the pink-haired girl turned her head towards the man who had so easily fallen asleep.

"You look so much less grumpy like this Sasuke,"

she whispered running her hand through his dirty hair brushing his forehead with her thumb. Leaning forward she pressed her forehead to his with a smile of relief.

"Glad you're safe,"

she said before raising herself up quickly at the sound of someone nearing the tent and her gaze meeting the Kazekage's. With a quick nod, she set the canteen of water to the side easily accessible for when Sasuke woke up. Joining the others she quickly found a spot and joined in the nostalgic tales and evening chatter.

A member of the leaf tells his funny story and many of them laugh even the Kazekage had a grin on his face. The fire crackles and pops as they throw pieces of wood in in order to keep it lit. An anbu passes a stick of fish to Sakura who has just joined in, it was golden brown around the edges, steam was still escaping from the hot fish that just came out the fire. It was a relaxed night which was most likely needed, for many who sat near the fire. Anbus who don't get much of a laugh much were having a 'fun' time tonight.

"Mission complete .. thanks to everyone working together no one died."

The Kazekage spoke briefly after it became dead silent as eyes were all on him. A member of the leaf village rises to his feet and bows.

"Lord Kazekage .. thank you for the assist."

as he sits back down and takes a huge bite of the fish. Silence broke as many anbu laughed at jokes that the members of the leaf spoke about. Shortly it became late and many started heading towards their tent., another lay on the grass and watch the stars from above.

Sakura gave a nod and a smile to the anbu who handed her the fish. She laughed along with the jokes and even made her own. Biting on the fish she savored its salty flavor and her taste buds danced, the villager who made this really knows how to cook. She watched as the Kazekage rose and congratulated everyone on a job well done. Sakura nodded and her green eyes landed on the fire the reflection making them almost yellow.

'Yes thank you..'

she thought to herself

'who knows what would have happened if we were having to fight this alone.'

she eyed the medical tent once more before continuing the night with the others. The stars were bright that night, everyone had moved away from the fire and she stayed awake alongside the shinobi chosen to take the first night shift her eyes were wide as she looked up at the moon and missed going out on missions, being locked in a hospital is maybe starting to get to her, flashes of going out with naruto to look for Sasuke. Even flashbacks of young team seven transferred itself into her mind. Green eyes blinked gently as sleep started to get to her. Standing up she stretched and yawned, a droopy sakura carried herself to the medic tent to close the entrance so the cold night air wouldn't bother the Uchiha. Stepping inside she smiled to see him still sound asleep and she turned off the lantern by his bed and walked out of the tent untying the ropes and closing the open entrance.

The guards standing watch were playing a game as they counted how many birds would fly past every so often. Switching back and forth so each could take a break and catch a quick nap. The gust starts to die down as the whistle of trees come to a halt, snores were the only sound being heard that escaped the tents of many. Supplies that were scattered was now tied down next to a tree to prevent it from getting lost or an animal getting into it. Members of the Leaf & Sand wave as they settle into their tents.

"See you tomorrow morning."

One said before scratching his back and clumsily stepping inside the tent. The bright moon that illuminated the night sky settled faster than usually, following the sun peeking out towards the sky as the light shines down. Birds chirping loudly just in time for sunrise as they fly in flocks just above the tents that stand. The Uchiha watches the light blue sky from the hole above that was placed in the center. His mind wanders about his older brother too of which he fought alongside once again. Revisiting childhood memories when they would gather and eat together.

Sakura slept soundly that night alongside the other shinobi, her bedding was warm and it kept her asleep longer than she would regularly sleep. Her green eyes fluttered open as she felt someone touch her shoulder and ask if she was alright, nodding she made an effort to push herself up and agree to help with passing around the breakfast and packing up. The breakfast for the morning was eggs and some shredded meat with bread it all smelled good. The camp grew louder as food was now everything anyone was thinking about. Loud good mornings and yawns could be heard as everyone sat together and plates were being passed around. Once she saw everyone had settled down and everyone had their plate sakura decided to make a plate for Sasuke.

'He might be hungry.'

she thought to herself as she walked she eyes the anbu bringing bread and water into the prison tent. Her gaze fell back on the closed entrance of the medical tent, soon they had to take it down so it was best he wakes up now. Sliding herself now she met his slightly opened tired gaze. "Hey, you're awake...I brought you something to eat even if you're not hungry it's better to have something in your belly...we're headed back home."

she says in a voice she used to using when talking to patients all soft and small. Walking to the bedside she sat down and placed the plate on the small table beside him.

"I can feed you if you want we'll have to go soon so that means you'll have to get up,"

she says as she instinctively starts to check his bandages

The Kazekage scans the area as many were already start to pack.

'Are they that eager to get home?'

He thought then following a quick smile to himself as members of the Leaf walk past and wave. The anbus take down the prison tent and drag Chei out by a rope like a dog. Quickly placing the supplies into a netted bag which were tied up to fit more in.

"Let me stand you fools!"

He shouts as he finds his balance and stands following the anbus laugh as they tugged him along. Some were still chowing down their food as they ran to help pack up. Sasuke eyes widen as he then notices a plate of food. It smelled delightful and it was still hot from the steam escaping the plate. He struggles to sit up as his arms slightly tremble following pain to his side which now his hand lays, tugging a bit at the tight bandages.

"Thank you, Sakura."

He says before taking the plate and eating. The tent was folded back as members began to take it down and store it where the others were placed. Rong rushes over when he saw the two and gazes at the Uchiha who he has some interest towards.

"Hey, Sakura .. do you need any help?"

He asked before looking away at the others.

The pink haired girl smiles when she sees him so eager to get up and eat, she helps him sit up and gently helps loosen up his bandaging.

"There.."

she says as they fall loosely revealing the damage underneath. Moving quickly she changes them and adds fresh gauze to make it more comfortable than the stiff bandaging that was wrapped around his waist. Her green eyes flicked towards Rong who had shown up wanting to help.

"No everything is okay.I don't need any help."

she says as she stands and starts to pack up everything removing the extra bedding and placing them in the bag compartments. Her mind focused what was missing and she was bombarded by questions from a medic who came up with a list of things he couldn't find. Eventually, they found everything and she joined the other medics in packing their backpacks with all the supplies.

Members of the Leaf & Sand gathered near the front as they were almost done the packing. Rong nodded and watch Sakura pack up and run off to the other medical ninjas. He figured he would ask the Uchiha who wasn't in the best condition.

"Hey Sasuke, need help?"

He asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah .."

He replied before reaching an arm over Rong's shoulder and stands on his feet.

"Alright, let's go!"

Rong says in excitement as he lets the Uchiha lean an arm over him while they walk over to the others. Everything was packed tightly and secure. The Kazekage leads the way into the forest as two anbus walk beside him closely, for protection. Members of the Leaf & Sand follow from behind.

"Which way are we going?"

An anbu asked under the bird shaped mask.

"We're heading back a different way, where the bridge is."

Rong replied to the Anbu as he looked at the scenario.

Sakura blinked in the direction of Rong and the other male she was relieved to see him standing and she quickly headed off with a checklist making sure everyone was leaving together. Sakura walked with the other medics, though her mind was still fixated on Sasuke as she watched him walking ahead he look a mess and she just couldn't wait to see him all better. Her thoughts clouded as she thought of the village and all the damages, of the losses and how they would be aiming for a funeral soon. She closed her eyes and sighed opening them once more as she followed along she couldn't wait to get home her body was so tired, but there was still so much to get done.