The Winds of Change

Chapter 4

Sakura opened her eyes slowly. She was lying in a hospital bed as the early morning light spread a soft pink glow across her blanket.

"Morning?" She wondered. "Why am I here?" Sakura sat up and started to rub her face. As her hand passed in front of her eyes the memory of them smeared with blood came rushing back to her. Tears flooded her eyes as she wept.

"You've left me behind Sensei and just like Sasuke, I can't follow you." Sakura buried her face in her hand and cried out in sorrow.

"Sakura?" Sakura's head snapped up as she recognized the voice. Her eyes meet clear blue ones as Naruto ran to her side and grabbed her hands.

"Naruto…Why are you here?"

"I came back as soon as I heard what happened." Naruto had a tear in his eye but smiled as warmly as he could.

"Oh Naruto, I'm so sorry. He asked me to help him but in the end there was nothing I could do." Sakura began to cry again into Naruto's shoulder.

"What are you talking about Sakura?" Naruto asked worriedly.

"It's my fault Kakashi is dead Naruto. He asked me to help him gather information but I was too busy with Kiba…"

"Sakura stop." Naruto sounded worried and a little angry as he spoke. "None of this is your fault. I want you to listen carefully Sakura, Kakashi's alright." Sakura pulled her hands out of Naruto's grasp.

"I am a Medical-nin Naruto! I've had enough training to tell that thing was real. Did you think you'd make me feel better by lying?" Naruto was speechless as Sakura stared at him. Somewhere in the pit of her stomach, Sakura felt uneasy. Why would Naruto lie…was there even a small possibility that he was telling the truth? As the thought crossed Sakura's mind she leapt from the bed, she had to find out for herself.

"Sakura wait" Naruto called as she ran out the door and headed towards the morgue.

"Sakura!"

"Sakura?" Suddenly Naruto's voice changed. Sakura spun around and blinked. When she opened her eyes, she was once again lying down but this time it was in her own bed in her own room. It was dark and the only light came from her door, which was slightly open.

"Sakura?" Sakura followed the voice and saw Ino sitting on the edge of the bed looking down at her. "Sorry to wake you but I thought you might be hungry." Reality suddenly crashed down on Sakura. It had been a dream. The false hope of Kakashi being alive evaporated in an instant, leaving her heart empty once again. She began to cry.

"Shh…It's ok." Ino hugged Sakura and tried to calm her down. "Don't worry we'll catch the bastards that did this. As soon as Hokage-sama found out what happened she sent a special Ambu team to investigate." Ino waited patiently for Sakura to stop crying.

"When is…his funeral?" Sakura asked hoarsely.

"Hokage-sama postponed it until the Ambu team returns with more information." Ino let go of Sakura and tried to smile warmly. "How about some dinner?"

"Dinner? What time is it?" Sakura looked up at the window.

"Well, its 8:30 but you've been asleep for a day and a half already. Shika over did his sleep jutsu a bit." Ino tried to laugh but it came out sounding flat.

"Yeah, Dinner would be nice." Sakura said after a short pause.

"Ok!" Ino jumped up and walked out. "It's a go Choji." Sakura heard Ino say loudly form the kitchen. Sakura looked back up at the window and saw the full moon rise slowly over the top of the trees. Sakura began to cry again, she just couldn't help it. The memory of Kakashi's face just wouldn't go away. After a little while, Ino came back in holding a bowl of stew. She set it down on the bedside table.

"It's an Akimichi Clan specialty. So eat up. It you want some more later on, we have a whole pot on the stove. Just call." Ino turned to leave.

"Wait…I'll come out and join you." Sakura didn't want to be alone. She stood up, grabbed the bowl and followed Ino out into the kitchen. Choji was setting his and Ino's bowls on the table as they entered.

"How are you doing?" he asked as they all sat down together at the small table.

"Pretty bad" Sakura answered truthfully. Choji looked down at his bowl.

"Asuma-sensei once told us that his greatest joy in life is that he has the opportunity to be our teacher….I'm sure Kakashi-sensei felt the same way." Ino nodded as Choji spoke. They sat in silence for the rest of the meal.

"So where is Shika-kun?" Sakura asked as she finished her stew.

"He went to report to Hokage-sama that you were awake…but he should have been back by now." Ino looked up at the clock on the wall.

"I think he might not come back for awhile." Choji said unexpectedly.

"Why not?" Ino asked surprised.

"He's been all mopey 'cause he blames himself for letting Sakura see…see what she saw and then messing up the sleep Jutsu."

"What do you mean Choji-kun?" Sakura asked puzzled.

"He told me earlier that he could have stopped you but he let you go. Then it was too much for you, not that anyone can blame you. It's just…" A knock at the door interrupted him. Ino got up and answered it.

"Finally…Come on in, you missed dinner…" Ino said to the person at the door. Sakura turned around and saw Shikamaru sanding in the doorway. As their eyes met, Shikamaru looked away.

"I …can't. Hokage-sama has called a special meeting and asked us to attend. Hurry up and get all your gear. This will probably get troublesome." Sakura jumped up and realized that she was in her nightclothes.

"It will just take me a moment to change, then…" Shikamaru cut her off immediately.

"Only Team Ten was summoned. You've been placed on special leave. Please stay here and rest." He turned away from her. "I'll wait out here."

Ino closed the door a little too hard and turned to face Sakura.

"I know it seems unfair but he's right." Choji said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "You should rest for now. Who knows what the meeting is about anyways?" He grabbed his pouch from the couch and walked slowly out the door.

"Boys" Ino said irritated as she grabbed her own pouch from the counter. "If we can, we'll come back after the meeting and help clean up." Ino waved as she strode out the door. As the door closed, the thud echoed loudly in her silent apartment. Sakura looked over at the three empty bowls and turned towards her room. She couldn't stay here, she had to get out. She changed quickly and left.

She didn't know where she was going; all Sakura knew was she had to get as far away as possible. Every time she would stop, there would be something to remind her that she was alone. The ramen restaurant Naruto always went to, the bridge where they use to wait for Kakashi, the bench where she had last seen Sasuke. Finally, Sakura made it out past the village towards the training grounds. It was peaceful under the moonlight surrounded by trees. Sakura stepped out into a large cleaning and stopped. Three wooden posts stood in the middle of it. Without realizing it, Sakura had found the spot where they had first become a team. Off to one side the large black memorial stood out amongst the trees. Sakura walked slowly over to it and passed her hand over the lightly etched names.

"Your name will be on here soon." She said aloud. Sakura remembered the first time she had taken notice of the memorial. Kakashi had been trying to explain to Naruto that becoming a hero meant sacrifices.

"Everyone I've cared for is gone" Sakura hadn't understood the pain Kakashi felt when he had said those words but time had taught her much.

"I wonder if you got to see your friends again?" she said sadly. Sakura was wondered which of the etched names had been Kakashi's friend when she heard a rustle come from behind her. She spun around but saw nothing through the underbrush. She could hear the faintest hint of breathing coming from one of the trees at the edge of the clearing. Whoever was tracking her was doing a poor job of it. Sakura waited for the moon to slide behind a cloud, erasing its bright glow, then crept around and hid in a neighboring tree. It took a few minutes but Sakura watched patiently until a shadowy figure hopped down to the ground and looked around.

"I don't care if the Hokage herself ordered you to follow me," Sakura yelled as she jumped down from the tree. "Leave me the hell alone!" She lunged angrily at the figure but was surprised when her punch actually landed with a dull thud, against his jaw.

"Ugh." The figure fell hard into the dirt and did not try to get up. The moon chose this moment to come out from behind its cloud, revealing a pair of clear blue eyes staring up at Sakura from the ground.

"You're stronger than I remember Sakura-chan." Naruto said as he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

Sakura hardly recognized the young man before her. His hair had been cut extremely short and dyed a dark brown. His normal colors of orange and blue had been replaced with more subdued tones. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that it was Naruto, His bright blue eyes and light whisker-like markings were unmistakable.

"Na…Naruto! Is it really you?" Sakura stammered.

"Yeah." Naruto replied simply as he slowly picked himself up. Sakura grabbed Naruto and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Ugh" Naruto moaned in pain. Sakura felt something warm and moist spread beneath her hands. She released Naruto and looked down at her hands; they were covered in blood.

"What happened?" Sakura voice was unnaturally high.

"It feels like my stitches must have come out. I…" Naruto swayed as he tried to stay standing.

"Come on" Sakura wrapped her arm around Naruto for support. "We have to get you to the Hospital fast." She tried to step forward but Naruto pulled back.

"I can't." Naruto said darkly.

"Why not?" Sakura was getting frantic. She didn't understand what was going on.

"Just take me to my place and I'll explain." Sakura saw a flash of pain cross Naruto's face as he spoke.

"You really need to get looked at by a doctor." Sakura tried to argue.

"Damn it Sakura!" Naruto swayed again as he yelled. "I don't need a doctor's help, I need yours." For a moment, Sakura hesitated.

"Alright…Just hold on to me ok?" Sakura knew that Naruto could be stubborn but fighting with him now would only hurt him.

"Careful" Naruto whispered as they reached the edge of the village. "I can't be seen by anyone." Sakura looked at him questioningly but when he didn't elaborate she just nodded.

They reached Naruto's apartment without incident. Sakura pulled out her spare keys, opened the door and lead Naruto inside.

"Take off your shirt, lay down on your stomach and I'll look at your back." Naruto nodded and shuffled over to the couch. Sakura walked into Naruto's bathroom and took the first-aide pack from under the sink. When she returned she was shocked to see the large gashes crisscrossing Naruto's entire back. She knelt beside him and gently began cleaning the wounds.

"Naruto…Tell me. Who did this to you?" Sakura said in a hushed voice.

"Um…" Naruto ran a hand over his face. "Well I guess it all started a little over a week ago…I've been having trouble controlling the fox demon lately. When I get overexcited, he tries to take control. Jiraiya-sensei came up with a seal that completely imprisons the demon and keeps it from breaking free. When I lose it, he attaches a piece of paper carrying the seal to me, the seal imprints on my skin and I revert back to normal. Then once I'm ok he unseals me. Well last week I lost it again but this time when I woke up Jiraiya was laying over me. He was covered in blood and barley conscious. At fist, I thought I had done it, but he was able to tell me that Akatsuki had attacked while I was out of control. Jiraiya was able to save me but…" Sakura could see the pain in Naruto's eyes. "But I couldn't save him. He died…there was nothing I could do." Sakura put her hand on Naruto's shoulder. "That's not the end. I didn't have a chance to bury him before another pair from Akatsuki found me and I had to run. With this seal still intact I'm very weak." Naruto rolled on his side and showed the seal to Sakura. "I came back to the village to get Kakashi-sensei to help take it off."

"Naruto…" Sakura didn't know how to tell him what had happen. "Kakashi is…"

"I know…" Naruto's voice sounded weary. "I returned the day after he left the village. I followed him…but I was too late. The letter he received from Jiraiya was a trap…and when…" Naruto opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. He buried his head in his arm. Barely holding back sobs he continued. "…when I saw what they had done to him…I attacked them in blind rage. That's when I got these." Naruto indicated the gashes. "I know I'm lucky to be alive right now. Now that I can't access the demon's chakra I can't heal like I use to." Naruto wiped a tear away.

"Once I heal you we can go ask Tsunade-sama to look at that seal." Sakura said hopefully.

"There's more I haven't told you yet Sakura." Naruto turned his head away from Sakura and stared out the window. "When I was fighting with Akatsuki at their base, they said that there is no where I could run to because Tsunade-baka is…is on their side…" Sakura stared at Naruto in shock.

"There's no way that can be true. They must have been lying to you. Tsunade-sama cares about you and she wouldn't…"

"Sakura, Shizune was there… I saw her at their base. I'm not safe here but…but I knew that you'd help me no matter what. That's why I came to find you."

"I just…can't believe it. Why would she help them?"

"From what I overheard, it has something to do with the Sand Village and the Inuzuka clan. I don't know all the details." Sakura thought back to everything that had happen the past week; Kiba's poisoning, what Shizune had said, what Tsume had done to the Sand rep. It didn't make sense yet but a part of Sakura told her to trust in Naruto.

"Sakura, I'm sorry…I just thought you should know…" Naruto tried to sit up and face her but Sakura held him down.

"Let me finish healing you." Sakura called up most of her reserved chakra to heal the gashes. She had been saving it up bit by bit for months and now that she needed it, Sakura was glad she had been so cautious in using it. After she rested for a moment, Sakura began a complete examination of Naruto's body. The gashes were not Naruto's only injury; Sakura found damage throughout his body. Organs, ribs, chakra vessels, they all needed attention.

"I believe you Naruto…It's just that I don't know what to do."

Suddenly the village's emergency alarm sounded. Naruto jerked beneath Sakura's hands.

"They know I'm here. I have to leave." Naruto tried to jump up but Sakura pushed him back onto the couch.

"You're not strong enough to go running around right now. Anyways no one saw us. We're safe here for awhile." Sakura tried to calm Naruto. A sudden knock at the door sent a chill down her spine.

"Hide" She hissed. Naruto scurried into his bedroom. Sakura wiped her hands on the couch and went to open the door.

"Ino, Choji-kun, Shika-kun?! What are you guys doing here?" She asked grumpily as she pulled back the door.

"Haruno Sakura" Sakura felt her stomach flip. Shikamaru had never used her full name when addressing her before. "I've been ordered to take you into custody and transfer you to Anbu for questioning into the murder of Hatake Kakashi. Please come with us."

"Don't worry. I'm sure they just want to ask you a few questions." Ino said when she saw Sakura's shocked face.

"Of course." Sakura stepped out and locked the door behind her.

"Please turn over all personal equipment and belongings." Shikamaru reached out his hand and took the keys from Sakura. Sakura pulled out her spare Kunai and handed it over as well.

"This way please." Shikamaru gestured towards the stairway. Sakura was relieved when all three members of team ten followed her down the hallway. She had worried that one of them would stay behind to search the apartment. They walked in silence until Ino took a step closer to Sakura.

"You know the Hokage sent three teams to look for you?" She said in a hushed tone. "Do you know why she…"

"Ino," Shikamaru interrupted her. "Have you ever heard of a Chuunin-level prisoner escaping once they are in Anbu custody? It's a well know fact that most prisoners make their move while in transport. You should pay attention more." He looked into Sakura eyes as he spoke. "We wouldn't want anyone accusing us of letting our friend escape, right?" Choji gave Sakura a sly smile and ruffled Shikamaru's hair.

"What he's trying to say is hurry up and get going." Choji translated. Ino looked shocked but Sakura smiled.

"Thanks" Sakura said warmly as she slammed her fist into the ground, sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air. She jumped up onto a nearby roof and ran back towards Naruto's place. As she approached the apartment building Sakura detected two leaf-nin standing guard on the rooftop. Sakura slipped into a shadow and observed the situation patiently. She was relived when she noticed that Naruto's bedroom window was open slightly. It meant that he had already left before the guards had arrived. Sakura racked her brain for anywhere or anyone that Naruto would go to if he were in trouble.

"Iruka-sensei." Sakura whispered to herself. She turned and ran back through the village. However, when she arrived she found another shinobi standing guard over Iruka's place. As she watched the guard pace back and forth on the balcony, another thought crossed her mind.

"No way, that idiot wouldn't go there. But there seems to be no other choices. I guess it's worth a try." Sakura turned and ran along a narrow alley until it opened to a larger street. Ichiraku's ramen restaurant sat at the corner. It looked like it had been closed hurriedly after the alarm had sounded. It usually would be full of people on a night like this. Sakura watched the breeze play with the restaurant's banner and wondered if it had been a good Idea to come when a chill crept up her spine.

"Do you really think we would be looking for you and that demon brat and not place at least one guard here." A strange voice said from behind her just before Sakura's vision turned black.

"Can you hear me?" Sakura felt a hand touch her arm gently. "Please open your eyes" Naruto's voice pleaded.

"What happen?" Sakura asked groggily as she opened her eyes. It didn't make much of a difference however because everything was shrouded in darkness.

"Sakura you have to stay awake this time." Naruto said as he placed his other hand on her forehead.

"This time?" Sakura repeated dully, a sudden wave of fatigue made Sakura close her eyes again. "But I'm so tired…" A dull pain in the back of her head was growing steadily, causing her to lose focus.

"Wake up" Naruto said loudly as he shook her arm.

"Wake up!" This time a slap across the face pulled Sakura to her senses. Her eyes flew open and she saw an Anbu guard standing in front of her. Sakura tried to raise her hand to defend herself but found that she was tied to a chair in the middle of a large interrogation room. The guard nodded to another who was standing by the doorway.

"What's going on?" Sakura said loudly as she tested the strength of her bonds. The Guard before her turned and exited the room quietly.

"I demand to know the reason why I'm being held" Sakura yelled. The guard by the door continued to ignore her but Sakura could feel his icy glare even from behind his mask. Sakura considered her odds against a lone member of Anbu. He had the advantage, especially since Sakura had used a large portion of her reserved chakra for Naruto. As she began to formulate a plan, the door opened and Tsunade came in.

"Sakura-chan." Tsunade walked up in front of Sakura and stood with her hands on her hips. "First I want to apologize to you. I know you've been through a lot lately and I haven't made it easy on you. I also know that you must be very confused right now. I had thought to include you in this, but being the emotional child that you are, I was unsure how you would be influenced by that meddling Hatake's words. Just tell me where Uzumaki is and I can promise you'll be released as soon as we capture him." Tsunade slowly paced back and forth as she spoke.

"I don't know where he is." Sakura said briefly but truthfully.

"Sakura-chan, I understand how much you must care for that boy but you don't understand the situation…Do you know that he's the one responsible for what happened to Kiba and Kakashi?" Sakura knew Tsunade was just trying to get her to talk but she couldn't help but reply.

"That's a lie." She said her voice filled with venom.

"I can see from your expression that he didn't tell you everything. As you probably know the secret organization known as Akatsuki wants to capture the tail beasts at any cost. When their representative first came to me demanding that I hand over Uzumaki, I naturally refused. However, to prove their power they attacked our allies in Suna. The Council from Suna sent a massager to request our aid." Tsunade paused for a moment and looked at Sakura.

"What should I have done? Send dozens of our fighters to die in an escalation battle or give up one brat? In the end I agreed to help them capture Uzumaki. Tsume Inuzuka overheard our plans and was planning to warn Jiraiya. I couldn't let that happen. You must understand, my duty is to the village as a whole. Akatsuki ordered that Tsume be silenced but unfortunately Kiba got in the way. What happened was an accident but it served its purpose. Tsume agreed to keep quiet as long as we sent for Suna's expert for her son. If Na…Uzumaki had just turned himself over both Kiba and Kakashi would be safe." A long pause followed her rant.

"I don't think even you believe your own bullshit." Sakura spat.

"It doesn't matter now, that demon is a danger to this village and we have to hand him over. I'll give you one hour to tell us where he is. If you don't I'll be forced to authorize the use of torturer on you to extract the information we need." Tsunade turned on her heals and strode out of the room, taking the guards with her. Sakura tried to break the rope that bound her but it was too strong. Sakura's head was reeling from everything she had learned. She knew Akatsuki wanted Naruto but why was Tsunade going along so easily?

The time passed slowly as Sakura waited for the hour to be over. Suddenly she heard yelling coming from the other side of the back wall. She tried to turn around but the chair kept her from looking back. With a loud boom, the wall exploded inwards in a rain of debris and dust. As it began to clear, Sakura saw Naruto standing over three unconscious leaf-nins.

"Naruto, you bone head," Sakura scolded him as Naruto used his kunai to cut her free. "It's you they want; you shouldn't have come for me."

"I won't lose another team mate." Naruto panted. Sakura could clearly see Naruto was exhausted.

"You've never been very smart Uzumaki," Tsunade stood at the door with a sad smile on her face. "But to walk into such an obvious trap is dumb even for you." Naruto took Sakura's hand and turned to leave when two Ambu guards appeared suddenly before him. "I'll give you one last chance brat, give yourself up and I'll let Sakura go free." Naruto stopped and looked back at Tsunade. Sakura could feel him hesitate. She knew that Naruto would sacrifice himself to save her.

"Hey Tsunade-baka," Sakura had never been disrespectful to the Hokage before. "We won't listen to your lies any longer. Right, Naruto?"

"Right!" Naruto's indecision evaporated in an instant. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto smacked his hands together and made five clones. Usually Naruto could make many more but Sakura could tell he was running out of chakra fast. His clones attacked the Hokage and her guards as Sakura pulled the tired Naruto towards the hole in the wall. The guard closest to them pulled out his short sword and with a few strokes made quick work of Naruto's clone. He then jumped between them and the exit.

"Stop, now!" The Ambu guard yelled at them. Naruto jumped forward and began a complex set of hand signals Sakura had never seen before. But even as the air around Naruto began to swirl Sakura could tell he was too late. The guard jumped towards Naruto with his sword ready to cleave Naruto in half. In a split second, Sakura found herself leaping between them. She no longer had her kunai so she raised her arm to defend herself. A second later Sakura screamed as the chakra enhanced blade sliced through her forearm. Her severed right hand fell with a dull thud to the floor.

"Sakura!" Naruto yelled in anguish as she fell to the floor. "Zetsumei no Yaiba." He screamed as he lunged forward and hit the guard in the stomach. Sakura watched through the haze of pain as the guard jerked then dropped to the floor. Naruto turned, lifted Sakura up into his arms and jumped pass the body into the night.

Zetsumei no Yaiba- Death blade.