The biggest news of the year is... I am in class 12th now, yippee...
And after a long brake which was due to class 11th final exams are over... So here is a beautiful piece of cake laid for you...
let see... what Sakura is... let listen to her beautiful voice after such a gap of time... and this time I'll try to make mistakes as less as possible...
thanks to all reviewers, favorites and followers...
Chapter 4
Zephyr
"Happiness is a sunbeam which may pass through a thousand bosoms without losing a particle of its original ray; nay, when it strikes on a kindred heart, like the converged light on a mirror, it reflects itself with redoubled brightness. It is not perfected till it is shared."
-Jane Porter
"What you want to say Tsunade-Sama?"
The conference room was quiet... both of us, were trying to come to a conclusion, because still a piece of maze was missing. Well more than a conference, it was a private meeting between the two Kage's of great lands. The room just has two of us, no one was allowed to know the details inside... there was a reason to it... information flowed is too much, for others to know.
"Well, you have been tracking them for around 2 months... I believe you have more to conclude than me"
"Huff" I knew Tsunade-Sama would like to have my views before she stated hers, and by Tit for Tat she will get her way, so it will be useless to move in circles. "Humm, He prepared a protective seal on his child- on her stomach, while on other side, he tried to kill her"
"Sasuke's intentions and actions are contradicting, that is what he... wanted to show"
Tsunade-Sama's words left a hollow wiz in the room.
I raised my brow in anticipation. "Excuse me"
"When I was doing the operation, her child was all safe, what damage was on her was because of the virus, which has inflicted her lungs through water... water was contaminated, and the war of katana was on the shield, the power of katana and shield produce an high powered electrostatic current which passes through her body, causing temporary form of paralysis and bursting of some veins"
Tsunade Sama debriefing has convicted a new result.
"So, Sasuke, don't want to kill her but protect her and make her- us believe his black face"
She nodded "These two Uchiha brothers are more alike than just faces."
"But it's still too early to say, he has ally with us, he still want to carry on with Akatsuki and his plan while letting Sakura nourishes his child, if I am not wrong he want to inhibit Uchiha clan again, and maybe his way of 'punishment' was not his outburst of anger but planned offence."
I want to help Naruto bring back HIS friend but for situation, taking any decision in favor of Uchiha is more like giving him a way to destroy Konoha or worse let Madara execute his plan of world domination.
"Kazekage your assumptions have high probability and it's quite predictable because Uchiha's don't do anything without reason"
"Tsunade-Sama, your exclamations are not getting on a track, what are you trying get at?" I ask her to come straight to the point, which she was not driving; she was just stating facts... I want the conclusion. "I respect the privacy of your nation, but Uchiha Sasuke is now a national level criminal and his coinciding with Akatsuki and theft of the precious scroll and our fight with Akatsuki made it important for us to interne, and I am sure, others Kage's would also like to get their hands wet on this issue."
Hokage-Sama eyes were sharply narrowed at me and I could feel her dangerous aura... but things are about border securities of all whole nation and not just for Konoha... and it can't just left.
She took a deep breath and let her eyes shift again confidently towards me, and I was confirm, her decision won't be a good and acceptable. "Fine if that what is the request? Sasuke is a threat and can't be trusted NOW, but still he can be worthy shinobi and used for eliminating the threat called Madara... and the treaty signed for killing him on sight is dissipative from now on, Sasuke is a Konoha Shinobi"
She was actual a woman of substance, taking such a decision and on instance, without any discussion... Maybe that is why she is the Hokage.
"Hokage-Sama, you seemed to have sides on a NATIONAL THREAT, hope you are realizing, what you are planning."
It was a direct and a sharp one, which leads to nothing but sharp stares...
"I am not taking sides, Madara is no ordinary shinobi, and he has exploited Nagato to form Akatsuki, He has planned everything, Orochimaru, Danzo actions and even Uchiha Massacre, So if you know- Sasuke is an Uchiha, what data we have till now is that, Uchiha Sasuke is the only one for now that can kill him. Killing him, is not a good move but to bring him upon our side and use his power to eliminate Madara"
Than Tsunade shifts to her formal position- chin stabled between the knuckles of hand creating coefficient of static friction by her tough hands to the table.
I was actually left speechless, her way of convincing is not bad... but I know for whom she was doing it- Naruto and somewhere for Sakura too...
I took a deep sigh and let out what was requisite for the very moment.
"Still, Sasuke is an S-class criminal, and this decision can't be yours or mine alone... it had to be settled by all Kage's... I am announcing the Five- Kage Summit 3 for the present year in land of forest on 5th January... where our issue is pardoning of Uchiha Sasuke and planning for Madara elimination"
I announced with authority.
"Very well Kazekage-Sama."
I nodded and threw another dice on the gamble.
"And now what of Sakura?"
"WHAT of Sakura" There was a kind of restless and suddenness in Tsunade-Sama voice.
"Well, you have mentioned even if she has wakened, her condition is still sensitive and I have talked to medics and other professionals, travelling is not good for her, she must stay here till her delivery"
Then an uproar... As expected.
"I am there to take care for her, and if she is among her family and friends she'll be well soon enough"
I was right... She is taking sides but it was for best... getting flowed is not the best idea for the moment.
"We still need an interrogation with her... But not now she is not stable for the procedure... And she requires some time ALONE to sort things"
"This is no reason..."
And table was in two...
"It's for her good... If you can see so"
There was another pause... Tsunade-Sama has shifted to her thinking mode.
"Then I hope we'll meet again on 5th January in forest country"
We nodded as she took aside of the broken table and let her steps towards the door.
"Tsunade-Sama..." her steps just stopped "Don't take decisions emotionally and always in favor of our acquaintances."
She paused but then her lips quivered in a low voice... "I too think the same but certain yellow head changed my thinking"
It had been four awful days after my operation. Awful because I m still sucked in this 5*5 small- white so depressing story with only company of nurses, doctors and small cute teddy-bear- I bet all thanks for this cute stuff-toy goes to Naruto. Awful because I still need time to come out of trauma, Sasuke has send me through... regret of loving that demon but happy because 9i still have the small life in me whom I promised to protect.
A lot of things have happened within these few days... I have built some beautiful dreams have shattered still some came out of the blue... regaining of my life... new birth... among my friends yet I have to see them... this stuff toy ...
My eyes flickered out of the window... Birds chirping and playing on the branches... beautiful, isn't it... then out of the blue something- someone appeared at the window with utmost speed... just like a magic...
"Ahhaaa..." my screamed lasted as that someone was –Naruto.
He is such a dobe even after these years... he grew up... more masculine and strong but still a child... a stupid idiot caring innocent child.
I didn't realize my hands have automatically shifted on my stomach... so called pregnancy effect.
"Naruto..." I trailed off as he made his sweet puppy like face.
"What they don't let me meet you."
He was like I was always with them these years, like I have never parted and everything is like back then.
I just couldn't say anything ad crossed my arms around and gaping at the grinning face.
"Naruto... you are so like..." but before I was taken in a tight embrace... "Naruto"
I could feel drops of water wetting my shoulder... and even I couldn't resist I cried... loud...and I know I need not to be strong... at least with him... I can be the way I want to... because whatever happens he will always there at my side...
We were in that consoling position... for I don't know what 5minutes, maybe 10 because I need someone to be there with e other than these white painted walls.
"Thank you Naruto"
He grinned again...
we didn't spoke anything for minutes... I was just ruffling the hairs of my stuff to.
"Thank you..." he looked at me...
"You thanked me almost a minute ago, Sakura, you know if so much love just for one hug... then I am here again" He opened his arms again.. I just pushed him back.
"Pervert, I was thanking for this teddy bear"
"ohh... you liked it..."
"Yup, a lot... My only partner with my solitude in this hospital room"
I smiled to the innocent smile.
"Well actually I was going to take it for Hinata, but I thought she might find it childish"
"I sensed Hinata, gift and something's coking in the same sentence" I raised my brow for the upcoming love-story.
"Well... it's nothing like that... I and Hinata... L-O-V-E each other"
"OMG, OMG... this is seriously something called story of the year... congratulations I am so-so happy for you... "
I saw him blush... I actually saw Uzumaki Naruto blush...
"should I call your blushing Hinata's after effect" I taunted him.
"Hey..."
I laughed... I seriously laughed after such a time... I can't believe I had the power to laugh again... and that is so early... may be that what is Naruto magic.
"Well Naruto... I think she would have liked it... I mean she is all softy type... she would have definitely loved this teddy bear"
He raised his brow... "Well, Sakura, I went to her room and guess what I never find any stuff toy or pink... but yours..."
"Excuse me..." I felt a bit offended at this point
"What... I mean seriously... your all pinky fluffy room seems definitely of a 6 year old girl"
I sharpened my eyes to him... well he definitely won on this talk but before something else stroked me "You said you went to her room... Ohh is it more than I can calculate" I said tauntingly.
"No there is nothing else you could calculate"
And we both laughed to it, I felt so lively, free, and complete again with just myself...
"Naruto,"
"Yes..." he looked sheepishly.
"I want the hug again" I demanded childishly and throw my arms open.
"You know Sakura, I m in a relation and my girlfriend won't be too positive about her"
"shut up" I beat him politely...
And then we smiled and hugged again... I was going to say something but before that our dear nine fox stepped again.
"Sakura, please don't say thank you again..."
I laughed... that what exactly I wished to say...
"You know you sometimes make me feel like I own you"
"Yes... All my friends owns be but you have a bigger place in that... But after Hinata..."
"Shut up... otherwise I'll seriously kill you"
We were talking nonsense... Seriously non-sense... but it certainly feels better.
"So... tell me what is going in Konoha"
"Well, particularly... everything is much same... Sai and Ino are dating"
"Wow... How why when... who proposed... Naruto tell" I was literally jumping...
"Calm down, Sakura... I'm telling... excitement is not good for you"
"Ok-ok" I calmed myself and let him continue.
"Well, actually, he is forced to date... You know Ino..." waiting bits for my reactions
"Ahh... I should have guess that" still happy "And what's Sai's reaction?"
"Firstly... he was taken aback... Felt totally helpless on this matter... but he coped up and now maybe-maybe he likes Ino as well"
"oh-la la... something else cooking" I asked more interestingly.
"Ten-ten and Neji are together..."
"What..." Neji courting ten-ten was un-frame-able, correction, Neji courting anyone was un-frame-able.
"Well, that what we got to know from Kiba... And Lee said he caught some hints..."
"So you are not confirmed"
"Yes... you can say that... Well Temari and Shikamaru have more than in themselves then arrogant men and troublesome women"
"We all know that, Naruto and I believe with such a big ego on their nose... they are at the same point... as 3 years back"
"Ino says she will matter in her hands... And intimidated Chouji into it too..."
"That is so much like Ino"
"Well, everything else is the same... Just...I'm a Chunin"
"Oh-ho... Congratulations... So when is my treat"
"When you get out of this blue dress" I smiled...
"Don't worry... with so many smiles and laughs it won't take long"
"This is it... You want to know something in particular"
"Yes... Papa... how is he, is he fine?"
"Well, Uncle is fine... your abduction has stroked him hard... but he is a strong man... We have sent him the message that you are fine, well and in safe hands... and he can meet you after another 7 months"
It gave me a sigh of relief but with that another question rose up.
"What do you mean after 7 months?"
He hesitated but then continued... "Gaara, wants you here till your delivery... he said he wants an interrogation but not know and it's not safe for you to travel"
"He is a responsible and a reasonable Kazekage" That was the only reason he was marked as the Kazekage at such a tender age.
"Yes I believe so... but still I, all of us want you in Konoha"
There was silence again...
"Naruto I need time, I still have to figure it out what I should do, to earn my own bread... I have a child to raise... and I am confirmed Sasuke and Madara will be after her and more to it, I'm not a shinobi any more... Things are still a mess... And for that I need time"
"I know..." He trailed of... He wanted to say something but he wasn't saying for not hurting me...
"So when are you leaving"
"Day after tomorrow when you will be discharged to the public and after all goodbyes"
"They didn't told me that..." I took a deep breath and sighed... 'Big things are still in front of me'
"Sakura, can I ask you something" Naruto regretting voice scorned me out of PLUTO.
I nodded.
"Sakura, do you regret getting teamed with us"
This question has thrown me totally off guard...
"Naruto,"
"Please answer it Sakura"
"I guess Ino told you quite few things"
He didn't answer, so I continued.
"No, you guys were my friend and all I did for us... You guys were like drugs, I got addicted to you all, Yes there were moments when I felt lagged behind but it was because becoming a shinobi wasn't mine but my family decision... I hated killing and violence but don't want to quit it, quitting it mean... getting away from you guys and that I can't let happen...that is why I chose medicals, a solutions to all the problems... You guys are special... So special you don't yourself know"
There was silence... Naruto was constantly looking in my eyes...
"Sakura, then why didn't you told me, but Ino"
"No, I didn't... She checked out my personal diary" I tried to add humor but ailed miserably.
"Still, Sakura you should have told us..."
"And... And you would have asked me to leave and would have somehow managed to get that done... Naruto we were immature, I was conscious... and I don't regret that decision and actually I'm proud of it... I followed my instincts."
And then he hugged me... "Thank you Sakura"
It was the moments when I realize this whole matter have affected Naruto quite a lot...
"Let me get out of here and then Ino is dead... I mean which best friend revealed secrets"
"Sakura, you are quite a lucky to have a best friend like her... Be proud of it"
"Ya- Ya... whatever" and the talk ended.
"Sakura..."
I have the idea... he still has a serious question left...
"Please Naruto, no more serious talk..."
"Please... Just the last one..."
"Fine continue..."
"Sakura... do you still love Sasuke"
My ears banged with the voice... And my heart was instantly on fire... I don't know rather I don't want to know... I still feel his venomous words in my ears, I still feel his touch... but it was all fake... still I don't hate him... But I don't know if I love him... if I'm capable of loving him anymore.
"Naruto... it's time for nurse... You should go"
"Sakura..."
"Please Naruto go, you would be in trouble"
I didn't look at him... my eyes were still locked at the teddy...
"Fine I'll be there tomorrow... take care" He hugged me last time and went through the window he came...
And I was left alone... What I could feel now was just the zephyr of memories...
(A/n: Time for the song-"Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele)
Set Fire To The Rain
I let it fall, my heart,
And as it fell you rose to claim it
It was dark and I was over
Until you kissed my lips and you saved me
My hands, they're strong
But my knees were far too weak,
To stand in your arms
Without falling to your feet
But there's a side to you
That I never knew, never knew.
All the things you'd say
they were never true, never true,
And the games you play
you would always win, always win.
[Chorus:]
But I set fire to the rain,
Watched it pour as I touched your face,
Well, it burned while I cried
'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name!
When I lay with you
I could stay there
Close my eyes
Feel you here forever
You and me together
Nothing is better
'Cause there's a side to you
That I never knew, never knew,
All the things you'd say,
They were never true, never true,
And the games you'd play
You would always win, always win.
[Chorus:]
But I set fire to the rain,
Watched it pour as I touched your face,
Well, it burned while I cried
'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name!
I set fire to the rain
And I threw us into the flames
When it fell, something died
'Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time!
Sometimes I wake up by the door,
That heart you caught must be waiting for you
Even now when we're already over
I can't help myself from looking for you.
[Chorus:]
I set fire to the rain,
Watched it pour as I touched your face,
Well, it burned while I cried
'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name
I set fire to the rain,
And I threw us into the flames
When it fell, something died
'Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time, ohhhh!
Oh noooo
Let it burn, oh
Let it burn
Let it burn
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than to blossom"
- Anais Nin
Love Riya