Chapter 3 Hope
Tsunade put on a sad face and said, "well...its not looking to good, but he managed to pull through."
Sasuke and Sakura let out a sigh of relief. But it was short lived.
"However...things still look bad for him." She replied a concern apparent in her voice. Sasuke and Sakura were listening very quietly."it seems he lost alot of blood making him very weak, while we are giving him blood transfusions the extent of the damage has already reached a critical stage. His body isn't make chakra making his healing a very slow process and if continued...he...could die."
Sakura already on the verge of tears burst out crying at the mention of death. She fell to her knees sobbing. Sasuke trying to comfort her put his arms around her slowly rubbing her back. He himself wasn't much better off. The guilt of putting his teammate into this situation was eating him alive.
"Also he is showing very little brain activity which is signaling that either his body stopped leaving his mind in a limited state or so much damage has been done his mind just shut down." Tsunade said.
Sakura was in such a broke down state she couldn't say anything. Sasuke also on the verge of tears asked "Is there anything we can do, anything at all?"
Tsunade looked as if in a deep thought and managed a slight smile,"Well we do have a few things we could try but it is dangerous and he might die because of it."
"Do you think he will live through it if we try?" Sasuke replied.
"Its hard to say i know he's got the will to live, but his body might not have the strength to live through it...I'm going to leave it up to you two for you two are the only ones who know what he would want to do. If it was my decision I would go with it as it might be his best chance."
"What is it we would have to do to save him and then we'll see." Sasuke said willing to try just about anything to save his friend.
"It's a complicated and a dangerous process but if it works he could recover and be fine. This is what we would have to do..."
Over the next hour Tsunade went over the plan, going over all the risks that such an operation would present. Both Sasuke and Sakura both agreed that this would be what Naruto would want to try.
"Alright we will need 2 days to prepare the room so prepare and hope." Then Tsunade opened the door and said a few words before she left. "He's in room 217 if you want to visit." She left noticing a gleam in Sasuke's eye that hadn't been there when she first walked into the room. She saw hope.
After a few minutes of silence Sakura finally managed to shake out of her depression and asked Sasuke a question. "Sasuke do you think that Naruto will...die." She was scared out of her mind and his answer. Naruto, while childish and rash, was one of the most important things in her life. If he died she wasn't sure what to do. She looked at Sasuke waiting for a reply and saw a fierce determination in his eyes.
"Not if there is anything i can do about it."
xxxNarutoxxx
Sasuke and Sakura weren't the only ones worried about Naruto a certain Hyuuga was worried about Naruto as well. She hadn't heard anything about his whereabouts for the last 4 days. Then she hears a bunch of her fellow ninjas are hurt and are in the hospital. She happened to hear that Kiba was one of the patients so she decided to pay a visit while he was resting in the hospital.
On the way she stopped at a candy store and picked a snack for him hoping it would cheer him up. When she reached his room he was awake just kinda staring off into space. It almost seemed like he was distraught about something, which, is odd considering how upbeat he usually is. They talked for a while and she did her best to cheer him up. It turned out that he was blaming himself pretty bad because Akamaru got hurt pretty bad. Hinata knew the look in his eyes pretty well considering she saw it in herself quite often.
"Its not your fault Kiba, sounds like you did your best. And your both alive." Hinata said in one of her moments of determination. Kiba looked up at her and seemed to cheer up a bit.
"Yeah I guess so." The dog nin replied. A few moments of silence later Kiba seemed to perk up.
"RIGHT." Kiba yelled startling Hinata and Akamaru who was laying on Hinata's lap enjoying her gentle petting. "Just means we have to get that much stronger right buddy."
Akamaru wagged his tail and let out a quiet bark, still recovering but agreeing with his master. Hinata smiled and decided now would be a good time to leave seeing as she managed to do some good here. As she was about to leave Hinata asked Kiba if he knew what happened to Naruto.
"Sorry Hinata haven't heard anything about him. I heard that Neji was taken out of intensive care not to long ago though. Haven't heard anything about the others that went sorry."
"Okay. Thanks Kiba I'll v-visit soon." Hinata said as she left. Now she was worried about Naruto and Neji. While her and Neji weren't the best of friends she was starting to think that he was starting to respect her. He had made it a point to try and be more civil around her and every now and then would spar with her. With his help she saw steady increase in her performance. She even thought he even started to take a liking to her. After the chunin exams she was pretty sure that she would always be despised by him. She heard that Naruto defended her in the finals from Ino. Since she passed out she only saw a portion and rest of the details Ino filled her in on. She didn't know how much of it was true though seeing as Ino liked to her about how much Naruto defended her honor.
She decided that she would go and visit him next and see how he was. Hinata had to walk around a bit before finding someone who could tell her where Neji was but eventually managed to track down his room. As she stood outside his door her confidence started to take a dive. I'm probably the last person he'd want to see.
She stood there for a minute and was about to leave and try again later when the door opened revealing a distraught Tenten her eyes showing signs of crying. At first Tenten looked surprised to see Hinata there but then managed a smile.
"Hinata its good to see you."
"G-good to see you too Tenten."
The stood there in for a second before Hinata's eyes glanced over to Neji's bed. Tenten smiled at her knowing that she was worried. She knew that Neji and her had a complicated relationship but to see that she was worried lifted her heart a little.
"The doctor's say he's going to be fine with lots of rest and treatment," Tenten said bringing the heiress's attention back to her. "He just awoke a little while ago, go and talk to him. I think it would cheer him up to see you."
Tenten smiled and pulled Hinata into a quick hug before taking her leave. Hinata took a quick breath and stepped into his room and walked over to his bed. Neji saw her coming and managed to get up slightly trying hard to get into a sitting position.
"Neji no don't get up." Hinata said immediately putting a hand on his chest gently and slowly laid him back down in his bed. Hinata at once saw something in Neji's eyes as he slowly looked her over. It looked like guilt. They sat in silence for a while before Hinata couldn't take the silence anymore.
"H-how are y-you feeling," Hinata said nervously. Neji continued to stare at her for a few minutes, as if he was searching for the correct words. Looking at Hinata's concerned eyes he gathered his strength before clearing his throat. He then said something so quiet that even the room was dead silent she couldn't make out.
"What." Hinata said barely making out his whisper.
"I'm sorry." Neji said his eyes tearing up, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry."
"A-about." Hinata said confused and shocked at his words.
"About what I said and did to you." Neji replied in between long breaths as he sat up so he could look straight into her eyes. Hinata looked stunned so Neji continued. "I never thought to see your side, never thought to see your pain. I was so caught up in my anger I didn't see what it was doing to you," Neji said tears now coming down as is the wall of anger he hid by finally came crashing down. "I couldn't stand to look at you knowing that my father died for you. But it wasn't your fault, I'm so sorry lady Hinata. I couldn't stand my existence and I took it out on you. Can you forgive me," he said tears pouring furiously now.
At first Hinata didn't know what to do or say, she could only look into his eyes that were begging for forgiveness as they looked away as if he didn't deserve such a thing. Hinata immediately took his hand into hers and quickly replied, "Of course I do."
Neji turned his head to see Hinata crying, a genuine smile on her face. "Of course I do Neji. I never once blamed you, not for one instance."
Neji looked into her kind forgiving eyes as if they were purging the last of his guilt away. The last of his will broke and tears flooded from his eyes as if the last black mark in his soul had finally been wiped clean. As he laid dying during his mission he finally felt free of all his burdens except this one. And now without hesitation she forgave him for all the evil things he did and said to her. Neji started sobbing unable to stop it, it was simply for to much for him to take. Hinata could see that Neji, the Neji that was perhaps the strongest Hyuga to appear in generations, was so troubled that she barely even registered what she did next.
Neji tried and tried to stop himself from looking so pathetic but all the years of burying his emotions finally came to the surface. As he was trying to calm himself down he felt his body move over to rest against something. Hinata pulled Neji in closely wrapping her arms around him rubbing his shoulder. Neji looked over to see Hinata looking at him tenderly as if her eyes were telling him everything was okay.
"Its ok Neji, you don't have to worry anymore, everything is going to be alright," Hinata said sweetly.
Neji looked into her eyes and saw that everything would be.
A little while later after Neji managed to calm down Hinata was sitting by his bed chatting with him. Neji listened to her talk about what she been up to and her past missions. As he listened to her talk he noticed her smile as if just talking to him was making her happy. Hinata then looked at the clock and noticed what time it was.
"S-sorry Neji its getting late and you should rest, I'll come back later and visit okay," Hinata said getting up feeling better then she had in a long time. Neji smiled and watched her as she started to leave.
"Lady Hinata," Neji said as she was starting to leave.
"Y-yes Neji."
Neji looked at her and couldn't help but compare her to another person he knew. "you know, I can understand why you like him. Naruto brings out the best in us."
Hinata blushed and blurted out, "how did you know."
Neji sweat dropped and almost fell out of his bed. "I ah just notice things I guess." Hinata could hardly believe that Neji knew her secret.
"Anyway," Neji said bringing Hinata out of her daze. "I use to think that you were pathetic and that your kindness was weakness. But now after all of this I realized that your kindness is what makes you so strong. In fact if i'm honest I think your stronger than most people for what you have been through. Stronger then me for certain. Thank you for showing me true strength." Neji finished with a smile his burden finally lifted.
Hinata, shocked, could only blush a little from the compliment. She gave Neji a big smile and manged to say thank you before walking out the door and leaning on it as she sorted out his words. She couldn't believe that Neji would say something like that. It made her extremely happy to hear something like that said about her. It was turning out to be quite a good day.
After she was done sorting out her thoughts she started walking down the hospital hallway when she saw Sasuke and Sakura walking quickly down the hallway towards her.
"Hey Hinata" Sakura said giving her friend a slight wave. Sasuke just nodded his head to her. Hinata thinking that his team members would know where he is asked "W-wheres N-Naruto?"
Sakura got a very sad look on her face as well as Sasuke. "Hinata...Naruto is...here in the hospital" Sakura said not able to tell the fragile girl whats happened.
Hinata knowing that others had been hurt had to ask, "Is Naruto hurt, will he be ok, whats happened"
Sasuke saying what Sakura couldn't told Hinata what happened between him and Naruto. By the end of the story Hinata was crying and asked if there was anything she could do.
"We are on our way to visit him if you want to come" Sasuke suggested knowing how much she cared for the blonde idiot.
Hinata agreed and walked silently with Sakura and Sasuke. They walked in silence too occupied in their thoughts to talk. When they reached room 217 the door opened before they could open it. Out came Kakashi just finishing a visit with the doctor who was taking tests on Naruto.
"Kakashi-sensei" Sakura said sadly.
"Ah Sakura, Hinata,...Sasuke," Kakashi said eying him.
Sasuke couldn't look at his sensei straight in the eyes thinking of the disappointment that must be there.
"Sasuke your going to have to come with me i have a few...questions that need to be answered."
"Sure..but could i visit him first...please"
Kakashi looked at his student and saw the pain and tourture that was taking place in his heart. "Sure take your time"
"thank you" Sasuke whispered still unable to look at his teacher.
As the trio entered Kakashi leaned against the wall and pulled out his book intent on distracting himself to not think about the present. The three walked up to the sleeping Naruto and just looked at him. Sakura went up to and whispered something to him then backed away and started crying and ran out of the room. She just couldn't take seeing him in that state.
"Hinata could you try to comfort Sakura i need to speak to Naruto...alone." Sasuke looked at her with a look that almost seemed to be begging.
"O-ok Sa-sasuke" She left the room to see Sakura on the ground right next the door crying and letting out a "oh Naruto" between sobs. Hinata not sure what to do just leaned against the door and let her tears drop to the ground silently trying hard not to break down.
Back in the room Sasuke looked at his friend, his brother.
"Im sorry Naruto i never wanted to cause you any more pain,..I'm so sorry. Forgive my weakness brother.."Sasuke started crying went over to his friend and held his hand.
"I promise you if i can save you i will even at the cost of my life, I will make this right" Sasuke walked over to Kakashi and said " I'm ready"
"Alright lets get going...and don't worry Naruto is strong believe in him"
Kakashi opened the door and started walking down the hallway Sasuke right behind him. Before he left he stopped in front of Hinata.
"Hinata could take care of Naruto and Sakura for me i don't think ill be around for long so could you do this for me."
Hinata nodded her head and watched as Sasuke disappeared from sight. She looked at Sakura then helped her to her feet.
"Sakura m-maybe you should g-get some rest. I'll look over Naruto. I'll c-come get you if something happens."
Sakura looked at Hinata and nodded and headed back to her a room that was prepared for her since she refused to leave. Hinata meanwhile went back into Naruto's room determined to do anything that could help him. She sat next to him and just watched him for a bit, noticing how frail he looked. She pulled out a book to pass the time with and would every now and then glance up at Naruto. And every once would whisper his name wishing he would answer. After a few hours Hinata began to get a little sleepy but not ready to go to bed yet so she decided to talk to Naruto before leaving.
"Naruto" she whispered "Naruto i d-dont know if you can hear m-me but i just w-want you t-to know" She stopped and grabbed his hand blushing a little."your not alone Naruto y-your f-friends are with y-you and" she gripped his hand a little harder and said in a very hushed voice "I'm here with you so dont give up..Naruro" Hinata started crying unable to hold back any longer. She cried and cried she put her head on Naruto's chest and continued to cry.
As she cried she listened to Naruto's slow breaths and took comfort in that he was still breathing and before she knew it she was asleep dreaming about Naruto. Today was an extremely emotional day for the young kunoichi.
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"So that's what happened" Kakashi said as Sasuke finished his recount.
"yes" Sasuke said somberly
Kakashi went over the details of what he learned. For the most part it was Orochimaru's influence that made Sasuke do what he did. But there was still a part of him that wanted to go and gain power. He was going to have to punish Sasuke for his actions but that could wait for a bit. For now they needed to focus on getting Naruto better.
"Kakashi"
"Yes Sasuke"
"I know what i've done and i make no attempt to justify my actions and accept any punishment given but.."
"but?"
"Could it wait until we heal Naruto i need to do this i have to..i have to at least try to repent for my mistakes" As he said this Kakashi saw a few tears fall off his face.
"I'll do what i can"
"thank you"
Kakashi left the room and left Sasuke to his thoughts and thought We all make mistakes Sasuke...some of us accept and live with them and others..try to fix it. Kakashi looked up at the ceiling and hoped he wouldnt have to live with another pain in his heart.
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Over the next few days preparations were readied and made. Both Hinata and Sakura never left the hospital. Sasuke was given a room with a guard stationed outside the door making sure he didn't leave. The hour was approaching and in a couple a minutes they would get ready to try and save Naruto. As it turned out Hinata asked Tsunade when she visited if she could help with healing him and was told of the plan. With time approaching everyone started making there way to the prepared room.
Sakura and Hinata walked together towards the room they would use to save Naruto or cause his death. On the way they Sasuke being escorted to the room as well.
"HEYYY Sasuke" Sakura waved and yelled managing a smile at seeing him.
Sasuke looked back and gave a small wave and walked with the girls. Soon they made it to the room and entered. They were not expecting what they saw in the room was many seals written all over the wall with Naruto in the middle and weird symbols in the corners of the room.
Tsunade was in the middle of the room with a concerned look on her face. When she saw the group enter she waved her hand and told them to wait patiently. After a few minutes she was ready.
"Ok you've been briefed on what we are going to do, we are going to transfer a large amount of our chakra into his body, then using that new chakra we will began repairing damage done to his body, and finally, give enough chakra that his body will be able to run on it until he can make his own chakra again. This process is long and tedious and if any one of you stop channeling chakra it will fail and he will die." She looked around to make sure they understood this. "If this works Naruto should be in tip top condition assuming his body can take the new chakra then the stress of healing and making new chakra." she looked around once again then said" that's all do your absolute best or this won't work. We can do this, get into positions"
Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Kakashi and all took positions in the center of a large white circle in the courners while Tsunade stood right next to Naruto in the center circle.
Sakura started first drawing out chakra. As she did a symbol apeared below her. It said Strength and was colored red.
One by one a symbol apeared below each of the courners. At Sasukes was a green colored 'Family' symbol, at Kakashi's apeared a Purple colored 'Friendship' symbol, and at Hinatas corner appeared a white colored 'Love' symbol.
"Ok the chakra is ready" Tsunade said and began transfering her chakra then said "For Naruto"
Hours past by 1,2,5,6,8 hours past and they were coming close to finishing the job. "alright guys this is the last stretch full power"
All five ninjas brought up their full power making each of ther symbols glow brightly.
Tsunade made a few symbols and pressed her hand on Naruto's stomach and said "SECRET ART: SOUL RESTORATIONS JUTSU"
As she performed the jutsu chakra swirled above them spinning wildly then forming into a tornado and slowly entered Naruto's body. The group looked in amazement as the chakra swirled until all of it disappeared into him. Then Naruto's body glowed a light blue for about five minutes before stopping.
Sakura praying it worked was the first to speak "Did it work master Tsunade"
Tsunade also praying went to check Naruto's pulse. She put her hands on his neck for a sec, then took it off. A second later she fell to the floor screaming wildly and crying her heart out "DAMNIT". She pounded the ground screaming"WHY" in between her tears.
As the other four looked at her each of them came to realize what happened. It didn't work. Sakura was the first to break as she also hit the ground crying. Kakashi Turned around put a hand on the wall and also weeped for his lost student. Sasuke took it the worst and fell to his knees. Tears pouring down his face as he just screamed "NOOOOOOOO"
Hinata walked over to Naruto unable to believe it and checked his pulse. Her heart broke and took her finger off him and started crying. She didn't know what she was going to do without her source of strength. He made her want to be better to be strong she didn't know what she was going to do now. Her head landed on his body and she let out a loud cry for her lost love.
"NARUTOOOO"
