Disclaimer: Naruto is still the property of Kishimoto-sensei. Fantasizing about his characters and the drama bits are mine.
A/N: This is the beta-ed version. No changes to the story whatsoever. Anyways, enjoy!
Aftermath: Post War
Chapter 6: Drunken Life, Dreamy Death
Sake was a welcoming respite from reality.
Yet Tsunade failed to drown her burdens with several bottles of sake and currently sported a headache twice the size of the Hokage monument. Letting out a long insufferable sigh, she gazed at her half-filled glass thoughtfully as if it held the answers she longed for.
Two days from now, the Kage Summit will take place in Konoha.
Today, she'll be meeting with the council and the Fire Country daimyō to discuss funding for building reconstruction and village rehabilitation. Not keen on doing the paperwork for it, she passed the responsibility to Shikamaru's capable hands, which, he surprisingly accepted without complaints.
Afterward, Shizune dropped by her office and immediately announced the Kazekage's arrival. Tsunade hastily shoved the sake bottle under her desk as the door opened and the Kazekage strode inside followed by Kankuro and Temari for a courtesy greet.
Taking note of her reddening nose and cheeks, Gaara chose to overlook her lackluster appearance – fully aware of the Hokage's excessive drinking habit. He deftly raised a hand and his siblings instantly left the room.
Tsunade laced her fingers together, amazed to see the former jinchūriki carrying his self like a true leader. "You're a bit early but I'm pleased to see you. I trust things are well in the Hidden Sand?"
"The war cost us countless lives but our citizens are currently striving hard to rebuild what we lost," Gaara replied.
"I see. I'm sure you're not here for a simple courtesy call since you signaled your siblings to leave the room."
He nodded, not one to beat around the bush. News spread fast in Suna and the latest ones he received from Temari upon her return from Konoha were doubtful. Staring at the imposing woman in front of him with eyes flashing like liquid amber, he remarked knowingly, "So it's true?"
Tsunade huffed, tossing her blonde bangs aside with her hand. "Currently under lock and key if that's what you're asking."
"I didn't expect it to happen so soon."
"It will, eventually. I had no choice but to put up with their demands."
"But you did have a choice, didn't you?"
Tsunade stilled at his question, certainly misjudging his perception. Reaching under her desk, she retrieved a small sake cup and placed it in front of Gaara. The younger man looked at the cup warily before taking it and allowed her to fill it to the brim.
Taking a small sip, he watched as she quickly downed hers then refilled her cup. Sated, Tsunade rose from her seat and stood in front of the window overlooking the Hokage Monument. "We did it for the sake of the village," she reasoned tersely. "There's no turning back now."
"It was a huge risk."
"I know."
Gaara downed the rest of his drink, placing the cup back on her desk. He eyed the crest displayed on Tsunade's back, pondering its meaning. "After making a huge gamble, you're waiting to see if you made the right decision."
She only shrugged. "Yes."
"It will happen at the summit?"
"If you put it that way, then yes."
The Kazekage nodded. The matter concerning Uchiha Sasuke was debatable and firstly, a village matter so there wasn't any point for an outsider like him to intervene. However, if this matter reached the summit it'd only mean one thing.
They are afraid of him.
As a former jinchūriki, Gaara was a veteran in enduring fear and hatred from the village and its people. Heck, even his own father tried to kill him. His saving grace was his uncle Yashamaru who told him that the pain of losing an important person was similar to an incurable wound and only love can heal it.
After encountering his father Rasa in the battlefield and learning the truth about his mother, Gaara finally buried the hatchet on his past stigmas.
These were the reasons why Gaara easily sympathized with Sasuke's plight – they knew the pain of loneliness. Recalling the last time the Uchiha attacked the First Kage Summit, the stoic Kazekage surmised that his prowess already surpassed their peers – only rivaled by Naruto's.
Judging the situation, the Fire Country would quickly jump at any given opportunity to secure power and gain superiority over the other Four Great Nations. It was common practice for the daimyōs to compete with each other, similar to how children would bicker over whom won the most number of marbles.
Nevertheless, Gaara had a hunch why the council pushed the order regardless of the tempting offer of superiority and benefitting use of the last Uchiha's abilities.
They feared putting an Uchiha and the Kyūbi jinchūriki together could trigger another war because of their insane amount of power so for the safety of its citizens, they decided to choose the lesser evil.
One monster was more than enough for them.
Even if he's the Kyūbi's jinchūriki, Naruto was no longer a threat to Konoha since his aim was to be Hokage and the village's acknowledgment was required to achieve it.
On the other hand, the council deemed Sasuke a threat on the grandest scale due to the magnitude of his crimes and the terrifying power of his eyes.
He was the obvious choice.
Ironically, if Sasuke didn't have a change of heart and assisted Naruto in winning the war, they will continue to live on inside the Infinite Tsukuyomi as mindless beings.
Gaara concluded the council's decision as a simple act of ungratefulness.
"Naruto will not stand for this," he said finally. Seeing Tsunade's inquisitive stare, he added, "He will not allow his friend to be executed."
"Considering the fact that he's in a serious condition, he'll have a tough time in doing that," Tsunade replied dourly.
Gaara's turquoise eyes widened in disbelief. "Naruto's injured?"
She nodded. "He exhausted his chakra while stopping Kakashi and the others from arresting Sasuke." She sat on the edge of her desk, her expression pensive. "In his weakened state, that idiotic brat relied on the Kyūbi's power to fend off the Anbu. Regardless of his large chakra reserves and the Kyūbi's chakra within him, two weeks and a half day will not be enough for a full recovery."
Like Gaara feared. With Kakashi leading the arrest, it was pure betrayal for Naruto. "This is a serious matter, Hokage. Are you sure you're making the right decision?"
"You consider him as your friend, right?"
"Yes."
"If you're Naruto, are you willing to betray the village for Sasuke?"
Gaara paused, unsure how to answer her question. He recalled the times he spent his whole life proving to everyone that he was no longer the same psychotic and insomniac jinchūriki who once terrorized the village.
As Kazekage, he owed his life to the people who acknowledged him and he will protect them until his dying breath. Also, his siblings will always be there to protect him. Unfortunately, he never experienced what Naruto went through with Sasuke so in his case, betrayal wasn't an option.
Although he understood the pain of losing a loved one.
"As Kazekage and shinobi, my duties are to my people. I will not risk their lives and safety for one felon. However," he added reflectively, "I understand very well how important that man is to Naruto. He will do any – no, everything to save his life."
If Tsunade had the inclination to argue, she didn't show it. Only a smile crossed her red-stained lips. "I find your belief in him astounding."
Gaara smirked. "He changed me. I owed him that much."
"However, you understand your priorities. Regrettably, Naruto doesn't," Tsunade replied, curtly. "As shinobi, our job is to make sure we uphold peace through any means necessary. Losing comrades is already part of the package, hence the training to suppress emotions."
"Even if it means living alone?" When Tsunade didn't respond, Gaara continued, "I felt that once, the depressive crux of being a jinchūriki. Only Naruto showed me the importance of camaraderie. If it weren't for his belief and my family's support, I wouldn't be standing here in front of you."
"Kazekage…"
A knock on the door stopped them in their tracks. "Excuse me, Hokage-sama. The Fire Country daimyō and his entourage have arrived."
"Good. Lead them to the meeting room."
"As you wish."
Gaara turned to leave as well.
"Wait, Kazekage."
"I'll be visiting Naruto at the hospital," he announced. Nodding briefly at the blonde woman, he smiled at her. "Like you, I'll do my best at the summit. Keep your head high – Hokage."
Coming from someone younger than her, it sounded weird. Nevertheless, it boosted Tsunade's confidence. She smiled back. "Thank you."
"Hokage."
"What?"
"Fix yourself."
Forward.
Backward.
Forward.
Backward.
To a normal observer, they'd probably think he was rehearsing for a dance competition. However, to the former Anbu Captain and a Jōnin commander widely known for his fluidity in combat, he was doing the steps of doom. Fed up with his antics, Kakashi stopped pacing and stared at the door in front of him.
He debated with himself whether to open the door and meet his end at the mercy of an irate jinchūriki or risk a punch and turn into jelly by the Godaime's disciple.
In both ways, he'll still die.
'Ah, how I missed the times when I was still the coolest and strongest teacher and they're just my cute adorable students,' he sighed inwardly. It was a universal rule that the new generation will surpass the previous ones and like a doting dad, he's extremely proud of his children's accomplishments.
But now, he was simply afraid to incur their wrath.
Before Kakashi changed his mind, he grasped the lever and quickly opened the door.
Only to wish he hadn't.
Inside the room sat Naruto.
Kakashi slid the door shut as he entered the room. It was eerily quiet and only the soft beeping sounds of the heart monitor provided the distraction from the gloomy atmosphere. His fists clenched, carefully examining his student's sickly appearance.
Naruto's body was heavily covered with bandages from the wounds caused by Shikamaru's Shadow Binding technique. Shizune's report stated he overtaxed his chakra usage by forcibly siphoning the Kyūbi chakra in his body. In addition, witnessing Sasuke taken away by Ibiki increased his panic levels that led to his collapse. Filled with guilt, Kakashi knew he's the source of his student's trauma this time.
What troubled him most was his student's haunting expression. His blue eyes which held its usual bright sheen was dulled.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
When Kakashi saw Naruto blacking out from shock, he caught the latter's body before it hit the ground then dashed to the emergency room. Minutes after he left Naruto under the care of medics, he ran into a wide-eyed and panic-stricken Sakura. Before the pinkette could inquire about Naruto and Sasuke's whereabouts, he turned the opposite direction and fled the hospital.
He didn't have the heart to face his students.
He couldn't tell them that Sasuke wished for it to happen as well.
…
After the hospital, he rushed to oversee Sasuke's confinement in the Anbu headquarters. He watched wordlessly as the young man was stripped off his clothing, subjected to a thorough frisking, restrained with a straight jacket bound with chakra suppressing chains and a seal to cover his eyes.
Ibiki wasn't kidding when he said that S-class criminals were given more 'special treatment' than any common criminal.
Once Sasuke was placed in a holding cell, Kakashi was given permission to talk to him. The older Jōnin tried to maintain his composure as he approached his student who remained unmoving behind the metal bars. Minutes passed and all he did was to stare at Sasuke's bound form in silence, unsure of what to say.
The entire situation was vexing.
"I'm sorry you had to go through all that," he spoke quietly. "We had to follow the standard procedures of detaining prisoners courtesy of Ibiki."
Sasuke was deathly quiet.
Kakashi scratched his covered chin, mentally cursing his poor social skills. His student already suffered humiliation that'll last for a lifetime so he needed to come up with a topic that will lift the somber mood.
By telling another somber topic.
"Naruto collapsed," he began, teeth clenched. "While you were led away by Ibiki, he recklessly fought off the Anbu using the Kyūbi's chakra."
No response.
"Sakura's there with him now. They're currently working on him as we speak. Or rather, I'm the one speaking since you're not answering back –"
Still no response.
Kakashi sighed. 'Talking to myself in front of a mirror is so much better than this…' He's only making a complete fool of himself…and the allotted time was ticking fast.
Offering Sasuke comforting words won't work since it'll only end up as false reassurances. His student certainly didn't need any of those and he was gradually conditioning himself to the harsh surroundings of his cell.
It dawned on Kakashi that Sasuke's injuries were on the verge of recovering and the chakra instability in his body was still in effect. Once it wears off, there'll be no further need for him to take drugs since he's bound with chakra suppressing chains.
The real problem was his insomnia.
The Jōnin grasped the metal bars tightly. He was used to Sasuke's reticent nature but he needed to assure himself that his former protégé would stay sentient. In actuality, he accidentally overheard his students' conversation.
While waiting for the opportunity to corner Sasuke, Kakashi masked his presence, hiding in the dark corner of the room. He knew the boys' senses were dulled because of their injuries – Naruto's low chakra reserves won't be able to activate his Sage mode and sense him while Sasuke's drugged condition and his friend's distracting presence to some degree, dropped his guard.
When Sakura entered the room to check on them, Kakashi had no choice but to call for backup and wait for a little longer. Thus, he had no choice but to eavesdrop on their discussion and learned several things.
Sasuke's insomnia.
Naruto's fear of losing Sasuke.
Sakura's fear of choosing duty over friendship.
Sasuke's self-sacrifice.
Teamwork.
Without a doubt, his students valued his words more than anything else. Even if the idea came from Obito, he loyally included it in his teachings to remember him by. When he witnessed his students finally applying their credo in defeating Kaguya, his heart swelled from happiness.
I love you guys.
I really do.
For now, please forgive me.
Still gripping the bars, he tried again. "Sasuke, say something…anything." Seeing no signs of movement from the raven head, he added in a pleading tone, "Please, I need to hear from you…so I can have the courage to face them."
Sasuke groggily lifted his head at his direction.
It was at this exact moment when Ibiki entered the holding cells. "Time's up. By the way, Tsunade-sama requests your presence in her office immediately."
Cursing the other man's ill-timed arrival, Kakashi sighed. Giving Sasuke one last look, he stood up then followed Ibiki outside.
And now…
Facing his other student who didn't even acknowledged his presence, Kakashi grabbed a chair and sat down. The silence went by for a few minutes before he decided to break the ice.
"Naruto."
The blond didn't respond, his head facing the other direction. Kakashi followed his gaze, recognizing the empty bed next to Naruto used to be Sasuke's. The guilt Kakashi hadn't felt for a long time began gnawing his gut.
Dreading the déjà vu-like atmosphere, he tried again. "Naruto…I'm sorry." When he still didn't respond, he added, "We had to do it for the sake of the village. It's our job as shinobi."
Silence dominated the room.
Kakashi knew his efforts were futile. Standing up, he gave his student a dejected smile. "In any case, focus on recovery first. I'll come back after –"
"Sensei."
Kakashi stilled. He looked at Naruto, uncertain. Sure enough, Naruto stared back but his eyes were vacant – eerily similar to Sasuke's. He sank back in the chair, relieved he wasn't hearing things. "What is it, Naruto?"
"Why?"
"Why, what?"
"Why'd you do it?"
And there's the big question.
Kakashi's expression turned somber quietly answering, "It's the Hokage's orders."
Fury flashed in Naruto's eyes as he glared at him. "Hokage's orders? Kakashi-sensei, I'm sure you still had a choice! I thought you believed in us! In him! You, of all people, should know he already gave up his vengeance against Konoha!" His hand grasped his forehead, trying to control his temper.
"Naruto, even if you say those things the Hokage's orders are still absolute," Kakashi explained, treading on the matter as lightly as he could. "The council and daimyō issued a joint order to arrest Sasuke for his crimes against Konoha and Kumogakure." The eye that wasn't covered by his forehead protector flickered with hesitation. "We don't have any form of assurance that Sasuke won't do it again and mere words will not appease the elders since he killed Danzō."
The blond jinchūriki's fist clenched, seething.
The tension was heightening and Kakashi decided not to burden him with pointless thoughts. It won't do good for his health. The Jōnin placed a comforting hand on his head. "For now, focus on your recovery and stop thinking of unnecessary things."
Naruto angrily threw his hand aside.
Kakashi let him, knowing his student was barely holding it in. Provoking the boy's temper was bad for his health so he kept quiet.
He heard a laugh.
Naruto chuckled again, fist gripping the sheet. "This is all a joke, right?" He regarded his teacher with renewed bitterness. "What happened to teamwork? You said before that those who abandon their friends are worse than scum. So all those talks about teamwork was a big fat lie?"
"Naruto –"
"You abandoned Sasuke!" Naruto snapped, angrily. Tears fell from his eyes and streamed down his face. "You let them take him away! You didn't even make any attempts to stop them even though you know it's wrong! It's your fault! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Whump!
In the blink of an eye, Kakashi braced his forearm over Naruto's eyes, pinning him down on the bed. He felt the wetness of his student's tears soaking through his sleeve while regarding him with repressed sympathy. "I won't deny the fact I arrested him. However, you failed to look in the bigger picture. Sasuke's an international criminal, one that's not supposed to roam freely. Did you consider the fact that once he returns to Konoha it's certain death for him?"
Naruto tried to remove Kakashi's arm from his face but the Jōnin kept his hold firmly.
"Read underneath the underneath, Naruto. We are shinobi whose job is to follow orders of those who're superior to us. Disobeying orders equals treason. Before you let your emotions get the best of you, learn to use your head and understand everything."
The response he heard was incessant sobs.
"Even if I did say those things…in the real world, those words are meaningless," Kakashi explained, harshly. "You only need to remember two things: Live or Die. For us shinobi, either you follow orders and live or disobey and die a traitor. Sasuke knew he'd die if he returned here yet he chose to face it willingly. Do you understand why he did it without telling you and Sakura?"
Naruto struggled, clawing his sensei's arm to free himself. "I don't know! I don't want to know!"
Kakashi remained firm. "Because he knows you'll react like this! Acting like a spoiled child, what can you do? Do you think by throwing fits like this will stop him from being executed? Can you even protect him in your current state? Don't make me laugh. There's nothing you can do because right now, you're nothing more but a lowly genin."
Naruto's struggling gradually stopped but his sobs continued, coming out in loud gurgling sounds. The older Jōnin bit his lip, realizing he went too far this time. Telling Naruto the harsher truth of things was sickening. Nevertheless, if he didn't do it, his student will remain naïve of the true shinobi system.
Come to think of it, not once had he seen Naruto kill a person during the course of their missions.
He was still a pure boy.
A pure boy slowly tainted by lies and deceit.
Ignorance was no longer a bliss for him.
Unless an idiot dies, it won't be cured.
'Minato-sensei, forgive me,' he apologized regrettably. 'Naruto cannot remain ignorant forever. If he wants to be Hokage…he needs to learn the bloodstained truth of being shinobi.'
Hearing Naruto's cries brought a sinking feeling in his gut. He truly, truly understood what Naruto felt. As much as he wanted to rescue Sasuke from his cruel fate, he couldn't go against the Hokage and the council.
Ironically, he was just as helpless as his student.
If only…if only Naruto knew…
"Naruto, I –"
"Please remove your arm from my patient."
Recognizing the voice, Kakashi slowly retracted his arm from Naruto's face. He looked back to see Sakura at the doorway, expression unreadable. Beside her, Sai carried a bag of apples and sported a blank look on his face.
The taller man stepped back as the pinkette passed by him to get to Naruto's bed. Sai gave him a curt nod as he took his place opposite Sakura's. Kakashi silently watched as the petite girl soothed her friend's sobbing form, her words inaudible. Sai hovered next to them, a comforting hand on Naruto's back.
The sight of his team following the ideal that he utterly betrayed was too much.
Knowing he already caused enough ruckus, he turned around and walked out of the room.
He needed to clear his head.
And found his ideal place at the rooftop.
The same rooftop where his students fought.
Kakashi sighed as the wind blew strong gusts of air, hitting his body with cold ferocity. Running a hand on his silver tresses, he began formulating his next course of action.
Ah, I'm supposed to attend the meeting.
It was an order from the Hokage but he politely declined, citing a need to check on Naruto's condition. Tsunade reluctantly assented to his request but not before telling him to report to her office after his visit.
Other than that, he had important things to do.
Kakashi leaned against the metal railing, his thoughts filled with his last conversation with his student. That was the first time he saw the blond jinchūriki projected his anger at him. He breathed a sigh of relief that Naruto didn't use his chakra mode…and that won't be good.
Laughing silently, he was already used to being hated. Hell, even Obito stated his displeasure of him when they were still kids. His shoulders slumped in dejection. 'Maybe, I'm feeling down because I can't stand being hated by my own kids…'
"I knew I'd find you here."
He glanced over his shoulder.
"Sakura."
The only female of their team approached him, a frown on her face. Ashamed of his earlier actions, Kakashi quickly turned his attention to the Hokage monument. The monument loomed with its majestic appeal, amidst the buildings which were ongoing construction. It was amazing that the monument remained intact even after Pain's invasion.
His student stopped next to him, silently viewing the monument.
Kakashi silently wished this wouldn't be a replay of his failed encounters with Sasuke and Naruto. Not only that, he wouldn't dare to inflict bodily harm on his female student no matter what the circumstances like he did to – "How's Naruto?"
"Sleeping. I made sure the pills he took this time are not rigged. Sai's watching him now."
He was baffled at her statement.
"His physical injuries will heal in a couple of days," she informed him. "His chakra levels are still low so I put him on strict bedrest. If it weren't for the Kyūbi chakra inside him, he'd be out for another week from chakra depletion."
Seeing Kakashi's disbelieving look, she explained, "It's not a surprise since he and Sasuke-kun fought until they exhausted all their resources. If they were normal humans, they'd die instantly but they're not…" she trailed off.
Kakashi nodded in understanding. "They're the reincarnated sons of the Sage of Sixth Paths. They're still humans nonetheless. Last time they were able to hold out a bit longer due to that and their sheer willpower. If we arrived a second later, they'll eventually die."
Sakura mulled at this info.
Minutes passed by and Kakashi decided to ask the ultimate question. "Are you going to blame me?"
His pink-haired student regarded his question with careful consideration then eventually shrugged. "It can't be helped since it's your job. Even if Naruto and I tried to stop it, we can't go against Tsunade-shishou's orders."
He found her response confusing. Knowing from experience that she and Naruto were the emotional ones in their team, seeing her calm approach to things seemed rather strange.
Or he underestimated his student's maturity.
"I understand how Naruto feels," she tells him. "Frankly, I'm feeling the same way but I also understand why you did it. It's a cruel choice, but someone has to do it, right?"
Her answer was too good to be true.
"If only things ended differently," Kakashi admitted, wistfully. "When I arrested Sasuke, he didn't even make a fuss. It would've been better if he showed some resistance but…that'd be a bad idea."
Sakura shook her head. "It's pointless for him to resist. Not in his current form."
"Ah."
Noticing her teacher's troubled form, she placed a hand reassuringly on his shoulder. "Fretting about Naruto and Sasuke-kun's conditions will get you nowhere. Right now, we should focus on our own responsibilities. Tsunade-shishou probably thinks about it too. I'm pretty sure she requires your assistance now more than ever in resolving these issues."
"Sakura…"
A smile.
"However…"
In an instant Kakashi found himself knocked backward, his back hitting the wall with a sickening THUD!
Feeling himself losing consciousness, he barely heard the sounds of Sakura's approaching footsteps while idly cracking her knuckles. Grabbing him by the collar, her jade green eyes turned dangerously cold.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm seriously angry at you for making complete fools out of us. I can take all the betrayal and whatnot but…" her grip tightened, "I won't forgive you for badmouthing Naruto. He's suffered enough. Promise me, this will be the last time you'll do this stupid stunt behind our backs."
His head bobbed weakly in response.
Satisfied, Sakura let him go. Kakashi placed a hand gingerly on his stomach, musing two or three of his ribs were cracked. The bursting pain he felt from his insides were sure signs of organ damage.
To think she didn't even exert an effort from that hit but the impact…damn it hurt!
Shikamaru wasn't kidding.
For the first time, he feared for his life.
"Kakashi-sensei."
He only gaped at her retreating back. In a second, he was seeing spots and the next was nothing.
"Why are you still sitting down? Get up so I can heal you."
No response.
"Sensei, don't make me repeat myself. I –" she turned around, faltering as she saw her teacher's crumpled form on the ground.
Muttering a sheepish, "Oops…" the pinkette plucked her teacher's body off the ground and hauled him over her shoulder effortlessly like a sack of potatoes.
"Damn, I should've flicked him on the forehead instead."
It hurts.
Naruto stared listlessly at the ceiling. He woke up from his nap minutes ago then resumed crying. Afterward, he replayed the words Kakashi engraved in his memory.
"There's nothing you can do because right now, you're nothing more but a lowly genin."
His eyes were acting out again. Wiping the tears away with his sleeve, he's still shaken that the situation was taking its turn for the worse.
Please…please, if this is a nightmare, I'd like to wake up now.
His eyes fixed at the bed next to him and his tears resurfaced.
It's not a dream.
Sasuke's gone.
And I'm…I'm stuck in this hellhole.
Using his elbow, Naruto forced himself to a sitting position. Injured or not, he had to see Sasuke. Knowing the bastard's brooding habits, he's probably willing himself to die within his nightmares right this minute.
Like hell, he won't let that happen.
After yanking the IV drip on his arm with his teeth, he went on to remove the pulse oximeter hooked on his chest. He almost succeeded when a hand stopped him. Eyes widening in surprise, he glared at the hand's owner. "Sai! What the hell –"
"You're not supposed to do that, Naruto."
Naruto wrenched his arm free. "Let me go! I have to see Sasuke. I need to make sure he's alright –"
"He's currently detained in the Anbu headquarters and Ibiki-san enforced a strict ban not to allow any visitors," Sai explained, releasing Naruto's arm. "It'd be wise for you to get some rest."
Naruto ignored him, removing all the healing attachments off his body. Batting Sai's hands aside, he wobbled his way to the door. He was five steps closer to the exit when his knees gave up. Eyes widening, he was unable to stop himself from falling on the cold floor –
Only to find himself enclosed within a fist formed by sand. "Gaara…?"
Said person stepped inside the room, turquoise eyes scrutinizing his current condition. His expression filled with worry. "You should be in bed."
"Not you too," the blond jinchūriki grumbled, too tired to struggle. Provoking Gaara was unwise since his sand could literally crush him to bits. After the crimson-haired Kage returned Naruto to his bed, he ordered Sai to get a doctor.
The pale man nodded then left the room.
With nothing else to do, Naruto leaned against the headboard. "So, what brings you here?"
Gaara sat on the chair Kakashi occupied hours earlier. "I'm here for the Kage Summit. It'll take place in two days."
Naruto's eyes widened in confusion. His time in the hospital made him unaware of other recent events. "I see." His eyes darted back and forth at the imposing male in front of him. It felt awkward talking to Gaara like this…he's the Kazekage while he on the other hand…
He tightly fisted the sheet.
Gaara noted his apprehension. "I heard about it from the Hokage." Naruto glanced at his direction. "Konoha ordered for his arrest. I came here a day early to confirm if things were true."
Naruto gestured at the empty bed next to him. "Well, he's no longer here. He's now at the Anbu headquarters." His eyes suddenly lightened up, smiling. "Hey, Gaara! Maybe you can do me a big favor!"
"A favor?"
Naruto grasped his arm, eyes pleading. "Maybe you can help me get out of here! I really need to see Sasuke. And I need to talk to Tsunade-bachan, maybe I can still convince her to let him go –"
"Naruto, I…"
Tears leaked in Naruto's eyes, his smile slowly contorting into a panicky frown. "Please, Gaara! You're the only one I can rely on right now…I can't…" He gripped the other man's arm like it was his only lifeline. "In my current state…I'm unable to protect him. Even my rank…won't be enough to make a plea for his release. But you…you're the Kage, right? You have the power to make them listen to you…so please…"
Still clutching Gaara's arm, he bowed in front of him, his forehead touching the mattress. His waterworks resumed as he pleaded relentlessly, "I beg of you, please help me get out of here!"
It was an act of desperation.
It moved Gaara's heart but he remained resolute.
Placing a hand on Naruto's trembling shoulder, he replied, "Even if I help you right now, your weak condition will render you unable to go beyond the door. Be reasonable and focus on your own recovery."
"But Sasuke will die if I don't –"
"He's still alive, is he not?"
The other boy flinched.
"Even an S-ranked criminal such as he will have access to a fair trial," Gaara explained, hand firm on Naruto's shoulder. "I apologize but this is a village matter. Not even I, the Kazekage can interfere with your village's laws."
He felt Naruto's body sagging from despair. As much as he wanted to offer his aid, it wouldn't be wise to earn the ire of Konoha's daimyō and the council. It was truly a delicate situation.
Unfortunately, one man's voice won't be enough to shake their resolve.
Even a powerful voice like his cannot go against the bigwigs of Konoha.
The only thing he could do was to comfort his friend.
"And that's the end."
Tsunade stifled a yawn as Shikamaru finished his presentation. Amber eyes flitted from the daimyō who used his fan to cover his yawn then to the elders sporting similar stony expressions. Discussing the village's present and future developments with old farts who barely listened to every important detail were frustrating.
The meeting in its entirety was unnerving since all they did for the past few hours was downsizing budgets for several institutions they found uninteresting – in particular, the Academy. 'They barely glanced at the report,' she muttered under her breath, gaze dropping at her own copy.
Shikamaru did a good job…even if he only had a day to finish it.
Homura coughed for emphasis. "We'll now decide the allocation of funds for each landmark. As we all know, the shinobi's well-being comes first so I suggest prioritizing the budget for the Medical Facility."
"I agree," Koharu nodded. "For funding, we'll have to sell our services again to the other countries. If we must, we can accept requests from smaller countries like Ame."
The daimyō nodded, waving his fan solemnly. "Most prudent since we thoroughly exhausted our resources just to support the alliance." His beady eyes trailed at Tsunade's direction, "Give the order to start accepting requests right away."
The blonde woman nodded grimly.
A representative from the Anbu raised his hand. "If I may interrupt my lieges, we also have an important matter to discuss."
The daimyō cocked his head to one side. "Go on."
"It's the matter concerning Uchiha Sasuke."
Tsunade's brow rose. Behind her, Shikamaru's stance went rigid. Across from them, Koharu and Homura exchanged looks. The daimyō tapped his fan uninterestingly. "What about this Uchiha Sasuke?"
"He's the S-ranked criminal who killed Danzō-sama and allied himself with the Akatsuki."
The daimyō tapped his fan again. "Ah, that one. If I remember correctly, he's been arrested. Right, Hokage?"
"Yes. He's currently detained in the Anbu headquarters," she answered flatly.
Homura wasted no time in baring his fangs. "We have the Kage Summit within two days. What better way to show our might by granting him an honorable death in front of the Kages?"
"I believe even S-ranked criminals such as he deserves a fair trial," Tsunade reasoned, giving him a reproachful look. "Let's not forget the fact that he's instrumental in defeating Madara and the Jūbi. Without his help, we won't win the war."
"Yes, that's true," Koharu's thin lips tightened. "However, he possesses the terrifying Sharingan and Rinnegan. I learned from the reports that the Infinite Tsukuyomi was achieved by using both eyes. And that boy," she added in a condescending tone, "shares the same blood and traits as Madara. There's a possibility that he'll follow the same path as his predecessor."
"Even if Uchiha Madara was one of our forefathers, he relentlessly waged war against Konoha," Homura noted. "Sasuke may be young but he launched an attack at the first Kage summit and killed an elite shinobi of Konoha like Danzō who always worked for the village's best interests. If he didn't die an untimely death, he would've been a respectable Hokage."
The daimyō hid his yawn behind the fan. "I agree. I'm not keen on harboring a dangerous criminal in my country. I'd rather not risk our village to be destroyed again. It's heavily taxing for my finances you know."
Tsunade's brows knitted together. In the council's defense, Sasuke's death will close the chapter on the Uchiha tragedy. To avoid history in repeating itself, they could not afford a vestige of Madara to roam freely so they decided to end his life.
Even if she wanted to mention Itachi's name and his sacrifice, it wouldn't be wise since his brother was already the living embodiment of the council's dark sins.
Moreover, not everyone was aware of Itachi's role in defeating the Edo Tensei.
From the look of the daimyō's face, he was considering the council's notions.
'These cowards…to think they'd resort to this without a trial,' she thought angrily, fist clenching. 'Looks like I have no choice but to use that –' She clasped her hands together. "Unfortunately, I disagree."
Resting her chin above her joined fingers, she explained, "Regardless of the atrocities he committed, there's still use for him. Even if Madara and the Jūbi are gone, there are chances that we'll meet potential threats like them. His powers originally belonged to the village – not only that, he'll gain us the advantage over the other countries."
The daimyō's fluttered his eyelashes lazily. "Even if he's strong, what are the odds he won't end up like Madara? From what I've heard of the Uchiha clan, they're similar to a double-edged sword. They can protect and kill you at the same time. In the past, they even attempted a coup d'état to overthrow the Third Hokage, am I right?"
"That's all in the past," Tsunade fired back. "What matters most is the present and the future. There's no need to bring up those sordid issues."
"Unfortunately, we do," Homura dissented. "During the time of the Nidaime, the Uchiha clan were already considered a threat. Even without a leader like Madara, they still possessed that cursed kekkei genkai. I admit it was hard to keep them in line."
"So that's the reason they were situated at the farther region of Konoha," Tsunade remarked coldly. "Because YOU think they WERE that much of a threat."
Homura's eyes narrowed to slits. "You weren't around at that time so you had no idea how much of a threat they were. With their Sharingan, they have the ability to control the Kyūbi." He folded his arms over his lap and sighed, "We're starting to recover from the war and we can't afford another slip-up from an Uchiha youngling."
The blonde woman seethed. Their argument was getting nowhere and she couldn't afford to lose her cool here. It was obvious they'd never allow Sasuke to live. 'So, this is it for him then?' she thought inwardly.
Someone coughed.
Everyone turned their attention to the culprit. Shikamaru raised his hand. "If I may, I have a proposition."
"Go on."
"The Godaime's claims are indeed true. However, I also agree with what the council says. Based on their experience, they witnessed how power can drive a person mad. Therefore," he glanced at the daimyō. "I suggest raising this matter to the upcoming Kage Summit."
"Shikamaru!" Tsunade rose from her seat. "Stop egging them on! This isn't a matter to be taken on a major scale! We don't need the other Kages to –"
"Hokage-sama, think about it. If we push this to the Kages, it'll show them and their respective daimyō that we're a united front against one enemy," Shikamaru reasoned, nonchalantly. "To make it more convincing, we can hold the trial and let them decide the verdict."
"And if the verdict says he'll live?" Homura asked, skeptical.
"Oh, there's no doubt that the verdict will be death," Shikamaru's lips curled into a sneer. "Sasuke earned the contempt of the Raikage by kidnapping his brother Killer Bee. Even the Tsuchikage and Mizukage deemed him as a threat. The Kazekage will protest but it's 3 against 1. Unless," he stared at Tsunade who glared back at him. "Even if the Hokage says no it'll still be impossible for him." He grinned widely for emphasis. "For the village's honor, this is a good opportunity we shouldn't pass on."
The three elders exchanged looks. Shikamaru waited calmly as Homura finally smiled, liking the idea. "For a young man, you certainly understand what's good for the village. Not like our Hokage here…"
Tsunade gave Shikamaru a withering look.
The daimyō and Koharu gave their assent as well. "This will be our final decision: we'll forward this matter to the Kage Summit." They turned to Shikamaru who bowed in respect. "Since it's your suggestion, it would be practical that you'll be in charge of the preparations."
"As you wish."
Tsunade clenched her fist, eyeing him with a scathing glare.
"Now then, let's continue with our meeting."
It's been said that alcohol reveals a person's true feelings.
Tsunade stared at her sake bottle, eyes cloudy from the stupor. Being the Hokage required formal etiquette and she threw all her remaining composure aside during the meeting.
She stood by what she said before about being a Hokage.
It was nothing more but a title.
A title even the biggest threat like Danzō coveted.
She took a swig of her drink, pouring herself another cup. She accepted the title for the sake of the village and not to let Dan and Nawaki's dreams vanish. If there was a lesson she learned in life, it was the fact that gambling and politics don't mix. Come to think of it, she was the second choice for the position.
Jiraiya was the first.
But the big pervert decided to pass the baton to her in favor of having an itinerant's lifestyle. Well, if he became the Hokage then he won't be able to do his undercover activities.
"Jiraiya…you weren't kidding when you said I'll carry all this heavy burden in my chest," she slurred loudly, more to herself.
Her fingertips grazed the written manuscript Jiraiya left for her. Ever since his death, she tried reading his novel yet didn't have the heart to finish even one chapter. His novel spouted hopes and endless courage – things she found too contrived in the real world.
Though the main character certainly fitted Naruto's personality well.
Smiling to her musings, she sipped her drink. Her eyes darkened as her alone time got interrupted. "You're late."
Her object of annoyance stepped away from the shadows, his mask covering his amusement. "I got held up so I wasn't able to come in time."
"Hmm," Tsunade grunted. Noticing the man's pallor, her gaze immediately fixed at his heavily bandaged torso. "You looked like hell."
"Thanks, I got it from a pink-haired medic."
The buxom blonde instantly turned sober. "Sakura did that to you? What happened?"
Kakashi answered weakly. "Payback."
Sighing, Tsunade went to him and placed a probing hand on his chest. Making a tsking sound, her hand glowed with the familiar shade of green. "Your left lung got punctured by your cracked rib and your stomach's been ruptured by a blunt force," she explained while healing him. "These are serious injuries and I find it unbelievable that you're still standing. Didn't she heal you?"
He hissed in pain. "I was out for a few hours so I had no idea if she completely healed me or not."
Tsunade couldn't resist a laugh. "Too bad. Sakura restored the complicated parts but she intentionally left some of it unhealed as part of 'her' payback."
Seeing Kakashi's panic-stricken face as he realized his student's actions, her brows furrowed. "What's wrong?"
The Jōnin smiled weakly, shoulders tense. "Nothing…it just occurred to me that if she's this vengeful, I feel sorry for the man she'll marry one day."
The blonde woman snickered at his premonitions. It made him sound…old. After healing his injuries, she took another cup from her drawer and handed it to Kakashi. As she watched him fill the cup with sake, she remarked at his earlier statement, "Always worried for the future, huh?"
Kakashi sipped the sake, feeling the liquid creating a hot pathway down his throat. "It just came to my mind. Those students of mine are growing up fast that it brings tears to my eyes."
The Hokage rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury for that now. I still don't get why she'd hit you."
"Ah," the Jōnin nodded, finishing his drink. "I did something regrettable." Seeing the Godaime's inquiring look, he shrugged casually. "I deserved her punch so we considered it even. I knew Sakura held back but she still did a huge number on my insides. You created a fearsome monster, Hokage-sama."
"Thanks for the compliment." Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "Back to the topic…"
"Agreed. So it got pushed to the summit?"
"Yes. Shikamaru's preparing things as we speak."
Kakashi ghosted a smile behind his mask. "Well, then. Let's not waste any time." He raised his hand.
A figure wearing an Anbu mask appeared. He bowed to the Hokage first then to Kakashi. The Jōnin responded to his greeting with a simple nod.
The Anbu immediately laid a scroll on the floor. After performing several hand seals, he placed his hand on the scroll. "Reverse Summoning Jutsu!"
What replaced the scroll was the struggling body of a man bound with chakra-suppressing chains. As Kakashi bent down, he yanked the cover off the victim's face.
The corners of Tsunade's lips lifted upwards.
It was the Anbu representative who interrupted the meeting by mentioning Sasuke. The man's eyes widened, already sweating bullets as he found himself at the mercy of a former Anbu commander and the Godaime herself.
How did he…and why is he…?
Delicate fingers grabbed his gagged face, forcing him to stare at fiery amber orbs.
"Well, well. You caused quite a commotion at the meeting earlier," Tsunade crooned, her voice oozing with cynicism. Her grip on his chin tightened. "You messed with me so I'm pretty sure you already know what's going to happen to you, right?"
His response was filled with muffled sounds and gasps.
She nodded at Kakashi who immediately knocked the man out with a good jab behind his neck. Handing the unconscious man to the masked Anbu, he spoke, "Bring him to 'that' place. Tell Ibiki to begin as soon as he regains consciousness. Oh, and leave some for me too."
The masked Anbu nodded then quickly disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Pouring himself another drink, the Jōnin quickly gulped it down. "Well then, time for me to join the party." Giving the Hokage a curt bow, he turned around to leave the room. Opening the door, he heard his name being called. "Kakashi."
He turned around.
Tsunade's smile was sickeningly sweet.
It was the same smile Sakura had before she punched him to oblivion.
Her voice sounded sweet as well. "No mercy."
Sweetly sinister.
Feeling the familiar shivers creeping up his spine, he bowed his head then left the room muttering, "Shikamaru is right. They're both scary."
Hell hath no fury than a woman scorned.
A/N: For those who missed Kakashi, he's finally featured in this chapter. Like I mentioned in my prior note, this chapter, and its succeeding chapters will focus on certain characters. For my dear readers and for those who took their time to review thank you for the inspiring critiques! You guys made my day, and I promise to do my best in the succeeding chapters. Thanks again and see you guys on the next chapter!