That night Naruto sat by Sakura's bed without sleeping. He waited there nervously until the doctors said that Sakura was no longer in immediate danger of dying. Then Naruto unwillingly let himself fall asleep as he sat in the chair by her bed. More good news came when Sasuke was declared out of danger as well and was no longer placed in the intensive care unit.

Lady Tsunade was amazed that Sakura was alive. Very few people had ever even attempted a resurrection jutsu, fewer had succeeded, and none that she knew of had survived. Sakura must be even stronger that she thought. Or maybe it was the jutsu that Sakura used. Once Sakura recovered, Lady Tsunade would have to ask her about it. She would also have to ask Sakura about what had happened in her apartment.

When Kakashi and Sai went back to look for Karin, she was no where to be found. They had no idea where she was or what had happened that night, but everyone was curious to find out.

Much to everyone's surprise, Sakura was the first one to recover, after only three days. At first Sakura was afraid that her being alive meant that her jutsu had not worked and that Sasuke was dead, but Lady Tsunade assured her that Sasuke was very much alive. Sakura was also surprised at the fact that she was still alive, but not as surprised as everyone else seemed to be. Lady Tsunade thought that Sakura was not sharing everything. There was a lot of mystery involving this whole incident and Lady Tsunade was going to have a long talk with Sakura.

After much argument, Sakura was allowed to visit Sasuke. Everyone wanted Sakura to stay in bed and regain her strength, but Sakura finally convinced Lady Tsunade that she would get more rest being able to stay with Sasuke than she would confined to her bed. Meanwhile Naruto had involuntarily been sent out on an easy mission. The only way they were able to get him to leave was the fact that Lady Tsunade would be watching Sakura and Sasuke, and that the mission was with Hinata.

Sakura was allowed to go and sit in Sasuke's room for a couple of hours each day, just watching him. Sakura wasn't even sure if she was making sure that he was alright, as much as she was making sure he didn't leave. That night confused Sakura, and she wasn't sure how she felt about Sasuke. She didn't realize that she had told Sasuke that she loved him, nor that he told her the same, but she did know that Karin said that Sasuke had kissed her. But that kiss could have been a guilty kiss; he may have just felt bad for her. After all, Sasuke had only come back to get the scroll he was after. He had even almost killed Sakura.

But he didn't. He had stopped. And then with Karin. Why had Sasuke jumped in front of her? All of this was so confusing, and Sakura was still mad at Sasuke for leaving her, twice! That night brought back too many emotions that Sakura had tried to forget, so she just blocked it out.

Sasuke's POV

Sasuke had woken up several times, but each time he looked around he saw the sleeping pink head of Sakura lying on the edge of his bed. Sasuke now remembered everything that had happened, and was trying to decide what to do. He avoided making this decision by still pretending to be asleep, even though he had regained most of his strength back a while ago.

Finally, after five days of being in the hospital, Sasuke decided that it was time that he faced the decision he had to make and "woke up". Sasuke was almost disappointed that he didn't find Sakura waiting by his bed when he woke up; instead he found an annoyed Lady Tsunade watching him.

"So you finally decided that it was a good time to come to, huh Uchiha?"

"Hn." Sasuke didn't know why, but whenever anyone talked to him he would put up a protected layer of a cool and hateful attitude.

"You're lucky to be alive you know. Actually, you shouldn't be alive right now."

"Hn?" Sasuke could feel himself put up his cold barrier. He didn't want to, but he couldn't help it.

"You died Sasuke." Lady Tsunade said bluntly.

Sasuke's cold eyes widened for a second, and Lady Tsunade caught it. He had no idea what Sakura had done for him.

"The only reason you are alive, Sasuke, is because Sakura performed a resurrection jutsu."

Sasuke sat there for a few seconds taking in what Lady Tsunade had said. Sakura couldn't have performed a resurrection jutsu; he had just seen Sakura alive, hadn't he. Maybe he had just imagined her there or dreamt about her.

"Had I been hallucinating? Is she really dead? Sakura!" Suddenly Sasuke wasn't so sure of what had happened.

"But that would mean that Sakura is dead…"

"So he can say more than just 'hn'. But only when I mention Sakura? Maybe the great Uchiha does have feelings after all." –Lady Tsunade

"She should be dead. Everyone else who has performed a resurrection jutsu has died; except Sakura." Lady Tsunade said as she crossed her arms and stared at Sasuke coldly. "She performed the jutsu fully aware that she would most likely die. She was willing to die to save you."

"Hn. Why would she do that?" Sasuke could have shot himself for acting like he didn't care about what Sakura had done. He couldn't imagine why Sakura would do something like that for him, after all he had done.

Although Sasuke made it seem like he didn't really care, Lady Tsunade could sense his relief that Sakura wasn't dead. This made her smirk to herself.

"Perhaps for the same reason you saved Sakura from Karin."

"….."

"You have a decision to make Sasuke. You can leave Konoha, if that is what you truly want, but know that once you leave you can never come back. You are lucky I have let you stay for as long as you have without turning you over to Anbu. Or you can stay here. Naruto has defended you and convinced me to let you stay. But I am only letting you stay because Naruto and Sakura care about you and seem to think that you can change. And because you saved Sakura, whether you admit it to yourself or not."

Tsunade paused for a moment before continuing. "Now that you have killed Itachi, what else is there to live for Sasuke? What do you plan to do with you life now?"

"….."

Sasuke hadn't really thought about it. He had focused so much on killing Itachi that he never really thought about what would come next. It was like his future hadn't existed.

"I will give you time to think over you decision, but I expect your answer soon."

Lady Tsunade left Sasuke alone with a decision to make. Sasuke sat in his bed thinking over what he was going to do. In his heart he knew that he wanted to stay in Konoha, his old home, but his head wouldn't let him. There was no way he could stay after all that he had done. The next hour Sasuke laid there battling within himself over what to do.

Finally after much pondering Sasuke got out of his bed and slipped out of his hospital window. He quietly walked along the edge of the building until something caught his eye.

Through the window, Sasuke spied the sleeping form of Sakura. Before Sasuke knew what he was doing he slipped in through her window and walked over to her. Sasuke realized what he was doing was stupid and that he was going to get caught, but he couldn't help but watch Sakura as she slept. Her steady breathing was the only sound that filled the room. Sasuke studied Sakura; taking her in as if to make a mental picture.

Sakura's hair was still short just like the last time he had seen her. He remembered the time that Sakura first cut her hair to save him, but now she willingly kept her hair short. Her face was peaceful at the moment, hiding the fact that Sakura very rarely slept peacefully. Ever since he had left she was plagued with nightmares now and then and always slept restlessly. Sasuke almost wished she would open her emerald eyes and look at him the same way she had done years ago, but then he wouldn't be able to get away.

Sakura's smooth pale skin beckoned Sasuke's touch. Sasuke's finger tips barely brushed Sakura's cheek. The warmth of her skin called even more to him and soon Sasuke held his hand to her face. Sakura naturally leaned her face into Sasuke's hand so he was now cradling her head. How badly Sasuke wanted to hold Sakura in his arms, how much he had missed her in his days of solitary. Missed her always cheerful smile and shining eyes. The memory of her was the only thing that had kept Sasuke from fully succumbing to Orochimaru's clutches. He had always known this deep inside, but he never before had admitted it to himself.

Guilt swept over Sasuke as he recalled how he had just left Sakura on the cold bench that night. How he had rejected Sakura, her feelings, and her love for him. And now all he wanted was to be with her. After all he had done how could he ask Sakura to give him something he once had abandoned? Sorry Sakura I hate you now, but just wait. In four years I will come back begging for you to love me. Sasuke knew he couldn't ask for her love and that is why he had to leave. He couldn't live near Sakura without having her love. He needed her.

Sasuke slid his hand out from under Sakura's face, laying her head gently back onto the pillow and turned to leave. He wanted just one more kiss, but he knew if he did he wouldn't be able to leave Konoha. His mind hated how much his heart felt for Sakura. He was not meant to love or be loved. He was a revenger. He was an Uchiha. Sasuke thought back to his parents; his loving mother and stern father. Now he would never be able to restore his clan.

Sasuke decided before he had second thoughts that he needed to leave. Sasuke reached the open window and stood there. If he left through the window he would never see Konoha again. He would never see Naruto again. He would never see Sakura again. But he had to leave.

Sakura's POV

Little did Sasuke know, Sakura had been awake the whole time. Just like Sasuke, Sakura had pretended to be asleep. She had felt his presence in the room almost immediately and decided that it would be best if she remained "asleep". She didn't want to see him right now or to talk to him. She didn't know what to say or do, and wasn't sure of her emotions towards him were. But when Sasuke's hand touched her cheek she couldn't resist leaning into it. How she had always longed for Sasuke's touch. Sasuke's hands were warmer than she expected and she relaxed into his hand. She could hear his steady breath and feel his eyes on her, but she remained as she was. What was he doing?

Sakura was disappointed when Sasuke brought his hand from her cheek, but her heart skipped a beat when he tenderly placed her head on the pillow. Why was Sasuke so gentle? Everything about Sasuke confused her. Sakura didn't want to love him anymore, or did she? She longed to be wrapped up in Sasuke's strong arms; for him to hold her safely.

Everyone's POV

Now Sakura laid there with her eyes opened just enough to watch Sasuke stand by the open window pondering his decision.

"Is he going to leave again? Was this his goodbye? Why doesn't he just go? Why is he hesitating? Maybe I should stop him. After all Naruto and I have done to bring him back, and now he is going to leave again. I won't let him."

"Going somewhere, Sasuke?"

Sasuke was startled at the sound of Sakura's voice, but didn't show it. He turned around to look at Sakura who was still lying on the bed with her eyes closed.

"Darn it. I was so closed to leaving, why did she have to wake up now?"

"Maybe. It all depends." Sasuke could feel himself start to put up his shield of no emotions. Acting like he couldn't care less about anything.

"Why do I always act so cold to everyone? Especially Sakura?"

"On what?" –Sakura

Sakura had now slid out of bed and was sitting on the edge of it. Sasuke took a cool stance leaning against the wall. Sakura was looking directly at Sasuke. She imitated Sasuke's careless attitude, but Sasuke could see in her eyes that she was not going to let him leave so easily. Sasuke's eyes were just as emotionless as ever.

"On whether you give me the scroll or not, Sakura."

Sakura jumped off of the bed in an attempt to get to Sasuke, but collapsed from the lack of strength and exhaustion. However, Sakura never fell to the ground, but into Sasuke's arms. Sasuke held Sakura for a few seconds, but to them it felt like more.

Sasuke embraced Sakura, holding her close to him as if he never wanted to let go. He loved the smell of her hair; just like cherry blossoms. And he could feel her heart beat against him. Sasuke smiled to himself. If only he could stay like this. If only it was this simple.

Sakura smiled too. She secretly loved the feeling of Sasuke's arms protecting her and the way he held her close, but that was not why she was smiling. Seconds after Sasuke had caught Sakura, she disappeared out of Sasuke's grasp, only to reappear behind him. She was now blocking Sasuke's way out. Sasuke quickly turned and realized what Sakura had done. She wasn't really falling because she was weak. She had the whole thing planned.

This was true. Sakura needed to get in between Sasuke and the window, but that wasn't the only reason for her pretending to fall. It was a way to test Sasuke. If Sasuke really didn't care about her he would have let her fall. But he caught her… Of course Sakura pushed this little tidbit to the side and focused on Sasuke.

"Do you still think of me as being that weak Sasuke? Or that foolish? I would have hoped that you had changed your opinion of me, but I guess once an Uchiha makes up his mind there is no use in trying to change it. I know that from experience." Sakura's words were sarcastic and almost playful. "How easily you let your guard down Sasuke. For being such a great shinobi I would have thought you'd be better than that. Or did Orochimaru teach you nothing? It is amazing you even beat Itachi."

Sakura enjoyed this rant on Sasuke. For years she had bottled up her anger towards him and now she was able to get some of it out. She sent insult after insult at Sasuke and he just stood there taking each one calmly.

"Sakura. You have changed the subject. I still need the scroll whether you think me a good shinobi or not."

"Why do you need the scroll Sasuke? Most of the jutsus on it wouldn't help you. Besides, you have already fulfilled your revenge so you don't need to become any stronger."

"Sakura, the scroll is not for me." Sasuke said calmly.

"Is it for the man who came with you to Konoha?" Sakura asked.

"What are you talking about Sakura? No one came with. I came alone to get the scroll."

"Well then, who was the man trailing you all day? You can't possibly tell me that you had no idea someone was following you. I won't believe everything that comes out of your mouth like I used to Sasuke."

Sakura was mad that Sasuke thought he could fool her. There was no way that Sasuke could be so distracted that he didn't even notice he was being followed.

"Sakura I am not lying to you. How do you know that someone was following me?"

Sasuke was looking directly as Sakura and was getting closer. Sakura could see that Sasuke's eyes had changed and now seemed somewhat worried. This worried Sakura even more because Sasuke never seemed worried about anything. Sakura suddenly became very serious.

"Like I told you before, as you were following me I could sense your chakra being masked. I couldn't tell who you were but I could still feel the presence of your chakra, as well as someone else's all day. I thought he was with you because wherever you went he was only a little behind. Then when you left Konoha he seemed to leave too. When you came back to my apartment I could feel his chakra in the distance. But then after you…. He left that night though. I told Tsunade about it and she sent some ninja after him." Sakura said startled.

Sasuke cursed under his breath and looked around before turning his attention back to Sakura. He didn't know what to do. There was no way she would just hand over the scroll, he had to tell the truth.

"Sakura, now I really need that scroll. It has a secret hidden jutsu on it. It is very important that you give me the scroll."

"I already know about the secret jutsu. It's the jutsu I used to save you Sasuke."

Sasuke's eyes widened as he remembered what Madara had said.

"No one can know how to perform the jutsu. You'd best hope Sakura hasn't discovered the secret jutsu or she will have to be killed."

Sasuke now grabbed Sakura's shoulders and looked her dead in the eyes. He prayed that no one knew about Sakura's ability to perform the jutsu.

"Sakura this is very important. Did the man leave before or after you performed the jutsu?"

Sakura could see the anger and worry in Sasuke's face and became really confused.

"Sasuke, I don't understand. What is wrong? Who wants the scroll?"

"Sakura please just answer me. Did you use the jutsu before or after the man left?"

"Before, Sasuke. But why does that matter?"

Sasuke's heart skipped a beat when he heard Sakura's reply, but he didn't say anything. Sasuke suddenly let Sakura go and jumped over to the window which he soon escaped from. Sakura quickly followed Sasuke in fear that he was leaving, but she found him heading towards the Hokage tower. Sakura sprinted to catch up. Sasuke quickly entered the building and barged into the Hokage's office, followed by Sakura.

"What is the meaning of this Sasuke? Sakura…"

"Lady Tsunade, Konoha is in great danger."

"Explain yourself Uchiha. Sakura, do you no what he is talking about."

Sakura shook her head no and stared at Sasuke who stood in front of her. He looked calm and when he spoke his voice was monotone, but she had seen the fear in his eyes for that split second.

"I was sent by Akatsuki, more specifically Madara, to get the scroll that Sakura had."

"Madara? I thought he was dead. So he is now with Akatsuki; that is dangerous. But why did he send you?"

Sasuke quickly thought about whether he wanted to tell the truth or make something up, but decided the truth would be easier.

"He thought I would be better at getting the scroll from Sakura. He said that if Akatsuki went that they would kill Sakura, but that if I went she wouldn't have to die."

Sakura's eyes got bigger as she realized what Sasuke had said. The only reason he came to get the scroll was to save her. Why would he do that?

"I see. But why does Madara want the scroll?" Asked Lady Tsunade.

"At the time all I knew was that he wanted the secret hidden jutsu on it that Sakura performed last night. The resurrection jutsu. Now that I know what the jutsu is, I am guessing that Madara and Akatsuki may use the jutsu to bring back their member that have died or that may die in the future."

"Ok, but what is the point of having a resurrection jutsu if the user dies anyways. How does dying to bring someone back to gain more power? It's like losing and eye for an eye." Tsunade said crossing her hands on her desk and listening to Sasuke.

"Hn, it would seem that way. But Sakura didn't die and she used the jutsu."

Sakura had been quietly standing off behind Sasuke taking in everything he was saying, but now Lady Tsunade and Sasuke were looking at her. She had been brought into the conversation.

"Sakura. What exactly is the jutsu you used to bring back Sasuke? You haven't yet told me how you did it." –Tsunade

"The jutsu is a type of resurrection jutsu that increases the user's chances of surviving. To perform the jutsu the user must first have stored quite a bit of their chakra in a special glass orb. Everyday they extract their chakra little by little. This allows them to save it while still having enough each day. However, it also takes perfect chakra control to be able to transfer chakra into the orb. Then, when the jutsu is needed the user takes back the chakra they had previously stored. This doubles their amount of chakra and life energy. Finally the user transfers their chakra to who ever they are trying to save. If the user was careful enough and had enough control during the procedure, then they will have transferred just enough chakra and life energy to bring the person back to life, while still leaving them with enough energy and chakra to live. The jutsu is even harder than the one Elder Chiyo used because you have to control the extra chakra you absorbed or it can get out of control and kill the user, and you have to correctly calculate the amount of chakra and life energy that you need to give to your patient. From start to finish this jutsu must be performed perfectly. There is zero room for error."

The whole time Sakura explained the jutsu she looked directly at Lady Tsunade, but when she was done she glanced at Sasuke. Sasuke was looking at her with his same coal eyes, but he wasn't looking through her like he used to, now he was looking at her. Sakura quickly looked away, but she could still feel Sasuke's gaze on her.

"Well Sakura. It looks like you may have even surpassed me. I am very proud of you."

"Thank you Lady Tsunade."

"Now Sasuke, continue to explain why Konoha is in more danger than it has been for the past year."

"As Sakura has told you, someone was following me when I came here, but I do not know who. They were not with me. I suspect Madara didn't trust that I would be able to complete the mission so he sent someone to spy on me. And now that I have failed my mission, Akatsuki will come to Konoha to fetch the scroll."

"Are you sure of this?"

"Yes. But that is not all. Madara told me that who ever is able to perform the jutsu must die. My guess is that Madara wants to prevent the shinobi of Konoha from doing exactly what he plans to do. And according to Sakura, who ever was spying on me probably knows that she can perform the secret jutsu. This puts Sakura's life at stake. Not only will Akatsuki come for the scroll, but they will come to kill Sakura. And the fact that Naruto is here probably is just another bonus to coming. They can kill three birds with one stone."

Everything was making sense to Sakura now. She had pieced all that Sasuke had said together, and understood how grave the situation was. So that is why Sasuke wanted the scroll. Not to help the bad guys, but to keep Konoha and her safe. Not that she really admitted to herself that she was a major reason that he came.

"I see. This is a great risk to Konoha. We knew Akatsuki would come to Konoha, but I did not know it would be this soon."

Lady Tsunade stopped talking and turned to look out her large window. She had a view of the whole town. Everyone was just going through their daily routines of life, unaware of the danger that loomed in the future. Such a peaceful town of Konoha, she had come to love the little town, and despite all of the paper work enjoyed being the Hokage. It was up to her to make sure that the little town would stay safe from harm, and those close to her. Naruto and Sakura would have to be sent away. Hidden somewhere out of Akatsuki's reach.

Lady Tsunade knew that Naruto would not agree to be sent away. He would need to be kept in the dark about what was happening, but that was easier said than done. With a sigh Lady Tsunade made her decision and turned back to Sakura and Sasuke.

"First of all Sasuke, I need to know whether or not you plan on staying in Konoha."

Sakura caught her breath when she heard Lady Tsunade's question and looked over at Sasuke. Sasuke was looking out the window at Konoha. Sakura could tell he was thinking over his decision. Sakura had felt herself become more and more tired as Sasuke spoke with Lady Tsunade, but now as she waited anxiously for Sasuke to decide her head started to buzz with nerves and unanswered questions making her a little woozy. But Sakura tried to push that aside and watched Sasuke. She wished this would all be over soon.

Sasuke had heard Sakura's quick intake and could now feel her gaze on him. She had barely looked at him this whole time and now she wouldn't look away. Sasuke knew Sakura was holding her breath for his answer.

"I don't belong here in Konoha. I betrayed them, I betrayed Sakura. But Sakura… Could things really go back to normal? Could I have my old life back with Naruto and Sakura? Sakura… Would she be happy again? I can't leave now. I can't tell Sakura that she, Naruto, and Konoha are in danger and then leave. I have to stay. At least for now. Then I can leave later if I want. But first I have to protect Sakura."

Before answering, Sasuke glanced over at Sakura. Sakura had turned very pale and was slightly swaying where she was. She was no longer looking at Sasuke, but rather unfocusedly on the ground.

"Sakura? Are you alright?" Lady Tsunade asked with concern. She now stood at her desk looking intently at Sakura.

"Yes, I'm…"

Sasuke appeared just in time to catch Sakura as she passed out into his arms. Once again she was his for the moment.