Chapter Nine: Broken Bonds

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or Naruto!

Uryu stepped defensively in front of Sakura as Sasuke approached.

"Uryu, it's alright." Sakura said, gently pushing her way past him.

"Yes, Sasuke?" She asked patiently.

"What the hell was that?" He demanded.

"My Bankai." She replied...so patiently it infuriated the Uchiha.

Hauling Sakura up by her shirt, he dragged her so close she could see his sharigan flicker. "I don't need you protecting me!"

Uryu was between them in an instant, shoving Sasuke aside while simultaneously bringing his bow up defensively.

"I highly suggest you back away." The Quincy said, pushing his glasses up over the bridge of his nose, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Sasuke growled, stepping forward before Naruto grabbed him and dragged him back.

"Sasuke, get a grip!" The Jinchuuriki yelled, punching Sasuke hard enough to draw blood.

Sasuke didn't move, he just sat there glowering at Sakura so intensely she could literally feel his hate.

"We're leaving." Uryu said, making it plain he wasn't up for negotiations this time. Sakura just nodded, not wanting to negotiate.


"Sakura!" Rangiku said, sounding a bit too motherly for someone of her nature, "You know better than to simply rip you soul free from you body. Especially not after such a long period!"

Sakura sighed, agreeing completely as she laid back in the Hokage's couch. They had been asked there shortly after the fight and the tower always had preparations for such time.

"Hold still." The orange-haired female said as she dabbed at Sakura's wounds with an antiseptic.

"Sakura?"

It was Tsunade, looking something between disapproving and worried. "What happened?"

"Stupid mistake on my part." Sakura replied, standing to bow to her shishou.

"Stay down." Tsunade said, her voice carrying a slight edge. "I understand that Sasuke lost it early."

"Just a little." Sakura sighed.

"Uryu? How much is she sugar coating this?"

"To the point of sickness." He replied.

She nodded, having suspected as much from her pink-haired apprentice.

"And were these Hollows something to worry about--well, more than usual?"

"No. Medium-level at best." Uryu replied.

Tsunade nodded, pleased.

"And aside from Sakura, were there any injuries?"

"No." Rukia replied.

"Good. You're dismissed...oh, and, Sakura...I want to see that burn." She said with a quick motion that dismissed the others...no matter how hesitantly some of them left her side.

Once the room was clear, Tsunade walked over; unceremoniously flipping her onto her stomach.

"These are electrical burns." She said.

"Sasuke accidently caught me between the Chidori and the Hollow." She replied sheepishly.

"I see." The Godaime said as she knit the wound shut.

"Be more careful next time." She added, kissing the top of Sakura's head the way she had since Sakura's mother and father had died.

"I will." Sakura said, hugging Tsunade before pushing herself through a nearby window.

TBC