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It was finally getting dark outside; Naruto had left the locked up Uchiha nearly an hour ago after informing him that he needed some time to think. Could he really believe what Itachi had told him? Even though he did not know the missing-nin well, the thought of Sasuke's brother being a good guy was hard to buy. As he roamed the dark streets, he saw a familiar figure.
"Hello, Naruto." Sai greeted his comrade.
"Hey..." He mumbled back. Sai picked up on the melancholy tone.
"Are you doing all right?" Sai asked. He had preciously read a book about how to act concerned when a friend is in need.
"It's nothing..." Naruto uttered.
Sai analyzed his response. He could not determine whether Naruto was only saying that or if it was really true. He was new to emotions, after all. "You can tell me if something is concerning you. That's what friends are for."
"Thanks, but I don't really know if I should tell anyone."
"I understand." Sai replied. "We'll if you don't have anything more to say, I suppose I will go home now."
Naruto bid him farewell and continued to walk. He then thought of Sakura; she wanted Sasuke back just as much as he did, so maybe she could offer some input on the situation.
"You're thinking of releasing him?" Sakura screamed when Naruto began to explain the day's events.
"Don't hit me!" He shouted and covered his head. "Hear me out; Itachi told me what he claimed to be the truth, then he told me Sasuke is going to attack us, and now he's begging me to let him go."
"Naruto, that guy is the while reason Sasuke left. He killed his whole family; you can't believe him."
"But he didn't kill Sasuke. He even gave me some of his power to prevent Sasuke from attacking. He also didn't let the Akatsuki capture me a few years ago."
"Look, even if that all makes sense, we have no way to back that up. You can't do this."
Naruto thought over it all in his head. Sakura was right, but if he had the chance to rescue Sasuke, he needed to take it. "I guess I shouldn't..."
"No, you shouldn't, and you can't. I want Sasuke back, too, but letting a criminal escape is a horrible idea." Sakura could read what Naruto was thinking by his expression. "If he goes missing, I'm going to tell Lady Tsunade that you are responsible."
Naruto was partially surprised from Sakura's resolve. He thought that she would be on his side, but she denied his thoughts. Either way, Naruto came to the conclusion that Itachi's words must have been true. It explained everything, and it could bring his closest friend back.
When the darkest hour of the night arrived, Naruto silently navigating through the streets to the location of the detained Uchiha. He crept inside the building and began to slink through the halls. Before he reached the room containing Itachi, he saw a pair of eyes staring at him.
"I thought you were going to come here." Sakura said.
"Sakura... I'm sorry, but if doing this will bring Sasuke back, I have to try."
"I've thought about what you said earlier, and I think you might be right. Having a medical ninja to come with the two of you might be a good idea, wouldn't you agree?" She smiled.
Naruto was elated to hear Sakura's change of heart. "Let's bust him out of here then!"
"Right! You go untie him, and I'll keep look out." Sakura said. Naruto agreed and entered the room. Itachi was pleased to see Naruto approaching him with the intention of freeing him; however, both of their emotions changed to negative ones when the door was slid shut. Naruto ran back to the door and pried at it, but I would not open.
"Sakura? What's going on?" He yelped.
"I'm sorry, Naruto, but I can't allow you to do this..."