Naruto's Mindscape…"Why'd you bring me here, you oversized furball?" Naruto asked, and then added with a sigh, "I'm tired. Let me sleep. I need to recuperate my chakra."
Kyuubi scoffed, rolling his eyes then smirking. "Borrow my chakra. You won't be tired anymore."
Naruto glared at him, "Nice try, flea attracting chakra ball. I'm not messing with your chakra in this state, much less when there are hundreds of villagers and Shinobi around." The blonde sat down in the ankle-deep water, not minding the tingle that ran up his spine at the cool temperature.
Kyuubi sighed and closed his eyes for a second before opening them again. Naruto's own eyes widened when he looked up at the demon. The fox looked aged, as if tired and completely miserable. The usually vibrant red in his eyes had become dull. They seemed as if they were dragging themselves as they narrowed down on the boy.
"Look, kit, I didn't drag you in here to argue or have a friendly chat. I'm here to sympathise, if you would call it that."
'Sympathise? What's he…? Oh,' Naruto lowered his gaze when he realized what the Kyuubi meant. He clenched his fists under the water, gritting his teeth. "What about it?" His voice came out strained. Kyuubi chuckled good-heartedly, something that shocked Naruto to no end. 'The hell? Is the ball of fleas high or something?'"You're not the only one who lost a family, you moronic hairless ape!" Kyuubi suddenly snapped, making Naruto flinch. However, the blonde backtracked and his eyes widened. Seeing the youngster's shock, the fox sighed. "What your mate's grandfather told you is correct. I have my own clan, along with every other Bijuu out there. You weren't the only one wanting a cub, kit."Naruto frowned, instantly knowing why Kyuubi hated him so much. Because of him, he couldn't be with his family. "So, I took you away from your family. I'm sorry-"
"Don't apologize to me, brat. I don't need your apprehensions. In another case, it wasn't you who took me away from my family. It was your clan members."
"My clan members did? How?"
Kyuubi sighed, the air making Naruto's hair shift slightly. "About a hundred years or so ago, the Kitsune clan was forced to surrender power over their territory. We were forced to become Kuchiyose for you filthy humans. Because I'm a Bijuu, I was sealed inside a human. That human was the Shodaime Hokage's wife. She was my first Jinchuuriki. Your mother came in after when Uzu no Kuni had been annihilated. You know the rest of the story. Your parents met and were attacked while they brought you into this world and I was sealed inside of you."Naruto took everything in. He knew his mother had been Kyuubi's previous Jinchuuriki -Kyuubi had made sure to tell him everything that happened the night he was born- but he hadn't known about the Shodaime's wife being the beast's first. "Okay, I get it. They took you away from your family. It doesn't explain why I'm here or why you're telling me this."
"I had impregnated my mate. She had been carrying my cub when I was taken away. You aren't the only one who's suffered through a fate such as losing your child."Naruto looked down, heaving a sigh. He ran his wet hands through his hair then pulled the strands of hair. He looked up to see the fox sitting up, looking at his front paws in agony with his ears low on his head. Naruto suddenly stood up and gripped the bars in front of him tightly. "Fox, let's make a deal."
Kyuubi snapped out of his agonizing state and scoffed. "Why would I want to make a deal with you puny brat?"
Naruto growled and red chakra immediately began to wrap around his forearms and dance around his back. "This could benefit both of us, fleabag. Just listen."
"Don't order me around!" Kyuubi demanded, slamming his paws onto the gates. The gates rattled but Naruto kept gripping them tightly. Red chakra started surrounding the boy quickly and, when he saw that the blonde wasn't making a move to withdraw from his position, Kyuubi slowly sat back down. "I'm listening,"
Naruto sent him a smirk. "You are going to help me find something that will cure Sakura-chan so she could have kids again."
"I'm not going to work for your desires, human.""And in return, I'll find the Kitsune Kuchiyose, and unite you with your mate and cub again."
That shut Kyuubi up immediately. Naruto's smirk widened when the fox started grumbling to himself behind the gates. The red chakra quickly withdrew into the cage and Kyuubi sighed.
"I agree to the arrangement. For once, you're not being so useless." Naruto frowned at the insult then sat down.
"Gee, thanks." The blonde muttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes upwards. Naruto leaned his head on the bars. "Your chakra heals me ten times faster than normal. Can't you use that on Sakura-chan?"
"No. My chakra can automatically heal you because our chakras are mixing together over time. Your mate's and mine are completely foreign to each other. If anything, it will hurt her even more. Don't you dare attempt anything, kit."
Naruto clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. He leaned back on his palms, glancing up at the beast in question. Kyuubi closed his eyes and exhaled through his nose, the air ruffling Naruto's hair.
"Senju Tsunade knows a jutsu that will recreate any organs and tissue in the body-""That's great, then! Thanks, Kyuubi, you don't know how much I owe you for this-" Naruto started to get up until Kyuubi slammed a paw on the gate. Naruto lost his balance at the sudden rattle of the ground and fell back on his ass. He glared up at the fox. "What the hell was that for, fox!"
Kyuubi growled, "You didn't let me finish, you insolent brat! The technique has few side-effects. First, it takes a massive amount of time and patience to master it. Second, it shortens one's lifespan. I'm not so sure on the other details but this Souzou Saisei Ninjutsu Tsunade knows is dangerous. I'm warning you, kit. Ask her the details after you wake if you want to go through with it."Naruto thought over the two side-effects then punched the gates. "Damn it all!" He gripped the bars and pressed his forehead against them, the urge to scream getting lodged in his throat. "Why do shit always happen to us?"
Kyuubi slammed one of his tails on the bars. "Go pity yourself somewhere else! Your worthless emotions are enough of a headache. I don't need you screaming your agony in here." Naruto glared up at him but Kyuubi only turned his head away. "Now, leave."
Naruto scoffed and was quickly pushed out of his mindscape. Once sure the blonde Shinobi was out, Kyuubi ran a paw down his snout. 'Baka, why'd you agree to this?' A distant memory of his clan and family made its way onto the front of the fox's mind. 'Yes, that's why. The brat knows what's good for him. Anyway, I won't need to do anything about his mate. Once she gets a hold of the Ryu Kuchiyose, Sakura will be fine. Ryu are excellent healers, after all.'Konohagakure Hospital (Sakura's Room)….."Why am I here again?" Sakura asked as Tsunade checked her vitals and heart rate. She was lying down on the bed, facing the window. There was a ruckus going on outside. The Ame caravan had gotten here about an hour ago and preparations for their stay are still being organized. "And shouldn't you be out there, checking everything?"
Tsunade withdrew her hands from above the girl's abdomen and wrote a few details down on the clipboard at the end of the bed. "I haven't agreed to the position of Hokage, yet. Besides, I promised that boyfriend of yours I'd take care of you."
Sakura smirked, glancing up at her. "Since when do you take your promises seriously?" Tsunade only glared back but Sakura wasn't in the mood for an argument. She wanted answers. Sakura turned away, settling for just looking at the tree outside of the window. "Do you have any idea what happened to my chakra?"
Tsunade looked at the girl's eyes, frowning when she took notice of the fact that the blue ring that had surrounded the pupil when she had met the girl was now a light orange colour. She remembered when Genma had run into the hospital the day before, carrying a bleeding Sakura in his arms.
- Flashback - "What happened? I specifically told her not to stress herself." Tsunade said as she walked out of the room Sakura was being checked in. Genma stood up from the chairs in the hall and followed the blonde woman into her temporary office. "I went to the Haruno residence to give Keiko my monthly payment. I found her arguing with Haiiro. In the midst of it all, I found out that Sakura had been mortally injured. I then started arguing with Haiiro, and I accidentally let out a secret. Sakura heard it and she blew. She hurt herself while releasing a huge amount of chakra." Tsunade nodded, enlacing her fingers together to lean on the desk. "And what is this secret Sakura found out?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Genma bit on his senbon, deciding to look elsewhere. Tsunade watched him as he shifted nervously in his spot. "Genma…" Tsunade muttered slowly, warning him of punishment if he didn't tell her soon. Genma swallowed, and bit down harder on his senbon. "Do you remember Keiko's twin sister, Haruno Reiko?" "Yes, she was one of Konoha's best Genjutsu mistresses. Unfortunately, she died in the Kyuubi attack." Tsunade nodded curtly. Genma frowned and nodded back, placing his hands in his pockets. "Uh-huh, so she's Sakura's real mother." The blonde leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes penetrated through Genma as she went over the new information in her head. "So, that means Keiko is Sakura's aunt. Did Haiiro commit adultery with Reiko while being with Keiko?" Genma shook his head, "No, Haiiro is Sakura's uncle." "Then, who is her real father?" The brunette Tokubetsu Jonin took in a deep breath then met Tsunade's eyes. "I am, Tsunade-sama." - End Flashback -
Sakura looked down at her hands, asking, "What about my inner physique? Is there any further damage or any damage at all?" She looked up at the older woman, her right hand grazing her abdomen slightly in indication to the topic she was touching.
Tsunade placed her hand over the girl's chest, and focused chakra to it. "That's what I'm here for, kid." Blue chakra started surrounding her hand. Slowly, she scanned Sakura's body, starting with the head down to her stomach and legs. However, as soon as she reached Sakura's abdomen, she froze, her eyes widening a fraction.
'No, it can't be. It's impossible.'She focused even more chakra to get a more detailed diagram of the organ she was checking. She saw Sakura's ovaries reconstructing themselves. The new chakra was helping the dead cells regenerate. It was repairing the damage the poison had caused, something not even Tsunade herself could do.
"Tsunade-sama…?" Sakura broke the eerie silence. Her voice hinted the alarm that clearly showed in her eyes. Hey body tensed, and Tsunade immediately pulled her hand away.
The blonde woman turned her back to Sakura, who sat up quickly, and started grumbling to herself. 'Her ovaries are healing and rearranging themselves. How could that be possible? Unless she's a very skilled kunoichi in the healing arts but I doubt that. She's too young, and Ame doesn't have many medical resources. Her chakra is different, too. Is it possible that the foreign chakra merged with her original one overnight? That's highly unlikely. Then again,' Tsunade stole a glance at the girl, 'She survived the poison. Any other person could've died with the poison in their bodies for over twelve hours. She's lucky I was there,'Tsunade took a deep breath and turned to Sakura. "Listen, Sakura, I need to run some tests. I need to make sure what I saw was right."
Sakura frowned, her hand unconsciously lowering to her stomach. "Why? What's wrong?"
Tsunade took a deep breath and walked to the door, grasping the doorknob. She paused, "Nothing is wrong. That's what I'm afraid of." She walked out of the room, leaving a confused kunoichi behind.
Next Day…..Meeting Room"What are we going to do with the villagers? It's obvious we can't stay here. Ame is its own country. We can't stay with Konoha," Naruto reasoned with a frown. 'It's more like I don't want to stay here. The civilians still hate me,'He, along with the rest of Akatsuki, was sitting in a meeting room in the Hokage's Tower with Tsunade and Shizune. They were seated around an oval table, providing room for everyone to sit comfortable. Shizune stood by Tsunade's side with TonTon in her arms.
"It is also recognizable that we cannot go back to Amegakure. It would only encourage whoever attacked us to do it once more." Sasori mentioned with a shake of head. He had discarded his puppet, Hiroku, and had decided to show his true identity outside of Akatsuki. He had his robe on, however, so no one knew of his skill as a puppet master.
Itachi leaned back and looked over at the rest of the group. His eyes landed on Sakura, who was reading some of the reports Akatsuki had turned in. She was leaning back in her chair and her shirt had rode up when she had moved earlier, exposing some of the bandages she had around her stomach.
He hated himself. He hated himself for not being with her when she was poisoned. He hated that it was the second time she had been mortally wounded, and he hadn't been there any of the times to help her. It was his duty as her sensei to watch over her. He had failed her twice. He was an S-ranked ninja, and he let his student get injured twice. What's worst was that this time it's completely permanent.
Itachi knew of Naruto and Sakura's future goals. They had wanted a family. Naruto had been bragging about it ever since they all learned how babies were made when Sakura's first period hit. It was disastrous. He was just glad Konan had been there or the boys would've gone insane. But never mind that. After the years, Sakura learned to accept the fact that she did have feelings for Naruto, and he knew they were already planning for a future family.
But now it's all ruined. He can't imagine how the two were feeling about it. Hell, it showed just how strong they had become by how they were acting. They hadn't have time to sit down and talk properly because of the recent attack on Ame but it was clear in their eyes the suffering they were going through. Even Gaara seemed affected by the sudden loss.
And all because of that damned mission to-…..
Wait a fucking minute.Of course! Why hadn't he thought of it before! He was supposed to be the Uchiha's genius! The hell's wrong with him?
"That's it." Itachi spoke up, breaking up the argument that had started between Sasori and Deidara about whatever they were talking about that was 'art' related. "Kisame," The shark-liked Nukenin turned to him, "Do you remember where we went last month? Where we got the Kuchiyose scroll from?"
Kisame blinked, and from the corner of his eye, Itachi saw Naruto perk up at the mention of a Kuchiyose scroll. Pein answered for the Uchiha's partner. "I sent you two to Uzu no Kuni to get the Kitsune Kuchiyose. Why bring the mission up at this time, Itachi?"
The oldest Uchiha alive leaned forward in his chair. "Uzu no Kuni is completely abandoned save for the wild animals. It has been that way ever since the invasion on Uzushiogakure no Sato."
"Wait," Naruto stood up, gaining everyone's attention. "Isn't that where Kaa-chan was from? Uzushiogakure was home to the Uzumaki clan, right?"
Pein sighed. "Yes, Naruto, Uzumaki Kushina is from Uzu no Kuni. Now, Itachi, what were you saying?" Pein looked back at Itachi, ignoring Naruto's huff as he plopped back down in his seat.
Itachi nodded, "Yes, sir. Uzu no Kuni was closest to Konoha alliance and friendship wise. Konoha allied with Uzushio after it was attacked, and the land was abandoned. Konoha should have all of its papers sealed away securely. Maybe we could make Uzushio our home. I know Naruto would agree in an instant."
"What makes you think Uzushio won't be attacked like it was before? Ame was attacked for a reason, and there's no doubt that these people could do it again if it had been so easy for them." Zabuza asked while leaning back and crossing his arms. His Akatsuki robe ruffled with his movement, and Tsunade wondered just how he had made the group.
Then again, Itachi was in it, and he killed his entire clan.
"Uzu no Kuni is in the ocean. It would take at least five hours, by boat, to get there. Besides, Akatsuki is made up of S-rank ninja, and we have a seal master in the making. Add in another powerful Jinchuuriki who could hold his ground alone, and an amazing Genjutsu mistress with high potential. We can plan traps and attack routes for whoever is going to enter Uzu no Kuni. We'd have double the security because then there would be people on land and water. Include your own security, Pein-sama, and Uzu no Kuni has the best safety in all of the nations." Itachi suggested, suddenly motivated.
Naruto, Gaara and Sakura blinked at him. Maybe he himself didn't notice but they did. Itachi had just called them amazing. That was rare, and they were completely shocked to see him compliment them in public, nonetheless in front of the newly appointed Hokage and her assistant. Not to mention Jiraiya but the pervert was outside the room listening in, so he didn't really count.
Pein narrowed his eyes down on the dark haired teen then sighed. He was getting a headache, and he just woke up from his hospital bed. "Very well. Seeing as this is the only solution we've thought of for the past hour, we'll rely on this. Tsunade-sama," The new Hokage turned to him, "Could you check the Uzu no Kuni papers? I am certain Konoha has the landmarks and legal papers."
Tsunade nodded, and sent Shizune to search for them.
Pein looked over the rest of Akatsuki. "In the meantime, Akatsuki will check the land for any occupants or other possibilities that could hinder our progress as a new nation. As soon as Sakura is able to travel safely, you will leave."
"I'm fine," Sakura began to protest only to be silenced by Pein's upheld hand. She turned away, a growl escaping her lips. Pein narrowed his eyes at her, understanding her hatred of being weak, and turned to Tsunade for the overview.
Tsunade leaned forward and rubbed her temples. "Yesterday, I was going over her hourly check-up when something came to my attention. During the previous incident with her family," Tsunade paused then realized she had already explained the incident between Genma and Sakura, "Haruno Sakura activated a second chakra network, which apparently had been very well hidden. This new chakra had been merging with her original chakra overnight in an alarming rate but it had gone unnoticed until my check-up. This merged has now caused what most Jinchuuriki are infamous for."
The room became quiet at the mention of Jinchuuriki. Naruto and Gaara tensed, their eyes landing on Sakura, who looked just as confused as the rest of them.
Tsunade glanced around the room then sighed. "Sakura now has accelerated healing, like Naruto and I assume Gaara. We've done some tests on her, and discovered that she's immune to poison and certain types of paralysis. However, the most impressive aspect is that the merged chakra heals cells, even after they die. That poison incident has left no scar at all. Her ovaries are safe."
Sakura blinked, and her breathing suddenly became erratic. "W-What did you just say?"
"You can have kids again, Sakura. Your new merged chakra has healed all of the damage the poison had done to your ovaries." Tsunade explained, watching as the girl blinked several times before leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes.
Sakura reached up, running both of her hands through her hair then pulling at her bangs. "Damn it, damn it all!" She stood up suddenly, throwing her chair back. She excused herself and left the room.
"I'm going after her," Naruto stood up, followed by Gaara.
"Me, too,"
"Sorry, Gaara, but this has to be settled just between us two." Naruto gazed over at his younger brother apologetically then left the room. Gaara clicked his teeth with his tongue and sat back down. He frowned, and crossed his arms over his chest.
Shizune came back in quickly with the necessary papers, and things got back into motion. Itachi couldn't help the small tear that had run down his cheek momentarily.
'I'm glad she's fine.' Hokage Kaoiwa…
'Selfish bastards. I hate them all,'"Sakura-chan," Naruto spoke up from behind her, interrupting her thoughts. She looked over her shoulder at him, her glare softening to a gentle gaze. She turned back to the village, ignoring the way his arms were wrapped loosely around her waist.
"I hate them," Sakura said, her eyes starting to sting once she had decided to voice her thoughts. Naruto stayed silent, settling for just listening to her and watching civilians walk around aimlessly. "I hate them because they have such a perfect life. Their major problem could only be going bankrupt, and even then they can live happy. We have to wake up every day, wondering if we're going to survive the rest of the week."
"Sakura…" Naruto muttered, holding her tighter.
Her voice broke and her throat burned but she kept talking. "They could easily have children while we can't even show our emotions during battle. We need to become cold, heartless bastards at the moment we kill someone just for their sake. And what do they give us? They ignore us, beat us down, or are scared shitless of us. I'm tired, Naruto. I'm tired of everything. I just want to lie down and rest because I'm shattered emotionally."
Sakura turned in his embrace and buried her head in the crook of his neck. Naruto placed a hand on the back of her head and he lowered them onto the dirt. Sakura sat on his lap and grabbed a handful of his jacket.
Soon enough he felt his clothes getting wet and the noise of the bustling city reducing.
It was raining.
He heard Sakura's sobs over the rain and shut his eyes tightly. His hold on her tightened, and he could feel himself shaking with held back emotion. His throat burned, and soon enough he was sobbing with her. 'Fuck…Fuck! Why us? Why is it always us? What did we ever do to deserve this? We're just kids, damn it! Why us!' Naruto buried his face in her now wet hair, gripping the fabric of the back of her shirt.
"I don't understand," Sakura kept saying, and Naruto paid full attention to her words. "I don't understand how we're always being put through tough scenarios and we manage to still be sane. I just hate this. I hate shouldering others' situations when we're so goddamn young. I can't take this anymore."
Sakura pressed herself closer to him. Naruto, if possible, brought her closer. He didn't know if he was crying or not as the rain ran down his face but he heard his own sobs escape his throat. All he knew was that they both needed to let everything out. They had been holding back for so long, trying to be strong for others when they themselves were breaking inside.
He knew they were being selfish but they were allowed to be every once in a while. They weren't perfect, and they weren't trying to be. It was killing them, though. The pain that pulled at the strings of their hearts was killing them; slowly but surely.
A hand was placed on each of their shoulders, and Naruto looked up to see the rest of Akatsuki standing there, wearing their robes proudly and smiling down at them. Itachi was squeezing their shoulders with a small smile on his face.
"You two aren't alone anymore. You don't have to bear the pain alone." He told them, and by this time Sakura had looked up, too. He knelt down to their sitting height and embraced them, something that shocked them both.
Sakura couldn't take it and buried her head in in the older teen's chest, one arm wrapping around him. Naruto followed suit, hiding his face in his sensei's shoulder. Itachi's smile saddened and his grip around them tightened, making them hold onto him as if life depended on it.
Gaara blinked away at the stinging sensation behind his eyes as he clenched his hands. 'I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry.' He kept repeating this around his head like a mantra, until heard Sakura starting to sob again. 'Oh, fuck it.' He walked to them, and threw his arms around Itachi and Sakura, one of his hands squeezing Naruto's shoulder. His tears started mixing in with the rain, as well.
"Yay! Group hug!" Deidara squealed, and all members present turned to him with a crazed look. He stopped grinning then cleared his throat. "Oh, yeah. That's for kids like you guys." The sixteen year old said, his voice taking on a deeper tone to sound manly.
Naruto chuckled and waved him over. Deidara smiled and walked over to them, sharing in the love. The rest of the members looked at each before joining the 'group hug'.
Naruto lifted his head, and his gaze met Sakura's.
Fuck being alone.
This was family.
(A/N: I don't have much to day on this one. Just glad you read it. On with the Glossary:Souzou Saisei- Creation Rebirth is a Ninjutsu technique developed by the Sannin Tsunade. It is said this technique will prevent Tsunade's falling in battle. Over time Tsunade will concentrate chakra to a spot on her forehead that takes the form of a diamond. When she releases the seal on the jutsu, the chakra disperses and stimulates the proteins of her body to increase the speed of cell division and reconstruction of cells. This allows her to recreate all organs and tissues. The technique itself does not regenerate the old cells; rather it hastens the creation of new ones through division. Unfortunately a body's cells can only split a certain number of times in a lifetime. By speeding up this process Tsunade is shortening her life. She may not die in battle, but she can die by speeding up its natural lifespan. Another potential side effect of this technique is her body losing its youthful form. After using this jutsu in battle, the effects will show as her body regains its natural older form. It is only after rest that she can cause her body to regain its false youth. Uzushiogakure no Sato- Village Hidden in the Whirling Tides