Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.
Naruto awoke in a hospital room, he had failed to bring back Sasuke. Failed. He was no stranger to failure. But this time the sting of failing was almost unbearable. He had gotten his friends hurt, he made Sakura cry by going back on his promise. He couldn't bring back his best friend.
Wallowing in defeat, Naruto slowly rolled out of bed. His body ached, begging him to stop. Naruto ignored his body's pleas for rest and walked to a nearby mirror. He let out a deep sigh and saw his bandaged face. He slowly touched his cheek and winced at the pain. 'Though I am bruised face of contusions.' "Know I'll keep moving." 'I will find a way to bring Sasuke back. I will! I never go back on my word!' Just as Naruto vowed to himself on fulfilling his promise, he heard the door open, causing him to turn towards the door. "Oww!" he let out as he turned too quickly causing his body to shout in protest.
"Naruto! What are you doing out of bed?" Sakura asked as she rushed to his side.
"Wanted to see the damage," Naruto tried to joke.
Sakura pouted and replied, "You should get to bed. Let me help."
"I cut my lip," Naruto added, once again trying to lessen the tension in the room.
'It's more than just your lip,' Sakura thought sadly.
"Isn't what I want, blood is on my tongue," he said as he stuck out his tongue in a playful manner.
"Stop Naruto," Sakura quietly reprimanded. She knew Naruto was trying to lighten the mood, but everything he said just made her realize how Naruto couldn't bring back Sasuke. It reminded her how useless she was. She couldn't get Sasuke to stay or take her with him. She had to rely on Naruto because she was too weak. Not only had she lost Sasuke, but she almost lost Naruto as well.
Naruto saw the sadness radiating off Sakura. He didn't know what to do, so he simply stated, "I'm leaving."
Sakura scoffed, "You're in no condition to leave Naruto."
"That's not what I meant."
"What?"
"Once I get the okay from Tsunade-baachan, I'm leaving to train with Ero-sennin."
Sakura was obviously confused, "Why?"
Naruto shrugged, "I'll keep on trying. Might as well train with a legendary sannin, don'tcha think?"
"Naruto...you don't have to."
"Know I'll keep moving. This isn't the end. Not by a long shot."
Some of the sadness Sakura was previously wearing seemed to lessen. "I won't give up either." Was her vow to get stronger as well. They would get Sasuke back.