Chapter 9.

Jiraya had rushed back towards the village. The kyuubi was trying to heal the hole but it was going slowly. Jiraya had one hand covered in green chakra over the wound as well to help. They may have been weeks away from the village but with him shunshieing to closer spots repeatedly they were already almost back. His Chakra was waning though so he gave up trying to heal him and focused solei on making it back to Tsunade. Once the village gate came into view he used the last of his chakra to shunsie directly into her office.

Tsunade was just starting a Jonin meeting when Jiraya appeared holding a bloody Naruto. Everything seemed to freeze for a second as she processed what was happening. She spun to her desk and flung her arm across ridding it of everything. Jiraya stumbled over and immediately set Naruto down as she got to work.

"Jiraya what the hell happened, and where is Sasuke?"

"A few weeks after we left the village the curse mark started to act up. He started becoming more closed off and a bit aggressive after each episode. I made suppression seals and they were working fine. We'd been training hard all morning and settled down by a large apple tree to eat. Then everything goes dark for me. When I woke up they were gone and I followed Naruto's faint chakra trail and found him like this in Final Valley. He was floating in the middle of the lake. The landscape had been demolished, I think Sasuke may have gave in to the mark."

"So Naruto failed his original mission of protecting Sasuke." She looked down sadly at the young boy she was desperately trying to save. She'd read all of his mission reports and knew he'd only ever failed one other mission.

They'd completely forgotten about the other occupants in the room, until they heard the office door open. Kakashi walked in and was about to spout some excuse for his tardiness when he saw Naruto. He stood there frozen as he tried to take in the scene. His son was lying limply across the desk broken and bloody looking, Tsunade had a hand over his chest where you could still clearly see a gaping hole. It seemed to take a minute or two before the scene finally hit him, his son was dying. His world seem to come crashing down as his eyes filled with tears. A horrified cry could be heard as he flew across the room and falling to his knees grasping Naruto's hand.

"N-Naruto." Tsunade was trying to keep her tears at bay at Kakashi's reaction so she continued to pour chakra into her hands. Kakashi looked to her, fear and desperation evident in his eye. "Is he going to survive?" Tsunade looked away fighting tears so Jiraya answered.

"Kakashi, Kyu had already started healing him before I found him. I healed him as I rushed here, then Tsunade took over. I don't know how long he'd been like that. He was barely alive when I got there. He's strong though Kakashi, the villagers tried there hardest remember and he always persevered. He won't let this do him in. He's to stubborn to let go of the people he loves." Everyone knew he was trying to ease Kakashi's worry but it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.

"What happened?" Kakashi asked in utter devastation, looking from Jiraya to Tsunade, who looked to each other as well. "Also, where's Sasuke?" He added as an after thought. He watched Jiraya lower his head and draw in a heavy breath.

"I believe Sasuke gave in to the curse mark, and is on his was to Orochimaru." Kakashi's breath caught in his throat and he whipped his head to Naruto. His eyes displaying pity, for the first time, towards his son.

"He's going to be crushed. Sasuke was his best friend, his brother. It's almost like Itachi all over again, the only difference is Itachi didn't try to kill him. The only other two people he'd ever considered family, and they both abandoned him. I don't know if he'll be able to overcome something like this." Just then they heard a slight groan and everyone whipped their heads to look at the source.

Naruto was sore, like everything hurt sore. Every breath felt like millions of pins to his chest and his head felt like someone'd taken a sledge hammer to it. He assessed himself and could feel Kyu and someone else trying to heal a spot on his chest. He could hear muffled voices so e furrowed his brows for a second as he tried to pry his heavy lids open. Everything was tinted black but looked oddly familiar. He closed his eyes again with a groan, when suddenly everything flooded his memory and he shot up, fully alert, into a sitting position eyes going wide.

He grasp his chest and pinched his eyes shut as searing pain flooded his mind. As he loosened the grip on his chest he felt the hole. His eyes snapped open and he looked down, seeing the tell-tale signs of his regeneration. The hole was mostly closed but you could still see the severity of it. His hands shook as he felt around the wound, he could still recall the feeling of Sasuke's fist plunging into him. He remembers Sasuke's shaky breathing as he was turned over, seeing the tears in his eyes as he knelt in to press his forehead to his.

~Flashback~

"Naruto. I'm sorry it's come to this. I'm sorry I'm not stronger but this is the path I have chosen. You were my closest friend, a brother in many ways."

"Sa-Sasuke, Promise. Promise me you won't let him take your body. P-Promise me you'll talk to Itachi first. I understand the hate, I do but..."

"I know you do Naruto, I know. I redirected at the last minute and missed your heart, but I still don't know if you will survive. If you don't just know that I really do love you as a brother, and that I am so sorry…" Sasuke's tears fell onto my face. I raised a hand up and wiped away the tears as I smiled up at him.

"It's alright Sasuke, I forgive you. Everyone takes the wrong path once in a while. I know someday you'll find your way to the right path again. You will always be like my brother and even if I die now, know I'll always. Love.. you…" Naruto's hand fell limp into the water. Sasuke sobbed, curling into himself as he watched Naruto's eyes dim. Sasuke pressed a kiss to Naruto's forehead and wiped his wet bangs out of his face. Then he stood and took a deep but shaky breath and whispered before walking away.

"Good-bye Otōto."

~Flashback End~

Naruto turned to Kakashi, tears flowing freely down his face. Kakashi squeezed his hand tighter. He pulled down his mask, revealing his face to all, and gave his son a small sad smile. His lip quivered and tears rolled down his cheeks at what he was seeing. If one could describe heartbreak it was Naruto's face. You could see the crushing guilt of failure, the betrayal of losing Sasuke, the sorrow of pure loss, and lastly you could see the fear that lingered on the very edge. Fear he knew was for Sasuke.

"Kashi, could I have done anything to stop him? Am I really that powerless? He left just like Tachi did." Kakashi surged forward pulling Naruto into him and slightly rocking him. He felt the chakra leak out of Naruto and a small fox with nine tails appeared next to them.

"Pup. We did everything we could with what power was safe for everyone else. If we'd gone full Kyuubi we might have had a better chance but that'd have put everyone else in danger, especially if he used Susano'. Pup this was not your fault."

Everyone watched in awe as the fox started nuzzling Naruto's neck. Naruto cried harder and released pained wails as he leaned further into Kakashi. Naruto pulled the fox into their embrace and held them like a lifeline as he fell apart. The fox started humming a soft tune and Kakashi started rocked again. Kakashi gripped Naruto tightly like he'd disappear if he let go. Jiraya held Tsunade as she cried for their godson. Once Naruto had cried himself to sleep the fox turned to Tsunade and Jiraya.

"Jiraya, Orochimaru changed up his marks. Whatever he did is affecting Sasuke's psyche. He couldn't express more than anger and aggression once it consumed him. Every thought was tainted and unfinished." They watched as the foxes eyes started to glimmer with unshed tears. "At the very end Naruto seemed to get through to him. Naruto forgave him and still had a smile as he told Sasuke everyone messes up but that he still believed Sasuke could find his way back to the light. Sasuke is still in there being pushed farther and farther down but he's still there."

"Kurama. Can you tell us what happened exactly? I know we trained hard most of the morning then we settled for lunch. Then everything's blank, what happened to bring them to this point?" Kurama sighed but explained everything that had happened up until Jiraya found Naruto. Kakashi held Naruto just a bit tighter as he heard how he'd almost lost his son, and cried as Kurama told them about how Sasuke left Naruto. Tsunade turned to all of the Jonin that had stayed through it all.

"Konoha Jonin. What you have witnessed and heard is to stay in this room. If I even hear a whisper of this to anyone outside of who you see here, the punishment will be death. We cannot have it leaked that Uchiha Sasuke defeated the SSS-Ranked Kitsune, Blood Fox, of The Hidden Leaf. It will be considered treason and leaking Village secrets. You are all dismissed." With that they left. Kakashi gently maneuvered Kurama out of Naruto's grip and picked him up bridal style. Kurama nuzzled Narutos cheek before disappearing in a poof. Kakashi looked to Tsunade and Jiraya.

"Jiraya-Sama, Hokage-Sama Thank you for saving my son. Thank you so much." Kakashi held Naruto a little closer and tearing up as he showed his gratitude. Jiraya held Tsunade a little closer as she smiled at him.

"You don't have to thank me Kakashi. We're family, family does whatever it needs to do. We're here for the both of you, you know that right?" Kakashi smiled and looked down at Naruto, the hole fully healed. Even with Kyu's chakra it still left a star shaped scar in both the front and back. Then he nodded and shunshied out of the office.

He laid Naruto on the couch and pulled a few pillows from the chairs. He propped up Naruto and placed a couple underneath him and covered him with a blanket. He placed the last pillow underneath him as he sat on the floor and grasp Naruto's hand. He'd be right there when he woke up, so he could comfort him again if needed. Mostly it was so he could assure himself he was still there. Kakashi settled in and decided to sleep while he waited.

Kakashi woke on his own hours later still grasping Naruto's hand. He looked out the window to see the sun starting its ascent into the sky. He used his free hand to wipe his eyes before he looked to his son. Naruto was still sound asleep, looking completely at ease for the first time in awhile. Kakashi slowly and quietly got up to start making some breakfast. He'd be hungry when he came to.

Naruto awoke to the smell of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. He opened his eyes slowly, looking at his surroundings. He took a shaky steadying breath as he recalled his most recent memories. He was still a little achy but he managed to sit up and rub his hair out of his face. He stood up slowly and shakily as he waited for his balance to return. Once he was a bit more stable he make his way into the kitchen to get food. Kakashi looked over as he entered and gave him a sad smile, letting him know he was there for him.

"Naruto, I know it's tough right now but I know we can get past this. Hokage-Sama said she was going to wait for you to wake up before she held addressed what happened. I'm here if you need anything. I'm sure she has a plan."

"Kashi, I failed my last mission from Jiji and I broke my promise to Tachi. On top of that my best friend really tried to kill me, and nearly succeeded. Where did I go wrong? Could I have done something different?"

"Naruto, you did the best you could have in that situation. Because you both held back many lives were saved. Whatever happened Sasuke isn't in his right mind because of the mark. I know you forgave him already so why don't we focus on how to find and bring him home? Its going to hurt for awhile, the feelings of guilt, loss and betrayal are hard pills to swallow sometimes."

"Kashi… Do you think he'll be allowed to come home without being in too much trouble?"

"Naruto, you know as well as I do that can't happen. Especially since he left to go to Orochimaru, a SSS-Ranked Rogue Nin and former Sannin. As long as Tsunade is Hokage I'm sure his punishment wont be as severe."

"I want to talk to Baachan after breakfast will that be alright?"

"Why don't you eat breakfast then take a shower and change into some wearable clothes. Then by the time you're finished she should be at the office and we'll go." Naruto nodded his head and turned to the plateful of food Kakashi had set in front of him. Then he took a good look at what he was wearing. His shirt was practically gone, just shreds, and he had tears all over his pants. He realized he'd lost his weapons pouch during the fight and groaned.

Kakashi looked confusedly at Naruto when he heard him. Naruto pointed to his right thigh where his pouch is usually wrapped. Kakashi chuckled and pointed to their closet, where they kept many spares. They were usually the first thing lost in battles during mission. Naruto nodded and dug into his food. He asked for seconds then left to bathe and change. Kakashi finished his food and washed the dishes. Once he was finished he went to get his own change of clothes. He had to speak to the Hokage about team 7 seeing as they're a team member short now. Someone would also have to tell Sakura, he shivered at the thought.

Naruto emerged just to have a shiver go down his spine and he instantly knew Kashi was setting him up for something horrible. He whipped around to narrow his eyes at Kakashi who simply looked away and walked mockingly into the bathroom whistling. Naruto arrowed his eyes further and shot Kashi a dark glare, one that promised pain if he followed through on his scheme. Kakashi paled and turned to get himself ready.

After meeting with Tsunade and discussing what was going to be done, Kakashi and Naruto headed to Sakura's. It was time to break the news and they knew it wouldn't be pretty. Kakashi knocked once they arrived and waited. Sakura was the one to answer the door and Kakashi saw as Naruto stiffened before relaxing and looking to the ground. Even if he was healed he was paler than usual and still had bags under his eyes. Sakura took one look at him and her eyes widened as she looked around for him.

"Naruto, I thought you and Sasuke were traveling with Jiraya for a few years? Where's Sasuke?" She knew Naruto had been seriously wounded, she could tell with one look. It'd been a little over six months since they separated and she'd been training hard under Tsunade. She watched Naruto shrink into himself a little and Kakashi looked to the ground, and didn't look up when he spoke.

"Sakura, may Naruto and I come in."

"Y-Yeah." She opened the door and stepped aside allowing them entrance. She led them into the kitchen where her mother and father sat talking. They looked up in surprise to see her team leader and teammate standing rather dejectedly facing their daughter. Naruto was the first to speak.

"I'm sorry Sakura. Sasuke has left the Leaf village. He gave into it and went searching for him. I tried to stop him and it ended very badly." Naruto ended in a near whisper, he'd looked her in the eye the whole time and what he saw made him want to die. She was shocked but you could see her world shatter in those glossy emerald eyes. She understood what he was telling her without alerting her parents to the whole truth.

"How close of a call was it Naruto? I know it was bad, I could tell as soon as I looked at you. How close?" Naruto dropped his gaze to the floor hoping she hadn't seen. When he reached out and forced his chin up he knew she'd seen. Seen the flash of pure fear and devastation. He sighed and closed his eyes, he didn't want to see her cry.

"According to Kyu I was gone for about five minutes before he brought me back." Naruto lifted removed his right arm from his shirt and lifted it so she could see. "He put a chidori through my chest, after we fought for a good hour. I didn't want to go full out and apparently held too much back, I couldn't do anything. I'm so sorry Sakura." Sakura looked in horror at the scar and sobbed when he apologized sounding more broken than she felt. She pulled him into her as they mourned.

Sakura's parents knew what had happened to Sasuke so they figured out what had happened. Judging by what they saw of Naruto's chest they knew if he were anyone else they wouldn't have survived. They could only watch sadly with Kakashi as their children suffered. Kakashi discreetly wiped away his own tears as he watched what remained of his team fall apart. Once they'd gotten ahold of themselves Naruto grasp Sakura's shoulders and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry Sakura, I'll do everything within my powers to bring him back. That's a promise I'll give my life to keep, I won't let him ruin his life like this. What kind of best friend would I be otherwise." Everyone was shocked by Naruto's declaration. He hadn't even talked to Kakashi about it, yet here he was declaring to give his life if necessary to bring his family home. Kakashi was suddenly scared of what the future would bring, but as proud as proud could be as he recalled Tsunade's parting words the day before. Naruto had found something to give him the strength and will to push forward.