Rescue

They were now outside the abandoned building. Naruto wanted to ignore all sense and barge right in but Kakashi and Katsuya talked him out of it. They checked their gear to make sure everything is operational. Then the trio advanced towards the building. Naruto took the lead. Not the best chose since all he wanted was to rush into things but his fighting style suited being in the lead. Besides which, it was the easiest way for Katsuya and Kakashi to keep an eye on him. Katsuya is at the rear so she can watch their backs and Kakashi is in the middle. As he's a sniper he has the most openings.

Naruto guided the team through the building. Knowing he was responsible for them as well as Sasuke now he did his best to keep his head screwed on straight. He bit his lip. He has a really bad feeling. Naruto isn't sure if it's just because it's Sasuke and he knows he's close or some sixth sense. He hopes Sasuke is okay. Kakashi and Katsuya keep a close eye on Naruto as well as the surroundings to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. They can see how badly he is affected by the situation by his heavy breathing and the way his hands twitch. It makes them worried.

In the search for Sasuke they end up finding Sai. He was unconscious. If Naruto didn't have morals for kicking people when they're down then he would have beat the shit out of Sai. However, he already had his ass handed to him. He hoped Sasuke was the one who delivered the blows. The creep deserved it after all the crap he's pulled up until now. Maybe that will teach him to leave them alone. Naruto stood with his arms crossed behind Katsuya as she leaned down to him. She smacked him across the face repeatedly until he woke up.

"You are?" Sai asked.

"Me? No one special." She said. "Now tell me, where can we find Sasuke?"

"That guy..." Sai muttered and then noticed Naruto. "Ah, it's so good to see you again baby. Did you miss me? Get sick-"

"Shut up Sai and tell us where he is." Naruto said venomously. "I have no patience right now so you better tell me where to find him before I decide to give exception to my morals."

"Aw, are you growing up Naru-chan?" Sai asked. "You never would have said something like that before."

"Answer the question." Naruto repeated.

"I don't know where he is." Sai chuckled. "Orochimaru probably took him somewhere. Sasuke caught his interest... or lust anyway."

"What?" Naruto growled. "What the hell do you mean lust?"

"That's obvious Naru-chan." Sai smirked. "It means he wants to fuck your boyfriend. Repeatedly."

Naruto let out a cry of rage and punched the floor. He wished so desperately to be allowed to take out his anger on Sai or something but that isn't an option. When Sai opened his mouth to make a remark on Sasuke's situation Naruto gave him such a murderous glare that he shut right up. Naruto demanded their location. Sai said he didn't know. Naruto would have none of it however and demanded answers. Sai watched in fascination how Naruto reacted to the situation. After realizing he wasn't going to get anything out of Sai he went on a rampage through the base.

He left the others behind. Naruto wasn't so blind as to forget them but they would be at a serious disadvantage if they were with him right now. Those two liked to use stealth and don't make scenes. Naruto has always been an emotional fighter and he is destructive. The two were opposing styles and they would handle things better without him there. Naruto fought his opponents with his fists alone. He was too angry to remember his weapons. He demanded to know where Orochimaru and Sasuke were to everyone he crossed but got nothing.

Eventually, there was no one else for Naruto to fight. Somewhere along the way he remembered his weapons. He avoided using his gun because it was a limited weapon and stuck mostly to his brass knuckle blades. He is battered and bruised by the end of it. He got shot through the shoulder and has a few lacerations. That's the worst of it though. When Kakashi and Katsuya find him they almost panic. Katsuya gets angry with him and lectures him. Kakashi doesn't say anything and helps him stand. After Katsuya calms down she leads them back to the car and grabs the first aid kit.

"This isn't going to do much for the bad ones but it will help." She said.

Naruto nodded tiredly.

"Well, that's one way of leaving Orochimaru a message." Kakashi commented.

"Don't encourage him!" Katsuya said indignantly.

"Given the situation I think it's a wonder he even lasted that long before exploding." Kakashi said. "It's no shocker that hearing what he did from Sai made him react that way. Any man in love would."

"Ugh, you men are all the same-irrational and impossible!" Katsuya said.

"Then maybe you should become gay too and start going for women." Naruto said.

"How dare you! I'm bi I'll have you know!" Katsuya gasped. "I swing both ways!"

"Still not off men entirely though." Naruto pointed out. "Don't worry, you'll come around eventually."

Katsuya sputtered indignantly. Naruto smiled weakly at her. Kakashi and her shared a worried glance. After Katsuya finished treating him Naruto stood up straight. Katsuya nearly exploded again.

"Sit your ass down!" She yelled.

"Sasuke..." Naruto murmured.

"We can find him later." She said.

"No, I won't..." Naruto closed his eyes. "I won't leave him alone with that man."

The trio fell silent and then Katsuya sighed. She pushed him into the car and demanded that he rest. She pointed out that if Orochimaru didn't come out in all that ruckus he probably wasn't here. She and Kakashi will work on finding him again. In the meantime, he has to rest. After making them promise they wouldn't leave him behind if they found anything he caved and rested in the backseat. Once they were gone Naruto opened his phone and stared at Sasuke's number. He sent him a text message.

Orochimaru chuckled as he read the message aloud, "I will find you. I guess your boyfriend is searching for you."

Sasuke glared from where he was tied up. So far Orochimaru hasn't done anything to him yet. Sasuke is relieved to hear from Naruto, even if the message has to be relayed through Orochimaru. He hopes that Naruto truly does find him. He doesn't want to be here and he can feel every part of his being calling out to him. How ironic is it that I came here to protect Naruto and now I need him to protect me. Sasuke sighed and prayed that Naruto didn't take too long.

Naruto awoke to Katsuya lightly shaking him. He blinked a few times and sat up with a groan. The worried look that got him made him give her an exasperated look. She smiled at him and then informed him that she has discovered Sasuke's location. Naruto sat up straighter and smiled in delight. Katsuya smiled back at him. Naruto surveyed the area and realized Kakashi was nowhere to be found. He frowned and looked at Katsuya in confusion. She didn't appear to understand the look.

"What?"

"Where's Kakashi?"

"Huh? ...Oh, right. He's with that informant friend of his. He says it's the same one from earlier."

"Oh. So he helped us again?"

"Yes."

"...Okay." Naruto sighed.

He carefully slipped out of the car and looked around. Katsuya sputtered and protested against Naruto walking around. He pointed out that the car ride would probably end up being far more unpleasant. Katsuya immediately shut up. Naruto asked where he could find Kakashi and him. She was silent a moment and then sighed. She slipped an arm through his and guided Naruto towards them. Katsuya stayed latched onto Naruto, obviously wanting to keep an eye on him. He smiled at her amusedly but didn't protest.

The two rounded a corner and spotted them. They were having a quiet discussion with each other. Kakashi heard their approach first and looked over. He leaned off the wall when he spotted Naruto. He gave him a worried look. Naruto smiled at him reassuringly although he was sure he would get annoyed with this quickly. Kakashi having looked over the other one did too. He frowned and watched with arms crossed as they approached.

Somehow, Naruto wasn't surprised with his hostile stance. Maybe it had something to do with what he'd said when they first met? Naruto wasn't completely sure. How could he be? He barely knew the guy at all.

"Naruto, you shouldn't be moving around." Kakashi said.

"I don't know what you two are arguing over but," Naruto said ignoring Kakashi's comment, "I would really like to retrieve Sasuke as soon as possible so..."

"Right. I'll wrap things up." Kakashi said.

Naruto opened his mouth to speak again but was cut off before he could even make a sound.

"Boy!" The man yelled.

"Huh? Oh, that's right, I wanted to say..." Naruto said.

"What is this nonsense of you annihilating this entire base?" He bellowed. "There's no way an insignificant brat like you could possibly accomplish that! Hah, I'd be surprised if you were even capable of stopping one of them! How dare you let Kakashi cover for you like this! You're nothing but a burden."

"...I change my mind, I don't want to say anything to you at all." Naruto bit out angrily.

He turned on his heel to walk away and unkindly, although unintentionally, swung Katsuya harshly around. Naruto could hear the man yelling further profanities and insults to his back as he walked away. Honestly, on any other day he would have punched his teeth out but he has more pressing matters today. He has a boyfriend to save. At one point Katsuya pulled him to a halt as she tried to turn around and fight back but Naruto roughly pulled her forward and continued walking. She was forced, as she was still unwilling to leave his side, to let the fight go.

"What's with you Naruto?" She asked. "Why wouldn't you defend yourself or let me?"

"Because I want to save Sasuke and that comes first." Naruto said. "You can kill him later... not literally."

"...Damn. I'll have to settle for a different revenge then." Katsuya muttered. "That little shit. I can't believe he said all that nonsense. On what basis is being making all those ridiculous claims?"

"There will always be people in this world who will abuse others." Naruto said. "Who will bully them. Who will cheat them. Who will steal from them. There are a lot of kinds of people in this world he's just one of the ones who pleasures from others suffering. He's just a... guy who made a job out of bullying others in one sense of the word or the other."

"...Don't start talking like that." Katsuya said. "It's creepy and unlike you."

"Ah, I'm just tired and on edge." Naruto said. "I'll be better once I have Sasuke with me again."

Katsuya smiled at him and nodded. She helped him get back in the back seat. Kakashi arrived as she closed the door. He asked how Naruto was. Katsuya repeated what Naruto had said only minutes earlier. Kakashi nodded in understanding and his eyes flickered to the back seat, knowing he must have said that himself to her. He got in the passenger seat and Katsuya took the front seat. She glanced back at Naruto and apologized for the hard ride that was in store for Naruto. He nodded and braced himself for the pain that would come with her crazy driving.

Oh and it did. Naruto clenched his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut. His gunshot wound seared agonizingly. The lacerations on him made him feel a steady pulsing of pain throughout his entire body. It was making his head pound from all the stress. He realized for the first time that his ribs are bruised, maybe even fractured. Why hadn't he noticed when he was walking around earlier? Was he in such bad shape that the wound had to be aggravated for him to even notice it? Naruto didn't know and he didn't have the energy to spare thinking on it. He had to focus everything on staying conscious and not screaming. He didn't want to know what that would do to the two people in front of him if they had to hear him crying out in pain.

When the car came to a stop he was relieved. He leaned back into the seat and tried to control his breathing, it is ragged and short. He might as well have been a starved dog for all the good it would do. Katsuya and Kakashi looked at him in concern. Naruto managed to make out guilt in Katsuya's eyes. He blinked a couple of times and then smiled at her. "You had no choice." Naruto said to reassure her. She smiled back sadly. She didn't comment on it and the guilty expression stayed on her face. Naruto wished it would go away. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back. At this rate he would be a burden to them. The ride took too much out of him, he needed time to recover.

Naruto ran a hand through his hair. He realized it was slightly damp with his sweat. He ignored that and addressed his current dilemma. He suggested that they go in without him. He wouldn't be able to leave for a while. Naruto wasn't surprised by the immediate refusal of his proposal but he couldn't stand to be this close and have all of them sit here like this while who knows what is happening to Sasuke. His eyes crinkled with worry. At the same time Naruto didn't want either of them to go in alone. It is just too risky. He groaned as he tried to work through the pain.

"Naruto..." Katsuya mumbled quietly.

"I need time to recover." Naruto said. "You two need to go in and save Sasuke for me. It's not like I want to wait here but I know I can't do anything like this."

"We can't let you go in alone!" Katsuya protested.

"Please, I can't let you go in alone either and I can't let anything happen to Sasuke. I'm begging you please. I can't sit here while he's in there with no one to save him!" Naruto said.

"No, I won't..." Katsuya said.

"Okay." Kakashi said.

"What?!" Katsuya shrieked.

"Calm down. If you scream we're going to be discovered." Kakashi said. "Naruto is capable of handling himself. Even as he is now I'm sure he could deal with anything thrown his way because he has something he must do and he cannot fail. It isn't an option and if he falls he does. As long as a certain raven haired individual still needs him he won't let himself lose. There's no risk of leaving him alone and the only way that Naruto will let himself rest as much as he should is if his mind is at ease. That will only be so if the both of us are searching for Sasuke together. Let's go."

"B-But..." Katsuya protested.

"Kakashi's right." Naruto said. "Please go. Save Sasuke."

Katsuya whimpered but nodded. She and Kakashi got out of the car and headed for the building. Naruto felt guilty for doing this to them but he needed it and he couldn't help that.

They were outside a construction site. It is dark now so there are no workers. Naruto laid down and stared up at the roof. He concentrated on his breathing and slowly got it under control. He waited until his body was no longer crying out in pain. He waited and waited until he knew he was ready. Then he got up and followed down the path Katsuya and Kakashi have already taken.

Naruto silently crept into the building. He walked through half constructed walls, knowing that he could easily be shot through the weak drywall that was his only protection. Somehow, he managed to avoid any lackeys and there are definitely some around. He's already had to slip by them. It isn't easy for him in his current condition but by some miracle he managed it. However, a person only has so much luck and Naruto's ran out. He was caught.

Naruto cursed. While a fight meant he could try to force information from the guy he was in no condition to be picking fights. He needed to avoid them as much as possible. Naruto took a long, calming breath and got into his stance. His hand hovered over his brass knuckles and gun, ready to draw either at any moment. His opponent came at him with a knife so Naruto drew his own. This led to the fight ending as quickly as it came. Naruto slipped through the knife's striking area and placed his blade to the man's throat. In the next second he knocked the knife from the enemy's hand.

"Tell me where I can find Sasuke." Naruto demanded.

"W-Who?" He stuttered.

"The one brought in by Orochimaru." Naruto said. "He has oddly spiked hair. Dark like a raven's. He's pale but has a dark appearance about him. His body is lean, well-built, and he's quick on his feet. He was probably fighting. His eyes are fiery and his glare is like nothing else you would have ever seen. Where can I find him?"

"That is quite an accurate description of him." A man behind Naruto said.

What? How did he...? I didn't even notice him! Have I become this rusty or is he just that good? Naruto snapped his eyes behind him and after a moment shoved the man in his grasp away and lowered his blade. He no longer needed him and Naruto was willing to bet that this man was Orochimaru, the one who took him in the first place.

"Would I be right to presume that you are Naruto?" He asked.

"Depends. Would I be right to presume that you're Orochimaru?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, you would be." Orochimaru smiled.

"Then yeah, I'm Naruto." He said. "Where is Sasuke? I'll decide whether or not I'm gonna kill you after I see him."

"Big words for such a young... and wounded boy." Orochimaru chuckled.

Naruto narrowed his eyes at him. He knew his injuries put him at a disadvantage but it only made things worse that this man already knows. He tightened his body in anticipation of the inevitable battle.

"I don't make threats I don't intend to keep." Naruto promised.

"I believe you." Orochimaru said. "That's what makes it amusing."

"You won't find it amusing when you find yourself on your knees." Naruto retorted.

"We'll see." Orochimaru said with a cruel grin.

Katsuya and Kakashi decided to split up and search the place. Naruto wouldn't have liked it but they don't intend to let him know. Kakashi was quieter in his search than Katsuya. She had relinquished her usual stealth in favor of beating the shit out of people. Her actions left a disaster in her wake. Katsuya wanted to return to Naruto as soon as possible. She didn't care who she had to fight, or how many, she was going to find that boyfriend of his and get the hell out of here.

In retrospect, all the fighting would probably just make things longer but she wasn't thinking much on it and therefore it didn't occur to her. However, despite this, she still found Sasuke before Kakashi did. He was tied up to a post and was shirtless but he was otherwise clothed and unharmed. At least physically anyway. Whether or not he was mentally there was no real way for Katsuya to know but he didn't appear that way to her. She grumbled to herself and went up to him. Somehow, Orochimaru had gotten his hands on a pair of handcuffs, which were securing Sasuke to the pole.

Katsuya pulled out her smallest and finest blade. It was for if she got captured and was tied up with rope but with some doing she should be about to unlock the cuffs on him. She sighed and knelt down next to him and began to pick the lock. Katsuya hoped that by some stroke of luck Kakashi stumbled upon them because then she would have someone to guard them while she does this. It didn't even occur to her how odd it was that Sasuke didn't have anything covering his mouth and yet had not peeped a word.

"...What are you doing?" He finally asked.

Katsuya screeched at the top of her lungs in surprise and momentary fear. Apparently, she hadn't noticed he wasn't gagged. Sasuke jumped a little and cringed at the loud noise. His eyes briefly flickered to the door. Katsuya covered her mouth in horror.

"Are you trying to scare the life out of me?" She hissed.

"It's not my fault you're too blind to notice I wasn't gagged!" Sasuke snapped. "Now tell me what you're doing."

"Isn't that obvious?" She said. "I'm saving you."

"Why the hell would you do that?" Sasuke asked.

"Don't complain brat, I'm only doing this for Naruto." Katsuya said. "I couldn't give two shits about you. Naruto on the other hand..."

"Wait, Naruto's here?" He asked. "You're here because of him?"

"Yes and Kakashi too." She said. "Naru-chan came to see me after you decided to go off because of some stupid ass text message you got. He called in on an old favor. Not that I wouldn't help either way..."

"Old favor?"

"Yeah... you do know his past right?"

"He's told me a bit about it." Sasuke said.

Katsuya could tell from the way he said it that he knows about the lengths Naruto has gone, the dark things he has done.

"Che, I suspected as much. That idiot must really trust you. So much for that though."

Sasuke flinched.

"What are you on about?"

"What part?"

"...The 'really trust you part'."

"Hm, at least you have some sense, knowing that you've done wrong. You asshole. Anyway, did you think it was common knowledge? That everyone knows about his dark side?"

"Well... I..."

"You did huh? You were wrong. They know Naruto hasn't had it easy. There are few Naruto has been open enough with to share such secrets with."

"He didn't have much of a choice. We were ambushed and he..."

"Of course he had a choice Sasuke. Anyway, I'd be willing to wager you learned more than he revealed that day. He's told you more yes?"

"Not really..."

"...Have you asked?"

"No."

"Then ask. He'll tell you. Not because you want him to... okay that is why but he's willing to let you know because he trusts you. Just because he tells you things just because you ask doesn't mean he does it with everyone."

"..."

"...I don't know what you feel for him but if you do something like this again I won't help and I won't for his own good. Nor will I let him do anything. He may hate me for it but if you can do something like this to him then he's better off without you."

"What are you...?" Sasuke said.

"You have no idea what you did, do you? He was free Sasuke but then you went off on your own to face his problems and then he's standing in front of me with the hard look on his face that I had thought Iruka had destroyed. In an instant, it was there again, and he was prepared to kill for his survival and now yours. For you, he ordered in weapons and gear. For you, he put on his old facade but behind it Naruto was tired and scared. He's so drained, I don't even know what the hell he's running on anymore, probably his fear. His fear... of something happening to you.

"Kakashi told me not to tell you this but I don't care. I've known Naruto since he was a child tortured and tormented every waking moment of his life and I never saw him cry. I still haven't but the mere fact that he did is enough to piss me off. He cried over you, when you called and wouldn't listen even after he begged you not to go. Naruto let his tears fall in the presence of someone because it hurt too much. Because he was that scared and worried and it felt like you didn't care. Yet still all he thinks about is saving you. Every move he made since the moment you walked out that door was to bring you home safely and I swear to god that I'll kill you if I ever see him that way again because of you." Katsuya threatened.

Sasuke said nothing. He only looked away guiltily. He hadn't even realized Naruto had cried. What's wrong with me? How could I do that to him? Sasuke didn't move once Katsuya finally freed him. He didn't even notice. She didn't care either way though. She hulled him to his feet and shoved him in the direction of the door. She was pleased when Sasuke obediently moved in that direction. With a few long strides Katsuya swept in front of him and led him through the halls, expecting him to follow. She never bothered to check over her shoulder to see if he was following or keeping up. However, that didn't mean she wasn't aware of whether he was or not. She could hear him trekking along behind her.

Katsuya passed a security room. It was empty but the cameras were still running. There was no logical reason for it but some part of her urged her to go inside. Her gut promised her that she would discover something important. She turned around and returned to the room and entered it. Sasuke trailed in after her without a word. Katsuya smiled to herself, quite satisfied with the state she had put him in. She frowned when she pictured the reaction Naruto would have to it. She glanced back at him. She would have to fix that before they saw Naruto. It would only mean trouble for her. Katsuya didn't want to be hated by the blond if it was avoidable.

She turned her attention to the monitor screens. Her eyes lazily ran over them until they landed on one in particular. She stared at it uncomprehendingly at first. Then her mouth fell open in disbelief. Katsuya screamed at the top of her lungs and lurched to the screen. Sasuke guessed that it was a habit of hers the first time she did it so he didn't react to it this time. However, her jumping to the screen like that must mean that there is something important on it. The scream meant it wasn't anything pleasant. Sasuke came up next to her and followed her line of sight. He jumped in surprise at what he saw.

"Naruto, you crazy son of a bitch!" Katsuya yelled. "Why the hell are you fighting Orochimaru!"

Naruto panted heavily and kept his sharp eyes on Orochimaru. He had yet to draw his gun or brass knuckles and Orochimaru either didn't have any or didn't think they were worth using on him. Orochimaru smirked at Naruto and taunted him with his promise and words of Sasuke. Naruto grit his teeth and forced himself to ignore them. He had already succumbed to those tricks again and again but he had to get a grip. The words were harsh and he wanted to make Orochimaru pay for them but their power was too vastly different for him to win if he continued to act on his feelings. It wouldn't help Sasuke any. That's what he told himself over and over to make himself stay put.

The shot to his shoulder from earlier was limiting his use of that arm. In retrospect he shouldn't be using it at all but it wasn't avoidable. It has already started to tremble in pain. Breathing hurts because if his ribs weren't cracked before they are now. A few more well placed hits and he'll definitely have a broken rib or two. Orochimaru has already caused significant damage to his right knee. It can barely hold his weight anymore. Naruto isn't sure how much longer he can fight but he knows that he has to win. Then he will find the strength to continue standing and fight any more who come before him and will find Sasuke.

Naruto took a calming breath and stilled his mind. It was time to start fighting smart. He should have started that way but he only ever managed to do it when he was pushed to the edge. It seemed to be something he did on instinct, not thought. How he abruptly changed tactics and thought. Orochimaru noticed the change in Naruto and knew that though it was slight, he could now become a problem. It's time to stop playing with him and finish him off. Orochimaru surged forward and Naruto braced himself.

Orochimaru round house kicked him but Naruto diverted the brunt of the attack to his injured arm and forced himself to hold his footing. He smirked at Orochimaru and grabbed his leg tightly in his good arm. He kicked the other leg to throw him off balance and then threw him across the room and into the resounding wall. He crashed right through it due to it only being drywall. Naruto frowned in annoyance at that. That throw would have been far more effective if Orochimaru had hit a solid wall. He watched as Orochimaru walked back through the hole he made with an enraged face.

"You're going to pay for that." Orochimaru said.

"I don't care if I do because when this is all over," Naruto said, "I'll have won and Sasuke will be safe. There's nothing you could do to me that could hurt more than something happening to him."

"Why isn't he using his weapons?" Sasuke asked, trying to ignore the tightening in his chest from the guilt of Naruto's words.

I don't deserve them...

"He's an idiot! A fucking goddamned idiot!" She yelled. "He has a code of honor or whatever you want to call it. I think it's a code of stupidity. He refuses to fight an unarmed opponent with weapons. He'll only use his fists. A gun gets a gun. A blade of any sort gets his brass fucking knuckles. His choice of fighting style is why he has so much defensive equipment. Ugh, what is that idiot thinking?"

Sasuke only just noticed how Naruto was wearing arm, shoulder, leg and some other assortment of protective gear. He realized it was slowing him down. Hindering his movements even. He was tiring quicker and Sasuke noted grimly, he looked dead on his feet. He watched in horror as Naruto began to remove that equipment. He knew what Naruto was thinking, but it was so risky and he was already in bad shape. He would become quicker without it though and may be able to dodge more and fight longer. That's on the basis Orochimaru doesn't hit him too much.

Orochimaru attacked and it seemed to be working but then Naruto moved a certain way and his face contorted in agony. Orochimaru smirked like the devil and slammed the full brunt of his knee into Naruto's ribcage. He howled out in pain and Katsuya screamed "No!" Sasuke didn't understand at first. Why was she so mortified? When he saw that Naruto could barely stand after that he realized Naruto's ribs had been broken. Sasuke paled more than he already is if possible.

"How did you...?" Sasuke asked.

"Know that his ribs would break?" Katsuya asked. "Don't think too much of me. I'm not so good that I can tell from this little screen how beat up he is but Naruto already had borderline cracked ribs from a previous engagement. There's no way a blow that strong wouldn't finish off what the others started."

"Others?" Sasuke sounded mortified.

"Yeah, others." Katsuya said, sparing him a quick glance. "We went to your meeting point with Sai first. We thought you were there but obviously you weren't. However, after Sai revealed Orochimaru's interest in you Naruto went on a rampage throughout the whole hideout and attacked anyone on sight. By the end of it he had defeated or killed the entire group currently within the hideout. There wasn't much Kakashi and I could do when he was like that. He got roughed up pretty bad. If I could have had my way he never would have come here on our second attempt at a rescue mission. He's just too weak but there's no way he would have had it. Naruto would do something reckless."

Sasuke didn't say anything, he only looked back at the screen.

"What are you doing?" A man asked.

The two whirled around to discover it was only Kakashi. Katsuya glared at him for scaring her and explained the situation.

"So, are you just going to stand here and watch?" Kakashi asked. "Let's go find him. Besides, having the person he's fighting for couldn't possibly hurt him."

Sasuke blushed in embarrassment as Kakashi's eyes landed on him. He looked away. Kakashi frowned and looked at Katsuya for an explanation. She only shrugged and quickly started pulling Sasuke along to avoid any questions. The three of them traversed through the building in search of the blond.

Orochimaru snatched Naruto's gun from his holster. Naruto immediately freed his brass knuckles and began to spin. His good arm strikes the gun hand and knocked it out of said hand. The gun skidded across the floor away from them but Naruto was still spinning. He finished the spin slashing through Orochimaru's stomach. There was a moment where neither moved as the action caused extreme pain for Naruto and Orochimaru realized he was going to die.

As Orochimaru fell forward towards the ground Naruto managed to gather enough strength to side step him and stand out of the way. Orochimaru crashed into the earth. Naruto's hands lay limply at his sides, the blade held loosely in one hand. He forced himself to re-sheath it. Naruto breathed heavily and trembled as he forced himself to remain standing. He repeated his mantra continuously in his head.

I must save Sasuke. I cannot fall. I cannot fail. If I fall I fail. I must stand and fight. I must face whatever comes my way and remain victorious until this ends successfully. Sasuke will take care of me then.

Naruto staggered over to where his gun fell and crouched to pick it up. He cursed after he put it away and tried to stand again. If his mind wasn't so sluggish right now he would have realized this would happen. His body was refusing to respond to the commands he was sending. He began to panic when he heard approaching footsteps but there was something familiar about them. His panic receded and he understands why when they crossed the threshold. His eyes landed on Katsuya, Kakashi... and Sasuke.

Naruto smiled and his eyes lighted up with happiness and relief. Suddenly, he felt the power to move fill him. Naruto rose from his crouch and made his way over to them. Sasuke must have been unable to move because all he was doing was staring. Naruto forgot his pain, he forgot everything but Sasuke. He strode up to him and wrapped him in a strong embrace. Sasuke stood frozen for a moment and then he buried his face in Naruto's shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist. Silent tears fell down their faces although neither was aware of it.

Katsuya and Kakashi watched them in silence. They shared a look and then looked at the scene. They quietly discussed a plan. Kakashi would deal with the body and any evidence and Katsuya would take care of the two and house them until they recover. Katsuya went up to them and almost felt bad for ruining their moment.

"Guess what kids? I'll be letting you stay with me for a while." Katsuya said. "Now let's go. Naru-chan needs to see a doctor."

They nodded and Sasuke supported Naruto's weight. The only thing that gave him strength was Sasuke and the thought of him. However, now that Naruto knew everything would be okay his drive left him. His vision started to blur and moments later he collapsed. The only thing he managed to say was one word or more precisely-one name.

"Sasuke."