Chapter 21: Guilt

(At Naruto's house)

"N-No! No! Get away from Naruto! Get away from him! Noooo!" yelled Sasuke in his sleep.

"Sasuke? Sasuke! Are you alright?" asked Naruto who was supporting Sasuke's head. He was trying to wake up Sasuke.

"Huh... Wha? Where's Itachi!" asked Sasuke. He suddenly sit up in a swift movement.

"Itachi? What are you talking about?" asked Naruto.

"He was just here and he attacked me and Kenji. Kenji! Is he alright?" asked Sasuke nervously.

"He's fine... Well... not really. He suffered some broken limbs but he'll make it..." said Naruto.

"Darn it! It's all my fault! If only I was stronger, this would have never happened..." grunted Sasuke.

"It's no one's fault!" answered Naruto.

"I... I have to be alone..." said Sasuke.

"Wait! I'll come with you..." said Naruto.

"I said I want to be alone... I need time to think..." said Sasuke. He faced away from Naruto and started to walk away.

"Okay Sasuke... I understand..." said Naruto.

(At the hospital)

"Unnhhh... G-Gaara? Is that you?" asked Kenji. He weakly opened his eyes to see who was beside his bed.

"Kenji? Thank god you're finally awake! You got me worried to death!" said Gaara.

"Where are we?" asked Kenji.

"You were hospitalized after we found you lying injured in Sasuke's house... You have been asleep for almost 3 days now. What or who attacked the two of you?" asked Gaara.

"It was... Sasuke's brother. He wanted to kidnap Naruto so we fought him but he beat us with little or no effort." said Kenji softly.

"He did that to you! When we spar, I barely kept up with you but Sasuke's brother effortlessly beated you into a bloody pulp!" asked Gaara who was rather surprised.

"Yes... I'd rather not talk about it..." said Kenji.

"Oh... Sorry Ken..." apologized Gaara.

"It's okay. Where's Sasuke?" asked Kenji.

He's at Naruto's... Don't worry though. He's in better shape than you." said Gaara.

"I'm glad to hear that." said Kenji.

"So... What now? Do you plan on getting even with Itachi or helping Sasuke in protecting Naruto?" asked Gaara.

"Hmm... Both. That is, if you'd let me..." said Kenji.

"Not until you're fully healed!" preached Gaara.

"Yes mom..." joked Kenji.

"Hahaha... very funny." replied Gaara sarcastically.

"That can be arranged... Hand me my sword and talismans." said Kenji.

"Now what are you up to?" asked Gaara.

"Trust me on this..." assured Kenji.

"Whatever..." said Gaara. He stood up and rummaged through Kenji's stuff. he grabbed Kenji's sword and then he searched the pockets of Kenji's kimono and got the talismans. He walked back beside Kenji's bed and he handed the sword and talismans.

"Thanks Gaara... Now, I shall begin the incantation." said Kenji. He set up the four talismans around him and he began to recite an incantation. The talismans began to float and rotate around Kenji. He then raised his sword and it began to glow. He then stabbed himself in the chest with his sword.

"Wha! What are you doing! Get that sword off you chest!" yelled Gaara but he was stopped by Kenji's hand.

"Trust, Gaara... Trust" uttered Kenji. Kenji's whole body started to glow and after the light cleared, Kenji's wounds vanished. Kenji then removed the sword from his chest.

"Are you okay?" asked Gaara worriedly.

"Never better..." replied Kenji bubbly.

"I almost had a heart attack! Don't ever do that again!" yelled Gaara.

"It was a bluff technique I learned from my mother. It was supposed to make the enemy think that I commited suicide but in reality, It's a healing jutsu..." explained Kenji.

"Well, did it work?" asked Gaara.

"I guess so... I feel a lot better than before." said Kenji.

"Good for you. So what's your next plan?" asked Gaara.

"First of all, we need to stop by Naruto's house..." said Kenji.

"Why? You're going to warn Naruto about Itachi?" asked Gaara.

"Yes. I have a feeling that Sasuke doesn't have the guts to tell Naruto about it..." said Kenji.

"Then what?" asked Gaara.

"I... I don't know yet... But I'll make sure that I'll get my revenge..." said Kenji

"You know that there's a chance that you'll die if you try to do that..." said Gaara worriedly.

"I know... But I have to protect Naruto... That's what friends do, right?" asked Kenji.

"Of course it is Kenji... Of course it is..." said Gaara.

B.S. Sacramenti: Due to some circumstances beyond my and Lex Divina's control, we had to update the fanfic a little late.

Lex Divina: What circumstances? Your computer was busted cous...

B.S.Sacramenti: Shhhh! You're always so talkative... Anyways Please R and R and I'll update soon.