I picked up a pencil and actually started drawing again. It's been years where I've done anything more than scribble. I used to draw all the time, back when being on the internet all day was a foreign thought. But anyway, enjoy the chapter. R&R~

The room was silent, the increments of time dragging by with an utterly sluggish pace. The noise in the hallway beyond the closed door was consistent and growing. People were traveling, talking loudly in hurried voices and obstructing the low level of tranquility meant to be enforced in the building on such an occasion. The window was cracked open, allowing a slight breeze to enter, still carrying the wisp of rain in the draft to linger and loiter within the hint of humidity. The Copy ninja's eye unhurriedly traced over at the curtain that swayed lightly, then landed on the woman as she finished the healing process.

"And that should do it for the poison," Shizune said after removing the rest of the venom still circulating the Jounin's system. Tsunade had done most of the extraction beforehand. "You might feel some fatigue for a while but other than that, you're fine."

Kakashi could still sense the effects, but they began fading gradually as he stood up, his muscles getting the chance to move. "Thanks."

"If you want to see your students, they're down the hall. The medical squad should be done treating them." She sighed heavily. Thinking back to the unruly situation that unfolded after the Hokage had left to fight alongside Jiraiya. "Not many are injured, at least not as much as I anticipated. It turns out that only a few groups ran into Sound ninja. They were dispersed all over the village but they were meant for a distraction that unfortunately worked all too well."

"That's good to hear, for the most part," he said, disregarding the truth behind her words. "What about those three ANBU members who were guarding Sasuke? They were near death when I found them."

The medical ninja approached the sink, running her hands under the water. "They're in critical condition, but will recover once Lady Tsunade gets the chance to heal them properly." Her glance wandered over to the window, noting the clearing sky, the morning seemingly illusionary after the dreadful long night. "I hope they're doing okay…"

"Same here, but they knew when they left..." He walked over to the door, hand resting on the frame before he made his leave. "Even if they don't succeed in killing Orochimaru, they'll be back."

"I know." Her smile stayed hidden behind her words. "I told Sakura that Naruto and Sasuke were back. She's probably with them right now. She was worried."

"She had reason to be," he added with a sigh. "Well, I'll see you around." Kakashi entered the hallway, taking a vital breath to cast his worry aside. It would engulf him relentlessly if he didn't discard it right away. However, he couldn't allow it to be kept beyond his thoughts. It was the exact thing he addressed his students about and it would be hypocritical of him to ignore it any longer. He also held concern even though they were back inside the claimed safety of the village. It served little to him, but he still had to hold onto something.

The Jounin decided to wait a little before talking to his team, knowing they would need some time with each other.

Sakura entered the room as soon as she heard what happened, having to wait outside before being allowed in. Naruto had explained what transpired rather quickly, his weariness diminishing as he healed. He didn't go into as much detail as he would normally, deciding to spare some of the aspects that would lead her to prompt any distress. His explanation kept more to his side of the story, not knowing much after Sasuke left.

"I'm so glad the two of you are alright," the kunoichi said afterwards, pulling them both into a hug. After she informed Tsunade, Sakura was told to wait here and help Shizune, but it didn't quell the rising fear in her chest after separating from the others.

"Sakura, can't breathe," Naruto joked. "I told you everything would turn out okay." He remained bandaged even though there wasn't much of a purpose. A small grin appeared after she took a step back. "No need to worry anymore."

"I know… Thank you for keeping your promise," she said a little lower, eyeing her blue eyed comrade. The kunoichi felt guilty about her words developed from grief and panic and carried through within her tears. Her eyes were on the brim of once again becoming wet, but she suppressed them, wiping the side of her face.

He shook his head after a frown formed, noticing her steadily get emotional about his promise to her. "It's not over yet. Grandma and Pervy Sage aren't back." He moved the necklace she lost to him in their bet and grasped it briefly. His mind was also encased in the same looping concern and anxiety even though he was able to sustain a reforming smile. It wasn't forced, but imprisoned his opposing feelings. "It's only been thirty minutes, but that's a long time to be fighting," he added, glancing to the ceiling. "I hope they're doing alright…"

"The stronger the opponent, the longer the fight," the Uchiha said lowly. He leaned his head back against the wall. He was still exhausted and mentally drained, barely finding reason to invoke his voice to produce words, his sentence simply a trailing notion to counter the blond's statement.

Sakura took a seat to Naruto's left. Her elbows rested on her knees as she appeared to be looking to the ground. "Are you okay, Sasuke?"

"Just thinking," he mumbled with little interest.

"About what?" Naruto asked in the center of them. He leaned back on his hands, a questionable glance spared.

The Uchiha sighed. "Not that it's any of your concern, but something doesn't add up to me…" He was going to say nothing, but regarding the recent events, he spoke without his usual restraint. He faced them for a minuscule moment before turning away again. "Orochimaru allowed me to separate from him due to the circumstances, but if he considered Jiraiya and Tsunade showing up then it would have made more sense to keep going… Instead he wanted me to kill you…"

"Who cares about the reason?" Naruto asked, impatience dwelling. "You're back. Kakashi sensei and I are fine. It's all good now. You shouldn't bother with any of that, not after what he did. Orochimaru threatened you in the first place and then left us to kill each other while he almost killed Kakashi sensei, so that should be reason enough not to think about why he did any of it. There probably isn't a good reason behind it anyway. I'd like to know why he killed the Third, attacked the village and all of that, but it doesn't make a difference in the end if it doesn't help. And then going after you with another attack on Konoha, I'd-"

"We get it," the girl interrupted frankly. "But I think Sasuke has a point." Sakura placed her hand under her chin becoming lost in thought. Her gathered knowledge wasn't enough to come up with an idea.

The jinchuuriki crossed his arms and muttered. "You weren't even there…"

"Back at the Hokage Monuments," the Uchiha continued, despite the interlude. "He changed my options as well, knowing I'd say no to the first one… I don't know if he has anything else planned if this were to happen." He wouldn't think less of it and the unassuming aspect cultivated a pang of fault for not considering this beforehand.

"I think you're all worrying too much," the blond said upon exhale. "I know Orochimaru is a Sannin and all, but come on, do you really think he planned for every little detail? Pervy Sage doesn't even do that…"

"Yeah, I do," Sasuke said tiredly.

"There isn't much of a point to think about it if we can't do anything more," the blond countered. Restlessness came over him as he huffed a continuing response. "We'll deal with it like always if we need to."

"And how's that?" the pink haired ninja asked.

"The only way I know how," he said, slamming his fist against his chest. "As a team." Sakura gave a small smile while the Uchiha just looked over blankly. He noticed Sasuke's lack of attention. "Come on, lighten up a little."

The Uchiha just shook his head, showcasing some annoyance, drawing his eyes away again, causing Naruto to frown once more.

Sakura looked over at the two of them. Her fingers twisted between each other, insecurely displaying her stalled nerves from taking over her disposition. The two of them were back, but it appeared as though they were not unscathed. She could tell something settled with them, their dispute, but it formed a steep emptiness. The kunoichi was also affected, but held hope closely that it would soon pass. "Oh, Naruto… Iruka sensei wanted me to tell you he was looking for you."

His stare rounded over to her. "Really…? What for?" He was thankful to know the Chuunin was here. Getting off the bed, he stretched his arms back in a weary fashion.

"I don't know," she said with a shrug. "He just wanted to make sure you were alright and all. He's not badly injured either so he's around somewhere."

"Okay." He walked over to the door and turned back. "Oh… Sakura… I wanted to talk to you about something…"

"About what?" she asked.

"Well… it's kind of difficult to say but…" He trailed off a little, finding it more of a challenge to be spoken a second time. He took a calming breath. "Do you know… what a jinchuuriki is?" he asked quietly.

"No… I never heard of that before," she confessed, seeing, and a bit confused by, his struggle to get the words out. "What is it?"

"Pervy Sage explained that they're hosts for the tailed beasts… Gaara is one… that was the reason behind his power. He's the one tailed Shukaku… They are eight others and it's the reason the Akatsuki are hunting them down, to take control of their power… The nine tailed fox spirit… the one that attacked the village twelve years ago was sealed into… me." His head lowered. "I'm… a jinchuuriki too... I didn't want to say anything because I thought… I thought you'd…"

"Naruto…" Her hand hovered over herlips, hesitating a response.

"I'd understand if you… hated me too… The villagers-" He was cut off, receiving another hug from her suddenly, not even noticing her walk towards him. "Sakura?"

"Hate you?" she asked with tears in her eyes. "I had no idea… you were going through something like that… I knew the Akatsuki were after you, but I didn't know why and…" Sakura paused, retracting. "You're still the same Naruto to me, don't ever think otherwise." Now she could see it, the reason behind the stares he received when they walked through the village together or her parents warning her to stay away from him. It must have been such a heavy burden to carry alone. "They don't know you the way we do and have no right to judge you like that."

He could tell she was getting defensive. "It's okay, Sakura, really. I heard all I need to… knowing that you and Sasuke can still accept me… it's all I wanted."

She shook her head sadly. "Trust me, you'll never be without."

Hearing her say that seemed to remove a burden he carried for years. He couldn't express the relief he felt in his heart, they still acknowledged him regardless of his secret. A small smile came over him. "Thanks," he said wholeheartedly. He then started backing away, remembering what the kunoichi said. "Okay, well, see you guys later. I gotta find Iruka sensei."

The blond went into the hallway, not knowing exactly where to look. He strolled into the waiting room after a few minutes of wandering around aimlessly, his mind dissolving the results that led to his current state of mind. He didn't feel like anything was wrong, but internally the flame of apprehension burned over him. He should be feeling better, brighter. The situation turned in their favor.

"Naruto, there you are," Iruka called out, waving him over. "It's good to see you're okay."

"You too." He walked closer, noticed the Chuunin had a bandage on his arm.

"This is nothing," he said, seeing the blond's eye travel to the wound. "But you look pretty beat up."

His head tilted to the side, hands thrown behind his head. "I've mostly healed," he said with a grin. "Sasuke can sure pack a punch."

"Sasuke did that to you?" he asked, confusion ebbing away at his voice.

"Yeah, but I got in a few good hits back, so it's fine." The jinchuuriki watched a few people walk by, becoming familiar with the feel of the hospital by now. He didn't prefer to be here as often as he has been. "It wasn't a real fight," he said upon clarification. "Sasuke wasn't leaving willingly… It's complicated if you weren't there. Even if you were, it was still confusing."

Iruka nodded. "You can tell me about it over ramen tomorrow after everything settles. My treat."

"Really? Great!" He could use some food right now, but wouldn't dare let himself walk out of the building before he found out the consequences of the last fight happening far beyond his view. He also needed to be told the fate of their actions and maybe find some reassurance from the man in front of him.

"But right now you should take it easy," he said, observing the fatigue the blond carried.

"Not until Pervy Sage and Granny Tsunade come back. I won't relax unless I know for sure Orochimaru is gone… I was so close to losing already and I don't want to feel that way again…" He started walking, Iruka by his side. "It's weird… Sasuke and I are actually getting along better now… but something still isn't right…"

"The situation may have gotten out of hand, but let's hope the end results are better." The Chuunin took a seat. "Maybe you and Sasuke will finally get over your rivalry."

"I'd actually rather have that stay," he said with a yawn, sitting down beside his previous sensei. "It's where our friendship started. But just because we're on better terms today, we could be back to arguing tomorrow… And I'm okay with that. It's the way we are."

Iruka shifted his head over to his student. "Who knows…? You might be right."

Naruto leaned to the side, spreading out on the remaining chairs. His one hand gripped limply to the back of the seat while the other lay over his stomach. "Did you hear how the others were?"

Iruka exhaled, recalling their conditions. "Yeah, they're doing fine. Neji and Choji are in bad shape, but enough rest and they'll recover. Shikamaru is okay, only a broken finger. The others are all getting patched up, sleeping to recover sooner. Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari are around somewhere. They wanted to stay, only for a few more hours before heading back to Suna. They've been here longer than anticipated, but said they didn't mind."

"Good," he said relieved, closing his eyes before staring back at the ceiling again. "I was worried even though they said they could handle it. I didn't want to leave them to fight alone."

"Fortunately, the Sound ninja they fought were all killed. It took a lot of their strength, but working together undoubtedly saved their lives."

"Yeah… must have…" The despondency in his tone caused the other to look down at him.

"Shikamaru wanted me to tell you not to feel guilty about leaving." He noticed Naruto's troubled look as it traced through his blanking features. "He's right though… Think about how this would have turned out if you weren't there for Sasuke. I know Kakashi was with you, but he needed your help too."

The blond sat up, eyes plastered to the ground. "It's not like I had much of a choice," he admitted as his foot drew back on the tiled floor. "I made a promise." He looked up, swallowing his building conflict. "And I always keep my word. I just have to make sure I see this through to the end and I will. It's not even a question."

"I think your faith in Master Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade is enough for now. Believing in them is all you need to do, and recovering for the next step in this turn of events. I don't think they'll lose either, but we don't know the details of this attack on the village or those it involved." He put his arm around Naruto's shoulders to withdraw any form of hesitation in the jinchuuriki's ceasing worry.

"You make is sound like a bad thing," he exhaled, taking off his headband, gazing at the reflective surface. He felt somewhat better being beside Iruka, the problems almost dropping off radar. "Sasuke and Sakura are a little worried about it too, but I don't see the point. I want to be glad when I have the chance. It makes it easier. Besides… someone has to keep being positive or it would be gone."

"You're probably right about that…" He knew where Naruto was coming from. When growing up, dispelling all negativity was the only thing that made the state of being alone seem bearable. He faced the same amount of forced happiness, but deep down he wanted nothing more but to admit defeat. The Chuunin would have no idea if this was the same, but without it being expressed, he found he knew anyway.

"I just…" He yawned again, leaning his head to the side. "Need to know everything will be okay in the end because I won't be in the village much longer if Pervy Sage is going to be training me. I know it won't be for a while, but I need to see this through."

"Like anything else, it will take time." He moved his arm and tapped on the headband. "Just remember what this really represents."

"Yeah," he mumbled, closing his eyes and quickly falling asleep.

Iruka wanted nothing more than Naruto's mind to clear from all the stress induced complications that provided him with this confliction. But Naruto always had a way of doing so for himself after a needed guiding hand. The blond had that strength within him for as long as he could remember and it wasn't going anywhere.

Sakura's head hit the wall, her knees brought up to her chest, deciding to place the jinchuuriki idea out of her mind right now. The two of them hadn't said a word even after Naruto left the room. "I know you're probably not in the mood to answer this… but when we were on that mission… why did you thank me?" She glanced over at him, still sensing something bothering him. Her question, though she did seek an answer, was more or less meant to spark conversation.

His head persisted on staying down. "I don't know," he answered in monotone. He thought back to that moment, remembering it was after the bridge incident. He never expressed his views on his teammates to them directly. Even though he knew in his head, it was always a challenge to say in words but after everything, she deserved to hear his true response. "It was probably because we were put on a team together… You finally took the moment to understand something about me… A lot of people know what happened to my clan, but not many of them know what it feels like. You're one of those people."

Her eyelids lowered. "I know…"

"You shouldn't want to know how it feels anyway." He peered over at her slightly. "I thanked you because you're one of the very few people that care about me for who I am…" He paused, closing his eyes momentarily. "It's just the comprehension that I'm human too. I'm not saying that you're the only one that sees that, others do as well, but being on the same squad… it's a little different."

"I guess, back at the Academy, with all those girls around trying to get your attention… me included… We cared more about our own feelings. We were young though and I didn't know anything about you," she said, allowing her tone to display her understanding. She didn't fathom the effects of losing family in such a tragic way when hers were by her side at that age and to this day. "You were the most skilled, the smartest in class, and well… None of that makes it right." She turned her head away from him, feeling herself being to blush. "I'm sorry… I know I must have been annoying… all the time…"

Sasuke permitted a sigh before a simmering silence cast its edge amongst them. "It doesn't make a difference anymore anyway."

She tilted her head in his direction. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged and then took a breath. "Things change… and the past is the past." He knew a few weeks ago he would have said that the past was where his goal lied and he had to endure and remain in a fixed state of mind to complete it. Now, he hardly wanted to look back to the time when he lost everything, but forced himself to when needed.

"I guess you're right. Moving forward is the only option. We can't always act like Genin even though that's our rank." Sakura inclined forward. "I know our team is kind of splitting up even though we finally got back together. I'm going to be Lady Tsunade's apprentice soon. Naruto's going to be leaving the village to train with Master Jiraiya. You'll be training with Kakashi sensei… I won't say that I'm not upset about it but it's a good thing."

"I didn't realize we were all splitting up so soon," the Uchiha said, leaning his head on the wall again. "Well, after everything is figured out."

"So, we still have time then," she said with another smile, trying to turn the topic. "It doesn't make up for everything, but for now Team Seven is still a squad like it should be."

He simply gave a nod, not feeling the need to voice his opinion any further. He knew her attempt at trying to bring up the atmosphere. It was too layered and thick to be removed if guileless words were the only thing used. It helped a little, but not enough.

The door cracked open. "Sakura, I need to see you for a second," Shizune said quietly. "We have a few more coming in with injuries and I could use your help."

"Sure," she said, getting up and turning back. "I'll probably be busy for a bit so if I don't see you for a while, bye."

"Bye," he said lowly.

After the two left, Kakashi entered a few seconds later. He walked over, giving a wave to Sakura as she left. "Feeling any better?" he asked, facing the Uchiha.

"Fine," the teen said lightly. "What about the poison?"

"All taken care of."

He slowly nodded again, looking down.

Kakashi took a seat after a few minutes of etched silence passed. He noticed a weariness in the Uchiha's eyes, one that escalated far beyond any tiredness. It stirred a form of concern, but lacked an arrangement of words to express anything after the events that transpired only a few hours ago. "You're quieter than usual."

"I'm tired," he said closing his eyes for a moment. The faintness in his voice was fairly uncommon with him. Sasuke felt lightheaded as he placed his fingers over his eyes, dragging them off after a miniscule second. When his stare drifted to the wall, a steady upsurge of strain hit him from overuse of the Sharingan. He wanted nothing more but to rest, however, knew his body wouldn't allow that now.

"It's been a long night," the Jounin said, observing the sky from the window, seeing the sun hit the horizon. The storm was beyond the village, causing the clouds to break apart and spread further to allow the light passage for morning. "It's not over yet."

Sasuke remained still, feeling the weight of his exhaustion tug over him with a firm hold. The normal desire he felt to be alone clawed at the back of his mind. It was a habitual thought which he wanted to suppress. It was a clear nuisance, evident within the shift of his stare. He moved his head over to look at his sensei, his ebony eyes absent of emotion or vitality. "There's going to be a problem since I left willingly… isn't there?"

Kakashi allowed a shallow sigh. "Maybe…" He motioned his worry with a returning glance. "It all depends on where everyone stands on the situation once the Hokage returns and this is all sorted out. Try not to worry too much about that for now."

His head leisurely fell back against the wall, remembering how often he fought any burden that created a drifting concept of unease. "It's the only thing on my mind. There's nothing to stop me from considering everything that happened and just knowing…"

The copy ninja was thinking about the same thing for a while. He knew Tsunade would comprehend Sasuke's reasons if explained, but he wasn't sure what the outcome would amount to after all was said and done. "Naruto and I were there with you and we know what really happened. The others can only speculate so the chance of a problem is slim."

"That really doesn't make me feel any better," he admitted, crossing his arms. He was again back to gazing at the white wall, finding it to occupy his need to close his eyes.

"Trust me on this one. You lost everything once, but you weren't about to give yourself out for the only reason that makes you alive. I can see that. Naruto and Sakura know the story as well, so we're on your side no matter what may come of this. Even if Orochimaru isn't killed… nothing will happen to you." He wanted to keep conviction in his tone but it came out a little edgy and stressed.

The Uchiha's palm rested on his shoulder with uncertainty tensing his fingers. "Even if Orochimaru is brought close to death, I don't think it's enough. He still has Kabuto on his side who could heal him and it's not like he'd stay in a losing battle… Still… It's the Hokage and the council that make all the decisions, right?"

"Yeah," he said with a minor nod.

"Danzou is part of the council whether he gets caught for breaking the law or not. There isn't really any proof except for our word. If the member of the Foundation isn't dead already, he won't talk. He was given an order… even normal ANBU Black Ops won't say anything since you need a warrant to interrogate or arrest them to begin with… It's probably the same, especially for someone on Danzou's level of protection." A stinging numbness trickled down his arm. He was healed prior to his teammates gathering in his room, but still felt the extension of his injuries.

His student apparently thought this one through. He would agree, but that wouldn't help the situation seem any less problematic. "There are ways around things like that. Lady Tsunade has the overall word."

"Maybe," he replied vaguely.

He glimpsed over at his student, speaking with a softened voice. "I think you should get some sleep."

"I couldn't fall asleep even if I tried," he said, running his hands over his eyes. His head was pounding again as a firm headache took over. He arched his back a little as he coughed. After taking a deep breath, he brought his leg up and rolled his head to the side. "Kakashi… I already know that I made a mistake but-"

"Don't contradict yourself," he said with a slight shake of his head. "Just let things unfold the way they're going to. It's all any of us can do… I know it might seem a little hopeless to you when you just don't know what's going to happen next, but it'll work out."

The Uchiha closed his eyes and slowly opened them. "That's what you said to me the last time we were in the hospital and it still didn't change anything." An undertone of aggravation was naturally tracing back into his voice.

"I know," he said, picking up on the fact. "I can't give you the assurance you want to hear and saying nothing will go wrong is a lie within itself." He leaned forward, his eye noticing his student's stress provoked habit surface within his tone. "I can tell, just by the way you're avoiding eye contact, you'd rather be by yourself right now, but in all honesty… I don't think it would be a good idea for you to be alone."

He paused, feeling it surge from his chest, his biting contradiction. He didn't want it either, but knew what came of having someone around too often. "I don't care," he said almost inaudibly, his stare bitterly evading confrontation.

"Don't start pushing me away again, Sasuke. It's frustrating, I know, but-"

"It's not just frustrating," he interrupted, raising his voice a minimal amount. "I'm sick of this… to a point where I can't even think straight." He gritted his teeth, looking over at his sensei with sharpness to his ongoing reply. "I never wanted any of this to happen. When revenge was my focal point, I didn't feel this emptiness. My goal is the only thing I have control over and then Orochimaru comes in and twists the remaining restraint I have in my life, just so he could make me think I didn't need any of this…" He turned his head. "The reason I was so close to giving up everything… I didn't want it… because I know what happens when you hold something too close. It hurts more when it gets torn away… If I was the one to let go for once, there'd be no pain."

"Pain is a part of life and one that you can handle," he said gently. He knew Sasuke was burying his resentment, but he wondered when the sadness he kept hidden would finally break. "You don't have to guard yourself like this, not around the people that care about you."

"I know," he said in a whisper. "I don't want any more people in my life to disappear."

"Then don't let go of them so easily. As long as you do that, you won't have to see it again. It's different in your head. You feel like the only one even though you're aware of others who suffered loss and hardship. It doesn't appear real because it's not you… but it affects you."

Sasuke closed his eyes, his hand loosely clenching. He was quiet for a while, making Kakashi assume that the conversation had ended. The Uchiha used to feel in his silence he was shouting so loud for someone to understand, not knowing someone like Naruto was doing the opposite to be noticed, that Sakura was fighting her insecurities all the while, and that Kakashi's been struggling with regret for the majority of his life. It all wrapped unevenly to create Team Seven, yet fell into place so well and balanced. "It would turn into a lie if I left this unsaid… the void after the massacre was filled without my acceptance but… I never thought it would mean so much to have you, Naruto and Sakura around…"

Kakashi exhaled silently. "Then don't question it anymore," he said, looking over to his student. "I want you to get some rest. You need it."

His dim stare lay ridden with obscurity when met by his sensei. "Okay…" He glimpsed over to the window as the light started to enter the room. "Can you stay a little longer then?"

"Sure," he said with a minor smile, hidden behind his mask. The Jounin rested his hand under his chin as Sasuke closed his eyes. It was apparent, he shared the same agitation but for now he wanted the Uchiha to release some of the tension he faced while awake. It would only be a faint graze, but even that would allow room for the enclosing worry to fade if only for a while.

They really need more Naruto and Iruka moments in the show. I love their relationship so much! But today I must spend time planning the rest of the chapters so I know what I'm doing.