A/N: Hope you enjoy!
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What If
Ch.25 Her Importance
Sakura focused her vision further, she had an odd feeling. It was coming from the direction of the village but she couldn't put a finger on what it was. She glanced over at Karin wondering if she felt it too but she seemed same as always. Sakura furrowed her eyebrows, something just felt…off. Her eyes widened slightly as an intimidating presence flashed for a split second in her mind. She clenched her jaw as cold sweat formed on the back of her neck. Something was very, very wrong.
_just outside of Konoha_
Pain pushed himself off the ground watching Naruto's six tail form creeping closer and closer with a feeling of heavy rage. He had to focus on him every second or he'd be dead. Pain quickly darted away faster than the Kyubbi finding a safe place to hide in a tree. He silently brought his hands together condensing a huge mass of chakra into a tiny ball. He let it float to the sky as the raging monster reached him. He blocked and dodged at pieces of the earth began floating to the sky soon taking the beast with it. After gravely injury Nagato's organs, Pain trapped the angry monster in the massive sphere floating in the sky.
Pain narrowed his eyes as he felt a surge of hate flow through the air and his earthly sphere began to erupt in flames. His expression furrowed as eight tails burst from the sphere and a horrifyingly powerful monster emerged from the rubble. He never imagined the Kyubbi would develop so far. He lightly cursed to himself as flaming debris rocketed towards him and smashed into the ground beside him. He would become the full nine tails soon. His eyes widened slightly as the monster froze instantly but kept its fearful form. He cocked his head to the side waiting for it to grow but it remained paralyzed. What's going on…
_in a forest miles away_
Ichiro continued running while holding the civilian and Ryuu and keeping at a pace Sadao, holding Yume, could follow. It was more important than ever to return to village and inform the Hokage of whom they met. Ichiro tilted his head up and came to an immediate stop as a presence flew in on them. Sadao quickly stopped a second later and looked up to see a massive bird lowering down to them. Sadao stood nervous but gave a sigh of relief at the Konoha headband around it's neck.
Ichiro stood firm as it continued flapping its big wings in front of them and not landing on the ground, "What is it?" The parrot looked nervously at the sleeping genin knowing they were precious to her master, "I have a message for the Harunos from their sister Lady Yuko." The sensei nodded, "Say it fast, I'll tell them when they wake up. We have to get to the village quickly." The parrot looked lightly alarmed, "No! Lady Yuko ordered exactly not to do that."
There was a tense silence before the sensei gave a hard glance, "Why?" The blue and green parrot looked at the awake people's suspicious faces, "The village is under attack." Ichiro-sensei, Sadao, and the civilian became suddenly alarmed. Sadao stammered not used to such an act of violence, "W-what?" The parrot gave a sad look, "Enemy infiltrated the village and was easily destroying it as I left." With the animals words Ichiro immediately put the civilian down and placed Ryuu in her trembling arms, "I'm going."
Ichiro started to storm off but looked back at Sadao's yell. "Sensei! What about us!" The adult male growled in anger, "Head back to the village but don't get too close. I'm going to fight!" The civilian looked at him in panic; at the moment Sadao would be the only one awake to protect them. Sadao grinded his teeth knowing his sensei's anger; they both had families back home, "A sensei is forbidden from abandoning his or her genin team at all times no matter the situation…Right Ichiro-sensei?" The adult widened his eyes a bit and then he clenched his fists and grumbled under his breath, "Fine…walk fast."
_in Naruto's mind_
Naruto blinked as a familiar man stood before him. His jaw went slack and his eyes widened in realization, "Yondaime…" The blonde man gave a calm smile as he looked down at a boy he longed to see, "I made sure in your seal I would appear if this ever happened…I'm not crazy about seeing the Kyubbi again, but…seeing my son as a young man makes it even." Naruto's eyes widened, he was starting to process everything the Fourth was saying. His mind churned in overload as the Kyubbi and his father bickered. "Right, Naruto."
The orange ninja blinked, "Huh…My name…" The older man gave a soft smile, "Don't be so confused. I was the one to name you after all." Naruto inhaled slowly, "Then…I really am…"
His father's smile deepened, "You are my son." Naruto's face slowly loosened until he came to laugh and a soft expression of joy and happy tears fell upon his face. Minato felt relieved in his son's reaction, "Say, why don't we get away from this loud fellow behind me." With the snap of his fingers father and son found themselves in an empty, illuminated space. Minato began to explain the secrecy of their bond as Naruto rubbed his eyes.
"Dad…" Minato glanced up, "Hm?" Minato coughed as Naruto slammed his fist in his stomach, he breathed heavy as Naruto leaned back. "Why did you seal the Kyubbi in your own son! Do you have any idea what you put me through! Everyone looked at me with hate and fear and wouldn't let me make friends! So I trained harder and harder just wanting to be accepted, but still they wouldn't accept me! Nobody accepted me till I was a genin! But then I got to meet Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, Pervy Sage, and so many people! I was so happy but because they made me stronger a group called Akatsuki came after me so I had to be even stronger! But even when I became stronger they killed my friends!"
Minato gave a dim look as Naruto shook his crying face. "But…Ah, what am I saying! Damnit! Am I supposed to be happy or mad? I don't know! I don't know anymore…" Minato looked down at his son rubbing his eyes imaging everything he went through, "Naruto, How old are you?" Naruto furiously rubbed his eyes, "Sixteen…" Minato smiled, "You're already a young man, huh?"
Minato tried to put on his best face, "You've been through a lot and no sorry can make up for that. After putting you through a tough life I don't really have the right to act as a father and apologize." Naruto finally dried his red eyes, "It's fine…," he gave a small pout, "I'm the Yondaime's son…I can handle it." Minato smiled and placed his hand on Naruto's head, "I'm glad you're my son."
_in the forest a few miles away_
Sakura bit the inside of her cheek feeling the odd sensation increase. What is that? Karin's expression still hadn't changed and she was the only one to notice. She grinded her teeth together trying to focus on the presence. Her eyes widened lightly as another flash of a horridly intimidating chakra flashed through her mind. She took in a slow breath continuing to run with the rest of them. Is it really safe to be going that way?
_outside of Konoha_
Pain's eyebrows rose in confusion as Naruto in Sage Mode appeared where the eight-tailed Kyubbi was once struggling, "What happened…" Naruto began confidently jumping down the falling rubble. Thanks…Dad! Naruto began looking around as the familiar slug emerged gasping on his shoulder. Naruto narrowed his eyes at the heavy destruction, "What happened? Did…Did I…?" Katsuyu nodded sadly, "Your Kyubbi form was uncontrollable."
Naruto's expression twisted in fear and despair at the possibility of him killing everyone dear to him. He immediately searched for a familiar chakra. His eyes widened and relief struck his heart. I can feel her…I feel Hinata's chakra… "I can still sense everyone." Tears immediately ran down his cheeks at the overwhelming relief and happiness. Thank God! Naruto took in a slow breath, rubbing his eyes, and then stared intensely a Pain. He growled under his breath as he took a few steps closer to him, "Let's finish this."
_in the village_
Neji looked down with a heavy, nervous expression, "Why was she so reckless?" Ino's eyes narrowed as she glanced at the female Hyugga she was healing. She let images of Naruto cross her mind. You really love him more than I thought… Her heart tightened at the action Hinata pulled out of pure love, "Hinata…" She let more healing chakra slip into the wound; she would make it.
"Naruto-kun has suppressed the Kyubbi himself and is settling the battle with the last Pain." Everyone turned at the large slug in astonishment; Konoha was winning…
_in an outside forest_
Sakura's jade eyes widened at the horrifying presence disappeared. She focused for a few moments waiting for it to appear again but calmness returned to the air. She inhaled slowly, it felt like a powerful weight was taken off her shoulders; it was almost like she could breath easy again. She narrowed her eyes, except she couldn't. She clenched her fists focusing forward; they would reach Konoha in a few hours and she had a lot to get done before the attack, "Sasuke-kun"
Sasuke turned lightly as she jumped up next to him. "I think we should infiltrate the village separately." Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the pinkette, "Why?" They jumped off another branch, "Because it would be easier to divide the Konoha forces before combat." Sasuke watched her for a moment; originally he just wanted to gather all of them in one place and use Susanno but there was no guarantee how long he could keep that up.
"What exactly do you propose?" Sakura felt a light hint of accomplishment in her mind, "I go in first to analyze weak spots and gather intel. Then I'll become the first distraction so the rest of you can enter without being noticed as easily." Sasuke frowned; he didn't like the idea of putting her at risk.
"Why do you have to go first?" Sakura bit the inside of her cheek, "It makes the most sense to send me for gathering information. I've always been better at hiding my chakra too." There was a tense silence. Sasuke knew she was right; he just didn't like the idea. He trusted her abilities but he didn't want to leave her alone. He parted his lips to answer but stopped as familiar figure appeared in front of them.
_outside Konoha_
Naruto stood in Sage Mode before a tree with rage boiling in his heart. He took a deep breath tearing an entrance through the paper shell. He took a few steps forward taking in the appearance of his hated sibling disciples in front of him. "Do you hate me? Do you want your revenge?" Naruto's fists shook as he bit his lip while images of his now deceased dear ones crossed his mind. His body shook with rage as he tried remembering his father's wise words.
Naruto glared as a sharp pain hit his abdomen and his blood slowly began to drip away. "I didn't hit and vital points but I can easily control you at this distance." Naruto glanced at the black rod embedded in his body; he looked back up and growled with partially red eyes and let some of his intense rage flow as the Kyubbi's chakra into Nagato's body. Nagato breathed heavy as the pressure ended and glared back at Naruto; he did that on purpose. The blonde looked up with harsh eyes, "I came to talk, but also confirm my feelings…What would I do standing before the enemy who dared hurting my friends…"
Nagato narrowed his eyes, "So…what will you do?" Naruto growled under his breath gripping the rod embedded in his body, "I most definitely will never forgive you! Every fiber of my body wants to tear you to fucking shreds!" He painfully removed the rod from his abdomen, "I want to kill you so bad I'm shaking!" With those words he tossed the rod to the side and ran at Nagato with hatred burning through his veins. Naruto raised his fist as Konan blocked the way but he somehow managed to stop himself with thought of their common master in mind.
Both Akatsuki members watched in surprise as an expression of anger and despair twisted on Naruto's face. Naruto's fist shook in the air as he slowly lowered it, "Ero-Sennin said people would eventually understand one another, I finally understand how hard it is to find that answer." Nagato narrowed his eyes, "And?" The blonde closed his eyes taking a breath, "Ever since I heard you were also his students I wanted to ask…How did you turn out like this? Tell me your story…then I'll answer you."
_in an outside forest_
Sadao turned his head as his pinkette teammate stirred on his back, "Yume?" Everyone came to a stop as her sky blue eyes fluttered open. She groggily glanced around and blinked a few times focusing her vision. She realized she was on Sadao's back and her brother was on her sensei's, "What…happened?" Her mind cleared more as she rose her head higher and searched her surroundings more frantically, "W-where's Sakura-neechan?" Her heart started to grow cold as they avoided her eye contact. Yume could feel a lump forming in her throat. She bit the inside of her cheeks and shut her eyes tight trying to prevent tears. "I'm glad I got to see you one last time." She couldn't help it, she had to cry.
Sadao looked back at her as she buried her face in his shoulder and he could feel his shirt becoming wet. He frowned trying to think of something to say but he couldn't think of any words to comfort her. Ichiro-sensei watched her with a tint of sadness in his lavender eyes, but no matter the pain they had to get back to the village, "Yume…the sooner we get back home the sooner we can report how close she was and there will be an easier chance of finding her." Yume stiffened a little and nodded into Sadao's shirt.
The red head sensei gave a small sigh and made sure he had a good holding on Ryuu and the civilian, "Alright, let's go."
_to Naruto_
Naruto looked dimly at the book in his hand that his master wrote. "What is your answer?" Naruto inhaled slowly and stared confidently at his two sibling disciples, "I'm going to believe in Ero-sennin's belief!" Nagato's eyes widened in frustration, "That's bullshit! Do you expect us to wait for you to make your peace while others just keep dying around us!"
Naruto shook his head and stood firm, "Then I'll break that curse! If there's any such thing as peace I'll seize it!" There was a tense silence as Nagato's eyes went wide. He blinked hesitantly and looked down at the book in Naruto's hands; those words were his when he was around Naruto's age. Nagato cursed to himself as all the good memories he shut out of Yahiko and Jiraya flooded his mind; they wouldn't be proud. He looked back up as Naruto stated his name from the book as a keepsake from their sensei. Nagato bit his lip, "How do you know, no matter the pain, you won't change?
Naruto's mind traced over his childhood and his two dearest friends abandoning him, "There's a lot of pain lying in my heart too…and I'm sure it will only grow stronger. But if I change I'll become another story! I won't be Naruto anymore! I'll keep walking through the pain because that's who Naruto is!" Konan turned in shock as Nagato slowly removed himself from the piece of machinery he was bound to, "Nagato…"
The fading Rinnegan user gave a faint smile and placed his hands together, "I think I shall believe in you, Uzumaki Naruto." The two other in the room stared in shock as he cast a jutsu. Konan tightened her fists as Naruto questioned Nagato and she lowered her head, "Those with Rinnegan are said to control life and death; he is sacrificing his life for those you hold dear." Konan glanced sadly at her remaining friend as his hands trembled and his faced was slowly losing it's color. She fought the urge to cry which hadn't occurred in so many years as Nagato's hair turned grey and blood down his chin. Nagato…
_in Konoha_
Tears of joy slowly slipped down Hinata's face as everyone, revived or already alive, stood from the ground and smiled as Katsuyu delivered the news of Naruto's victory to everyone in the village. She gave a bright smile as her cousin helped her stand and everyone around them cheered in joy. She gave a small laugh and rubbed her eyes as she saw Kakashi run across the village to pick up Naruto. All the civilians and ninja slowly followed to gather at the border of the village. Neji put an arm on her shoulder and smiled at her, "Shall we go?"
Hinata gave a happy nod as she paced forward with her friends and others into a crowd. She was about five rows back but could see alright since there was a majority of kids in front of her. She began to fidget in impatience and nervousness; last time they saw each other she confessed. A light pink tint rose to her cheeks as nerves started getting to her. What if he rejects me and avoids me? What if he's still in love with Sakura-chan? Her hands trembled a bit as she glanced down at the ground in worry; maybe it was a mistake to confess.
She immediately popped her head up as cheering began. Her eyes slowly widened as Naruto was let off Kakashi's back with a confused look on his face. The whole village began to roar in praise as Naruto took a step forward and was flooded on by children. Tears fell and smile grew on her face in the overwhelming relief that he was okay. Her chest felt a little lighter; his answer didn't matter as long as he was happy.
Naruto blinked in surprise and flinched a little at the kids bouncing over him. He looked around in amazement as his dream of being acknowledged came true. He finally smiled and glanced around at all the people; he immediately glanced black at the familiar sight of lilac. He stared into familiar lavender eyes and his lips parted at her crying, joyful face. His body acted on it's own as he lightly pushed the kids aside and began walking towards her.
Hinata face began to turn red at his intense stare on her and her eyes widened in surprise as he started to intensely walk towards her. Her breathing stopped as his focused stare on her became more powerful as quickly walked through the crowd closer to her. Her lips trembled slightly as she tried not to stammer; she didn't want to talk about her confession now. More tears slipped down her nervous face as she took a step back as he closed in on her, "Naruto-kun wai-"
She was cut as he tightly wrapped her in his arms resting his chin on her head. Hinata's teary lavender eyes widened at the tight embrace and her arms went limp to her sides. Naruto squeezed her tighter ignoring all the stares, "I thought I was going to lose you…Promise you'll never leave my side again." Hinata began to lightly sob in joy at his light murmur; she slowly raised her arms and hugged him back taking in every detail of the precious moment in her mind. She nodded into his chest, feeling his warmth, "I promise."
_to Team Taka_
Sakura's lips parted in hidden horror as Madara informed them about Konoha's destruction. She took a sharp, silent breath and stared hard at him, "How many casualties did he manage to create?" Karin looked at her back nervously; she really hoped Sakura's family wasn't dead. Team Taka could hear a light, agitated sigh under Madara's mask. "None…We were betrayed and all casualties were revived." Sakura's breath was caught in throat as a slow wave of relief coursed over her body. They're safe…
Team Taka turned as a plant like person emerged from a tree trunk; they all went on guard. Madara rolled his eyes and looked at his partner, "Who's the new Hokage?" The plant's voice was deep, "Someone named Danzo." Sakura froze stiff as the name echoed in her head, "What?" Everyone glanced at her poisonous voice. Madara gave a light smirk under his mask. So she knows he was in charge. He then glanced over at Sasuke, "He's a high official who drove your brother in a corner…To think he's the new Hokage."
Rage boiled in Sasuke's stomach, "He's dead!" Madara's smirked grew, "Actually you have the chance to kill all five Kage." Everyone looked at him in curiosity. "The Kage are so concerned about you and Akatsuki they're having a Kage Summit Conference." The whole team listened in as they were filled in on details.
_a few hours later_
Sakura tossed her long, black team coat on the ground as the team settled in a small tavern on the border of the Land of Fire. They were going to take a short break for food and sleep before heading out in the morning. Once again Sakura and Karin were sharing a room but it was okay since they were finally on good terms. Sakura opened a window letting some breeze in the room. Karin laid her coat down and turned to her, "That must be a lot of stress off your shoulders." The pinkette glanced at her knowing she was speaking of her family; she gave alight nod as her lips tugged up a bit but they soon fell. Everyone was alive but with Danzo as Hokage they were in more danger than ever.
Sakura fiddled with her Uchiha crest necklace as she ran over the memory of leaving her younger siblings behind. The only thing keeping her in a good mood was what shortly happened afterwards. Her lips tugged up a bit again as she ran her fingers over her lips, her first kiss. She glanced closer out the window as someone jumped out of a window farther down. She blinked realizing it was Sasuke; she watched him for a moment as he started to walk into the forest, he seemed more tense than usual.
Sakura glanced back at Karin's curious face, "I'm going to go train." Karin stammered in surprise as she hopped out the window, "B-But you need to stay healthy!" Sakura fought urge to roll her eyes as she gave a slight sarcastic look, "I don't use that chakra every time I do something active." Sakura then turned and started following Sasuke's direction before Karin had a chance to make more excuses. The pinkette perked her ears hearing a few odd sounds as she walked further.
When she got closer she could hear a few trees falling down. She heightened her senses to make sure she wouldn't get caught in the damage. The pinkette's eyes softened once Sasuke came into view; he was training like mad under the darkening sky. She leaned against a tree knowing he was fully aware she was there. The dark-haired teen sliced down another tree watching her in the corner of his eye, "What is it?" Sakura gave a light smile, "I thought you could use a sparring partner."
She waited for a response but her smile fell as he stood still. Usually Sasuke would motion her over or say he wanted to train alone. "Is something wrong?" Sasuke gave a light sigh to himself, "I don't like my plans becoming more complicated than needed." Sakura titled her head against the tree she was leaning on. He was right; it was surprisingly easier to destroy a village and everyone in it than fight five Kage and all their guards. Sakura gave a light shrug as she started stepping closer to him, "We just need a good strategy. Zetsu gave us a detailed layout of the building and Karin can watch for enemy. It'll be a harder battle but it's not something we can't accomplish. Plus I can heal any injuries that would slow us down"
Sasuke glanced at her as she stood beside him, "What if you get severely injured?" Sakura gave a light sigh, "I won't, and I can heal myself. You don't need to worry." Sasuke stared at her for a moment thinking of how she lied about her health before fighting Itachi. He lifted his hand closest to her and pulled her head into his chest, "You better not be lying."
Sakura blinked a little in surprise but smiled taking in his sent, "I'm not." Sasuke wrapped an arm around her waist and used his other to tilt her chin up, "Promise?" Sakura gave calm smile looking in his intense black eyes, "I promise." Sasuke watched her a moment trying to find the sincerity in her action, "If you're lying I'll have to punish you." Sakura lightly cocked an eyebrow, "How so?"
Sasuke gave a small smirk leaning his forehead against hers, "Like this…" Sakura's heart skipped a beat as he grazed her lips. On reflex she tugged her hands on his shirt bringing herself closer and closing the kiss. They stood like that for a moment, still not fully sure what to do, as there was total silence around them; but even if there was they wouldn't have noticed. Sakura smiled lightly as he pulled back and rested her cheek on his chest, "Maybe I should lie more often." Sasuke smirked; running his hand, not wrapped around her waist, through her long hair and focused on the warmth she gave off, "Maybe you should…"
Sakura gave a small laugh and then looked back at his smirking face, "So, how about that spar?"
_author's notes_
So I was going to post this yesterday but I made sure to add some SasuSaku to it first. I know part of the chapter is just a re-run of stuff you already know but I tried to put a few twists on it or take out unneeded details. Otherwise I hope you liked the chapter; feel free to review and say if there's anything you're looking forward to or want to see :)