Chapter 29: Sasuke's Trial

Naruto's P.O.V.

"I'm sorry, Naruto… I'm so sorry…"

"Who's talking?"

"I'm sorry, Naruto…"

"Who's there? Who's sorry?"

"I'm so sorry…"

"Sorry for what?"

"How long do you plan on sleeping, brat?"

"Kurama?"

I slowly open my eyes to see I'm in my subconscious with an angry, large nine-tailed fox glaring at me.

"Glad to see you've finally rejoined the land of the living,"

"Kurama?"

"Don't act so surprised. I am furious with you, you know, that right?"

"What's going on?"

"And now you're acting stupid. Fine, allow me to catch you up on the current events. Your plan worked,"

"My plan?"

"I'm not going to keep talking to you if you're going to keep acting stupid,"

"Sorry,"I say with my head down.

"Your plan to snap Uchiha back to his sanity. After he stabbed you, I brought him into your subconscious to give him a piece of my mind. Of all the people and of all the clans you had to fall in love with, it had to be a Uchiha. Just my luck. Un-fucking-believable," Kurama sighs as he leans his head on his right fist. "Anyway, so I loaned the brat some of my chakra to heal his wounds and give him a chakra boost. He asked me to keep you alive until he could get you back to the Hidden Leaf. I agreed before threatening him. I think he's finally getting the picture. Anyway, it wasn't too much of a fight when he returned to the village. It might be because they know how you feel about him. It could also be because they were grateful for his sacrifice to bring you back. He risked his life to save yours and he's giving it up more. You've been back in the village and healing in the hospital. You've also been unconscious ever since, so I hope you enjoyed your beauty sleep. Everyone in that room was right; you're going to be the death of us one day," He closes his eyes, frustration and tension still present on his face. I chuckle slightly at his attitude. "And what is so damned funny?"

I walk up to him and reach out to pet his snot, ignoring his glare. "I'm sorry for causing you so much distress, dad. Glad to see you still love me though,"

He lightly pushes his large snout into my body. "Doesn't mean I don't feel like killing you any other day,"

"I'm sure you're going to be laughing at me when my children do the same,"I lean into his snout as we both chuckle lightly. Our laughter dies down and I take a deep breath. "How long have I been out?"

"About three and a half days,"

"That long, huh? I guess I should probably should let the others know I'm alive, huh?"

"That Slug Queen has been the one who's been caring for you, so of course they know you're alive. But, yeah, you should at least let them know you're awake. You should especially let Uchiha know,"

"Sasuke? Do you know where he is?"

"Why don't you wake up and find out yourself," I turn around to "walk" out of my subconscious with my hands in my pant pockets. "And just a fair warning: if you ever pull a stunt like this again, I will kill you myself,"

I raise my hand in understanding as I continue to leave my subconscious.

I slowly open my eyes only to shut them again.

"Too bright. Let's try that again,"

After taking a few deep breaths, I slowly open my eyes again. The bright sunlight shines in through the open curtains. The window is closed, and the room is warm. I look to my right to read a clock on a night stand. 10:13 am it reads. I look around the room to see that Kurama is right; I am in a hospital room. I sniff the air and recoil at the smell.

"It even smells like a hospital,"

To my left, I can see all the tubes and wires hooked to my body. The beeping sound of the heart monitor machine echoes throughout the room. I try to move my left hand to lift the covers; hissing at the pain of moving my stiff body. I look down to see my body completely covered in bandages and nothing else, not even my boxers. I put the covers down and continue to examine my arms. Both arms are covered with bandages as well. Sensations of pain shoot through my body, making stop moving to save myself from more pain shooting through my body.

"Man, I probably look like shit,"

My eyes finish trailing down to my right arm until my breath hitches in my throat. A pale hand is placed on top of mine and leads to a pale figure with dark hair and feline appendages. Long eye lashes dust strong cheek bones. Long, dark bangs cover the peaceful face sleeping on the edge of the bed. A light blue hospital cover drapes over slender shoulders. Not a scratch is on the beautiful man sleeping beside my thigh. I smile at the sight. It has been a long time since I've seen that face be at so much peace. Dark cat ears shift slightly at any sound within the room. The sight is breath taking. Despite the pain in my body, I lift my right hand to brush the bangs out of my mate's face. I can't contain my smile as I reveal more of the handsome face that is only for me.

I don't know how long I had his hair in my hand before he stirs in his sleep. Tired eyes slowly flutter open to reveal onyx eyes. Slightly fear shows in his eyes as he looks around. Finally, his onyx eyes meet mine and he visibly relaxes. Neither of us say a word. We just stare at each other for a long stretch of time. Deciding to break the silence, I open my mouth and fight the hoarse voice coming out.

"Hey…"

He just stares at me.

"You look like shit…" I joke.

He arches a perfect eyebrow as if to say, "you should see yourself".

"I probably look worse than you, huh?" We stare at each other a little longer before I continue with my two fingers poking his forehead. "Thank you, Sasuke. I knew you wouldn't let me down,"

He shakes my fingers off his forehead. "Why do you keep doing that?"

"Itachi said he used to do this when you guys were younger to show his affection. Figured I can do the same," I smile.

His face is blank before he turns his head to face the wall to my left. "You're a bastard, you know that, right?"

I chuckle. "That's the first I've ever been called that, especially from you. Usually you're the one acting like a bastard,"

"Yeah well, I don't go around sacrificing myself to snap someone on a revenge craze,"

"Yeah, but it worked, didn't it? You're back. We're together. What more can I ask for?"

My smile disappears when he doesn't turn back towards me. Sadness dances in his eyes and on his face. I was about to ask what's wrong until I look and see chakra suppressing handcuffs on his wrists. He keeps his eyes forward and worry rises in my chest.

"I don't have much time, so I'll make this quick. I know I have committed some heinous crimes and have hurt so many people. I can't undo what has been down. I want to repent for everything that has happened over the course of these almost four years. I know I'll never see the light of day again and I have accepted that. I know that you may not understand this because you thought that once we returned home I would be pardon for my crimes. But that's not how this will work. I can't repent, nor will I get a second chance. This is it for me, Naruto. This is it for us."

My eyes widen at his speech, but I don't say anything as he continues.

"I'm sorry that I ruined our chance at a happy life. I know we had made all these plans for a family and a future together, but that can't happen. None of what we want can happen and it's all my fault. After I brought you back, I asked Tsunade to allow me to stay until you woke up. I just wanted one last chance to apologize to you before I die. I know about your deal with the Five Kages and how you're willing to risk your life for mine, but I won't let you. You deserve to be happy and be loved by someone who deserves you. Everyone is right, I don't deserve you. I treated you like shit and threw you away for my own selfish needs. I put my revenge and desires before you. You don't need me. You need someone else who will be loyal, faithful, and cherish you. I have proven that I can't do that. I have failed you. I am sorry, Naruto. I truly am. I only hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. And if not, I understand,"

"Sasuke~"

In a quick movement, Sasuke turns towards me with his hands gripping my hair so he can push our foreheads together. I can feel his breath on my lips, but he doesn't kiss me. Grief spreads through my chest. I can feel tears wanting to fall, but I try to hold them back.

"Naruto… I don't have a lot of time. I know you can sense them coming, so let me at least say this. Thank you. Thank you for the brief happiness, love and loyalty you've given me. Thank you for showing me that there is power in loving someone on and being loved. Thank you for sacrificing yourself to save me, even if it didn't work. Thank you… for everything…"

Time slows to a stop. He's right. I can sense five familiar people coming towards the room. Grandma Tsunade, Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, Shizune, and Pervy-Sage are so close, I can almost taste their chakra. Sasuke's right, we were out of time. I want to declare my love to him. I want to promise him that I will save him. I want to tell him the lengths I will go for him. But, I don't have the time. So, instead, I show him what I want to tell me.

I reach up to grab the front of his shirt. I pull him close until our lips touch each other's. I kiss him hard and allow my feeling to pour into him. Our eyes aren't closed. They're only half-lid. I can't hold back anymore. Tears spill from the corners of my eyes. He kisses me back with the same passion. We stay like this for a few moments before he pulls back just enough that our lips are barely touching, and our breaths can be felt on our lips. He tries to whip away my tears, but they won't stop. My body shakes as I sob silently.

"I love you, teme. I love you so damn much, Sasuke. It hurts. I can't lose you. I can't…"

"I know…" is all he says as he continues to whip my tears away. "I love you too… I'm sorry I'm such a fuck up. I'm sorry I fucked this up… I'm sorry… Please… don't forget me…"

As soon as those words leaves his lips, the five of them walk into the room. Sasuke and I turn to face them. Anger and grief fills my body while depression and acceptance fill Sasuke's. The five of them don't say anything as they look between them. The tension in the room becomes so thick, nothing can cut it. Sasuke knew that this moment would come. I wasn't ready. I would have never been ready. I feel as if everything I worked towards is being ripped from me. I feel like I'm dying. I'm losing my mate. I'm losing my life.

Suddenly, Kakashi-sensei is the first to move. He steps towards Sasuke with a sadden expression on his masked face.

"Ready?"

Sasuke slowly nods before standing. At the feeling of losing his touch, I snap. I hiss in pain as I reach for him. I grip his wrist tightly; more tears coming from my eyes.

"You can't take him. I won't let you!'

"Naruto~" Tsunade starts.

"No! No! I refuse to let him go! We had an agreement, Tsunade. You're going to have to go through me if you want him,"

"Naruto, don't make this harder than it has to be," Jiraiya says as he and Iruka walk towards me.

I growl and let out some of my alpha aura. They hesitate. I probably look like a rabid beast, but I don't care. I must save my mate. And if that means I must fight the entire village, then so be it.

As they advance towards me, I let out more of my aura. They hesitate but continue towards me. I reach over and rip the wires and tubes out of me before trying to stand. Jiraiya and Iruka lunge to restrain me. I try to use what little strength I must fight them off, but it doesn't work. I am powerless. I failed my mate. Nothing matters anymore. Nothing matters…

"You can't take him! Please! Don't take him!" I shout.

I feel my heart break into a million pieces when Sasuke stares at me. A forced, sad smile graces his lips. I feel his chakra enter my body through both our touch and our mated bond.

"It's going to be alright… I promise…"

More tears spill from my eyes. I can feel snot coming from my nose, but I don't care. My grip tightens painfully around his wrist. I can't let him go.

"You can't say that… They're going to kill you… You can't go…"

"I know. I know they are… But it's ok. I'll be alright. As long as you are still alive and safe… I can die happy… Just… please don't forget me…"

"Sasuke… I love you… Please don't do this…"

"I love you too… Goodbye…"

And with that, he cuts off our communication as his hand slips through mine. I grasp at air as he is lead away from me by Tsunade, Kakashi and Shizune. I continue to struggle against Iruka and Jiraiya's hold. Hiss at the pain and blood spilling from my reopened wounds.

"Naruto, you have to calm down!" I hear Iruka yells.

I don't listen as I continue to struggle. Finally, I get free but fall to the floor from the pain and bleeding. I hold my torso where blood dirties my bandages. Neither of them moves to help me as I struggle to stand. It's useless though. The pain is too great and if I keep irritating my wounds, I'm going to lose more blood. I finally give up and move to sit upright. One hand remains on my steady bleeding bandages while the other cradles my head. Only the sounds of my sobs vibrate throughout the room. My body violently shakes, and everything stops around me.

With one last cry, I scream his name into an empty void.

"SASUKE!"

They let me cry until there's nothing left. Iruka moves to sit in front of me. I look up to him with red, puffy eyes and snot running from my noise. He grabs some tissues to whip my face. I don't protest. Everything is silent between the three of us. Jiraiya moves to stand on the wall next to the night stand with arms crossed. I can sense that they are waiting for me to speak before saying anything. Taking the hint, I do as they want.

"Where are they taking him?"

"The prison cell until he is ready to stand trial," Jiraiya answers.

"What are his charges?"

"He is obviously still considered a S-ranked missing nin. But he is also being charged with being a traitor, affiliation with the Akatsuki, conspiracy against our village, the murder of Danzo and attempted murder of you. I gotta tell ya, kid. His chances aren't good,"

I let the charges wrap around me head before glaring at the two of them.

"Those last two charges are bullshit,"

"What do you mean, Naruto?' Iruka asks.

"We both killed Danzo and Sasuke wasn't trying to kill me. That was a planned accident," Both of them give me a confused look. I sigh, adjusting myself to lean against the bed, before continuing. "I purposely let Sasuke escape that night. Even though I made the deal to give my life if Sasuke does not return, I knew that Sasuke would not come back willingly. I needed to Sasuke to realize how lost he was and see the error of his ways. So, I hatched a plan with Kurama to snap Sasuke back to reality and feel natural remorse for his actions. Danzo appearing was an unnecessary annoyance,"

"But, why would you do all this just for Sasuke?" Iruka asks.

"Do I really have to answer that?"

"Ok, let me rephrase the question. How could you think that any of this would work against Sasuke?"

"Because I know he loves me and wouldn't harm me on purpose. Hell, while we were fighting Zetsu and Danzo, Sasuke protected me the whole time. And, even though he was the one who actually killed the old man, I helped. Sasuke and I fought together to kill him. Afterwards, I provoked Sasuke to fight me and made him stab me to save him. It was also during our fight with Danzo that we learned that he was the jump start of everything that happened with both the night of my birth and the Uchiha's massacre,"

"So, you mean to tell me that Old Man Danzo had a hand in the Nine-Tails' attack, the death of your parents, and the Uchiha's genocide?" I nod at Jiraiya's questions. "Tsk. I knew it. You couldn't trust him as far as Tsunade could throw him,"

"Naruto, why don't you tell us the whole story,"

I take a deep breath and begin the story. Their shock expressions tell me that they didn't know any of the information I tell them.

"Wow, no wonder the kid's twisted," Jiraiya says while running his fingers through his hair.

"Poor Sasuke. Finding out that his entire life was a lie and his clan was doomed from the start can really take a toll on someone's mind," Iruka sighs. "Lady Tsunade needs to know this. Sasuke shouldn't be executed for at least some of those charges,"

"Agreed. I'll go talk to her before the trial,"

"Take me to her. I want to be the one to tell her," I demand.

"Naruto~"

"No, Iruka, I have to do this. I can't keep letting people stop me. I have come this far and Sasuke needs me more than ever. I can't let him be executed for the crimes of others. I'm going to Tsunade and I'll make her listen to me,"

"Naruto, you're not well enough to even get off the floor. How do you expect to make to all the way to her office," Jiraiya teases.

I force some chakra to my wounds enough to close them. Once they are healed enough to where I can move, I struggle to stand up, using the bed as support.

"So, you plan on draggin your crippled ass to either her office or the trial to force her to listen to Sasuke's woes? Sounds fool proof, if you can get out of here first,"

"I don't need your help, asshole," I pant, finally straightening myself up.

"But you are going to need these," Iruka chuckles as he holds up a pair of boxers and a clean jumpsuit.

I look down and remember that I am naked besides my bloodied bandages. I blush as I reach for them only to glare when Iruka pulls them away.

"We're going to change your bandages first and then we'll take you to see her,"

"I said I don't need your help,"

"We know that, but you're our family, Naruto and so is Sasuke. So, it's up to us to help him, especially if he was wronged on some of the occasions,"

I sit down on the bed with a heavy sigh as both Iruka-sensei and Pervy-Sage helps me. I can feel my anger towards them dissipate as I let them change and clean me.

After they finished helping me, they called for Shizune to temporarily check me out. She tells us that Sasuke's trial has already started. We tell her our plan and see helps sneaks us to the trail's hall.

That's where we are currently standing in. In front of us is the door to the trail room. On the other side, I can sense Sasuke, Grandma Tsunade and some of the Elder's chakra on the other side. I hold my breath. Even though I am determined to help Sasuke, the nervousness is setting in. I lean on my crutches to steady myself before taking a couple of deep breaths.

"You ready?" Iruka asks with a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I nod, before reaching my hand out to open the door. As we enter the room, everyone turns to stare at us with glares, annoyance, and confusion.

"Naruto?" Sasuke whispers.

"Naruto Uzumaki! What in the holy hell do you think you're doing here?!" Grandma Tsunade yells as she stands up and slams her hands on the table.

"I came here to save my mate," I say proudly while making my way past Sasuke and towards his judges.

"Wait, isn't that the Nine-Tails' vassal?" one of the Elders asks in shock.

"Tsunade, what is the meaning of this? How did he get here?"

Her hazel eyes look behind me and glares hard at Pervy-Sage and Iruka-sensei before turning back towards me. She rubs her temples while sighing in annoyance.

"I'm getting really sick of you just bargain in on my meetings,"

"I know, but this is important. There are some things you need to know,"

"Are you here to convince us that Sasuke Uchiha is completely innocent?" the second Elder says with a hard glare.

"Because if you are, then you will need to be punished as well. You are delusional if you think that Sasuke Uchiha is innocent and won't pay for his crimes,"

"No, I will not stand here and say that Sasuke is completely innocent. He is an adult and his actions are his own, but what I am here to say is that he isn't the only guilty party here,"

"What are you saying, Naruto?"

"I aided in the murder of Danzo. Both Sasuke and I fought together against him. Also, Sasuke didn't mean to stab me. I provoked him,"

"Naruto, what are you ~"

"Relax, Sasuke. It's time you stop shouldering everything all by yourself. They need to know the truth. You're not going to die for the sins of others,"

"Tsunade, you need to get rid of this insolent brat! You can't let him persuade your decision. The Uchiha brat is as guilty as sin. He needs to be ~"

"I have had enough of both of you blabbering to me. Naruto is one of my most trusted people and has a passion that outweighs anyone else I've ever known. And if he has something to say, then I would like to hear it," she turns towards me and encourages me to continue.

I take another deep breath before telling him the story of Sasuke, Itachi, the Uchiha and their massacre, Danzo, The Akatsuki, and everything else I can think of. I let everything spill out and don't stop, even when I see Grandma Tsunade's nails digging into the table before her. I finish, and she waits a few moments. She allows the information to absorb into her head.

With a hard sigh, she leans forward. "And you can confirm that all of this is true?"

I nod. "I've heard most of this from Itachi, Danzo, and other myself. Sasuke's clan also has records of these events,"

She turns her gaze towards Sasuke to search for something, when she finds it, she places her hands on her head.

"You both are dismissed,"

"What?!" the two Elders shout in angry. "You can't just dismiss us!"

"Yes, I can. You two have held your positions long enough and have proven that you're just as corrupt. From here on out, you will be relieved of your positions and replaced. Now get out of my sight before I decide to throw you two in prison,"

The two former-Elders protests as two ANBU escort the them out of the room. When they are gone, she turns her gaze towards us.

With a deep breath, she speaks, "Sasuke Uchiha, based on the information and facts provided to me, I will dismiss some of the charges. However, I cannot dismiss the charges of you being a S-ranked missing nin, conspiracy against the Hidden Leaf, and your affiliation with the Akatsuki. But, thanks to Naruto and his commitment and determination to stand up for you, I will lighten your sentence provided Naruto is willingly to take the responsibility as your charge?"

"Of course, I will,"

"Good. So, from hence forth, you will spend three complete years in Konoha's prison. Once your three years is up and with good behavior, then we will be discussing your possible probation. Does that sound fair?" I can only assume Sasuke nods. "Great. Kakashi, please escort Sasuke to his prison cell,"

I turn and walk towards Sasuke as Kakashi-sensei strolls to his side. He looks at me with a blank stare. Usually I can feel or see some kind of emotion behind his mask, but this time… I can't feel anything. I shift my weight and the crutches before reaching out to stroke his chilled cheek.

"I'll come visit you every day. I promise,"

I watch in slight relief as Kakashi-sensei escorts Sasuke away. I move to leave too but stop when Grandma Tsunade calls out to me.

"And where in the hell do you think you're going?"

"Um~"

She gets up from the table to walk towards me. I hold my breath as she pulls me into a tight hug. Her forehead rests on my shoulder as I her body shakes. I remain still, only bringing my hand up to pat her back. A few moments later, she pulls away, keeping us at arm's length.

"I should punch you for all the heartache you bring everyone, but right now I'm just glad you're alive. I should punish you, but there's nothing more I want you to do than to rest. I know you're still not healed, so go back to your hospital room and stay there until I release you. Understood?" I nod with a smile.

She returns the nod before asking Iruka-sensei and Shizune to bring me back to my room. None of us says anything. Time seems to fly by without warning. Even though I'm happy that Sasuke, I can't help but to think if I was doing the right thing. Sasuke says all the time that he is the selfish one, but what if it's me instead?

These thoughts plague my mind as I lean back in my hospital bed and drift off to sleep.

To Be Continued…