The world made a drastic turn, it had been long days, her mind was constantly swirling but when news of the boys returning reached her ears she was out. Fast as lightning, passing through people with a drumming heart. Kaoru felt a pang on her chest when Naruto turned, covered in bandages from the top of his head to his hands, Shikamaru besides him with a frown.
Guilt. I was afraid because if they knew… I let him leave in the first place. Naruto would not forgive me. That was what my heart whispered, Sakura came as well, he tried to comfort Sakura. My voice lost as he assured her he will do it no matter what.
What could I say? I didn't know if his injuries were … my fault. Shikamaru took me outside, he knew with one glance what bothered me. Yet, he did not push me, Shika said to me what happened. Chouji will recover, Neji survived, he tried to sooth my concerns.
Would Shika understand if I told him? I really wanted to tell him at least, he could tell me honestly if I did wrong. So, I pulled him reluctantly outside the hospital to my home.
Once in my room I retold what happened that night, what he said and promised. That I stood there as he walked away. That I hold Sakura in my arms with guilt, I apologized to him because I put him on danger. I was just blabbering, when he did surprised me. Taking my hand in his, he clutched with force, his warm and his usual face as he said "I was right, you will be the dead to me"
It was simple, but it was his forgiveness I craved enough that we stood there for hours. I had to make him promise to keep this secret, until I get strong enough to face them and go for Sasuke myself.
By the time I let Shika go, the night had fallen and Hikaru was blocking the door. He had a serious face and it surprised me watching Kakashi behind him. Hikaru pulled Shikamaru forward, he was going to deliver the news to the others.
I felt the blood freeze on my head once Hikaru explained on the living room, it was his words that almost make me faint in disbelieve. I had to go with him on a long term mission, where or when we will be back was not clear. He helped silently packing everything, but I had too much thoughts in my head. A lot of things I was leaving just with no true answer. The next morning Sakura was at my door, Kakashi had told her and she was shocked, sad… I was like that as well.
We were going soon, but Hikaru said he will finish preparing everything and to bid farewell to my friends. Sakura accompanied around Konoha, I hugged Hinata and told her to take anything that helped Kiba and Neji from my medicine boutique.
We went with Shikamaru and her mom almost left me breathless, he tried to not sound as sad but I noticed he felt conflicted. Yoshino threatened him to take care of my garden while I was gone. On the hospital we visited Lee, he was tearing with emotion of how unfortunate it was. Decided to pass and see the boys that risked so much for Sasuke I paid my respect to them. Kiba finally acknowledged me with a slight of friendliness and wished for Akamaru recovery. Chouji was polite and gentle, but Neji surprised me with a respectful nod and wishes.
It was Naruto blue surprised eyes that made my heart ache, there was too much I could not say and at the same time I wanted to tell. Still scared that he though of my silence as betrayal of trust, but how could I choose?
Both were dear to me, but happiness was more complicated of what I though. He had news as well, he will leave with Jiraya and train. As I walked in the night with all the things I held important in my life inside Kohona did I turned back in the distance. Where the massive entrance almost disappeared in the foliage of leaves. I wanted to hold on my promises, return to my friends but first I had to grow stronger and find a path of my own.
Hikaru pushed me forward, while we disappeared on the shadows I wanted to believe that. Some day I will find my way back.
He stood out looking to the moon, not willing to enter the base yet. This was the bare moments he could have of solitude in which no one asked for him. No one bothered him, he could close his eyes and sooth the heaviness on his shoulders with the wind.
"Shiori reported, they are on the move" The familiar voice that had accompanied him for years since he left Konoha said with calm. Itachi turned to the spirit general whose frame contrasted to his. With a black hakama and a sword at his side he didn't seem lethal, but looks were deceiving, the mask that covered the general face was painted like a demon from hell, golden eyes, red stripes and horns, a creepy smile surrounded with blood.
"It's starting then…" Itachi whispered to him, the spirit nodded and kneeled before him.
"What are your orders?" The strong voice of a man, whose age was unknown, but Itachi was familiar, it was his only trusted companion.
"Make sure they stay out of our radar" The spirit bowed one more time, stood and before he disappeared Itachi commanded.
"Sagara… once you return, continue guarding me" The spirit disappeared, leaving him alone. He touched the wristband discreetly and de-activated the barrier. Soon the fool that was observing him since he went out appeared.
"What were you doing talking with yourself?" The blue shark companion asked gruffly, Itachi didn't bat an eyelash as he turned around and walked past him. He felt the sword and evaded easily, Kisame laughed.
"How could you make me mad so easily?" It was a familiar routine of his, nothing less than a usual mock. Still, Itachi was always on guard… things were beginning to change, and he just had one purpose. Akatsuki had to remain oblivious or else, his job will be harder. As Kisame continued talking besides him inside the hideout, he already missed Sagara silent companionship.