Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XXXVII: The Unforgiven

'Until next time, Kakashi.'
Kakashi turned his head just in time to see the man disappear using his Sharingan. Kakashi's heart froze at the words and something inside of him told him this was indeed not the last time they'd meet. Unfortunately a illogic part of him told him this wasn't their first meeting either. He pushed the idea further out of his mind, burying it deep underneath guilt and shame for thinking such foolish thoughts.

'You killed my father. My mother… My brother! For what? Money! Money we didn't even have… We hardly got by…' Anji muttered, his eyes wide and dark. It showed his emotions were getting the best of him, making him dangerous and unpredictable. 'You didn't show them any mercy… Neither will I.'

Zabuza stayed quiet, his eyes on the ground, avoiding all contact. His eyes held regret and shame. Realizing he had nothing to do with this, Kakashi kept quiet. He couldn't just interfere with this. No matter what Sakura would want him to do, this boy was entitled to doing this. He could only remember small details of how they had found him and his brother, but he remembered cursing at the monsters who were responsible for the crime. His eyes traveled back to Zabuza.

He had killed, kidnapped, perhaps even raped… He deserved death. Kakashi bald both of his fists at the thoughts, making his knuckles turn white, if it weren't for Sakura, it be him killing him! A demon belonged in hell after all. Yet the only person that stopped him from doing that was the very person that connected him to the fiend before him. His eyes took another glance at Sakura, who lay unmoved next to him.

'Thanks…' Zabuza murmured. Lifting his head to look at the boy, now he speaking up louder, 'Tell her I said thank you.' Obviously he was referring to Sakura, and the words were for Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded, understanding what was about to occur. Keeping his eyes on the still pair, he slowly pulled out the senbons out of his arm. He and Sakura needed to leave this battlefield, in order for him to do that he would have to carry her. His arm wasn't bleeding too bad, but it did hurt and he was still drained out of chakra. Sakura's eyes fluttered open and shut a few times, trying to gain consciousness. 'It will be alright…' He whispered, though he actually didn't know that but he hoped it would ease her mind and make her give in to the tiredness she was feeling.

He however did realize that their strange story was about to come to an end, that their unusual bond of hate, comfort and need that entwined their lives would now cease on this very ground, a root where hell started for both tormented Shinobi. He looked away from the girl again, wondering if it had just started for her. He had tried so hard to protect her from that life… yet it was inevitable. Their triangle web had always been doomed to collapse by one or the other's death. His own or the Demon's.
It was strange how they had wanted to finish this at one point so badly and now their only link was standing in between of that, making them throw away all codes, honor and pride in the progress.

'This one is for Haku.' Zabuza continued, 'I'll take you with me…' He snickered, 'So we can burn together!'
Anji stayed unfazed by his speech but took out his sword when he saw Zabuza running towards him, who surprisingly was able to keep up with him, the strength in his arms had slightly returned and he had managed to land a punch on his face. But saw Anji's sword cut through his leg as if they were made out of thin air, blood splattered on the ground and the excruciating sound of bones splintering could be heard. Brutally he pulled back. Zabuza stumbled a few meters back but remain standing.
'Nice…' He snickered, though it was obvious that the pain was great and his defeat was near, he tried to keep up his usual arrogant persona. Stumbling back a few more steps, waiting for Anji to strike on final time.

'N-no…' Her weak fragile voice, made him tear his gaze of the fighting pair and look at her. 'Sakura…' He sighed, seeing her green eyes fixated on the bleeding man. She hadn't succumbed to darkness, and this horrifying sight was tearing her apart.
'Stop him…' She muttered, her eyes frantically moving from him back to the other man, 'Please, Kakashi…'
'I can't.' He shook his head at her, 'I can't do that.'
She let out a cry, one that when through his entire body. Another pleading beg, that soon was becoming some sort of mantra. Tears fell, her voice trembling and her hand had crawled up to his, clenching itself tightly at his sleeve.
Feeling himself break underneath her stare, her watery green eyes reminded him of the young girl she had once been. The tears that fell from her eyes and traveled over her white pale cheeks onto the ground made him lose all self-control. Feeling chaos inside and remaining as still as a rock on the outside, his lone eye stayed on her. Hoping the feeling would ebb away and calmness would return. He didn't want see her cry or feel pain like he had felt, she didn't deserve that… She didn't deserve any of this…
'Please, Kakashi… Help him…' Her tone begging and her eyes now looked up to his, full of despair and silent pleas, 'I'll do anything… Anything you want….' Her voice remained weak and she had to take deep breaths with every word she spoke, draining herself further. 'I'll come home… Please!' She begged, making her body tremble and shake. Tears falling unrestrained and shamelessly, her hand now squeezed his. Feeling her desperateness through the movement, his eyes switched back and forth, his reconvenes of not meddling with the fight crumbled.

Getting up, he grabbed the remaining Senbons and threw them at Anji, who could easily dodge them but was surprised by his attack, making him cease his actions. Zabuza let out a growl, anger showing on his face, his had snatched up to look at him, 'What are you doing?'
'She doesn't want to let you go.' Kakashi answered, appearing next to him, bitterness of the words showed how much he detest doing this but how weak he was when it came down to her. He took hold of his arm and swung it over his shoulder, 'I rather see you dead…' He paused, seeing how Zabuza's reaction had soften, 'But most of all, I actually rather kill you myself.'

'You…' Anji muttered at Kakashi, 'You didn't even want to help me at first.' He looked at the ground before turning his head to Sakura, who was still awake and aware of everything, her eyes seemed to cry a river, softly flowing over her delicate features on to the dead ground. All in bitter silence.
'If it weren't for her…' He whispered, 'I wouldn't be standing here.' As if he now too was remembering their first meeting. His sword started to tremble and his eyes stayed on hers.
Zabuza tried to push him off again but Kakashi stubbornly held on, not wanting to break his promise to Sakura he had wordlessly made. Kakashi took a step forward, ready to return to her side but halted when Anji moved again.
He turned his head, now looking at the two men again. Kakashi noted how much older he looked in just a year, he even seemed to have aged in just these past few weeks. His eyes were eyes he had seen many times, full of dark promises and hate. Regret and pain. Eyes he had had himself. Not too long ago he had fell into that same dark pit again. Sakura had unknowingly helped him back out but… But he was still trapped with one foot in it, and one wrong move… He'd fall back in it and it would start all over again. He didn't know if he could make it out a third time.

'Anji…' He started, not quite sure what to say to the boy but not wanting him to think he did not understand. He understood it all perfectly and his logic part was telling him he was insane for doing this. For letting this opportunity of killing Zabuza pass him by even though he wouldn't be the one slitting his throat. If it weren't for Sakura…-

'You don't deserve precious gifts.'
Snapping out of his mindset, Kakashi looked up, his reaction time too slow. Disappearing before their eyes and reappearing immediately next to Sakura, the sword in his hand turned down, ready to strike. Kakashi immediately let go again, running back with his last strength, Zabuza appeared next to him, 'I told you to keep her safe!' He hissed angrily, seeing such human traits on him were foreign. It was a split second but it was all he need to understand that he too had a human side and that Sakura had seen it, hence why she cared perhaps so deeply for him.
Running as fast as their feet could take them, Kakashi noted how Anji actually halted and he wondered if it was just a false threat to distract them. Zabuza did not seem to notice his hesitation and jumped right at him, his Kunai well aimed at Anji's neck. Moving, it connected with his shoulder, making him scream out in pain and jump back. Zabuza was standing between him and Sakura, while Kakashi fell to his knees on the ground next to her, exhausted.

'This is useless…' Anji's voice was unnervingly calm, despite his outburst when he had felt the seething pain of the Kunai. 'You are unarmed, exhausted… You are both defeated, death is all that awaits you now.'
'Please Anji…' Sakura's weak words had no influence on the situation whatsoever, none of the men reacted to her words.

Kakashi agreed with Anji, this was over. They were just all wasting time for the sake of Sakura, who was drained, out of chakra, already filled with grief and guilt. Disoriented and alone.
Watching her slowly move, getting up, 'Zabuza, don't…' Her voice got stuck in her throat. He wondered what she wanted to say, don't do this? Don't leave me? Don't go…?
Did she forget? How much she was supposed to hate him? How could she blindly ignore all the obvious reasons that were standing in front of her.
Zabuza looked over his shoulder at the girl, no word were spoken between them but his eyes held something soft and regretful, longing at the same time. He saw her shoulders drop, hearing her take one deep breath before speaking again, as if she was trying to gather her strength but Anji ruthlessly silenced.

'Burn… Together.' He repeated Zabuza's words, though it was only a whisper it echoed in their ears followed by the sound of the sword slashing through his chest, well aimed at the heart. Warm blood splattered on her face, clouding her vision and making her lips taste the awful metallic taste of it. Sakura felt as if time itself stood still, the gruesome picture of Zabuza's back with the sharp metal pierced through it and the slow withdrawal of the sword seemed to happen at an excruciating slow pace. She heard a low cry before his mouth released more blood, he fell down as soon as the sword lost contact with his body.
Sakura crawled towards him, grabbing his hand anxiously. In the corner of her eyes she saw Anji, who was simply staring at the scene. Kakashi was somewhere behind her but she ignored all her surroundings.

'Don't go.' She whispered, 'I can heal you…' But no chakra made itself available, nothing came. She tried again, and again. 'I can't believe it… I'm so fucking useless!' She grit her teeth, not even aware of the warm tears that flood from her eyes again, over her cheeks landing softly on his face. It made him blink a few more times. She took hold of his hand, tightly as if she thought she could physically hold on to his life.
'I don't… I don't want to be lost… Not without you.' Why was she so selfish? Why did it feel as if it was she that was dying? Biting the inside of her cheek until she could taste her own blood. His eyes were still half open and when his mouth opened she could feel his breath on her cheeks.
'F-fine Ku-noi..chi…' He reminded her, his lips formed into something that could be considered a smile though it was obvious he lack energy to still do such a thing, 'Gre..great m-medic…' He finished, he wanted to squeeze his hand in hers, which she was pressing now to her cheek, but all he could manage was a slight pressure from his two fingers. After that his eyes fell shut and all the natural energy, all the life, disappeared from him.
She lay herself on top of him, feeling his still warm blood seep through her clothes. Placing her lips next to his ear. 'But I…love you.' Followed by soft sobs and silenced screams.

He couldn't help but smile. Loved… by her. He didn't know if she meant it as a lover, a friend, a teacher… It didn't matter either. He felt the same way. There was nothing but darkness where he was now. It felt as if he was floating, somewhere between worlds. He couldn't hear her sobs anymore. But her voice… her voice stayed clear in his mind. Wherever he was going, he'd take the memory of her with him. Maybe one day, Haku, we will all be together again… After I burn…
He embraced what was to come, holding on to the fragile moments he had allowed himself to have.

'Take good care of her, Kakashi.'

'…Don't cry, Sakura.'

Grabbing her by her waist, he pressed her small body against his. Holding her tightly and hushing her with useless, meaningless words. Because he knew, Kakashi knew, that nothing said or done could change the pain. The agony to feel loss and grief was too much to instantly take away. It was
something only time, if it was generous, could do. A decade had passed and today he had felt that same feeling as clear as he had the first day. That man with the orange mask… His mind plagued him with the idea that it was the demon of Obito, coming to haunt him and blame him for Rin's death…
He held her more tightly and felt her move against him, holding on to him just as much.
Seeing Anji's cold eyes, who looked away and stared at his weapon that had just taken life.

'No matter what…' He struggled a little, but looking at Sakura, he found his resolve, 'Some stay unforgiven for their deeds.'
He didn't know if she had heard him, but Anji gave her an apologetic glance. He bowed his head for some reason, as if to thank them or… His body tensed as he saw Anji sword lift in to the air, 'Forgive me.'
Kakashi couldn't jump back in time with the weight of Sakura on him, making him simply fall back. Before his eyes appeared Ibiki, who countered Anji's attack with his own sword.

Jumping back, he looked at Sakura again, who had now turned to look at the murderer. Her green haunting eyes were hollow and the tears showed the only sign of grief.
'One day… You'll avenge them.' He nodded, as if he was agreeing with himself. She didn't respond.

Ibiki seldom let a man escape him but he didn't even bother to stop Anji, who was not even a part of this war. He turned his head to the two, 'I'd never let a comrade die…' He muttered, staring at the fragile young girl in his arms, his face softened and Kakashi noted that his animosity had lowered towards him. Ibiki spoke on a calm collected tone, 'Konohagakure is destroyed.' He whispered, 'But apparently one of your students managed to safe all the villagers…'
'Naruto.' Kakashi noted, feeling a strange mixture of sadness and relief. But proud at his other student's accomplishments.
'You did…' He halted a little in hesitation, 'You did a fine job, Kakashi.'
Though the comment about his students were supposed to be a compliment, it felt as if the world was mocking him. He had not done much of a good job. Naruto winning had nothing to do with him. Sasuke was still gone… But, he looked at her again, at least Sakura was safe.
She was coming home. Finally, going home with him…
'Forget about Kirigakure.' He shook his head, turning to leave, 'It's over.' He ran to recruit the other remaining Shinobi.

The village was burning brightly, the smell of burning flesh filled the air and the dark clouds mixed with mist swallowed them in the land of where only loss now lived. The smoldering heat burned their skin but they sat still, watching the fall down of a great Village, used and abused by its own leader that was being manipulated by a man, so cold, so cruel, he had left it all behind without a second glance and simply would let it burn down to the ground. Staring at the burning tower of the Mizukage, screams of women and children made him aware that the same faith had occurred in Konoha but was stopped by Naruto, making him think of his other two student, who he had just left behind without a second thought. The overwhelming feeling of guilt came over him.

Shinobi ceased fighting, surrendering and pleading to help the village. He saw people run, in hopes of saving the few survivors, people in utter despair pleading for help.

Ibiki had said they would be returning to Konoha soon. Kakashi had nodded numbly, staying seated. Sakura said they'd have to bury him, that he couldn't stay here. He had promised Sakura they'd do that. That he'd help her do that. Not that there would be much left of him if they didn't move him soon. But he couldn't move and neither could she, too drained. So they just sat there, holding on.

Anji's words came back to haunt him.

Unforgiven… Yes, they were unforgiven. Forever. No matter what they do.

Holding on tighter to Sakura, his eyes on the flames before him, feeling a cold creep underneath his clothes, his skin, deep into his heart. Aware he himself would never be saved.
They both watched silently as Zabuza's body when up in flames, the burning village of the Hidden Mist following.

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