CHAPTER 26

Sakura jumped behind Sasuke. They should be getting closer to where they had set up a base camp. After traveling for almost three hours and not at team 7's usual pace they were nearing their destination. They had slowed their pace knowing that it wasn't a speed that many could keep up with. Even then. She looked down to see that the others were keeping up fine with the set pace but they were tiring.

There were no times for breaks, they could rest when they got to the camp. They shouldn't be too much further now. Sakura didn't notice that Sasuke had slowed down and was now jumping by her side. They were in sync as they jumped branch to branch.

"So when is the loser going to stop his pity fest and get back to his duties? He could have been on this mission today if he wasn't too busy crying," Sasuke complained.

Sakura glared at him before giving him a knowing smile, "If I didn't know any better I would say that you actually miss him." She raised an eyebrow at him in a questioning manner.

"Having him back with us is better than that dead weight we have now," Sasuke snorts.

Sakura rolls her eyes at his usual superior attitude. "They might not be Naruto but they can handle their own," Sakura offers in defense of Team 8. Sasuke looked down at them than back at her with a raised eyebrow. Sakura looked to see them keeping up but barely at this point. They were winded and sweat was starting to collect on their faces. "Okay so they're not as conditioned or fast as us but they also weren't all trained by three sannins," Sakura conceded. Sasuke just rolled his eyes, not arguing any further.

"It might take a little time before he comes around. He's had his share of hardships but losing Jiraiya is devastating for him. It's like losing the only parent he has ever known," Sakura sighed. "We both know what it's like to lose your parents. Naruto's real parents died before he had a chance to know them. Jiraiya means the world to him and now the only family he's ever had is just gone."

She looked over to see a soft expression on Sasuke's face, it was odd to see him with a look like that. He looked right ahead, his eyes sad. She could tell he was thinking of his own family.

"You know we're lucky," Sakura said suddenly. Sasuke looked at her curiously. "When our parents could no longer be with us we had sensei's that stepped in and filled that hole that was missing. And I'm not talking about that creep, Orochimaru's."

Sasuke actually genuinely laughed but it was short lived. "Then who did I have if not the "Creep"," Sasuke asked bluntly.

It was Sakura's turn to scoff. "Kakashi-sensei obviously. He has always taken a special interest with you. He cares about you," Sakura answered looking at him with a serious expression.

"Maybe before but things have changed," Sasuke said looking down.

"You're the idiot," Sakura blurts out. Sasuke glares at her but she continues, "Kakashi and Naruto always had faith in you even when you left. Naruto was more than a little happy to have you come back and Kakashi has seemed more content and at peace since your return to the village."

Sasuke looked surprised by her statement but quickly covered it up sliding his usual cool, composed mask back into place. They were quiet for a minute as they traveled. It shouldn't be too much longer before they met the base.

"Did you lose faith in me?"

Sakura was stunned by the question. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye and could see he had his eyes trained forward but his shoulders were tense. Sakura hesitated for a moment before speaking, "When you left I just couldn't understand it. I couldn't even begin to grasp how you could just betray us like that after everything we had been through. After finally running into you years later you looked at us like we were beneath you, like we never meant anything." Sakura paused, taking a breath. "You tried to kill Naruto. Someone who calls you his best friend, someone who would do anything to help you."

She saw Sasuke grimace. Sakura sighed, "I understand though. I mean after all I'm not completely innocent. I could have killed Ino a few months back, I wanted to. As I'm sure you noticed most people walk on eggshells around me, I don't really have any friends. I just got so lost in my own rage and emotions I wasn't thinking clearly. In my anger I pushed everyone away."

Sasuke studied her for a minute. "You didn't push Naruto away," Sasuke points out.

"As you know Naruto is not easily deterred," Sakura chuckled. "I don't have the most trust in you especially around Naruto, but I'm starting to." Sasuke nodded his head. Sakura figured that was the end of their conversation and she was glad to finally get some of that off her chest.

"I would apologize but if given the chance I don't think I wouldn't have done things differently. Going with Orochimaru gave me power. I may not be a better man for what I did but I'm a better ninja. I already told Naruto the same thing. Once Itachi is gone and my family is avenged I can try and atone for my mistakes," Sasuke said thoughtfully. Sakura looked at him and smiled lightly.

Naruto heard a knocking. He opened his eyes hissing at the sudden onslaught of light. He grumbled blinking a few times to adjust to the brightness. His eyes moved around the room searching for any traces of Sakura, frowning when he noticed that she hadn't been there throughout the night.

He buried his face back into the pillow but the persistent knocking started again. Groaning he pushed the covers back and got out of bed. Another knock came but only louder. He marched down the stairs and to the door, yanking it open to find Shikamaru leaning against the side.

"It's about time," Shikamaru said, walking past him. He walked into the living room plopping down on the couch. He reclined back and propped his feet on the table. Naruto watched him too tired to argue about his intrusion. He let out a tired sigh gesturing to the chair next to the couch. Naruto sat down putting his head in his hands.

"Well I for one had a hell of a night. Our team went out and tracked down Hidan. We got him finally, I got him," Shikamaru smiled, closing his eyes. Naruto was initially surprised but he smiled lightly.

"That's good. I'm happy for you," Naruto said but his voice was void of his usual enthusiasm. Shikamaru nodded studying him for a minute.

"It feels like a suffocating weight lift of my chest. Things will never go back to the way things were but at least I have a bit of peace of mind," Shikamaru said. "I heard about Jiraiya. I'm sorry. Your time will come though. To find that same closure." Naruto nodded numbly.

"Jiraiya was supposed to be by my side when I became Hokage and when I finally married Sakura-chan, he was going to be my best man. I just saw him, talked to him. Now I'll never be able to do that again. He's just gone. The only family I had is gone and now I'm all alone," Naruto whispered a few tears leaking out of his eyes.

Shikamaru shook his head, "Naruto you're wrong. You are not alone, you have us, your friends. I know losing Jiraiya is one of the worst things that could have happened but you still have a family. Tsunade, Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura are your family. Even Kyuubi. I know you feel alone but you're not."

Naruto studied him letting his words sink in. He smiled at him wiping his eyes. "Thank you," Naruto said.

Shikamaru yawned standing up stretching his arms over his head. "I'm actually here to tell you something else," Shikamaru sighed, hating to be the bearer of bad news. Naruto shot him a confused glance. "Tsunade sent me to let you know that she sent Sakura out on a mission. She's with Kiba's team and Sasuke. They needed an experienced medic and Sakura fit the bill," Shikamaru told him.

Naruto gritted his teeth. Shikamaru watched in awe as his eyes glowed red before he shut his eyes letting out a low growl. Naruto reached out to Sakura using their link. He saw a person laying on a cot, her glowing green hand reaching towards their head.

'Sakura where are you?!' He barked. Suddenly he was bounced out of her mind and the connection dissipated.

''Clever girl,' Kyuubi chuckled. 'She's a quick study. She managed to shut you out and disrupt the link.'

Naruto snarled his eyes returning to their usual blue. He walked over to the door yanking on his sandals. "I'm going to talk to Tsunade. Thanks for letting me know," Naruto said, taking a deep breath.

"Go easy on her. She's just doing her job and Sakura was the obvious choice. She's proven that she can handle her own," Shikamaru said lightly, not wanting to piss him off anymore. Naruto just shook his head, yanking the door open.

Sakura sighed walking out of the tent. It took more time and chakra than she anticipated. She had to kick Sasuke out when he started yelling and badgering the now awaken ninja for any information they may have had on Itachi. She could rest for a little now that the Rock jonin were now awake and recovering. Her eyes adjusted to the light stepping out into the day and she exhaled tiredly.

"All finished I take it," Sasuke said boredly. She looked over to see him sitting on the ground under a tree, his eyes closed. She looked around for the rest of the team but couldn't see them anywhere.

"Where's the rest of the team," Sakura asked.

"They went out to survey the area. Seems dog boy was a bit offended by what I said earlier and he's gone off to prove that he isn't entirely useless," Sasuke scoffed.

"Why would you let them go alone," Sakura yelled out in frustration. She had a gnawing feeling in the back of her mind.

Sasuke opened his eyes smirking at her. "I'm not supposed to go off without an Anbu or Kakashi. Isn't that right Nari," Sasuke reminded snarkily.

Sakura rolled her eyes, he always had to be an ass. "Get off your ass," she commanded. "They could be in trouble. We have to go find them. What direction did they go in?" Sasuke grunted pushing himself off the ground. He nodded his head behind him indicating that's where they went. Sakura huffed taking off in that direction, Sasuke not far behind.

They didn't have to go too far when they saw a figure standing in the woods turning to face them. As they came closer they saw it was Kakuzu. He stood there with a bored expression. Kiba laid on the ground breathing heavily, Kakuzu's foot on top of his head. Sakura looked over to her left to see Shino knocked unconscious and Hinata standing just a couple feet away clutching her side.

Kakuzu laughed, bringing her attention back to him. "Looks like we might have some real challengers here to play. What do you say," he chuckled.

"I say you get off the mutt," Sasuke said blandly. Kakuzu laughed, pressing down harder on Kiba's head. Kiba yelped before Kakuzu took his foot off him stepping back. Thread wrapped around Kiba's ankle and suddenly he was thrown to the side. His back hit against a tree and then he fell to the ground in a lifeless heap. Sakura clenched her fist taking a step forward feeling her anger rising.

"Nari go help the others. I can handle this," Sasuke told her, not taking his eyes off Kakuzu. Sakura hesitated before nodding.

She went over to Shino first . After looking him over she was pleased to see that there was nothing majorly wrong he should wake up soon enough with just a concussion. She moved over to Kiba. He had broken ribs and a spinal injury. She worked fast healing just enough not wanting to use too much chakra. She looked over her shoulder to see that Sasuke was faring pretty well but in case things took a turn she would need to be ready to step in.

"I'm sorry S- Nari," Hinata apologized. "I know we shouldn't have gone off alone, it was stupid and dangerous. Kiba was just so determined," Hinata whispered looking down at this beaten and bruised body. She kneeled down touching his cheek. Tears started to fill her eyes but she blinked them away.

"Your right is was incredibly stupid," Sakura said bluntly. Hinata hung her head. "Are you alright," she asked, seeing she was still clutching her side. Hinata nodded her head. "Okay good. You stay with them and guard over them. I'm going to go help Sasuke," she told Hinata. She heard Hinata let out a shallow gasp. She looked up and saw Hinata eyes wide, looking behind her. She felt the air shift and the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

"Looks like someone has worked her way up the ranks," a masculine voice whispered in her ear. "Just changing the color of your hair doesn't hide your true identity Little Leaf Warrior," he chuckled. Sakura broke out into a cold sweat and sucked in a shaky breath. Sakura heard Sasuke hiss out her brother's name. Breaking out of her trance she went to turn around.

A kick collided into her shoulder and she went sailing through the air. Another hit came from above connecting with her back slamming her against the dirt. Sakura saw Itachi still standing in place. Hinata had placed herself in between him and her male teammates in a protective manner. Pushing herself to herself on her hand and knees she shook the fuzzy feeling from her head. She saw two pairs of sandals and heard laughing from above her. She looked up and was met by Konan and Tobi. Sakura rolled away, getting back on her feet. She looked between all of them. Seeing they were clearly outnumbered she began to panic. She closed her eyes trying to focus. She opened her eyes, her eyes glowed with a red ring under her mask.

'NARUTO!'

Naruto was standing in Tsunade's office, they were both just staring at each other. Neither had said a word since he barged into her office. Tsunade let out an uneven breath looking down at her clasped hands. She looked back up at Naruto.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted this to happen, for him to die. All we wanted was to keep you both safe. I know there will never be anything for me to say to make it okay. I'm just so sorry Naruto," she apologized sincerely.

Naruto just stared at her, his eyes hard and unnerving. She fidgeted under his scruntizing glare. Finally Naruto looked down, letting out a long sigh. "I understand Jiraiya is his own person. He's a lot like me in that way. Once we have our mind set there is no stopping it," Naruto whispered. Tsunade nodded, swallowing her tears back. "I get why you felt like you had to keep it from me. Just don't ever make Sakura-chan lie to me again," Naruto demanded.

"That is not something I can promise. You know that, it's just the life we live. Sometimes we need to keep secrets even from the people we care most about," Tsunade sighed leaning back in her chair.

"Where is she Baa-chan? They're are plenty of other medics that could have gone so why send her without me," Naruto demanded. His patience running low.

"None are nearly as capable and experienced as Sakura," Tsunade replied simply. Naruto couldn't really argue with that.

"She shouldn't have gone without me. She is just as much a target as me. They know that she is the best way to get to me," Naruto yelled.

"I took that into account. Sakura was promoted to Anbu yesterday. Which is another reason she went. Her identity is hidden and she is with your teammate," Tsunade explained.

Naruto exhaled loudly. He still didn't like the situation. "Why wasn't I sent with them," Naruto asked.

"I couldn't send you to the state you were in. You needed time to process everything. We can't just have you flying off the handle and doing something stupid and reckless. If you die, Jirayia's death will be meaniless," Tsunade said.

"I'm going after them," Naruto told her.

Tsunade nodded her head knowing there was no way for her to stop him. "You need to stay smart out there. They are about three hours east of here. They left last night to go help a group of Rock ninja that were attacked by Itachi," Tsunade told him. Naruto spun and quickly made his way out of the office. "Naruto," Tsunade called out. "Please come back alive," Tsunade said softly. Naruto looked at her, his eyes softening. He nodded his head and took off. He ran through the village to the gates. He blew past the gates turning and heading east.

Naruto sailed through the trees. He had been traveling for around two hours. He was moving fast but not fast enough. He had a bad feeling. He shouldn't be too far now he had cut off around 40 minutes traveling at his current speed.

'NARUTO!"

Naruto stopped looking around frantically. "SAKURA," he yelled. He was sure he heard her yelling his name.

'Kit it's Sakura! She's in trouble and out numbered,' Kyuubi told him hastily. Naruto let out a roar that ripped through the forest. He concentrated and went into sage mode. He pinned her exact location and took off.

"I'm coming Sakura-chan. Just hold on until I get there!"

Sakura staggered backwards, she put her hands on her knees and dragged in a couple ragged breaths trying to catch her breath. With all the healing she had to do she was running low on chakra. She didn't know how much longer she could hold out.

'Use some Kyuubi chakra and kick their asses,' Inner Sakura yelled at her. Sakura shook her head. She couldn't, it wasn't hers to take.

Sasuke yelled out and she saw him hit the ground hard before jumping back on his feet drawing out his katana. He had blood flowing down his face and neck from a gash on his head. His right arm was burned and looked raw but other than that he seemed to be doing alright. Itachi seemed to have the upper hand but he looked like he was tiring.

She heard rustling and saw Konan was back on her feet brushing the dirt off her cloak. Kakuzu was face down in the dirt, Sakura smirked before her eyes moved over to Tobi. He had not moved from his spot at all since they first arrived. All he seemed to contribute was stupid, needless commentary. Tobi had never once come into her cell the whole time she was being held, unless he came in as someone else.

"Hey you just going to stand there or are you actually going to get your hands dirty," Konan called out to him. Tobi shrugged sheepishly. Sakura felt something wrap around her neck before she was yanked backwards. Her back slammed against the ground, the wind knocked out of her. She started to get dragged through the dirt and tilted her head back to see Kakuzu was back on his feet with a manic look on his face.

"Konan can't seem to handle the little girl by yourself," Kakuzu laughed. "Leave her to me!"

She fumbled with her satchel pulling out a kunai. She enhanced it with chakra and cut the treads to free herself. She got to her feet but more threads shut out wrapping around her legs and arms. She struggled against them but they just tightened cutting into her skin. She hissed looking over her shoulder. Kakuzu smiled at her pulling his threads back. Sakura dug her feet into the ground trying to fight back.

"You know, where you took Kisame's heart I only think it's fair that I take yours," He laughed. She pulled with all the strength she had left but it wasn't enough. She looked forward and saw Konan leaning against a tree with her arms crossed smirking at her. Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. There was nothing she could do. She was out numbered.

'Sakura-chan hold on, I'm almost there!' She heard Naruto's voice in her head. "Naruto," She gasped. Kakuzu laughed hysterically, "The jinjuriki isn't here to save you this time."

She couldn't die here, not like this. Her eyes glowed red and she snarled, "Let. Me. Go." Konan and Tobi's interest peaked as they looked at her.

"Your heart is mine!"

She felt the air shift behind her and something was being thrusted to her back. It stopped short. Sakura heard the sound of crackling electricity. She turned her head. There stood Kakuzu with a chidori right through his chest. Sakura looked over at Sasuke in shock. He smirked at her nodding once at her. Sakura smiled back gratefully.

"You bastard," Kakuzu gasped, coughing out blood. Sasuke pulled his hand out. Itachi appeared behind him, sending a well aimed kick to his temple. Sasuke went skidded to the side. Itachi pulled out four Kunai. He laced them in fire throwing them at Sasuke. They sunk into his flesh one in each shoulder, the other two in his thighs.

"SASUKE," she screamed. She pulled the loose threads off her body and grabbed the last one around her neck watching Sasuke try to stay on his feet. When a searing pain went through her stomach. Sakura gasped looking down. A katana was rammed through her stomach, her eyes traveled to the handle and up to see Konan. She twisted the blade and Sakura screamed in pain. She pulled it out just to shove it back in higher up. Sakura coughed and her vision began to dim. Her hair returned to its natural pink color, just dirty with sweat and blood. She could hear Hinata scream her name and Sasuke call out to her. Konan pulled the blade out.

Sakura fell to her knees looking up at her. Konan looked at the bloodied blade and laughed. She could see her mouth mouthing but couldn't make out the words. The bloodied blade glinted in the high noon sunlight. Sakura watched as the blade came back down towards her. Sakura blinked in surprise when a blur of orange and yellow came out the corner of her eye. A rasengan slammed into her face. She went spinning through the air smashing through a tree.

Sakura felt herself falling forward. Arms caught her before her face could meet the ground. Naruto spun her around in his arms. He reached down and lifted her mask off. He threw the mask to the side caressing her cheek gently.

"I'm here," Naruto told her. He looked at her stomach and saw blood soaking through her uniform. His eyes flickered red. He leaned down resting his forehead against hers. "Are you okay," he asked worriedly.

"I'm sorry," Sakura choked out.

"Shh, Sakura-chan. It's okay," Naruto assured her, kissing her forehead. He lifted his eyes glaring at Konan who was struggling to get up. "I'll take it from here," He promised. He picked her up gently and carried her over to Hinata and the others. "Take care of her for me. Try and heal her as much as you can," he told Hinata firmly. Hinata nodded. His eyes moved down and looked at her again offering her a reassuring smile. Sakura watched him walk away towards Konan. She struggled to stay conscious.

"You think you can handle her dead last," Sasuke called out. Sakura looked over at him to see Itachi staggering backwards a few feet away from him.

"Just focus on your own fight Teme," Naruto smirked. He turned and looked at Konan, his eyes red. She brushed herself off wiping the blood from her lip.

"You ready to meet the same fate as your beloved Jiraiya-sensei brat," Konan baited. Sakura watched as the Kyuubi chakra coated Naruto's body. Her eyes grew more heavy. The last thing she saw before her eyes closed was Naruto running at Konan.