Yayyy, new chapter! Enjoy

For the rest of that day Sakura had pondered over Sasuke's words and regardless of her anger towards him, she could reluctantly see where he was coming from. Sighing softly and rubbing her temples and began to pack some of her medical supplies in a pouch and headed to the memorial stone. The walk was quiet, as expected due to the late hour, but her heart was racing and her mind kept telling her to go home and forget all about it. This isn't going to end well.

At the memorial stone Naruto and Sasuke were already there waiting for her, as if they knew she would change her mind. "I'm not doing this for you Sasuke. I'm doing it because I think your family deserves a second chance… especially Itachi." After Naruto pulled her into a tight hug, they made their way to the outskirts of Konoha, making sure they avoided the patrols and kept to the shadows. Sasuke led the way to the hide out, and Sakura kept her eyes on his form. His shoulders were hunched in either tension or anticipation – she wasn't sure. There was something different about him though, for example his eyes held a light that wasn't there before, and his jaw was more relaxed than before. He didn't seem to radiate an aura of anger anymore, thus making him more approachable.

They arrived at the abandoned cottage and stopped momentarily. Sasuke eyed her before speaking, "Thank you." His female teammate cast her eyes down before giving him a slight smile, while she didn't agree with what they were doing, she knew how much this meant to him. They all entered together. The tunnel was dimly lit but she could hear coughing in the distance and could guess it was Itachi. The Uchiha beside her sped up his pace, obviously desperate to reach his older sibling. Upon entering the room Sasuke came to his brother's aid and rubbed his back reassuringly.

Naruto entered the room also, but Sakura hung back and stood near the entrance. Mikoto and Fugaku were surrounding Itachi, trying their best to bring him comfort. Never did she think that she would see Sasuke's family. The anger that she felt towards her teammate melted away slightly at the image before her. Squaring her shoulder she walked forward and introduced herself.

"I'm Sakura Haruno, I'll do my best to heal you Itachi-san." The older man smiled at her while his parents gave her looks of gratitude. Sasuke resembled something of a giddy child and shuffled back to give her space to work on his brother, weeks of planning had him this way. In his mind, the Uchiha would be restored to their former glory.

Sasuke shoved his hands in his pockets and stared intently as Sakura while she worked, he was certain that Itachi would get better, and he was certain that he wouldn't get in trouble for killing the two elders. If the public were to find out that, the massacre was ordered by one of their most revered Hokage's. They might even make Itachi Hokage…

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt his mother's gaze on him. Her smile was light, the edges of her lips barely curved upwards, but he still felt it anyway. The warm feeling etched its way into his heart before settling down comfortably. It was a feeling he could get used to.

Half an hour passed before Sakura was finished with her healing. "Take a deep breath for me."

Doing so, Itachi found that he could do so without coughing as before. His airways were cleared; the suffocating feeling had vanished completely. His dark eyes thanked her silently before his legs allowed him to stand. Sakura copied his movements and stood alongside him. One problem down, another one to go. They need to know what they're getting into…

"Thank you, for saving my son." Approval shone with Fugaku's eyes, he was indebted to her. Next to him, Mikoto smiled pleasantly.

"It's my job as a medic; however there are some important things that need to be discussed." They waited silently for her to continue.

"I'm sure you're all aware, the impure resurrection technique requires human sacrifices", she turned her gaze towards Sasuke's parents, "for your son to revive you he killed Konoha citizens, more specifically he killed the two elders. I'm sure you're already aware of the events which caused the revival of the previous Hokage, so I'm also sure that you know the two elders were the previous students of Tobirama-sama."

The stillness was heavy as each mulled over her words, Sasuke in particular was glaring hard at her feet. "I don't doubt that the rest of the council will pardon you Itachi-san, or your parents for that matter. However, Sasuke, the only reason they allowed you into Konoha and didn't kill you on the spot was because you changed sides during the war, so many overlooked your previous crimes. I doubt that will be the case now."

"This is justice. I won't apologize for taking back what was stolen from me." His eyes bore into her soul, "the elders and Danzō were responsible for the Uchiha massacre. Not Itachi." He walked forward until he was directly in front of her, "I'll kill anyone who tries to take them, again."

The threat was clear and she didn't need to ask what he was implying, Naruto stood awkwardly to the side not knowing what to do as he watched Sakura pick up her medic supplies before swiftly leaving. She was done. From here, they were on their own and Sakura would no longer be helping. The trip back home was quicker due to her fast pace, she couldn't be around Sasuke any longer.

That's not how you speak to someone, who just saved your brother's life! With her mood considerably sour, the sight of her house was comforting to see. Upon entering, she could sense Naruto's chakra behind her, turning around to face him; her expression was flat and tired.

"Here to convince me why Sasuke's right?" green eyes stared him down in a sort of challenge she knew she would win.

"Sakura-chan, you know Sasuke would never actually hurt you, he's just defensive of his family."

"Why are you always protecting him Naruto? Don't you realize that he's just using you?"

"Sasuke…is family to me. We both grew up lonely, we understand each other, don't you get it Sakura-chan? I can't just turn my back on him, I've gotta be there to support him."

"When was he ever there to support you, huh? When all of this goes wrong, and believe me, it will, he's gunna drag you down with him. You need to understand Naruto… Sasuke hinders your dream to be Hokage. He knows what lengths you'd go to, in order to protect your precious people…and he's used that against you. He made you into an accomplice for his crime…"

"…aren't you meant to be in love with him… or something?" Naruto's gaze shifted around awkwardly, he was failing to see reason with what Sakura had said.

"I stopped loving him when he tried to kill you. You may not see where I'm going with this but… what's your dad gunna say if he finds out? You stood back and allowed Sasuke to kill the elders, meaning you didn't fight for Konoha. Years ago you swore to me that you'd stop Sasuke from his path of revenge… but you let him finish it, Naruto."

He stared at her hard, before grabbing her shoulders and pulling her dangerously close, and from this position, she could get a good look of the hurt that resided within his eyes. "You really feel that way?" the pitch of his voice had dropped as he whispered lowly. Not trusting herself to speak, Sakura merely nodded without breaking eye contact. After what felt like minutes, her blonde companion stepped back with an aggrieved expression in his eyes.

"You really think my dad would be disappointed?"

"We all make mistakes Naruto…but it's never too late to fix them. I'm sure he'll be shocked, but you could never disappoint him, or anyone for that matter. Promise me that you won't blindly follow Sasuke again, okay? I know you share a bond and I'd never try to break that, but stop thinking that what he does is never his fault. We all make decision that we ourselves are accountable for."

Sakura led him into her home, and allowed him to lay on her bed after he took his shoes and ninja kit off. He was tired and confused, the expression was written all over his face and his hands were tightly balled. Sakura lay alongside him, "I want you to tell me everything, Naruto."

"I didn't kill anyone… he told me what he was doing because he couldn't be alone. He needed support. I know how he felt when he got his mom and dad back. It's the same way I felt when I saw my dad revived on the battlefield. It's like… a part of you is restored, you know? Well, you have parents Sakura-chan, so I guess you don't really know."

Indeed she didn't. A few days ago she had received a letter informing her that her parents were receiving medical treatment in waterfall and didn't return with the rest of Konoha because they had stayed behind to help the smaller nations retrieve their dead. It was honourable, they put others before themselves. That's what Tobirama had said. She felt guilty at the fact that she wanted them home with her but had to agree with him.

"My dad's there at the beginning of the day, and he's there at the end. Someone to watch my back. How could I stop Sasuke from feeling that? Something that was ripped from him, how could I deny him his heart's desire? Sakura-chan, I don't know what you have against him… but he needs you."

"That's not what it sounded like when he threated to kill me about an hour ago." She scoffed.

"Team seven needs each other more than ever. We can't split, not at a time like this, you know that," his admonishment was soft," Kakashi-sensei is… unresponsive, Sai is isolating himself and Yamato is killing himself with mission. We need to stick together…"

"Yeah... you're right"

"So, you think you can tell me when you started hating him?"

"I've never… hated him per say… but I just got really angry when he tried to kill you…and you were the only one really fighting to get him back. He just seemed so ungrateful, you know?"

Naruto's eyes were heavy with fatigue as he nodded before closing his eyes completely. Sakura watched him for a few moments, and when certain that he was asleep she got out of the bed and made her way to the hospital.

At the late hour the place was mostly empty, so without any hassle Sakura strolled into one of the patient rooms. Eyes closed peacefully and mask off, lay Kakashi on the hospital bed. She had neglected seeing him for a few days and the remorse was catching up to her. Pulling on of the chair closer she folded her arms over each other and leant on his bed with her face buried within.

After waking up from when he had knocked in out, Kakashi had yet to say a word. His eyes were blank and held no life in them. When Minato had come to visit all Kakashi had done was stare despondently at the ceiling above him. It was strange seeing one of Konoha's strongest shinobi in such a defenceless state, but nothing could be done. It was up to him to fight his inner demons and pull himself out of the depression.

By the time Sakura puller her head out of her arms, the sun the peeking through the blinds and Kakashi was once again looking up. Sakura sighed softly before placing a kiss on his cheek and leaving.

Back at her home, she was greeted with silence. Naruto had probably left a couple hours after her, in favour of being home with his dad. Taking in her surroundings and the emptiness of the house, Sakura couldn't help but feeling just a tiny bit lonely, and in the moment she could understand Sasuke's actions. Sighing inaudibly, Sakura when to shower and get dressed for work. Her outfit was the red version of what Ino wore, it had been a present for her birthday. Admittedly it was a little tight now, signifying that the pinkette had gained some weight, but she quickly dismissed this; Ino would call her a fatty if she ever brought this up to her.

When the sun was high in the sky, Sakura decided it was time for a break, she had managed to do half of the paper work on her desk and took a moment to lean back on her chair, with her neck stretched high. After a moments contemplation she decided to give Hashirama a visit. He had told her that she was invited anytime.

Her head was in the clouds as she made her way to his home, this area of Konoha was part of the heritage. Most of the buildings had been destroyed but the ones that managed to survive had been there since the nation had been established. Upon spotting his home at the end of the street, Sakura sped up and knocked three times before the door was answered.

Tobirama looked at her curiously before stepping aside, Hashirama had mentioned that he had invited her over. Yet his older brother wasn't home. "Sakura-san," he greeted her politely, "my brother isn't home at the moment, but come in."

Although the design outside of the home was traditional, the inside had been modernized to stop it from falling apart. He led her to the centre room and went to get some tea from the kitchen and placed the tray on the table. It reminded him of when he was in her house, only this time they set next to each other, inside of opposite the other.

"Please excuse my brother for not being home, at times he can be forgetful." Sakura waved her hand politely.

"There's nothing to apologize for, it's not a big deal. However… you seem tense. Anything the matter?" Tobirama wasn't surprised that she had picked up on that, she seemed to be very analytical.

"Seeing as everyone will know before the day is up, my previous students; the two elders, have been missing for a while now."

Sakura tensed slightly and her insides ran cold when he's red bore into her soul. It was almost as if he knew she was hiding something. "Well umm, I'm sure they'll be found."

"Dead or alive?" his question threw her off guard and she diverted her gaze away before disclosing that she didn't know the answer to that.

Coming here was a bad idea.

Oh, thank you for that observation. You shouldn't have tensed in the first place, that's when he knew something was up. You don't even look shocked, for goodness sake. Alright, time to get out of here. Now.

Not needing anymore warning from her inner, Sakura made to stand from the table, "Thank you for this but I have to return to my duties." Tobirama could tell when someone was running. He was a good hunter, and prey always ran when they were scared. Before she could move his hand grabbed her upper arm as he stood and locked her in place.

"Why are you running, Sakura." Schooling her expression Sakura ran through many scenarios in her head. Was it better to lie, fight or tell the truth? The latter was immediately crossed from her mind, betraying team seven wasn't an option.

"I'm trying to come to terms with what you just told me. I think I need to be alone." As she spoke, he had her cornered into the wall. He was also able to see right through her lie. Her breathing was shallower, and her shoulders were squeezed inwards as if she was getting ready to fight.

Lowing in his voice he whispered slowly, "You aren't lying to me, are you, Sakura?" Maybe it was the deepness in his voice, or the way he said her name, but either way it sent a shiver down her spine and left a tingling feeling on her skin.

I told you to get away, not get turned on. Urgh.

Shut up inner! I'm backed into a corner, help me figure this out. If not then be quiet.

Fight or flight outer. Flight didn't work, so there's only one option left.

Fight.

Spinning on her heel, Sakura was able to use momentum and his surprise to her advantage as she pinned him to the floor with the help of her super strength and straddled him. His hands were pinned above his head as he stared ominously at her.

"Did you have any part in the kidnap of the elders?" his voice was distant and cold.

"No." she replied with a firm voice, and essentially it was the truth. All she did was heal Itachi.

At her words he seemed to relax a little more, causing Sakura to realize that she never had any power during their little skirmish, he was just trying to find out whether she was part of the crime. It seemed as though he had let her pin him down. Infinitely grateful to Kami that she hadn't reveal Sasuke's plans Sakura released his hands. He would no doubt force her into explaining the rest but for now she would try to divert as much as possible. She was still on top of him and hadn't fully realized this yet to be embarrassed.

"Tobir-oh… am I interrupting something?" Hashirama looked at them with a glint in his eyes that spelt trouble while Sakura blushed in mortification. From another perspective it looked as though they had engaged in some type of sexual activity. The table had been pushed aside, her hair was tousled and her skirt rode up dangerously high.

"I'll just leave you guys to it." Those were Hashirama's parting words as he skipped out of the house.

So what do you guys think? I'm open to suggestions on what/who you'd like to see in later chapters.

Thank you to everyone who has review/followed/favorited. It really means a lot.