Don't own Naruto or any characters.
Naruto looked at the albino man. He was huge compared to Tsunade. Jirayia stood beside him as Naruto studied the man before him. He was dressed in what would be considered nobleman's wear from another part of the world. His eyes were red but friendly. Naruto didn't feel out of sorts or like he was someone who wanted Naruto dead. Naruto was suddenly tired. He could feel the energy draining out of him. Suddenly, he fell off the side of the bed opposite Sakura. Sakura reached to grab him before he hit the floor but wasn't fast enough. Naruto knew that he was going to hit the floor hard but was surprised when a pair of strong arms kept him from doing so. Naruto looked around to see that Danok had moved faster than the sannins and Naruto now rested against him.
"Thanks. Being injured sucks. Baa-chan, whats wrong with my chakra?" Naruto asked.
"Kabuto injured your chakra coils. They'll heal but recovery will be slower than normal for you." Tsunade said. Danok gently eased Naruto back into bed. Naruto felt like he'd gone 12 rounds with Guy. He began to doze off when another voice broke into his head.
"Naruto? Sakura, where's Dobe? He's alright isn't he? We made it to the shore."
"He's in bed on the other side. We're in a ship heading south." Sakura said facing Sasuke. She looked tired. Her pink hair was somewhat messy and her face showed signs of fatigue. Sasuke suddenly felt guilty. If he hadn't let the curse mark take affect, NONE of this would have happened. He almost kilked his best friend, his brother for power to kill Itachi.
"Stop, teme. You weren't yourself. Besides from what Baa-chan tells me, Danzo had this planned to begin with." Naruto said quietly. Rsunade walked over between the two boys. Danok hadn't moved from Naruto's bedside.
"Do not blame yourself. Such men as Danzo are always out for power. If fact, once we are settled on dry land again, you will find out exactly what power cost Danzo and a few other truths. Do not be troubled by the past-trust me-but look to the future. Kakashi told me that his genin team needed to learn one important thing and I think you learned it now. We will be docking midday tomorrow, then you will see where your destiny has taken you. Now I believe there are a few children outside who want to see their friends." Danok said softly. Sasuke looked in the man's eyes and seen only truth shining there.
"Come in QUIETLY Ino. Be quick all of you need rest." Tsunade told them. The rookies entered the room. Choji, Kiba, Lee, and Neji were pushed in wheelchairs by there friends. Hinata blushed cherry red as she began to speak.
"H-h-how a-are you, Na-naruto?" Hinata stammered. Naturo gave her the peace sign.
"It'll take a few days for me to be back to normal but I'm willing to wait." Naruto replied. Hinata smiled at his attitude.
"And Sasuke? How do you feel?" Hinata asked. The rookies watched quietly as Sasuke answered.
"Like a big Jackass. I could have gotten you all killed! I let a stupid ambition take over my life. Being freinds with you guys should have been my higher ambition-not killing Itachi. Maybe there is a reason behind what he did. Danzo may have led him to do it. When I see Itachi again, I will ask him. He has never lied to me. Right now, my goal is to rid myself of this damn seal. Orochimaru's not going to use me as a pawn in his game." Sasuke said eyes hard. Sakura had placed her hand gently on his shoulder.
The presence of his allies, his friends, made him believe that he could.
"We'll help, Sasuke. We are all bound to the same fate as you. Such evil myst be stopped before it gets to out of hand. We may never be able to return to Konoha, but we can stand by each other. We are the Will of Fire and as such must never let that Fire die." Tsunade said. Jieayia nodded. Danok was quiet until now.
"I hate to interrupt a gathering such as this, but I think we all need a little rest. We will be at our destination midday tomorrow." Danok said gently. Kakashi eye smiled his agreement.
"Kakashi-sensi will you stay with us? Jyst in case?" Naruto asked.
"Of course, Naruto. I'll be happy to do so. After all, you are my students. A good teacher always looks out for them." Kakashi said. The others took their leave as Kakashi settled Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in bed. A warm feeling came over him. Sensi, I hope I'm doing enough to make you proud. He thought as he drifted off to sleep, a feeling of happiness within him.