Sakura could see the anger in Tsunade's eyes. She knew she was in great trouble, yet she did not regret what she had done. She was not only saving her friend's life but also protecting a member of the village.

"I am once again appalled by your lack of respect for your superiors" said Tsunade furiously.

"He is dying" said Sakura humbly.

"Your time to talk has ended. You have proven that you do not listen therefore I will not listen to your reasons. It is time for you to pay some respect and listen" Tsunade cut Sakura off.

Sakura simply looked down and abstained from talking.

"You have bluntly decided to question me as a medical ninja and a Hokage. You questioned my decisions and intentions and even dared imply that I was not just and merciful. If I were to be as just as you suggest I should be, that boy would have been executed a long time ago. You have no idea how to run a village and you are certainly in no position to question me as an authority. As a ninja, you are expected to perform your duties and respect your superiors. Your constant lack of subordination only shows me that you are not ready for greater responsibility. You leave me no choice but to demote you three ranks and assigned you to highly supervised missions until to learn to follow orders. Until then, I want you far from this hospital and you will only be allowed in for supervised visitation.

"The hospital needs as much help as possible" Sakura shouted.

"I will assume the risk" responded Tsunade mercilessly.

Sakura could not believe Tsunade's words. Being demoted was not only humiliating, but it also meant she would have to waste time on missions that would not truly need her abilities. Also, there were so many people she could help that would not get assistance soon enough. Her heart was broken.

Just before she had time to respond, Sasuke's bed was being wheeled in.

"Lady Hokage, it is so good to see you. You must be so proud of your pupil, if it weren't for her Sasuke would have probably been dead by tonight" said the doctor as he was making his way in.

"Absolutely" said Tsunade keeping appearances.

"I had to remove some infected tissue from his stump as it had become necrotic. His blood also tested positive for sepsis, so I am putting him on a broad spectrum of antibiotics. We'll keep him for a few days, but his condition should start improving soon.

"Thank you doctor" said Sakura softly.

"Sakura…." Whispered Sasuke.

Sakura immediately went to see Sasuke who was not quite awake but rather semiconscious. She held his hand as tears began forming in her eyes. Sasuke could not register what was happening but kept calling her name in his half-asleep state.

Tsunade approached the doctor and started asking questions about the boy's condition. Sakura could hear them talking in the back, but it was all a blur. Nothing mattered at that moment, only Sasuke's well-being. After what seemed like a long time, the doctor excused himself and left the room.

"I guess it is time for me to leave" said Sakura bitterly.

"it's okay if you stay" said Tsunade calmly.

"But you said…." Sakura began when Tsunade interrupted her "I know what I said, and I think it will not be necessary".

"I am so sorry" Sakura said as she began to weep.

"Don't be, you saved his life" Tsunade said.

Sakura just looked at her with shame in her eyes.

"Forget what I said, just don't do it again" Tsunade said and left.

Sakura was confused about her encounter with Tsunade. She did not seem normal. She went from being very upset to regretting her decision. Regardless of the circumstances, Sakura was just happy to see Sasuke alive.

Sasuke woke up a while later and was welcomed by Sakura's warm smile.

The next few days were much better for Sasuke. He was not as weak and fatigued anymore. His appetite was back, and the nausea was gone. His condition improved and he was soon ready to start rehabilitation. Naruto and Sakura visited him every day. Sakura would not go home without making sure she saw Sasuke. There were days she would just fall asleep in the chair next to him and would spend the night. Sakura never missed one of his rehab sessions. Sasuke didn't really talk much about his injury, perhaps he did not talk much about himself. Regardless of that, Sakura knew that Sasuke needed more support than ever. His whole world would turn upside down from this injury. She could see his face of frustration during rehab whenever he could not do something like he used to. Sasuke had a lot on his plate. He had almost died on the battlefield, then he almost died in the hospital, he suffered an injury that would forever change his life, and he had to confront his actions, and return to the village that most likely hated him.

It was early in the morning and Sakura went to see Sasuke. As she entered the room, she noticed he was not there. Sakura was able to locate him at rehab.

"Hey" Sasuke said happily as he saw Sakura.

"Hey you" responded Sakura.

"Watch this" said Sasuke while showing Sakura his progress.

After rehab, they went back to the cafeteria to have breakfast.

"They've investigating Hashirama's cells, and you could be using a new arm soon. Naruto is doing great with his" Sakura mentioned.

"I appreciate it" said Sasuke.

"it will…" Sakura started saying excitedly when she was interrupted by Sasuke "yet I don't want it"

"Why wouldn't you?" She asked.

"I don't deserve it" he responded.

"You have done enough to deserve it" Sakura mentioned.

"You don't understand, I don't want it. I want to wake up every day and remember what I have done" Sasuke said.

"You don't have to do this. You know what you have done, and you repented it. Besides, you were confused and hurt" Sakura protested.

"Sakura, I am not running from what I have done. There is no excuse to justify my past and I must accept the consequences. I will have peace knowing that some justice has been made" Sasuke shared.

Sakura could not understand his reasoning and wished he could change his mind, but she had to respect his decision and letting live with it. It was hard for her to comprehend Sasuke's guilt and redemption path. At least she was grateful that he was willing to share that.

They changed topics and kept on enjoying their breakfast together.

"Uchiha Sasuke?" an ambu ninja asked.

"That is me" Sasuke responded.

"You are under arrest for treason, crimes against humanity, and against the Hidden Village of the Leaf" he said while throwing Sasuke against the table. He held them by the arm and hair.

Soon other ninjas appeared and covered his head with a bag.

"He is recovering from an injury for his heroic actions in the war" Sakura screamed and was met with no response.

"You can't do this" she kept on repeating herself.

"Ma'am, step away" said a man while holding her.

One of the ninjas punched Sasuke's abdomen and then dragged him to the door.

Sasuke did not protest or resisted.

There was no peace, but torment.