Naruto and Sakura have just made it to the Hokage's office. Surprisingly enough, it was one of the few places unaffected by the attack. Naruto, with Sakura at his side knocked on the office door.

"Come in." Tsunade gave the ok for them to enter.

Tsunade was happy to see the both of them alive. Without so much as a word, she ran up to both of them and hugged them both in her arms.

"I'm very glad you children are ok? So tell me...how bad is it out there...?" Tsunade was afraid of getting an answer.

"...It's...really bad out there. The enemy pulled out. But...the damage..."Sakura shuttered as she spoke her words.

"I...see" Tsunade was pressed for words.

The two genin continued to tell Tsunade about the things they've witnessed and experienced during the invasion of the rogue ninjas. There was a great deal to report. And Naruto had given Tsunade the prison I.D. that he had found on a ninja he defeated. It was the first real piece of evidence as to what was going on.

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Shizune was assisting Kakashi back inside Konoha. His arm was slung around her neck as he could barely walk. There was only so much she could do outside without any proper treatments. They both looked at their beloved village with the saddest of eyes and the heaviest of hearts.

"...This...this was so cruel...I don't understand what could be achieved from this carnage" Shizune's tears quietly flowed.

"Despite how this make look, I think this attack was something more than just creating carnage" Kakashi said as he could barely breathe.

"You shouldn't be talking hon." Shizune still ever concerned of Kakashi's condition.

"Shizune listen. If this was about just destroying us, why didn't they finish the job. It was easy to see we were ill-prepared for this assault. And they held a great advantage over us. They must have been after something" Kakashi was trying to rationalize the horrid event.

"Or maybe even someone" Shizune added.

"Yeah, that is possible it could have been someone as well. But we'll find that out once we get all the information we can. We have to get to the Hokage's office."

"Not in your shape you're not"

"We have to now Shizune" Kakashi protested as he tried to pull away from his lover

"Kakashi..." Shizune softly called out his name.

Shizune's sweet voice made Kakashi turn to face her almost instantly. She pulled down his mask and passionately kissed him on the lips. Kakashi felt himself once again lose consciousness. But this time, it was under the warm pressure of Shizune's kiss. She had used a sleeping jutsu on her lover. His body went limp as his resisting halted.

" I'm sorry love, but your health is MY concern..." She smiled as she brushed some of his gray hair out of his face.

Shizune lifted her sleeping lover onto her back and continued on to the hospital. She knew the importance of reaching to Hokage's office. But she had other priorities. Kakashi was her everything. By no means was she going to allow him to leave her in this world alone. She was still loyal to Konoha. But she was even more loyal to her heart.

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Just hearing of the desolation outside was enough to drive lady Tsunade into deep sorrow. She stayed strong in the face of her young genins. But it was tearing her up inside. She felt personally responsible as Hokage. It took blame on herself for not being able to properly protect the village.

"This is a bad time for all of us...Rebuilding is the least of our problems." Tsunade had a way of seeing more than just the immediate problems.

"What do you mean granny?" Naruto was as dense as he was confused

"Repairing the town...it's nothing compared to healing the scars this will leave on our villager's hearts."

"..." Sakura had no response. She knew Tsunade's words were true. Her heart as she and Naruto walked to Tsunade's office was proof of that

"...Lady Tsunade?" Sakura had a question for Tsunade. A very important question.

"Yes Sakura?

"I want you to train me...to make me strong, like you." Sakura asked for Tsunade to be her teacher.

"I'm sorry Sakura, I can't do that. You aren't strong enough yet to train at the level you'd require."

"Lady Tsunade please...I'm tired of being weak. Tired of always needing to be saved." Sakura began to feel her limits

"Sakura-chan you're not weak. I depend on you. You've never let me down. Ever." He tried to lift her spirits.

Sakura gently caressed Naruto's cheek and glided her finger across his lips.

"Naruto, your sweet...and you're my best friend. But, please don't try to protect me this time. You always come to my rescue. Like my knight...you spoil me Naruto. I love knowing that no matter what happens to me that you'll always be there. But...I'm a ninja. I HAVE to fend for myself. I HAVE to get stronger. Tonight...that was the last straw. I couldn't even defend my home...YOU did that for me Naruto..."

Sakura then turns to again face the Hokage. Her determination shined heavily through her face

"Lady Tsunade, again I'll ask, please train me. I can't be of any use to my team at the rate I'm going. I've only hindered both Naruto-kun and Sasuke."

Tsunade saw the seriousness in Sakura's eyes. Her motives were pure and her heart was clear.

"Sakura, do you realize what you're asking?"

"Yes" Sakura replied, bowing her head.

"As long as you understand that I will not go easy on you..."

"Thank you Tsunade-sama" Sakura again bowed.

Naruto looked at his teammate with worry evident in his gaze. He knew Tsunade was going to be extremely strict on Sakura. He didn't want Sakura in harms way by any means. Sakura turned to her worried teammate and wrapped her arms around him. It touched her heart knowing he cared for her so much.

"Thank you..." she whispered and showed her gratitude as she kissed him on the cheek

"Speaking of teammates, where is Sasuke Uchiha?" Tsunade was curious to see just two thirds of team 7 rather than the genin 3.

The two young genin just stared at each other. Neither had any clue to the whereabouts of Sasuke.

"I'll find him" Naruto began darted toward the door. He was stopped as the door slammed open suddenly.

"HE'S GONE!" Ino yelled as she angrily stepped through the door with Shikimaru following behind her.

"What do you mean he's gone?" Tsunade wanted answers.

"He was with some muscle-bound freaky ninja with a giant sword on his back"

"Zabuza... He kidnaped Sasuke?" Tsunade wondered

"NO! He wasn't a hostage. He left on his own. But why would he do that?" The tears began to run down Ino's face

Everyone with the exception of Ino looked at each other with confusion on their faces. Nobody could gather a reason as to why Sasuke would willingly retreat along side the enemy. Ino's eyes however, were enraged and fixated on Sakura.

"COME ON SAKURA! WHY WOULD HE DO THAT?" Ino had begun her implication

"Ino, please...calm down" Shikimaru tried to ease Ino

"NO, I WON'T CALM DOWN. HE WAS WITH YOU LAST NIGHT SAKURA. DON'T DENY IT. I SAW YOU RUN OUT OF HIS HOUSE HALF-NAKED THIS MORNING!" Ino had revealed what Sakura didn't want Naruto to know

Sakura was shaking heavily. Nervously, she slowly turned to her teammate. His heartbreak was showing through his eyes. She couldn't stop the tears from running down the sides of her face.

"Naruto-kun...I..." she was scared. Too scared to ask for forgiveness.

Inner Sakura

"Oh god...Naruto-kun...I...I didn't want you to find out this way...Not like this...

"Sakura, is what Ino said true? Were you with Sasuke last night? It might provide some sort of clue as to why he left" Tsunade put the safety of the village above the feelings of the genins for now.

Sakura was hesitant to say the truth with Naruto in the room. Her answer would change everything between them. She felt her last moments of happiness were about to fade away. Her telling the truth would break the one she'd come to love's heart. But she HAD to tell the truth.

"...Yes Lady Tsunade..." she closed her eyes as she said those words. She didn't want the one she cared for to see her shame. Nor could she bare to see the pain in his eyes.

Naruto held his heartache inside. Without warning, he slowly began walking toward the door.

"Please wait..." Sakura begged and shivered as she warmly grasped his hand. Her voice was both soft and sincere.

Tsunade watched on. Even thought she was trying hard to put the business of the village first, she began to feel her heart breaking as she watched what was transpiring. She loved Naruto like a mother. So seeing his heart broke was killing her inside.

Naruto pulled his and out of her grasp and kept walking. He didn't turn to look at her nor did he give her a response. This wasn't the first time she hurt him. But this was one she knew she couldn't fix. Sakura had her eyes fixed on Naruto as he walked out the door, closing it behind him.

Inner Sakura

"...I... I've lost him ...my best friend..."

Tsunade could only watch Sakura in her agony. She felt her soon to be student's pain just as much as she felt Naruto's. Even Tsunade knew that Sakura's heart was for Naruto, even when she was obsessing over Sasuke. But she never thought the girl would realize it so late, too late.

"How could anyone love you Sakura? You destroyed two guys in two days. You're the trashiest woman I've EVER met." Ino had no sympathy for Sakura at all. She was still hurt about Sasuke's leaving.

"ENOUGH INO...Shikimaru, please take Ino home for me" Tsunade tried to diffuse the negativity in the room by having Ino leave.

"Yes ma'am" Shikimaru complied as he put his arm around Ino's shoulder and they walked out.

"Sakura, come here" Tsunade commanded Sakura

Sakura did as she was told. Tears still flowing from her eyes, she walked over to Tsunade. Tsunade, with nobody in the room with the exception of Sakura, wrapped her arms around her and gave her a motherly embrace. She was angry with Sakura. But at the same, Sakura's pain touched her heart.

"Sakura...it's ok to let it out now..." Tsunade said to her student.

At that moment, Sakura's cries filled the air. They were the cries of someone that had lost their soul mate. Tsunade brushed the back of her head and allowed Sakura to use her as support. Sakura stayed with Tsunade in her office as she called for her mother to come get her daughter. Sakura was clearly in no condition to go home alone.

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Shizune ever vigilante, was at Kakashi's side. Right next to him as he lay in his hospital bed. He was asleep. And she watched over him as his guardian angel. She realized how close she came to losing him tonight.

"I can't believe you almost left me tonight..."

Shizune had begun peeling an apple for Kakashi to eat once he awoke. She didn't want to disturb him from his sleeping. But she knew he needed nutrition as well.

"Once your out and about again, I'm going to make you wish you were dead hon. Who do you think you are making me worry like this?" She was serious yet playful at the same time

She began lightly tapping him to wake him. He awoke with a smile on his face. Seeing Shizune was enough to make all his pain nullify. It was almost as if he was never hurt in the first place.

"You're beautiful Shizune..." Those were the first words out of his mouth

"Damn right I am!"

She shoved a slice of apple into his mouth forcefully.

"What are you trying to do? Kill me?" He spoke with his mouth full

"Oh don't worry, you'll be getting killed all right after you get out of here. In your training session." She responded

"WHAT? TRAINING! I'm a Jounin for pete's sake. Training with WHO?" Kakashi didn't like the sound of being told he needed any kind of training.

"With me..." Shizune gave him a seductive smile

"And if I refuse?"

"Hon, I outrank you. So you have no say" She kissed him before she left the room

"Life is GREAT!" Kakashi had training with Shizune fluttering in his mind.

He finished off the apple slices Shizune thoughtfully carved for him. He was truly grateful for having a woman like her in his life.

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Ms. Haruno and Sakura were returning home from the Hokage's office. The streets had a heavy stench of blood. It was quite the horrid sight to behold. Sakura leant on her mother for support. One the way home she looked toward Naruto's house. She saw that the light was on.

Inner Sakura

" I know he doesn't want to see me ...but I...I have to try..."

Sakura began to pull away from her mother and walk toward Naruto's apartment. She was scared. But she had to try. Try to make things right. Her mother's force stopped her from continuing on. She looked at her mother with her eyes wide.

"Dear, now's not the time. I know you want to see him. I really do understand. But now is not the time. Let him cool down. And you're not in too good of shape either dear."

She knew her mother was right. But she was still willing to go. Having things stand the way they were had an unacceptable ring to her. However, she listened to her mother and they both continued on home.

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Naruto was lying down on his sofa. He was heavy in thought. Even when he was alone he tried to be strong. Never letting his pain fully unleash itself. He picked up a photo of team 7. He began looking hard at Sakura in the picture.

"Well...it's not like we were a couple anyway. And she did tell me that her heart was reserved for Sasuke."

He slowly put the picture down and he put his hands behind his head.

"But...why did she lead me on like that...?...She was my final reason for even staying in Konoha...First the villagers outcast me...Most of my peers hate me...And now...the girl I love...just toys with me...used me as a substitute for Sasuke. I thought she was my friend..." Naruto's sadness began to slowly assist him in drifting asleep.

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Sakura went straight to her room and closed the door. She was laying on her bed, holding a picture of team 7 in her hand. It was the same photo that Naruto had. Her eyes were just fixed on the part of the photo that Naruto was in. Sakura began to talk softly.

" You must hate me now..." Sakura said as she stared at Naruto in the photo.

"Why do you even put up with me...you give me everything...and I give you nothing but grief and heartache..."

"I could have stopped it. I should have stopped it...I thought I was in love with Sasuke. All these years...I've been so wrong."

"Everything you are Naruto...I wanted Sasuke to be. And like a 'true friend' I gave that boy everything. While you, who are everything I want received less than nothing."

" For your sake Naruto...I want you to hate me...I deserve nothing less than your loathing me..."

"But...I still need you...want you in my life..."

Sakura was crushed to the core inside. All she could think about was how much she hurt Naruto. The pink haired beauty cried herself to sleep. She tightly grasped the team 7 photo in her hands. Her weeping was loud enough that her mother could hear her from downstairs. She was crying right along with her daughter.

"Oh Sakura...this is why I wanted you to tell him...before it came out the wrong way..."

Ms. Haruno began to think back on her life. On how the man she loved left her after she had an affair. Her daughter had made a very similar mistake. And she didn't want her daughter to suffer the way she continued to suffer to this very day. She was still in love with Sakura's father. But she knew he wouldn't come back after being betrayed in such a way. She would do anything to save her daughter from that.

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The morning air was warm and inviting. And the sun shined with a beautiful glare. Unfortunately, that beautiful light gave way to the horror of the night before. It would be a long time before Konoha would be a happy village again. Lady Tsunade, along with Shizune went directly to Kakashi's hospital room at dawn's first light.

"Good morning hon" Shizune ran up to Kakashi's bed and hugged him hard. Totally disregarding his injuries.

"OWW! Are you TRYING to kill me" Kakashi was a little annoyed at being woken from his sound sleep

"If I was trying to kill you, I'd make it fun...or both of us" Shizune she whispered in his ear, Taking a seductive tone to her injured lover

"I AM in the room too you know" Tsunade wanted to stop anything before it started.

Shizune giggled and Kakashi's face was red with embarrassment.

"Morning Hokage." He said nervously

"I'm glad to see you're feeling better. After what Shizune told me I was quite worried."

"So, what brings mistress Tsunade to my hospital room?" Kakashi questioned.

"Shizune told me about your suspicions. And I also have some information of my own I'd like to share with you concerning last night. With some luck, we might be able to put some pieces of this disaster together"

"Well Tsunade, the enemy DID damage us severely. But, I don't think that was their intention. It would have been really easy for them to wipe us out."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that whatever or...whoever they came for, they've got it." Kakashi replied

"I see...Ino did say Sasuke willingly leave with Zabuza...and it was around THAT time that the enemy began its departure." Tsunade was informing Kakashi that his student was the one they were after.

"That's confusing to say the least"

"Why is that hon?" Shizune interrupted

"Well, to my knowledge, the enemy seemed to have great interest in Naruto. They seemed to be almost...analyzing him. It was like they knew kyuubi was within him. So why would they all of a sudden convert their attentions to Sasuke?"

"That is a quandary...but look at this. Naruto said he'd found this on one of the enemy ninja" Tsunade handed Kakashi the I.D. tag.

"A prison tag?...I see...Well I guess it's safe to assume where our enemies seem to be located. But that still doesn't answer why they'd want Sasuke or why they seemed so interested in Naruto back at the wave country."

"...This is just a thought...but..." Shizune interrupted

Kakashi and Tsunade had curiosity in their faces.

"Please Shizune, continue" Tsunade was eager to hear her theory.

"Well nobody outside of Konoha knows about Naruto harboring Kyuubi within him." Shizune made her point

"I see...so whoever our enemy is...was once a citizen of the village." Kakashi thought out loud

"Right! And there is only one person that is actually from Konoha still serving his sentence. He is the ONLY man from Konoha that is still imprisoned." Shizune continued

"The one who tried to steal the sacred scroll..." Tsunade was now aware of whom their real enemy might be."

"Well that would be the logical conclusion. But that still leaves the fact that they came for Sasuke. NOT Naruto." Kakashi was still troubled by the fact

"As important as that is, we do have another matter to discuss. Naruto's body deterioration and that jutsu that was used on him. I've been thinking about that for some time now. Based on the knowledge gathered, the demon century jutsu is indeed forbidden and is versed in the sacred scroll." Tsunade began to explain

"Lady Tsunade, Malhavoc had never seen the scroll to our knowledge. Only the Hokage's have ever seen it. There are only two people outside of the Hokage's that seen any part of the scroll." Shizune began to worry that their suspicions just might be right

"Meaning someone that has read the scroll taught it to him." Kakashi said

"Naruto and...Mizuki, the man that who is still serving his sentence... It's safe to assume which of the two taught him.." Kakashi said the correct two names.

"Yes, but as well thought out our theories are, we need more evidence. Now about Naruto's transforming...I myself can't halt or even reverse what is going to happen to him. It's beyond my knowledge" Tsunade said with her face held downward.

"Tsunade, there has to be something we can do about this. Naruto never deserved the cruel treatment he's received here over the years. And he damn sure doesn't deserve to have his body converted into the fox demon." Kakashi was worried about his young student

"It is possible that I may know of someone who can help. It's a long shot, but has great knowledge. Too bad he's a pervert and a half." Tsunade believed she knew of someone who could help.

The three continued to discuss these worrisome and troubling events.

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Sakura was walking through Konoha. The sun beat down on her still weakened frame. She was desperate to see Naruto. She made it to his door. For a long time, she just stood in front of it. She expected nothing from him at this point. And at the same time, wanted everything from him.

Inner Sakura

"I don't even know why I'm here...He's not even my boyfriend. But...why do I feel as if I...cheated on him... I don't even know where to begin to make this right.

Sakura closed her eyes and knocked on the door. Nobody came to the door right away like normal.

Inner Sakura

" He probably knows it's me...why would he answer the door...why should he..."

Sakura turned around to begin walking back home. But she stopped once she had heard to door creek open. He opened the door and she turned around slowly, nervously. The two made eye contact. And they read each others motions easily.

Naruto could see how sorry she was just by the way she hugged herself for support and her eyes began to water. She nervously bit her lip and let a single tear trickle down her cheek. Sakura saw Naruto's deep sadness. She saw defeat in his eyes. That alone was enough to make her breakdown.

She gently reached her hand to his cheek. Naruto just stood with his eyes closed and full of emotion.

"...I...I didn't mean for you to find the way you did...I..." Sakura was cut off by Naruto

He slowly took her hand off of his face and gently placed it to her side.

Inner Sakura

"No...I suppose you wouldn't want me to touch you...would you?..."

"Don't worry about it Sakura-chan..., you did tell me I could never have your love and that it was for Sasuke."

"No Naruto...please I..." Sakura was once again cut off

"Would you like to come in? You look sort of tired" Naruto offered.

"...yes...I'd love to..." Sakura replied in a low voice. She was still so ashamed for not telling him the truth.

Sakura walked in with mixed emotions. She was extremely grateful that he was still willing to even talk with her let alone let her inside his home. She sat on his sofa and he continued on walking into his kitchen.

"Sakura-chan, do you want some tea?" He yelled out loud.

" Yes, please..." Sakura answered with a sweet voice.

Naruto took out a tea kettle from his cupboard and ran some water inside of it. With the kettle filled, he put it on the stove and turn the fire on. He then turned to return to the living room where he left Sakura. Without paying attention, his hand went into the fire.

"AGHHH Dammit..."Naruto gave out a yell as he was burned.

"NARUTO!" Sakura rushed into the kitchen as fast as her feet could carry her.

Naruto was winching in pain as he held his hand. Sakura immediately ran up to him and gently grasped his hand.

"I can take care of it Sakura-chan" Naruto was rejecting her help.

"Naruto, let me help you..." She truly wanted to help her friend

"LET GO...I can handle it" Naruto began wrapping his hand in a bandage wrap.

Sakura just looked at her friend. Naruto never rejected her in his life. And this took her completely by surprise.

Inner Sakura

"...he's...refusing me...my best friend...he refused me. If only...I'd been honest with you...with myself...I'd have MY Naruto..."

Naruto finished wrapping his and up and turned off the fire. He quietly sat down on his kitchen floor. Sakura, despite knowing Naruto would move away from her, decided to sit by Naruto's side. She sat very close to him. Their shoulders were touching. And that was enough to make Naruto slide over several inches. With that, Sakura's eyes became wide. She looked away from him and tried to fight back her tears.

Inner Sakura

" I miss you Naruto...you're sitting right here next to me...but you're being so distant and I can't blame you for it..."

"Naruto...I want you to let your anger out. I know you're hurting." Sakura was serious. She wanted him to let is pain out.

Naruto just looked away without giving so much as a gesture of response.

"Yeah...I guess I don't deserve a reply do I?...Yes...I was with Sasuke the night I stood you up...I can't deny that...and...I do regret it..." Sakura said as she began to cry and bring her knees to her chest.

"Sakura-chan...you wanted Sasuke for what seemed to be forever. Don't regret the fact that you were with him. It was what you wanted..."

"Naruto...please listen,...what I wanted wasn't real. I was so stupid...I spent so much time hating you...and for no reason at all. That made it even easier to fall into a false love with Sasuke... Everything I wanted Sasuke to be...he wasn't and...everything I wanted...you are...Naruto I..." Sakura was halted by Naruto as she tried to confess her apology and mend their friendship.

"I really don't feel like having this conversation" Naruto said coldly and bluntly

"Please I..."Sakura tried again

"Sakura-chan STOP!" This time he was demanding not to hear anymore

Inner Sakura

"He raised his voice to me...God I can't believe how much this hurts...It hurts more than anything that bastard Sasuke could have ever done..."

"...I'm sorry..." Sakura had tears in her eyes as she got up and rose to her feet.

Naruto was still very much in love with the pink haired kunoichi. But at the same time he was indeed mad with her. He rose to his feet and walked up behind Sakura. Slowly and gently, he wrapped his arms around her. Her eyes widened and a blushing shade of red appeared on her face. She slowly let herself become comfortable in his embrace as she closed her eyes and leant her body into his, resting her head back and gently pressing her cheek to his shoulder.

Inner Sakura

"He still cares for me...after all I've done...I don't deserve to have someone like him"

Naruto had no emotion showing in his face. But that didn't stop Sakura from enjoying the embrace of the one she cares about.

Inner Sakura

"He feels so nice...how could I have ever rejected him for so long...I want him..." Sakura let out a moan of satisfaction.

Hearing Sakura's moaning, he released his embrace and removed his arms. Sakura was left with a wanting expression on her face. But he was in no mood to give her any comfort. He just tried to make her see that he still cared for her and didn't want her to feel bad.

They both looked at each other without so much as word. Sakura's desires were in full swing. She desperately wanted Naruto's touch again. But Naruto's eyes were still full of hurt.

Just then he noticed on of Tsunade's messenger birds at his window. He broke their mutual gaze and went over to his window. He took the message that was tied to the bird and read it over.

"I have to go" Naruto turned and said to Sakura

"Where?...where are you going?" Sakura was desperate to know

"Tsunade is summoning me. It's urgent. So I have to go. You'll have to let yourself out" Naruto said as he turned to leave.

Sakura, desperate to touch Naruto again walked behind him and hugged him. Naruto however, was not willing to accept her embrace. He parted his arms to break her embrace and he turned to her.

"I can't be...I refuse to be 'runner up. I won't be your 'Sasuke' replacement. I accepted what you told me. We are friends. No more. No less." He knew he still loved her. But for once, he tried to think with logic rather than his heart.

He closed the door behind him and Sakura pressed her body to the door. She cried and called Naruto's name. After she regained her composure, she sat on his couch and made herself some tea.

Inner Sakura

"I would never ask you to anyone's replacement. You'll never be a runner up in my eyes...I'm sorry I've treated you like that...you're my only Naruto...my only...MY Naruto..."

Meanwhile, with a heavy heart, Naruto was making his way over to the Hokage tower. He tried to keep his head straight and thinking of the business at hand. But his emotions were running too high for that

To be continued...