*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
Sakura's bold statement caused an awkward silence to fill the living room. Shikamaru gulped nervously. What was about to unfold wasn't for him to witness, it was a private matter between his friends and he knew it would be best if he made a hasty retreat. Different scenarios on how to do so played through his mind but before he could make his escape he heard Sakura clear her throat.
"I know leaving for Suns is beyond sudden Naruto, but this is great news."
"..."
"All these months of researching and hard work have finally come to an end, our plan worked," said Sakura.
"It's great that you were able to come up with a cure, but you aren't serious about going are you?"
"Of course I'm serious."
"But you're pregnant Sakura-chan, have you forgotten that it takes three days to get there!?"
"Of course not but…"
"How the hell are you going to travel?! You're almost eight months pregnant, you tire so easily now."
"I'll figure it out."
"No, you won't, because you aren't going!"
"Naruto…"
"Come on we're heading to Hokage Tower so we can sort this out," said Naruto.
He grabbed Sakura by the wrist, but she quickly pulled it away from his grasp.
"No Naruto, I'm the only one who can do this, isn't that right Shikamaru?!"
"Please don't drag me into this Sakura," pleaded Shikamaru, but his heart sank into his stomach when she marched right up to him. He backed up until his back pressed against the wall.
"I'm the only medical shinobi available for this mission, correct?"
"Well yes, but.."
"And you said all other options have been exhausted?"
"Yes…"
"Who else is part of this team?"
"Not including us, it's Temari, Lee, and Hinata."
"That sound like a pretty well-rounded team."
"Well, I did pick them myself."
"Now tell me the truth Shikamaru."
"..."
"Do you agree with Tsunade's decision?"
"Don't put him on the spot Sakura-chan," warned Naruto.
"Shikamaru!" Snapped Sakura.
"Yes I do," sighed Shikamaru. "Look Naruto, this is a really shitty situation, but Tsunade-sama doesn't have a choice. If Sakura doesn't go then Suna is left without a cure. Shizune will have to be sent instead, but she needs to wait for the effects of the vaccine to work, and on top of that she isn't as good of a herbalist as Sakura. I'm sorry, but she has to go."
Sakura was pleased with Shikamaru's support and she was sure Naruto would change his tone, but when she turned to face him, what confidence she had gone out the window. Naruto was grabbing chunks of his hair, and a guttural growl resonated in his throat. The Kyuubi was far from pleased with this situation and it was fighting with Naruto for control. Before things got out of hand Sakura ran up to him and grabbed the sides of his face.
"Now you listen to me, the both of you!"
Naruto's eyes shot open and his gaze locked onto Sakura's jade eyes.
"I'm doing my damnedest to be strong, but you're breaking my heart Naruto."
"Sakura-chan…"
"Do you honestly think I want to go? Do you have any idea how scared I am for the both of us?!"
"..."
"I need your strength more than ever now, please."
A knock at the front door interrupted the heartfelt moment and without even thinking twice Shikamaru spoke up.
"Let me get that for you guys."
He awkwardly made a mad dash for the door, opened it, pushed the individual on the other side out of the way, slamming the door shut behind him. Both Naruto and Sakura remained silent, but after a few seconds, they both started laughing. Sakura pressed her forehead against Naruto's as they continued laughing.
"Shikamaru will forever be socially awkward," chuckled Naruto.
"I know."
"I'm so sorry Sakura-chan."
"Me too."
"I'm sorry for making a scene, it's just that I felt so helpless today, I couldn't protect you."
"..."
"Seeing your lifeless body in my arms is probably the most terrifying experience, I've ever encounter. When I brought you home I felt beyond relieved that it was just a scare, but now, just a few hours later, this happens."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't want you to know how bad things were."
"Oh.."
"There's more."
"What do you mean?"
"We encountered a creature that looked a lot like a white Zetsu when we were heading back home. It was near Iwagakure."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah we had to make double sure that there weren't anymore sulking around, but there was no sign of any others. Then there's Karin…"
"I know, Shikamaru told me the other day."
"Sasuke's been keeping tabs on us, and we had no clue, then he captures Karin and tortures her, almost to the point of death…"
Naruto sighed heavily.
"That's why I freaked out."
"I understand, but it's not like I'm going alone, Shikamaru hand picked a pretty solid team. "
That phase made Naruto pull away from her. Without explaining he ran into his bedroom. Bewildered Sakura followed him. She could hear dresser drawers being opened mixed rummaging sounds. She walked in to find Naruto holding a scroll.
"This is going to solve everything," said Naruto as he quickly made his way towards Sakura.
"Here, take it."
Sakura took the scroll. She wasn't quite sure what was so special about it until she furthered examined it.
"Naruto, are you sure?"
"Yes, this will ensure your safety."
"I'm sure I won't need to use it, but this really is a great idea."
"So I guess we should get you ready so you can report to Baa-chan."
"I suppose so."
"..."
"Naruto?"
"Yeah?"
"We got this right?"
"Of course we do."
Naruto and Sakura both exited their apartment. It was raining now, and near the staircase waiting for them was Shikamaru and Sai.
"I don't need the details but you're both on the same page now, right?"
"Yes Shikamaru," said Sakura.
"Good, there's been a change to our team, a late entry if you will."
"What are you talking about?"
"He's referring to me Naruto-kun. I came by to check on Sakura-san, I heard she had been admitted to the hospital earlier today, but when I knocked on your door I received a surprised when Shikamaru answered it. After hearing what was going on we both came to the agreement that my addition to the team would be the best option for Sakura-san. My art jutsu will be incredibly helpful in transporting her. Given the conditions right now aren't the best for my art technique, but I'm sure she won't mind being carried until the weather clears."
"That's awesome Sai, but aren't you assigned to my team? How are you going to get approval from Baa-chan?"
"Kakashi isn't doing anything right now, he arrived earlier today, and he'd make a great substitution for Sai."
"You think she'll agree with you?"
"I really don't care what she says, she's gotta give somewhere right?"
"Thanks, Shikamaru."
"No problem, now let's get this show on the road."
The briefing with Tsunade had gone rather smoothly. She authorized Sai's addition to the team, and she agreed that Kakashi would be a suitable substitute until he returned. Naruto knew that guilt had played a big part in her authorizing the change. He could hear it in her voice, and see it on her face.
It was clear that she was just as upset as he was about Sakura leaving, but due to her professionalism, she did her best not to let her feelings get involved during the briefing. Sakura was given everything she needed to create the antidote, with the exception of a few herbs that were incredibly delicate. Luckily the greenhouse in Suna had those herbs, so she would still be able to create the antidote with ease.
Everyone gathered outside the village gates as Naruto and Sakura said their final goodbyes. Naruto held Sakura close, he deeply inhaled her sweet scent, doing his best to memorizing it. Both he and Sakura were drenched at they clung to each other in the relentless thunderstorm. After a few silent moments, they let go one another.
"Sakura-chan you'll see me soon," said Naruto as he kissed her forehead.
"I know Naruto, I promise I'll keep our son safe, no matter what."
"I know you will, and I know I can count on all of you to a take care of Sakura-chan for me."
"Of course you can," reassured Shikamaru. "Come on Sakura, the sooner we leave the better."
"Yes of course. See you soon Naruto, I love," whispered Sakura as she gave him one final kiss.
She slowly pulled her lips away from his and he walked towards her team. She waved goodbye to her husband as she approached Lee who promptly scooped her up in her arms. Traveling via Sai's creations wasn't possible at the moment due to the heavy rain. Sakura held onto Lee's neck and the next thing Naruto knew they were all gone. He stayed there silently as the rain continued to fall.
"I can't believe you let her go Naruto, we can't keep her or our pup safe now."
"I had no choice you know that."
"That's a lie, you always have a choice."
"Perhaps, but what's done is done. Besides she'll be alright, she's with my friends."
"Well, I don't trust your friends with such an important task such as this."
"Well, I do."
The air was crisp and cool and most of the village's inhabitants were sound asleep. The rain had finally stopped, but the sky was still filled with dark looming clouds, and deep rumbling thunder bellowed in the distance. Yet another late night storm was brewing. Kakashi sighed as he noted the distant storm. He was finally done with his list of personal errands, he couldn't wait to get home. Something off in the distant caught his eye. It was Tsunade, and she was seated on the rooftop of Hokage Tower.
"It's late, what in the world is she doing outside?" Murmured Kakashi.
He quickly changed his course and headed towards her. As Kakashi drew closer Tsunade's reasons for being on the roof were apparent. She was seated on the floor with nothing but a sake bottle as company. Kakashi landed a few feet away from her, and at first she said nothing. It was clear that she had been doing some major drinking. Her porcelain face was rosy, and her movements weren't very uncoordinated.
"What do you want Kakashi?"
"I just wanted to make sure everything was alright. I would have thought you'd be home by this hour Tsunade-sama."
"Don't tell me you're going to lecture me. Did Shizune send you to babysit me?"
"No of course not, who said I was here to lecture you? I just wanted to make sure you were alright. Seeing you out here at this hour alone isn't like you."
"Today was an exhausting day, I figured I deserve a drink or two. You know, just a little relaxation break."
"And you can't relax with Shizune nearby?"
"You know how she is, she isn't fond of my way of relaxing," mumbled Tsunade as she took another swig of sake. "She's been on my case all day. I know her intentions are good, but sometimes that woman smothers me. Honestly, I know what it's like to be under stress. Sometimes she treats me like I'm some feeble old woman."
"I'm sure Shizune just wanted to make sure you were alright."
"I know she did, but I am alright."
"Are you sure about that?" Asked Kakashi as he pointed to two empty bottles of sake near Tsunade's feet.
Tsunade frowned as she huffed in frustration. Kakashi could see that perhaps his presence was only making things worse so he decided to head home.
"Well Tsunade-sama I'm sorry for disturbing you, I'll leave you be," said Kakashi as he turned around to leave.
"Wait Kakashi."
"Yes?"
"Please stay and keep me company. I thought all I wanted was peace so that I could think, but now that I got what I wanted I regret it. I don't want to be left alone with my thoughts."
"So you're missing Shizune's nagging?"
"Now that's going too far," said Tsunade as she grabbed her last sake bottle.
Kakashi paused for a moment, he couldn't believe what he had gotten himself into. Tsunade looked back at Kakashi and frowned.
"Kakashi don't make my request an order."
Kakashi straightened up and made his way towards the busty Hokage. He sat down next to her as she filled her cup with sake. Once the cup was filled to the brim she handed it to the silver-haired jounin.
"Here now drink up, it's been forever since I've had a drinking buddy, and don't pull that I'm being mysterious gag with you mask, I know what's under there."
Kakashi chuckled softly, he looked at the cup of sake he held and looked back at Tsunade. She stared back at him, and her expression told him she wasn't joking.
"Hurry up and drink Kakashi, you don't want the sake to get cold."
"Yes of course," stuttered Kakashi.
He slowly pulled his mask down and took a swig of the sake.
"You know it's not like you're disfigured or anything Kakashi, on the contrary, you're quite handsome," said Tsunade as she poured herself a cup.
"I'm flattered Tsunade-sama."
"I'm being serious, why are you still covering your face? It's been years since your father passed. I thought your original reason for doing so wouldn't be necessary anymore."
"You're right, I used to be ashamed of my father's actions. Hiding, and disassociating myself from him, seemed like the best route when I was young. I learned a lot about my father over the years, though, so much so that I came to terms with his life's final choice. There was no more need to hide my lineage, I was free."
"So wearing the mask is a habit now?"
"I suppose so, I can't bring myself to stop wearing. I mean it makes me look pretty cool don't you think?"
"Oh god Kakashi you're something else."
"I'll take that as a compliment Tsunade-sama," said Kakashi as he took another drink. "So I know you said you were up here to think, but we all know there's more to it than that."
"….."
"I don't need to use my Sharingan to see that you're hiding something from me."
"Please Kakashi, don't."
"Tsunade-sama please, I see it only fitting since you convinced me to take off my mask."
"Fine what is it that you want to know?"
"I already told you, I want to know why you're really out here."
Tsunade looked into her sake cup and sighed.
"I haven't had much time to collect my emotions, today was just a sensitive day."
"You mean Jiraiya-sama's birthday?"
"Yes, even though that crazy old pervert is gone he's still causing me trouble. I guess my heart hasn't recovered yet. I never thought I'd miss him so much."
"Tsunade-sama…"
"Jiraiya was always doing what he could to spend time with me. No matter how hard I'd beat him he'd never stop his advances, his attempts never faltered. I couldn't stand the attention he gave me at the time, now I've come to miss it terribly. Even though he was such a lecher he was my teammate and friend. I didn't see him for many years after I left Konoha. However each year without fault I would have a drink or two on his birthday. That's why I'm here," said Tsunade as she peered into her sake cup.
Her voice cracked as she held back her tears.
"If only that old fool would have just taken the job as Hokage he would still be here. Instead, he had to find me to take his place. What made him think that I would be a better candidate than him? I was never suited for this. I've failed so far as Hokage."
"What in the world would make you say that?"
"I couldn't save Jiraiya Kakashi, I told him not to pursue Pain alone, I even told him I'd go with him, but he told me to stay behind. A Hokage's place is in the village, protecting everyone, that's what he told me."
"Tsunade-sama..."
"Then to make matters worse I had to send Sakura off to Suna. She was in the hospital earlier today. She fainted due to being anemic while she and Naruto were at Jiraiya's memorial. When I received the call that she was in the hospital I was so terrified. Just the thought of something happening to her was unbearable, then just a few hours later I'm forced to send her out on a mission."
"I'm sure you only did so because you had no other choice."
"I didn't, and I wish I could have gone in her place, but again a Hokage's place is in the village, protecting everyone. I had to use all my strength not to break down when I had to brief them. I'm beyond surprised that Naruto didn't raise hell, but his maturity concerning the matter broke my heart even more. I swear I will never forgive myself if anything happened to her or the baby," said Tsunade as she rested her head on Kakashi's shoulder.
Tears began to trickle down her face, her attempts to hold them back were futile. Her cup of sake caught some of her falling tears as she sobbed softly.
"Tsunade-sama, I know what it's like to be unable to save the ones we love. The feeling we're left with can slowly consume us, that is if we allow it too. You must remember pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. You mustn't beat yourself up over Jiraiya's choice to go at it alone, nor should you take the blame for doing your job."
"….."
"I'm sure Sakura will be just fine."
"..."
"Tsunade-sama?"
Instead of a verbal reply, Kakashi heard snoring. Tsunade had passed out from all the drinking. The wind began to pick up and and tiny beads of rain made their way to the rooftop of Hokage Tower. Kakashi finished what was left of his drink, covered up his face, and then picked up Tsunade. He couldn't believe how much sorrow she was still carrying with her. All the events that were going on were slowly crushing her. Hopefully, now that she had spoken to someone she would be in better spirits. At least Kakashi hoped she would remember their conversation. The silver haired Jounin sighed as he decided were to take Tsunade. He knew if she was awake she'd insist on him taking her home. However, she had way too much to drink. Leaving her home by herself wouldn't be wise. Kakashi groaned, he knew exactly where he had to take her.
"Shizune isn't going to be happy about this," muttered Kakashi as he leaped off the roof and into the night.
