Uzashi was right, Sakura always did let her emotions get to her... but he never would have expect to be punched dead in the face as an impossible speed and end flying through the forest until he finally crashed. Sakura was pissed and her eyes showed her anger. She had lost care for him before leaving Uzushio but still worried just because it was who she was. He was still family to her, the kind you just don't keep in contact with because you hate who they have become. But to find out all this was his doing from the beginning had finally made her snap.
"I had a feeling something was off. Especially with how you have been acting lately," she said walking towards him as she spoke, eyes narrowed. "You would even go as far as to hurt your own family. People who are there for you through thick and thin!"
"You... are not one of us..." he spoke, trying to lift himself up."Why care... as much as you do...?" he said wiping blood from his mouth and nose.
"I became one of you because everyone took me in and gave me a chance. Family is not just though blood but by the bonds you have with others," she said getting in a fighting stance as quickly as she could when he recovered himself.
"I cared for you. But you betray me... all of you did. So much for family, whether it be by blood or bonds." He spit out blood and matched her gaze.
"Why do all this? What did we do that would cause you to want to kill us?" she asked, looking back at the group who were in bad shape. She was needed to help heal them but she was the only capable one of fighting at the moment.
"You... would never understand!" he shouted, charging at her.
Sakura dodged and grabbed his arm, lifting him above her before slamming him down. Just then she felt something go through her neck. Uzashi took the chance and stabbed her in the leg with a hidden kunai. She screamed but regained herself only for him to jump on her. She tried gathering her chakra but felt an excruciating pain in her neck begin to burn.
"Your seal is already beginning to fade. One thing you do not understand about the poison is it repels chakra. Even the Sharingan will become useless and your unrivaled strength will vanish," he told her, pinning her down.
"But.. how did...?"
"All it took was a senbon laced with the poison. You never noticed but I still have men hiding. I never got the chance to witness your amazing power when you fought seriously and I was not taking the chance," he whispered in her ear.
She cringed from the pain; it felt like her neck was melting off. As he spoke it seemed to get further and further in her body. It was hard to listen any longer, all she wanted was the pain to stop. She moved her head to look back at the group, hoping someone could do something. He vision began to become blurry as it seemed they were in the middle of fighting with even more enemies.
How had it come to this? Did her being there really change that much? It was as if she brought even worse things to the world than Madara at this time. The fact even he was down and injured without notice caused chaos. At this rate they would all die. Ssakura's thoughts were cut short when she heard a high pitched scream. Uzashi's weight suddenly lifted and before she knew it, he was crashing through some trees. Sakura tried to opening her mouth to speak but couldn't get much out.
"You will pay dearly for what you have done Uzashi."
Sakura felt a sudden burst of relief. Forcing as much Chakra as she could through her body she moved just enough to see with her own eyes. It was Miyo, she was alive. She didn't look well; her hair down and messy, dark circles were around her eyes and her hands were bleeding. But she was alright. Which meant the other team had to be as well.
Miyo grabbed Sakura, trying to pull her away. Unfortunately her touch cause searing pain to radiate throughout her entire body. Was this the most aggressive version f the poison? Everything was getting to blurry for Sakura and it was becoming too difficult to breathe. She heard Miyo say something before everything went dark and she passed out.
She jolted awake, recalling everything that just happened all at once. She looked around as she stood, noticing the area looked familiar until it began changing to a forest around her. She wasn't sure what happened but she had a feeling of who was responsible. Just as she stood, Izuna appeared out of no where. She wanted to ask questions but her held up his hand before she could try. He sighed, walking closer to her.
"Gomen. I wasn't able to do much for you. Or for..." he said, stopping in front of her.
"It isn't your fault. You're dead."
"Not completely. If Miyo had not found me, I wouldn't even be in-between world now," he told her. "I may not be able to do much but at least I can keep you from passing for the time being."
"What do you mean? I'm dead!" she shouted in disbelief.
"Almost. I was going to try to stop Madara from passing but he hasn't gotten this far. The Senju's healing on and off has kept him alive. He is actually risking his own life by healing Madara instead of himself. At this point I am unsure about you. You don't realize it but after you were struck you already began to fade."
"I figured I would eventually. Never thought it would be so quick though," she mumbled.
"Sakura-san, you were fading for half an hour. It only seemed like minutes because of the effects."
"Nani!?" Sakura gripped her head, confused. It didn't seem like that long, only a few moments. "Why... why couldn't I do anything? I should have..."
"Stop panicking. Listen, Miyo is keeping you alive while the others fight. From observation I can reassure you no more poison should be usable. Ki had enough hidden for every member of your team but she is now held hostage. Once the team met up with Miyo and Inomi, they were able to get back as quickly as they could."
"Not soon enough," she sighed. "Why is Inomi with them?" she asked, trying to keep calm.
"She followed you when she found out what happened. Miyo had another Spirit guide her to the hideout when it was low security so that she could get Miyo out. It seems the two work well together."
"That is a relief. A Yamanaka is pretty clever. She probably didn't need much help getting Miyo out," Sakura said crossing her arms as she thought about Ino.
"Miyo escaped herself; not very easily mind you. Her Miwaku-shi power allowed her to contact as many dead as she could and have them get rid of some of the guards close to her while Inomi took out the guards in the front. Like I said Miwaku-shi are dangerous because of their power."
"You keep mentioning that. I take it you don't seem to care for them, " she interrupted. "Remember Miyo is my student and she even brought you here."
"Grudges are difficult to overcome..." he said narrowing his eyes before looking away. "They are as bad as Senju. But I have learned from Aniki and Tobirama that grudges can eventually diminish."
"Looks like even the dead can learn lessons." Sakura suddenly felt her chakra returning at a sudden pace. They must have gotten the poison out, which means she is being healed. She could hear Inomi shouting from panic with Fume yelling in the background.
"You are going back. I am not sure if I will be able to stay in this world much longer. Miyo said only those who linger for a reason can stay as long as they need. So unfortunately I may not see you again." Izuna sighed and crossed his arms. "But I can give you some of my chakra to help with your recovery."
"Izuna-san, Arigato." Out of instinct she hugged him, catching him off guard. He put his arms and on her began to force his chakra into her system.
"Just... protect my Aniki. He is all I care for in the world of the living. I believe Miyo now when she said you were strong enough." As he spoke everything seemed to evaporate and go dark.
Sakura could feel the sting in her throat as she woke. It still burned, as if swallowing something that was still cooking on the stove. Not only was it unpleasant but she could taste the residue from herbs used for the process of removing poison. As her eyes opened she immediately screamed from shock, jerking her head back into the ground. Miyo was literally just inches from her face. She expected to see her team but instead ended up giving herself a headache.
"Sakura-sensei!" Miyo hugged her, half her weight on Sakura.
"Mi...yo," she said, struggling to get loose.
"Miyo-chan, she is still injured," Inomi said as she and her father tried to remove the redhead.
"Is everyone alright?" Sakura asked leaning up slowly.
"Almost," Fume whispered, looking down. "Uzashi got away after Miyo rescued you. Half our team still have enough stamina to fight and capture him and he is severely weakened."
"It seems as if Ki had everything set in place because they knew what you would do. When Uzashi was in danger they poisoned you," Yu explained.
"Somehow Madara-sama got nicked in the beginning of the battle. It was a slow processing poison," Fume said.
"Madara! Is he alright?" Sakura asked with worry.
"Tobirama, Aiji-san and the twins took him back to Konoha immediately. He is going to be in critical condition for a while most likely," Miyo said upset.
Sakura bit her lip to keep herself from crying. This was the first time in a long time she felt helpless. Izuna wanted her to protect Madara but how could she if he was that badly injured. She was suppose to help save her friends only for one of them to turn on everyone and try killing them all. And now someone she loved was on the verge of dying. It was strange, months ago she still thought maybe it would have been best if Madara had not lived past his fight with Hashirama. But now she had hope for him, only for his life to now be in danger. A hand on her shoulder made Sakura jump.
"Do not worry, Hokage-sama will take care of him," Fume reassured her. "We need to get you back to Konoha for more healing."
"I'm not going back," she said take a deep breath as she stood. "I'm going after Uzashi. We have to settle this."
After searching for a good bit of time, Sakura, Miyo, and Fume stopped to rest. Sakura's chakra still hadn't completely recovered but she could feel there was enough to take him out. If not for Izuna, she may not have been able to keep going. Yu and Inomi headed back to Konoha with Haizo as quickly as possible to give their report on the team. It took some time though, Inomi refused to go back. If not for her father threatening to knock her unconscious she probably would have worn them down with arguing. It had to be a Yamanaka thing.
From the information they got from Haizo, the team was able to locate Uzashi's last known location. From there Miyo was able to track him. It was going to be difficult with his ability to cover his chakra but they had faith in Miyo. Sakura noticed something was different about her. Not only was she more serious, but everything that made her that annoying brat disappeared. She didn't want to think of what Uzashi did to cause her to change so drastically. It made her angrier than before.
"Found him," Miyo said.
"Where?"
"Just ahead," she said pointing out into the forest.
"Surprise attack?" Fume suggested.
"If you two don't mind... this is a bit personal for me now. I'd like to deal with him alone from now on," Miyo said turning to them.
"Absolutely not," Sakura retorted.
"Sensei, I am the only one who can stop him," she said turning to her. "You two stay behind just to be safe. Besides, I highly doubt he is any threat."
"How can you be so sure?" Fume asked.
"They told me so. Only a Miwaku-shi can defeat another. So it is my duty to stop Uzashi while I have the chance. Sensei, please just go back to Konoha," Miyo begged.
"We can't take the chance Miyo."
Miyo let out an aggravated sighed before sprinting off. Sakura and Fume looked at each other confused before chasing after her. Before long they stopped at a clearing behind Miyo, standing face to face with Uzashi. Half his face was covering in blood, his hair was cut short and his entire clothing was half torn to shreds. He looked like he was half dead already. But the look on his face was unnerving. He looked absolutely terrified at seeing Miyo. He backed into a tree, trying to back further through it. Sakura had never seen someone so afraid before.
"Go away... Go Away!" he screamed. "I don't want to be one of you!"
"Uzashi, please listen to me. They can hel..."
"No they can't. I don't want to become one of them.." he said holding his head.
"What is wrong with him?" Sakura asked stepping forward, only for Miyo to block her.
"He is practically insane now. Okaa-chan and Ji-san... they helped me escape. I am sure you both know from Tobirama," she said looking between her and Fume.
"Hai," Fume confirmed.
"They tried to get through to him but apparently since he was young, Uzashi tried to deny his power. Most of our clan has been able to pass on except for those two. I learned something horrible on the verge of death. If a Miwaku-shi dies then they become a lingering spirit, attached to the remaining Miwaku-shi. If we both die, then all of us can pass on. It is only a speculation of course since obviously it has never happened before," Miyo explained, stepping towards Uzashi. He completely freaked out when she got near and fell to the ground grabbing his head. "It is why he has acted the way he has. It is hard to deny out power."
"Miyo, your not going to do what I think you are planning are you!?" Sakura yelled, clenching her jaw.
"If we both die then..." she said, her head hanging low.
"That is why you wanted us to return," Fume stated with realization.
Uzashi went quiet before rushing at them, kunai in hand. He went after Miyo but she side-stepped; giving him a chance to change course and go after Fume. The Senju blocked with his arm before kicking Uzashi in the side. From his weakened state, he was unable to get away fast enough. Uzashi bent over and sliced his kunai down and slashed back up, trying to cause as much injury as possible. Right when he went to attack again Sakura caught his arm from behind and pulled back. The two for a brief second made eye contact as he fell. Sakura could no longer see the Uzashi she knew; not even the one she fought earlier. What did Miyo do while she was out?
"Sakura-sensei, I can handle this. You two just go."
"I am not going anywhere. Not without you," she replied.
"I wanted you to go back but unfortunately you are stubborn."
"I have a reason to be here. And I am not letting you die," she told her harshly.
"He will make my life a complete hell," Miyo said looking at her with sad eyes. "I would rather die with Uzashi then have him trapped. In the end, it benefits no one."
"There is a way," Uzashi screamed, gripping his kunai. "He used me after all. But I no longer care. If you are still alive then so be it. His plan will succeed the way he said it would.
"What are you talking about?" Miyo asked. Uzashi started to laugh like a crazy psychopath as he got to his knees.
"You will see," he smiled. "There is an alternative way to disappear. I will not be bound to you. I can pass on." Just then he put the kunai facing his throat.
"Uzashi, what..?"
"I don't care about you anymore Sakura. Nor the Uchiha. I will admit I failed but at least enough damage was done." Before anyone could react, pushed the kunai through.
Sakura grabbed Miyo as she screamed. She could tell immediately he knew where to hit to cause server damage. With their chakra so low, it would be impossible to save him. It must have been a plan just in case they got he was right, then that means it was over. Could it really end so drastically? She had no time to think on it, they had to focus on getting back to Konoha now. With Miyo. Deep down, Sakura was thankful he did what he did. She knew it wasn't the case, but part of her wanted to think he did it to spare Miyo from dying. Why else would he do it now of all times?
Miyo cried into her chest, completely heartbroken. Uzashi was the last true family Miyo felt she had so it would impact her much more than anyone. They would have to take his body back to the village. Just then Fume fell to the ground, holding his wounds. Sakura rushed over with Miyo, quickly inspecting his wounds. She put her hand on it to heal and felt the poison coursing through his veins.
"He still had poison on his weapons," Sakura cursed. She looked over to Miyo, who had her gaze at Uzashi.
"I have enough chakra to help heal Fume," she said looking at Sakura.
"Fume, are you able to use what chakra you have to reverse the effect?" Sakura asked.
"Ha...Hai," he replied, cringing from pain.
"We have work to do. Just hang in there," she said.
It was going to take a little while longer before they got back to Konoha, but when they went back they could say it was finally over.
Author's Note: I know it has been waaaaayyy toooooo looooonng! Life just sucks and I lost interest in finishing, especially this last month. Between job hunting, job training and ER visits, writing is just a hassle. But because of the absence I decided to just combined the two chapters into one looong one. I admit it is a bit rushed but otherwise it would never get done due to writers block at every corner. I rewrote this five times.
Now that crazy Uzashi is gone the romance can continue. And My Lord, Uchiha's prologue will be posted by next week. I will also attempt to get back to Miyo's story as well. Than you all for your support on this fic, especially those who have been there from the beginning. You have no idea how much I appreciate you guys.
Oh and I wrote it so that Izuna can be gone, but I want your opinion. Would you rather he return in the final story or just leave it the way it is?
