The long journey back to Konoha was full of some bickering from Naruto and Tsunade and the excitement to get back to her brother. Tsunade would be able to heal her brother. "Lady Tsunade?" Kira called out sometime during the trip back home.

The older woman made a noise as if she was listening but wasn't really paying attention. She was having her own internal debate on going back to Konoha herself. Kira rubbed her bandaged arm thinking over what to say. Would she agree? Would she laugh and say she's too busy now? Ugh! She needed to learn how to be a better healer.

"Kid?" Kira shook her head realizing that she was waiting for her question. Naruto stared at her confused. Everything was confusing him lately, learning she loved him really threw him for a loop. He wondered what she wanted to ask Granny Tsunade?

"Would you be willing to teach me some healing techniques. I need to get better and I only know a few." Tsunade stared at the girl remembering her mumbled request the last time she asked. "I want to be able to help my comrades more than I'm able to."

Naruto bumped her shoulder with his own, his hands in his pockets. "You're a great healer already! What else would you need to learn?"

"I could be better." Tsunade chuckled at the two kids.

"Let me think it over for a little bit. I'll let you know by the end of the week." That made sense, the group would make it back to Konoha by mid afternoon and she probably had to do a lot to become Hokage.

"Alright,"

As soon the group made it back to Konoha, Kira gave a quick wave and limped off as she ran. Naruto chuckled to himself, he knew how worried she was for Kakashi. He was surprised at how well she was taking being away from him in this state. Maybe he should go with her so that she's not alone.

"Let her go," Jiraiya called placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Tsunade will be there soon." Naruto nodded still not sure what he could do to make her feel better. Things had been different, he couldn't look at her the same way.

"Hey Pervy Sage, how close were you and that Aiko lady?" Jiraiya tensed at hearing her name. A fond smile slowly grew on his face as he thought back to her. Tsunade let out a scoff laughing to herself.

"You're just jealous we were never that close." Jiraiya smirked at the annoyed look she gave him. "Aiko and I were best friends. We did everything together, kind of wish they did some four man squads back in my day."

Naruto stared up at Jiraiya as they walked to Hokage tower. Tsunade was telling Shizune where the best places to go where. "So what happened? Did she realize you were a huge pervert?"

"I'll have you know she already knew that and thought I was amazing as it was. She even helped me score a few dates." He wiggled his eyebrows at that comment. Naruto rolled his baby blues throwing his arms behind his head as he walked. "Anyway if you're asking if she was like Kira then yeah. Kind of. But I was the one who had it bad for her,"

Naruto waited for the old man to continue "So she had no clue you liked her?"

"Nope, oblivious to anyone who liked her anyway." Jiraiya side eyed Naruto making sure he was paying attention. "I won't lie, when she found out it was difficult but we never stopped being friends. She still treated me the same, things'll go back to normal soon enough." Jiraiya tasseled Naruto's spikey blonde head giving him a grin.

Back with Kira she panted as she finally made it to Kakashi's side. During one of her calls back home Guy sensei had told her that they moved Kakashi to the hospital so that he could get proper treatment. All the wires and tubes sticking out of his body made her nerves start to explode.

"Don't worry Kashi, Naruto and I brought back Lady Tsunade...she'll make everything better." She spoke to his unconscious body. She sat beside her brother a bad thoughts were unable to go away. Even if they brought back Lady Tsunade she couldn't help thing that she couldn't save her brother, what if she couldn't heal him? He'd be stuck in this state forever!

"Not used to seeing him like this I suppose," Lady Tsunade guessed walking inside Kakashi's room. Guy sensei on her heels. He was just as antsy as Kira was.

"No...I half expected him to be up and reading…" she muttered mostly to herself, biting her bottom lip to help hide her nerves. 'Think about the pain and not about Kakashi.' She told herself over and over again. She was about to start pacing.

Tsunade placed a glowing green hand on Kakashi's head for a moment before removing it. "He should wake in a moment." Tsunade explained patting the girls head. The three watched as Kakashi's eyes slowly opened. They looked exhausted almost as if he was having an internal battle.

"Hey Kashi," Kira whispered smiling at her older brother the ball of nerves started to deflate like a balloon. He was okay. Kakashi glanced over staring at his sister. He gave a crooked smile under his mask.

"Getting into fights again? Why is it you can't stay healthy when I'm away." Kira no longer able to hold herself back launched onto her brother hugging the life out of him, ignoring her own pain as a few tears started to slip down her face.

Tsunade looked like she was happy for them but also sad. Memories of her younger brother raced through her head, she missed Nawaki like crazy, wondering if he would still act the same if he grew up, what her life would be like if he or Dan hadn't died. Pushing those sad thoughts aside Tsunade put on a grin deciding to tease the adult male. "Getting beat by just a couple of thugs. Guess you were human after all. I thought you were a natural."

Kakashi shook his head hugging his sister, he felt bad enough that he couldn't protect Naruto and Kira.

"Forget him! Please take a look at my pupil, Lee!" Guy sensei begged trying to distract Lady Tsunade from Kakashi.

"Right, of course. By the way Kira, your friend Sasuke is awake." She pulled away wiping a few tears away as if she hadn't just cried. She stared at the floor smiling so wide and bright Kakashi couldn't help but think it was contagious.

"Thank you Lady Tsunade." She really meant it. Tsunade nodded and soon left to help Lee. Kira sat on Kakashi's lap like a little kid checking him over, Kakashi ended up having to swat her away making her sit on the bed instead of on him. His joints hurt, he could really go for a walk. After getting the tubes removed, Kakashi slowly changed into his regular clothes. Everything ached.

"Lets go home." He saw her nod and help him out of bed, his knees started to wobble under him but he was lucky to have Kira holding him steady. One step at a time. They walked slowly till all the joints in his legs felt normal. She was staring at him waiting for him to collapse. "So what happened while I was out of it?" He was half expecting Kira to be sitting by his side the entire time. But boy was he surprised to hear her tail.

She spoke softly not wanting to disturb the other patients as she told her tale. She went into detail about how after they were attacked Sasuke tried to save them, she told him that she was learning Fire Ninjutsu and had almost mastered the Karyuu Endan technique (Fire Release: Fire Dragon Blast). Kakashi spoke little only to ask a question. He was impressed how far along she had come with Fire Style in the three weeks he was out of it.

She spoke about her battle with Orochimaru and Kabuto. How she tried her best to protect Tsunade and ended up passing out after being beaten. Kakashi had lifted her arm to look over the bandaged wound. He nodded understanding how she was limping but acting like she was fine. She told him how Naruto had learned how to create the Rasengan Jutsu and that Naruto had Lady Tsunade's blessing to become Hokage one day.

He noticed her grow quiet when speaking of Naruto. He saw the painful look in her eyes. So he found out, how he wouldn't ask. He could clearly see how much pain she was in because of it. The boy she loved didn't recuperate her feelings. "Is Naruto avoiding you?" He saw her shake her head no.

"He's acting like everything's the same, but I know he can't look at the me the same." Kakashi reached his hand out and pulled the girl in a half hug. He felt her head rest against his ribs and kept her eyes on the ground. "But I'm okay. I figured this might happen." Kakashi didn't know what to say, how was he to console his baby sister when she had a broken heart. She clearly wasn't okay but put on a brave face.

The two walked through the village quietly both lost in their own thoughts. Kakashi could kill for a decent meal. Kakashi felt his sister leave his side when they walked inside the shared home. She helped him to the couch then went through the cupboards looking at all the food that he could eat. Most of the food in the fridge was rancid. He watched her slam the door close covering her nose in disgust.

She rummaged around pulling out a pot and a ramen packet. It wasn't much but it would do for now. They desperately needed to go to the store. He smiled to himself watching her run around to get everything ready. When ready she put the floppy noodles in a bowl and pulled up a tray so he could eat at the couch.

"Thank you," she nodded kissing his head.

"I'm just glad you're awake." She grinned walking to her room. A few bites in later she was out in fresh clothes and a new mask was covering her mouth and nose, he couldn't help snicker to himself that she looked like him. She gave him a weird look before grabbing a trash bag and getting to work on cleaning out the fridge. Even with the mask she still made a face of disgust. He watched her scurry back and forth from inside to outside.

She soon was scrubbing the fridge free of whatever smell was in there. "You need some help?" She muttered a no as she crawled further into the fridge. After he finished his meal he felt better than before and walked himself to his room to change and shower. The warm water felt great on his skin. He could still feel the blades piercing his flesh he didn't want to think what Itachi had in store for his baby sitser.

Freshly showered and wearing clean clothes Kakashi joined his sister in the kitchen she was just finishing up hand washing his dishes. "Would you want to check on Sasuke?" It had been a good four hours since Kakashi woke up and he was sure she was worried about her friend.

"Sure…" Kakashi helped dry the dishes and the two made their way back to the hospital once more. Well they started to but Kakashi had a summons. "You can't already have a mission…" she muttered staring at her brother worriedly.

"I do." he saw her deflate her shoulders and a sad look enter her eyes. "I'll be okay, you shouldn't worry about me." She shrugged giving him a hug.

"Just be careful okay?"

"Why don't you worry about yourself? You better not get hurt again." He threatened as he walked away. "I'll see you soon!" He waved walking backwards.

"See you!" Shaking her head Kira decided to go towards the hospital to see Sasuke on her own, he's probably annoyed being alone with Sakura for so long.

With Sasuke:

Sasuke felt the hold of someone hugging him, he heard their whimpers in his ear. What was going on? Last thing he remembered was he was fighting Itachi and then...the death of his parents over and over again. Someone was saying his name. Where was Kira?

Was she the one holding him? He tried focusing his eyes more only seeing bright pink. Oh...Sakura. He shifted his head to stare at his legs again. Kira hadn't been there waiting for him. She was probably with her brother…

Why wasn't she here? Why was it only Sakura? "Don't worry Sasuke, I'll be back in a moment." He didn't care. He sat in his bed thinking back to what he remembered. He remembered his mom. She was telling him to do something...He couldn't recall what.

'Snap out of it sweetheart.' Lazily looking up he knew he heard a voice, that voice was so sweet and soft. He's heard it before. But from where? 'Wake up sweetheart.' That voice again, it was his mom's. How could he forget his moms voice?

His head lifted and his eyes searching the room. He heard her, but she was still missing...maybe he was still dreaming. 'Don't forget sweetheart. You must get stronger.' Thats right, he had to get stronger. He stared at his lap thinking back to what Itachi had told him. He was weak, Naruto somehow was growing stronger and stronger while he was staying the same. Itachi treated him like a rag doll. Kira didn't deserve him. He was pathetic.

'You do deserve her,' His mother's voice echoed through his mind. 'She is worthy of being yours sweetheart. You just need to get stronger.' His mother was right, he needed to get stronger. Sasuke's nose crinkled he needed to prove himself. He wasn't weak, he couldn't be weaker than Naruto.

"Sasuke, have some apples!" Sakura's cheerful voice rang through his ear. Sasuke snarled knocking the plate out of her hands shattering on the ground. He didn't want to be alone with Sakura, she was nothing! Why couldn't Kira be here, she was supposed to be by his side! Why couldn't Sakura get it through her thick head, he didn't like her. He didn't love her. She wasn't worthy of being around him outside of missions.

Sasuke glared out the window, why won't this girl get it already? She was a pain who couldn't do anything except cry and whine. A horrible ninja.

"Hey Sasuke," Kira called in her beautiful sing song voice. His head snapped in her direction a dark black mask covered up and on the bridge of her nose, dark bruises covered her right cheek. Down her arms were bandages that looked like they could be changed, her legs looked like they were burned. She was covered in cuts and bruises all around her. What had happened when he failed?

Kira's eyes danced across the floor at the broken plate pieces and random apple slices. Standing by Sasuke's bed was a frozen a fear stricken look across her face. "What happened in here?"

"Nothing." Sasuke growled glaring at Sakura for just existing at this moment.

"I-I saw a bug…" Sakura lied staring at the floor visibly shaking.

She glanced at the two confused, did she miss something? "Why're you wearing a mask?" Sasuke asked aggravated he hated that mask. He hated how she was covered in wounds and he couldn't protect her.

"I was cleaning my fridge out while Kashi was eating." she shrugged grabbing the trash can by the door and squatting down to the floor, picking up the pieces of broken glass and chunks of apples. "Hey Sakura?" The pink haired girl jumped shaking out of her stunned expression to stare at the other girl.

"Can you go get Sasuke some fresh water? He's probably dehydrated." It wasn't false, Sasuke yearned for a drink ever since he woke up. Sakura nodded and rushed out the room to get the drink.

Finally he was alone with her.

"So what really happened?" Kira called standing up after cleaning up all the broken glass and food. He watched her walk towards a sink and rinse her hands free of germs, her head was turned but her eyes were down casted to her hands. She was waiting for him to answer her question.

"Sakura saw a bug, that's all." Wrong answer. He saw her roll her eyes. Her hands started to dry off on her shirt when she faced him again.

"I'm pretty sure that's a lie. But since you don't want to tell me that's fine." He was glad she wasn't pushing him for answers. She sat beside him on the little space on his bed. Her eyes looking him over. "How're you feeling?"

"Better, how'd you get that?" He nodded to her face.

She looked to the ceiling when she spoke next "It's a long story when trying to find Lady Tsunade we got into a little battle I passed out sometime during the beginning of the fight. Pretty pathetic am I right?" Sasuke scoffed starting to get pretty annoyed with the mask.

"Take off the mask." He snapped reaching over and snatching it down. He saw the full wound, split lip, the bruise went to her jaw. Half her face looked purple! She gave a pained half smile.

His heart stopped beating watching her lean over and place her chapped lips on his cheek. His wide eyes locked onto her gray hair dangling over her shoulder and resting on his chest. "Thank you for trying to save me and Naruto." she whispered starting to pull back.

No! He didn't want her to pull away! Reaching out he grasped her hair yanking her forward again pressing his lips on hers. He felt her hiss when he made contact. Her chapped lips locked onto his, he still felt the sparks fly through him when they touched. It had been so long since he kissed her last.

She pulled away surprised, his hand still clutching onto her soft gray hair. She found him playing with the lock of hair smiling to himself. She felt the pull when he wrapped the strand around his finger. He looked like he was one some sort of high.

Her hands went to her lips, eyes wide with shock. Why'd he kiss her?

'Because he likes you dummy.' Kaida's strong voice echoed through her brain. Sasuke looked content having stolen yet another kiss from her lips. He wanted to kiss her again, trap her to the bed so she couldn't pull away again. He needed more of her.

"Sasuke...why did you…?" He smirked trying to pull her closer he just wanted to hold her in his arms, feel her warmth, protect her from harm's way.

"It felt right." that felt like the best answer for right now. He pulled one of her hands away from her mouth leaving the other. She looked so cute right now. He couldn't believe he thought he didn't deserve her. Of course he did. They deserved each other.

"Sasuke…" she muttered staring at their linked hands. She didn't want to hurt his feelings but she didn't feel anything romantic for him. She never has.

Sakura saved Kira from having to tell the boy her true feelings just yet. She had a foam cup filled with ice water. "Here you go Sasuke-kun!" She rushed to his side extending the cup towards the boy. Sasuke glared why did she have to come back? He was having a great time alone with his girlfriend.

"Thank you Sakura." Kira's soft voice rang through his ears he watched her reach across him and take hold of the cup from her hand. "Drink." Sasuke took the cup and drank through the paper straw his dry throat felt better. He felt better, having gotten a kiss from his love and some water? He was on top of the world.

Sakura noticed their hands joined and felt the breath leave her lungs. Tears started to form in her eyes, Sasuke never held her hand. He always avoided touching, but here he was holding Kira's hand, his eyes were always on her! He never looked at her the way he looked at Kira.

"Hey Sasuke!" Naruto called from the door smiling at the moody teen. It took him a moment to see Sakura's trembling body, Kira's eyes cast anywhere but him, and Sasuke's glare. Kira hissed feeling Sasuke's fingers grip harder on her own. If it wasn't her bad arm she wouldn't have minded as much but she was still healing from Kabuto.

Sasuke was giving Naruto a look that could kill. "What?" when not getting an answer he pressed further. "Why're you staring at me like that?"

"Naruto…"

"What?"

"Fight me." his grip tightened even more the longer he stared at him. He needed to beat this bastard, how dare he think he could get better than him, Naruto was nothing compared to him.

Smack

"Are you an idiot?! You're still recovering! Itachi almost killed you and after a few hours of being awake you're ready to fight?!" Kira screeched smacking the back of Sasuke's head again.

"Kira don't hit him!" Sakura cried wanting to stop Sasuke's pain. Though Sasuke didn't pay any mind. He barely felt it.

Naruto stared at the boy confused "Kira's right. You're still recovering. What are you talking about?" Sasuke's eyes changed to his Sharingan.

Naruto saying her name right now made his blood boil "Shut up and fight me!" The three kids stared at Sasuke shocked. "You think you saved me?" His grip grew tighter and tighter. Kira grunted trying to pull away, she kept muttering 'let go' but he wouldn't. "I don't care if she'd the Fifth Hokage. You shouldn't have let her."

Naruto started to growl, he just went through hell and back to get her to come back to heal him. Now he's acting like he's not even grateful?! "What?!"

Sasuke stepped out of bed completely fine. He finally let go of her warm hand so that he could be face to face with Naruto. "Sasuke whats going on? Say something, Naruto! This isn't…"

"The timing couldn't be better! I wanna fight you too."

Sakura was starting to have a panic attack. "Cut it out you two, please!" She begged tears streaming down her face hoping they would listen to reason.

"Come with me."

"Hmph." Naruto follows Sasuke through the halls till they were on the roof of the hospital. Sakura gripped onto Kira dragging her to chase after the boys.

Sasuke and Naruto stood on either side of the roof staring at one another. The excitement was bubbling inside Naruto's stomach he couldn't help laugh.

"Whats so funny?" Sasuke snarled out. He was really starting to get pissed off.

"Nothings funny. I'm just happy. To think I can finally beat you!" The idea that Sasuke was practically demanding for him to fight just screamed that Sasuke thought Naruto was getting stronger.

The idea that Naruto could actually beat Sasuke made him snarl. There was no way Naruto could beat him. "What'd you say? Sounds like something a loser would say for sure."

"I won't always be the loser slowing everybody down." Naruto warned. Sasuke couldn't stop hearing Itachi's words echo in his mind. His taunts and jabs. Treating Sasuke as if he was nothing.

"You are a are you fooling?"

Naruto snorted enjoying Sasuke's banter to an extent, he was definitely back to his old self but there was still something off about him. Glancing over at Sakura he saw both girls watching. One clutching their broken arm and one biting their nails with fat tears running down her face. He felt bad for upsetting Sakura but it's a guy thing, she wouldn't understand. "Heh, you're talking a lot of trash Sasuke. It's not like you. Are you regretting calling me out? Huh Sasuke?"

Naruto's taunts made Sasuke grind his teeth he'd end the brats life. "Shut up and bring it."

"Put on your headplate first. I'll wait."

"I don't need it." That surprised everyone. Why wouldn't Sasuke put on his headplate?

"Just put it on!"

"You won't even be able to put a scratch on my forehead!" Sasuke yelled he was getting antsy he needed to fight.

"Thats not why! This is a symbol of two Konoha Shinobi fighting as equals!" Sakura sat confused why was Naruto making such a big deal out of the headplates?

"I already asked you who you think you're fooling?! You think we're equals?"

This was getting bad, Naruto and Sasuke were getting overly heated this wasn't good at all. "Yeah, I do! I've always been as good as you!"

"You're making me angry, Naruto!" Sasuke warned about ready to tackle the brat.

"Thats cuz you're still weak! Isn't that why, Sasuke?!" That was a poor choice of words because that sent both boys shooting forward screaming each others names. Naruto and Sasuke caught each other by the wrists blocking the oncoming attack before jumping away.

Naruto at a safe distance created at least a hundred copies of himself all attacking Sasuke at once, Sakura feared Sasuke wouldn't be able to handle the amount of Naruto's and thought he would be done for. But Sasuke was able to kick back and few Naruto's and set the hoard on fire with his Fire Ball Jutsu.

Left from the flames stood two Naruto's one scratching into the other Naruto's hands and one waiting for Sasuke to come down. Naruto was planning on using the Rasengan jutsu on Sasuke! Sasuke quickly activated his Chidori. The two were going to kill each other!

"Stop! Both of you!" Sakura cried running forward. "STOP!" She screamed.

"Sakura!" Kira shouted chasing after the pink haired girl she was in the middle of the two and would end up getting killed! What was going through her head?! Standing in the middle of a battle?!

They were close, too close. Kira launched herself onto of sakura knocking her out of the way, she felt them tumble off to the side and out of the way. Her arm ached and she was sure she broke her stitches. Bones were hard to heal, she knew she shouldn't have done anything but shit…

Looking up Kira felt relieved to see her older brother had launched both boys into the water towers they were both okay. "Kakashi…" she breathed panting through the pain. Her older brother crouched down looking over the damage blood seeping through to the ground.

"What are you two doing up here? That was a little much for just a fight. Whats wrong with you two?" Kakashi scolded helping his sister stand as well as Sakura. Sasuke ripped his arm free from one of the water towers watching the water rush out.

"Sasuke what do you think you're doing?" Sasuke just glared at his instructor. He had no reason to interfere. "That chidori wasn't the size you'd aim at a friend from the village. Are you actually trying to kill Naruto?" Both girls look over at Naruto worried. Was Sasuke trying to kill him? Whats going on in that boys head?!

"Naru…" Kira ran over looking him over, he just looked pissed in Sasuke's direction.

"Shit! What happened?" He noticed the blood staining her bandages, she was quick to hold her arm to her chest trying to hide the blood.

"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Naruto's gaze drifted over towards Sasuke staring at him as he walked away from their group. What was he thinking? He was completely different from when they last saw him. What did Itachi do to him?

"I'm okay, lets get you inside." Naruto shook his head and wrapped an arm around Kira's shoulders to help guide her toward a doctor. Kakashi sat talking with Jiraiya about what happened between Naruto and Sasuke. Sakura cried knowing everything was going to be different now and how scared she was. She wanted everything to be the same again.

With Kakashi:

After his little chat with Lord Jiraiya, Kakashi decided it would be best to have a little chat with his pupil. Of course it wasn't hard to find the boy. He was standing on one of the trees thinking to himself. Kakashi using quick work tied the boy to the tree when he wasn't paying attention.

"Whats this all about?!" Sasuke screamed thrashing against his bindings while glaring up at Kakashi.

"If I didn't do it, you'd run. You have to admit, you're not the type to take a lecture willingly." Though then again the only one on his team who probably would was Sakura. Kakashi let out a large sigh staring down at the curse mark on his neck. "Sasuke, forget about getting revenge."

Sasuke growled thrashing in his bindings again. "In this line of work, I've seen a lot of kids like you. The fate of those who speak of revenge is never good. It's quite tragic actually. You'll only end up hurting and suffering more than you are now. Even if your revenge is a successful one. All that comes out of it is emptiness."

"What do you know! You think you're a genius, don't act like you understand me!" Sasuke snarled giving the Uchiha Death Glare.

"Calm down…"

"I could kill the person most precious to you! Then you'd know just how wrong you are about me." Sasuke threatened smirking at the idea of causing Kakashi pain. Sasuke waited for a reaction from his teacher.

Though Kakashi was quiet he was waiting for his student to calm down. "I suppose you could, but then I'm sure you'd be angry with yourself for killing my sister." Kakashi waited to see if he was correct. Sasuke didn't disappoint when he grumbled to himself and looked away, refusing to meet the teachers eye. "It was pretty easy to figure out you care for my sister." Sasuke cursed himself for making it so obvious. He wasn't supposed to let anyone know. He hated the large blush forming across his face at being caught. 'He better not start this 'you better treat my sister right' crap. I don't need that and I don't need to be tied to this tree!'

"So what? You think I couldn't kill her?" Sasuke struggled to say the words. Of course he couldn't kill her. She was the love of his life he couldn't hurt her. He'd never hurt her. He just had to make a point to Kakashi that he could. Sasuke watched Kakashi shrug his shoulders staring him down.

"True you might have a hard time killing her off and if I didn't have her, well I wouldn't have anyone special left. The one most precious to me have already been killed."

Sasuke stared at the man surprised. He acted so carefree and laid back, almost as if he's never been in a bad situation. "I've lived a longer life than you. Times were bad back in my day. I know the pain of losing someone more than I'd like to."

Sasuke stared down feeling bad for saying such things. "But, neither you nor I can be called lucky, that's for sure. But we're not the most unfortunate either." Sasuke looked up staring at him wanting him to elaborate more. "You and I have both found precious friends, haven't we?"

Sasuke thought back thinking of his friends smiling faces. Naruto acting stupid and annoying like usual, Sakura giggling over something he did, and Kira. He could still feel her warm lips on his, the electricity run through his veins when they touched.

Kakashi released the boy when he spoke again. "You realize it after you lose them. Chidori was a power I gave you because you found something important. That power is not to be aimed at a friend or used for ought to know what that power should be used for." Sasuke sat free rubbing his arms where the wire once was. "Think about whether what I said hit the mark or not."

With Kira:

After having to restitch her arm up again and getting fresh bandages Kira and Naruto walked in silence towards the market, she told him if he helped her she'd make him some dinner. So Naruto was kind enough to hold her basket for her. It also didn't help that her arm was in a sling for the night. You'd think that being a dragon holder she'd heal faster than normal people like Naruto.

No. She'd be back to her normal self in a few days unfortunately.

Thats where Kakashi found them looking over vegetables and talking about foods they could make. She was glad to see some fresh fish. Maybe some Salmon and Miso Soup and a side of rice. That sounds good. Naruto grinned pilling in some instant ramen in the basket when Kira wasn't looking.

"How're you feeling?" Kakashi called startling Naruto who dropped the basket full of Ramen. Kira spun around smiling at her brother glad he was back. "Naruto you can't just eat Ramen, you need vegetables as well and proper meats. Ramen doesn't have a lot of protein in it."

Naruto made a face showing he didn't like it. He hated his vegetables but ate them when it was on his plate. He can blame Kira and Kakashi for that. "They don't taste good." Naruto whined slumping his shoulders when Kakashi picked up the basket and started to put back the instant ramen, leaving a few for the sale.

The three grabbed what little left they needed for dinner and headed back home. Naruto went to Kira's room to change while Kakashi helped make dinner. "Where'd you go?" she mumbled up to her brother looking up as she seasoned the fish one handed.

"Nowhere special, what happened while I was gone?" Kira shook her head staring at the red electric stove. Should she tell him what happened? Probably it's not like Naruto would care if he heard. Plus he's in the shower it seemed.

So she told her story, explained how when she walked in it was already tense as it was, she told him how she sent Sakura away to get some water when in reality it was for her to collect herself back to normal. She explained how she sat beside him. Kakashi's suspicions were real when he realized that Sasuke had seen Itachi, he had no idea what Sasuke could have seen while he was out. Kira told him that all she was doing was giving him a kiss on the cheek when he gave her a funny look.

"He tried protecting me and Naruto when Itachi had come after us...But all I was going to do was kiss his cheek and he just he kissed me. Again!"

"Again? He kissed you before?" Kakashi had a warning tone that he wouldn't take any lies or anything. He needed answers this very minute.

Kira laughed nervously looking away from her brothers intense stare. She was honestly afraid he'd go into protective big brother mode. Something she still wasn't used to. "Yeah, um...a while back when we were escorting Tazuna back home he sort of...kiss me when we were arguing…."

She didn't want to see his look afraid it would be too bad. "My precious baby sister already lost her first kiss and you didn't even tell me about it?" Looking up she noticed he was throwing a mood like Guy Sensei. "You used to tell me everything!" He whined his head thrown down looking dejected. Dinner forgotten.

"Well I didn't even tell Naruto either so…"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Kira squeezes staring at Naruto freshly showered drying his hair with his towel around his neck he looked so hurt and shocked.

"I didn't think you'd want to hear about that..." she stammered unsure what to say, Naruto couldn't believe that Sasuke kissed Kira, he was sure Sasuke didn't like anyone! But he couldn't believe she wouldn't tell him. He was her best friend for crying out loud.

"Course I would. We're best friends." He watched her nod her head holding her face as she excused herself to set the table.

Food was ready, Naruto and Kakashi brought the dishes to the table and the three sat down to eat. Kakashi's eyes wandered over towards the window for a moment as he was getting his comfortable.

Naruto planted himself in the middle already excited to dig in, he was starving! And there was another chance to see Kakashi's face. He's still never seen the mans face before! Shocking since he was practically over every other day when they were home.

"I'll be just a moment you two dig in." Kakashi called walking towards the back towards his room.

Naruto watched the older male disappear behind the closed door. "What do you think he's doing?" He grabbed his chopsticks and got to work digging into the nice meal already prepared. Kira shrugged grabbing her own chopsticks and getting her own food with her right hand. She was thankful Kabuto hadn't broken her right hand...then she'd be screwed. "He's probably getting a new book to read. He's missed out on so much this past month."

Naruto nodded in agreement and the two ate in silence Kakashi didn't come back, it was almost like he was letting them be on a date of sorts. Being alone together started to drive Naruto a little crazy. They weren't speaking. It was really awkward. Naruto finished his meal quickly and started to fidget.

"Hey did you see Sakura? She looked happy that you were back." Kira brought up grabbing her half eaten plate and bringing it to the kitchen.

"You sure? She seemed more focused on Sasuke…" Naruto muttered scratching the back of his neck thinking back to when he saw her.

"I'm pretty sure she was just worried about Sasuke. We all were." She started putting food in tupperware containers, hopefully Naruto wouldn't mind. "But everything will go back to normal right?"

"I hope so," he glanced over staring at Kira struggling to close a lid. Naruto let out a forced chuckle and ended up helping the girl. She gave a small thanks and glanced up at him. "How'd you heal me? Why'd you heal me?"

"How? Well I guess I just let Kaida take over or something. I dont know how, I'm hoping Lady Tsunade could train me so I don't have to worry about relying on my Dragon." Naruto nodded in somewhat understanding. "The why was because, well I couldn't beat him. I figured you could…"

"Lot of good that was, he kicked my ass in two attacks. At least you got a few in." Kira shrugged at his answer. "How's your arm feeling?"

"Honestly? It doesn't hurt anymore. I'm just wearing this to avoid any problems." She extended the tupperware to the boy. "Here, in case you get hungry at home." Naruto gave her a soft thanks while they stood there in silence. He was glad she hadn't invited him to spend the night, he honestly had no idea what to say if she had.

"Thanks for dinner. See you tomorrow?" She nodded her head giving a small grin and walked the boy to the front door.

Naruto stood on her doorstep thinking over what to say. "I think Kakashi might take us out for Ice Cream tomorrow, that or I'll probably bug him about it."

"That sounds awesome about now." The two gave an awkward chuckle when Naruto started to walk backwards. "See you tomorrow!" He cheerfully replied.

"See you!" When the door closed both felt the weight of the world disappear, that wasn't awkward at all. Damn Kakashi for leaving them alone. Kira grumbled banging on his bedroom door till he opened up, she didn't want to barge in and find him being gross.

"I see dinner was a failure." Kakashi mused noticing an absent Naruto.

"It was awkward as hell, why'd you leave?" She muttered walking towards the kitchen to clean up. Kakashi lazily followed after her hands in his pockets while he walked. To answer her question he just shrugged and didn't say. So it was probably secret business.

Kira let out a sigh walking to the sink to try and do dishes. Kakashi waited for something to be scrubbed down and rinsed with water before picking up the dish and drying it off. The action repeated in silence till everything was clean except the plate full of food on the kitchen table Kakashi left.

"I'm sure everything will be fine between the two of you. Maybe you guys just need some time apart." Kakashi was right. He smiled to himself seeing the mask around her neck. "Naruto might not be here much longer."

She felt like her heart was about to shatter. "W-what?"

"Jiraiya and I were talking. He offered to take over Naruto's training." Kakashi pulled her to sit with him on the couch. He watched her stunned expression waiting patiently for her to speak up.

Jiraiya was going to take over Naruto's training. "Thats great. I'm happy for Naruto." she muttered to herself staring at the ground. She didn't feel happy for him though. She felt like she'd be alone. Her best friend would be gone. Knowing Jiraiya he'd take Naruto all over to mold him into the amazing ninja Naruto was meant to be.

"Yet you don't want him to go." she blinked a few times shaking her head no. Of course she wanted him to go. Naruto needed to get better, he would get better when training under Master Jiraiya.

"Naruto will do great with Master Jiraiya, its just…"

"You feel like you're going to lose your best friend." He finished for her. Kakashi pulled the girl to his side making her feel safe and secure. He felt her nod against his chest "He's not going yet, Jiraiya hasn't said when he's leaving. I just wanted to give you a heads up so that you wouldn't be surprised."

She nodded a wave of exhaustion taking over her. "Can you carry me to bed?" Kakashi nodded scooping the girl in his arms and taking her to her room. He placed her on her bed and pulled out a pair of pj's for her to sleep in resting them beside her.

"Arm feel better?" He saw her nod when he pulled the sling off her neck and placed it on her bedside table. "Get some rest, I'll see you in the morning."

"Can you take us all out for Ice Cream tomorrow?" Kakashi chuckled muttering something about he'd consider it before leaving her room. Kira changed into the plain black T-Shirt Kakashi grabbed and her red shorts pulling herself under the covers. Reaching over with her good arm she was able to flick the light off. She sat in the dark listening to Kakashi move around till he settled in on the couch. She faintly heard the flipping of pages of his book. It was starting to lull her into a peaceful sleep.

Her eyes started to drift shut, listening to the old creaks and moans of the house practically coming to life in her mind.

Tap, tap, tap

Kira let out a small groan rolling onto her right side to fall back asleep.

Tap, tap, tap

She let out a small whimper scrunching her eyes tightly to stay asleep. "Stupid birds…" she muttered annoyed. She didn't want to wake up.

"Kira." Now birds can speak? She sat up using her right hand to rub the sleep out of her eyes. Glancing over at the clock it was one in the morning.

Tap, tap, tap

"Shut up you damn birds, I'm trying to sleep." she grumbled looking over at the window swearing she saw a bird but realizing it wasn't. Squinting her eyes she crawled on her knees to the window opening the lock and lifting it up as best she could with one hand. Hands reached into the tiny gap helping her open the window fully.

"Sasuke?"

"You know you look cute when you're exhausted." Sasuke whispered climbing in through the window landing gracefully on her bed bouncing a few times as he sat staring at her. Her eyes narrowed in confusion. One, Sasuke never spoke like that. And two, what was he doing here?

Has he been reading a few too many teen romance books? "What're you doing here?" she muttered leaning against the wall staring at the boy. Sasuke's eyes traveled over her room, memorizing everything once again. The walls were still blue, the room looked somewhat cleaner than the last time he was there, but there was a wet towel lying abandoned on the floor by the hamper.

The idea that Kira was naked earlier made a red blush form across his face.

"Wanted to talk to you," He looked her way, she was rubbing her eye with the heel of her hand. "Sorry for waking you but it's sort of important…"

She shrugged her shoulders getting comfortable on the wall. "Whats up?"

Sasuke didn't know how he was going to say goodbye, he wished he could take her with him but knew it wouldn't be a good idea. He didn't trust Orochimaru just yet. For all he knew Orochimaru would use her against him if he didn't listen.

"I wanted to talk about earlier." He explained rubbing the back of his neck watching her eyebrows knit together to figure out what he was talking about. She looked so cute right now. Her tired eyes staring at him but weren't focused on anything. Her bottom lip puckered out, he felt the urge to kiss her again.

His hand traveled across the comforter onto her left hand tangling his fingers through hers. She let out a small hiss pulling her hand away. Sasuke's eyes widen in fear, he hurt her! "Still a little tender…" she muttered looking over the bandaged arm.

"Can you tell me how you got that now?" It would drive him insane if he didn't know. He saw her shrug her shoulders again staring him over. "This isn't that important and you know it."

"It is to me." Kira rolled her beautiful crimson eyes at him shaking her head. He could have waited till the morning to talk about it. Why'd he have to wake her up for this?

She let out a small sigh slumping her shoulders forward shifting her gaze to her desk as she gave a fast version of her tale. Briefly explaining to Sasuke what happened when they found Tsunade to the last day of the bet, how Tsunade was to meet up with Orochimaru and how in the end they got into a battle. "Got a compound fracture and everything from that battle. Pretty sure I should be dead but oh well."

Sasuke growled to himself at the idea of someone hurting his beautiful bride to be. "Who was working with Orochimaru?" Kira heard the snarl. She stared at him like he was crazy, he probably was though.

"Yeah remember Kabuto? He's a spy for Orochimaru. Way stronger than he looks." Kabuto huh? He'd teach that guy a lesson for hurting his woman!

"Anyway, is that all you wanted?" she asked sleepily. "Why are you over here anyway? It's late." Sasuke shook his head grabbing her knee to keep her attention on him. His touch sent a jolt through her system, she could feel his anger rising and knew that it wouldn't be good to have an angry Sasuke in her room at this time of night.

"Try to calm down will ya? I don't even know if Kakashi's asleep or not." She grumbled staring him down, did he want to get them both in trouble? She wasn't supposed to have boys in her room, the only reason Naruto was ever allowed in there was because the two grew up together.

"You're hurt though." she could hear his thoughts racing, he swore to himself as soon as he saw Kabuto again he'd kill the bastard. "He can't get away with it."

"He probably got his ass kicked by Lady Tsunade so chill." she grumbled hitting his leg with her knee. It wasn't good enough. Next thing Kira knew was Sasuke was pulling her into a hug, she let out a squeak feeling her body being forced into this awkward position where her arm was resting in his lap. Her head being forced on his chest. He gave her a bone crushing hug that actually hurt.

"What is up with you? You've been acting weird ever since you woke up Sasuke." she grumbled struggling to pull out of his grip. If by chance he was able to get stronger in the last five minutes he did. His grip tightened around her figure, squeezing her till she couldn't move her arms. She was forced to listen to his steady heart beat slowly increasing in pace.

"Do you know what I saw when I fought Itachi?" he heard her soft no escape her lips. His chin nuzzled the top of her head. She was shifting herself so that she was more comfortable. His grip lessened some but he wouldn't let her escape him. Not now. This was going to be their last night together for a long time. "He made me relive the death of my parents over and over again."

Sasuke felt the girl stiffen in his arms. Her eyes were wide he assumed, his fingers bunched up in her shirt clinging to her. He couldn't stop thinking about it. "He made me feel powerless, like I was nothing." She didn't know what to say. She felt horrible for the guy, having to relive that painful memory over and over again?

"We thought we lost you." she mumbled listening to his calm heartbeat. His hand relaxed releasing her shirt.

"You almost did," he spoke so soft that it was barely audible. "I saw you though." she felt his arms go lax around her body, allowing her to pull herself back some stare at the boy, her eyebrow quirked in the air he saw how adorable she looked. "I wasn't strong enough to stay but I saw you, I saw your face in the darkness." His hand reached up to hold her face, he looked her over, memorizing every detail there was to her. Her soft skin, those long lashes, the faint scar running over her lip, those beautiful eyes that reminded him of the sun rising in the distant. She was absolutely stunning.

Urge upon urge continued to call him. He needed to one last kiss before he left, he had to get stronger. That's all that was important to him right now, he'd be back for her. When he was strong enough he'd be back for her and take her far away and treat her like the queen she was.

"How long have you liked me Sasuke…"she whispered softly seeing that familiar look in his eyes. It was look she gave Naruto when they were alone. It was so familiar she couldn't believe she hadn't noticed it before.

He smiled to himself the first one in a long time. Leaning forward he felt they were only a breath away. She wasn't moving back and she wasn't running away. It was a sign that she truly loved him like he did her. "So long now." he closed the gap brushing his lips over hers.

His eyes slid shut pressing himself further against the girl, trapping her to the wall. She made this cute yelp of surprise. He pulled away staring at her with half lidded eyes smiling to himself once more seeing her red face "S-sasuke we really need to have a s-serious t-talk about…" he shushed her with another kiss; tingles and shivers went through his body feeling her breath against his cheek.

She pushed on his chest to get him to stop but he must have taken it as her egging him on more. He felt her fingers on his chest wanting more. He just kept kissing her wanting to remember this wonderful feeling forever. "Talk tomorrow." he muttered forcing himself to pull away. He had his own personal high. "We'll talk tomorrow." he told her knowing fully well he wouldn't be there. By now it was one thirty in the morning and he really needed to go.

"Fine." She grumbled looking away from him completely embarrassed by letting him do that, he really needed to stop kissing her, especially since the feelings were not mutual. Sasuke grinned jumping out of her window and sticking himself to the outside wall. "You better not leave shoe prints on my wall to my window, Kakashi would be so mad."

Her face was still so red. "I'll take the blame." he agreed leaning half inside her room. "I'll miss you." he whispered as he gave her a peck on the cheek.

"You'll see me tomorrow jerk. Now stop kissing me and get out of my room." she grumbled flustrated pushing on his face with her right hand to get him out the window. "Stop reading teen romance novels too." She grumbled causing the boy to laugh. He watched her shut the window till there was a small creese open still. She held her mouth as she crawled away from her window. Waiting till the light turned off he picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulders.

"I'll come back for you. I promise."

Sasuke set off down the road leading out of town. It was now or never. He said his goodbyes to the only person he'd ever miss and walked on. A jump in his step as he remembered her lips on his, her scent stuck with him forever now.

Towards the entrance of the village Sasuke noticed someone standing in the middle of his way. Sakura. 'Whats she doing out here' he thought annoyed already having an idea. "It's the dead of night. What are you doing out here?"

"This road is the only way out of the village. So I've been keeping watch." Sakura explained keeping her eyes cast towards the ground.

"Just go to bed." Sasuke grumbled side stepping the girl to walk around her. He heard her starting to sniffle and rolled his eyes. Kira would never act this way.

Sasuke kept walking choosing to ignore Sakura's blubbering. "Why don't you ever tell me anything? Why do you have to be so silent? Why can't you just let me in?"

Sasuke made a tch sound at the idea keeping his head forward pausing in his step. This girl. "Like I said, my business is none of yours. Just leave me alone."

Sakura sniffled thinking back to when they became Genin. "You always act like I'm bugging you, but remember back when we became Genin, the day they announced our four man cell. It was right here. You were with me, alone, the first time ...remember how you blew up at me?"

Sakura was talking about how Sasuke blew up at Sakura about Naruto. How she had no idea what it's like to not have parents and how she had said she wished she didn't. Because she'd never know the pain he went through. And in the end he said that she made him sick.

"No. I don't remember that."

Sakura felt more tears fall but forced her voice not to quiver. "Heh...of course. Well, it was a long time ago. But thats when it started, Sasuke. You and me...Naruto, Kira, and Master Kakashi. The five of us on so many missions. It was rough sometimes and these no way you could call it easy but when you get down to it...it was fun."

Sasuke was waiting for this to go somewhere? Was she trying to give him good memories to stay? Please. She couldn't make him stay, she couldn't do anything! "Sasuke I know the deal with your clan. But revenge, just for its own sake, that won't make anyone happy. Not you Sasuke. Not me either."

"I knew it." That startled Sakura out of her rambling. "I'm not like you people I'm on a different path from the rest of you. Yeah we all worked together for a while. Sometimes I told myself our paths all led to the same place. Maybe we were a team once. But now, I choose revenge. That's all I've lived for."

Sasuke turned around staring at the fat tears falling down Sakura's face and felt nothing. The sight of her crying made him disgusted to ever being around her. "I can never be like you or Naruto." Sasuke spun around and continued to walk towards the entrance.

"So thats it, you're choosing the lonely path?! Remember how you showed me what it means to be lonely?! Well, now I understand. It's all painfully clear to me. I have family and friends...but Sasuke, if I lose you, I'll be...I will be very lonely." Sakura started to break down in hard sobs at the idea of Sasuke leaving.

"We're each staring off on a new path. They're just different is all."Sasuke explained boredly. He couldn't help being annoyed she was giving him a headache.

Sakura in a last minute attempt to keep Sasuke here decided to confess. "Sasuke, I'm so in love with you that I cant even stand it! Sasuke! Stay with me and I'll never let you regret it! We'll have fun everyday, and, and you'll be happy! I'll make sure of it! I'll do anything for you Sasuke! Just please, please, please don't go! I'll even help you take revenge! I mean I'll manage it somehow so please stay with me. If you can't, then maybe I can go with you?" Sakura was starting to hiccup and sniff with how hard she was crying.

"You will never change."

"Don't you leave me!" She screamed so loud someone ought to have heard it. "One more step and I'll scream…" Sasuke appeared behind Sakura glaring down at her. She spun around seeing the murderous look in his eyes.

"You're so pathetic. Begging to come with me to exact my revenge. You could never make me happy, you're nothing to me."

"But I love you so much!" She sobbed hugging herself as he body heaved more sobs.

"Well stop. I will never love you." Sakura hiccuped so more about to hyperventilate. "I don't want anything to do with you." His words stung her. She crumpled to her knees sobbing in a ball. Though her threat might have been just that a fake he wouldn't take the risk. He pressed into her pressure points, watching her body slump towards the ground. She was out like a light.

Sighing Sasuke picked the girl up and placed her on the bench to sleep. Shaking his head he finally left his village. Looking back once more he thought of Kira's smiling face. He'd be back when he was stronger. He'd never forget her.

Okay so thats it for this chapter, wow! Took me longer than I thought it would. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter It might have a few mistakes I'll have to fix up later but until then! Have a good rest of the day! THANKS AGAIN FOR READING I REALLY LIKE TO SEE THE REVIEWS :D