I do not own Naruto. I only own Original Characters. Please visit my website: www. freewebs .com /animemangafanatic (Please don't forget to take out the spaces)

Sakura sat at the bedside watching Itachi sleep. Since she put him under the day before, Itachi did not stir. It didn't really surprise her. Eye healing was a strenuous job, not just on her part. His body partly took her chakra to heal itself. His body needed to learn to accept the foreign chakra being forced in. If it didn't, it would do more damage than good. But since Itachi was a genius, Sakura didn't worry too much about it. By the looks of her earlier check, she had been right. Sakura patted his hand before standing and leaving the room.

She made her way down the corridor. Coming upon the kitchen, she immediately sensed that Tsuki did not recide inside. Looking through the doorway, Sakura confirmed her suspicions. Sakura looked around the corridor for signs of anyone else. When she double-checked and found no one, Sakura sighed in relief. Then closing her eyes, Sakura concentrated on Tsuki's chakra signature. Sakura balanced her own, so she wasn't using too much. She didn't want to alert anyone of signs that her chakra was quickly recovering. She had a sneaking suspicion, she was going to need it soon.

Sakura opened her eyes finding Tsuki. Languidly, Sakura made her way to Tsuki's location. She went through several locations before reaching a closed door. On the other side of the door, Tsuki stood. Sakura stared at her surroundings. Her look softened. Sakura shook it back into the depths. She knocked lightly at the door. She closed her eyes hearing the rustling on the other end.

"Byakko-sama?"

Shinrai felt the sweat roll down the back of his neck. Byakko's gold eyes stared down at Shinrai, unwavering. Byakko's tall, mighty form scared Shinrai, as well as, fascinate him. There was no doubt that Byakko wasn't a handsome tiger, but that didn't take any of the fear away. The hardened gaze told Shinrai that he would have no problem killing him, if it came to that. Something deep inside of him told him to survive no matter what it took.

"Why am I here, Byakko-sama?"

"Don't you know?"

Shinrai shook his head. Byakko seemed to understand something. A thought went off in his head.

"You obviously came here unprotected if you are having trouble remembering."

"Unprotected?"

There was silence for a bit. What did he mean by unprotected? Why had he come here in the first place? Was he trying to accomplish something of importance? He knew that Byakko most likely had all the answers. Shinrai refound his voice.

"With the most respect, Byakko-sama..."

Shinrai knew that he was to be addressed with the upmost respect.

"Why do people come here?"

Byakko did not seem at all perturbed by this question.

"Obviously for power."

"Power."

"Yes, my power."

Shinrai felt his eyes widen in surpise.

"Your power? I don't understand."

"I am a god, Hanryo, Shinrai-san."

Hanryo, Shinrai?

Tsuki turned around to the knock on her door. She stood there puzzled for a moment. No one came to her room for anything. She was also halfway through changing clothes. She had been testing a new recipe. It then exploded as soon as she took it out. Tsuki cursed her luck, since the unmentionable blob began to stain on of her favorite outfits. She then made a silent promise, never to trust the baker's wife. The poor woman could not cook. That should have been the tip off, but Tsuki's curiosity had gotten the better of her.

Tying the sash, Tsuki went over to open the door. Tsuki felt herself break out into a smile. Sakura stood in front of her door. Just from her expression, Tsuki could tell that Sakura wasn't too interested in anything right now. Sakura looked completely bored. Sakura nodded at Tsuki in greeting. Tsuki bowed slightly. Sakura rolled her eyes at the formality. Tsuki straightened, then gave Sakura her full attention.

"Tsuki-chan, is there an empty room that we could use?"

Tsuki tilted her head in confusion, but nodded in response. Sakura stepped to the side.

"Please show me."

Tsuki bowed again, and left the room in the lead. They walked back, more towards Itachi and Sakura's room. Instead of going right though, Tsuki took a left. They then traveled through a new hallway. Even though the wooden floors and paper doors were clean, there was an air that said that this area of the large compound, was barely used. Tsuki then turned to Sakura, once they reached a row of doors.

"Take your pick, Sakura-sama. None of these rooms are currently occupied."

Sakura stepped through the first door, nodding at the space. She then turned to Tsuki.

"This will do, thank you."

Tsuki bowed.

"Now, I need another favor, Tsuki-chan?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"I need you to help me protect a friend."

Naruto sat on his usual stool at the ramen shop. He was twirling around waiting for his order. Naruto kept feeling bad about everything that had been unfolding of late. The villagers that were attacked, just so the Akatsuki could get their hands on whatever it was that they wanted. He didn't understand why they need those scrolls. Also, they have at least one orb in their hands. However, the scrolls and orb meant nothing compared to the other thing that they had. The missing teammate of Team Seven, or Team Kakashi, Haruno, Sakura.

"Oi, dobe, you stop twirling."

Naruto saw Sasuke pass his line of vision rather fast. It was just then Naruto realized how fast he had been twirling his stool. Things passed too quickly and Naruto felt like puking. Fortunately though, Naruto was there to eat and his stomach was currently empty. Sasuke used his foot to stop the twirling. It resulted in Naruto flying out of the shop and through the one across the street. Naruto ran back to the shop and glared at the Uchiha sitting down.

"Teme!"

Sasuke gave the fox boy his trademark smirk. Naruto grabbed the Uchiha by the collar. Both boys ensued into a battle of glares. Kakashi and Iruka entered the shop. Seeing the boys' expressions, they decided to stay out of it. Naruto's ramen bowl was placed down, and Naruto forgot all about his battle with Sasuke. Naruto happily slurped up the long noodles. Broth splashed everywhere, and Sasuke gave him a disgusted look. A light bulb then went off in his head. Naruto turned to Kakashi.

"I heard Shin-san is still at Obaa-chan's!"

Both older men felt a shiver run up their spine's. Sometimes, they thought Tsunade had cat ears. It was either that or Tsunade had eyes on them at all times. Kakashi nodded his head.

"Ah, Hokage-sama said it might take some time."

Naruto quickly finished off his bowl.

"I wonder what they're doing exactly."

Kakashi's expression became very stern.

"Hokage-sama advised me to ask Sakura-chan, when she returns."

The group became silent. Naruto put down his second bowl of ramen uninterested.

"I hope Sakura-chan is okay."

"I'm sure she is."

All three eyes stared at the masked man. There was reassurance in his tone, but bitterness.

Sakura used her sleeve to wipe the sweat off her forehead. She hated the fact that she was doing this from memory. She hated the fact that she was sending Tsuki. She also hated the fact that she was powerless in this situation. She knew that Tsuki was watching her with worry, but she just ignored it as she continued. The room was barren, so it was perfect for what Sakura was doing. In all four corners of the room, sat a bundle of incense. Each one had been lit. The smoke rose up in a small line of smoke. Sakura's fingers were bleeding as she used the blood to write kanji's all over the floors. None of them touched Tsuki though.

Once finally finished, Sakura stood up and walked over to Tsuki. She tied bandages around her fingers quickly. Reaching into her pocket, Sakura pulled out a blue bracelet. She placed it on Tsuki's slender wrist. Tsuki looked at her in question. Sakura smacked her forehead remembering something. She cut open another finger and wrote a kanji of protection on Tsuki's wrist. Sakura then bandaged the finger. She gave Tsuki a questioning look.

"Tsuki-chan, are you sure you want to do this?"

Tsuki smiled warmly at Sakura.

"If there is anything I can do to ease Sakura-sama's worries, then I will do my best."

Tsuki gave Sakura a fighting gesture. The pink haired girl just sighed.

"Okay then, there is some things that you need to know."

Tsuki gave her her full attention.

"One, do not take this bracelet off."

Tsuki lifted her arm up to observe the small thing.

"Also, when you meet Shin-kun, do not tell him anything about himself."

"I don't understand."

"When one enters where you are going, it is likely that they won't remember who they are or why they're there."

"Why?"

"When one travels through a dimension unprotected, something is bound to be lost."

Tsuki nodded her head in understanding.

"Where am I going, Sakura-sama?"

Tsuki watched her work her jaw.

"Oblivion."

Both sat in silence for the next few seconds.

"Alright, if you can help him in any other way, please do."

"What's his name?"

Sakura hesitated.

"Hanryo, Shinrai. His wife's name is Hanryo-Kaido, Yuu."

Tsuki smiled.

"He's married."

Sakura nodded her head. Sakura hugged Tsuki lightly.

"Thank you, Tsuki. Remember there is only one thing you really need to remember. Memories are important, even the bad ones. They all shape you. Don't forget that there."

Tsuki nodded her head.

"Also, if you face trouble, call one name."

Tsuki didn't understand.

"Call who?"

"Seiryuu-sama. No matter what it is, call it."

Tsuki nodded her head. Sakura smiled at the girl lightly.

"Then here we go."

Sakura placed her hand on Tsuki's forehead. Tsuki then felt herself drift away.

Itachi woke feeling something pull him awake. He slowly turned and looked about the room. Sakura was no where in site. He slowly stood and held his head in pain. He didn't understand why it felt like his head was splitting. Itachi stood and carefully left the room. He used the wall to help balance himself. Opening his eyes slowly, Itachi set out to find Sakura. He realized that his eyesight was perfect once again.
Tsuki looked all around her. She didn't understand why she was here. Sakura just told her to go find her friend, Shinrai. Tsuki looked around the dark room, straining her eyes to find some sort of light relief. Tsuki jumped in shock at the thunderous roar. She wasn't too sure she wanted to go in that direction, but against her better judgement, she did. Sakura's words came back to her. You must not show any fear to the trial that you will be put through there. This place was dark and cold. Tsuki swallowed her fear, and continued in the direction of the roar.

Tsuki felt her jaw slacken in surprise. A large tiger stood before her. The glowing that came from his body, was the only light that was coming off. He stood hunched back in what seemed like he was going to leap and attack. A young man, no older than her, stood in front of the great beast, slightly shaking. The beast turned his golden eyes onto Tsuki. He roared in anger. Tsuki could feel fear spike throughout her entire body. The man turned his attention onto her. His expression showed complete surprise. The tiger took a leap towards her. Tsuki felt an involuntary scream escape her throat.

"Stop it! Don't hurt her!"

Byakko pinned her down.

"Why are you here?"

Tsuki felt sweat roll down her face. She couldn't find her voice. Her brain quickly tried to remember what Sakura had told her. Her voice came out small and cracked.

"Seiryuu-sama..."

A large blast sent Byakko flying. Shinrai saw it before Tsuki did.

"A dragon...?"

Tsuki quickly scrambled to her feet and turned to see a familiar face. It was the same dragon that had attacked Oblivion.

"...How?"

The dragon roared at Byakko and he roared back. They then went at each other ferociously. Shinrai quickly covered ground and came to Tsuki's side. He gave his ever classic, relaxed smile. Tsuki could see the strain in the corner of his eyes though.

"Hi, I'm Hanryo, Shinrai. At least, I think I am."

Tsuki nodded her head.

"I'm Tanaka, Tsuki."

"I don't mean to be rude, Tanaka-san, but how did you get here?"

Tsuki smiled.

"Please call me Tsuki, and Sakura-sama sent me here."

"Sakura-sama?"

"Hai, Haruno, Sakura."

"Haruno... Sakura... I feel like I should know that name."

Tsuki pulled Shinrai out of the way in time, as the two gods tumbled to the ground in a jumble. They ran together a good distance away.

"Why are you here, Hanryo-san?"

"Shin, please. I don't remember why I came here. I just woke up here with no memory, but a strong feeling that I'm supposed to be here. Do you remember everything?"

Tsuki nodded her head. She then showed him her blue bracelet.

"Sakura-sama said that it would protect me from any side effects that would occur traveling here."

"But where is here, Tsuki-san?"

"True Oblivion..."

Itachi found Sakura in an empty room. However, it was covered in blood-written kanji's. In the center of the room, Tsuki laid unconscious. Itachi entered the room cautiously. Sakura was currently leaning on the side wall, her eyes closed in contemplation. Or perhaps, Sakura was currently watching something. When her eyes opened slightly, due to a weak board, her vision was not completely focused. A pale veil covered her vibrant eyes. Itachi came closer to her and shook her aware. Sakura focused on him.

"What did you do to Tsuki-san?"

"I sent her to help someone, as well as understand her gift."

"Her gift?"

"Tsuki-san..."

Sakura looked at him more closely. She didn't know if it was that safe to tell him. Sakura looked down in doubt. Itachi saw it all perfectly, and growled in anger.

"Tell me."

Sakura could hear the authority in his voice. She cringed in hurt.

"I can't."

"Why the hell not?"

Sakura looked at him slightly hurt and very stern at the same time.

"It's bigger than either you or me."

"When will he wake up?"

Tsunade turned to Shinrai's worried wife that was questioning her. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Sakura-chan never gave a time limit."

Tsunade made a hand seal and began a chant. Soon enough, a scroll appeared and dropped into her hands. Tsunade unravelled it as Shizune brought them new cups of tea. Tsunade read a few lines at the end. Her face turned to a grave one.

"Sakura-chan wrote it could take an eternity."

Yuu felt the blood drain from her face. Her body shook in worry and disbelief. The two older women gave her a sympathetic look. Yuu had not moved or even changed clothes while she waited for her husband to wake up. Yuu felt the tears prick the back of her eyes. She covered them with her shaking hands. She shook her head, not believing a single word. Hoping that with will alone, it wouldn't come true. Yuu couldn't take it if it happened. After all, with the war finally resolved, Yuu and Shinrai could finally be together.

"No! Shin-kun! Wake up!"

Shinrai turned around worried. He turned to Tsuki.

"Did you hear that?"

Tsuki tried to strain her ears past the roars and colliding of powers.

"Hear what?"

Shinrai gripped his chest feeling a sharp pain move throughout him.

"It sounded like someone was calling to me."

Tsuki's eyes softened at Shinrai's pained expression. She opened her mouth, but then slowly closed it. Sakura had specifically told her to avoid telling Shinrai anything about his life. She also remembered that Sakura had told her to help Shinrai any other way she could, because he had a wife waiting for him. By the way he was acting, Shinrai was still connected to his wife. Tsuki smiled at the marvel of marriage that was before her. No wonder Sakura wanted to protect her friends. Tsuki liked Sakura's admirable traits. It made her feel proud to know her.

"Then maybe someone was calling you."

Shinrai looked at her skeptically. Then turned back to the fighting in front of them.

"Maybe..."

"Do you think they will stop soon?"

Shinrai looked at her for a minute before answering.

"They both look like they have a lot of fight still left in them."

Tsuki sighed.

"I know, but we're not getting anywhere."

Shinrai couldn't help that his head involuntarily nodded in agreement. Shinrai looked again at her bracelet.

"I wish I had one of those before I came here."

Tsuki tilted her head in confusion. Shinrai just shrugged back at her.

"I feel bad for some strange reason."

"Bad?"

"Yeah, like I shouldn't have forgotten. My memories were really important."

Tsuki smiled.

"Aren't they always? Even the really bad ones are important."

"Why the bad ones?"

Tsuki felt herself repeating Sakura.

"They help shape you."

Sakura watched Itachi rubbing his temples beside her.

"Does you head hurt?"

"Hn."

"Baka."

Sakura pulled on his sleeve, obviously telling him to face her. Itachi obliged her. Her hands slowly went to his temples.

"What are you doing?"

"Relieving the pressure."

"Hn."

Sakura punched Itachi's arm. He glared at her.

"Stop Hning me."

Itachi just chose to ignore her as the pain faded.

"How..."

Itachi turned back to her. There was a nervousness to her voice.

"How are you eyes?"

"Ah..."

Sakura waited patiently. When he didn't respond, Sakura let up on the treatment. Itachi groaned in pain. He tightened his hands on hers. Basically indicating to restart treatment. Sakura did as asked.

"It's perfect by the way."

Sakura smiled as she finished the preparation. Itachi just sat and smirked as he concentrated on the relieving feeling and the warmth Sakura gave off.

Shinrai and Tsuki both jumped out of the way as another blast was directed at them involuntarily. Seiryuu finally knocked Byakko down hard. The mighty tiger slowly stood panting. He was obviously tired. Seiryuu sat down, his wings strained under the constant use that it had been under. The both glared at one another. Shinrai quickly went over to Tsuki to see if she was okay.

"Are you good?"

Tsuki nodded her head.

"Good."

Seriyuu roared at Byakko. The tiger hunched back and his tail went straight in anger.

"Why are you protecting that girl?"

"For the same reason you should be protecting that boy."

"There is no proof that they are our guardians."

"I saw her. She sent that girl here."

"Impossible. Sakura-sama has been missing for years now. Even we have not been able to track her."

"Sakura-sama?"

Both mighty beasts turned their attention to Tsuki.

"Sakura-sama with pink hair?"

"Ah."

Byakko agreed.

"She's the one who calmed your anger."

Tsuki pointed out, and Seiryuu nodded.

"Why is Sakura-sama so important to you two?"

"It's not just to the two of us."

Seiryuu answered.

"It's to all of us gods. Sakura-sama is the guardian to the most powerful one of all of us. Her power alone rivals all of ours."

Tsuki and Shinrai felt their bloods drain.

"Impossible."

Shinrai felt the word slip passed his lips without thinking.

"There are four main gods. Byakko-sama, who is beside me. Genbu-sama, who is guarded by the Rock Princesses."

Shinrai felt something click, when the Rock Princesses was mentioned.

"Myself, who is guarded by you, Tanaka, Tsuki."

Tsuki's eyes widened in surprise.

"I'm a guardian."

"Yes. I remember your mother well."

Tsuki felt sad, remembering her mother passed away from a disease.

"I also remember your grandmother."

Her heart felt light, thinking of her kind grandmother.

"But you said Sakura-sama was a guardian as well."

Byakko nodded his head.

"Yes, Sakura-sama is the guardian to Suzaku, the phoenix of fire."

"The legendary creature of reincarnation."

Tsuki turned to Shinrai.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I heard it from somewhere. Sakura-sama... Sakura-sama..."

A flash of a girl with pink hair suddenly came to mind. She was on the ground crying loudly. She clutched to a bloody boy. He felt his own heart breaking. The boy he considered close. No, he considered a brother. Who were they? Then another boy came to mind. He held a definite grace about him. He was calm and his smile was wispy. Then two girls that could pass for twins. However, the younger one, the more timid one, sent a warmth throughout his body. It calmed him. He didn't understand why he thinking of them. He tried desperately to cling onto one of them.

Then it started to come. The memories began to flow faster and faster into his mind. Too fast, that it started to cause pain. Shinrai fell to the ground, clutching his head, screaming in pain. Tsuki knelt beside him in worry.

"Shin-san?"

They all came faster and faster. At the last of them, however, it was a much earlier one. Sakura was being picked up to return back to her home. It was before she was sent off to Konoha. Behind the beautiful woman that came to retrieve Sakura, was a younger version of her. The girl clung to her mother until she saw Sakura and then ran to her. Shinrai remembered the name Sakura called her.

"Tsuki-chan."