Why Do You Fight For Love?

I have some great news, everyone! There are about 3 chapters left. Only 3!!! I can't believe it!

Okay, I have nothing much more to say. The polls are still going on and The Blood Shed To Save is still winning thus far. I've decided to fully detail the one of the stories each chapter. (Only the four selected ones.) Obviously, two will be detailed in one chapter.

Yes, I know the chapter's release was delayed. I'm trying to work with the chapters now that it is Spring Break. (Feel free to throw things at the author.)

Anyways, let's just get to the story, shall we?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I'm pretty sure I will never own it.

To the story…

Chapter 10: Rise of Darkness

Don't let me be late…

Please…

Don't let me…

…be late…

Naruto reached the edge of the clearing, seeing blood spilled by the great cherry blossom tree. Kunais scattered the ground as well as shuriken and useless paper bombs. The thunder above was almost deafening as he slowly walked through the abandoned battlefield.

He could sense five different chakra signatures, but he had masked his own from drawing attention and engaging in any possible ambushes.Sakura…Sasuke…Orochimaru…Kabuto…

Itachi.

The whole situation seemed pointless and hopeless, but he couldn't give up. Though the disturbing dream had not been reality, it was too close to the truth. Naruto found himself believing that if he didn't do anything, that the dream would become real. There would be too much pain and grief.

Naruto pushed away his thoughts, not wanting to think about anything more troubling. Without another thought, he quickly raced across the clearing, not caring whether or not if the rain would pour on him. The other side of the tree-lined clearing seemed to be darker and ominous. Not only that, but so dense that any available light could not reach the forest floor.

"…" Naruto was left speechless. He could sense two of the five chakra signatures in there, but he couldn't identify them from where he stood. If Itachi is in there…

I'm sure he's in trouble whether he would ever admit it or not.

Sasuke resisted the urge to flinch when he felt his left shoulder hang limply at his bloodied side. No words could ever explain all the pain he was feeling at this point. Sasuke had to drag his right leg, seeing as it was useless and only a burden at this point. He used his katana for support as he slowly limped towards his brother's chakra signature.

I may not be in the best condition to fight…

…but I must help my teammates…

…regardless of the consequences.

Naruto slowly started walking into the denser section of the forest, aware that only more danger awaited him there. He soundlessly walked through the twisted trees, avoiding any contact with such foreign objects. The darkened sides of trees seemed to reach out at him, almost convincing him that he was not alone.

However, he really wasn't alone. Five other people were still somewhere in the forest, possibly gravely injured or maybe dying at this moment. Two of them were nothing but enemies, and the other two were former teammates. …Yet, that left one more.

What exactly was Uchiha Itachi to him? He had tried to capture Naruto long ago, and still may try if he was given the chance. Naruto would have sighed, but refused to give away his location even if no one was near him. The hairs on his neck were standing up, a cold chill running through his body like a tidal wave.

Maybe Itachi was nothing more than enemy.

Maybe Itachi was nothing more than some homicidal psychopath.

Maybe Itachi was nothing more than an emotionless man.

…

…

…

On the other hand, Itachi could be something. Something that Sakura loved. Something that Sakura would give her life for even if it wouldn't do the same for her. …Something that could possibly be trusted someday if they were given a second chance.

Naruto ducked under a large tree branch that hung extremely low. Immediately, he froze in place. He couldn't help something was awaiting him further onward. An enemy? An ally? No…something deadly.

Naruto could sense bloodlust and raw need. He attempted to calmly search the area for chakra signatures again. He crouched low to the ground, waiting anxiously. Naruto's eyes widened when he realized what was wrong.

Yes, there was five people in this forest, but there was one that was not familiar. One he had never sensed before, but already knew who it was. Many stories had been told about this man and Naruto had grown to fear this man even if he had never met such a terrifying figure.

Kabuto was not in the forest.

Naruto guessed he was either dead or somewhere else.

…But that left the one chakra signature…

Naruto heard a snap behind him, and felt another cold chill sweep through him. Without hesitating, Naruto raced forward, not caring if danger awaited him. Danger was safer than certain death.

…Sakura, I don't know if I can keep Itachi safe, I really don't. I said I would try, and I am. There is just one problem though…

Someone we both fear may kill me before I can do anything.

Sasuke spit out blood, feeling the metallic taste in his mouth again. I once thought that we could be brothers, Itachi, but I see that is impossible now.

Perhaps, hell will be the only place for us to meet peacefully…

…or…

…Hell could also be one of the greatest battlefields for our final battle.

Sakura collapsed onto the ground, growling in frustration. I can't go any further…My injuries won't let me…and I have hardly any chakra left to help me reach Itachi or Orochimaru.

Sakura sighed, lost for thoughts and words. Sakura hugged herself unconsciously, not understanding how she could be the key to Orochimaru's plan. Yes, it was true. He had purposely sent her such a dream to worry her, just for his entertainment.

It was obvious that today could be the end of everything that the village had accomplished. She would never wish anything like this on any village, even the innocent people of the Sound village. No one should have to witness their village torn apart and destroyed right before their eyes. …Especially Naruto…or…me.

We have worked so hard for this village, even if it had been done different ways. We would both die for our village. Everyone in our village would risk their lives, putting themselves in danger, just for the sake of the village. It is our home even if we have left for purposes that seemed more important at the time.

I left the village, but here I am. Back where it all started.

Sakura felt her eyelids droop halfway, revealing only one portion of the world in front of her. The forest that now surrounded her was dark and cold. She couldn't help wondering where everyone was and if they were alright.

Naruto…

Sasuke…

Itachi…

"…I just hope they are still alive." Sakura whispered softly, unaware she had said her words aloud. I don't care if Sasuke is a bastard because he once was my teammate. I don't care if Itachi is a cold-blooded murderer because he is still human. I don't care if Naruto has a demon that dwells inside his body because he never was evil like the Demon Fox.

We love and protect one another. We are…family. That's why they are precious to me.

Sakura stared into nothingness. She no longer was alert for danger. The kunoichi already knew that it surrounded her, so why search for it?

Without warning, Sakura felt a kunai whiz past her nose, barely grazing her skin. Her eyes widened in shock as she turned the direction the kunai had come from. Am I imagining this?

Sasuke snapped his head back when he felt his brother's chakra signature stopped behind him. His crimson gaze narrowed as he changed his direction hurriedly. The young Uchiha resisted the urge to flinch when his leg protested in pain. Despite the pain rippling through his system, Sasuke limped towards the signature.

Nothing will stop me from watching this battle.

Absolutely nothing.

Itachi glanced towards Sakura briefly, analyzing her figure carefully. The Leaf shinobi seemed fine for the moment regardless of a bleeding shoulder and an extremely low chakra supply. Her clothes were ripped and tattered while her pink hair was disheveled and messy. Barely visible blood stains were scattered over Sakura's clothes.

Their gazes locked for a moment, silent understanding exchanged between them both. Itachi broke his crimson gaze away when he sensed Orochimaru nearing again. "It seems everyone is joining us for this battle, Itachi." Sakura whispered dully, her voice barely audible. He didn't respond to her statement.

Orochimaru's darkened figure dropped down from the tree branches above them, falling towards them like a hunting hawk. Itachi readied himself into fighting stance, awaiting his foe's attack. Orochimaru opened his mouth, a large katana slid out his mouth, the point of the weapon directly pointing towards the Sharingan wielder.

Sakura felt her entire body tense when Orochimaru grew closer to Itachi. Before she could even blink, Itachi stepped to one side and threw a kunai towards his enemy's forehead. The sword's point hit the ground with a thunk, shaking Sakura's body along with the ground.

The kunai pierced Orochimaru's forehead and his body froze as it slowly descended down to forest floor. Itachi's gaze narrowed as the shinobi's body disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Instead of Orochimaru's body and the katana falling from the smoke, a log fell to the ground.

Substitution…

"You are a weakling, Orochimaru." Sakura commented softly. "Why don't you fight without running away like a coward?" Itachi glanced towards her briefly, silently ordering her to remain quiet.

Itachi glanced around his surroundings carefully, analyzing every detail to attempt and find the Sanin. Silence fell upon the forest, nothing but absolute quiet. Sakura closed her eyes in attempt to focus on Orochimaru's location.

A few minutes passed and still nothing could be heard. "Itachi, has he run away?" Sakura asked with her eyes still closed. Itachi merely shook his head for an answer. Sakura opened her mouth to speak, but she closed it again when she heard a quiet rustling behind her.

Her eyes shot open, feeling the rustling grow louder. Ignoring the pain, she turned around to see the bushes and trees shaking violently. Sakura could feel the ground shaking under her, rattling her body to the core. Her hands immediately gripped the ground, trying to still her body from shaking.

Before she could blink, Itachi's figure disappeared and appeared beside her. Sakura opened her mouth to attempt to speak again, but Itachi silenced her again with a glare before picking her up bridal-style and carrying her farther away from the deafening sound.

"What's going on?" Sakura asked in protest. Itachi remained quiet as he moved at inhuman speed across the forest floor, away from the disturbance. The older Uchiha didn't even glance at her again. Everything blurred past them, only showing green and brown.

"Itachi, what is going on?" Sakura repeated firmly, looking up at him in confusion. Itachi glanced down at her, his mouth twitching slightly. Finally, he answered her question after the noise died down in a low murmur.

"…A summoning."

Sasuke blinked in misunderstanding. Why is Itachi's chakra signature growing closer to me? Sasuke stopped in his tracks. The ground was vibrating softly beneath his feet. Sasuke could hear a faint hissing sound.

The hissing sound was growing louder by the minute, moving closer. Sasuke's crimson eyes widened in disbelief as the vibrating grew slowly to shaking violently.

"Snake." Sasuke whispered in shock before moving closer to Itachi's chakra signature. We have to solve this problem now…Orochimaru summoned King Manda!

"Itachi, do you feel that?" Sakura asked quietly, noticing Sasuke's chakra signature moving closer to them. Itachi simply nodded in agreement. He didn't change his direction at all nor did he increase or decrease his speed.

We can't leave Sasuke out here even if he has betrayed the village before. I won't allow it. He's a teammate nevertheless.

"Itachi." Sakura turned her head towards him to face him. He gazed down at her emotionlessly. "He's your brother." Itachi didn't respond.

"You are very stubborn and selfish, Itachi." Sakura accused, her emerald gaze hardening on him. Itachi didn't reply, only continued through the forest even if it were drowned in silence. The ground no longer shook, but they both knew Orochimaru was coming soon.

"Why would you let your brother die?" Sakura said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Why won't you be quiet?" Itachi replied at last.

"Why are you so stubborn?" Sakura countered harshly, her voice still soft and quiet. "Your brother is giving you a second chance." Sakura added softer, "…And so am I."

Itachi's gaze locked with hers even as he continued to dart across the forest floor with Sakura still in his arms. Silence soon followed, neither of them breaking it.

"I'm giving you a second chance. Why can't you accept that Sasuke is your brother? Why can't you-" Sakura ranted helplessly, not knowing if the older Uchiha would listen at all. ..accept that I love you?

Sakura barely noticed Itachi had slowed down. "Sakura, please remain silent." Itachi completely stopped, still holding her in his arms.

"No. You can't order me around. I'm not in the Akatsuki anymore." Her comment seemed to take him by surprise.

"That's perfectly fine." Itachi answered, his emotionless mask returning. "Everyone could see that you were merely finding a new way to protect Konoha. Yet, Leader still allowed it." Sakura opened her mouth to reply, but found herself speechless.

"…Perhaps so." Sakura found her voice again even if her voice was soft again. She barely noticed Sasuke's limping form appear from behind the trees. Itachi turned towards his brother as he set Sakura down on the ground gently.

Both of the brothers gazed at each other warily, though there was a silent understanding in the depths of their crimson pair of eyes. Silence seemed to fall on to all of them, all traces of the recent conversation, gone. Faintly, the hissing sound was growing, but not enough to prove a threat, yet.

"…Sasuke, did you kill Kabuto then?" Sakura broke the silence as she carefully analyzed his visible wounds. The tension that had been building ever since Sasuke had joined them, dropped. The atmosphere became more enjoyable for the moment.

"Yeah, Kabuto did leave a few marks on me though…" Sasuke sighed wearily, noticing the ground beginning to rumble beneath their feet. Without warning, Itachi withdrew a kunai out and started towards the unseen commotion. Sasuke opened his mouth in protest.

"No, little brother. You are injured. You can't fight this battle." Itachi replied before Sasuke could even say a single word. Sakura watched Sasuke hesitate for a second as his eyes narrowed onto the ground, but he closed his mouth without any more protest.

Sasuke glanced towards Itachi briefly before slowly making his way to Sakura. His crimson gaze lowered onto her fragile figure as he slowly offered his hand to her despite his uneven state. Sakura blinked at his hand impassively, not sure how to react to anything anymore.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally responded by placing her hand in his lightly. She stole a glance at Itachi who had his back on them, his stance rather rigid and tense. Sasuke gripped her hand firmly and pulled her up to her feet. She stumbled slightly, but managed to balance herself as she refused Sasuke's support.

"I'm fine." Sakura whispered softly, ignoring his concerned stare. Sasuke blinked at her in surprise before he turned towards Itachi to face his older brother. Itachi still didn't turn around, only facing the growing danger that threatened them all.

"You…" Sasuke began quietly, unsure of whether he truly meant what he was going to say. "You better survive this." There was a long pause as the younger brother's lips trembled with indecision. "I want to fight you someday."

Itachi bowed his head in silence. Sakura felt something pull the strings of her heart as she heard Sasuke. What has changed him? Why is he…different?

"I want…" Sasuke began louder, as his voice rose. Sakura closed her eyes and bowed her head in silence as well.

"…to fight with you as a brother, not an enemy." Sasuke finished as his eyes wide as if he couldn't believe what he had just said. Itachi still hadn't responded at all. Sakura bit her lip in disbelief, not sure, whether this was real. He admitted that? …Why? …Why, Sasuke?

Sakura opened her eyes again slowly, not sure, if she was staring at the same Sasuke. How could this man finally come to terms with Itachi, his older brother that had massacred the clan with no hesitation or remorse? Sakura's lips trembled as she turned away from the sight.

Sasuke…

You have finally…

…grown up…

…and I'm proud of you.

The ground was beginning to shake violently as Sakura moved closer to a tree for support. Sasuke stood where he was, still staring at Itachi for any reaction. Itachi raised his head to the sky, letting the rain flow down his face.

Itachi closed his eyes briefly, letting the rain pour down on him. "Take care of Sakura, little brother." Itachi finally responded, shattering Sasuke's hopes. …I wanted you to say you would want the same thing, Itachi…

Sasuke turned away from Itachi and started towards Sakura. His head was bowed, his bangs hiding his expression. Sakura lifted a hand to comfort him, but lowered it to her side in silence.

"…I will survive." Itachi began again, his tone unsure. "…And I want that as well." Someday. Sasuke spun around, not believing Itachi had said that. His eyes had widened in shock and disbelief as the words played over and over in his mind.

Without warning, something unexpected wrapped around Sakura as it squeezed her tightly. She was lifted high above the trees, struggling in the grip. Without her great chakra supply, Sakura felt useless and helpless. Managing to turn around to face the attacker, emerald eyes widened in fear.

"Hello, Sakura-chan. I hope I'm not ruining a heartwarming moment." Orochimaru smiled maliciously at her from his standing position upon King Manda's scaly head. Sakura gazed at Orochimaru, then at the King Manda whose tongue was wrapped around her figure.

Sasuke narrowed his crimson eyes on Orochimaru as he clenched his uninjured hand. Should I risk it? Sasuke pondered silently, his gaze lowering to his wounds. He closed his eyes to world, a grim smirk appearing upon his features. I will risk it.

The last bit of his chakra formed around his hands as he prepared to form hands signs. Sakura gasped out in pain when King Manda tightened his grip. She was unable to perform hand signs since her hands were pressed so hard against her sides. Sasuke don't risk it! Not for me, damn it!

Orochimaru jumped down onto King Manda's outstretched tongue as he walked slowly towards the kunoichi. His fierce stare pierced Sakura with fear just as it had long ago in the Forest of Death. Sakura's body shook uncontrollably as he neared her.

Itachi's form disappeared from view and appeared in front of Sasuke, smacking his hands in disagreement. "I suggest that you don't risk your life, especially when it's Orochimaru." Itachi answered to Sasuke's disbelieving stare. Sasuke hesitated as he dropped his hands.

Without another word, Itachi turned towards the scene playing above them. Sasuke watched his brother's hand clench onto the kunai tightly. I would never stand a chance against Itachi. Sasuke thought as he sensed the great swirling chakra source inside his brother. ...Especially when Sakura is in danger.

Orochimaru grasped Sakura's chin with one hand, bringing her face closer to his. "I told you, Sakura-chan, that you are the key to my plan. It's only just starting to unfold." Orochimaru whispered softly, deadly. Sakura tried to struggle out of his grip, but nothing helped.

"I can do anything to you, Sakura-chan…Anything." Orochimaru glanced down at Itachi's rigid figure. "Itachi is powerless against me now as are you." He smirked at her as his gaze locked with hers.

"I-I…h-hate you." Sakura gasped out, flinching when King Manda tightened his grip again. Orochimaru's smirk grew wider at her cry of pain. Itachi…you have to find a way around this. I know you can… Sakura's vision blurred slightly, distorting Orochimaru's features for a second.

Sasuke's jaw tightened at his teammate's pain. Sakura…I know you are strong…Please survive this.

Itachi remained calm and emotionless. Don't let me to think you were nothing but a burden in this, Sakura. I cannot allow the Leaf village to lose one of their most precious kunoichi…

Orochimaru released his grip on Sakura as he turned towards Itachi. "Now, I'm sure we are all fully aware of what is at risk." Sakura struggled again, trying her best to gain free hands. I won't let Orochimaru get away with this. I may be the key…but that doesn't mean my fate is sealed from here on out.

"Shall we make an agreement?" Orochimaru offered without hesitation, his tone almost deceiving. Itachi didn't respond. Silence fell on them all excluding Sakura's constant cries of pain as the snake tongue wrapped tighter and tighter around her.

I can't last much longer…I'm going to die soon. Sakura thought dully, feeling the edges of unconsciousness reach out to her. She frantically tried to move her hands closer together, but to no avail. Tears threatened to spill, but she would not allow it in this delicate situation.

"…As we all know, Leaf is in danger of collapsing at this very moment. Not only do we have that fact, but that I hold someone very precious to you all." Orochimaru placed a hand on Sakura's cheek, mockingly stroking it softly. Itachi's Sharingan flashed angrily at Orochimaru's action.

"…I'm sure you are also aware that her life is dangling by a very thin thread and if nothing is done to save her, she will undeniably die." Orochimaru spoke down to them, though the comment was mostly directed towards Itachi. "…Now, are you ready to make a deal?"

Itachi bowed his head for a moment in deep thought. Sakura resisted the urge to bite Orochimaru's hand since it could only lead to certain death. She glanced down at Itachi and Sasuke. …I'm sure you'll be get along fine without me even if I do die…

I just…would really want to see you both meet each other peacefully…when there is no danger to bring you together.

This chapter took forever. (I know you are all aware of that by now.) I had a small writer's block with deciding the chapter's ending, but now its finally typed up and finished.

This chapter was very exhausting as well since it was very long…but now I know how the ending of this sequel will end. After this chapter, there are three left. Only…2…(lol, dramatic.)

Anyways, I'm going to answer the unasked question of: Will there be a sequel to this story? Answer: I have thought about it, but I decided against it. I came up with a few ideas, but after I tried to further detail it, I knew that it just wouldn't fit.

I do apologize that this chapter is almost a week late. I hope you guys can forgive me, and I won't make any promises, guarantees, etc. of the next release date for this chapter. (Well, I can promise it will probably be finished by the end of the month.)

Has everyone liked the story so far? (I hope so.)

Alright, everyone, here is the summary to the winning future fanfic that apparently is most liked.

Summary:The destinies of Uchiha Itachi, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke were intertwined together when Sakura ended up with the choices of choosing between saving both of them from the darkness or letting them fall into oblivion to rid the world of their existences for what pain they had caused. When one last battle between the two brothers begins, will she allow her own blood to be shed to save them? (Story:The Blood Shed to Save

The pairings so far is: Eventual ItaSaku and Eventual SasuSaku (Expect this to be a long story, everyone, since it will certainly not be a one-shot.)

Expected arrival if it wins poll: The poll ends as soon as this story is completed. Whenever that may be, that is when this story will probably begin. :)

Anyways, if you want any more details, you can look either to my profile page or private message me for all that on the poll or any of the selected stories. The poll is still open, so if you want to vote on a particular story, feel free to do so.

Until next chapter,

SharinganAnbuSakura