Why Do You Fight For Love?

Hey, everyone. Ready for the second to last chapter?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 11: Our Last Stand

"I-Itachi…Don't g-give in." Sakura shouted down towards the Akatsuki member below. "W-Whatever you do…D-Don't y-you dare-" Orochimaru placed the hand that was previously stroking her cheek over her mouth to silence her.

Itachi didn't look up or reply. It seemed he wasn't listening to Sakura anymore.

Sasuke stared at his hands in indecision. Sakura will die if I do nothing…yet, Itachi will stop me before I can do anything! What can I do?

Orochimaru turned back to Sakura with his hand still placed over her mouth. "I suggest you stay quiet, dear. We don't need you to make his decision for him." Sakura narrowed her gaze on Orochimaru, glaring at him with hatefully.

There is only one way to save Itachi now…as well as Sasuke. Sakura closed her eyes silently, focusing on bringing her hands together.Please forgive me, Itachi, Sasuke. Without hesitating, she bit Orochimaru's hand hard.

Orochimaru growled in pain, trying to bring his hand away. The metallic taste of blood met her taste buds as she refused to let go. "…You bitch, let go!"

Sasuke stared up at Sakura in growing concern. Sakura! What the hell do you think you're doing?

Orochimaru finally ripped away his hand away, stepping back to see blood running down from his fingers to his palm. Sakura spit out the blood and looked down towards Itachi and Sasuke. I'm sorry…

"Uchiha Itachi!" Sakura screamed at him, ignoring the pain that met her body. "I hate you!" Sakura glared down at him hatefully. Itachi looked up, staring in disbelief at her. "I don't know…what I ever saw in you, Uchiha…"

She was biding for time as her hands tried to reach one another. "I don't know what I saw in either of you!" Sakura gazed down in dismay at Sasuke and Itachi. Don't let yourselves sacrifice your lives for me. Get out of here before it's too late. …I love you both so, so much even if you have committed so many sins that have affected the village or me for the worst.

Her fingertips grazed against another, though Sakura did not show her secret joy of her accomplishment. "Both of you were so obsessed with power…and yet, I loved you despite that." That was the utmost truth and it would remain true even if it might lead to her downfall.

Orochimaru walked closer to her as he placed his bloodied hand back on her mouth. "My, my, dear, I think you have hurt them enough." Orochimaru smirked down at the shocked brothers. "How does it feel like to have your heart torn out and shattered to pieces?"

Sakura masked the very last amount of chakra she had as it traveled to her hands. "Sakura-chan would know how it would feel. It has happened to her many times, right, dear?" Sakura didn't respond, only glanced down at Itachi.

You will understand when this all over…if I die or not.

Sakura quickly formed hand signs as blue electricity sparked around her hands. The electricity was traveling throughout her body, all the small sparks dancing in plain sight. "Poor, poor, Sakura-chan…" Orochimaru murmured, shaking his head in mocking sympathy.

Sasuke noticed the tiny blue electricity dancing around her feet. His mouth opened slightly, dumbfounded. It's all an act, isn't it, Sakura? Sasuke resisted the urge to smirk as he glanced towards Itachi. …But, does Itachi know this yet?

Sakura locked gazes with Sasuke as silent understanding was exchanged between the two teammates. She glanced at Orochimaru, already knowing he hadn't noticed yet. I may be the key to your plan…but you just happen to be the key to mine as well, Orochimaru… Sakura bent her head down silently.

Prepared to be shocked!

Instantly, Sakura slammed both her hands against King Manda's tongue as the blue crackling electricity traveled through her body into the snake's tongue. At the same exact time, she bit Orochimaru hand again as the same electrical current traveled from her body to his as well. King Manda growled lowly as he loosened his grip on her body when the sparks danced around his tongue as they traveled through his entire system.

Before Orochimaru's figure stiffened, he grabbed her shoulders as his nails dug into her shoulders. "L-Let me r-return the favor!" Orochimaru hissed out to her in pain, as the same harmful current traveled back through her body as well. Sakura brought up her hands and locked her hands onto his shoulders as well.

Sasuke gasped out in shock, noticing that the grip on Sakura was loosening by the second. He glanced at a motionless Itachi. …And they call you a prodigy…It serves you right for being so emotionless. You don't even know how to react anymore!

"Itachi…" Sasuke shouted at him, his gaze narrowing on his brother. Itachi glanced back at Sasuke impassively, his eyes duller than usual. "Can't you see that she was deceiving everyone…just to save you?" Sasuke lowered his voice, adding softly, "Sakura loves you and she wouldn't allow you to sacrifice just for her. She wants you to live on even if she doesn't."

Itachi didn't respond to Sasuke's explanation. Sasuke carefully balanced himself as he walked over to Itachi. "Sakura would rather sacrifice her life for us and…she hopes you would know that." Sasuke noticed Itachi's gaze lower onto the ground. "Don't look away, answer me!"

"…I know, little brother, I know." Itachi finally replied, his voice softer than usual. "I knew it was an act this entire time." Sasuke stared at Itachi, not sure how to react to this himself.

"...Then why are we doing nothing to help her? Are we just going to…going to let her die for nothing?" Sasuke growled irritability, walking in front of Itachi's line of vision. "If she loves you so much, why don't you do something to help her?"

"…I thought she would remain safe if I unattached myself from her…" Itachi murmured quietly, unaware he had said his thoughts aloud. "It would have been better for her…"

"Don't tell me you still believe that, Itachi." Sasuke countered, his crimson orbs flaring with disbelief. "If you truly care for her, then you wouldn't do such an inconsiderable thing." Sasuke pointed at the struggling fight between Sakura and Orochimaru. "Look what has happened, brother! Do you think this is safe for Sakura?"

Itachi glanced up at Sakura, noticing her flinching in pain as Orochimaru began to overpower her. His gaze settled back on Sasuke. "Hn." Without another word, Itachi silently walked forward towards the fighting shinobi. Sasuke merely watched him indifferently. Sometimes I wonder, Itachi, if you are truly the foolish brother.

Sakura was slipping out of King Manda's grip as the large snake withdrew his tongue slowly due to the effects of the paralyzing jutsu. Sakura still kept her hands firmly on Orochimaru's shoulders as she felt herself beginning to fall. Now she would not allow the edges of unconsciousness to reach her. Sakura would stay awake as long as it took to keep her alive.

Finally, Sakura felt the grip completely disappear as she fell along with Orochimaru. In the air, it was a battle of dominance. Both of them were struggling to remain on top as they kept turning repeatedly over one another, as they descended through the sky. The rain lessened their grip on each other as it caused more pain due to electrocution.

The ground was growing closer and closer. Sakura didn't even chance looking down as for the fear that it would only prove to be another disadvantage. "Y-You will die, do you hear me, Sakura-chan?" Orochimaru hissed out venomously in her face. Sakura shook her head in disagreement.

"I won't d-die before you do!" Sakura brought up a knee into his stomach, causing the Sanin to cough out blood onto her face. While Orochimaru was trying to recover, she brought the same leg around to smash it into his side. The kick brought Sakura on top of Orochimaru, his back facing the awaiting ground.

"You k-know, Orochimaru…The L-Leaf Village has had enough of you!" Sakura let go of his shoulders as she smacked his hands away from her own shoulders, allowing him to fall faster. He grabbed her ankle at the last second, bringing her down with him.

Sakura drew back a fist, bitterly smiling. This might be the end for Orochimaru and me…but I won't let it be the end for the Leaf Village. Lightning flashed above their hands as Sakura delivered the last blow to the snake-like shinobi. The punch hit his face with such force that it changed Orochimaru's position so he was heading towards the earth headfirst.

Naruto broke through the foliage that surrounded the area where he could sense his teammates. "Itachi! Sasuke! Sakura!" He called desperately, feeling the bloodlust that followed him for so long hesitate. "Where are you!" His scream pierced the sky.

Two falling figures caught his vision out of the corner of his eye. Without any other thought, he raced towards the struggling shinobi that were descending towards the ground. Sakura…Please don't let that be you!

Orochimaru's head cracked sickeningly as it rammed into the ground. Electric sparks still covered his body, forever paralyzing it. His hand let go of Sakura's ankle as his arm fell to the ground. Blood gushed out from his mouth, pouring down Orochimaru's face as it stained the pale face crimson.

Sakura braced herself for pain, closing her eyes as she felt the ground nearing. The edges of unconsciousness now threatened her since the undeniably fact proved that the battle was over. This must be the end for me…

I once promised that I would sacrifice my life for this village…and now, I can't help but feel content that I'm doing something for the village. If you love something enough…you will give your live to save it. That will probably be the way I will be remembered.

The girl that sacrificed her life to save the village that used to think of her being nothing but a useless burden.

Itachi moved forward with inhuman speed as he jumped towards the falling kunoichi. I won't let you sacrifice yourself for the village or me, Sakura.

Naruto could feel the Kyuubi's chakra beginning to encompass him as his tears hit the ground. His speed increased as he spread out his arms to catch Sakura. "Sakura-chan!"

A shadowed figure stood on the dead snake's head, watching the scene play out. It was very amusing to him. Indeed, there was much blood shed…but…not one sacrifice.

Itachi effortlessly caught Sakura in his arms, avoiding colliding with Naruto as he landed gracefully back onto the ground. Sakura still had her eyes closed, her body shaking even though the electricity dancing around her body had disappeared. Her chakra reserves were dangerously low and her breathing was shallow. "Sakura…" Itachi whispered softly, urging her to respond.

Naruto dropped to the ground, as he spun around to stare at the motionless kunoichi. "Sakura-chan!" He stood up abruptly, making his way to stand in front of Itachi. "…Sakura-chan?" Naruto whispered, not allowing himself to think of the worst possible scenario.

Sasuke silently made his way over slowly, his gaze lowered on Orochimaru's forever still body. ...Haruno Sakura…you are truly stronger than anyone I have ever met.

Hikaru gazed outside from his hospital bed. He wearily sighed as he glanced at his leg in the comfortable cast. …Where is Sakura-chan? I miss her…

Hikaru heard the door creak open on the opposite of the room, causing him to turn his head towards the entrance of the room. Ino entered the room with a tray of fruit in her hands. "Hey, Hikaru-kun." She flashed him a genuine smile. The injured child returned her smile with one of his own.

Ino kicked the door so it would close with her foot before making her way over to Hikaru. "How are you doing?" Ino asked gently, placing the tray down on a small stand.

"I'm fine, Ino-chan." Hikaru answered softly, his mind elsewhere. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the gloomy sky parting, allowing a thin line of light to shine through. "…Ino-chan?" Hikaru turned to her, worry shining in his dark chocolate orbs. She raised an eyebrow in concern.

"Yes?"

"…H-How are the other patients doing?" Ino scratched the back of neck lightly, shaking her head.

"Some are doing just fine and others are hurt pretty badly." Ino answered truthfully, her gaze lowered onto the floor. "The ones that are injured badly need their rest so we don't bother them unless they need medication or comfort."

"…Do you think…Sakura is injured out there?" Hikaru could feel tears stinging his eyes. Ino placed a hand on his head comfortingly as she playfully messed up his hair. Ino used her other hand to wipe away the tears.

"Knowing forehead girl, I'm sure she's so determined to save this village that she won't care if she's injured or not." Ino smiled, remembering many times that Sakura had risked injury just to complete a mission for the village. She was so proud to go out on missions for the village and I'm sure that's one thing that will never change.

The door burst open, startling Hikaru and Ino. "Great news, I-Ino!" A familiar voice shouted joyfully, smiling at the two curious listeners.

"Before you say anything, Hinata-chan, how are your wounds doing?" Ino asked professionally, gazing at the Hokage's wife bandaged covered wounds spread all over her body.

"I'm f-fine, Ino." Hinata assured her determinedly, eager to inform her of the wonderful news. "The war is over!" She burst out loudly, not even stuttering. "All the sound-nin are retreating right at this moment!"

"Really?" Ino asked in surprise. Hinata nodded, and turned around.

"I'm going t-to tell e-everyone!" Without another word, Hinata raced out the door. Ino couldn't help giggling, shaking her head at Hinata's new burst of confidence. Naruto really has changed you, and I'm so happy you survived that fall…

Ino turned back to Hikaru, who was staring out the window as he watched several sound-nin race across the rooftops of untouched buildings towards the Leaf Village gate. "You know what, Ino-chan?" Hikaru piped up, his voice louder than usual.

"Hmmm?"

"…I think Sakura-chan saved the village!" Hikaru cheered gleefully, smiling brightly. "She's really strong, and I want to be just like her!" Ino cocked her head slightly, watching Hikaru laugh. We can only guess that you will be just as strong as our cherry blossom.

"I'm sure you will be, sweetie…" Ino sighed contently, crossing her arms across her chest casually as she leaned against the wall to watch the storm outside break apart. "I'm sure you will…"

The sound of clapping directed Itachi's attention towards King Manda's motionless body. "A brilliant performance." A shadowed stranger gazed thoughtfully at the pink-haired kunoichi as he slowly made his way over to the group.

Itachi's gaze lowered onto the man, recognizing his identity instantly. "Why have you come here, Leader-sama?" Leader simply glanced at Naruto briefly before he settled his calculating gaze back onto Itachi.

"Do not question my presence, Itachi-san. You very well know the reason." The older Uchiha brother narrowed his gaze on Leader. "You witnessed my actions only a few hours ago."

Naruto took a step back away from the Akatsuki leader, watching him warily. "You were the one pursing me through the forest, weren't you?" Naruto accused him, his cerulean eyes hardening with disbelief and fear.

"I'm surprised you just now noticed, Naruto-kun." Leader answered nonchalantly. "Not only did you realize it as well…but Itachi-san did as well before we left the village." Leader acknowledged Itachi with a brief nod, some emotion near disappointment showing in his unusual eyes.

"What are you saying?" Sasuke asked, entering the conversation. Leader cocked his head slightly at Sasuke, his gaze analyzing the younger brother.

"I'm saying that Itachi opposed my action to take Naruto away for the extraction of the Kyuubi." Leader turned towards to Itachi, glaring at him. "I cannot begin to comprehend why you have refused the power of the Kyuubi that was to be given to you."

"I didn't refuse the power, Leader-sama." Itachi replied coldly, staring evenly at the mysterious figure. "I merely realized that you planned to have the Kyuubi of yourself."

"When we return to headquarters, I shall decide how exactly you will be punished for your inconsiderable actions." Leader's gaze dropped onto the kunoichi. "You will return immediately after your partner wakes up."

Without hesitating, Leader unwrapped Sakura's Leaf headband from her arm. Naruto's eyes widened when Leader withdrew a kunai and slashed a line through the Leaf Village symbol. "Sakura and I shall talk about my end of the deal as soon as she returns."

As Leader placed the slashed leaf headband onto Sakura's stomach, he bent down near her ear. "Even if you are unconscious, I know you'll hear me…" Leader whispered menacingly, softly. "I don't care if you saved your village or not…You belong to the Akatsuki and nothing else."

Leader straightened up, turning his back on the other shinobi. "How do you know that I will let you take Sakura-chan away?" Naruto inquired, his voice low with hate. Leader didn't turn around or respond. "…Cause I won't let her leave again! Never!"

Before Naruto could comprehend what happened, he found a kunai pressed against his throat. Leader's narrowed, unusual eyes flashed with controlled anger. "Unless you want this village or anyone that you hold dear to be erased from existence, I suggest you remain silent. Sakura will come on her own accord whether you like it or not because she knows the consequences of making unwise decisions."

Leader removed the kunai from Naruto's neck before swiftly turning to Itachi. "I expect you to arrive at headquarters in less than a month." Without another word, Leader formed hand signs as his body began to blur before their vision. Within a second, the Akatsuki leader's body was gone, leaving the group in silence.

"It's not fair…" Naruto whispered softly as he followed Sasuke and Itachi down the hallways of Konoha Hospital. Team 7 was reunited only when our village was in danger and now…we are breaking apart…again.

Sasuke glanced back towards Naruto, resisting the urge to sigh. "Naruto, it is a fact of life. Life isn't fair." He reminded his teammate softly, careful not to hurt Naruto anymore. You haven't changed at all, Naruto. You are the same naive kid I remember from our Genin days.

Naruto didn't respond, only followed the Uchiha brothers farther down the long, bright hallway. Sasuke finally let out a weary sigh, feeling pain encompass his injured leg. His gaze drifted around the busy hallway, watching nurses cheer about the war ending as they passed one another on their way to aid to patients. One of the most familiar nurses, Ino, stopped what she was doing to stare at them in confusion.

Her worried stare settled on the unconscious Sakura before she ran up beside Itachi. "What happened to her?" Ino asked as Sakura groaned in pain, her body beginning to shake. Itachi didn't respond at first, his features impassive. Ino jumped in front of him with her hands spread out to stop him, avoiding bumping into another nurse.

"Answer me!" Ino shouted at the older man, silently fearing that he might retaliate against her actions. Itachi hesitated in front of her, coldness showing in his crimson eyes.

"Perhaps if you worried more about Sakura's critical state than what happened, you would be able to find your answers later." Itachi countered harshly, leaving Ino speechless. Sasuke stepped beside his older brother, silently urging the young nurse to follow Itachi's advice.

Ino hesitated briefly before motioning them to follow her further to a close-by room, opening the door to allow them to enter. Itachi entered the unoccupied room first, making his way over to the farthest away bed. Sasuke and Naruto followed soon after, Naruto faking a smile and mouthing a silent 'thank you'. Ino merely shrugged and stepped into the room after them.

Sakura was already laid out on the bed, ready for an examination. Ino quickly hooked her up to several machines to identify any major damage. Itachi leaned against the wall, watching the Yamanaka girl work. He still displayed the cold, emotionless mask in front of everyone else.

Sasuke felt his eyelids droop halfway as he stood silently beside Naruto. He tried to force them to stay open, but it was almost impossible to stop at this point. The world was fading black, his senses slowly growing duller.

Before anyone could react, Sasuke fell forward onto the floor, unconscious.

- One Week Later – (First Week)

"I don't understand why I have to remain in the hospital for another week…" Naruto mumbled, folding his arms across his chest impatiently. Ino raised an eyebrow at him, resisting the urge to sigh loudly as she placed an apple on his nightstand.

"I cannot allow you to leave, Naruto. You may not think you don't have major injuries, but you do. That's exactly why you will be staying here until I believe you are well enough to leave." Ino reminded him, placing her hands on her hips.

"…I hate hospitals…" Naruto leaned against his leaned back bed, looking up at the ceiling. Ino stared at him briefly, noticing the worried look forming on his features. Her gaze switched from Naruto to Sakura and Sasuke. Both of them were still unconscious, still in critical condition. They were doing quite well, but she sometimes had her doubts if they would live no matter how much she tried to stop thoughts like that from swarming her mind.

"…At least you get to spend time with Sasuke and Sakura, even if they are not awake." Ino tried to encourage him, but he merely closed his eyes to the world. It was evident he was done talking about the hopeless situation at hand and for once, was remaining silent.

Ino quietly made her way over to Sakura, noting her childhood friend's body was beginning to shake from the aftershock again. Without hesitating, Ino placed a hand on Sakura's abnormal sized forehead and allowed soothing chakra to enter the girl's body. After a few minutes, Sakura's body stopped shaking and relaxed. "I hope you wake up soon, Sakura-chan." Ino whispered softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "There are too many people hoping you will be alright and praying that you will wake up soon…"

Ino removed her hand from Sakura's forehead, the green medical chakra disappearing from view. She could hear loud snoring; already knowing Naruto had finally fallen asleep. The exhausted nurse dropped into a nearby stool, leaning her head against the window as she stared up at ceiling. I really hope everything will turn out alright.

Another Week Later – (Second Week)

"Good morning, N-Naruto-kun." Hinata placed her hand over the young Hokage's own, gently waking him. Naruto groggily turned his head to smile at her, squeezing her hand in his own greeting. Hinata blushed, smiling back at him as well.

Before the shy girl could react, Naruto sat up abruptly. "Are they awake yet?" He had asked the same exact question everyday since last week, always trying to stay confident that his teammates would wake up soon. Hinata tried to smile at him in reassurance, but ended up turning her head away from him.

"I'm sorry…" Hinata murmured, her gaze lowering onto the floor. Naruto didn't respond to her honest apology. He only sighed wearily as he lay back down to stare blankly at the ceiling. This may be the last time I see either of you, but you both still haven't woken up.

The door opened and closed quietly as Ino silently made her way into the room. She swiftly made her way to the two unconscious teammates, cautiously avoiding the emotionless Akatsuki member that leaned against the wall with his eyes closed to the world. Ino carefully checked their vital signs and made sure their slow recovery was running smoothly.

"…Ino, are they still in critical condition?" Naruto whispered softly, already knowing the answer. Ino hesitated with her work, staring at the deep wounds on Sakura's fragile body. Sakura whimpered in her comatose state as her body shivered. As Ino placed a medical chakra enhanced hand onto Sakura's forehead to stop the shaking, she answered.

"Yes." The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Ino felt tears sting at her eyes as she tried to wipe them away. A few tears escaped down her cheeks and off her chin, dropping onto Sakura's own cheek.

Naruto could hear Ino beginning to cry, feeling admiration towards her strong will for the last two weeks. The young nurse hadn't cried during his teammates' recovery, that is, until now. Ino sniffed once, continuing her work despite her small weakness.

"Naruto…I still haven't heard the story." Ino murmured, more tears falling onto Sakura's pale cheek. Naruto finally turned his head to stare at the crying girl. His eyelids drooped slightly, revealing only half the world in front of him.

"…I won't tell you, Ino." Naruto replied firmly, yet soft. "I won't tell anyone until Sakura and Sasuke wake up to tell you themselves." Ino merely sighed and nodded, showing a bitter smile. …If they wake up. The unspoken words seemed to hang in the air, making the atmosphere of the room build with tension.

"I-I…understand. I respect you for that, Hokage-sama." Ino smiled him softly, turning back to her work. …I think we all do.

Drip.

A raindrop fell into the darkness, splashing onto unseen ground. The waves that the splash created were growing crimson with every drop.

Drop.

Sakura stared at the ground blankly, watching as raindrops fell constantly around her. You belong to the Akatsuki…and nothing else.

Drip.

Sakura gazed at her reflection in silence. With every raindrop, the reflection was slowing changing to something else entirely. The village is no longer you home.

Drop.

The face of Leader formed before her eyes, startling her with horror. You joined the Akatsuki…and now you cannot escape your decision. Sakura fell to her knees, unable to argue her back. The kunoichi tried to block out the words that Leader spoke as they echoed around her.

Once I'm finished with you…

Sakura stared in growing horror as Leader's image disappeared from the reflection of the crimson colored water and appeared in front of her. His shadowed figure loomed over her, his dark smirk showing in the everlasting dark.

…You will remain loyal to the Akatsuki and its goals…

Sakura scooted back away from the Akatsuki leader, but he only followed her. Her hand dipped into the crimson liquid as she reached the end of darkened land. Sakura removed her hand from the staining liquid, staring at the substance that stuck to her hands in shocked disbelief. "This isn't raindrops…" She whispered as the familiar crimson liquid stained her hands deep red.

"…Its blood…" Leader's smirk grew wider, darker.

Not to mention that you will help accomplish those goals and give us aid in conquering the Leaf village and the rest of the world!

"No!" Sakura screamed, watching the crimson blood beginning to form larger waves. More blood began to lap up against her body as she tried to escape the sticky substance. Finally, one giant bloody wave formed as its shadow loomed over her.

Leader placed his hands on her shoulders to keep her still. There's nothing you can do to stop it, my dear. Before she could even respond in protest, the wave was unleashed upon them.

Sakura could feel herself drowning the metallic liquid. Only the color of crimson could be seen before her. Her eyes were beginning to close as the world began to swirl black and bloody red. "N-No…"

Sakura gasped out into the night, breathing heavily. "I-It will all be coming to an end soon…" She whispered softly, turning her head to gaze around the darkened room. Only Sasuke and her when occupying the room at the moment. Sakura could barely see the younger brother's limp form under the blood stained sheets across from her own bed.

Sakura struggled to sit up as her stiffened body protested with long subdued pain. Her feet lightly touched the cold tile floor, sending chills down her spine. The pink-haired girl bent her head down as her pained gaze settled onto the village outside. …I cannot waste time. I must talk to Leader-sama now.

Sakura could feel her chakra building up slowly, obviously not enough yet to make the whole trip to the Akatsuki hideout. Regardless of her weak state, she placed her hands together and focused her chakra down to her lower half of her body. Once satisfied with the necessary amount of concentrated amount of chakra was applied, Sakura carefully stood to her feet after stumbling quite a bit as she tried to balance herself.

After a few minutes of learning how to balance herself without falling, she moved forward as she used the tall metal railing end of the hospital beds for support. Sakura grabbed the door handle once she reached it and turned it quietly. The door opened, the bright-lit hallways blinding her momentarily.

Emerald eyes adjusted quickly as their owner entered into the hallway cautiously, looking down both ways to make sure she was safe to escape. Before she could even shut her door, Sakura heard a click farther down the hallway to her right. Without hesitating, the kunoichi masked her chakra and raced down to the darker section of the opposite hallway.

Once she reached the shadowed part of the hallway, she turned around cautiously to see there was no one following her. Sakura resisted the urge to sigh wearily when she felt the pain increase from her small feat. I must be imagining things…

She turned around towards the nearest exit at the end of the dark, narrow hallway. Looking back every so often to make sure there really wasn't anyone following her, Sakura continued towards the glass exit door. As she grasped the handle of the door for her escape, she allowed herself to take one look back at the hospital that she may never be able to see again.

It only proves that I must stop Leader at all costs! I cannot allow more people to die…

Without another thought, she stepped backward to exit the door. She bumped into something entirely different, startling her. Spinning around in a matter of seconds, she faced the stranger as she slid into a fighting stance.

Sakura's mouth opened slightly in astonishment, not sure how to react. "Why are you here, Itachi?" She whispered in disbelief to the older Uchiha. He merely blinked at her as his crimson gaze rested on her face. Sakura dropped her fighting stance, flinching when pain rippled through her body again.

"Were you planning on leaving the village without saying goodbye?" He asked softly, surprising the silent kunoichi. Sakura opened her mouth to reply, but was speechless.

Finally finding her voice after a few minutes, she answered, "There is no time. I must leave immediately." Itachi cocked his head slightly at her answer. Sakura silently tried to push past Itachi, but he wouldn't budge at all.

"What do you hope to accomplish, Sakura?" Itachi replied as he blocked her exit. "Do you think you can save everyone in this village from the Akatsuki and all other dangers?" He placed a hand on her shoulder lightly, trying to calm her.

"I have to try." She countered harshly, refusing to look at him. "I cannot let Leader win, not without a fight!" Itachi sighed at her answer, shaking his head.

"You are very naïve and stubborn." Itachi said, noticing her beginning to have trouble standing. Sakura bitterly smiled, beginning to stumble forward. She was already almost out of chakra and couldn't stand much longer.

"J-Just like you, ne?" Sakura's tone softened as she felt her knees give out. Itachi embraced her around the waist, not letting her fall. He gazed down at her.

"I am not naïve, Sakura." Itachi calmly remarked, keeping a small distance between their bodies. Sakura sighed wearily, feeling the pain beginning to grow.

"You can be, Itachi…You can be." Sakura whispered softly as she watched light from the early morning sunrise peeking over the broken walls of the village. We must leave now. Otherwise, I don't I'll be able to leave at all…Itachi resisted the urge to sigh at the girl he held.

"Itachi, we need to leave now." Sakura murmured quietly, not bothering to hear his response. "I'll be fine without the hospital's t-treatment." Itachi carefully adjusted her so that he was carrying her bridal-style.

"We?" Itachi asked with a perfectly raised eyebrow. Sakura resisted the urge to allow herself to place her head against his chest, feeling a small hope beginning to burst within her.

"If I didn't ask you to, I know you would have left with me anyways." Sakura whispered softly as he exited the door silently. Itachi glanced down at her briefly before focusing on the path that would take them out of the village. After about ten minutes, they reached the gate just as the sun was beginning to rise over the village.

"This might be our final farewell to the village." Itachi murmured as he passed through the broken doors of the Leaf Village Gate. Sakura glanced away from the village, not bothering to look back. She couldn't bear the thought that it could be the last time they would ever see their true home.

"That was a t-truly depressing thought, Itachi." Sakura closed her eyes, inserting her leftover chakra into the more severe wounds effortlessly. Itachi bitterly smirked, looking down on the pink haired girl.

"It's nothing but the truth." After Sakura ceased healing, she opened her eyes to gaze up at the sky above them.

"Yeah…" Sakura admitted softly, feeling unconsciousness beginning to settle in. "…I guess…" Sakura sighed, the world fading black slowly. "I guess it is…" Sakura murmured before she completely faded into the awaiting darkness as her head leaned against Itachi's chest.

"Too bad it has to be t-true…"

I'm glad this chapter is done! We only have one chapter left before this story ends. :) I hoped everyone really liked this chapter since it introduced Sakura and Itachi's new growing relationship. (Argh, I feel like the ending for this chapter was too rushed…) …Oh well.

Yes, I do know this is the longest chapter in the story and also the longest one I have ever typed up. I'm exhausted from typing so much! Phew!

I'm sure some of you may be disappointed with the rushed part, but I can't make that ending without some fluff. Anyways, onto the poll updates.

This is another future story featured in the poll:

Endure The Pain: - Current Summary: Haruno Sakura had always wanted to save Sasuke from the pain he had endured over all the years after the Uchiha Massacre, and she promised herself to do whatever that may stand in the way of her objective. Yet, when she finds that the murderer of the Uchiha Clan is the only one standing in her way, she must risk everything or simply break her promise.

Considered Main Pairings: SasuSaku or ItaSakuSasu

Expected Update: I haven't decided on this one's release yet. All I know is I have to work out the entire plot and some details to get this one started. Obviously, this will not be just a one-shot.

Expected Rating: This one will probably be rated mature. Mostly for violence, gore, language, and some very tiny bits of sexual situations.

Anyways, I'm off to make the last chapter! Have a nice spring break everyone:)

Oh, and thank you very much for the reviews, alerts, and favorites!

See you soon!

SharinganAnbuSakura