Naruto Kyuubi Chronicles
Part VI: Reunion
Gai clambered across the rubble with fierce determination. Like a man possessed he cast the bricks and mortar aside, desperate for any signs of life. The heat and arenaceous cloak bore down upon him, smothering him, choking him. He clung tightly to any hopes that his precious boy would still be alive, but it was an ever-increasing struggle to carry on. At this rate it was highly likely that he would suffocate within minutes. Another moment of frantic searching, Gai turned and rested haphazardly atop the debris, letting out a rough sigh before wiping the sweat and dust from his brow. The nausea began its invasion. His chest shook as he coughed raucously, releasing unbeknownst dust previously dormant on his lungs. He rested his head in his hands, conscious slowly slipping away from the search and the heat.
On the brink of the comforting slumber of his unconscious, Gai bolted upright at the sound of a small, weak noise. With renewed vigor he clawed his way though the wreckage, boring towards the sound's origin. He stopped in stupefied elation, staring in sheer disbelief at the weakened figure submerged in rubble. He watched endearingly as the figure's bruised face turned towards him, a swollen eye widened in confusion. 'G-Gai sensei?' Lee breathed, his voice harsh and strained. Gai felt a tear pluck itself away from his eye, prickling gently down his cheek. 'Lee…' he whispered. He tore the rocks away and lifted the boy out of his prison, resting him on his knees, kneeling down to face him. He starred lovingly at his student, thanking the powers that be for his safety, an almost sickening sense of relief.
As if being awoken with a violent splash of cold water, Lee shuddered and stared up at his sensei. He wiped at his sore face, shock and euphoric exaltation in his eyes. Leaping awkwardly and wincing lightly in pain he cried 'Gai sensei!!', enveloping him in a weak hug. Gai held his student close, his frame shaking from holding back tears. Bringing his head to Lee's shoulder, the hug tightened. 'You're my boy…' he said, before letting the tears flow as they wished.
The Hokage paced as he thought long and hard. 'She's the only one I can think of to rely on at this time', he turned and faced those present. 'With her help I'm sure we'll excel with the regeneration process. As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, Konoha, too, shall be reborn.' He looked once more at the torn village, pausing in uneasy reflection. 'Asuma' he said solemnly. Asuma stood to attention. 'I want you to accompany these three brave genin in finding Tsunade. With her medical skills and physical prowess, I'm sure she will prove a valuable asset through these dark times.' Asuma nodded and disappeared in a plume of smoke, followed by Neji Hyuuga, Shikamaru Nara and Sakura Haruno.
Sarutobi stared out at the village. 'With all of your help we can rebuild this great land.' He said somewhat sorrowfully. Sarutobi looked over the remaining jounin. 'Future generations will come to thank and admire you as saviors, and I… I am proud of your loyalty.' He smiled thinly, eyes creasing with fatigue. 'Where many have fled, uncertain of returning, you have stood proud, protecting and aiding your fellow villagers. Together, we can rebuild our lives, our homes, our futures. As a family.' He smiled at the Council, a murmur of approval and optimism. Raido stepped forward. 'Work has already begun on excavating the land for survivors. Kotetsu and Izumo have the injured ready to be treated by the ANBU medic nin, and some of the Special Jounin are sorting out materials that can be reused.'
Sarutobi turned and stood proud. 'The let us go. Let each of us help as we might. That we may rebuild a great land'.