Okay all here's the next chapter of Lost. I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks to all of you who reviewed and added me to your faves and alert lists. It's much appreciated.
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Lost.
Chapter Sixteen – A Reason To Fight.
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Sakura walked back to the Uchiha estate. Once she got to the house, she opened the door and called out for Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi. Naruto and Sasuke came from the deck. Sakura saw twin grins of amusement on their faces. Kakashi came from the kitchen, but he didn't look as happy. Sakura blinked at her father in confusion then she told the three of them to sit down. She bit her lip as she explained exactly what was going on with Itachi. Sasuke looked devastated. "Why didn't he say anything?" Sasuke asked.
"He didn't want to worry us." Naruto answered the question before Sakura had to.
"Why did he tell you before us?" Sasuke asked Sakura. His tone of voice was sad, not angry.
"He didn't tell me. I just happened to walk in on him throwing up in the bathroom. I don't think he would've considered telling me if I hadn't." Sakura replied.
"That's probably true." The group turned to look at Pein, who was with Konan. "He's been sick for a while. I told him that he should tell you all about it. He just didn't want to upset any of you." Pein added. The group looked at Sakura.
"We'd better go to the hospital." Sasuke stated. Naruto nodded and both teens walked to the door and pulled on their Ninja sandals. Kakashi also moved to leave the house. Sakura followed them out. Pein and Konan both grinned.
"At least Itachi has someone that will look after him." Konan stated. Pein nodded and the pair left to follow the others to the hospital.
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Itachi sighed as Tsunade made him get into one of the hospital beds. That was when Sasuke and Naruto came into the room. Kakashi followed them, and Sakura followed him. Pein and Konan arrived on the window ledge. No one asked any questions. They all just took seats around the room and waited for Itachi to speak first.
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That night, Itachi felt someone shaking his arm. He realised he was coughing and choking, and he felt someone gently pull him into a seated position and place a bowl in front of him. He was grateful that someone had woken him, and he felt a gentle hand rub his back until he finished throwing up and his breathing regulated back to normal. Then he felt the same gentle hand wipe the blood from his lips with a damp cloth and hand him a glass of water. He looked at Sakura sadly. "Thanks Sakura." He said softly.
"Don't worry about anything. Just get well." Sakura said gently. Itachi wanted so badly to say that he would be fine, but he didn't want to be the one to lie to an innocent teenage girl. He still wasn't sure if there were more to it than that, and at the moment he didn't want to attempt to find it all out. He just wanted to sleep.
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The next day, Tsunade, in her medical brilliance had found exactly what they needed to know about. She came into the room as the group were sat around Itachi's bed. "The problem he has can be cured by surgery. It's not an easy procedure and there are no guarantees. But if you make it off of the operating table and wake up after the surgery, your chances will be a lot better." Tsunade stated. Itachi nodded as he looked at Sasuke and Naruto. Both teens looked desperate for good news. He would be operated on as soon as was possible.
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Sasuke looked out of the window of the hospital room, a dull look in his eyes. Naruto was stood next to him. "What if he dies Naruto?" Sasuke asked sadly.
"He's strong Sasuke. He'll survive." Naruto replied softly. Sasuke nodded and once again carried on looking out of the window. Naruto rested a hand on his shoulder and both were trying to offer each other comfort in a small way.
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Every night for a week after the operation, one of the group would sit by Itachi's bedside. Even when they were supposed to be at home resting, Sasuke and Naruto slept in the waiting room, waiting for any news, Sakura curled up between them to keep warm. Tonight was Kakashi's turn to keep watch over Itachi. "I don't know how you feel about Sakura or how she feels about you. But for Sasuke and Naruto to notice a change in the both of you there must be something there Itachi. But if you hurt my daughter, I'll kill you in your sleep." Kakashi stated calmly. An unconscious Itachi did not move. But Kakashi somehow felt that he'd understood.
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A week later, Itachi opened his eyes and saw Sakura staring down at him. Once she noticed his eyes fluttering, she smiled brightly. Itachi couldn't help but like the girl's bright smile. "You're awake. We were all really worried Itachi." Sakura said softly.
"There wasn't any need to be worried Sakura." Itachi replied.
"Of course there's a need. We're all a family, as you told Danzo not two weeks ago. Families worry about each other." Sakura replied. She held on to Itachi's hand gently. Something that Itachi hadn't noticed when he woke up. "We're going to look after you and make sure you get well." Sakura added softly. Itachi gave the girl a small smile of his own.
"How are Sasuke and Naruto?" Itachi asked. Sakura smiled again.
"They're asleep in the waiting room, hoping for news." Sakura replied. Itachi gave a slightly bigger smile.
"Let them sleep Sakura. They probably need it." Itachi stated kindly. Sakura nodded and sat down beside Itachi's bed once more and Itachi decided he had plenty of reasons worth fighting for, to keep him alive.