Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XIV

I tiredly rub my eyes when looking at the window. I hadn't slept well at all. Tossing and turning had been my ritual for the last couple of weeks and it was starting to take its toll on my body. I was starting to ache all over.
Stretching out again, I slowly walk towards the window that looked out on one of the main streets of the village. My eyes mindlessly watched people passing by, hurrying through the rummage trying to get wherever they had to be.

I haven't seen these streets for such a long time…

It wasn't a melancholic feeling that took me over. More kind of a familiar tiredness that seemed to follow me around wherever I went. I let out a sigh when thinking this might never go away again, as it was slowly becoming a part of me.

Thinking back, I now realize it had been one hell of a tiring trip. Both mentally and physically I had gone through so much suffering. I had hardly been able to keep up with their pace. Emotionally I had been struggling to leave behind a life I wasn't ready to say goodbye to. There had been so many silent tears…

And yet I hope… you both made it out alive.

It had taken me a day or two to accept I didn't want either of them to get caught. Maybe it was a bit ridiculous or an overreaction to what had happened but I didn't want to become the part that ended their story. Their bond.

I even secretly wanted to see where they were now and where they'd be going in life. I hated the idea I would probably never end up knowing.

Maybe that is for the best.

Luckily Kakashi had been stubborn and was set on heading towards Konoha straight away, which eased my mind a little. Despite their weakened state that meant they had a legit chance of getting away safely. Though I didn't doubt their skills the slightest. Small conversations had given away how smart and well-though out their plans were. Deep inside, I knew they'd make it out. With or without my help. I just didn't know if there wasn't someone smarter out there that might be able to catch up with them.

Ibiki had been quiet. Mostly keeping what had had happened to himself. I didn't know what to make of it but I hoped he'd somewhat keep it that way.

Though I still didn't quite know what I'd be telling them myself. Should I stick with what I got or should I come clean?

If so… I've had plenty of opportunities to speak up and I knew Tsunade would never believe me when I'd say I was too scared to do so.
Making some sort of deal like Zabuza had said seemed impossible now that Ibiki knew, I didn't know what he'd be telling them and I could end up worse if got caught lying.

I felt my resolve crumble in my hands and my despair grow.

I had no idea what the outcome could be.

I wish I could talk to someone… Someone kind. Just to sooth my mind a little and make me feel… good.

I had expected to meet up Inui somewhere halfway but it seemed he was in too much of a haste to get back to Konoha himself. Apparently his arrival was awaited. Kakashi had explained he'd be filling in the position of his late mentor but a few necessary procedures were to take place.

Though from what I had picked up, there had been a change of plans since Kakashi had mentioned Inui had wanted to talk to Ibiki to settle the situation before any official ceremony took place.

I realized that for Inui it wasn't something that could be swept under the rug. He wanted to avenge his mentor, honor his death by justice. He still longed for the truth.

What if the truth is far more complex?

Zabuza had been honest when telling me this went higher up.

I frowned when wondering in what type of web I had unknowingly tangled myself into. Every closet held a skeleton and I was becoming frightening of what was to come. Konoha wouldn't give me an easy way out. I hadn't exactly kept it simple myself. I had no one to ally myself with.

After all, I was still confused about what exact position Ibiki held in all of this.

On our journey over he kept giving me pitiful looks and even apologized. I almost felt a little sorry for not being honest with him but one word and I would be giving away everything I had kept hidden for so long.

It was time to let it be. I needed to let go in order to get away from it all. So it didn't matter who was doing right or wrong.

I gave myself a nod as I tried to settle things in my mind. I needed to come off as certain in front of Tsunade, only then I could perhaps make a deal.

Ibiki would presumable get a simple punishment for disobeying an order…
From what I gathered… Konoha wasn't as unaware of this operation as much I had thought.
How can I even try to be honest when there is so much deceit!?

Let it go, Sakura,

I sternly told myself. All you need to do is get back home, were everything is normal again.

Zabuza is gone, like I had wanted. And Haku was… with him.

So I guess the only loser is me, I bitterly told myself. Snickering at my own self-pity, I tore my gaze off the noisy streets of Konoha and looked up. The weather was wonderful. A bright sun and a beautiful blue sky.

Opening the window, I take a deep breath of fresh air.

I could hear people happily chatting and saw no signs of true poverty in this beautiful village. Such a shrill contrast to what my eyes were used to.

I think ofmy dear colleagues and pretty much the entire village.

I haven't forgotten you guys.

Luckily my hotel-room wasn't as luxurious as the view outside, which for some reason made me feel a little at home. At least here I wasn't completely out of place. I let my shoulders drop, staring into my hot cup of tea.

I still feel so tired…

With a sigh I abruptly ended my wallowing, deciding it was enough for today.
No matter how I felt, things weren't going to change. I had to deal with the consequences of my decisions, no matter how unforeseen they had become.

Though I admit I never had thought helping some poor boy would get me in this position.

There is a long silence. The atmosphere is rather unpleasant and I can't help but let out another sigh, hoping that one of them would just speak up. Even if it was to say that they didn't believe a word I had said and I was found guilty of treason. But none of them said a word, as if they were all awaiting Tsunade's response.
I could tell she didn't quite believe me but saying it here, in this room with so many officials… that would be sentencing me to an actual imprisonment.

Above all, she knew the foul play that would come at hand if it was inclined I actually had something to do with the murder. Or the one who was responsible for the operation.

It wouldn't even surprise me if they'd start claiming I had abused my privileges as a doctor and had been motivated by my personal beliefs to not follow protocol, making me the one who had actually "killed" the dear counselor.

The thoughts make my head spin but I tried to keep stern face, not letting my mask fall as easily as I usually did.

Right now, only Tsunade and Inui were the ones being able to keep me out of some hellhole where I didn't belong.

I hated having to depend on them so much.

If things weren't so complicated… And if I hadn't done the things I had done I wouldn't be in this position. I wouldn't be going mad by the insecurity and the doubt tirelessly swirling around me.

'Your statement is noted and will be a part of the ongoing investigation. I have no choice but to put you on off-duty for the time being,' Tsunade coolly declared. I could tell she was keeping her distance, not letting any type of emotion slip through her façade either.

Sometimes I wondered if we weren't just fooling ourselves by thinking we could hide our emotions like this. I knew her so well and she knew me. We could communicate without speaking a word.

I knew she wanted to talk. She could tell I was lying.

Truth was, no matter how much I hated the idea, I would have lie to her as well. Not just to keep myself or others out of trouble. Revealing what had truly happened would be for the worse.

It would be a manhunt and Konoha would lose Kirigakure as a an ally. It was all so complex, even politically it was all very sensitive. The less was known the better, how sad that may sound.

Pardoning the meeting, everyone got up but Tsunade herself. Her brows were knitted together and she kept the stern look on her face intact. Her brown eyes were boring into mine, making me feel slightly uncomfortable. I didn't know what type of conversation was about to take place.

One we certainly never had before.

I knew she would disapprove of a lot of the things I had done.

But that was simply because politically wise she was bound to reasons and rules and had no other choice to obey them. I knew deep inside, she hated them as much as I did.

The room was soon empty. Even Shizune left, knowing us well enough that we wanted to talk in private. With a small, uncertain, smile she greeted me when passing me by.
Throughout the meeting she had tried to keep a straight face, though occasionally sending a worried look to me or Tsunade. Though Tsunade never responded to her, hardly acknowledging her presence.

The blinds were closed to keep out the bright sun, making the room quite dim. Yet I didn't need much light to see the look on her face. With a sigh she broke the silence between us.

'Is there anything you like to add, Sakura?' she asked with tired voice.

I think about it for a second. My eyes averting hers before finally returning to give a firm answer. 'No.'

'Are you sure?' Her tone is sharp and her eyes pleading me to open up.

'Yeah,' I mutter. I had told her a story without Haku or Zabuza in it. Meaning I had witnessed a murder and had seen a figure leave of who I was uncertain of. It could've been anyone. Even when seeing a picture of Zabuza, I said I couldn't be certain.

My heart was still beating erratically when thinking back at the picture being shoved under my nose.

'Morino is convinced it was Momochi, though now he seems to finally admit that perhaps he could be wrong. It is always a little unnerving at how people can change their minds so quickly,' she said mumbling the last part, as if not truly believing Ibiki's new statement.

Now I was completely confused to what his part was in this mission. If Ibiki was the one behind everything, why was he so keen on finding Zabuza at first? Now he was keeping him secret as well…

'What is going to happen now?' I ask her, wanting some clarity. I wasn't entitled to it but as her student I was hoping she would grant me it anyway. I hated all of the unspoken words hanging between us.

'You'll be off-duty for a while. Ibiki will have some sort of formal punishment. It all kind of depends on what Inui decides.' She stayed quiet, awaiting my response a little. I quirk up an eyebrow at her.
'What do you mean?'
'Well, if Inui doesn't confirm your story or decides to send Ibiki to an actual prison, we'll have completely different scenario.'

'Since when does it all depend on Inui?' I ask her.

'He's the only one who also saw the assassin. At first he agreed with Morino but days later said he wasn't certain about the identity of the man, since he was still wearing his mask.'

'I don't understand…' I say feeling utterly confused.
'Inui doesn't think like Ibiki, meaning he knows what will happen should we declare that a missing-nin from Kirigakure has assassinated a high official from Konoha.'
'He was angry at first,' I mumble suddenly understanding his shift in position. Inui wasn't naïve or foolish, it seemed he too had thought of the consequences.

'Better keep him as a friend,' she nods.

The icy tone was unnerving and I could tell she disapproved of Inui's sudden change, despite his well-reasoned motive.

Relief was still far away from where I was currently standing. I could tell there was something complex going on. She also obviously disapproved of me being so dependable on him with my story.
'He's the one defending you tooth and nail. But if anything went different from what you said, I have no other choice but to take away your license as a doctor.'

She knew how much that meant to me and I could feel my body stiffen up.

Too late now, I have to stick with what I have said. Yet I couldn't stop the feeling of instant regret. Why was I dragging this on and on?

A part of me wanted to come clean. It also irked me that Ibiki was only going to get a formal punishment given his position. I still found his behavior odd and couldn't quite make out if he was a friend or foe.

'What is a formal punishment exactly?' I curiously ask, not being able to help myself.

'Some time off, therapy and excessive paperwork,' she answered with slight annoyance. 'It is hard for a man like him to accept he has failed his mission. It is unlike him to behave this way, though.' She gave it some thought on why and how she could personally help him. I could tell she genuinely liked him.

Which made me feel even more confused. …Was she unaware of the operation?

'Stealing from the hospital is punishable,' she suddenly started. I wince when realizing some reports had made their way here to her. It wasn't just during the time Ibiki was in the hospital and I had patients at home. I had done it before for other innocent patients as well.

'So I'll add that punishment to your time off.'

'How long won't I be able to work?' I ask her, deciding to not dwell on the fact she knew. It's not that she would hate me for it, it is just simply a part of her job to set thing rights even if it had been done for good reasons. I wasn't above any law, like Kakashi had said.

'A few months.'

A heavy feeling overtakes me. Well at least I wouldn't have to deal with ANBU…
But it would be tough. I don't know if it were the small things that I'd miss the most or simply the rush that came with taking care of people.
And what would I do with all of that free time? I won't know how to fill my days.

'I know this part is the worse punishment for you,' Tsunade starts. 'But it could end up being much, much worse.'

I could read what she was trying to say in between the lines. If anything is revealed, if Ibiki speaks up… I suddenly thought of something. Maybe he was afraid Zabuza would point the finger to him and reveal everything?

'Despite of the situation, I am glad to see you.'

When I look up I see a genuine smile appear on her practically flawless face. I smile, nodding my head and telling her it was likewise, even given the horrendous circumstances. And just like that she turned into my mentor, my dear friend and guardian. Getting up from her seat, she came to stand next to me.

'Give it some time and it will blow over,' she quietly told me while placing an arm around me.
'Thanks,' I smile, feeling suddenly very joyful. Getting up we give each other a warm, and much needed, embrace.

Six months later.

I stare at the people rushing through the busy streets of Konoha while calmly drinking my tea and letting my mind wander. I was bored with this life of too much time. I couldn't wait to get started on Monday, even if it wasn't exactly what I had hoped for.

Working in a private hospital… Taking care of high-militants, officers, more counselors or just plain filthy rich people. The higher circles exclusively. What a drag…

'Sakura!'

I look up with a smile when seeing the loudmouth rush to me, glad to see familiar friendly face in this huge village that I still had to adept to.
As much as I loved the feeling of coming home, I no longer fell the same way about living here as I had growing up. I hated not knowing every single person, the rush and the strict protocols. The capital wasn't quite the same as some lone village in the middle of nowhere at the borders of the country.

'How have you been?' Naruto asks, grabbing a chair to sit next to me.
'Good,' I answer with a shrug. No too bad but not too good either, I still wanted to go back home. The more time passed, the harder it seemed to get. Which was ironic because the opposite had been promised to me.

'I heard you are going back to work,' Naruto starts when I don't immediately speak up.
I curse myself for ignoring him because of my troubled mind that was solely focused on myself and self-pity. I never seem to ask him how he was doing.

'Yeah, a private hospital…'

'Inui recommended you, right?' he asked with a grin. I smirk back and just nod.
'I have job because of him,' I lightly answer, though still feeling quite the opposite. I had hoped to go back to the General Hospital but it seemed that was a little complicated. Though I had been cleared on everything, it seemed Konoha had other plans for me, thus making it impossible for me to make any decisions independently.

'He takes good care of you,' he said while nodding his head approvingly. 'But I think I would've done just as well, maybe even a bit better.'
'Ha!' I response with a wide smile. 'But you… you found someone much better!'
'Yeah,' he says obviously thinking of Hinata. Though he had matured quite a bit, it was cute to see him get so flustered by just mentioning the girl. I feel a little flattered at the thought I once did.

His smile however falls and I can see his shoulders drop in defeat.

'Though I might have to disappoint her a little.'
'How so?' I ask.

'I have to go on a mission… a long one,' he mutters. I stare at people passing us by, unknowing of our troubles. How I wish sometimes to be nothing but a mere peasant, unaware of the heartache and hard work that came with keeping this place safe.

'She'll be fine, Naruto. She can take care of herself,' I tell him.
'Yeah,' he muttered. I could tell something was up by the look in his eyes.
'What type of mission is it?' I ask, hoping he'd just tell me.

It takes him a second to find the words.

'Sasuke,' he blurts out.

I let out a hallow laugh in response. 'Of course.'

'I know you don't share the feeling—'I do,' I admit to him and myself. I do care. 'I think… I think you are being a good friend. Much better then I ever was to him,' I wisely say. The words were genuine.
I meant it and after all this time I somewhat was able to grasp what made them friends. They had a bond.

I give him a small smile, Naruto was just one of a kind and I was lucky our paths had crossed.

And Sasuke… well, we were never meant to be.

'You still hate him?' he asks letting his elbows rest on his knees. I see him glance at me out of the corner of his eye.

'We're just… different.'

'No, you're not. You break rules to help people and he—'breaks rules to help himself.'
'He's just on this tiring journey and needs to find his way back, Sakura,' he softly adds.

When did you become so mature?

'He didn't have to… he didn't have to go,' I tell him, suddenly feeling angry again after all these years. I had left this place to leave these feelings behind and I had succeeded for the longest time and now it was all for nothing. I was back to the beginning.

I was stuck again.

'Is he the reason why you left?'

I shake my head. 'Not at all… I was just tired of the rules and how some people would get placed above others. Sasuke… was actually kind of like that too, now that I think about it. He always made me feel stupid.'
'He was just raised differently.'
'Clan rules,' I sigh, finding it a poor excuse.

'Let's not dwell on the past, soon you'll be helping people again,' he tried, knowing how my standpoint was on this all and how much I hated it.
'But will I be helping the right people?' I ask.
'Aren't you always helping the right people?'
'Touché,' I snicker in response while he smirks. 'I don't know… these last few months have been the weirdest of my life. As if I'm actually not living my life.'

'It's going to get better, Sakura,' he softly says while placing a hand on my shoulder. He gives it a light squeeze and I simply nod in return, though not feeling have as certain as he was.
'Kakashi is coming with me,' he suddenly added. 'He seems to understand it, the feeling. The need to set things right and not to simply give up on a comrade…' he muttered.
I could see he was feeling a little uncomfortable. 'It's all so very complex,' he added. I nod, finally understanding the situation much better than years ago.

It wasn't easy to let go and just give in.

It's strange that with all that has happened, I now understand years of my life I hadn't understood for so long.

'You do whatever you think you should do,' I tell him.
'You think…' I see him swallow nervously. 'You two will ever get back together?'
'Nope,' I simply respond, not having to think twice about it. I was over it. I was over him. Nothing in this village could keep me here.

Meaning I still wanted to flee this village but I couldn't and I was slowly accepting that… I place my hand on my heart, feeling it ache at the idea.

'Is Lord Inui the reason why you are so certain?' Naruto coyly asks, snapping me out of my despair. I smirk, not being able to help myself.
'Maybe.'
'I really do think he'll take good care of you.'

I give him a look, arching an eyebrow at his serious expression.

It was weird to hear him being so mature. Back in the academy I sincerely thought he'd never grow up. We had gone our own ways on such a young age but he never stopped bugging me with being my "friend". I don't think I ever told him how grateful I was he kept sticking around, no matter how much I told him to leave.

'You've both achieved much these last few months,' Naruto continued, sounding a little impressed by it all.
'I wasn't going to come back without some bargains,' I sharply said, being proud of myself for not just letting it all pass me by like I had initially thought of doing.

Sure I had to keep low as a doctor but I had stayed true to my humane ways by thinking of ideas to send aid to struggling villages and setting up fundraisers to send supplies to several hospitals all over the country and personally getting involved by what those supplies should be. I might've not been active lately but I was still a very big part of the medical world. And slowly getting back into the good graces of Konoha is higher officials.

And yes, I had to thank Inui for that because without his position I wouldn't be able to do the things I had done so far.

'You've toughen up, Sakura,' he snickered while sheepishly scratching his head.

'I had to,' I smile, letting it sink in that I indeed had changed a great deal.

'I'll miss you,' I admit to him when he gets up to leave.

'Don't marry until I get back…' 'Naruto!' I say smacking him on the shoulder.

It was lovely. As always.

'So do you think you could join me?' Inui asks. Still a little shy from time to time when asking me out. I nod, saying I didn't have much standing in my agenda these days.
'You will soon,' he answers with a smile, obviously referring to my new position..
'Yeah,' I aversively answer while adding a simple shrug. I was still not feeling quite sure about it. Keeping my eyes on the beautiful scenery outside, I enjoyed the music in the background and the beautiful clear night that was illuminating the garden.

I still wasn't used to the luxury, the fine dining. I felt awkward at times for being here. It was such shrill contrast compared to the life I had left behind. Sometimes it all felt like dream.

Here. Now. Then.

An image of Zabuza flashes before me. I see, no almost feel, his hands on me.

Startled, I block out the image while wondering why I was still letting it wander free in my mind in the first place. I take another sip of the wine, hoping the alcohol would numb me. I tried to never think of him but like every demon, he came to haunt me from to time. Mostly during some unguarded moment like now.

'So if I come with you, you'll suggest my idea for the new schools?' I ask him with a coy smile.
He smiles back, knowing I'd bring it up. 'Certainly. I have no other choice.'

I take hold of his hand and he holds on to mine. I stare at it for a moment before looking up.

All that happened, none of it mattered anymore. It was swept under the rug and though I never thought I'd say this, it was for the better. Everything seemed to be going in the right direction. The suddenly even seemed the end of the war was finally at sight.

It couldn't be undone so all that could be done was to let it be.

We get up and decide to go for a walk. I look up at the dark sky and the full moon. It had taken some time to but I had managed to find my balance in this place that felt odd. I had found the things I used to love in Konoha again. I can't believe I had forgotten how beautiful the nights in Konoha could be.

The night wasn't even cold or drafty yet I snuggled closer to Inui.

'I don't want you to just come with me,' Inui suddenly blurted out, halting us.
'What do you mean?' I ask quirking up an eyebrow.
'Don't take this the wrong way,' he starts, placing my hair behind my ear so he could take a better look at my face. 'I just don't want you as my dear friend anymore.'

I frowned in response before realizing what he was talking about.

I shyly look down, knowing this conversation was going to take place one of these days. I just had hoped it wasn't today. Or tomorrow.

'I want more from you then just being my partner in certain projects,' he continues, leaning in. His lips move against mine as he continues. 'We've achieved some amazing things these last few months and I certainly don't mind what we have but it is something rather unclear at the moment and on the long run… I want you in my life, Sakura. All the time.'

I feel a warmth spread through my body.

When our lips meet, I forget everything.

Letting go, he gives me a clouded look. 'You don't have to answer but… don't forget. Everything I've done for you, is only for you,' he continued. It was very much like Inui to tell me how much I meant to him. I had longed for so long to hear that from someone.

Someone who wanted me, needed me. Cared for me.

'We could do so many more things together,' he added, nuzzling his nose against mine. 'We can change this country, Sakura.'

You want to change the system? Get in and work from the inside out.

The demon's voice startles me and I almost jump at the memory.

I look up into Iuni's blue eyes, holding on to him a little tighter.

'I believe I can but only with you by my side,' he continued while embracing me and pulling me closer and closer to him.

You are everything I've ever wanted but… I close my eyes and start to ignore the angsty voice inside filling me with doubt. Maybe it was time, I sharply tell myself. It's been months and I was still none the wiser to what was going on or what exactly had happened.

I quickly analyze the last few months that had been filled with ups and downs. Though the place wasn't perfect, the man before me practically was and I had everything I once dreamed of... I was finally making a difference with someone at my side who felt the same way.

I couldn't do half of the thing I had done without his help.

We were about to change everything.

I see pair of brown eyes flash before my eyes.

I open my to look back into Inui's blue ones, feeling different then before. As if I had finally been relieved from all of the weight of the burdens that had been slowly placed on me over the pass few months.

I think it was time to let go.

To let the memories slowly fade into oblivion.

I feel this was kind of a transition chapter since we got to see a little bit of everything; Tsunade, Naruto, Sakura's past, Inui's affection...
I'm working on the next chapter and it is… going to be quite the twist, I think. Can't wait for you guys to read what is coming next!

As always, thank you for reading and don't forget to leave a comment/review!