Weapons Known as Shinobi

by Jenneke88

Sakura finds out the hard way that her parents aren't her parents, and that Tsunade, the elders and even Kakashi have kept a secret from her. Had Naruto failed to bond with the Kyuubi, she would be his replacement. Now the village that supplies Konoha with their potential jinjuuriki wants her back. Rated M for a reason!

5. Chapter 5

Sorry for the long wait. Not to delay you any further, enjoy!

Chapter 5

The man in de orange mask looked quizzically when a white Zetsu came before him so early in the morning. His red eye narrowed when Zetsu finally fully emerged, not looking happy. The dim light of the early morning did nothing hide the lack of a jinjuuriki that Zetsu had been send out to retrieve. Slowly, yet with a type of grace that only a shinobi possessed, the masked man rose from his bed. His deep red eye never faltered in looking at the white Zetsu, while he walked past him to wake his other ally.

The other man woke calmly, but also stared in question at the empty-handedness of Zetsu. Seemed that Naruto had once again pulled of a spectacular escape. Part of him thought it was pointless going after the nine-tails since they had yet to acquire the eight tails.

"Your report," the masked man said.

"Kirin is dead," The white Zetsu said monotonously. "And we failed in capturing the nine-tails."

"What happened?" The ally asked.

"Your old teammate showed up and killed him within ten minutes after appearing on the battlefield."

"My old teammate?"

"The girl with pink hair."

"The one you wanted to use for restoring our clan, Sasuke?" the masked man asked.

Sasuke nodded. "Sakura Haruno... But she can't have gotten this strong in so little time."

"It's been nearly two years since she joined the Waterfall village," the masked man explained. "If the rumors about the Haruno clan are true, then it is very much possible."

Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest. On the one side he had the perfect opportunity to catch both the nine tails and find Sakura. The only problem was that if she saw him take out Naruto, she would never forgive him. Sakura was the type of person who could forgive a lot, but not that.

„Do whatever it takes to capture the nine tails," the masked man said to Zetsu. „Kill everyone who gets in the way."

„Wait," Sasuke said. „Let me try to get Sakura first."

The masked man sighed.

„You want the same thing as I do," Sasuke said. „To restore our clan."

„Fine," the masked man said. „Gather your team and bring your girlfriend here."

XOXOXOXOXO

Kakashi looked over to where Sakura slept. He had instantly recognized her by her pink hair. The increase in power and skill was amazing, and Kakashi tried to remember the name of Sakura's new teacher. His eyes went to Sakura's teammate, who was also still awake and looking at the rising sun.

„You're name is Akira, right?"

Akira nodded without looking at Kakashi. To Kakashi it seemed like he was waiting for something.

„Something wrong?" Kakashi asked.

„They should've been here by now," Akira said. „He told us to wait for him. That he'd find us."

„Your sensei?" Kakashi asked.

Akira nodded, his eyes finally looking away from the rising sun and looking at Sakura. Kakashi followed his gaze to where Sakura still slept. „She'll warn us when they get close," Akira said softly more to himself than to Kakashi.

Kakashi couldn't help but notice that Akira was worried that if they were attacked again, they could barely defend themselves. The reason that Sakura was so fast asleep was probably because she lacked the chakra to stay awake. Naruto was a fast healer, but his element conflicted with Akira's element. With great effort, Kakashi balled his fist in anger towards himself. Seemed like he was unable to protect his comrades once again. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain when he tried to get up. „Are you sure your sensei is coming?" Kakashi asked.

Akira nodded and rubbed a hair through his hair, a long yawn escaped him. He clapped his hands before his wide open mouth. „Sorry."

Kakashi smiled and went back to looking at Sakura. That uniform she wore was part of the standard jounin equipment. On her hands were the fingerless gloves he had given her before she left for Waterfall. She had definitely changed a lot over the last two years.

Akira had gotten up and walked over to Sakura. He sat on one knee next to her and shook her gently. „Sakura," Akira said softly. „Wake up."

Sakura opened one eye, looking tiredly at Akira. „What's wrong?" Sakura asked softly.

„Nothing,"Akira said. „But I can barely keep my eyes open…. Could we switch for a few hours?"

Sakura sat and stretched her arms out in front of her. „Sure," she said, getting up and grabbing her pack. „Sweet dreams."

Akira gratefully crawled under the small blanket that Sakura had left for him.

Sakura grabbed the water canteen from her pack and poured a little water unto her hands. She ran her wet hands over her face. Feeling a little refreshed, Sakura rummaged around her pack for some food. After a few seconds she withdrew an apple and took a seat close to Kakashi. She looked at him. „I'd offer you a piece, but you don't eat when someone can see your face."

Kakashi smiled. „Whoever told you that?"

„Four years on your team, and I've never once seen your face," Sakura said. „I've seen more of Akira and Kazuya in the first six months on their team than that I've ever seen of you."

Kakashi smiled more widely now. „I'm not that kind of girl," he joked. „I don't just undress for everyone you know."

Sakura giggled softly, while using a kunai to split the apple in half. „Want some?" She asked.

Kakashi held out his hand. „Thanks."

„So," Kakashi said softly. „You're not angry?"

„I was… At first," Sakura confessed. „But going to Waterfall was honestly the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm made jounin after only ten months on Kazuya's team. I made great friends and I'm getting married this summer. I've never been happier."

Looking more closely at Kakashi, Sakura noticed how stiff he was sitting. „Are you okay?" Sakura asked. „I asked you to use your sharingan without thinking that it may put too much strain on you."

„I'm okay….. Do you mind?"

Sakura looked surprised at Kakashi as he spun his finger around indicating he wanted her to turn around. She smiled devilishly when she spoke. „And what if I don't?"

„I'll starve."

„I'm heartbroken."

„So what do I do?" Kakashi asked. „Say pretty please?"

Sakura looked to the west, and her face went serious for a second. She bit her thumb and made the hand signs for the summoning jutsu. In a poof, a big brown wolf appeared, much like the one who had escorted Sakura and Akira to Kakashi and Naruto. „Eat," Sakura said to Kakashi as she got up and gestured the wolf to follow her.

She moved away far enough so she was out of Kakashi's earshot. „I sense something to the west, moving at a fast pace to this location," Sakura said to the wolf. „I think it's Sasuke…. Asako, I need to know for sure."

The wolf put her nose in the air and took a deep breath. „It's been over three years," Asako said. „But I'm fairly sure that this is the same scent I smelled on Ashitaka when we found his body."

Sakura nodded and signaled Kazuya's wolf to come to her. She quickly scribbled a note that she passed to the wolf. „Hurry."

Kazuya's wolf vanished from sight behind the trees. Sakura made the same hand signs again and summoned one more wolf. „We have to evacuate the leaf ninja."

Kakashi hadn't taken one bite from his piece of the apple. He merely sat there watching as Sakura face held a look of dread on it.

„Get up," Sakura said to Akira. „You too Naruto."

The two groggily answered to Sakura's voice. „Kakashi. You and Naruto are heading back to Konoha without us."

„What?!" Naruto half shouted. „Why?"

„Akira and I need to head back," Sakura lied. „We've stayed long enough. Get on the wolf and head back."

„Sakura what's going on?" Kakashi asked in a much softer voice.

Akira shook his head at Kakashi. That simple move told Kakashi that something was very wrong and that Naruto was in imminent danger.

„Do what she says Naruto," Kakashi said. „We have to report in with the Hokage."

„But what about Bushy-Brows and Sai?"

„Kazuya-sensei went out to save the other team," Akira said. „He already gave us the news that they are safe."

„Naruto," Sakura said in a piercing voice. „Go home. We got this."

„Sakura," Naruto almost whispered.

He gave her one last look before doing what she asked. The two wolves and their riders headed out towards Konoha, while Sakura grabbed a kunai.

„Who's coming?" Akira asked.

„Sasuke."

XOXOXOXO

Kenji stretched his arms over his head as he yawned. „And here I had hoped to spend the remainder of the night next to Sakura. Looks like I'll find an empty bed since she's an early riser."

The other ANBU shrugged. „At least you have someone to go home to," he said. „My bed is empty most of the time."

Kenji knocked on the door of Ranmaru's office. A soft voice told them to come in, only to find a tired looking Ranmaru half hanging behind his desk. „Something wrong Master Ranmaru?"

„I send Kazuya and his team out on a rescue op several hours ago, but I haven't gotten any messages."

„So?" Kenji asked. „You know Kazuya doesn't always play by the rules."

„I know," Ranmaru said. „But the Akatsuki are involved so…."

„Hold it," Kenji said. „You send Sakura to fight the Akatsuki?"

Ranmaru nodded.

„I respect you, but did you hit your head?!" Kenji said. „You know that they're after the nine-tails jinjuuriki and that they'll do anything to get him? Sakura is his best friend, did it occur to you that she's just as much a prize to capture as he is? And don't get me started about the disappearance of Itachi Uchiha and then Sasuke Uchiha joining that band of merry men."

„What would you have me do?" Ranmaru said tiredly. „We don't have the manpower to send anymore out there. We're spread thin as it is."

„Well," Kenji said. „I'm going after them."

Ranmaru looked up, but before he could speak, Kenji beat him to it. „I'll see you guys in a bit."

XOXOXO

Kazuya read the note that the wolf had brought him. It had only two words on it „Help us." Kazuya made a quick set of hand signs and summoned apace of wolves. He started loading the unconscious bodies of two leaf ninja on one wolf and tying them down on the wolf. He looked over at TenTen and Neji. „I'm sorry guys, but your rescue ends here."

„What's going on?" Neji asked.

Kazuya looked at the wounded Hyuuga. „Now that I think of it…. You can help me…. Use your eyes to pinpoint Sakura's exact location."

„Sakura!?"

„Hurry."

Neji did what was asked of him. Easily finding Sakura, but also another familiar chakra. That's Sasuke!

„Lucy go with them," Kazuya ordered. „I'll go and get the others."

XOXOXO

„I guess there really is no point in trying to run," Akira said.

Sakura shook her head. Like Akira she dreaded meeting Sasuke. Both of them weren't at full strength, and Sasuke was known to have grown very powerful. „He's not alone," Sakura said softly. „I sense three others with him."

Akira swallowed hard and asked with a shaky voice. „Can you tell anything else about them?"

„Uhm… One is a water style user…. And I think one may be from the Uzumaki clan."

„We can do this," Akira said, but not really believing his own words.

Sakura made a few hand signs and put het fingertips to the ground. „Watermine jutsu."

They waited several minutes before Sasuke and his team emerged from the trees, landing only a few feet away from them. His sharingan was already active. He looked at Akira first, before turning his attention to Sakura. A smile tugged at his lips, but not from happiness, but from the irony of it all. The woman standing opposite of him was one who had once declared that she would do anything for him and that same person had grown up to be both attractive, smart and strong. Everything he needed to restore his clan to its past glory.

Standing there in silence was nerve wrecking to both Sakura and Akira. They new that if they fought Sasuke, they would both end up dead. All they could do was hope that Kazuya and Lucy would arrive in time to even the odds.

„Sasuke," Sakura said, trying to hide the many emotions that flooded her being. This was a person she once cared for. Someone she had dreamed of for many years to be the man she would spend her life with. But now that he stood here in front of her once again, all she felt was fear. He had already tried to kill her twice in the past, and only failed because Kakashi and Naruto had interfered. „Naruto isn't here… So there's no point in fighting."

Sasuke chuckled. „I'm not interested in Naruto."

„You're with the Akatsuki," Akira said. „What point is there in coming here if you're not looking for the nine-tails jinjuuriki?"

„I came here for you," Sasuke said calmly to Sakura.

„What do you want with me?" Sakura spat. „I'm not a jinjuuriki."

„I want you help me restore my clan."

Sakura started to laugh hysterically, holding her stomach with her hands. She shook her head and continued to laugh, and suddenly she stopped laughing. Her eyes turned serious again she looked at Sasuke with a deeply piercing look. „Really?" She lifted her hands again in a gesture of confusion before letting them hang at her sides again. „I remember offering myself to you several times in the past and it only resulted in you denying me and you even tried to kill me. So I think I'll pass."

„I was ignorant back then," Sasuke explained.

„So was I," Sakura bit back. „I've realized that there are better men out there than you."

„I will have what I desire," Sasuke said with acid in his voice. „And will take it by force if I have to."

Sakura made a hand sign and detonated the water mines she had placed underground just before Sasuke arrived.

Sasuke raised his hands in defense. Karin was thrown of her feet, Suigetsu turned to water and Juugo used his transformed arm to shield him from the blast.

Sakura appeared behind Suigetsu who had just taken back his human form and stuck a tag to his back. Suigetsu fell to the ground as little shocks of electricity incapacitated him.

Akira appeared near Karin, using his earth style to trap her as well. Two down, two to go.

Juugo went crazy, his murderous rage taking over and he sprinted over to Akira. A loud scream filled the quiet forest, causing birds to flee their hiding place. His right fist was raised and he lunged his fist at Akira who dodged Juugo's punch.

Before Sakura could help Akira, Sasuke blocked her path. „Don't make me kill you," Sakura hissed.

Sasuke merely smiled in a twisted manner, not showing any sign of the person Sakura had known when she was younger. If anything, he had gotten worse from the last time she had seen him. Sakura jumped back a few feet and quickly made the necessary hand signs. The sky grew dark and thick drops of rain started to fall from the darkened sky.

Looking around, Sasuke could barely see anything with his sharingan activated. All around him he saw Sakura's chakra in the raindrops. Sasuke smiled and shook his head. She had actually managed to create a jutsu that left his sharingan useless.

Sakura had used the confusion to slip past Sasuke. Akira was having trouble with Juugo, who had slammed through Akira's rock armor jutsu. Leaving Akira with no jutsu to defend against Juugo's murderous intent. Although Akira was much faster than Juugo, he was also tired from the night before, having slept only a few hours.

Akira ducked as Juugo came charging at him, while screaming „I'm going to kill you!" Looking past Juugo, Akira saw Sakura, feeling relieved that she had made it past Sasuke. Juugo looked over his shoulder as well. A broad, crazy people smile spread on his face. His interest in Akira had instantly vanished and he charged at Sakura. „Fly away birdy," Juugo yelled during his charge.

Sakura took a deep breath, focussing her chakra into her fist. She watched Juugo closely as he charged at her. His right arm raised and transformed in what looked like a rock with at the end the exhaust from a rocket. As Juugo tried to land his punch, Sakura punched his fist with her chakra-loaded fist.

A deafening scream came from both shinobi. It was like every bone in her hand hand been crushed. Sakura sank to her knees, her breath coming out in pained grasps, as she held her lower right arm.

The rock-like transformation of Juugo's arm broke off, making him scream and cuss. Akira took his chance and used a jutsu to trap Juugo. His eyes travelled to Sakura's position. He watched in dread as Sasuke stood there in front of her.

Sakura looked up at the dark-haired shinobi in front of her. Her actions had been to save Akira. With her last ounce of courage, Sakura raised her left fist and tried to hit Sasuke, who easily dodged her feeble attempt. He grabbed her by her left arm, smiling at her courage. She's perfect.

„Akira run!" Sakura yelled, knowing that they had no chance of winning. All she could do now was make sure that Akira got away. She would give her life for Akira, for her friend and teammate.

Suddenly, Sakura was pushed to the ground and a replacement jutsu appeared in the spot where was previously standing. „I'm not leaving you," Akira panted.

It happened in a flash. One moment Akira was smiling comfortingly at Sakura the next blood ran from his mouth and a sword stuck out of his chest. Sakura's eyes went wide. „Akira?…AKIRAAAAAAA!"

Sasuke withdrew his sword from Akira's chest. He twirled it around before sheathing it again. „Now," he said. „Do you see how pointless your resistance is. Come with me."

The jutsu done by Akira, that kept Karin and Juugo trapped were dissolved and they were free again. Sakura merely stared at the unmoving body of Akira. How could this be? „No," Sakura said softly, and she looked up at Sasuke with teary eyes.

Sasuke easily pulled her to her feet, and shoved her in Juugo's arms. „Keep an eye on her," Sasuke ordered. „I have to free this idiot."

Before Sasuke reached Suigetsu, a grunt made him look over his shoulder. Juugo lay unconscious on the ground and Sakura was in the arms of a brown-haired shinobi.

Kazuya narrowed his eyes at the unmoving body of Akira. His gaze turned cold as he looked at Sasuke. „That's the second time you killed one of my students," Kazuya said calmly as he guided Sakura to the ground. „And I assure you it's the last time."

„Kazuya," Sakura croaked, unable to hide the relief in her voice.

Sasuke grinned. „I've killed many people," he said coolly. „I doubt I can remember who you're talking about."

„Oh you'd remember this one," Kazuya said. „That scar on your chest… He did that."

Sasuke looked down at his chest for a second and he smiled. „Yeah, I remember that one."

Kazuya looked at Sakura. „Get up," he ordered.

Sakura got up on shaky legs, still holding her right arm with her left. „Can you fight?" Kazuya asked.

Sakura shook her head. „I'm nearly out and…."

„Try," Kazuya said softly.

Kazuya charged at Sasuke trying to take him out using taijutsu. Sasuke dodged all his punches, until one finally hit his left shoulder, making Sasuke step back. Looking confused at his left arm, which seemed numb and moving slower than normal.

The rain stopped and Sakura sank back to the ground. „I'm sorry," she panted.

XOXOXO

Kakashi and Naruto had just past the gates of Konoha when the two wolves vanished. Naruto looked over at Kakashi, the panic clear on his face. „What does this mean Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi knew that this could mean of two things. Firstly, Sakura didn't have enough chakra left to sustain the jutsu, or she was dead. „Kotetsu," Kakashi half yelled at the gatekeeper. „I need to see Lady Tsunade immediately."

Kotetsu got up and ran towards the Hokgae tower, knowing that kakashi was in no condition to run, so he would get the Hokage to them.

Just as Kotetsu left, Lucy and the others arrived. Naruto instantly went to Neji, who explained what had happened. Naruto clenched his fists. „Kakashi-sensei," he said. „I have to go back."

Neji put a hand on Naruto's shoulder. „Her teamcaptain already went to get her," he said. „He seems very strong. He'll bring her back."

XOXOXO

Sasuke smiled. „Now I will show you the true power of the Uchiha."

Sasuke activated his chider and extended it, making Kazuya retreat over and over. The battle went on with Sasuke having the upper hand and making Kazuya retreat over and over. Suddenly the unsought stopped as Sakura held a kunai at Sasuke throat. „I say this again," Sakura panted. „Don't make me kill you."

Time seemed to have slowed down as Sasuke grabbed the kunai from Sakura's hand, twisted them both around and held the kunai at her throat. „You won't kill me," Sasuke whispered to Sakura. „You still care for me."

„You," Sasuke yelled at Kazuya. „Stand down or I'll kill her."

Kazuya narrowed his eyes, wondering if he would really go as far as to kill Sakura. The wind picked up, and Kazuya remained unmoving.

„Answer me," Sasuke hissed. „Don't just stand there."

Sakura was looking up, making Sasuke shift his focus. „No," Sakura whimpered. „Don't come here."

It was hard to grasp what happened next. One moment he was holding Sakura flush against him with a kunai at her throat, and the next he was holding his left arm as blood dripped from his fingertips. Opposite of him, near the brown-haired shinobi, stood a red-haired shinobi with Sakura in his arms.

Sakura held on tightly to the man who had juts saved her. „Kenji," she said, unable to believe he was really there holding her in his arms.

„Another idiot who wants to die," Sasuke said mockingly.

Sakura looked more closely at Kenji and realized that like herself and Kazuya, he too was worn out. Although he had seemed fine at first glance, his breaths were coming in irregular pants and his heart was racing. „Kenji," Sakura said softly. „Don't fight him. He'll kill you."

Kenji smiled. „I love you," Kenji said. „And…."

„Don't say it."

„You're worth dying for."

Kenji gently kissed her forehead, before handing Sakura over to Kazuya. „Look after her for me."

Kazuya nodded, keeping a tight hold on Sakura who seemed to fight against his hold with what little strength she had left.

„Please," Sakura pleaded. „Kenji."

„Get out of here," Kenji said to Kazuya. He smiled one last time at Sakura before turning away from her towards Sasuke who was already making an attempt to stop Kazuya from leaving with Sakura.

Kenji stopped Sasuke with another one of his jutsu, taking off two of Sasuke's fingers. „That was on purpose," Kenji said. „I'll give you one chance to retreat, or the next part you lose will be your head."

Kazuya was already nearing the Leaf village and Sakura was pleading with him and still fighting against his hold, which seemed to make little difference. „Please Kazuya," Sakura said. „Sasuke will kill him. It's not to late we can still…"

„I can't lose him," Sakura continued, desperately trying to find the right words to make Kazuya turn around. „We can't just leave him…. Please."

„We're not," Kazuya said, as the big green gates of the Leaf village came into view. „I'm just dropping you off and getting some help."

Sakura clutched unto Kazuya's vest as a few tears escaped her eyes. „Thank you."

XOXOXO

Kenji's jutsu were useless against Sasuke fore style. All he did was strengthen the attacks coming at him. His chakra was nearly gone, and all he had accomplished was giving Sasuke a few scraps and bruises. Hiding behind a tree, his mind went back to Sakura. He knew that he would never hold her again. I'm sorry Sakura… I wish we had more time.

With his last strength, Kenji attacked Sasuke, planting a kunai in Sasuke left eye. Sasuke's sword had pierced Kenji's lung and grazed his heart, but he still smiled. He would die knowing that Sakura was safe and…. The few years they had had together were the best years of his life.

Sakura, all I ever wanted was to be at your side. I would've given you everything you ever asked of me. I just wanted to make you happy. I'm sorry for leaving you like this.

Kenji's eyes closed and his body went limp.

XOXOXO

The moment Kazuya entered the Leaf, with Sakura gripped tightly in his arms, he saw a group of shinobi gathered there. The Hokage immediately turned to them and she recognized Sakura. She looked more dead than alive, and before Kazuya had a chance to say anything, several shinobi gathered around him. Seemed all of them knew Sakura.

Sakura looked through tired eyes at Tsunade. „Shishou," she said softly. „Please."

Kazuya started to explain the whole story. That Sai had come to their village seeking help. And that his team had been dispatched. He told her about telling the team to rest for the night and that Kenji was now fighting Sasuke on his own. „We have to go help him," Kazuya said lastly.

Gently, Kazuya set Sakura back to her feet. She was sobbing quietly. „Please bring him back to me."

Kazuya nodded and looked at the Hokage. „We came to your aid, now I ask that you return the favor."

Normally the Hokage wouldn't accept it if someone spoke to her in that manner, but given the circumstances she would ignore it.

A team was assembled and Kazuya led them out of the village again.

Sakura was taken to Konoha's hospital. The Hokage had ordered some medics to set up a few private rooms, so one would disturb them. Lucy sat on a chair, crying. Sakura had already revealed to her that Akira had given his life in an attempt to help Sakura. Her eyes were red and puffy and she was so tired. Ino was there with her, trying to heal up her hand, while trying to calm Sakura.

Aside from the much needed medical attention, the Hokage saw to it that food was delivered to all shinobi who had returned from the field. Although many had already told Sakura to eat, she couldn't find the willpower to eat anything. All she wanted was to wait for the others to come back. She sat there quietly, watching the door, silently praying that her gut feeling was wrong.

Tears suddenly fell from her eyes. She stood and walked to the window. Lucy got up and stood next to her. „What's wrong?"

Sakura looked at Lucy as tears continued to fall from her eyes. „I don't feel him anymore," she said in a sobbing whisper. „Kenji."

Lucy put her hand on Sakura's shoulder. Although she was still crying over Akira, she felt compelled to ease Sakura's suffering. „That doesn't mean anything," she said. „You know how well he can mask his chakra. I'm sure…."

Sakura stopped Lucy's speech simply by shaking her head. „It faded away," she explained. „It didn't just vanish."

„He's dead," Sakura said and simply took her seat again. Her eyes glazed over and she seemed not to want talk anymore. She simply wanted to sit there and hopefully she would wake up from this nightmare.

XOXOXOXO

By the time Kazuya and the Leaf ninja made it to the battlefield, Sasuke was long gone. He had even bothered to take his allies with him. Looking around Kazuya first saw the body of Akira, whose remains had been damaged by the battle with Kenji. Kenji lay a little ways further in the middle of a meadow. He looked so peaceful, laying there in the grass surrounded by flowers. Kazuya didn't need to get close to know that Kenji was dead.

Kazuya kneeled next to Kenji's remains, looking at the red-haired man with a pained expression. You're the one Uzumaki I never liked, but … You deserve better than this…. Damn you Kenji! How am I suppose to tell her this!?

Kazuya only watched as the Leaf ninja put both body on separate stretchers and put a blanket over the remains. „I'm sorry for your loss," A black-haired woman with red eyes said. The only response Kazuya made a slight nod of the head. It was supposed to have been a simple search and rescue mission. How did things go so very wrong?

The entire way back to Konoha, Kazuya didn't say a word. How was he suppose to break the news to Sakura and to Lucy? Then there was the matter of letting Ranmaru know what had happened and…. He would have to tell Akira's parents and the Uzumaki clan of their deaths. When they finally got close to the hospital, Kazuya spoke softly. „I'll go in first and tell Sakura that…. And Maybe you can use that time to clean them up a little."

The moment Kazuya entered the room where all shinobi involved waited, all eyes turned to him. Sakura got up from her seat and looked Kazuya in the eyes. A moment of silence passed between them. Sakura shook her head. „I don't want to hear it," she said, sounding tired.

Calmly she walked past him and put her just healed hand on the wall. She looked at her hand, turning it into a fist, hitting the wall softly at first. A desperate scream tore from her lips and she started to punch the wall while yelling Kenji's name in broken sobs.

Kazuya was with her in a flash, grabbing her arms and pulling her away from the wall. „Stop this! You'll hurt yourself."

Sakura started a feeble fight against his hold, but after uttering several incoherent phrases, she gave up, allowing Kazuya to hold her and sink to the floor with her, where she cried in his arms. There was no telling how long they sat there in the middle of that room with all those shinobi, but he would hold her while she cried. At some point, Kazuya had loosened his grip and turned Sakura around she that she could hide her face from the other people present in the room. He looked up as the door opened and the black-haired woman entered. „They're ready," she said in a soft and gentle tone.

„Sakura," Kazuya said. „We brought him back with us." Sakura looked up, feeling tired and like she was stuck in a nightmare. „If you want, you can go see him…. I'll understand if you don't…"

„I have to see him," Sakura said softly, allowing Kazuya to help her get up from the floor. She led the way to the room where they usually put recently deceased shinobi. She looked at Kenji's remains and het heart clenched. She could feel new tears well up and she wanted nothing more than to trade places with him. „Can I have some time alone?"

Kazuya nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him and making sure no else went in there.

Sakura stood near the door for a few minutes, just looking at Kenji. As she walked near him, all the happy memories flooded her mind and fresh tears fell from her eyes. Her hand went through his soft red hair, trying to burn the memory of how it felt into her mind. Death was nothing new to her, since she was a medic and had dealt the killing blow to others, but this was different. The cold feel of his skin, the stillness of his body. This death was different, it like part of her had died too.

The way they had laid him there on that examination table made it look like he was sleeping. She caressed his face, and cupped his jaw. „I'll always love you," she said in a soft whisper before placing one last kiss on his lips. „I'll never forget you."

For just one last time, Sakura crawled unto the table and laid next to Kenji, holding him like she had so many nights before. Just one last time would she feel his strong body next to her. Her hand traced a path over his torso, like she often did when they in bed talking. This was the last time she could him near.

XOXOXO

Kazuya had asked the black-haired woman to take his place in watching the door while he went to have a word with the Hokage. Tsunade had just finished her drink as she heard Kazuya knocking on her door. He was a wreck, Tsunade could easily tell that he could do with some medical treatment, but he had declined, saying his team needed to be helped first. „Lady Hokage," Kazuya said softly feeling the fatigue in every part of his body. „I would like to send a message to Ranmaru-sensei."

Tsunade got up and offerend Kazuya a seat, handing paper and a pen. Kazuya sat there at the desk, putting the pen on the paper several times, but he seemed unable to come up with the words to explain what fate had befallen them. Instead Tsunade took the pen from him. „Let me write the message," Tsunade offered. „It's the least I can do."

Kazuya nodded.

„Now," Tsunade said. „What are the names of the shinobi who passed away?"

„Akira Mushi and Kenji Uzumaki."

Tsunade quickly started to write something and when she was finished she handed the note to Kazuya.

Lord Ranmaru. While fighting to protect both friend and allies, Akira Mushi and Kenji Uzumaki were killed in action. I will send a squad to escort your shinobi home as soon as they are capable of traveling.

Thank you for coming to our aid. We will not forget. Tsunade.

Kazuya read the note and nodded. He got up, uttered a word of thanks and went back to his team. Just as he got back, the door to the examination room opened. In the doorway stood Sakura who just wiped away the tears still on her cheeks. She straightened her stance and looked at Kazuya with a determined look in her eyes. „He has to die," she said. „I want Sasuke's head for what he's done!"

Okay, I'm going to call it quits for now. This was a bit of a difficult chapter to write, but it is also a turning point! So happy to have gotten this out of the way. Hope you enjoyed it R&R please.