~ Twenty-Three: Do I Not Deserve Love? ~
A couple of years after Naruto had left Konoha – leaving both Sasuke and Naruto at age twenty-four – Yamato staggered into their camp badly injured and with a note for the blonde man.
Shino, Chouji, Shikamaru, Kiba, Neji, Tenten and Lee had been banished from Konoha, only to be hunted down by ROOT a few days later and attacked. They had managed – barely – to escape to Suna, but none of them dared leave to find Naruto lest they be murdered. All of them were now crippled in some way, and Kiba was suffering from his ninken's death while Lee was now unable to move faster than a civilian.
Gaara, despite his wishes, could do very little other than give them shelter.
They had been trying to find Naruto to warn him. Yamato wasn't sure what the warning was about, but he knew that whoever was behind it did not want Naruto to find out.
Yamato died in Naruto's arms.
The next day found Sasuke once again comforting his hurt and nearly-broken friend. The blonde very nearly flung himself from the cliff upon which they were camped, but Sasuke had stopped him and held him tightly while he grieved.
"You aren't a burden, or unwelcome, or unwanted, Naruto," Sasuke murmured after deciphering his friend's ramblings. "I care for you. Your other friends care for you, that's why they tried to warn you. But remember – no matter what comes – I. Will. Be. Here." Naruto nodded, although deep down he wondered if he truly deserved to be loved.
Thanks to those who reviewed!
Two more chapters after this one and then we're done!
~Ashuri