Author's Note-- So wow, everybody really hates Sakura being weak so I had to make you all happy. And I know you all hate Karin as well but sorry, she's staying just to be a pain in the ass :). Thanks for the feedback, it was fantastic. And I"m sorry it took so long, I"m really having a hard time with this. Been staring at the freaking computer for the last two weeks trying to come up with this so please don't think I forgot or don't care, believe me, not it at all.

Chapter 26 The Spirit Carries On

I may never find all the answers. I may never understand why. I may never prove What I know to be true, But I know that I still have to try

--

Sakura watched with humor on her position on the floor. Karin and Suigetsu were currently fighting over who was now the 'acting' leader of the group until Sasuke returned. Though she had no desire to be separated from her former teammate she was without a choice. Apparently Sasuke takes off quite a bit leaving his group behind. And since they did not panic over his disappearance, Sakura was assured that Sasuke would be back. She had to believe in that. Or else Inner Sakura would take over and make it quite obvious she was currently at three strangers' mercy.

She glanced down at her arm. Knowing that she would somehow have to set her bones put a little damper on her amusement. In front of her sat gauze and in a little bowl was smashed up roots and herbs that would help ease the pain and hopefully hasten her healing process.

Sakura stuffed a clothe in her mouth to keep herself from being too loud and took a steady breath as she prepared herself to straighten her bone. With a quick yank, her teeth clenched the clothe and her muffled cry vibrated around the camp.

The two shouting paused and glanced to her, their eyes wide. Even the quiet Jugo had his attention upon her, seemingly shocked.

Sakura threw away the piece that was in her mouth and shyly smiled. "Gomen." She apologized for interrupting.

"Kuso." Suigetsu mumbled, "You're fucking nuts."

Karin scoffed, crossing her arms, "I could do that."

"Yea right. You cry when you get a paper cut."

"As if! As I recall you were the one bawling not too long ago."

"You kicked me in the balls, you bitch!"

Sakura tore her attention from their petty battle and began the painful process of rubbing the lotion into her skin, tearing at the eyes as she did so. It had to be one of the worst pains she had ever felt in her life but she continued despite her shaking and groaning. She smiled to herself however, a bit proudly. She had certainly gotten their attention.

When finally it was completely wrapped up, Sakura leaned back against the tree exhausted. Sweat covered her forehead and a fever was possible of taking control if she didn't take the necessary procedures. From another bowl with different herbs she poured them into her water and quickly drank it up. Now she just needed some rest and upon waking, her strength should return to at least thirty percent. And then her body could get better on it's own.

--

Naruto dragged each foot as he journeyed down the hall to the Hokage's office. He had avoided this confrontation for as long as he possibly could but now there was no chance. Especially with the ANBU that were politely delivering him. He hadn't spoken to anyone, hiding out in his apartment for the few hours since their return to the village. He had tried to sleep, his body had begged for sleep but none had come and he was sure his exhaustion was obvious on his features. He hadn't wanted to seem so pathetic when he finally faced those that wished to see him but apparently it was inevitable.

He took a deep breath when the door was pushed open for him and he was again nicely shoved inside. Naruto kept his head down and his eyes to the floor. He needn't see their anger or their hatred.

"What the hells' wrong with you?" The Hokage hollered.

Clenching his fists he forced out, "Obaa-chan, Sakura--"

"Is missing, I know."

He snapped up his head, finding her light brown eyes on him and a light smile on her lips. She leaned back in her chair, folding her legs. "Iie, Obaa-chan. You're wrong."

"You dare tell the Hokage that? I'm not wrong. She's missing. Sasuke took her as a hostage. That's the report I received."

Naruto shook his head, "Iie--"

"Naruto!" She roughly cut him off. Her smile vanished and replaced with her undeniably strength and superiority. "That is the report I received. Do you agree? Sasuke took her as hostage. Correct?"

His brows were knit but he had finally realized what she was trying to say without actually doing so. Reporting Sakura as a hostage gave her the ability to return to the village. However. It only gave them six months to get Sakura back before she would be officially tainted as a Missing-Nin. Naruto shook his head. There was no point in lying in his opinion. Sakura wasn't going to return. He was going to be alone for the rest of his life.

"We'll get her back, Naruto."

"There's no point."

"I understand why you feel that way--"

Naruto snapped his eyes up angrily. "You do, huh? You've lost teammates before, huh?"

She faltered at his sudden response. Her eyes lowered for a moment. Tsunade shook her head disappointed. "You're an idiot to think you're alone. Get out of my office."

Though he turned on his heel and slammed the door behind him, his hand lingered on the doorknob. A hand rose to his heart and he gripped it harshly in his heavy breathing. It never eased the pain but somehow it comforted him.

He had been rash and unfair. Tsunade and Jiraya both had lost their teammate Orochimaru. And even though he was a murderer now, there was a chance that when he was younger he had been a much better person. He recalled the story Jiraya had told him about Orochimaru and why he wears the fool symbol upon his forehead. It had effected them both just like Sasuke's own betrayal.

Naruto sluggishly walked down the hallway. He would be mindful not to act the same way in front of anyone else. Ninjas lost teammates all the time. He certainly wasn't alone in that. But just like the hand upon his chest, it didn't end the pain, it was just comforting knowing that fact.

--

Sakura woke to the smell of tantalizing food. From the shade of the sun she estimated she had slept for only four hours and though that may not seem like enough she felt some strength had returned to her. She felt along her arm and was pleased to find the swelling had mostly depleted and the pain was no longer so great. Her healing was no where complete but thankfully she was on her way.

Suigetsu and Karin were actually eating quietly between them. Jugo was tied to the nearest tree seemingly asleep but she knew he could wake at the drop of a hat.

Despite putting down her bag and sitting on it, she could still feel the cold from the snow beneath and her butt was wet upon standing. Did she ever mention she hated the freaking snow? It was beautiful from afar and when in the proper setting she didn't mind it at all. But it was the worst situation for camping.

Sakura warmed next to the fire, staring at the leftover food that was near. Daringly, she took a chance, "The food looks good. Quail?"

Karin looked up with raised brows, "So?" With that response she quickly snatched the plate and went over to Jugo giving him the rest.

Sakura mumbled curses under her breath but went out to search for her own food.

They set out an hour later. Karin had won out as leader this time (Sakura had a hunch that Karin always won out though). Since she was able to locate where Sasuke was, she was the obvious choice. They weren't hurrying it seemed since they were actually traveling at a pace that was even a bit sluggish for her. But she was silently thankful. She didn't want to use up what little chakra she had gained for tree jumping.

The quiet atmosphere was welcome and she sighed contently. Her eyes darted to Karin, aside to Suigetsu and behind to Jugo. Her attention was mostly on him. He was so much of a mystery to her. Beside the fact that his teammates tied him to a tree whenever they rested, he was really quiet. And despite all of that, he still seemed the most friendly in the group. Maybe if she warmed her way into his heart she wouldn't feel so out of place.

That's something she didn't want to think about. Without Sasuke she was inevitably put with a group of strangers. Not just strangers. Enemies. People that had attacked her friends and had slashed Ino's neck. Why wasn't that a factor in her decision to go after Sasuke? Why had TenTen's baby's death not played any part? She shouldn't be here.

Sakura shook her head to quell the morose doubts. Nothing mattered. It didn't matter where she belonged or where she didn't. It didn't matter what had happened prior. Just as her years of loneliness and guilt no longer mattered. She was where she needed to be to live. She was with Sasuke. And whatever she had to do to endure being with him, that she would go through with it. Sakura only had this life time to prove to Sasuke how much she loved him.

"Kuso." Karin bit and stopped short of her travel.

Suigetsu gripped the hilt of his blade. "How far?"

"I thought we'd be able to sneak across. But they felt us."

Jugo questioned, "Sasuke-sama?"

"Too far south. He probably can't feel us."

Sakura was too confused to keep quiet. "What? What's going on?"

A glare was quickly her response. "You get a crash course of what really goes on outside your precious satos."

Sakura watched as the three of them became a circle, with their backs pressed against each others. She wondered how long she was going to be kept of that said circle. So far her usual charms on making friends wasn't working so well. Sakura took out a blade and held it before her defensively. Karin of course was quick to giggle, "That won't save you. Why don't you stand back, med-nin, and prove your uselessness."

Their attention however fled instantly upon the power that now pressed on them. Sakura snapped her head to the right where everyone's gaze held. Upon the branches above where fifteen bandits free of insignias. Sakura gapped in surprise. She had been worried about Akatsuki, not bandits. She hadn't feared bandits since she was ten years old. She almost laughed at their stupidity but she kept quiet. There had to be a reason.

"Lookit here. The infamous Hebi. What an honor. But wait." He sarcastic stated, "Are thee without thy leader?" His group bandits laughed and chuckled grinning at their prey.

"Cut the shit, Lu'Tao." Suigetsu warned, whipping out his five foot sword.

"Ahh, where's the fun Suigetsu I remembered? You use to be the best at this. You know you're welcome to come back to the clan."

Suigetsu chuckled, "Even if I did come back, I wonder how long it would take for someone to slit my throat when I'm not looking."

"You're right, we haven't forgotten your treason. However, we might look past it if you let us have the girl back."

"Fuck you." Karin growled violently.

"Where did I hear that before?" He crossed his arms, tapping a finger to his chin. Then his eyes widened mockingly, "That's right. You said that to me right before I did fuck you."

A man to the side, "She said it to me too!" The crowd roared with laughter.

"Me too!" Another hollered.

The leader smirked, "You certainly had a good time with us. Why not come back?"

Sakura gaze was on her, watching with question in her eyes. The female's face was hidden in shadow, her hair pulled over her features. But her fists were catching all of her attention. Blood was dripping from the nails she was fisting into her own skin.

"Shut the fuck up, Lu'Tao." Suigetsu barred his sharp shark teeth.

Sakura caught Jugo's movement. His hands gripping his orange hair with a sudden angry roar. His power was expanding. All attention seemed to be on the giant now. Suigetsu tried to grip an arm but the man jerked his arm easily, back smacking his teammate. The male flew to the side, slamming into a nearby tree. Karin however did not move from her spot unafraid of Jugo's outrage. Maybe she was completely ignorant to all of it because she didn't even flinch when Suigetsu's body flew by her.

What the hell was going on? Why was Jugo freaking out, why was Karin just standing there? Suigetsu seemed the only one doing anything and he had just attacked Jugo. None of it made any fucking sense.

But the fight was breaking out. The fifteen or so bandits jumped upon the group, several going after Suigetsu and Karin while trying fruitlessly to get away from the rampaging giant. Jugo plowed through them with so much rage in his voice for a moment Sakura was scared for her own life. He seemed completely upside down from her previous impression of him. Where had he kept all this sudden fury?

Sakura balled her fists. Despite the skirmish going on in front of her she realized to depressingly that she had all this time to think. Meaning they were totally ignoring her. She wondered if there was stamp upon her forehead that shouted out, "Weak, pay no attention to me!" She wouldn't be surprised if Karin had actually written that on her somewhere.

Pulling tight to her right glove, Sakura balled what little chakra she possessed. So it was a really stupid idea considering, but her pride wouldn't let her stay out of the fight. She stood back and watched most of her life. She wasn't about to do it here.

She slammed her fist into the ground below and it rumbled instantly cracking and groaning. She smiled brightly jumping back and running as fast and as far as she could along with everyone else when they finally realized the world they were standing on was suddenly falling apart.

When finally the commotion ended, she rested on top of a tree branch hanging over the newly formed cliff. She looked down into it and smiled proudly. It was at least a mile deep and fifty feet across. That should have gotten their attention at least.

"Lookit here." Sakura stiffened. She felt the breath on the back of her neck and she shuddered uncontrollably. "A new recruit." He chuckled softly. "You look even prettier then the red head. And younger too."

"Oi, you son of a bitch!" Karin hollered. They both looked just in time to catch the sight of her jumping from the other limp swinging a large tree limb and smacking Lu' Tao across the face. His body fell back, dropping from the branch they had stood on, a place Karin now occupied. "Fuck you." She screamed after his falling body, slowly disappearing in the darkness of the canyon.

"Whore!" From the same place she had jumped from, a man did the very same but he slammed into her with his own body.

Sakura was too shocked to move in time. All she could do was watch in slow motion as the two of them fell fast into the abyss.

A flicker of light caught her attention on the other side of the cliff. Her brows knit trying to figure out why it had flashed just like lightning. Then she saw his figure. Sasuke was freefalling. A rope was tied around a tree and he held the other end. She shook her head. There was no way he could save Karin. She was as good as dead. He was so stupid! Why was he sacrificing himself for her? She didn't know him! She hadn't been around when he was a child. She was nothing! Nothing compared to Sakura's own worth.

She shook her head. Those selfish thoughts had been too rude and unnatural. She didn't like it. Jealousy was not something she wanted to have. She was better then that.

Sakura forced out better thoughts. She preyed to Kami that Sasuke managed to save Karin. And prayed that neither of them got hurt in the process.

"What the hell was that, girl?" Suigetsu jumped to her limb and stole her away from her own head. "Why the hell did you feel the need to spilt the damn earth?"

"Got bored." She responded falsely. She needed to feel included and acting careless seemed to be the group's qualifying nature.

"Hn." His brows were knit when her attention immediately went back to the canyon. "Nani?"

"She fell."

"Who?"

"Karin."

"What do you mean she fell!" He hollered suddenly, grabbing hold of Sakura's back pack quickly digging for rope which he pulled out then roughly pushed her away.

Sakura latched on to his arm, "Iie, Sasuke went after her." Suigetsu glared at her hand and ripped it away ready to dive into the hole.

Sasuke however jumped suddenly out and landed beside the edge. And in his arms he held protectively an unconscious Karin.

Sakura's gaze fell on him. Was this a sign? Was he trying to tell her something? That not only had he chosen a different life, but also a different person to heal his heart? Was it possible that Karin was what she herself had once been?

"Sakura." His voice shoved her back to the present, his gaze was on her too and she had just now noticed. He slowly lowered the woman down upon the ground. The blood that dripped from her head had also made itself known and instinct kicked in.

Sakura dropped to the floor knelling beside her, "She hit her head. Kami it's a deep gash. But not too deep thankfully." Sakura paused to reflect. Her medical side had momentarily outweighed her consciousness but now as she stared down at the woman, Inner Sakura was quick to take back her place. Should she keep what little chakra she possessed and use it for herself or even for Sasuke if needed? Or should she waste it upon the woman she was coming swiftly to despise?

Sakura lifted her gaze to Sasuke, to Suigetsu, and to Jugo who had suddenly appeared on her left. They all looked on seemingly careless but she knew that look too well. The concern was present. But it was Sasuke's gaze that decided it for her. Sakura wanted to do everything she could to heal his broken heart and if this woman was a piece of that puzzle, then she'd protect Karin just as much as she'd protect him.

Yanking off her glove her green chakra quickly flowed into the gash and she watched it heal underneath her palm. She could feel the familiar pain of draining her chakra but she continued on, clenching her teeth to keep anyone from noticing.

Sasuke's voice broke somewhat of her concentration. "Why did you engage?" She looked up to him but his attention was to his teammates.

"We didn't have a choice." Suigetsu lamely fought back, nearly pouting.

"Then you run."

"I could have taken them."

"That is not the point, Suigetsu. Jugo--"

"I was handling it." He mumbled even though he knew how much of a lie that was. "Besides, we barely got started." Sasuke side-stepped so Suigetsu's attention would be on the large canyon in the middle of the forest. "Don't look at me. Talk to your little play toy."

Sasuke's black eyes lowered to Sakura. She instantly brought her attention down to Karin and was relieved when she noticed the woman coming around. Karin's red eyes snapped open. Her glasses were lost but she could see well enough to know who it was that hung over her. Sakura smiled softly. "You'll be okay. You'll just have a little headache for awhile." Sakura pulled back upon noticing Sasuke's hand which reached down, waiting to help her up. Her mouth nearly dropped open at his sudden chivalry. Karin seemed just as surprised, hesitantly lifting her hand, allowing him to help her to her feet.

"Suigetsu. Take her and go to the village but do not enter it till I get there."

With mumbling and curses, he wrapped Karin's arm around his neck and together they jumped to the trees with Jugo in tow. Leaving Sakura alone.

She lifted herself to stand firmly on her feet. Her body was visibly shaking from her lack of strength and sweat dripped down her temple. She panted but gazed at him fearless.

He turned his attention to her. "You wish to die?" His deep voice resonated.

"Iie." She answered simply.

"Then you do not fight."

"I am stronger now than--"

"I do not care how strong you think you may be. But against so many you are nothing. All three of them are aware their chances were slim. They run. You do not fight."

"I will defend myself."

"Then your death will not be on my time. If you are to stay. Then you are to obey. Understood?"

"Sasuke-"

"Do you understand, Sakura?"

Her name on his lips was more or less a weakness she had not foreseen. Her knees quaked, her heart pounded, and she felt herself immediately give-in to his will. Realizing this formed a high level of shame that dropped her gaze from him and her head bowed. "Ah."

"Good. Now hurry." He jumped into the trees.

Sakura quickly followed after postponing her self pity for a moment of privacy.

So we doing okay so far? I think another two to three chapters before Itachi shows his face. It's gonna be fun!