DISCLAIMER: This story is solely written for fanservicing. All known characters and plot lines belong to Masashi Kishimoto and the publishers of the Naruto series. I am merely a fan who wishes to write her alternate story to the Naruto manga. The title "In The Name of Life" is taken from Joe Hisaishi's soundtrack of the film 'Spirited Away', by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. This fanfic is not intended for lucrative purposes.

In The Name of Life

Chapter IIX

"Even monkeys fall from trees" ~Japanese proverb

Kakashi often wondered if he failed as a shinobi.

First, there were Obito and Rin. The former had given his life in order to protect his teammates, and had given Kakashithe most precious trait of an Uchiha, the Sharingan. Obito had taught him about honour and teamwork, how one cannot leave their comrades behind or else the mission would fail. Rin, on the other hand, she had disappeared from his life. They haven't seen each other in years; she had decided to move to another village after Obito's death. She had cut all ties held in Konoha, including any sort of contact with their sensei. It led Kakashi to think that she was dead.

He was bad at keeping in touch with others. It came with his upbringing; he had been a prodigy, but like most prodigies, he had put too much emphasis on his work before his friends. He had learned to care about others with the death of his could-have-been best friend. After his own team had been disbanded, Kakashi reflected on all the mistakes he'd made with them and resolved into teaching his own gennin team that camaraderie came before anything.

However, he had failed at that too. Sasuke and Naruto added on to his list of failed attempts at keeping up with his values, of succeeding as the shinobi who could lead a village. The two boys, who were strategically put in the same team so that he could watch over them, had turned against each other. Sauske had left their village, and gained power from the wrong source. Naruto was still present, but he had promised to die in order to save his best friend. Once again, Kakashi's attempt at teaching his students that comradeship was a valuable ninja skill had failed. Naruto and Sasuke were bound to die at each other's hands. He couldn't keep his students from killing each other, much like he couldn't save Obito and his sensei, or keep contact with Rin.

And now, his last bit of hope had been kidnapped as well. If they were to save Haruno Sakura from Madara's hand, she would be a completely different person. Kakashi wished that he had spent more time watching over his only female student. She had been bright from the start; always thinking with her head before her arms, unlike Naruto and Sasuke. He focused too much on the boys because they were easier to deal with. They also showed more potential and threat to the future of the ninja world. Sakura had been an excellent student, but her skills did not really relate with his.

Ever since the incident in the Land of Iron, Kakashi had wondered if Sakura was going to end up in the same place as him. She would be the sole survivor of the original Team 7 after Naruto and Sasuke killed each other. Then Kakashi would teach her how to cope with pain, finally giving her his full attention. She would no longer be the bright and optimistic twelve year old he met a long time ago, but a wounded kunoichi who had too much on her shoulders to bear at such a young age. However, given the current circumstances, Kakashi knew that he was –once again—going to fail at keeping his loved ones alive.

As he looked over his Division, he questioned his own abilities as a leader. If he couldn't keep three kids from turning against each other, how could he keep more than ten thousand shinobi from different villages from being hostile against one another? And to think that he was almost named Hokage...

"Kakashi!"

The alluded moved his gaze from his Division to a voice that was coming from behind. He saw Maito Gai making his way to him with a stern look. It was rare that he looked so serious, but then again, this war had made everyone adopt a different personality. Kakashi had requested Gai to be his right hand man in battle. Despite their eternal rivalry, the two shinobi worked well as a team.

"How's Hyūga?" Kakashi asked, once his old friend arrived at his side.

"He is well. Hiashi has summoned him to have a word," Gai informed. Then, he hesitated with his next words, "I'm sure you have heard about Naruto and Hinata."

"Ah... yes, I was informed a few hours ago," Kakashi raised his only visible eyebrow, remembering the unexpected escapade of the two teens, "And would you say that they have blossomed with the love of youth?"

"I would, but it's no time for jokes. The Kages have requested to meet with all the Divisions' commanders. I'm here to take you there."

Perhaps the comment was too unsophisticated for Gai's visit, but Kakashi was growing bored of the constant seriousness of the war. If they were going to die the next day, they ought to have some fun. His mind drifted to his stack of Icha Icha Paradise books back in his tent. How he craved to open one of those books and indulge himself in his imagination. It was the perfect escape from reality. Ultimately, the meeting with the Kages would only bring more severity to the subject of Naruto's departure.

"Gai, do you ever feel like you have failed?" he asked his companion as they were on their way to the Alliance's headquarters.

"As a teacher? Never. I always gave the best I could to my students. Neji is now a jōnin, Tenten is the best weapons mistress of her age, and Lee has learned to always strive to the best of his abilities."

"What about as a person?" Kakashi only wanted to confirm that he wasn't only sulking into the collapse of what he held dear. He was content to talk to Gai about these things; over the years, their rivalry had developed along with a great sense of respect for one another.

"No," Gai answered, shaking his head, "Like with my students, I have always strived for the best that I could. Having you as a rival only has made me want to improve as a shinobi and as a person."

Kakashi couldn't help but smile under his mask. Maybe he still had friends who would be by his side when he died. Despite how exaggerated Gai could be, he was still a valuable comrade. If only Naruto and Sasuke had turned out like them...

"Do you think you have failed, my friend?"

"Sometimes," Kakashi responded, adopting his signature walk with his hands in his pockets. To a stranger, he may seem like a laid-back ninja, but Gai knew that he was currently struggling with himself.

"Kakashi, we may be growing old, but the flower of youth hasn't left us yet. We still have time to correct our mistakes from the past," Gai reassured him, putting a hand on his shoulder for moral support.

"That was the type of comment I needed from you, Gai."

He was right. As the commander of the Third Division, Kakashi had to start leading his troops to victory rather than sulk in his past. It was time to make up for all his mistakes and ensure that his Division did not fall under the enemy.

Before they entered the building where the Kages were about to meet, Kakahsi summoned Pakkun, the smallest dog of his ninken. He ordered the animal to follow Naruto's trail and come back with the information as soon as he could, "Be aware that he may be in Sage Mode, so try to track his trail from where he cannot sense you."

"Gotcha," and with that, Pakkun disappeared in a puff. Kakashi contemplated the place where the dog had been, hoping that he would bring any clue from Naruto and Hinata.

"They have already sent a retrieving team to get them. The kid has a reason to go to the enemy's headquarters," said Gai, noticing how restless Kakashi had gotten.

"I would do the same," he responded, but he knew that his chances of keeping Naruto alive have declined with his departure.

The two shinobi made their way into the building, meeting up with the other Divisions' commanders.

Shikamaru was being escorted by Choji; Kitsuchi by his daughter Kurotsuchi; Darui by Atsui; and Mifune by one of his samurai. In a stern atmosphere, the group made its way to the circled room where the meeting was going to take place. The five Kages had already taken their seats, with A sitting in the middle while Tsunade was on his left side. Mifune, as the chair of this meeting, sat on the Supreme Leader's right side. Everyone else found their labelled seats and waited for Mifune to call order before taking seat.

"As you have all been informed, our circumstances have changed," the samurai scanned the attendees' faces before continuing, "Uzumaki Naruto has departed from our territory and has decided to rescue the Konoha medic ninja named Haruno Sakura. Furthermore, he's accompanied by Hyūga Hinata, of the Second Division, a chūnin who also hails from Konohagakure."

"We must not forget that C, a sensor ninja from Kumogakure with outstanding medical abilities, has also been captured by the enemy," A added.

If Kakashi hadn't known better, he would have thought that the Supreme Leader was annoyed by all the attention that Konoha still gathered. He saw how the Hokage ran a hand through her face in frustration, as if she was hung over.

"We haven't forgotten, Raikage-sama," Mifune continued, trying to remain neutral among the villages' lingering rivalries, "But before we continue with this meeting, I urge all attendants to wait for their turn to speak. Now, I call for the Medical Division's captain to enter and give her account on the jinchūriki's departure—"

"His name is Naruto," interrupted Tsunade with an irritated tone, "You will not refer to him as a jinchūriki. He is a person just like you are."

This time, the samurai had to remain quiet for a longer moment. Kakashi expected the Hokage to verbally express her frustration; she'd never been good with hangovers. He felt everyone shift in their positions, as if they were readying for an attack.

"Hokage-sama, with all due respect, we cannot afford to lose time with name-labelling," argued the Tsuchikage from his seat.

"And with all due respect, Tsuchikage-sama," interrupted Gaara, "the Hokage is right in terms of referring to the individual we are trying to protect."

Kakashi could feel the glares the Kages were giving one another. It was difficult to keep an alliance of more than fifty thousand shinobi in place if their leaders disagreed on the smallest aspects. Naruto was no longer considered an outcast in their village, which was something that Tsunade took pride in, but in the eyes of the other Kages –with Gaara's exception—the way that his student was called was a minor detail.

"Very well," Mifune continued, "I call for the Medical Division's captain to give her account on Uzumaki Naruto and Hyūga Hinata."

Shizune entered the room and took a place at its centre, being surrounded by the Regiment Divisions' commanders and the Kages. She gave a look to Tsunade, recognizing the aftermath of her drinking binge, and then directed her words at Mifune, "Uzumaki Naruto's escape from my Division was a plan carried out by Inuzuka Kiba, Hyūga Neji, and Hyūga Hinata. After speaking with the two former, they informed me that the Hyūga girl had decided to help Naruto rescue Haruno Sakura and C. He was not aware of her intentions, and was therefore taken from my Division's camp by surprise. Nonetheless, I take full responsibility for their escape, as it happened in my territory. The Inuzuka and Hyūga boys were accomplices, but they did not hesitate in reporting the plan after its execution."

With that being said, Shizune took a seat beside Kakashi, keeping her eyes fixed on their Hokage. Tsunade looked more irritated by Shizune's constant watch on her, but remained silent.

"Thank you for your report, Captain Shizune. We now open this matter for discussion before passing the motion," explained Mifune, "The motion reads that a retrieving squad brings Uzumaki and Hyūga back as soon as possible. They are to leave immediately after this meeting is adjourned."

All the commanders turned to one another in order to give in their opinions until Shikamaru spoke up, "Seeing that Naruto and Hinata have departed, and that they are both highly gifted with sensing chakra, they can easily evade our radar. We need to consider that Naruto is also a knucklehead who doesn't obey orders that easily. No wonder why he decided to follow Hinata's plan. If he wants to go and save Sakura, he will not go back to our headquarters."

Kakashi heard Shikamaru mutter 'troublesome' before crossing his arms. He was, after all, a laziest genius Konoha had ever encountered. Nonetheless, Kakashi had already taken the right measures to locate Naruto without him noticing. That was the advantage of knowing a student like Naruto so well; he would not notice Kakashi's ninken following his trail until it was too late.

"We have already sent a searching party, but the Nara boy is right," added the Mizukage, "However, we must also remember that Uzumaki Naruto is heading to the enemy's hideout. He will not only find Uchiha Madara, but Uchiha Sasuke as well. That positions him into greater danger. Another retrieving squad must be sent if they were to encounter our enemy."

If it wasn't because Pakkun had appeared under his lap, Kakashi would've had to handle all the stares he received from every member in the room. He did not want to face them. In that moment, he felt overwhelmingly guilty for not being the best teacher for his students. He kept replaying Gai's words in his mind, that there was still time to make up for the mistakes he made in the past; that his loved ones could still look forward to a more peaceful life. Nevertheless, the intense staring he was receiving made him face everyone else as well.

"Naruto promised to die in order to bring Uchiha Sasuke back to Konoha," he informed the attendees.

With a serious face, the Tsuchikage addressed his words, "Then we must retrieve Uzumaki back into Turtle Island and let him join Killer Bee. A search party will not be enough to convince him that he needs to be kept in here."

"Agreed," followed the Mizukage, "But once we bring him back, he will be forbidden from entering the battlefield until the enemy has been defeated."

"He won't follow those orders either," counter argued a sour Tsunade, "Naruto will want to fight the war by himself so that no one else gets killed."

She was also affected by Sakura's abduction. The girl was her student as well. The Hokage had also experienced a great deal of loss in her life, and Sakura was another addition to her list of lost loved ones. Kakashi could understand her angered behaviour, but she still needed to keep her composure.

"Tsunade-sama needs her remedy," murmured Shizune quietly.

"I have sent one of my ninken to track Naruto and Hinata's trail," Kakashi said, lifting Pakkun from the floor and placing him in the centre of the room. He stood beside the dog with his hands in his pockets, intently looking at all the Kages.

"Naruto and Hinata are currently at the border of the Land of Hot Water, and are most likely heading to the Mountain's Graveyard by land. They have been travelling by foot since yesterday, barely stopping for water and shelter," informed Pakkun.

"I would recommend that you send a larger party to bring them back," offered Darui, the First Division's captain, "If they are travelling along the coastline of the northern countries, my troops can easily follow them through water."

Kakashi took his seat back after Pakkun had disappeared, and listened to all the suggestions made by the commanders. They ranged from letting Naruto travel to the Mountain's Graveyard with a hidden team trailing his path and wait until he reached the enemy and then attack, to simply capturing and shoving him in Turtle's Island by force. He knew that none of those ideas would work on Naruto; the only way that he would return was if Hinata begged him to. But seeing how she was the one who originally had the idea of rescuing Sakura, the chance of them coming back was slim.

"By now, they are most likely trespassing into the Land of Sound, so it is better if we gather shinobi who exceed with speed," Mifune said, "We must not waste time in looking—"

The samurai could not finish his sentence, as everyone turned their attention to the entrance bursting open. Hyūga Hiashi, followed by his nephew Neji and daughter Hanabi, interrupted the meeting with his Byuakugan activated.

"Where is my daughter?" he demanded.

Kakashi never understood parental love as he'd never had a child before, but seeing the rage that came from Hiashi's chakra, he could sense that it was stronger than the love he felt for his students.

Neji had never seen his uncle so furious.

After they'd interrupted the leaders' meeting at the Shinobi Alliance's headquarters, he questioned if his uncle was acting accordingly to the Hyūga teachings. Neji had to go to the First Division in order to explain to his uncle why his daughter had escaped with Uzumaki Naruto. Hiashi was anything but supportive of her decision. In fact, his instant reaction was to get a hold of Hanabi from the Alliance's hidden academy and request his and her company to go speak with the Kages.

It was shocking to think that his little cousin was already getting prepared to fight Madara's army. The Alliance had set up a large room where the most promising young students from every village were taken for training. Hanabi was only ten years old, but one of the best of her generation. After all, Hiashi had done well in training his youngest daughter. He only failed in encouraging Hinata to better herself when she was younger.

When Neji informed Hiashi that Hinata had devised a plan to get Naruto to the Mountain's Graveyard, he did not believe it at first. His uncle said that it was a lie, that his Hinata did not have enough courage to risk her life for the jinchūriki. However, after contemplating Neji's serious look, he finally understood that the boy was saying the truth and demanded to confirm the news with the Kages. It was rather disrespectful to interrupt such an important meeting, but Neji knew that her uncle still loved his daughters regardless of their abilities.

"Hyūga-sama," said Mifune, "I'm afraid to inform you that there is a meeting taking place. If you would not mind waiting—"

"I asked where my daughter is," Hiashi demanded. He moved to the middle of the room so that every member could see him, "Hokage-sama, what is the meaning of this?"

Neji stayed near the entrance and held on to Hanabi's hand. She was still perplexed by her father's actions, adopting the introvert stance that he had only seen on Hinata. Hanabi was afraid of what her father might do. He looked around, finding the familiar faces of the ones from Konoha. The Kages sat on their designated seats, each one under a banner that carried the symbol of their village. Mifune, the samurai, sat beside the Raikage, acting as chair of the meeting.

"It seems like you've been informed of your daughter's plan, Hiashi-sama," responded the Hokage, placing her chin over her hands and analyzing the head of the Hyūga clan, "She is currently in the border between the Land of Hot Tea and the Land of Sound. Along with Uzumaki Naruto, she plans on rescuing Haruno Sakura, a friend of hers."

Neji was surprised by the simple tone of her words. Tsunade did seem irritated, but once she addressed Hiashi, she adopted a calmer stance. After all, she was currently dealing with the head of one of the strongest clans in Konoha. The rest of the Kages kept silent, as well as the Divisions' commanders. Shikamaru, Darui, Kakashi, Kitsuchi and Mifune were present, as well as Choji, Kumo's Atsui, his own sensei Maito Gai, Kurotsuchi from Iwa, and a samurai from the Land of Iron as escorts. Everyone was waiting for his uncle's next reaction.

"Are you... are you telling me that she went off with the Uzumaki boy?"

"Yes," responded the Raikage.

They all witnessed how Hiashi's composure went from enraged to a desperate, weaker state. His body started trembling while he grabbed a hold of his hair. Neji tightened his grip on Hanabi's hand, reminding her that she wasn't alone. Hiashi looked lost, like he had seen a ghost.

"We will try and get her back," promised Gaara, and then made a gesture to order Gai to take the Hyūga outside of the meeting place, "We will resume once Hiashi-sama is taken to a separate room to get rest."

Neji sensed that his uncle had lost control of his feelings. He had always kept a balance between his actions and emotions, hence gaining the label of being a very patient opponent. Hiashi personified everything that the traditional Hyūga stood for; a strong, stern, serious leader who went with the rules of the game. However, the boy knew that his uncle had too much burden on his shoulders, ever since Hyūga Hizashi sacrificed for the welfare of the clan.

When he was thirteen, Neji had been able to improve his relationship with the Main Family when he realized how much guilt Hiashi felt for the death of his twin brother. Their bond strengthened throughout the years as Neji gained knowledge of their clan's techniques. Hiashi was one of the first people to congratulate him on ascending to jōnin. He had even given Neji the privilege of acting as a delegate of the Hyūga clan in the Shinobi Alliance, proving that the structural order of things was changing within the family.

However, as Neji, Hanabi, and Hiashi were led into a smaller room in order to calm down the frustration of the latter, he wondered how much he had disappointed his uncle by helping Hinata out. Inside the room, there was a large futon that lay out in the middle, and Hiashi made his way over there. He sat down cross legged and closed his eyes, trying to calm down his breathing. He was meditating, Neji concluded. That was the only method for him to reflect on the current situation without losing his head.

Neji felt the hand of his sensei on his shoulder and turned around to make eye contact with him. Gai usually charismatic features had a serious expression, one that the Hyūga boy had seldom witnessed. With the war happening, many jesters had dropped their humours demeanours and adopted what was appropriate for battle. He remembered Kiba, who had pretended to get attacked by Akamaru in order to let Naruto and Hinata escape from the Medical Division. He no longer made jokes about anything, but kept a rather cautious persona. Now, Neji watched how his sensei dismissed any type of comment about youthfulness and took things seriously.

"No matter what, I am proud of you," his sensei said.

Neji had told those same words to Hinata the last time they saw each other. He was fully healed from his encounter with Zetsu, but the memories were still fresh in his mind. Everything had happened in a blur; he'd been attacked by Zetsu, saved by Naruto, taken to the Medical Division, and then he'd helped out his younger cousin in escaping from the last cape of protection that could be given to the Uzumaki boy.

"Gai, would you mind taking Hanabi outside? I would like to have a word with my nephew," Hiashi's tone sounded like the precedent of when a child got punished by an adult. Neji recalled the first time he heard those words back in Konoha, when he had fought against Hinata during the chūnin exams. His lavender eyes looked at his uncle, who was still in the same cross-legged position over the futon. He turned around and watched how his sensei took Hanabi by the shoulder and directed her outside. They looked at each other one last time before Gai closed the door.

Preparing himself, Neji made his way over to his uncle and sat beside him, sensing the calm before the storm. He closed his lids as well, waiting for his uncle to speak.

"Neji, did you help them escape?" his uncle questioned.

Neji opened his eyes once again and found that his uncle was looking at him. His hands were still on meditating position but his whole body seemed powerless, like he had been ridden of something important.

"Yes, ojisama."

Pause.

"...Why?"

His uncle had been asking a lot of questions during the last hour, but this was one that Neji had to think about before answering. He tried recalling what drove him to help Hinata; her determination to help Naruto, her empowering courage, her pure selflessness to satisfy others at her own cost. He did not have a direct answer for Hiashi, but Neji knew that if his cousin would've been hurt if he hadn't helped her. Hinata loved Naruto and all she wanted was for him to be happy. Neji loved his cousin like a sister, he didn't want to see her in pain either.

"Because she believed in helping Naruto," he responded after a long silence. Neji heard his uncle let out a long breath, trying to relax his nerves, "She's no longer a child, ojisama."

"You three will always be children to me, Neji. You, Hinata, and Hanabi."

Hiashi stood up and walked around the room, making his way towards the small window that gave a view of the preparing forces of the Alliance. Neji decided to follow suit after his uncle made a gesture so that he could see the view.

"Do you see all of those younglings? They are all less than twelve years old. They are preparing for this war, your cousin included. Their goal is to prevent the enemy from getting his hands near the jinchūriki; however, due to Hinata's brilliant idea, the Uzumaki boy is now heading to the wolf's open mouth. Not only that, but he is also risking the life of my eldest daughter. My precious, pure Hinata. And you aided them in getting away from the Alliance's territory."

Neji watched as the young students were practising with weapons in the training camp. It was a large group of nine to twelve year olds, who would have to grow up much sooner than the normal shinobi. He, on the other hand, had never experienced a normal childhood due to the death of his father. And now, because of the war, thousands of young kids would put their lives on the line for Naruto and Killer Bee. Hanabi was one of them.

"I am disappointed in you, nephew."

He looked at his nephew, showing all the disappointment in his expression. Neji felt terrible –beyond terrible. It had taken them so long to build a good relationship, and now he had thrown it all away with one single action. Instead of fulfilling the task of taking care of his younger cousin, he had let her escape with Naruto, without thinking of the consequences for his clan. Hiashi was heartbroken; he had finally taken attention in his eldest daughter's progress and now he had nothing else to expect.

"I-I'm sorry, ojisama," Neji bowed down to his uncle, keeping his forehead touching the floor, showing his vulnerability, "I apologize for my actions, and for my failure at keeping Hinata safe."

"Stand up, boy," Hiashi grabbed him by the arm and forced him to stand up. He noticed Neji's chagrin and went on to dust off the shoulders of his flak jacket, "You must wear this uniform with dignity. If your grandfather was still the head of the Hyūga clan, he would have severely punished you. However, my measures are not so traditional."

Neji hadn't remembered the last time he cried.

Perhaps it was when he failed at retrieving Uchiha Sasuke with the rest of the guys, or on a night when he tried to recall an early memory with his father. Now, tears were running down his cheeks, upsetting him for not keeping the usual Hyūga unyielding persona. He also noticed that Hiashi was crying, thinking that he would never see his daughter again.

His uncle did not try to comfort him; despite Hiashi's words, Neji was no longer a child. He could handle his tears alone. Instead, Hiashi made his way to the room's entrance, "I will take Hanabi back to the Konoha refugee camp. We will no longer fight in this war. If Hinata –when Hinata returns, she will be sent to stay with us. Tell her that she is forbidden from interacting with Uzumaki Naruto, and from taking place in the Shinobi Alliance. As head of the Hyūga clan, I command you to stay in the front lines and represent our family. But, Neji, I must keep my daughters safe."

Hiashi exited the room, leaving a crying Neji alone. He had never felt so disappointed with himself. He felt responsible for letting Hinata escape with Naruto. He thought he was being a good friend –a good cousin—, but in the eyes of the Hyūga clan leader, he had only led Hinata to her death.

As tears fell on the floor, he felt that someone was approaching him. Hanabi, who was still more than a head shorter than him, wrapped her small arms around his torso. She had always been more affectionate than the other Hyūga clansmen. A smart child, she was; Hanabi had taken notice of the tensions between the Main and Branch Families ever since she had started speaking. Neji liked to think that she looked up to him as an older brother, but after being an accomplice in Hinata's departure, he wasn't sure that she still regarded him as a close relative.

"Neji-niisan, don't cry. My father is just really upset with Hinata, and he had to take it out on someone. You know how he is," she consoled him, "I don't blame you."

Neji could only wrap his arms around his youngest cousin, letting her comfort him like the parent he never had.

"My otosama still loves you," she offered, hiding her face in his chest.

Neji thought of the many orphans in Konoha, including his two teammates. Neither Tenten nor Lee had grown up with a family. They'd never experienced a relative's love to full extent. Neji considered himself lucky to have relatives like Hanabi, who truly cared for his wellbeing.

Sasuke was furious.

After he wrapped the bandages around his eyes once again, he tied a knot so tight that it felt like the circulation around his brains was going to stop. Then, he proceeded to put on his dark robe and tied another knot around his waist, securing it. The anger that travelled through his veins was almost uncontrollable.

Who in the world did that annoying brat think she was? And what the hell was going through her mind? Going against him, after she pathetically failed to kill him. Sakura thought that she could still get her way albeit her current conditions. Fool, she was. She was imprisoned by Uchiha Madara, and Sasuke knew that his ancestor had been one of the strongest shinobi in history. Sakura was taking her abduction lightly, what an idiot.

Madara could easily kill her off and save Sasuke from shedding her blood. Nonetheless, he could feel Itachi's darkness filling in every corner of his mind, luring him to keep her alive and make her watch the destruction of her village.

"Annoying," he muttered.

Sakura thought she could mess with him, well, he was going to show her what the consequences were. Kabuto could do whatever the hell he wanted with her, Sasuke wouldn't give a single fuck.

Thump!

A loud, short scream brought Sasuke out of his train of thought. He heard something hitting against a rock wall, making a muffled sound. The bandages wrapped around his eyes blinded him from the already obscure passageways of the Mountain's Graveyard. Although he could not see where the scream had come from, he recognized the sound of that painful voice. His mouth turned into a sickening grin, knowing that the one who was suffering was Sakura.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

There was no more screaming after that one, just the repeated sounds of something (perhaps a body) against rock walls. Whatever, at least Sasuke knew that she was already suffering for her consequences.

He was not sure of what was happening behind Kabuto's laboratory, and figured that the snake-like man was only trying out his new potions with the two prisoners. Sasuke was not going to bother with the affairs of the other occupants in Mountian's Graveyard, knowing that once his eyes were fully healed he was bound to depart. He would not ask Madara about his intentions after he killed Naruto and destroyed Konoha. Whatever his ancestor wanted after Sasuke reached his goals was none of his business.

Sasuke continued recovering, with the door closed, in his room as the screeching sound of a girl's voice screamed in pleading. Sakura was screaming again, probably exaggerating the kind of treatment she was receiving. That was what she always did, anyway. He did not care. He had cut his bonds a long time ago, knowing how hurtful they were.

Sakura mattered nothing to him. She was no longer something he could bother about, and she was getting her punishment for trying to fuck up his recovery.

Let her scream all she wanted, he thought.

Phew! That was another long chapter. I published it today in order to commemorate the release of the new Naruto movie. I'm kind of excited about it, even though I've read enough spoilers to know that what I really want to happen won't happen T_T

Anyway, I chose that Japanese proverb because it can relate to the sense of failure that Kakashi and Neji go through in this chapter. I really liked writing those two. The small blurb on Sasuke was a last minute addition, but it shows you how effed up he is. Hopefully you've picked up some of the hints I have prepared for the future. You'll see what I mean ;)

And review away! What did you think of this chapter? Is there any point in continuing with this story? I know it's a slow one, but once the action starts, it will not stop. Trust me on that.

Any quotes you would like to see in this fic? They can be from songs, poems, speeches, blogs, etc. Pretty much anything.

To the one review I couldn't reply by Guest: Thank you so so much for your review! I'm not a fan of OOC characters in the cannon universe so I try to stay away from them. I would love to reply to you privately though, LOL.

See you next time!

Sincerely,

MSM