Previously: A battle between Hinata and Sakura emerged as the Byakugan Clan Member wanted to stop her from seeking the Kuroryuukouseki, a mysterious jewel that can save Naruto's life through one wish. With everything out in the open now, Hinata agrees to help Sakura.

Just then, the girls are confronted by Namahs...

Naruto: From Promises To Wishes

Chapter Six: Risks & Certainty

Kakashi, Shikamaru, Tenten, Chouji, Rock Lee, and Cora stopped at a place in the forest. "This place has been disturbed recently, from what I can tell," Kakashi replied. "What do you think happened here?" Tenten asked. "My guess is..." Lee said, looking at some debris, "...There's been a battle here or somebody struggled to get free."

Cora walked forward. "Kagamigan!" she said, activating her Kekkei Genkai. Inside her reflecting eyes, she replayed the battle between Sakura and Hinata. "No, there was definitely a battle...and an understanding..." "How are able to tell?" Kakashi asked, "My Kagamigan can tell what happened as long as their chakra lingers for more than five minutes." "Well," Chouji began, "If your eye can do that, maybe we can catch up to them."

"Unfortunately, my eye can't trace chakra from others when they move," Cora then said, "My guess is that Ms. Hinata and Ms. Sakura have fought here about thirty minutes ago. Then they went into another direction..." 'Sakura and Hinata fought each other?' Tenten thought. 'That's something I've never heard of!' "I bet that Sakura overheard our conversation with Cora earlier," Shikamaru said, "If that's true..." "Then Hinata must have followed Sakura," Kakashi began, "and now, they're going after the Kuroryuukouseki."

"This is bad," Cora replied, "I'm afraid that I haven't told you all about the Kuroryuukouseki." "Should we try to go after them?" Kakashi then asked. "No. It's too dark, and finding information may only lead us to wild goose chases. If they do find it, Ms. Sakura and Ms. Hinata will have to return to the village in order for the wish to work properly. Until then, we'll have to wait. Then, we'll take it from them."

"Shikamaru, have everyone on surveilance for the next few hours," Kakashi commanded, "Have Ino and Kiba look after Naruto. And, I want to have full imput on anything that goes down; If anything should happen, the obvious or otherwise, I want to know about it!" "Yes, Sir!" Shikamaru replied.

Continuing to run through the forest, Sakura and Hinata were following Namahs. However, Sakura looked at Namahs the whole time.

'I don't know if we are supposed to trust him or not!' Hinata thought. 'After all, he tried to kill Naruto...' Sakura rushed up beside him and asked, "Why are you helping us?" Namahs just looked her, then looked forward again. "I have my reasons," he said. After crossing a few more miles of trees, Namahs said, "Let's stop here."

Stopping in front of a pile of bushes, Sakura and Hinata looked around. "What's going on?" Sakura asked, "Why are stopping?" "Keep your voice down!" Namahs said shushing them both, "We're coming across an abandoned caravan." "A caravan?" Hinata asked, "Aren't those people who travel in large groups, along with their cargoes?" "It was abandoned before the Third Shinobi War. The people who was part of that caravan either died or never came back for it. Now, it's privy to some of the worst bandits and thieves!"

"So, why are we going there?" Hinata asked. "According to information, I gathered here months ago, illegal artifacts and smuggled items were brought to this area. Hopefully, what you're seeking is in this area. Still, this abandoned caravan is filled murderous people." After hearing what Namahs said, Sakura and Hinata started to take precaution. "So," Namahs then said, "it's best to NOT draw attention to ourselves and keep a low profile." Nodding in agreement, the girls took off their headbands and stashed them away.

Walking inside the abandoned caravan, the three looked around. Everything around the place was completely in shambles. However, not a single bandit, or thief, was around. "Looks like we're in luck," Sakura said, "There seems to be no one around." "Appearances can be deceiving," Namahs replied, "We'll split up from here. I'll check one area of the caravan for any items, you search another area. But remember, be vigilant!"

Ten minutes have passed; Sakura and Hinata looked everywhere on their side. "Anything?" Sakura asked. "Nothing," Hinata replied, "It's too dark to actually see out here. Not to mention, we don't even know what this crystal even looks like." Starting to think, Sakura turned her attention to a small, circular light. Mesmerized by it, she walked towards a small tent. Hinata noticed her moving away. "Sakura, where are you going?" she asked, "You can't off by yourself!" Not listening, Sakura continued to follow the light inside the tent. 'This could lead to trouble! I better follow her!' Hinata thought running towards the tent.

[Konoha Hospital]

Ino and Kiba started to walk back to Naruto's room, discussing something. "You know," Kiba started, "It's bad enough that Naruto is in here, with his body starting to shut down. Now, Sakura and Hinata are gone, who knows where, to find some jewel that may not even exist!" "Look at those two's perspective!" Ino answered, "Naruto has done so much for them! It's only natural that they want to repay the favor." "I should be out there helping them! With my nose and Akamaru's nose, we would have been there and back in no time flat!"

"I don't think your nose is as good as it was, Kiba!" Ino said opening the room door. "Tell me about it!" a voice said, "I still bet that he still smells my scent!" Both Ino and Kiba looked forward to see Naruto sitting up in his bed. "Naruto!" Ino said running towards him, "You're awake! How do you feel?" "My body is still in pain," Naruto replied, "Other than that, I'm good." "Kakashi needs to hear about this!" Kiba said running out the room, "I'll go tell him!"

After Kiba left, Naruto and Ino started talking. "You gave us a scare when you passed out," she said, "Naruto...the Doctor told us everything..." "I know," Naruto said, "When I was asleep, I did hear everything. I guess Kakashi-sensei was right about me from the very beginning..." "About what?" "I am a knucklehead..." Both of them laughed. Ino, looking at Naruto, leaned in and kissed on his cheek. "Sakura would be jealous did that, but..." she began, "...I'm just glad that you're alive now." "Thanks. Speaking of which, where is Sakura?"

"Well, Naruto... Sakura, and Hinata, went to go find this jewel called the Kuroryuukouseki..."

After entering the small tent, Sakura regained her senses after Hinata placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, you okay?" Hinata asked, "You seemed pretty out of it." "I just saw this light," Sakura began, "and I followed it in here... What is this?" "It looks like an old fortune teller booth."

"Indeed, it is..." a creepy voice said. This caused Sakura to stand on edge. "Who's there?!" she asked. Suddenly, a person with a mask on stood behind a table. Sakura screamed a little as she backed into Hinata, who cowered behind her. "W-W-W-Who the Hell are you?!" Sakura asked pointing. "You shouldn't worry about me, young ones. I am merely a Shaman, here to sell you items."

"Wait," Hinata said, "You're a shaman?" "Yes," the Shaman said, "And I can sense that you two are in dire straits..." "Um," Sakura breathed regaining her composure, "Yes, we are! You see, our friend is in really bad shape." "I see. So, why have you come to this caravan?" "Well," Hinata began, "we heard that there is a special type of crystal that can save anybody..." "This crystal is called the Kuroryuukouseki..."

"I see now!" the Shaman replied, "So, you're looking for the Black Dragon Crystal?" "Do you know where we could find it?" Sakura asked. "There's no need to look any further..." The Shaman lifted up and opened his hand. Awed by the mysterious black glow, a shiny, black jewel appeared. The Shaman then placed the jewel on the table. "I believe this is what you are looking for..." he said. Sakura walked up slowly as she and Hinata continue to stare at the jewel. "Is this it?" she asked, "It's not fake, right?"

"What you see upon this table is no mere imitation," the Shaman said, "This is the genuine article: The Kuroryuukouseki...The Black Dragon Crystal!" "How..." Hinata began speaking, "How does it work exactly?"

"The person who uses the Kuroryuukouseki, must take full possession of it. Afterwhich, the crystal will grant the user's deepest desire!" Sakura reached out to grab the crystal, only to be stopped by Hinata. "Hold on, Sakura!" she said, "I'm not liking this! Finding it in a place like this, it's too easy!" Taking a deep breath, Sakura then asked, "How much for you want for it?" "You shouldn't worry about that," the Shaman replied, "Just take it with you and go fulfill your wish. What I desire, is more practical..." The last sentence made both girls nervous as they backed up slowly and left the tent, leaving the Shaman laughing mysteriously.

Upon leaving the tent, Namahs appeared afterwards. "Did you find anything?" he asked. "Yes," Sakura replied, "I've got it right here: The Kuroryuukouseki!" "So, it does exist?" Suddenly, a noise came from the woods. "What was that?!" he then asked. "Byakugan!" Hinata said, using her eyes to look beneath the bushes, "I see torches! They're coming this way!" "Damn! The bandits! They're coming back!" "Sakura, we need to get out of here!" Hinata pleaded. "You two, go back to your village! I'll hold them off as long as I can!"

Hurrying away from the abandoned caravan, Sakura and Hinata raced back to the village, with Hinata using her Byakugan to lead the way back. "If we hurry we can make it back in ten minutes!" she informed. 'Naruto...Wait for me!' Sakura thought, holding the crystal in her hands. 'This time, I'll be the one to save you...!'

Back at the hospital, Kakashi, along with the others showed up at Naruto's room talking. "The Doctor told us everything, Naruto," Kakashi said, "That was pretty underhanded to keep something like this from us! But, we understand why you did it..."

"I'm sorry," Naruto said looking down, smiling, "but you guys were making such a fuss about me, ever since the war ended. And, considering the fact that I'm next in line for Hokage, I just didn't want to worry you guys more that usual!" "What are you talking about, Naruto?" Chouji asked. "Chouji's right," Tenten replied, "I mean, you have done more for us, than we could possibly imagine!" "I owe you one, too," Temari said, "You saved Gaara's life. This is my way of saying thank you..."

Suddenly, two Jounin appeared at the door. "Lord Hokage!" one of them said, "We have news: One of surveilance Ninja have just spotted Sakura Haruno and Hinata Hyuuga thirty seconds ago! They'll be entered the village in a few minutes!" "That's good news!" Ino replied, "Isn't it, Naruto?" Naruto just smiled and nodded. 'Ms. Sakura and Ms. Hinata are okay?' Cora thought. 'That must mean...Did they find the Kuroryuukouseki?' "Now," Ino continued, "We'll be able to heal you!" "Great!" Naruto said, "Once I'm healed up, Sakura and I can talk about...Arrrgh!"

A sharp pain entered Naruto's chest as he grabbed it and started breathing hard. "Naruto?" Ino asked, "Naruto, what's wrong?!" Everyone looked at him as he tried to catch his breath. "Some...thing's...wrong..." Naruto said, barely speaking, "...I...can't...br...eath...e..." "Oh my God! Kakashi-sensei, Naruto is having a heart attack!" "Shikamaru, call for the Doctor immediately!" Kakashi commanded, "Kiba, you wait here with him! The rest of us will go outside and wait for Sakura and Hinata's return! There's not a moment to waste! Hurry!"

Three minutes passed by as Sakura and Hinata finally made to the village. Kakashi, their friends, and Cora was waiting.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura shouted. "There's no time, Sakura! As we speak, Naruto is holding on for dear life...!" "Then, it's time to put this crystal we found to good use!"

Before everyone could head back to the hospital, Cora stood in front of them, blocking the way. "I'm sorry, Lord Hokage!" she said, "But, I can't allow one of your ninjas to go any further!" "Cora!" Tenten shouted, "What are you doing?!" "Step out of the way!" Temari shouted. Sakura then stepped forward to talk to the young Shrine Maiden. "Your name is Cora, right?" she asked. Then, she held out her hands to show her the crystal. "This is what you're looking, right? This is the Kuroryuukouseki!"

"That little jewel is what Cora is looking for?" Rock Lee asked. "Please," Sakura continued, "Let me confirm my wish to save Naruto! Then, I will give it to you!" "Ms. Sakura," Cora began, "Not doubt, I commend you for wanting to save your friend, but... YOU DON'T THE RISK YOU'RE TAKING IN USING THE CRYSTAL!"

"What are you talking about?!" Sakura shouted back, "You said that it can grant any wish, because it has magical properties!" "That's true!" Cora replied, "But, it's Black Magic! Nothing good comes of it!" "Well, I'm willing to take that chance! Naruto deserves a chance to live!" "We don't have time for an argument like this!" Chouji shouted, "Naruto is suffering a heart attack for goodness sake!" "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!"

With Cora shouting, caused everyone to quiet down and listen to her. "The price of using the Kuroryuukouseki is too high!" she then said, "It is true...One who bestows a wish upon the jewel that you have right now, will come true. But, the cost is too much! For the price you pay, for using the Kuroryuukouseki...IS THE PRICE OF YOUR SOUL!"

Everyone was shocked at what she said. "Your soul?" Kakashi said. "That little thing..." Temari said. "...Will take your soul?!" Lee said. "Unbelievable!" Chouji said. 'That's the price I have to pay?' Sakura thought. With her eyes closed, Cora forced them open, after activating her Kagamigan. "Ms. Sakura!" she began, "Saving a person's life shouldn't mean the cost of your own! If you won't give me the Kuroryuukouseki, then I'll to take from you by force!"

The entire group continued to be in shock as Cora brought herself to a fighting stance...

Naruto is now holding for dear life after suffering a heart attack. With his body frail has it is now, the chances of him surviving are very silm. The rest of the group has now learned about the dark secret of the Kuroryuukouseki: The price of a soul...

After hearing this dangerous secret, will Sakura be able to fulfill her wish and save Naruto at the cost of her own soul? One thing is for certain: Whatever happens in the next few moments, will impact their friends' lives forever! The ultimate question is: Who will survive? Naruto OR Sakura?

A/N: In the Next Chapter: "Saying Goodbye" is the hardest thing to do... PLEASE REVIEW!