Previously: Sakura, without hesitation, bestowed her wish upon the Kuroryuukouseki, saving Naruto's life. In the remainder moments of her own life, Naruto embraced her as her soul left her body, leaving him in tears. Meanwhile, Namahs shows himself in front of the Leaf Shinobi, revealing his true self, angering the shrine maiden Cora...

Naruto: From Promises To Wishes Opening Theme 2 ~ Code Crush

Facing my longing, here in this place

My Crazy, non-stop craving created

I don't even know what's true and what's a lie

There's so much information

It surrounds us and corners us

Today, once again, I'm being tested

The face of the town, so full of sadness

Is buried by the crowd, by things, in the bustling town

And yet another person is swallowed up

By a crowd of people wearing the same expressions

I'll face it with all of my love

Hanging on to a faint wish

I'll go, in this paradise that's dried out my heart

When you reach out to "give up" or "end it"

I want to at least shine a soft light ahead of you and keep shining

(Code Crush by Rina Aiuchi)

Naruto: From Promises To Wishes

Chapter Eight - Regret & Regain

Cora was shaking in anger as she look at the mysterious old man with her Kagamigan. "Hinata?" Kiba said, "You know this guy?" "There's no mistake," Hinata began, "That is definitely the person who gave Sakura the Kuroryuukouseki!"

"Just what are YOU doing here?!" Cora shouted, barely containing her anger. "Cora," Kakashi said, "Do you know this person?" "He is a Shaman from the Village Hidden in Diamonds," Cora answered, "Or should I say, Former Shaman? He's a medicine man that used to help my village in a time of need. But, about a year ago, he was caught doing illegal and unnecessary experimentations on my people. He was then scheduled to be executed, but the Shogun of my village granted him mercy. So, he was exiled. How he got his hands on the Kuroryuukouseki is beyond me..."

The Shaman laughed off everything he had heard. "My dear Cora...!" he said, "I've always had the Kuroryuukouseki. I just needed somebody pure enough to use it." "What do you mean, pure enough?! If you wanted a victim, why not go after our people!?" "The people from the Diamond Village, they were so, disgustingly, pure of heart, they desired nothing but their own free will. Until I heard rumors concerning the health of the Hero of the Leaf Village."

Naruto, with his eyes hidden, continued to listen while cradling Sakura's body in his arm.

"I used my magic to transform myself into a ninja named Namahs, an Information Seeker, to infiltrate the village. Knowing full well that the bandits would interfere, after I placed a bounty of Naruto's head, I saw fit to deal with them. When I fought with Naruto's Uzumaki, he was definitely everything that they said and more... But, when his health started to fade, it was the perfect time..."

"Ino," Naruto whispered, "Come here for a second..." Ino kneeled by him as Naruto placed Sakura's head on her lap. "Naruto?" Ino asked. "Just don't move her, okay?" Then, he stood up and started walking towards the front.

"The girl's desire, to save her friend's life, was immensly delicious," the Shaman replied, "The Kuroryuuskouseki was pratically feeding off of her desire. The moment the girl made her wish, her fate was already sealed..." "So, you baited Naruto out!" Kakashi replied, "And, you waited for one of us to have the tendency to save him!" "In my opinion," Cora began, "The Shogun made a mistake by showing you mercy!" "Even so..."

Kakashi and Cora looked back and saw Naruto, whose eyes kept hidden, walking up. Everyone kept their eyes on him. "There were two flaws in your plan..." Naruto spoke. "Oh?" the Shaman said, "And what might that be?" "First: You picked the wrong guy to lure out! I wasn't in my right mind, when I was feeling bad; that's why I couldn't sense your evil presence. And Second: You chose the wrong girl's soul to steal from, especially a girl I'm in love with..." Naruto, then slightly, opened to reveal that his eye color had changed. What the others didn't know is that an orange smoke was surrounding him.

"You gone too far..." he then said, "Now, I can't forgive you... SHAMAN!" In a blink of an eye, Naruto engaged his Kurama Mode as the chakra, itself, caused a massive wind. Everyone behind him covered themselves as the wind, itself, pushed them back. 'Incredible!' Kakashi thought trying to see. 'The force of chakra itself... It's stronger than it was when Naruto was fighting Kaguya!'

Naruto's eyes stared intently at the Shaman, ready to pounce at anytime. "There we go!" the Shaman said, "Those eyes of hatred's intent! How I would love to go another round against the greatest ninja! But, alas, now is not the time for that!" "What's the matter, huh?!" Shikamaru said, "Are you scared to fight against us?" "Surely you jest! The girl's soul has now been absorbed into the Kuroryuukouseki. Tonight, a full moon will arise and the crystal, itself, will be at full power. Then, the evil being inside will devour her soul forever! Until then, kids, I'll be back!"

The Shaman disappeared in a puff a smoke as Cora started to think. 'Tonight? A full moon...?' Then, she looked at Sakura's body. 'Wait a minute...! What if...!?' She ran over to Sakura and placed a hand on her shoulder. Naruto, who removed himself from Kurama Mode, ran back over to Sakura. Kakashi did the same thing as everyone else looked. 'Her body temperature hasn't dropped yet!' Cora thought. Then, she said, "There's still a chance! Ms. Ino, try not to move her!" She, then, placed her hands into the Tiger handsign. "What are you doing?" Ino asked. Cora didn't say anything as she performed nine handsigns.

"Rin, Pyoh, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen!" She continued to chant and perform handsigns until both of her hands glowed in chakra. "Kuji-in! (Nine Syllables!)" she then shouted placing her hands on Sakura's chest, making her whole body glow with chakra. "What are you doing?" Kakashi asked. "I'm giving Ms. Sakura some of my own chakra!" Cora responded, "The color of her flesh hasn't changed yet!" "Well?" Kiba asked, "What does that mean?" "It means that there is a chance to save Ms. Sakura's soul!"

Everyone around her started to go in shock at what Cora had said. "A way to bring back the dead..." Temari whispered. "Sakura can be revived?" Naruto asked. "Cora," Kakashi said, "Is this really true!" "Yes, Lord Kakashi!" Cora answered, "But, it has to be done during tonight's full moon!" She finally stopped as chakra surrounded Sakura's body. "There," she said breathing hard, "I'm using my chakra to keep her heart beating and her vital organs active for the meantime. There's still a few hours until nightfall... So, if it's okay with you, I want to tell everything about the history of the Kuroryuukouseki."

A half an hour passed as Sakura's body still layed in the grass with chakra surrounding her. In front of the waterfall of the Training Area, Cora sat in the grass with her legs crossed, holding the Kuroryuuskouseki in her hands. The Leaf Ninjas, including Temari, sat down in front of her. "All right, Cora," Kakashi said, "you have our undivided attention..." Taking a deep breath, Cora started explaning.

"In the Village Hidden in Diamonds," she began, "It doesn't matter if your related, if you're a neighbor or friend, or even a stranger... Every female my village is...subjugated...to earn the opportunity to become Shrine Maidens, and earn the right to receive the village's Kekkei Genkai, the Kagamigan, the Mirror Eye..."

"Everyone in your village is a Shrine Maiden?" Naruto asked. "Not everyone...just like you, we can live our lives anyway that we can. When we become Shinobi, at age thirteen, all female are recruited to undergo a series of tests." "What types of tests?" Shikamaru asked. "Everthing," Temari answered, "From exorcising demons, to sensing evil energy, even seeing futuristic visions..." "That's amazing!" Ino said. "It's also very painful. The female ninja are weeded out, and the most sufficient ones become Shrine Maidens and receive the Kagamigan."

"This is all very fascinating," Kakashi began, "but what does this have to do with the Kuroryuukouseki? Isn't there an explanation to this?"

"When the Ninja World was still in its infancy," Cora continued, "Our ancestor, the first Shrine Maiden, created the Kagamigan. During her age, she fought, and defeated, an ancient, evil dragon. She did it, by removing its heart from its body, killing it instantly. The moment the dragon's heart was removed, the heart, itself, transformed into a black crystal. That black crystal is the Kuroryuukouseki, itself. Many centuries afterwards, we all prayed to the Kuroryuukouseki, that is until we all learned of its dangerous secret..."

"What secret was that?" Hinata asked. "For every wish, that has been bestowed upon the Black Dragon Crystal, that person's soul would be absorbed. That is what my ancestor's prophesy said."

"That's heavy!" Chouji said, "A crystal has been with us since the dawning of the Ninja World..." "Then that means..." Shikamaru then said. "That's right, Shikamaru," Kakashi said, "Hundreds, maybe thousands, of souls are inside that little crystal..." "Yeah," Kiba began, "Now Sakura is one of those lost souls..." "Maybe not..." Cora said, "...My ancestor's prophesy continued from there. Just before she died, she said that there is one way that the Kuroryuukouseki can be defeated once and for all. If the one true wish is granted, the crystal will lose its power and all of the lost souls will be free." 'The one true wish?' Naruto thought. "Unfortunately, no one knows that what the true wish is..."

"What does the crystal have to do with tonight?" Kakashi asked. "I think that Shaman said something about tonight being "a full moon"?" Tenten asked. "That's right," Cora answered, "Tonight will be a full moon. The Kuroryuukouseki's power with reach its zenith by then. That will be the way to save Ms. Sakura!" "What do you mean by that?" Ino asked. "I'm going to use the Kuji-in to open a portal that leads inside the Kuroyuukouseki." "You're not suggesting that one of us go inside to find Sakura's soul, are you?" Kiba said, "That's crazy in itself!" "I can't go in myself, considering that I have to be the one to keep the portal open."

"If anyone..." Kakashi replied, "it has to be me... Sakura is one of my students, after all." "It can't be just anyone, Lord Kakashi," Cora replied, "If you're not mentally or spiritually prepared for this, your soul could ripped apart instantly!" "Then, I'll go..."

Naruto stood up as everyone watched him. 'Naruto...' Hinata thought. "I guess that makes sense," Kakashi replied, "With you, having the Kyuubi, you are more than mentally prepared." "Still," Cora began, "none of that will matter if the Kyuubi, itself, is dragged out of you as well as your soul." "I'm willing to take that risk to save her!" Naruto said, without hesitation. "You have the same look of determination Ms. Sakura had." Cora then smiled. "It will be a few hours before the full moon. Ms. Ino, I want to teach you the Kuji-in before nightfall." "Do you think I'll be able to learn it before tonight?" Ino asked. "Don't worry, it's pretty minute after the first five minutes; considering that you can have healing techniques, you're elligible to be a Shrine Maiden. Look, Naruto... It's still a few hours early; we'll let you know when it's time..."

Naruto nodded in agreement. "In the meantime," Kakashi began, "the rest of us will take turns over Sakura's body, just in case if there is any change..."

Several hours has passed; the sun was beginning to set. It was Kakashi's turn to watch over Sakura's body as the chakra continued to circulate.

Naruto walked inside the woods of the Training Area. He then placed his hand on the trunk of a tree. "Naruto?" a voice said. Turning around, he saw Hinata looking at him; she had been following him. "Hinata?" he asked. "You had been pacing around for a while," she said, "I was beginning to worry about you..."

Taking a deep breath, Naruto leaned back towards the tree, drawing a feint smile. "You know," he began, "When I became a Ninja, I always told myself that I would never go back on my word. That meant, no matter what it took, whenever it took, I would always get the job done. Even if it meant costing me my life. I just never thought my example would go to the extreme..."

Hinata slowly walked over towards him. "But, Naruto..." she breathed. "Sakura put her soul on the line just to save me from dying... I guess that she wants me to keep my dream of being Hokage alive..." "It's not just that, Naruto!" Hinata said. "What do you mean?" Hinata didn't want to say anything, but she knew that the truth had to come out. "Naruto, I...fought against Sakura." Naruto's eyes widen when she heard that. "It wasn't the way she usually fought," Hinata continued, "She fought like she had nothing to lose... Her resolve was so strong, nothing was going to stop her from getting the Kuroryuukouseki. Then she said this to me..."

(Flashback)

"I can't think of one day," Sakura began, "I wished to take back that promise. But, it was his devotion to his friends that made him push so far! Even when Kurama was removed from him, I still felt that I was the one that needed to save him! I couldn't even do that!"

(End Flashback)

The words that Sakura said to Hinata echoed through Naruto's mind; she truly felt responsible for the burden that was placed on him. Then again, as he thought, Naruto couldn't blame Sakura; she wasn't strong enough to do things on her own back then. He lowered his head.

"When Sakura..." Hinata continued, "...when she talked you, when she saved you, I felt the passion coming from her voice. She did it out of love..." "Out of love?" Naruto breathed. "The truth is, Sakura is a dear friend to me, too. If I had a choice, I would go save her in a minute..." "She was a dear friend to us all...!"

Naruto and Hinata looked back and saw the rest of the Ninjas, excluding Kakashi and Ino, walking towards. "Listen, Naruto!" Shikamaru said, "I know it's a drag saying this, but Sakura is just as important to any of us!" "Not to mention," Kiba began, "She's been there for us since the beginning!" "That's right!" Chouji said. "It was through the Power of Youth that made her strong!" Rock Lee said.

"So cheer up!" Tenten said, "When you go get her soul back, hold nothing back! Tell her how you really feel!" Temari winked at him afterwards. Hinata nodded in agreement. "Thank guys," Naruto said smiling, "Coming from all of you, that means everything..." Seconds later, Cora and Ino made their way, with Kakashi behind them.

"Cora?" Tenten asked. "The full moon is nearly risen above the village," Kakashi said, "It'll soon be nightfall." "Naruto," Cora began, "It's time..." Naruto had a determined look on his face, the moments those words were spoken.

As the sky nearly got dark, the whole group watched as the full moon started to rise above the village.

"Shouldn't we begin using the Kuji-in yet?" Ino asked. "No, give it a few more seconds," Cora responded, "The shine of the full moon must hit the Kuroryuukouseki, in order its power to reach its zenith. Then, we start..."

The full moon was able to reach above the Training Area for its shine to hit the crystal. The Kuroryuukouseki started to float off of the grass and began to glow behind Ino and Cora. "Ms. Ino, do it now!" Cora shouted turning towards the crystal, "Remember, don't stop until your hands are filled with chakra!" "Right!" Ino said, making the Tiger handsign.

"Rin, Pyoh, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen!" Cora began chanting. "Rin, Pyoh, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen!" Ino chanted following suit. After saying it a third time, both girls' hands were filled with chakra. "Now!" Then, they thrusted their hands foward. Within seconds, a portal came out of the crystal, appearing in between both Ino and Cora. Naruto walked forward and gazed that the portal.

"Naruto," Cora then said, as she and Ino tried to catch their breath, "As soon as you enter, you be inside the Kuroryuukouseki, itself! Whatever you may see in there, it's nothing more than an illusion. Don't forget, the lost souls will try to snatch yours, maybe snatch the Kyuubi from you..." "What about Sakura?" Naruto asked. "Listen for her voice... You'll have until the dawn of the next morning to free her soul! Be careful!"

As Naruto nodded in agreement, he turned to look at his friends. "Don't worry, I'll bring back Sakura!" he said, "And, don't wear those sad faces; I'll never go back on my word! That is my Ninja Way!" Giving a thumbs up, Naruto walked and disappeared through the portal and inside the Kuroryuukouseki.

"Well, isn't that touching!?" a creepy voice said. Everyone turned around to see the Shaman appearing out of nowhere. "It's looks like you showed up as planned!" Kakashi replied. "It's seems that Naruto Uzumaki has lost his mind and went into the Kuroryuukouseki by himself!" the Shaman said, "No matter, by tomorrow morning, both of their souls will be devoured by the Spirit of the Ancient Black Dragon! Now, will you be so kind is to hand over my jewel...?"

"Lord Kakashi!" Cora shouted, "If we let him have the crystal, the portal will close! Naruto will be trapped inside forever!" "Not if we don't let him touch it!" Kakashi said as everyone got into a fighting stance. The Shaman laughed at all of them. "Do you actually think you stand a chance against me?!" he said, "Let's not forget... I have every bit of information on all of you; I'll kill you before you have a chance to strike!"

"Then, how about taking on somebody you DON'T have information of...!?"

Instantly, two people appeared in front of the group. One was a boy, whose arm was bandaged up and in a sling... The other was a girl...

"What the...?!" Shikamaru said, "Konohamaru? And Moegi?" "Moegi," Konohamaru said, "Stay back and make sure that no one gets involved." "Right," Moegi said, standing back.

"What is this?" the Shaman said, laughing, "You're out of your league, boy!" "I'm not a boy!" Konohamaru said ripping the sling off of his arm, "I am Konohamaru Sarutobi!" He then pointed at him saying, "And I'll be your opponent!"

With Naruto entering inside the depths of the Kuroryuukouseki to save Sakura, his apprentice, Konohamaru, enters the fray to challenge the Shaman. Will they be able accomplish their goals before the dawn of the next morning?

A/N: Next Chapter, Konohamaru gets his chance to shine! And, Naruto and Sakura experience the horrors of the Kuroryuukouseki... Just a few more chapters left! Please Review!

(Disclaimer: I don't own Code Crush by Rina Aiuchi.)