Welcome back all you fans out there.

Lets get to it. First off I don't own Naruto.

Thank you to all those who submitted reviews this week:

Omegahawkeye (twice), Gravenimage, Bamaboy71, narutokurosaki, Jade Destiny, Legend3881, 1crazedude, narutohellking23.

Now before I move on to the story I'd like a moment to address all those who have reviewed my work and/or sent me private messages voicing thier frustration with the result of the fight in the last chapter.

The first thing I will say is that I appriciate all your views and as a fan of Kishi's masterpiece I can understand why you didn't like what I did. Allow me to say, first off is I think you must keep in mind that, unlike Kishi's story, my story deals with these character three years after the Pain fight. As a result, though I believe Naruto is stronger in Kishi's work, in mine Sasuke has had another three years of training. As far as Naruto's apparent lack of grow in my work all I can say without spoiling anything is that there is a good reason which is hinted at in the following chapter. I will also ask that you re-read the last chapter if you think Naruto lost easily. Sasuke took heavy damage and did actually lose the fight.

Ok, well that's all I wanted to say. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy. Please remember, next week will be the final chapter of Book one. After which Chronicles will be on hiatus. And as always I am a review whore so keep em coming!! :D

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book One: Dissension

Chapter Fifteen: A Flowers' Tears

Sasuke stood staring at Sakura in complete shock. Damn it, he thought, I didn't expect Karin to beat Sakura but I hoped she would hold her off longer than this. Stepping back from Naruto's body Sasuke said, "Hello Sakura." Sakura leapt down from the branch and quickly made her way over. As she got closer to Sasuke she slowed her approach and got into a defensive stance. Circling Sasuke she slowly made her way between him and Naruto.

Sakura, for only a moment, looked back at Naruto who remained lifeless. Sadness swept over her as she saw his face. Every fiber of her being screamed that she should forget Sasuke and run to Naruto. But she also knew Sasuke wouldn't give her the time to care for Naruto. Looking back at Sasuke, he could see the pain in her face, the confusion. He could tell that her heart was breaking.

Angrily Sakura said, "Are you happy now Sasuke? Have you proven something to yourself? How could you do something like this to someone who cares about you so much?!" Sasuke stared at her blankly. "This has never been about proving something to myself," he said, "And this was not personal. Naruto, is the key to my goals, that's all. He is that and something else." Sakura stared at Sasuke, wondering what he could mean. "You see," Sasuke continued, "Part of my goal is to destroy Konoha. Not just the land or the people but the idea of what Konoha represents. Defeating Naruto is only but the beginning of destroying Konoha. Because for Konoha, Naruto represents hope." Our hope, Sakura thought to herself as she once again looked at Naruto.

Meanwhile

"So," Suigetsu smiled, "you plan to beat us both yourself huh?" Suddenly his face grew dark as he continued, "You smug son of a bitch! Do you know who you're talking to here!? I'm really gonna enjoy peeling the skin from your face!!" Sai was in trouble and he knew it. According to the reports Suigetsu and Jugo were both "A" class shinobi. Defeating one would be difficult, but two could prove near impossible, even for him.

Without a word, both Suigetsu and Jugo attacked. Sai quickly drew several large dragon headed dogs on his scroll and they leapt off the page and came to his defense. "What the fuck is this," Suigetsu yelled in annoyance. Jugo, now enraged merely kept coming forward. Two of the dogs leapt at him and sank their teeth into his flesh. Meanwhile two more of the dogs shot flames from its mouth forcing Suigetsu back. Using the momentary distraction Sai leapt behind a boulder where he remained and tried to plot his next move.

Jugo, now more angry than hurt, punched the first dog that was biting his leg, destroying it instantly. He then reached up and grabbed the other dog, whose teeth were sunk into his neck, and pulled it free. In one quick motion Jugo ripped the dog in half and destroyed it. Jugo then ran at the boulder and punched it, smashing it completely. Behind the boulder stood a completely shocked Sai. "Like I said," said Jugo, "I am going to rip you apart!"

Suigetsu, just finishing destroying the two dogs he faced, ran toward Sai, swinging his sword wildly. "C'mon you fucker," he screamed, "No more tricks!! Die like a man!!" Sai blocked Suigetsu's attack but was unable to counter Jugo as he quickly moved in and grabbed Sai by the neck and lifted him off the ground.

Desperate, Sai stabbed Jugo in the shoulder blade, but Jugo didn't even acknowledge the attack. "I want you to give me the sound I love," Jugo said as he applied pressure. From behind Suigetsu stabbed Sai though the chest just as Jugo heard Sai's neck snap. Both men smiled at their newest conquest and Suigetsu pulled his blade free as Jugo dropped the body. It was then; they were surprised to see Sai's body turn to ink and melt away.

"What the fuck," Suigetsu yelled, "that pasty faced bastard created a clone!?" Suigetsu and Jugo looked around but saw no sign of Sai. "Where is he," Jugo asked. "I don't know," said Suigetsu, "it's that dumbass Karin's job to be our tracker! Speaking of which…." Suigetsu looked over and saw Karin's unconscious body lying against a tree and walked over with Jugo behind.

"You think she's dead,' Jugo asked. Suigetsu smiled as he said, "No way am I that lucky. Anyway we'd better hope not or Sasuke will have both our asses. He may act like he doesn't care about this chick but truth is he'd kill us if we let her die. Not to mention if she's here then she lost her fight with the pink haired ninja whose probably on her way to help the Kyuubi." Jugo looked concerned and lifted Karin onto his back. 'Then we'd better get over there to make sure Sasuke's alright," Jugo said as he threw Karin over his shoulder.

Suigetsu turned around and screamed, "I know you can her me you pasty faced bastard!! You're lucky I don't have the time to hunt you down right now! But I know I'll see you again and when I do I'm gonna turn you're skull into my own personal fruit bowl!!" Turning back to Jugo, Suigetsu waved him on. "Let's get the fuck out of here," he said.

Hidden in the shadows, Sai looked on his two enemies disappeared into the forest and let out a deep breath. Sai then turned and began to make his way, slowly, cautiously, towards his friends.

Meanwhile

Sakura could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She hated herself for it. She knew to Sasuke this was a sign of weakness, she new that a shinobi during battle should never show weakness .But everything she felt, everything she had always wanted to say seemed to assault her mind all at once. It seemed then that all the fight drained away from her. No longer could she fight back the tears and the flowed freely now. Her hands dropped to her sides and her she stared pleadingly at Sasuke.

"What about us Sasuke," she said, "All we've ever wanted; all I've ever wanted was for you to just come home! What good will come from your damned revenge!? Can you honestly stand here and tell me you're happy!? Are you any happier today than when you where with us?!" Sasuke, for a moment, seeing her face and her tears remembered that night and her words. "Even if you get revenge though," Sakura said back then, "It won't bring anyone happiness, not even you, nor me."

"I told you then," Sasuke said, "This was never about happiness. This is about justice." Sakura grew angry and screamed as she pointed to Naruto, "You call this justice!? How can you stand there and tell me that doing this to someone who only wanted to help you justice!?"

Sasuke grew angry and his face seemed to contort in rage as he spoke, it was something that shocked Sakura as she had never seen this side of him before. "So what would you have me do," he screamed, "Just forget all that has happened to me, my family, my people?! Konoha, no, this entire stinking ninja world must pay for their foolish pride and arrogance. A world that would allow sons to kill their mothers and fathers and brother to kill brother must not be allowed to exist!! I will erase this entire world from existence!"

"And then what," Sakura asked solemnly, "You can't possibly expect not to pay some sort of price for what you're doing." Looking at Sasuke's mangled hand Sakura continued, "It looks like you're already paying for it." Sasuke stared at her now and then looked up to the stars. "I know that one day I will have to answer for what I've done," he said, "But if I can achieve my goals, then I will happily do so."

"So what now Sasuke," Sakura asked. Looking back at Sakura, Sasuke replied, "Now you have to choose. I will ask you once more. Please stand aside." Squeezing her hand around a kunai, Sakura responded, "And I will tell you once more, that if you insist on doing this then I will not miss the next time."

Sasuke took a deep breath and momentarily looked to the ground. Looking back at Sakura he smiled, "You haven't changed a bit Sakura. You really still are…..annoying." Sasuke ran at Sakura as quickly as he could. Knowing that he was low on chakra he intended to end this fight quickly. Sakura, kunai in hand blocked Sasuke's sword and pushed him back and, using her free hand attempted to punch Sasuke in the face. Startled, Sasuke slid out of the way and leapt back. For a moment he considered his options and couldn't help but remember what Madara had told him.

Unknown Location – Several Days Earlier

"Well," Madara said, "everything is happening just as planned Sasuke. The Kyuubi has been dispatched to Kumogakure. You know what to do." Sasuke stood in the darkened hallway and regarded Madara. He hated this man but these were the sacrifices he had to make. "What squad members is he with?" "Sai, and Sakura Haruno," Madara replied. For a moment Sasuke seemed shocked, something Madara took note of. Finally Sasuke replied, "I thought you told me Sakura would be sent on another mission so as to not take part in this?" Madara smiled beneath his mask and looked sharply at Sasuke. "Unfortunately the plan changed," he said, "It was not something I can just make happen you know. This isn't going to be a problem is it?"

"No, of course not," Sasuke said. "Good," said Madara, "With your skills I should hope not. However let me warn you. Our Intel has confirmed that this Haruno girl is the prize pupil of Tsunade, the Sannin." Sasuke was momentarily surprised. He knew Sakura was probably training hard but he had no idea she had gone so far. "Dealing with the Kyuubi," Madara continued, "will be difficult enough. But to fight them both could prove…..challenging. I would suggest splitting them up somehow." "Right," Sasuke responded. "And one last thing," Madara said, "Sakura, like Tsunade before her, is a close range fighter with insane strength. Don't let her hit you."

Kumogakure Forest - Now

Sasuke came to his decision and leapt into action. Pulling several kunai out he threw them at Sakura who dodged them easily. Distracted, Sakura barely saw the large fireball coming from behind. Leaping out of the way, Sakura saw that Sasuke, at some point, created a clone. Before she could react, the real Sasuke closed in, his blade ready to pierce its target. Sakura quickly dodged his attack and once again attempted to hit Sasuke who quickly moved out of range. Once again Sasuke's clone used the Fireball Jutsu and Sakura just barely was able to jump out of the way.

This time however Sakura was ready. Armed with three kunai, she flung them at the clone, striking her target. Sasuke, seeing the momentary opening, once again attempted to stab her but Sakura expected this and quickly turned and punched Sasuke in the chest. Sasuke, with the aid of the Sharigan, was able to move enough to only have Sakura's punch only graze him. However, she did hit him hard enough to launch him back several yards. Sasuke landed on the ground hard and he felt a sharp pain where he was hit. Damn it, he thought, I think she broke two more of my ribs.

Sasuke, slowly rose to one knee and grabbed his aching chest. Sakura, merely stood, as if waiting for him to make his next move. "I'm warning you Sakura," he said, "don't make me hurt you." Sakura just smiled hearing these words. "Sasuke," she said, "Who do you think your talking too? I'm not the girl you left all those years ago. I'm the second best medical ninja in Konoha and pupil of a Sanin. You think I can't tell that your fight with Naruto left you with little chakra left? Not to mention the, I would guess, four broken ribs and that hand of yours. Fact is, at this point, you don't stand a chance against me. Why don't you surrender and come back to Konoha?"

"I've already told you," Sasuke said as he removed several Kunai from his pocket, "I have no intention of returning to Konoha. I have no intention of leaving without Naruto and I have no intention of losing to you!" Sasuke threw three more kunai at Sakura who, using a kunai of her own, blocked them easily. Sasuke tried to rise to his feet but felt a sharp pain in his chest and once again sank to one knee.

Damn, he thought, what do I do now? I don't have the chakra to fight her and my body is at it's limit. I can't use my fireball jutsu or explosive tags because she's standing too close to Naruto's body. Sasuke placed his hand over his right eye. I guess I'll have to use the Mangekyo again. I hope I've got the chakra to pull this off. Looking at Sakura, Sasuke thought to himself, I'm sorry Sakura but you brought this on yourself.

Sakura, sensing that Sasuke had reached his limit, ran at him intent on ending it with one blow. As she got closer to him Sasuke raised his head and made eye contact and suddenly Sakura felt as if her whole world had turned upside down. But before Sasuke's technique could take affect, someone from behind Sakura, placed a hand over her eyes.

Meanwhile

They had been moving at top speed for hours now. Finally they were almost home. After checking the hidden route he knew about Killer Bee was positive that Naruto and his friend could use it and escape Kumo without further incident. Looking up at the mountain range Killer Bee felt relieved that this could work. Suddenly Killer Bee felt large amounts of chakra dispersed throughout the area. Many of them he couldn't recognize, but one he could. Killer Bee quickly changed direction without a word to Samui who didn't question the move and both ninja made their way to what Killer Bee was sure was a battle ground.

Meanwhile

"It couldn't be," Sasuke said, "I…..I beat you. There's no way!!" Sasuke looked up, his eye bleeding profusely, in disbelief at Naruto who had somehow arisen and shielded Sakura from Sasuke's Mangekyo. Sakura, also shocked, fought to tear free from Naruto's grasp. She wanted to see him, to see for herself that he was up and ok. But Naruto would not let go. Breathing heavily and fighting to stay awake, Naruto himself seemed to be on his last legs. "You," Naruto said to Sasuke, "You really….were…going to….use that technique…..on Sakura-chan….weren't you Sasuke." Sasuke, for a moment looked away, and felt as if Naruto had slapped him in the face.

Naruto leaned towards Sakura and whispered, "Don't look him in the eyes." Naruto then slowly released Sakura who immediately turned to look at him. Naruto was not surprised to see Sakura crying while Sakura noticed how terrible Naruto looked. He was worn down and bleeding from many wounds. In his eyes she could see he was barely holding on. Naruto raised his hand to Sakura's face and wiped the tears from her eyes. Sasuke saw this and for a moment, a look of sadness could be seen on his face.

Naruto then looked to Sasuke. "Ever since……you left Sasuke," he said, "all you've done…..is do things to make Sakura-chan cry. Don't you get it? The same pain done to you, you now give to us!" Sasuke slowly got to his feet. His chest felt like it was on fire and legs ached. "Like I said before," Sasuke said, "You can't understand. I will achieve my goals. I will sacrifice anything to achieve them. I will sacrifice my happiness; my bonds…..even you."

Enraged, Naruto seemed to dig deep and find some final sliver of energy and ran at Sasuke preparing to throw all that he had left into one, final punch. Sasuke, tried to move but his legs were leaden. He couldn't dodge, he couldn't block, couldn't counter attack. At that moment, Sasuke knew he was done. But, before Naruto could land his punch, Jugo landed between the two and blocked his punch.

For a moment, both Naruto and Sasuke remained in shock and using that moment, Suigetsu also arrived and kicked Naruto in the stomach forcing him to fall back. Sakura quickly leapt in front of Naruto to defend him as he slowly got to his feet. "Let's go," Sasuke said to his team as he fell back to his knees. "What," Suigetsu said, "Jugo and I can take 'em, Sasuke!" "No" Sasuke said, "We're done. Let's go."

Jugo quickly scooped up Sasuke and in front of Naruto and Sakura's very eyes, they vanished. "No," Naruto screamed as he ran towards where they once stood. But Naruto was severely injured and could barely run a few feet before he fell to his knees. As he stared into the emptiness, anger seemed to overcome him, Naruto struck and shattered the ground beneath him . "Damn it," Naruto screamed as he fell over. Sakura quickly caught him before he hit the ground.

Sakura immediately went to work attempting to heal Naruto. As she started to inspect his wounds, a horrifying realization came to her. Panicked, Sakura used the technique Naruto had given her to confirm what she already knew. No, she thought, Naruto's chakra is completely gone. Sakura checked his pulse and felt that it was weak and fading. She began to release her own chakra into him in a desperate attempt to stop what was happening. Why isn't the Kyuubi chakra healing him, she thought. As Sakura removed Naruto's shirt she saw a strange marking on his chest.

Suddenly Naruto's hand grabbed Sakura. "Sakura," Naruto said in a voice that was barely audible. With tears in her eyes Sakura tried to calm Naruto down. "it's ok Naruto," she said, "Sasuke's gone. I need to worry about you now. I have to make sure you're alright. Please, just rest." Naruto squeezed Sakura's arm as he said, "Sakura, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Sasuke, you have to stop Sasuke, no matter what."

Sakura pumped more and more chakra into Naruto, trying to keep his heart going. Slowly, Naruto eyes began to close. "Sakura," Naruto said, "I'm so sorry." "Don't be sorry Naruto," Sakura said and she cried, "just be alive ok! Naruto? Naruto!?" Sakura screamed and cried and called his name. But Naruto's eyes had closed, his pulse all but gone and somewhere in the darkness, Sai approached. But he stopped as he heard Sakura's scream and knew something horrible had happened. "Naruto!!!!!"

End of Chapter Fifteen