INTRODUCTION
Thank you for returning to the Chronicles of the Seventh. As always I begin by saying I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
Thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter: SwitchMagic, airnaruto45, maliousdei, crazyefra, 101FallingRock, jade destiny, Luna'sStar101, Sliver Senpai, Kushina's Truth of Hell, aej1085, newserkzzz, iiDarkness, FoxSage19, maxslayer10, Gravenimage, tosakuai, Nverland Funhouse, narutokurosaki, soccernin19 & StoryMaster007.
RESPONCES
SwitchMagic - Ummmm...I'm gonna have to say no. Lol.
airnaruto45 - SIR YES SIR! RIGHT AWAY SIR! LOL!
maliousdei - Awww! Oh well. Can't fool everyone I guess. If you want to know what she's up to then I suggest you read on my friend.
crazyefra - That is the question isn't it? So are you saying her return wasn't a surprise for you too? O well two aren't bad I guess.
101FallingRock - Pay attention to the few Kabumaru scenes Rock. That's all I'm gonna say. Of course Sakura's alive. This is a Narusaku fic isn't it. :P
jade destiny - Trust me, no one's happier that Sakura is a alive than Sakura herself. And her story of survival will be told...soon.
Luna'sStar101 - Never understimate the power of OPTIMISM!
Silver Senpai - The Mizukage is rotting in a prison. Sorry. Don't expect to see her for a while. As for SasuKarin...that pairing was something I worked in slowly but I wanted they're actual hookup to be sudden and passionate.
Kushina's - Glad I made you happy. I actually stay up at nights wondering how to make you happy. Lol!
aej1085 - Glad you happy she's back. Expect BIG things from Sakura VERY SOON.
newserkzzz - Though I hate to argue with my readers I've been told that Sakura flowers can indeed be found in Indonesia. I may not be Indonesian but I have studied the Cherry Blossom and if the climate is proper the Cherry Blossom can survive there.
iiDarkness - My sasuke isn't all 100% evil. He's a bit more complicated. Soon, you'll see what i mean.
FoxSage19 - He should...unless there is something else going on. Lol.
maxslayer10 - You will soon.
GravenImage - Thanx
tosakuai - Thanx. Hope you continue to enjoy
Neverland Funhouse - Nah, it takes more than a mountain falling on her to keep her down. :D
narutokurosaki - :D. My ex girlfriend did say i was a big tease. :D
soccernin19 - We'll see what Naruto will do shortly
StoryMaster007 - Glad you're enjoying the whole story. I'll try to keep the good times rolling. :D
Ok, so I'm glad you guys are enjoying where things are headed. Please remember to send a little review of the chapter to me.
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter VI: Cherry Blossoms Bloom Twice
Sakura gave a small smile to Hinata who couldn't help but cry a little at the sight of Sakura standing there. Before either could speak, the remaining four Akatsuki ninja attacked. Sakura grabbed the wrist of one ninja and swung him in the air. Using his body like a bat, she hit another ninja and the two went flying, crashing to the ground.
The two remaining ninja jumped at her from the left and the right. Sakura stepped into the attack of the one on the right and quickly disarmed the ninja and took his kunai and threw it with incredible force into the chest of ninja on her left launching him away. She then kicked the ninja whom she was holding in the knee, breaking it instantly. With a small twist of her hand she then snapped his wrist before snapping his neck. The ninja's body fell in a heap at her feet.
As the final ninja fell Sakura stood staring at the apparent Leader of the group. The ninja pulled down the mask covering his face to show that it was horribly scared. "I don't know who you are," he said. "But if you think I'm scared because you took down these weaklings think again! There's a reason why I, Ryomoto of the Sound, was placed as squad leader!"
Ryomoto raised both his hands and Sakura then saw a hole in each palm. Suddenly a rush of air waves was released from his palms and Sakura was just able to leap clear as the blast flew past her and cut several trees in half behind her.
Sakura looked back at the trees and then to Ryomaru who stood smiling. Hmmm, Sakura thought. That technique; I've seen it before. Sakura then recalled her run in with three Sound ninja during her first crack at the Chunin exams.
Sakura stood up and said, "I get it. That technique of yours, I've seen it before. You have hollow tubes fitted into your arms and you can release air in concentrated blasts."
"So," Ryomaru said. "You may know what my abilities are but it won't help you. My jutsu allows me to defeat you from a distance."
"Oh really," Sakura said with a sly smile. Suddenly Sakura threw two kunai at Ryomaru at incredible speed. Ryomaru raised his hands and fired a blast at the kunai knocking them away. Before he could react however, Sakura was leaping at him from his right and tried to punch both his hands.
Ryomaru quickly moved his arms out of the way as Sakura's punches missed by inches and Ryomaru leapt back to gain distance between them.
"Nice try," Ryomaru said and raised his arms ready to fire again. This time however Sakura ran straight at him with no interest in dodging.
Ryomaru smiled. The fool, he thought. She's actually attacking head on? Ryomaru tensed his arms to fire and felt a sharp pain shoot through both his arms and nothing else. "What," Ryomaru yelled as Sakura closed in and punched him in the face. Ryomaru was thrown back by the punch and crashed into the ground and rolled back until his body skidded to a stop.
Barely conscious Ryomaru looked up to see Sakura standing over him. "How," he asked.
Sakura raised both her hands and Ryomaru was able to see barely visible chakra emanating from her hands in the form of blades. "Chakra Scalpel Technique," Sakura said. "I was able to severe the tubes in your arms with my chakra blades."
Ryomaru then fell unconscious and Sakura turned to Hinata who was just sitting, watching in awe. "Are you alright Hinata," Sakura asked as she helped Hinata to her feet.
"Am I alright," Hinata asked. "The real question is: Are you alright Sakura-chan!"
Before Sakura could answer she and Hinata heard someone approaching. "Hinata!" The girls turned to see Choji and Shino running towards them. "Hinata," Choji yelled, "We heard the explosions and got here as fast as we…..!"
Choji and Shino stopped in shock as they saw Sakura standing next to Hinata. "S-Sakura-chan," Choji said. "Is that really you? But how! Where did you come from! We thought you were killed!"
Sakura smiled and said, "You shouldn't believe everything you hear Choji."
"But I don't understand," Shino said. "Sakura-chan, what are you doing out here? Why didn't you return to Konoha?"
At that moment Ryomaru leapt to his feet and screamed as he attacked Choji from behind with a kunai. Before anyone could react, two wooden columns pierced through the ground just below him and grabbed both Ryomaru's hands and pulled him down and onto his knees.
"What," Hinata said, "That technique…."
From above, two more ninja, a man and a woman, dressed as ANBU dropped next the captured Ryomaru. "You guys should be more careful," the woman said. "This is still a battle field and it's not wise to hold your little family reunion out in the open like this."
Everyone looked in shock as the two ANBU removed their masks. "Yamato-san and Anko-chan," Choji said. "Ok, just what's going on? Yamato-san disappeared three years ago. And Anko-chan, you deserted Konoha about three years ago as well. In fact you were labeled a rouge ninja by the Hokage with immediate, capture on sight, orders."
"It's a long story Choji," Anko said. "Let's just say I had no choice but to leave Konoha. If I hadn't who knows what would have happened to me."
"And I didn't disappear," Yamato said. "I was secretly ordered to return to the ANBU division three years ago. I wasn't even allowed to say farewell to you all."
"But I don't understand Sakura-chan," Hinata said. "The Hokage himself said you had died. Even Lady Tsunade confirmed it. They said you were captured and killed by enemy forces a month ago. Your funeral was two weeks ago. It was so sad. You're mother and Ino, they took it the worst."
Sakura looked away for a moment. "Is that what Danzo said," she asked.
"Sakura-chan," Shino said. "I'm not sure what's going on here but now that you're back you should return to Konoha. Everyone in the village has been down lately. Lee, Neji and Kiba went missing during their mission in the Land of Sound. And with your apparent death and Naruto and Shikamaru getting arrested…"
Sakura suddenly turned and looked at Shino. "What," she yelled. "What are you talking about Shino! What happened to them?"
"So you don't know," Shino said. "As you know Naruto snuck out of the village just before you went on your mission. He and Shikamaru went to see the Kazekage in hopes of convincing him to end the war. Unfortunately things didn't go as planned. Instead they were arrested and are to stand trial for crimes against Suna. If found guilty they will likely be put to death."
Sakura, Yamato and Anko looked on in stunned silence. "Put to death," Sakura whispered. "What did Lady Tsunade have to say about this?"
"She's remained strangely silent about it," Choji answered. "So have all the elders for some reason. I think because of the war going on no one wants to admit that retrieving Naruto isn't a top priority for them."
"Damn," Sakura said. "There actually going to cut those two loose like this?"
"Sakura," Shino asked. "If you weren't killed what have you been up to these last few weeks?"
"Unfortunately we know that we can't return to the village just yet," Yamato said. "But we couldn't just sit around and do nothing. So we decided to do the best we could. We've chosen to hunt down as many Akatsuki forces as we could. It's not much, but it's something."
"Wait, that's it," Hinata exclaimed. "Sakura-chan, you, Yamato-san and Anko-chan could go rescue Naruto-kun."
"It makes sense," Shino said, "You guys are off the radar right now. You could do it."
Choji got excited and pumped his fist. "Alright," he yelled. "Shikamaru, Naruto, just hold on! Team Yamato is on the way!"
"Hold on," Yamato said. "Let's not jump to conclusions here Choji. I think we should let Sakura decide what we'll do."
Sakura stepped a few feet away and looked up at the clear blue sky. "Sakura-chan," Hinata whispered. "Y-you have to do this. You have to go help them."
Sakura turned and smiled at Hinata and said, "I'm sorry Hinata, but I can't do that."
Hinata was shocked. She said, "But…Sakura-chan…"
"Hinata I know you care for Naruto," Sakura said.
Hinata's face suddenly turned bright red. "S-Sakura-chan," she said nervously. "I…I…ummm…."
Sakura continued talking, "And I know you have faith in him as much as anyone. But the true test of faith is to do it when you have no reason." Sakura walked up to Hinata and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Naruto has proven he has what it takes to beat the odds. And I know he can do it again. If we truly care about him then we have to fight on our own. Never look back and keep moving forward."
Hinata smiled and said, "Yes. I guess you're right Sakura-chan. There's no need to worry about Naruto-kun."
"Right now it looks like Neji's Team is the one that needs help," Sakura said. "Do you guys have any idea what happened to them?"
"No," Shino said. "All we know is that they were sent out towards The Land of Sound several weeks ago. We received regular messages from them stating they had run into Akatsuki forces there. The last message stated they were going to investigate a suspicious village. That was our last report. An ANBU cell was sent some time later to find them but they too disappeared."
"That's when we were given the mission to find out what's going on," Choji said.
"Well," Anko said, "We've been taking out small Akatsuki squads but with every squad we take out two more take its place. Right now it seems that Akatsuki is using the Land of Sound as their main staging area for a massive attack on Konoha."
Yamato then looked to Ryomaru, who was still pinned down to the ground. "Well then," Yamato said, "perhaps we should ask our friend what he knows huh?"
Yamato walked up to Ryomaru who looked defiantly at him. "Now," Yamato said, "I want you to tell us about what Akatsuki is doing in the Land of Sound and also about a mysterious village."
Ryomaru simply stared forward and remained silent. "Not talking huh," Yamato asked. "Well too bad for you. I don't think you understand your situation. Anko."
Anko stepped in front of Ryomaru and raised her right arm towards him. Slowly three snakes slithered from her sleeve and made its way towards Ryomaru who was now frozen with fear. "Do you know what dying by snake venom feels is like," Anko asked.
"First it attacks the blood stream," she said, "causing painful blood clots, before attacking your muscles and nervous system. You'll feel like someone is rubbing broken glass in your body. Eventually your body will begin to spasm so hard you'll break your own back. It's the slowest most excruciating death you can endure. But who knows, maybe you'll be lucky enough to pass into a coma before your brain finally hemorrhages."
Ryomaru broke into a cold sweat as the snakes got closer. Finally one of the snakes came inches from his face and opened its mouth revealing its fangs. The snake then hissed ominously. "Ok," Ryomaru yelled. "I'll tell you anything you want to know!"
"Good," Yamato said, "Now talk. How many ninja does Akatsuki have in the Land of Sound?"
"I don't know exact numbers," Ryomaru said. "But I do know there are dozens of squads and more arriving everyday. You were right, the land of Sound is the where we are preparing for the attack."
"When will this attack happen," Anko asked.
"We haven't been told," Ryomaru said. "We were told just to be ready once they've prepared the final weapon."
"Weapon," Sakura asked. "What weapon?"
"We weren't told," Ryomaru said. "All we know is that whatever it is, it's big; big enough to crush Konoha. The only thing we know for sure is that it's being made in a false village near Otogakure."
"That must be the village Neji's team found," Hinato said.
"Then that's where we're going," Sakura said. She then turned to Hinata and asked, "Hinata will you be ok to travel back to Konoha?"
"Of course," Hinata said. "This injury is no problem at all Sakura-chan."
"Good," she said, "You, Shino and Choji head back and tell Lady Tsunade about what you've learned. But do me a favor; don't tell her or anyone about us. For now it's best if everyone thinks I'm dead. If word gets out it could prove a problem."
"Are you sure about this Sakura," Choji asked. "Maybe we should go with you."
"No," Yamato said. "Sakura's right, its better we move alone. Besides you should take this guy back to Konoha for proper interrogation. What he knows could prove invaluable." Yamato then looked at Ryomaru and made several hand signs and said, "Wood Release: Wood Coffin!" Suddenly columns of wood sprouted from the ground and wrapped around Ryomaru tightly, leaving only his eyes and nose out in the open.
Choji quickly lifted Ryomaru onto his shoulders. "Don't worry," Choji said, "We'll deliver this guy and we won't say a word about you guys."
Anko pointed off behind them and said, "If you take this path you should get back home within a day or so without a problem. We've already cleared out the enemy in that area."
"Great," Shino said.
Sakura, Anko and Yamato put their masks back on and turned to leave. "Don't worry you guys," Sakura said, "If Neji and the others are alive we'll find them!" They then turned and leapt into the trees and disappeared.
"Well," Choji said as he adjusted Ryomaru on his shoulders. "We'd better get going to before some more Akatsuki come through here."
"Yes," Shino said as they turned to leave. Quickly though, Shino and Choji realized Hinata was not behind them. She was still standing in the same spot, looking towards the tree branch Sakura leapt to before disappearing.
Hinata was recalling what had happened. Just as Sakura leapt to the branch she had turned her head, ever so slightly, and looked at Hinata. Seeing this Hinata quickly activated her Byakugan and could see that Sakura was smiling under her mask.
Sakura-chan, Hinata thought to herself. You…..you really have no fear for Naruto's safety do you? Your faith in him is that strong. Hinata closed her eyes and smiled as Shino and Choji walked over.
"Hinata," Shino asked. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"
Hinata turned and looked at her friends. A gentle breeze blew through her hair as she smiled. Choji and Shino could see just a bit of tears in her eyes. "Yes," she said. "I think…..I think I finally understand something."
Confused, Shino and Choji looked at each other. Choji then said, "Ok. Are you ready to go now?"
"Of course," Hinata answered. "Let's go." Shino, Choji and Hinata began to run off. But Hinata looked back one more time. "Sakura-chan," Hinata whispered, "Thank you."
As they ran through the woods headed for home Shino looked over at Choji who had the brightest, widest smile he'd ever seen. I haven't seen him this happy since it was his birthday and everyone had invited him to eat as much as he wanted at his favorite restaurant, Shino recalled. "Hey Choji," Shino asked, "What's up? Why are you so happy?"
Choji wiped a tear from his cheek and then said, "I don't know. I guess it's just because we haven't had any good news in a long time. It just feels good to have a reason to smile again. And….maybe….for the first time in a long time, I feel like maybe we have a chance to win this thing."
Shino then looked back at Hinata who also had a bright smile on her face. And it was then he actually realized that he himself was in a much better mood. He was even smiling, though no one could see it. Maybe we do, he thought to himself. Maybe we do indeed.
******Meanwhile******
Anko, Yamato and Sakura leapt silently through the trees as they made their way to The Land of Sound. Yamato looked at Sakura who was just ahead of him. Smiling he recalled everything Sakura had just said to Hinata and the others.
Sakura, he thought. What you did back there was great. You really have grown haven't you? Just to think how far you've come when just a month ago…..
******Mountain Range just outside the Land of Fire – Several Weeks Ago******
Yamato and Anko stared in disbelief as the mountain in which Sakura was being held began to crumble. Standing in front of them was the Akatsuki member called Jugo. Jugo looked back as the mountain began to crumble and said, "It would seem you no longer have a reason to go to this mountain."
End of Chapter VI
Next Time: The Message