INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to the Chronicles. As usual I like to say that I don't own Naruto.

THANK YOU

I'd like to thank all those who rteviewed my last chapter: GravenImage, Maxslayer10, Delran, Dark Waffle, theloverofanime, buzzbumble, Kushina's Truth of Hell, Sayona13, Vorgonaz, Silent Bunshin and Hefster.

REPLIES

GravenImage: Well, I hope Naruto makes it in time to help her too. :)

Maxslayer: Yep, this chapter is all Sakura all right.

Delran: Gaara has his reasons and I did want him to allude more to what I think Kishi was trying to have him say in the Canon manga.

Dark Waffle: No biggie for not reviewing last time. We all get busy at times. Yeah I wanted to focus on the Gaara Naruto relationship in that chapter and show that sometimes things can't be fixed with a handshake and smile. Gaara is in a tough spot in this war and it's something I'll explain further later.

theloverofanime: Nah, I never got Lost. Never seen an episode actually. But I know a lot of poeple who do and they say the same thing about how confusing it is. So, I'll take that as a compliment. Don't worry though, unlike Lost the answers will come sooner rather than never. Lol. You want Sakura's POV? Here you go!

buzzbumble: He's not a knob. Just hopelessly optimistic.

Kushina's: Thanks. Gaara's motivations are complex, believe me. But this isn't something he wants to or happy to do.

Sayona13: Don't worry, another ShikaXTem moment is on the horizon! Glad you liked the fight and conclusion. It appears Gaara's actions have excited many of you. Oh, never apologize for being a crazy Fangirl! i love those!!

Vorgonaz: First off, GEEZ!! How long is this review?! For the sanity of those reading my responces I'll try to condense this as best I can.

First thanks for the praise and yes i do write about two chapters ahead of my releases. It gives me time to make revisions and ensure that I can maintain my weekly schedule. I'm glad you like the Sasu/Naru fight. Many were annoyed due to Naruto's seaming weakness and Sasuke's refusal to use MS. But I hope you fully understand it now. And striving for realism in the characters is something I've been going for.

As for the realism of NaruXSaku it's also something I love. It annoys me when characters don't act like themselves in other fanfics. Why does so few like NejixIno? When you look at thier personalities I find them a great match. And for me I like Lee and 1010.

As for the negative. My Danzo, under Madara's direction, was ordered to banish Naruto becuse they believed he would be easier to catch alone rather than sending him on a trap mission. Naruto also as the saviour of Konoha was a threat to Danzo's authority so it worked for him too. Obviously that didn't work as Naruto proved too allusive and Madara ordered Danzo to bring him back. The second banishment was a sign of Danzo's desperation at his recent failures. And sorry for the spelling mistakes. I try to catch them but sometimes I miss a few.

Thanks again.

Silent Bunshin: I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

Hefster: Thanks.

Ok, so thanks again. And here is Chapter Seventeen of my story. Please remember to review my story:

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Seventeen: Wilting Cherry Blossom

Mountain Range Several miles outside the Land of Fire

The sun was setting as Sakura was lead by Jugo who held her by the shoulder. Two hours ago as they crossed the border, Sasuke had stopped and said that from this point she had to be blind folded and her arms bound behind her using chakra seals chains, to continue. Apparently he was still not convinced of her loyalty and wanted to confirm it before allowing her to know of their base of operations.

Hesitantly, Sakura agreed to the process and from that point Jugo was assigned to guide her. Jugo's hand on her shoulder was surprisingly gentle for such a brute and despite being blindfolded she could tell there was more to him than it seemed.

Trained since five years old as a kunoichi, Sakura quickly recalled all of her training regarding sensory deprivation and the things Iruka-sensei taught them.

"Always remember," Iruka said, "That your senses are meant to be used in unison and harmony. Never rely too heavily on one of your senses as they can be fooled. As Ninja we learn how to trick and deceive. If you rely too heavily on what you see it can lead you astray. And always remember that when one of your senses has been fooled or taken away, your other senses will sharpen and show you the truth. So never forget to rely on your senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing and sight equally. As well as your sixth sense, this warns you of danger. It is this one, above all others that can keep you alive."

Sakura, from the moment she was blindfolded began to focus more on her other senses. As they moved, the normal smells of the large oak trees that prevailed in her country faded away. She knew at that point they were now well beyond the borders of her home. Slowly she began to pick up the scent of fresh pine trees.

Drawing a mental map Sakura considered the point where she was blindfolded and then concluded that there was only three possible locations where she could be that had pine trees. Sometime later she then heard the sound of rushing water. A river, she thought to herself. We must be following a river and based on what I hear we must be headed upstream.

This realization automatically removed one of the possible three places she could be as she knew there was no river nearby in the third location. Eventually she heard the unmistakable sound of a large waterfall and that sealed it for her. She now knew she was near the hidden Waterfall country. It wasn't much information but it could prove useful down the line.

After sometime she could feel the sun was beating on her skin less and less and the wind began to have a slight chill to it. The sun is setting, she thought. Again, more pieces of little information to be stored for later.

Finally the ground became less soft and grassy as she now was walking on hard soil and rocks. She was also now walking at an incline that got steeper as time wore on. We're heading up a mountain of some sort, she thought. Not a really high one though.

Finally they came to a stop and Sasuke finally broke the silence. "Stay here," he said as he walked away. Sakura could hear him say, "Release!" Sakura then heard the grinding of stone as what she knew must be a large boulder moving aside to reveal an entrance.

Eventually the noise stopped and again they began to move. Within seconds Sakura's assumption was proven correct as they entered what felt like a damp location with soft soil. Their footprints echoed as they walked and she could hear the feint sound of water dripping from several places.

As they walked further into the cave Sakura felt them begin to turn and she did her best to keep track of what directions they were turning to. Left…right…..right again…..and then left. Finally they came to what seemed like a large area as the air seemed to be a bit lighter. "Karin," Sasuke said, "Start us a fire and see about getting together something to eat. Jugo follow me."

Ok, Sakura thought to herself. I was right. The echo from Sasuke's words definitely means this is a large open area and it also means it's the main area as well.

Slowly Sakura was led from the large area again into a tunnel. Again they made a few more turns that Sakura took note of until they came to a stop. "In here," Sasuke said as Sakura felt herself being led.

Finally, Jugo removed the blindfold and as Sakura's eyesight adjusted she found she was standing in a small eight by ten foot room with one torch burning in the corner. Sakura expected the seals and chain to her arms behind her to be removed as well, but Jugo left them.

"Sorry about this Sakura," Sasuke said. "But until I decide you truly are a member of Hawk I need to take precautions. I'm sure you understand that this is only temporary."

Sakura swallowed hard. Then she bowed slightly and said, "Of course I understand Sasuke-kun. I don't blame you for being cautious. But I know you'll soon know that I'm here for you and to support you. Until then if being with you means I have to stay here for a bit I will."

Sasuke stared at her momentarily and then turned to leave. "I'll have some food brought to you soon." Jugo then closed the thick iron door and locked it and silently followed Sasuke as they returned to the main area where Karin already had a fire going and was busy preparing a meal.

As usual, Jugo made his way to his little corner and sat down, folded his arms and closed his eyes. Sasuke went over by the fire and sat down and stretched. After a few minutes he leaned back on his elbow and watched Karin as she moved about.

Karin moved around with her usual exacting nature. Everything had to be in its proper place and every movement she made had purpose. Nothing was wasted. However Sasuke could see the anger in her face and the fact she would pick things up harshly and put things down with a slam.

Sasuke looked up to the cave ceiling and breathed in deeply. Looking back at Karin, he asked, "Is there something wrong? Feel free to speak up if you have a problem. I'd rather deal with it now that watch you do this shit for the rest of the night."

Karin looked at Sasuke harshly and adjusted her glasses. "No," she said, "There's nothing wrong. I'm fine Sasuke-kun."

"You don't look fine Karin," Sasuke said as he stared into the fire. "Look, as I've said you better speak up now. Because if you don't I'll just put you outside. I don't have time for your bullshit."

Karin turned to Sasuke and in a low but angered tone she said, "How could you do this to me? After everything I've sacrificed for you? To bring that bitch in here like this?! To say those things to her!? Don't you even care about my feelings?!"

Sasuke sighed deeply and closed his eyes and smiled. "Listen woman," he said, "Don't try to concern me with your foolish jealousy. I have neither the time nor patience for it. You forget your place. What I do I do for one purpose and only one purpose, attaining my vengeance for the Uchiha and my brother. To do that I brought you into this group and it is also for that purpose that I have brought Sakura here. I am in no mood to be questioned by you or anyone. Now if you don't like it you can leave at anytime."

Tears welled in Karin's eyes and for a moment she seemed on the verge of a breakdown. Suddenly she angrily responded, "Well, I'm sorry to burst your bubble Sasuke but you should remember that can tell if someone's lying based on their chakra. And I can tell you that Sakura was lying to you! Everything she said was a lie!"

Sasuke smirked and said, "So. I'm not some idiot Karin. You think I don't know that? Tell me, did you scan me as well to see if was lying?"

Karin paused. She knew from prior experience that Sasuke didn't like her using that ability on him without his permission. She nodded nervously. "And," Sasuke asked. "What did you see?"

"I could see that," she said, "you were lying too."

"Ahh," Sasuke said. "So if you knew for a fact we were both lying why the fuck are you bothering me with this now."

Now the tears came to her face and she couldn't hide her shame or embarrassment. From across the room, Jugo opened his eyes half way and watched the scene play out. "I-it's just," Karin said as she tried to control her emotions. "I've been with you for years Sasuke and you know damned well how I feel about you! Sometimes I think you feel the same but then most times you're so cold! I just wish for once you could tell me what you feel! I just wish I could here you say to me what you said to her! Sasuke, I love you with all my heart!"

Sasuke was silent and looked away. For a moment his mind traveled back to a night long ago. It was another girl then with those same tears, those same words. It was as if he had momentarily gone back in time.

Just as quickly as those memories came, they melted away and Sasuke was once again facing Karin. Looking at her in the eyes he said, "Your love for me, is your problem not mine. Focus on the mission or you will be come a liability that I can't afford."

Karin tensed and felt like she would burst. But knowing it would do no good, she turned and left the room and made her way outside.

As he watched her leave Sasuke seemed somewhat saddened. And in a low whisper he said, "Damn it Karin. You are so….annoying."

Two Hours Later

Karin placed a plate of hot food in front of Sasuke silently. Sasuke saw that she was still upset and the fact she refused to make eye contact was a glaring sign. He then looked to Jugo who was making his way over to the fire and said, "Jugo, please take this plate over to Sakura. She must be hungry. Bring her some water as well."

"No, Jugo you should rest," Karin said. "I can take Sakura her meal. Besides if she's going to join us I should try to get to know her a bit."

Sasuke looked harshly at her for a bit and then his face seemed to soften. "Fine," he said as hit bit into his meal.

Karin picked up the plate and left them as she made her way to Sakura's cell. "Are you sure this is wise Sasuke," Jugo said as he ate.

"What's going to happen between them will happen eventually," Sasuke said. "might as well get it over with."

Meanwhile – Nearby

Shiba landed nearby the river bank and began to smell the ground. Yamato and Anko landed a few seconds later and as they did Shiba looked towards a large mountain range far to the north. "It looks like Sakura-chan was taken this way a few hours ago," Shiba said.

"Right," Yamato said, "I doubt Sasuke would want to risk traveling with Sakura very far at night. He's probably holed up somewhere ahead. Shiba, Anko, we should keep moving."

Shiba ran off with Anko and Yamato running just behind him.

Meanwhile – Back at Sasuke's hideout

The plate landed with a clank on the ground at Sakura's feet. The food on it scattered and most of it ended up on the floor. Standing above it was a scowling Karin who looked at Sakura who was calmly sitting on the floor with her hands still bound behind her.

"Here's your food bitch," Karin said as she looked at Sakura with contempt. "I hope you enjoy. I put a….extra ingredient in there just for you."

Karin turned to leave when Sakura asked, "When did you fall in love with him?" Karin paused and turned back to Sakura. "Sasuke. When did you fall in love with him? Back when we were fighting, I could see your face, the pain in it when he spoke to me. I know that look. It's the look of loving someone who doesn't feel the same."

Karin gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. "Shut your fucking mouth you stupid bitch," She said. "What do you know about it!? You don't know Sasuke or how he feels about me!"

Sakura continued her tale as if she hadn't even heard Karin. "It was back when I was about ten years old when I fell in love with him," she said.

"Back then he was a sweet but troubled boy," Sasuke said. "I thought everything he did, from his quiet nature to the way he treated every amazing thing he did as no big deal to be….just amazing."

Despite everything Karin felt hearing Sakura's words now made her relax. She didn't want to admit it, but she felt a kinship now, like someone finally understood. She couldn't help but continue to listen.

"But," Sakura said, "Despite all my best attempts Sasuke never paid me any attention. So I changed myself. I grew my hair because I heard he liked long hair. I changed my clothes. I even changed my attitude when around him. I thought that if I could be as far from myself as possible that I'd become what he wanted. But it didn't work. Nothing did. And I didn't know why until we were placed in the same squad."

Meanwhile – Nearby

Shiba, Anko and Yamato were moving as fast as they could go and were now half way to the mountain range. "I'm now certain they headed up the mountain Yamato," Shiba said as they moved.

"Ok," Anko said, "But the question is how do we proceed once we get there. What if Sasuke has more comrades there beyond the other two. What then?"

Yamato showed concern. "I wish I knew," Yamato said. "All I know, is we need to get Sakura out of there."

Meanwhile – Back at the hideout

Sasuke was lying down on his back with one arm behind his head. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be getting some rest. Slowly his eyes opened and it shown that his Sharingan was activated. Slowly he sat up and saw that Jugo was already making his way over.

"It would seem that we going to have company soon," Sasuke said. "I didn't think they'd be able to track us down so quickly."

"Yes," Jugo said, "And one of them is a copy of me. They carry my cells. I find them disgusting and repulsive."

"Well then," Sasuke said, "by all means you should deal with them. Feel free to care of them." Jugo turned and slowly walked out of the room towards the exit of the cave.

Meanwhile – In Sakura's cell

"Finally," Sakura said sadly, "I was on the same team as Sasuke-kun and it was during those brief times that I really got to know the real Sasuke. I got to see how much pain he was in and how angry he was. But it didn't scare me away. Instead all I wanted to do was heal him. I wanted to take care of him. But in the end I couldn't. Because in the end I fooled myself into thinking I understood him when I didn't. The only one who did…..was Naruto."

With a small smile she continued, "Naruto, the hyper active idiot that I saw as just a pest. He was the closest to Sasuke, even though they were rivals. They were like brothers and we together were like a family. I guess in the end it's what drives Naruto. Losing Sasuke was like losing the first family Naruto ever had. He lost his brother. And he just wants him back."

"Hmmm," Karin said, "You both are foolish. You think you know Sasuke because you spent some time with him when he was twelve? Please. You don't know Sasuke like I do. And neither does Naruto. I know the real Sasuke. I know his pain and his anger. I know his true heart."

Sakura laughed bitterly. "You know what, you're right," she said. "But that doesn't matter now. Sasuke, the Sasuke I knew and loved is gone. This Sasuke has caused us too much pain. And he'll continue to cause Naruto pain because Naruto refuses to give up. It's not in his nature. So….even if it costs me my own life and Naruto's hate, I have to do this."

Karin looked at Sakura with a confused expression. "What the hell are you talking about," she asked. "Do what?'

"Sasuke," Sakura said, "won't be satisfied until he sees the whole world burn for his vengeance. He has to be stopped."

"You really are a dumb bitch," Karin said. "You think stopping my Sasuke-kun will be easy. His hate and power will consume you. You'll be dead soon enough."

"You're probably right," Sakura said. "To be honest I don't expect to be alive tomorrow. But I don't really see how I have a choice."

"Oh," Karin said with mock surprise. "And how do you plan to do that?! You forget that you're still tied up and I placed a seal on your chakra."

"Oh right," Sakura said. "About that seal…." Much to Karin's surprise, Sakura quickly snapped the chains that bound her and leapt at her. Sakura quickly punched Karin in the gut and as Karin began to lose consciousness Sakura said, "I broke those seals an hour ago."

Meanwhile – Outside the Hideout

"We're getting close to the mountain," Shiba yelled as they made their way. "We should be there in about five more minutes at this pace."

"Yes," Yamato said as they followed Shiba. "Lets just hope we can avoid any trouble and just somehow be able to get Sakura out."

Suddenly a kunai with a paper bomb landed on the ground just in front of Shiba. Seeing it Shiba quickly leapt back and narrowly avoided the blast.

Looking up Yamato and Anko saw a large man standing on a tree branch above them. "I'm sorry," Jugo said. "But I can't allow you to go any further."

"Who the hell is that," Anko asked.

"That," Yamato answered. "That's trouble."

Meanwhile – In the hideout

Sakura slowly moved through the darkness, making sure to stick to the shadows. As she made her way through the halls she was certain she'd run into an enemy. But so far she had seen no one. Remembering the turns she made when coming in she reversed them going out and easily made her way back to the main part of the cave.

There she saw blankets and weapons strewn about along with medical equipment. In the middle of the room was a pit with a dying fire and sitting in front of the fire with his back to Sakura was Sasuke.

Slowly Sakura approached Sasuke who sat perfectly still. Nearby she saw her gear and quickly picked up a kunai ready to strike. When she got three feet away Sasuke opened his eyes, Sharingan activated, and without moving asked, "So you've finally made you're move Sakura?"

Sakura stopped in her tracks and stared at Sasuke. "You knew I would Sasuke," she said. "It has to stop. Naruto and I have tried to get you to understand. To see how wrong you are in all this. But it's obvious to me that you won't listen. And I can't let Naruto give up his life trying in vain to save you. And I can't let you forever destroy what little is left of your soul."

Sasuke laughed. "Destroying my soul," he asked. "Sakura it's just the opposite. The closer I get to my goal the more alive I feel. I'm not destroying my soul, I'm strengthening it!"

"Enough Sasuke," Sakura said. "Like I said I'm done trying to convince you. Sasuke this is your last chance come back to Konoha now to face punishment or I will kill you here."

Still Sasuke didn't move. "Ok, fine," Sasuke said. "My plan is to kill everyone in Konoha anyway. I would have to kill you eventually."

Sakura gripped her kunai tight. "Ok," she said, "but if we're going to do this…" Suddenly she turned quickly and threw her kunai with incredible force towards a darkened corner. Out of the shadows, Sasuke leapt clear of the kunai as it embedded into the rock behind him. Meanwhile the form of Sasuke sitting by the fire faded away. "If we're going to do this," Sakura said, "Then I'd rather fight the real you than some illusion. I told you Sasuke, your genjutsu can't work on me."

With a slightly surprised look on his face Sasuke got to his feet. His expression then turned to stone again as he said, "Alright Sakura. Let's see if this works instead."

Sasuke then reached for the seal on his inner wrist and drew from it a kunai and ran at Sakura. As he closed in he leapt in the air and with a leaping roundhouse kick aimed at her head. Sakura quickly ducked and was ready to counter when Sasuke followed his attack up with his kunai, swinging it towards Sakura's neck.

Sakura quickly blocked the attack with her own kunai and, using her other hand, tried to punch Sasuke in the face. Sasuke bent back just enough to avoid her punch and grabbed her by the wrist and flipped her onto her back. As Sasuke came down with the kunai to stab her Sakura kicked both her legs up, kicking Sasuke squarely in the chest and launching him into the air and hard onto the ground.

Sakura quickly flipped back onto her feet and ran at Sasuke ready to hit him again. Sasuke quickly got to his feet and back flipped away in time to dodge Sakura's attack. Sasuke quickly activated his chidori and began to run towards Sakura.

Sakura placed both her hands out in front of her and suddenly they began to glow and she said, "Ultimate Chakra Scalpel."

Sasuke suddenly burst into a sprint and thrust his chidori at Sakura with such speed that she couldn't fully evade the attack and it struck her in the shoulder. Sakura fell and her body rolled a few feet before she stopped.

Slowly she got to her feet. Her right arm was bleeding and fell limp at her side. She immediately placed her hand over that arm and it began to glow.

Sasuke found himself bent over and breathing hard. What the hell did she do to me, he thought. He could feel a stinging pain in his stomach. And he could taste the metallic taste of blood.

"Are you wondering what's wrong," Sakura asked as she continued to heal her arm. "I hit you with my Ultimate Chakra Scalpel. It's a technique I created. Most chakra scalpels require intense focus and precision to create and as a result isn't much of an offensive weapon. But I can create precise scalpels that can cut organs without leaving marks on the surface. It's kind of like the gentle fist of the Hyuga. That pain you're feeling was caused when I cut your liver."

Sasuke spat out the blood in his mouth and quickly made several hand signs before taking a deep breath and blowing out a large blast of fire at Sakura. In response Sakura began to run to avoid the attack.

Before Sakura knew it the entire area was engulfed in flames and she was surrounded. Sasuke then leapt through the flames at Sakura with his sword of Kusanagi drawn. Sakura leapt to the side to avoid the first attack when Sasuke swung it again and caught her in the shoulder as she leapt back.

Again Sasuke went in for the attack when Sakura side stepped him suddenly and cut him once again with her Scalpel.

Sasuke suddenly lurched forward gasping for breath. "That," Sakura said as she breathed deeply, "That was…..your right lung."

Sasuke stared at her angrily and then created several hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu," he said as he created four clones that quickly surrounded Sakura. Each clone then created more signs and yelled, "Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"

Suddenly, all five versions of Sasuke released large dragon shaped flames at Sakura who began to run hoping to avoid the assault. Realizing she had no chance at avoiding them she quickly punched the ground forcing large boulders into the air. She quickly grabbed two and pinned them on either side as the flame engulfed her.

As the flames subsided Sasuke's clones disappeared and he stood looking to ensure she was dead. He was breathing deeply and gasping for air. As the smoke cleared he saw the two boulders charred and broken and then Sakura pushed them to the side and fell to her knees.

Sakura was slightly burnt and was gasping for air as most of the oxygen in the area was burnt away. She survived that, Sasuke thought. No way.

Sakura struggled to get her feet as Sasuke again drew his sword and charged it with electricity. "It took everything out of you just to survive that attack Sakura," Sasuke said. "It's over."

As Sasuke got close Sakura leapt at him and struck him lightly in the sternum and lower spine. Sasuke stood in shock as Sakura quickly limped away to safe distance and crumpled to the floor and began to tear away the cloth over her left shoulder and chest.

Damn you Sakura, Sasuke thought as he stood unable to move. Much to Sasuke's surprise when he tried to move his left leg, his right hand clenched instead. What the hell, he thought. "What the fuck did you do to me," he yelled.

"Body….Points….Disturbance," Sakura said as she gasped for air. "With a….small electrical charge I can overwhelm the neurological signals in your body. You…can't control your body anymore Sasuke."

Sasuke gritted his teeth and grimaced. He tried to move his right hand and instead his left arm moved. Damn, he thought angrily. All the signals have been messed up. If she was to attack me now I'd be finished. Wait! She said she used an electrical current to cross my signals. Then another shock to my system should undo it!

Sasuke then began releasing chidori current throughout his body pouring more energy into his spine. Oh shit, Sakura thought as she saw what he was doing. You really are a genius Sasuke. You already figured out the counter to my move already. Shit. I need to hurry.

As Sasuke poured more and more electricity throughout his nervous system he felt control slowly coming back. Gritting his teeth and fighting through the pain he began to turn around to face Sakura. To his shock he saw Sakura tear away the top left of her shirt to reveal a small purple diamond tattooed on her skin just above her left breast.

Tsunade-sama never wanted me to use this technique, Sakura thought to herself. But it's a good thing I did. "Creation Rebirth Seal: Release," Sakura said as the diamond began to expand and leak out and cover her entire body. Suddenly she exploded with chakra.

What, Sasuke thought. All of her wounds are healing!? And it looks like she's getting even stronger!? What the hell technique is that!? Panicked, Sasuke began to push even more electricity into himself. Almost there, he thought.

But before he could finish, a perfectly healed Sakura pounced, punching him several times forcing him back. Again she punched him, and again and again. He could feel himself bruising and ribs cracking under the assault. Still Sasuke remained focused on his chidori.

Sakura's last punch forced Sasuke to slam hard against the far wall, cracking it slightly. He was battered and bruised but was still focusing on releasing the current through his body. Sakura stopped to look at her hands. The electricity and burned away her gloves and her hands were both singed and hurting. "Damn Sasuke," she said. "Your chidori acts as a buffer, reducing the effects of my punches. But I bet if I hit you with everything I have it'll be enough."

Sasuke looked at her wide eyed, knowing she was probably right. "Damn it," he said. "I never should have underestimated her. C'mon! I need to get control back!! C'mon!!"

Sakura ran at Sasuke and reared back ready to hit him as hard as she could. C'mon, Sasuke thought. C'mon! C'mon! C'mon! Then, just as Sakura was going to hit Sasuke, he regained control and activated Mangekyo Sharingan.

Seconds before she could hit him, Sakura found herself in the death grip of a large creature seemingly made of spiritual energy. It squeezed her tighter and tighter and she could feel it getting harder to breathe.

"You've never seen this before have you Sakura," Sasuke said. "Behold Susanoo! The true power of the Uchiha! And the reason you are nothing in comparison."

Sakura spit up blood as she felt herself slowly being crushed by Susanoo. Desperate and quickly losing consciousness, Sakura used all of her strength and chakra to spread her arms and slowly began to loosen Susanoo's vice like grip.

Impossible, Sasuke thought. She might actually break free using brute strength alone! Sasuke began to concentrate harder and Susanoo's grip tightened and quickly ended Sakura's efforts.

Sakura screamed as she felt herself being crushed and she realized that her chakra was spent. She was quickly losing consciousness and her vision began to go black. Suddenly she felt a charge, a flame seem to flicker to life and for moment she swore she could see Naruto's smiling face.

Sasuke stood in shock as Sakura began to glow with intense chakra. "That chakra," he said. "It's not like the chakra you had before. It looks more like….."

Sakura's head quickly rose and her eyes shown intensity and focus and suddenly she again began to spread her arms and force Susanoo's hand open. Finally it was open enough for her to slip out and she fell to the ground. At the same time the glow of chakra around her faded. As she landed she began to gasp for air and grabbed her right arm which was now broken along with several ribs and perhaps a punctured lung.

Naruto, she thought. His chakra saved me. But I must have used all of it just to get free. I've…I've got nothing left. I can't even walk.

Sasuke yelled and grasped his eye while at the same time Susanoo faded away. Damn, he thought. My vision is blurring. I need to end this.

Sasuke stood up and looked at Sakura. "You're done Sakura," he said. "I bet you don't have the energy to move right now."

Suddenly a voice came from the nearby shadows that said, "Which means this pointless exercise is over." Out of the shadows stepped Madara. "I'm not sure why you decided to go through such a thing when you could have killed her in a much easier way. But it's over now. Finish her so we can get going. There are other things to be done."

"What makes you think you have the right to order me or question my methods Madara," Sasuke said angrily. "But I think you're right. It is time. Did you pick up Karin?"

"Yes of course," Madara said impatiently. "But honestly I don't see what value she has for you. She seems useless."

"I don't care if you see it or not," Sasuke said as he grabbed a large log from a corner and slowly made his way to the campfire that was now very low.

"Sasuke," Sakura said between heavy breaths. "Why? If all you wanted to do was kill me why bring me to your base? Why insist on fighting me alone?"

Sasuke looked at the flames for a long moment. Finally without looking at her he said, "Closure. You and Naruto are the only bonds I have left to my old life. Recently I was able to sever my bonds with Naruto. But to be honest, I don't think I fully did with you. I had to prove to myself that I could be as ruthless as I need to be."

"You're a fool Sasuke," Sakura said, "If you think your quest for revenge is for all of the Uchiha. You're a blind fool! You just want revenge for yourself. You're a selfish idiot if you think otherwise."

Sasuke stared at the fire. "Maybe you're right. Oh, and another thing, this isn't our base. I brought you here because I wanted this to be where we fought. And I wanted it to be your tomb."

Sasuke then dropped the log onto the flames and then activated Mangekyo Sharingan and used Amaterasu to light the log. As the blaze grew high Sakura saw what he meant. The ceiling was covered in paper bombs.

"Sasuke," Sakura said. "Don't do this."

Sasuke then walked over to Madara and looked at Sakura with a cold stare. "It's already done Sakura," he said. "I know you're scared. But you won't be alone in the next world for long. Naruto will join you soon." Sasuke and Madara began to fade away as Sakura desperately tried to move.

"Sasuke!" she yelled.

"Good bye Sakura…" Sasuke said he raised his hand ready to snap his fingers and release the explosives.

"Sasuke!" Sakura yelled as she tried in vein to get to her feet.

"….I hope…" Sasuke said.

"Sasuke!" She screamed.

"….that you never forgive me." Sasuke said as he snapped his fingers.

"Sasuke!!" Sakura yelled one last time.

Meanwhile – Just outside

Anko and Yamato breathed heavily. They were scared and bruised from their fight with Jugo who still stood between them and getting to the mountain. "This guy is a monster," Anko said. I may have to use my curse mark to beat this guy, she thought.

"We need to hurry and beat this guy so we can get to the mountain and Sakura," Yamato yelled.

Suddenly they felt a deep shiver coming from the mountain followed by an incredible explosion. Yamato and Anko watched in horror as the mountain began to crumble behind them. "No," Yamato whispered in complete shock.

Jugo turned to look as the mountain fall in on itself, crushing everything within. He then nonchalantly looked back to Yamato and Anko and said, "It would seem you no longer have a reason to go to this mountain."

Meanwhile – Sunagakure Prisons

Naruto was resting on a mat in his small cell. A few feet away Shikamaru slept. Suddenly Naruto got up with a start. He slowly sat still on the mat and closed his eyes. A few minutes later he stood up and looked out of the small barred window. The only words he said was, 'Sakura."

End of Chapter Seventeen

Next Time: Choices