DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or any of its' characters. (Though the OCs are mine.)

NOTE: Hey, I swear I'm still alive! I'm not dead! Sorry for taking so long - months! - but I've been beyond busy. I had most of this chapter written months ago, but then stuff happened and I barely have time to write anymore. Sorry for the late update, I'll try and get the next one out alot quicker than this. I hope this chapter was worth the wait!

Webs of Deception

Chapter Thirty-One

Between Life and Death

Tick. . .Tock. . .Tick. . .Tock. . .

The unheard sound of time passing hung in the air like a smothering quilt over the ones waiting in the hospital's hallway. The walls may have been of bright white and the dawn's sun rose and shined through the window located down the hall, but. . .the weight of the dread that filled the atmosphere darkened any cheery surroundings. There was nothing but one answer that could lift the darkness. Simple words that would make everything all right again. . .

Itachi let a deep breath out soundlessly, his eyes closed and his arms crossed over his chest. He leaned stiffly against the wall next to the door that held within its' confines the three most competent medic nins in Konoha who were trying desperately to save a well loved blond. It's not over yet. . . he kept telling himself. Self assurance that barely held water. But how else was he going to just stand there with the only other option was to think of the condition Sasuke brought Naruto back in. That kind of condition only leading his mind to one conclusion the blond would have. It was likely to lead him into a fury that no one could calm until he killed the bastard who did it.

No, he had to remain calm. There would be time for vengeance when it was guaranteed that Naruto would recover. Nothing was as important as that.

He glanced over at Sasuke, who sat on the floor—his knees bent and arms resting limply on his kneecaps. His naturally pale complexion was more sickly with dark circles under his eyes. And with a blank slate, he stared forward. This—if anything other than Naruto's condition—had him quite surprised. Because in all senses, Sasuke shouldn't be able to remain conscious. Not after the transportation jutsu he used in going to and bringing Naruto back. With all the stress and the needed chakra to perform an advance jutsu twice should have him collapsing from chakra exhaustion the moment he reappeared in the Hokage's Office.

But it never happened.

To anyone who didn't know where to look; he appeared steady on his feet, his impassiveness giving no sort of fatigue away, and he didn't once doze off. Hours they sat in that hospital corridor and the only thing that gave Sasuke's exhaustion away was the discoloration of his skin and fidgeting of his fingers on his pants' legs. A small but significant movement that gave his little brother away. This fidgeting gave his mind something to focus on, instead of it drifting and eventually falling into slumber.

He stared at his little brother longer, wondering when his body would just shut down on its own just to get some rest. But for some reason he doubted this would happen. Sasuke was too stubborn and held a fierce determination to be awake to find out what condition Naruto was in.

As if on cue, the door to his left opened, resulting in a simultaneous reaction to happen. Everyone particularly jumped to their feet and formed a circle around the door.

Sasuke stood by his brother, breathing unsteadily as he clenched his hands across his chest to lower the trembling in his arms. Though, he wasn't scared of what he was going to be told. . .no. . .he was far passed that. He held that inner calm. A feeling you would experience right before you jump off a cliff and fall continuously until you hit rock bottom.

Ruri was the first to exit the room, the exhaustion clearly shown on her features and her sluggish movements. Her hair was disheveled and sticking in various directions while her mask and cloak was no where to be seen. Since the whole corridor was restricted to only specific individuals, they weren't needed for Akuma. But all of Akuma was paranoid, so Ruri was the only one without hers. And that was only because it was necessary in working on Naruto and now, she appeared too tired to actually care.

"He's alive." Were the first words out of her mouth which sent a sense of relief throughout everyone who waited for those simple words.

It felt like the world just lifted off his shoulders, the sheer relief causing his whole body to sag a little. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding as he fought to keep himself steady—to keep himself under control. He forced himself to stay put instead of running into the room to see for himself so he could listen to what else Ruri had to say.

"But it doesn't mean he's out of danger." This statement put some of the weight back on the young raven's shoulders. "The deterioration has never gotten this bad before. There's still a high chance that he won't make it through the next few days so the negative chakra can clear from his system. We're hoping he can hold out until Kyuubi can begin healing. . ." Her body swayed and began falling toward the floor, but before she made contact, she was caught by Itachi.

Miki and Kyoko rushed over to their fallen comrade. "She all right?" Miki asked.

Itachi nodded and stated simply, "Chakra exhaustion."

Sasuke turned his attention back to the door when Sakura came fumbling out. Her hair, which is usually up in a tight bun when working, was hanging loose in various parts, her eyelids were drooped and she appeared like she was going to drop any second now. Kakashi was the one who helped her get to a chair so she could rest.

Tsunade was the next to exit, looking less likely to faint. This was probably because she was too stubborn to show anyone besides certain individuals that she had limits. She leaned against the door frame, giving off a casual look but Sasuke knew she needed it to keep herself standing. He knew this from the quick rise and fall of her chest and the wariness her features displayed. By her side, Jiraiya stood in a way that told he was there if she needed someone to lean on.

"You can place her in the room down the hall for her to rest." Tsunade told the eldest Uchiha. Who nodded curtly, and with a gentle carefulness that Sasuke didn't know his older brother could possess, Itachi maneuvered Ruri in his arms and lifted her as he stood.

"You can visit Naruto now, but only two of you at a time." she said as Itachi began walking toward the first door on his right. His steps becoming quicker with what she said.

Tsunade pushed herself from the door frame, placing her hand on Jiraiya's shoulder for support. "Oh and Uchiha, there's a chair by his bed for you." she muttered loud enough for Sasuke to hear like it was an afterthought barely worth mentioning. He looked at her for a moment, wondering why she bothered with something like that if she didn't particularly liked him. But it was a very short moment before he quickly dismissed it and passed by her to enter the room.

Once he stepped foot within the sterile room, anxiety made itself known and took hold of him. His feet slowed and his heart pumped faster at the sounds of the machines' beeping. Clear signs that his dobe was still alive. But it made no real difference, Naruto could still fade away. Could still leave him alone. . .

Stepping around the curtain that surrounded his blond, he froze at the sight before him. Naruto was almost as pale as the sheets covering him, his blond hair that haloed his head even lacked some of its vibrancy. He grimaced at the bandages wrapped entirely around the blond's torso, remembering the condition that area was in beforehand. But in an assurance he didn't know he needed, the wrapped chest rose and feel. A movement of breathing—of being alive. Yet. . .this movement was only artificial. Produced by the tube down his throat that connected to a machine which pumped air into his lungs. Without it, Naruto would cease to breath on his own.

Without it. . .he would cease to live. . .

Sasuke ran his hand shakily through his hair, hoping to stop that train of thought. Naruto wasn't dead. Not yet, his mind supplied him unwillingly. Again, he stomped down on unpleasant thoughts. Just live the next few days in denial and you just might make through them.

In hesitant steps, he walked around the bed to stand on the side. And as he skimmed his eyes over his dobe's body, he curiously spotted bruises, varying in sizes, on any area of flesh in view other than Naruto's face and neck. He didn't remember seeing them before, he wondered where they came from. Lightly, he ran his fingers over the bruises located on Naruto's arm; moving up until the back of his hand gently caressed Naruto's cheek. God, he just wanted him to open his eyes and grin stupidly at him. At least then the dread would ease from choking him.

But Naruto wasn't fine. He wouldn't just get up and tell him he was fine. No, there was a chance he wouldn't ever get up again. He fell heavily into the chair behind him, burying his face into his hands. It was finally sinking in that he could have lost Naruto and could lose him still. All the blissful numbness was gone, allowing it all to be felt.

He was breaking down, everything has piled on top of each other until he just couldn't take anymore. And he couldn't take anymore. He couldn't take losing Naruto again. He just couldn't. . .

A sob escaped his mouth as the tears he couldn't find the strength to hold back anymore flowed endlessly. Letting the hopelessness soak his hands and drip to the floor.

Outside, standing closest to the open door were Kyoko, Miki and Itachi. The others stood leaning against walls, sitting in chairs or just plain standing, but they all shared one thing—silence. . .Because the broken cries from within the room reached every ear in the corridor. Even if a couple of them didn't particularly like Sasuke, they felt sympathy for the raven for what he was going through. It was hard not to. Not when the man was usually so emotionless but now held such emotion that it hurt to hear.

Itachi reached forward and grabbed the handle of the door, closing it. "We can visit later." he told in a voice that held no arguments.


Two days passed, and Naruto was still holding on. Though. . .it was just barely. There were several close calls in those short couple of days. One in particular, that occurred only several hours after they got him stable, had the brat flat lining. Tsunade ran her hand through her tousled hair and downed her glass of sake from the memory of that heart-stopping moment. She really thought that was the end.

For a long six seconds she truly thought that Naruto had finally gave up and just let himself go. . .

But after the last electric shock she was going to issue before calling it, his heart began beating again. No one would ever know how thrilled she was to hear the beeping of the heart monitor in that moment. It sooth the throbbing ache in her chest and helped her in hoping that maybe Naruto was just too stubborn to give up that easily. He couldn't leave now. Not when he has the one thing that would make him the happiest within his reach.

She poured herself another drink and downed it just as quickly. Lord, she needed this to calm her severely frayed nerves. Every second she worried that Ruri or Sakura would appear in her office and frantically tell her that something was wrong with Naruto. Or—she dreaded even thinking it—that he was gone. . .

Another glass down and she was already pouring another one. Those types of thoughts were going to be the end of her. Just as she was about to down her next glass, the door to her office opened and Jiraiya came in. She opened her mouth to yell at him, but he rushed forward and grabbed her precious sake bottle and glass still filled with said sake.

"What the hell, Jiraiya?!" she finally yelled, making an attempt to get her alcohol back from the man. "You better give that back! You know what I'll do to you if you don't!"

"Yup, I'm quite aware." he said casually as he hid the alcohol in a cabinet. He turned back around and was met with her coldest look she could form. But apparently today he was immune to it because his expression held the same determination as it did when he stepped foot within her office.

Her eyes narrowed further when he came close to her. "What are you—"

"The Counsel's comin' "

It took a whole second for his words to sink in and when they did, she sunk into her chair with a deep frown. "When?" she asked in a hollow voice.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Jiraiya move back from her and stand by her desk with his arms crossed defensively over his chest. "Right about now." he said an exactly one second before her office door opened again without an invite. Immediately, she straightened within her chair and clasped her hands together on her desk as three members of the Counsel walked in, stopping when they stood before her desk side by side.

"Hokage-sama. . ." Homura greeted monotonously. He turned his attention to Jiraiya to her side and nodded in greeting. "Jiraiya-sama. . ."

"What can I do for you?" Tsunade asked coldly without any pleasantries. They deserved none. These three were the oldest on the Counsel and they were part of banning and then trying to assassinate Naruto. They deserved nothing but the same pain they put Naruto through.

"We would like to discuss the matter of Akuma." answered the elderly woman, Koharu next to him.

Only two words crossed her mind. . . Not good . . .


Continuously, the beeping of the machines echoed through the sterile room. Reminding Sasuke of the life that was still within his dobe laying motionlessly on white sheets. It gave little comfort though. He knew how quickly everything could change. Right now the sound was a steady beep but in a hour, it could easily become erratic or worse. . .a flat buzz that continued on and on. The only assurance he would accept right now would be when Naruto opened his eyes and showed off those sapphires of his. It was a sure thing that he would be fine then.

But against his will, his stomach continued to twist, knot and churn in dread. He just couldn't shake the sick feeling that Naruto wouldn't ever wake up. And in desperation he hasn't felt since Kakashi told him and Sakura about Naruto years ago; he just wanted Naruto to open his eyes. Was he asking too much? All he ever truly wanted was Naruto. Has that one desire diminished its effects in fulfilling this one?

Shakily, he took a deep breath. God, he hoped that wasn't the case. He slumped further into the uncomfortable chair he sat in beside Naruto's bed. It was positioned sideways, where he faced Naruto and his back faced the opposite wall. His arm laid along the edge of the bed with his hand loosely clasping Naruto's slack one. And along the back of the blond's hand, his thumb rubbed softly. A small but only gesture of comfort Sasuke could think of while the other was in this kind of condition.

With his other hand, he rubbed at his tired eyes. He knew he was exhausted, but he just couldn't bring himself to sleep. Even when he actually tried at one point, his mind wouldn't shut off. There was only a couple of times that he found himself waking up without any knowledge of ever falling asleep. And in those times, it was only a few hours of rest. Nothing really that made any difference in his fatigue.

A cramp in his lower abdomen caused him to sigh in reluctance. He couldn't hold off any longer, he had to take a piss. Which meant he had to leave Naruto's side to travel to the bathroom across the room. It was the only time he did leave Naruto's side.

Another sigh was released as he stood from his chair; leg and back bones popping from the long period of time he's come to sit in the chair. He was sore all over from sitting in one position for so long, but he endured it. . . he wanted to be no where else. Lifting his free hand, he brushed blond bangs away from Naruto's forehead, leaving his hand pressed gently against the hairs as he leaned forward and chastely kissed his forehead.

"I'll be right back." he murmured against the skin. A silent promise he could never leave him again for too long.

He straightened himself and removed both hands from Naruto slowly. Hesitant to remove the contact like every other time he had to do this. But Naruto was always there when he came back. He didn't know why he expected him not to be. He ran his hand nervously through his hair as he turned, his eyes landing on his brother who was stationed like a guard in another uncomfortable chair by the closed door. Itachi's posture being rigid, his identity being shielded by his mask and cloak.

Being used to his brother's presence almost constantly being in the room by now, he passed Itachi with only one sharp look in his direction. And Itachi understood that look perfectly. He's been getting them every single time his little brother left Naruto's side. Curtly, he nodded as Sasuke continued on his way to the bathroom. His gaze lingered on his brother's back for a moment longer before averting over to the clock hanging on the wall. He would give Sasuke a minute before he would be walking back out. It was partly amusing but partly it worried him.

He was worried that sooner rather than later Sasuke would be the next one to be hospitalized. He wasn't taking care of himself at all. He barely slept, and just like his sleep, he barely ate. Just the other day, a full blown fight almost broke out because he wanted Sasuke to eat something. He was fully prepared to force the food down his brother's throat. Which he tried. . .hence the violence.

The only reason a whole fight was avoided was because they were still in Naruto's room and neither of them wanted to take the chance of him getting caught in the crossfire. He never tried to force his brother to eat again. All he did was bring him a bento twice a day and silently place it by him. And out of three bentos, Sasuke only ate a little out of one of them. It was unnerving how little Sasuke ate and slept, and how functional he still was.

The lack of sleep he probably wouldn't worry so much about if he only just ate more to keep his strength up. But that was a battle he was bound to—unfortunately—lose. His brother was just too stubborn to listen. And the only person he would listen to was the one person who couldn't currently speak.

Itachi sighed, for once in a long time, he was lost as to what to do. Sasuke wouldn't leave Naruto's bedside except for the necessary bathroom break. And those were far and few between. But trying to get him away to rest and properly eat something would get an attempt on his life—he was sure of it. There was nothing that would keep Sasuke away from Naruto now.

If he didn't have to take his mask off, he would be pinching the bridge of his nose from the oncoming headache his train of thought brought on. Those two make his life so complicated without even trying. He wondered if it was a natural mechanism; do stupid things just so Itachi has to work his brain on how to fix them. Yup, that sounded like something Naruto would do. Sasuke on the other hand. . .well. . .Naruto would drag him into it anyway, whether it was like him or not.

A smirk formed as a thought crossed his mind, Sasuke's going to be so whipped. . .Then his smirk fell as he gazed over at the still body on the bed. Once Naruto gets well, that is.


Meanwhile, outside in the corridor, Miki leaned against the wall by the closed door. His head was lowered and his arms were crossed, giving off an impression that he was sleeping. But behind his mask, his eyes remained opened and stared down at the tile floor. His vision was out of focus while his mind wandered over their predicament.

Everything has spiraled out of control. . .continuing to twist and turn at random intervals. It was beginning to get to him. Wearing him down until he was just losing all hope for any sort of reasonable calmness within their little cocoon. Instead of calmness, they continued to receive distress and grief.

He was tired of all the worrying—all the intense concern. When were they ever going to get a break?

Unfamiliar chakra signatures forced Miki to focus back into the present, then the sounds of footsteps convinced his head to lift to look down the corridor. Tsunade and Jiraiya walked in the lead, both wearing similar expressions of guilt and concern. Wonder why? This was quickly answered when he saw the three unfamiliar persons walking behind the two. He didn't recognize them in particularly but the robes they wore were unmistakable.

Council!

A mixture of worry and panic surged through him as a growl erupted from the back of his throat and pushed himself from the wall. He stepped in the middle of the hall, blocking their path. There was no damn way they were going to get anywhere near Naruto. Not knowing what their intentions might be toward the blond.

Behind him, he felt Kyoko get up from the ground she sat upon and stand next to him. The one Konoha shinobi that remained, Kakashi—since the other two left for rest with a hefty threat of silence—also stood but he remained where he was, not moving to block the unwanted quests. Yet, even if he didn't make any visible sign of which side he was on, the hostility flowing off the man proved of his hate he held for them.

Although, Miki would have preferred to have Ruri or Gaara watching his back instead of a Konoha shinobi. But unfortunately Ruri was resting, and Gaara—along with Neji—was back at Temari's room, guarding Kyosuke and Cho.

Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse. . .

"Don't you think you should get Kane?" he heard Kyoko ask.

This caused a malicious grin to spread over his face. Even if no one else could see it, he just knew there was something emitting from him of the sadistic pleasure he felt in getting the one man who would have no problem in tearing those three Council members apart. The grin never left as he turned and quickly walked to the closed door, wanting to get Itachi before they made it to their little barricade.


Sasuke was just coming out of the bathroom—fifty-three seconds—when the door opened. Itachi barely acknowledge it opening, as long as Miki remained quiet through his visit, it didn't matter. What he didn't expect was for Miki to approach him and whisper into his ear, "Three Council members coming down the hall."

He never knew one sentence could affect him so much. In a split second, his blood boiled with unadulterated fury.

Sasuke stopped in mid-step by the sudden killing intent radiating off of Itachi. He turned to his older brother, wondering what got the man to react in such a way. But when his eyes settle upon him, Itachi stood from his chair in one swift movement and ordered, "Stay in the room." as he and Miki stormed out of the room.

Now, normally this would have pissed him off, but curiosity outweighed the option of being angry. There had to be very few things that would cause his brother to react like that. To show such obvious anger was so unlike the usually impassive Uchiha. That's how they were suppose to be raised; lacking in the ability in expressing emotions. And Itachi endured far more years of 'Uchiha' training than he did. So, what could make him crack his calm mask?

He glanced back at the still form of Naruto, Don't worry, I'll be there in a minute. he thought with a pang of guilt. He moved closer to the closed door and casually leaned his back against the wall next to it, turning his head so his ear was an inch away from the wood.

"—not up to visitors." he heard the cold sneer of Itachi.

Sasuke leaned closer to the door, until his ear was pressed right against it. His curiosity growing at the deadly tone from the elder Uchiha.

"It matters not. . ." came an elderly woman's voice. One that was so familiar to Sasuke that it was right on the tip of his tongue at who it belonged to. But he couldn't quite put a face to it. "As long as he's conscious—"

"Which he's not." Itachi interrupted rudely, and Sasuke could just imagine the glare he was directing at the lady. "It seems you've wasted a trip. That's too bad. Goodbye."

Soft gasps of disgust were heard. "How dare you." An elderly man with just as a familiar voice spoke. "We're allowing such. . ." There was a short pause before the next word was spat out like a bad taste in someone's mouth. ". . .vileness within Konoha's walls and you dare to disrespect us."

It struck Sasuke within the span of those last two words of who those voices belonged to. Council members. And within that half a second, all levels of anger, fright, and anxiety rose within him. Although, the fright and anxiety were more prominent than the anger. They were here wanting to meet with the leader of Akuma—his Dobe—when Naruto was at his most vulnerable. It frightened him more than he imagined it would. Because what if the Council members did see who the Akuma leader really was, then there was no guessing what they would do to him. But he knew it wasn't going to be anything pleasant.

Within a second, his Kusanagi was gripped within his hand in a threatening manner. Appearing after performing hand seals over the kanji on his wrists and a puff of smoke dissipated. He swung the blade back, where it rested along the back of his arm, preparing to strike any Council members who dared try to walk through the door. There was no way he was going to let anyone take his Dobe away from him again. Naruto was his god dammit. . .and he'll have to be dead before anyone ever tried to change that.

Even breaths is what he took as his eyes tingled and burned from the Sharingan bleeding into his eyes. He focused back on what was happening in the hall, listening for the danger that lurked just outside the walls. There was silence, and even through the barriers separating him from them, he could feel the tangible killing intent like he was standing in the midst of it.

"You have to earn respect if you intend on receiving it." he heard Itachi say in such a calm voice that it caused a shiver to run down his spine. "Otherwise you better expect the treatment I give you. As for Tatsuo, you are by no means getting into that room."

"Now you lis—" the elderly man tried to interrupt, but obviously Itachi wasn't having it.

"You. Are. Not. Entering. That. Room." Each word was spoken pointedly and in a manner that held a deadly hidden threat underneath each one. "I am in charge of protecting Tatsuo when he's unable to himself. I will eliminate you if you continue to press this. Do I make myself clear?" There was silence following Itachi's mini speech. Sasuke was slightly surprised that his brother spoke so much to them in the first place. It just goes to show you how serious the situation really was.

Another long agonizing moment passed before several pairs of footsteps disappeared down the hall without another word. Sasuke breathed easier when the danger that represented the three Council members were gone. They gave up easily, he thought. Which only meant they were going to try harder when they returned the next time. Anbu would probably accompany them, using them to force their way into seeing Naruto.

And there was chance he would be one of those Anbu. . .

He banged the back of his head against the wall in hopes to straighten out the commotion. Everything just kept tumbling—tumbling down and he couldn't grip onto anything to keep himself from falling. How was he suppose to stop falling when what matters most to him continues to be just out of his reach?

The door opened next to him, he glanced over at Itachi as he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He sent a silent question out through his eyes to his older brother when he turned and faced him.

"We're safe for now. Tsunade-sama will try and keep them at bay as long as she can, but. . ." he trailed off, and Sasuke knew that they didn't have much time. If the Sandaime couldn't keep Naruto from being banned, then what the hell could Tsunade-sama do?

He closed his eyes from the enclosing walls that threatened to break him down.

"Let's just hope—" Itachi went on, either unaware of his inner turmoil or plain ass ignoring it. "—that Naruto heals quick. Our time in Konoha is running out. Once Naruto's ready to travel, it'll be time to leave. . ."