Chapter Seven
Tsunade slowly walked to her office, lost deep in thought. After all these years, I still doubt myself, doubt the choices that Kakashi and I made. Damn that Kakashi; if not for him, I wouldn't be in this fucking mess.
Not noticing the sleeping figure in her path, she tripped over it and, catching her balance, began to scream obsinities at the poor person. "What the fuck do you think you're doing here? This isn't a homeless shelter. Get lost."
A small chuckle escaped the slowly rising person, and Tsunade made eye contact with sad, green eyes surrounded by messy, pink hair. Recoiling slightly at the strong scent of alcohol that seemed to seep from the girl's pores, she said, "Sakura? What the hell are you doing here?"
Locking eyes with Tsunade, Sakura spoke with a voice that was much too strong and serious to be coming from a body filled with so many heavy drinks. "Tell me, Tsunade-sama. Tell me what happened."
With a frown, Tsunade turned to enter her office. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Stomping her foot impatiently, leaving a small, foot-sized crater in the ground, Sakura said, "Don't give me that bullshit. You know exactly what I'm talking about. What happened on the day that Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi died?"
"You know I can't tell you that," replied Tsunade evenly, still not facing her.
"Bullshit. You're going to tell me, or so help me God, I'll—"
"You'll what, Sakura? Hurt me? Kill me, even? You forget who you're talking to. I am Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure, one of the Legendary Sannin."
With a sad smile, Sakura shook her head. "No. You are Tsunade-sama, my friend and teacher. You are one of the few from my past that still exists in my life. Please, Tsunade-sama, I beg you: tell me what you know of the day my world ended. Please."
"Kakashi's going to kill me," muttered Tsunade.
Sensing that Tsunade was caving, Sakura asked, "Do you honestly believe Kakashi would have wanted me to be this way? Practically following in his footsteps?"
Staring at Sakura unhappily, Tsunade threw up her hands with a sigh of irritation. "Fine! I'll tell you what I know! Jeez. If I had wanted the guilt trip, I would've just talked to Shizune."
After a moment, Tsunade looked up, her amber eyes glinting with sadness. "Three years ago, a scout found the dead bodies of Naruto and Sasuke. After a few hours of investigation, we were unable to find any trace of Kakashi's body…but we presumed him dead. Yes, that is against normal protocol; usually we wait a few weeks before declaring a person dead. But we assumed him dead because… because of the condition of Naruto's and Sasuke's bodies.
"To be more accurate, pieces of their bodies, which were strewn across the battlefield. Except for their faces… those were left intact, as if so they could be identified. Not only that, but whoever it was that attacked them used the Soshen jutsu… but the funny thing is that it was such an advanced form of it… I had never, ever seen such perfect cuts, such skill. Someone more skillful at medic jutsus than I killed them. Not only are we talking about a medic-nin genius, but a very skilled ninja, considering the damage of the battlefield. There was not a trace of any attacks made by Naruto, Sasuke or Kakashi… almost as if they were unable to.
"There was no hope that Kakashi survived that. I decided that, because he was so respected in Konoha, it was best that he was proclaimed dead along with Naruto and Sasuke; I did not want anyone's hopes to be lifted only to crash bitterly.
"That night, while I was trying to lessen my constant pile of paperwork, a badly battered Kakashi appeared at the window. He stumbled in, muttering, 'Forgive me,' over and over until he finally blacked out. After a thorough inspection, Shizune and I discovered something quite startling. Whoever had attacked him had successfully used the Gentle Fist technique, closing off most of the chakra channels in his body. As you know, for it to be done, one needs the Byakugan, which is only limited to the Hyuga Clan. But we suspected that this ninja was not a Hyuga. We also discovered that whoever injured him had also used Ranshinshō, effectively flipping the brain's movement signals. It was quite frightening, really… that someone had been able to get close enough to Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke and effectively destroy them without getting killed in the process… whoever it was had done what seemed to be impossible.
"After Shizune and I healed Kakashi, he began to stir. Despite our questions and commands for him to tell us what happened, he remained silent, shaking slightly. When he found out that I had declared him dead, he stiffened at this, but I assumed he was angry or shocked at such a thing. But, instead, he pleaded that I let him remain at such a status, to keep the fact that he was alive a secret. Of course, I wished to know why, but he would not share a single thing, only that the person who had attacked them was still at large… and still longing to kill. I had a feeling it had to do something with him, since he was still alive, but the fear in his eyes was so startling, so strange, that I agreed.
"In just a few hours, I was able to get Kakashi a safe transport to Amegakure, a city where his anonymity would not bring up any problems. He was able to leave, without delay or interference, yet I suffered with the consequences of having to constantly barter and negotiate for his sake, to keep his identity safe from the authorities.
"It seemed a foolish thing at the time, but I came to realize that Kakashi was not being a coward, running away from whoever or whatever killed Naruto and Sasuke. He left his home, remained dead to his comrades, in order to save us all. He did it to protect us, to protect Konoha."
With a snort, Sakura said, "That stupid man! He's always doing dumb shit like this. Always putting all the responsibility on his shoulders, thinking he should do everything alone, being the idiot loner that he is. Damn him!"
Shaking herself from her outspoken thoughts, Sakura turned to Tsunade. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama. It was time that I knew the truth." With a bow, she turned, about to leave.
"Sakura, wait," Tsunade called out, watching as Sakura stopped and turned. "I know you wish to go to him… but I can't allow it."
Shocked, Sakura managed to choke out, "W-What?"
With a sober face, Tsunade said, "The dangers that threatened Kakashi are still at large. It is far too dangerous."
"Tsunade-sama, I've virtually been training for this since they died. I am a member of ANBU, the feared Wolf of Konoha," said Sakura, jaw clenched. Then, with a softer voice, said, "I have to go to him. He's the only one left. You have to understand… I must go."
After a moment passed, Tsuande's shoulders caved and she sighed sadly. "Fine," she replied, tone becoming sharper, "But if you or anyone else gets hurt because of this, I'll personally hunt you down and kill you."
With a smile, Sakura ran up to Tsunade and threw her arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Tentatively, Tsunade returned the hug. Pulling away from her, Sakura said, "Thank you, Tsunade-sama. For everything."
Turning, Sakura waved and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Watching her leave, Tsunade said, "You better come back alive, Sakura."
-Flashback-
With nothing but the clothes on his back and only one of his Icha Icha books, Kakashi was ready to leave, and so was his transportation. Pausing at the window, he turned back to the exhausted Hokage, whose head was currently resting on the huge pile of paperwork before her. "One more thing, Tsunade-sama."
"What now?!" Tsunade asked groggily, her irritation coming off of her in waves.
With a small smile, Kakashi replied, "If Sakura ever finds out that I'm still alive, tell her all that you know of this day."
Kakashi's request taking her by surprise, Tsunade asked, "Why?"
Turning his back to her, face turned towards the starry sky, he said, "She deserves to know the truth, even if it is merely a semblance of it. And if I know Sakura, she'll need to know all of it, no matter what it takes… and so she'll come looking for me. The person who…who… attacked me will be listening. Sakura will be safer in my presence, under my protection."
With a snort, Tsunade said, "Right. Safer in Amegakure with you than in Konoha with some of the strongest ninjas alive."
Turning back to her, he smiled. "You're right. But by then, maybe it will be me who needs the saving, not her." Rubbing his face harshly, his hands shaking, he said, "The horrors of this day will haunt me for God knows how long… Forgive me for not sharing it with you, but it is Sakura who deserves to know… and it is my duty to tell her."
With a sad smile and a small wave, Kakashi jumped off of the window's ledge, disappearing into the night, heading into the fate he had claimed for himself.
Yay! I finally updated. And now you guys finally know what happened (kinda)! At least, from Tsunade's point of view. But she only knows the vaguest of details… not a lot of help, really. It only means that Sakura's going to have to find Kakashi! Yay! Well, until next time. Laters.
I do not own Naruto.
