Truth Unfolds in Wave Chapter 60: Buried Mortal Genuineness, a naruto fanfic

Important note : This chapter is a Re-Release. Due to something very big I overlooked that has been pointed out in feedback, I have decided to largely edit the part I speak of (those of you who read the previous version should all know exactly where I am talking about). Being the perfectionist I am, I could not let it go since I have been literally kicking myself about it. Especially being so close to the stories conclusion and even more importantly its significance. To those who received a double alert from my re-release I apologize, I know how frustrating and annoying that can be. If you already have read it (without spoiling anything) the conclusion is no different, only the process between it. I am now A LOT happier with this version. Even if some comical relief is lost, I still find the flow of this one immensely better. Again I apologize for the very large hiccup, I will be sure to never let something that big get passed me again.

AN: Wow, quite a few of mixed opinions.

I felt it was best to not allow the fights to end quick and early due to the build up and story length.

However I didn't want them to be ala Dragon Ball Z style length.

The other issue was there were so many fights going on all at once.

It is something I will keep in mind for future fights in my fictions to improve upon.

I think one to two chapter lengths tops is not pushing it too far.

Update~ Thank you Yami Umi for pointing out my big overlooking, fixed to the best I can do.

Update2: Chapter re-released, see important note for reason.

Chapter 59 Buried Mortal Genuineness

'What happened to me?' Naruto wondered as he was surfacing from his slumber, finding what felt like grass bristles against his head being so soft and comfortable. It was making it so tempting to give in to his desire to fall back to sleep, were it not for the inconvenience it appeared it was lightly raining.

The large sized rain drops were dripping onto his already damp shirt, sending a shivering chill across his already cold body. There also was a muffled gasping sound he could hear that sounded so far away, 'What is making that noise?'

Focussing more on it, the sound became less muffled, which finally allowed him to identify it as the hurt filled sound of furious sobbing. Forcing his eyes to open, they instantly squinted to the bright red light that he somehow felt he hadn't seen in so long from his sleep. Looking slightly down, he made out a blurry trembling figure. As his eyes slowly came to focus, he realised it was Sakura.

Words could not describe just how upset she appeared to him. Her eyes were jammed shut as if to fight back the streaming tears and her head was jolting with every one of her sharp gasps for air, which quickly followed with a sob. Becoming aware of warmth and movement on his chest, his eyes squinted to see a turquoise glow, the cause being Sakura's violently trembling hands.

She was healing him...but from what injury he did not know.

'Sakura-chan?'

He had never seen her so vulnerable before, not even when he saw her after Sasuke left the village, or when he woke up last time after the fight with the ANBU.

Just because she wasn't crying out her pain as loud as she did that time long ago on their first real mission, didn't mean this was any sign to be grateful. If anything, her desperate struggles to contain her clear unimaginable ache were making it incomparable. Whatever it was, Naruto couldn't take seeing her like this. The blond found raising his arm took so much effort, but once it was off the ground, it was as light as a feather.

The result was his hand going limp in mid air to fall on top of her hands, but more or less it was his intention in the first place.

He didn't seem to realise though Sakura wasn't aware of his action, as he twitched his face to bring a warming smile, "Hey Sakura-chan..." He tried to sound lively like he always did, but found the strength he needed in his voice was near gone.

Her next sob came out as a choke, which then quickly was followed with a gasp, as her blood shot eyes shot wide open to look down at him in shock.

His smile never left his face as he squeezed her hands, "W-Wha...-What's the matter, Sakura-chan?" He now said much more strongly, however Sakura didn't react.

After for what seemed minutes, her still running eyes then down poured, as her mouth twitched into a sad but grateful smile, "N-Na-Naruto!" She staggered through a sob, as her head fell onto his neck, while giving him an air restricting tight embrace.

He never voiced his protests though, since he was wide eyed to find she now was only crying even harder, which was the opposite of what he hoped to achieve. He also became aware that it was like Sakura's entire body was experiencing an earthquake, given just how much she was trembling against Naruto.

Finding he had more strength in his still light as a feather arm, he brought it up to pat her sweaty back in support, 'What is wrong with Sakura-chan? Did something happen? Whatever it was that happened to me could not have done this. She is in so much pain. Why?'

Trying to recall what had happened, his eyes narrowed as if he could just see the cause. He could remember their training, and recall deciding not to seek revenge, but after that, he found himself looking into a maze scattered of memories. For some disturbing reason, he had a mysterious memory of seeing Itachi standing before him in darkness as his most clearest.

He cursed the situation, since it meant he didn't know at all as to why Sakura was in such a devastating state. Trying to sit up, he found his entire world just span as he collapsed in Sakura's grasp, who suddenly came alert and gently lowered him back, "D-Don't try to move Naruto. Rest." She begged, rubbing at her eyes as if they were sore.

'Pull yourself together damn it, Naruto does not need this!'

Flashback, ten minutes ago, deep within the forest

Rubbing the sweat off her forehead, Sakura hand fell back down to continue treating Naruto. Most of his skin had returned to its usual colour, bar a few splotches of burnt skin that could be seen on his face, neck, and hands. Despite his skin returning, he still looked extremely pale due to his lack of blood.

Closing her eyes to concentrate, her glowing hands brightened with more chakra, 'I can only really repair the damaged tissue and muscles. Using chakra, I could stimulate his spleen, liver and thymus to start reproducing more blood rapidly...but they have been stressed out enough as is, that will only do more damage to both the organs, and his life span.'

Looking at Naruto's more relaxed face, she formed a sad smile, 'Besides, it appears they already are operating more efficiently than they normally would for any person. Luckily, it looks like this pace holds little risk of long term damage. It must be the Kyuubi. How ironic and confusing, the beast that was constantly hurting him now is making efforts to heal him.'

Her eyes shot to attention though when her senses detected a presence around them, but her eyes couldn't see anybody. Nibbling her lower lip, she stopped healing Naruto. Was it the owner of that monster she had fought earlier, or was it someone else? Either way, she was too exhausted to fight or even run this time, which only was making her nerves more unsettled.

"Come out." She ordered, not even becoming aware she was holding Naruto's limp hand for support. A lone person then shunshined ten odd meters in front of them, and upon meeting the person's emotionless onyx eyes, Sakura gasped in pure shock.

"S-Sa-Sasu-..."

'Sasuke-kun...'

Swallowing the hard lump at the back of her throat, she continued to stare at her void of emotion teammate, who was merely returning the gesture. Unlike Sasuke though, Sakura was finding her tremors were increasing under his powerful gaze. She gasped yet again when he started walking towards them, as her eyes looked down at Naruto.

'I-Is he here to k-k-kill Naruto?'

Returning her focus to Sasuke, she payed particular interest to the sheathed sword on his back, and squeezed Naruto's hand. Finding strength, she instantly let go of Naruto's hand, and pushed herself up, and jumped over Naruto with a kunai held out in front of her.

The action made Sasuke stop in his footsteps, as he now stared into jade irises that held purpose, "Stay back...please." She first instructed coldly, but her 'please' at the end sounded like a desperate plea.

Sakura swore she would protect Naruto, but she still didn't know if she had the inner strength to kill Sasuke. She didn't even have the resolve to kill an enemy as she recently discovered, but she lied to herself in thinking she had the strength to do the same to a person that held a place in her heart. She refused to think further, despite her body language showing clearly her uncertainty to act.

Closing his eyes dismissively, Sasuke let out a 'Hmmph' and took a step forward. Before Sakura could warn him again, he vanished, with only leaves falling from where he once stood. Her eyes shot bulging wide when a heavy presence now was next to her left.

Reacting on reflex, she flung around her kunai in her right hand, and span around to swipe at the presence, but her wrist was grabbed in a solid grip before the steel tip met a mark. Her other hand also was in a lock by the wrist, which made her suddenly feel powerless.

Her shocked eyes twitched into a firm glare, showing her resolve strengthening as a struggle now was noticeable to break out of the lock, "Sasuke-kun...leave him alo-"

"Shouldn't you be more concerned about treating Naruto?"

Her build up of strength disappeared in a blink of an eye to Sasuke's rhetoric statement, as she went agape. Sasuke then released her, as her hands went limp at her sides, and Sasuke turned, stepping over Naruto, and then continuing to walk in the direction Sakura and Naruto had came from.

'He is here for Itachi...Not Naruto.'

By this time, Sakura had fell to her knees, gasping for air, deeply worn out from the short but unimaginably anxious ordeal. Hearing his footsteps getting further away, Sakura slowly looked at his retreating figure.

"Why won't you come back?" The soft question made him halt on the next step, but he never turned.

Sakura waited for as long as she could manage for Sasuke to reply, but he never did. So she decided to speak, finding this dense silence unbearable.

"It is still not too late Sasuke-kun, you still can come back home...come back to Naruto, Kakashi-sensei...and me. We know the pain you feel about your clan, because you are like family to us Sasuke-kun. You leaving has hit us all in a way you yourself cannot even imagine. We all have been driven to train harder...to protect you, to save you...to help you. If you can't let go of what Itachi has done, that is fine, we will accept it, and never leave your side. I know I can speak for Naruto when I say we would help you with your revenge, but together. You do not have to do this alone. Please-"

"My patience with all of you not seeming to listen to what I say has long gone out. You however, just do not ever learn to not meddle with things you know nothing about!" Sasuke harshly interrupted her, still not turning to acknowledge the kunoichi.

Since Sakura was momentarily stunned, Sasuke spoke again, "I will not even give you a response Sakura, because just as back then, my explanation to you still has not changed."

With that note, Sasuke was about to leave, but Sakura's voice halted his next step again, "I knew you would say that, because just like Naruto, when your minds are made up, your will is near unshakeable. But I still will tell you because I...I love you like you are the brother I never had."

Sasuke had started walking again mid way through her sentence at what he felt was turning into a repeat in history. When it came to the inconsistent part at the end, Sasuke now turned his head, wearing a neutral expression, although there was a little glimpse in his eye the held curiosity.

Sakura never looked away from his gaze, and in fact, she smiled at her own words that held no doubt or question in it anymore, "That is why I care so much as to tell you still, that the path you are taking is not leading to anything. Please, listen. If you keep going this way you will be marked as a missing-nin."

Pausing to remember Claara's words, she closed her eyes, "Once you are marked as a missing-nin Sasuke-kun, you will be hunted by Konoha, and have no place to turn to. Naruto, Kakashi-sensei , and I will be the only ones who will be against it. They will not stop unless you have been apprehended, where you either will be life imprisoned or executed, and that is something neither of us want to see happen to you. That is why I am begging you, please, stop and return to Konoha with us."

Sakura however found she was met with silence yet again, causing her to open her eyes to see Sasuke had formed a scowl, "Why are you preaching to me things that only an idiot like that dobe there wouldn't know? I thought you were at least smarter than him, Sakura. You should know that the moment you leave the village you are marked as a missing-nin."

Those cold words lashed out at her hard, making a tear run down her left cheek, "I-I am saying it because I am praying you are not aware of it Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke emitted a low 'Hn' and turned to leave, "You should know better, being the one who could recite every rule and regulation without effort...You and Naruto will never understand."

Rubbing her eye clear of the tear, Sakura now fully turned to face Sasuke, "Then explain it to us, make me understand why you have to do this alone."

'Maybe if I knew more as he says, I may be able to convince him better.'

Stopping with a semi stomp on his step at yet again being halted ended her musing, as a deeply frustrated Sasuke groaned.

"You...are so very bloody annoying."

Within in instant, he disappeared again, but Sakura's senses screamed danger, as she lunged over Naruto, and held up her kunai to block a furiously striking down sword.

Had she not have done so, Naruto would have been decapitated.

Staring in disbelief and shock into Sasuke's eyes that held not even an ounce of the teammate she knew, he spoke lowly.

"As I said, you meddle in things you know nothing about Sakura. Naruto does the same to an extent, but you know no bounds. You said to me long ago you knew the pain of being alone that it hurt, yet it is clear as ever that you still do not. Do not even say what you said to me that night either about you being alone by my action, it has no relevance nor is it a comparison at all. Me leaving affecting all of you is what you claim to be understanding? Don't be so foolish. You desire to know and understand my reasoning so badly as to why I have to do this...then you cannot gain something without losing something in exchange. Unless you have experienced a true loss of someone irreplaceable to you then do not dare lecture me about my actions being misguided. So tell me, what is your choice?"

Her shock deepened impossibly further as she understood what it was Sasuke was implying. He was asking her if she was willing to lose Naruto to understand what has driven him to this point. What scared her so much was how Sasuke put it in a way as if there was an option.

...Was Sasuke even aware what it was he was saying?

"Y-You don't mean that-"

"I said. What is your choice?" Sasuke repeated, this time louder.

This wasn't right.

Why was Sasuke treating Naruto like he was merely an object to this question? The Sasuke in her memory would never do this.

Was this the curse seal's doing?

Either way, pulling herself back into the reality that Naruto's life was in danger, she slowly shook her head, "No, I do not want to know..." she whispered under her breath.

Despite her weak answer, the pressure of Sasuke's sword did not move. Looking into his eyes that to her horror still were holding an emotionless expression made a sudden surge shoot throughout her body.

Gripping tighter on the hilt of her kunai to the point her trembling was chattering against the sword, she shut her eyes to hold back the tears, "I said no, I don't want to understand. Now would you please stop this Sasuke-kun..."

Feeling the pressure down on her kunai actually grow stronger instead made Sakura snap. Her hurt eyes then shot open full of determination to make her answer clear.

"I SAID GET AWAY FROM HIM!" She shouted, with many throbbing emotions pouring out with it.

"Now you hold some comprehension." Sakura gaped in response at Sasuke's announcement.

He deliberately was doing that just so she would understand a little?

"You talk as if you know better, but deep down Sakura...you are no different from me."

"I-I'm the same as you?"

"If I was to kill Naruto right here and now, then you would follow my choices which lead me to where I am today, but for a different purpose."

Sasuke paused for a moment as his older brother from that night flickered over his eyes, "You would hate me, detest me, and you would tear that bond you hold for me apart in your anger. Whatever things you wish to accomplish in life would be erased, and replaced by the need only to get stronger, regardless of the costs so long as it means you succeed in your ambition, that is the way of any avenger...and you are not above it."

When Sasuke now removed his sword, Sakura's arms went limp as she stared at the ground in disbelief and shock, 'N-No! I am not the same as you. I'm...'

Stepping back, Sasuke withdrew his sword with a click as the hilt reached the sheath, forcing her to bring her teary gaze up, "I am only going to explain this to you once more, and never again. I have long grown sick and tired of saying the same thing to everybody that questions me over and over again."

Tilting his neck and shifting his shirt to show the dormant mark of the curse seal to Sakura as if to prove a point, he continued harshly, "The one who has made this decision to go this path is not Orochimaru, nor some other hidden force. The one who has chosen it is me, and nobody else. This is my life that I have chosen, the path to be an avenger. I will not accept compromise until my ambition is met, nor do I care of the consequences I face to achieve them. If you and Naruto continue to get in my way, I will kill both of you. I severed my bond with you both long ago, it is time you accepted the truth and do the same. I am sure you have better things to do than chase after nothing."

Once he had finished, Sasuke turned and shunshined away, leaving the silently crying Sakura staring at the place he once stood before. Starting to sob, the little inner strength Sakura had left abruptly crumbled apart.

'H-He means it...he really means it!'

She couldn't fight the aching pain anymore. First there was Claara's friend like fight concluding with her death, then Naruto's state, along with a person that was the cause for the two most important people in her life's misery suddenly being seen in a different light, and now Sasuke's words. She couldn't bottle the conflicting emotions any longer, and said bottle practically shattered apart into frantic sobs and streams of flowing tears.

Trying to fight the openly bleeding wound in her heart, she turned and started to heal Naruto again, 'Sasuke-kun...'

End Flashback

Sakura shook her head frantically to try and brush it off, but it seemed she failed in doing so, as she still was sobbing. It was Sasuke's upmost serious eyes that truly would not get out of her head.

Naruto in the meantime, was trying to piece more of his shattered memories together. He now was able to recall Ronan's team finding him, and then somehow him ending up fighting the Uchiha alone. Then it all hit him like a great big wave, however, after he lost consciousness from Ronan's genjutsu, he had little clue as to what happened after. That memory of Itachi was the only thing he could recollect before being in this place.

Sakura during this time was fiddling with something in his weapon pouch she had placed by his side, 'He needs water and something to eat for energy at least that will help a little with his loss of blood.'

'Is that why Sakura-chan is so upset, because I used the Kyuubi...breaking my promise to her.'

Naruto suddenly found he didn't even deserve looking at her, so instead his eyes stared up into the dusk sky. He knew from the past just how much his word and promises meant to Sakura, so to him, breaking it had to have been the cause.

He had felt guilty the moment he even considered breaking it back in the fight, "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan."

Instantly stopping what she was doing, she looked at him in great confusion, "W-What for?" She asked, finally succeeding in stopping her crying.

Still refusing to meet her gaze, he winced, "For breaking my promise to you."

"My promise? Naruto what are you..."

Sakura's sharp gasp of realisation didn't stop him, "My word means so little now...I am sorry to have put you in this state." Naruto didn't even bother justifying himself, because he felt he had no reason.

Other than Sakura's laboured breaths, there was no other sound to be heard in the tense silence. Sakura's heavy breaths became more shaken.

"Is that all?" She said in a trembled voice.

Surprised by just how blunt and flat that sounded, Naruto hesitantly looked over when hearing her starting to go into hysterical laughter. Growing concerned, he forced himself to sit up she was muttering something along the lines of 'You are acting all serious about that?'.

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he voiced his bafflement, "Neh, are you alrigh-!"

Naruto couldn't finish his sentence as a furiously trembling back hand slapped against his cheek, near making him tumble, but he recovered to look wide eyed at angry jade irises.

"YOU STUPID IDIOT!"

"W-Wha-"

"You actually think th-that is why I am like this! On-Only you would be so stupid to have your honour make you believe that!"

He was finding looking into her angry but equally pain filled eyes very hard, while he couldn't form a word as she continued, "M-Make whatever promises you want...BUT I DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEM IF IT MEANS YOU DIE BECAUSE OF IT, YOU MORON!"

His hands fell at his sides, while Sakura covered her eyes with her hands to continue crying, "I-I do not care, Naruto. I-If you had to use the Kyuubi as a last resort to save yourself I would NEVER see your word as meaningless. That is what you are thinking right now, isn't it-ISN'T IT? All tha-that I care about is that you are still alive...YOU HEAR ME YOU BAKA!"

Naruto finally fixed his hung open jaw, and welcomed the stinging red mark on his cheek from her slap as punishment. He not only looked at everything the wrong way, but he just made Sakura cry again.

Forcing himself to do something to reverse this somehow, he stared straight into her covered face where her eyes were concealed, "I am so sorry, I really am a stupid idiot. I looked at it the completely wrong way, I just thought-"

Sakura's loud sniff interrupted, "-Forget about it- I-I didn't mean to snap like that. I know why you assumed Naruto-"

"Then why are you so upset? Did I do something wrong-"

"-No - Naruto, it wasn't you...It's-"

'I can't tell him about what Sasuke-kun said to me.'

"...I-I just need a minute-sorry."

Shaking his head in pure bafflement, he raised his hand to tug on her arm so he could see her face, "Sakura-chan, please stop crying...I-...I hate it so much to see you in pain Sakura-chan, and I don't even know why you're so upset. Beat the crap out of me all you want if it makes you happy, I deserve it, but please...just stop crying." Her sniffling still was heard a few more times, but her crying settled, although her face was still covered.

Her still able to be seen mouth slowly formed a sad smile, "Naruto... "

Naruto blinked at her near soft whisper, as she lowered her hands at last to reveal she was no longer crying, "I said you didn't do anything wrong...and only I am allowed to call you an idiot." Naruto recovered with a mumble, but she leaned in to silence his mutters, and held a strong kiss on his cheek for several long moments.

Naruto found her warm lips so comforting because he felt so cold, that he leaned in closer to the soft contact, but suddenly she pulled away and the back of his head felt a harsh knock, "Ow!"

"-And you bloody well are Uzumaki Naruto, you are a freaking stupid idiot! Do you have any idea how much you scared me when I found you half dead?" She growled, glaring at the blond who was rubbing the back of his head.

Naruto got the giggles from her glare, as he broke into a fox smile, "Hehe, I'm the one who is freaking out more right now."

Sakura's angered frown twitched into a suppressed chuckle as well, "God help me, that felt so relieving..."

Calming, she now gently tilted his face to see the red mark her slap had done, "Some medic I am, inflicting injuries on someone who is badly hurt...Tsunade-sama is really going to lay into me the next time she sees me."

Brushing a hand over it, she soothed the wince causing bruise with her chakra, "Sorry Naruto, I just-...sorry."

"Meh its cool, I think I am getting used to your brute like strength lashing out at me randomly."

"I really didn't mean to hit you or go at you like that, I was ju-...What. Did. You. Just. Say?"

It was amazing how that mischievous smile nearly spread to her, as he gave a feigned innocent shrug, "I didn't say anything, I think your hearing things-OW!"

He half yelped and laughed as she pinched his cheek, "Are you trying to get me angry again?"

"Wha? I wouldn't dare play with fire-OW! Quit doing that!"

"Quit calling me a brute and I will think about it."

"Brute? I have never- OW! Sakura-chan!"

His whines were overhead by her sudden soft laughter that was shared between them, 'He really does have a way of making me smile even in the worst situations. Thanks Naruto, even if you don't realise that, thank you...I really needed that.'

To her dismay, their light hearted moment ended when Naruto suddenly lost his balance from going dizzy.

Catching him in mid fall, she got him balanced again, "Listen to me. You are suffering from severe case of Hypovolemia."

"Err...while I have no idea what that means, it sounds pretty bad."

Sakura was in no joking mood this time, "Blood loss Naruto."

"O-Oh...Well that sucks."

"'That sucks?'"

Quickly shaking her head at how carefree that sounded, she pressed on, "Can you tell me how you feel?"

Finding her concern and deep worry was not needed, he waved a hand dismissively, "Don't worry so much, I am fine-"

"No you are not. Now tell me!"

"...I feel really tired, and my head is spinning so much...and it's a bit cold."

Pressing a finger against his neck to check his pulse rate, she examined his eyes, which were a duller shade of blue than normal, "Are you having trouble seeing?"

"No? Am I meant to?" Brushing it off, she finally found the weak beats of his pulse.

After mentally counting it, she nodded to herself, "Ok, those are all the normal symptoms of a moderate to severe case."

She held puzzlement when Naruto's face showed one of growing fear. Sakura didn't realise just how grave she made it sound when speaking in her medical professional tone.

"A-Am I going to die?"

She gaped in response, considering how he was shrugging it off like it was no big deal earlier.

Maybe he was just trying to cheer her up still from earlier, "W-Wha- No!- I mean- you shouldn't-"

"I shouldn't?"

"Well what the hell do you expect me to freaking say Naruto? Normally, patients with such a severity wouldn't even be conscious! You should be in deep hypovolemic shock!"

Naruto still didn't understand that word, but saying he shouldn't even be conscious was enough to make him burst into panic, "AGGHH! I'm going to die!"

"Would you stop saying that already! You are not!"

Falling her head against the side of his, she didn't know why her soft laughter had returned, "Unbelievable...You really are."

Naruto just blinked at her continued soft laughter, her warm breaths causing him to on impulse snuggle in.

Grinning for a moment, she returned to a concerned expression, "What else do you feel Naruto?"

"B-But what about me falling into Hypo-er-Hipo-umm- whatever -shock."

She warmly chuckled, "Hypovolemic."

"Yeah, that!"

"Chances are very high you are going to need a blood transfusion. I will be up front with you Naruto. You shouldn't even be talking to me right now, nor should you still be so, well, energetic...but my god I am thankful none the less."

"I see..."

"Now what else do you feel, and be honest, tell me everything."

"...I feel really damn sore all over."

"Alright, that is because your body has been working at such a frantic rate earlier. In your condition, I do not want to risk giving you pain killers. Your organs have taken enough of a pounding for one day. You will have to put up with it for the time being I am afraid. Anything else?"

Naruto couldn't really think of much else, but seeing she still looked very worried, he tried to further brighten her mood, "Well..."

"Yes? What's the matter."

Naruto scratched his cheek with a weak fox smile, "You being so close is making me feel very -gah!"

"I didn't mean that kind of feeling, idiot!" she chirped with a light chuckle, giving him a half hearted hit on the chest.

Letting the joke die down, Naruto smiled again, "I am ok Sakura-chan, don't worry so much."

"If you knew what I know, you wouldn't be saying that."

"Oh come on, I am being looked after by the best nurse ever, don't sweat it."

"That nurse is me you id-...forget it." Knowing she was not going to win, she just let it drop.

Pulling out of the semi embrace, Sakura reached for her weapon pouch and handed him his canteen, "Drink as much as you can."

"Err-..It's empty."

Flushing for a moment in embarrassment, she stood up and ran to the small stream to fill it up.

Returning, she handed him the full bottle, "There." She then reached into her weapon pouch again for some leftover food she had still with her from her training down at the swamp.

"You should drink too Sakura-chan. Where's your canteen?"

"I lost it."

Pulling out a closed plastic container, she looked up to see him offering the bottle to her, "Then here Sakura-chan."

"U-Umm-I'm not thirsty."

"As if? You look like you have been through hell and back." He insisted.

Staring at the liquid, she inwardly shook her head, 'I don't know how Claara's poison works, I might even infect him from something like that.'

"Drink as much as you can first, I will have the rest." She suggested, smoothly avoiding any explanation.

She should have known better. He just shook the bottle for emphasis the moment she finished speaking, "I am done then, here."

She could only smile at his concern for her as she accepted the bottle, and drunk the rest, 'I will just have to thoroughly wash it out next time I refill it, and ensure he drinks from it first again.'

Once she had disposed the bottle back into her pouch to ensure he didn't drink from it without her knowledge, she then returned interest to her unopened food.

Opening the lid of her small container full of rice and pieces of honey soy chicken, she offered it to him, "Here, eat. Your body desperately needs foods high in sugar and energy. Since we aren't in a hospital, this will have to do."

Handing him the container along with chopsticks, she quickly pulled back when he nearly lost balance reaching for it.

"On second thought..."

Naruto at first held confusion, but then gasped when she picked up a piece of chicken with the chopsticks and offered it to him, "Here." She said neutrally, but held question when Naruto's pale cheeks turned a little tint of pink.

"U-Umm..."

Sakura looked between Naruto and the chopsticks, and since she wasn't lacking in blood, grew a pink hue, but didn't let it get the better of her.

"Naruto...just shut up and eat."

Naruto grew a wide fox like smile and did as he was told, while Sakura just shook her head, 'Some things just never change.'

After offering him several pieces, she put the container away, "How do you feel?"

"I am fine Sakura-chan. But would you please tell me what is wrong?" He inwardly admitted he still felt tired, dizzy, and sore all over, but they were the least of his worries. Even after she seemed to have calmed down, she still was trembling and appeared very tense.

Sakura on the other end, found it very hard to speak, "I-I'm-..."

Seeing his worried expression stopped her from telling him, 'I can't tell him I may be poisoned either, he will be beyond concerned if I do.'

"I am just really exhausted from my fight Naruto, and I was extremely worried when I felt the Kyuubi's chakra. Your condition before really scared the hell out of me too."

She explained as a half truth. The part about her being in a fight got Naruto's attention enough it would seem, "What happened?- Are you ok?- was it the hag?-" His last question made him halt when Sakura's eye flickered to dullness, while she looked at the ground.

"Claara is gone Naruto..."

The little emotion present in her announcement made Naruto only mutter an unenthusiastic 'oh'.

"You mean that you-..." Naruto trailed off, while the kunoichi raised the hand she had used to cut Claara's heart and stared at it in recollection. Sakura just nodded her head, knowing what Naruto was trying to ask her.

"Is that why you're so upset?"

'Kind of, not exactly.'

"It is." She replied, despite her minds true response.

The blond opened his mouth to say something to comfort her, but nothing came out. He really didn't know what to say, so he resorted to another method. Still staring at her hand, she flinched when Naruto gently grabbed it. Looking up at him, she was greeted by his soothing smile.

The gesture was enough to make her smile back, "Want to talk about it?" he asked softly.

Sakura's shaking head was more than enough for him to relent, but she still welcomed being pulled into a embrace, tucking her head under his neck.

She shivered against his cold body, knowing his condition was why he was like this, "You are freezing Naruto. Baka, you should have said something."

"Hehe I don't feel the cold that much. But I have to say, you are very warm Sakura-chan."

She lightly chuckled at his cheerful statement, "Pervert."

"Wha-? How does-?"

Their conversation ended with Sakura's light hearted laughter after that point, as Naruto just cradled Sakura both for warm and to comfort her. He still was concerned about her state however, upon feeling her tense body still experiencing a tremor against him. Even though she was skilfully suppressing the sound as best as she could, he still could hear she was short of breath. While he was trying to think what could be wrong, Naruto suddenly remembered something.

"Sakura-chan...please tell me nobody got hurt when the Kyuubi, umm-..."

Naruto however didn't receive any response nor reaction, and lightly gave Sakura a nudge on her shoulder, which made her jolt and pull away in surprise, "E-Eh? What is it Naruto?"

'Was she spaced out or did she fall asleep? She couldn't have, she was still trembling and everything.'

Perking an eyebrow to show his bafflement, Naruto repeated his question again, "Did anybody get hurt when the Kyuubi took over?"

Sakura's face morphed from agape surprise to uncertainty, "I only arrived when Itachi saved you-"

"HE WHAT?"

"Itachi saved you...or at least that is what I think happened. One minute you were the Kyuubi, then he arrived and you suddenly returned to normal. You don't remember anything?"

Hearing that question thrown at him again made him wince, but he shook his head, "No...I do remember Itachi for some reason though, but I have no clue when and where."

"Hmm..."

Recalling something else, Naruto smiled, "It worked by the way Sakura-chan?"

"...?"

"What you said about the Kyuubi and getting rid of its chakra. I got knocked out sadly...but it did work Sakura-chan."

Slightly gaping, she then grinned and nodded her head, "That is very relieving to hear it did help."

Deciding to press on, Naruto went to stand, but Sakura held him back by his arm, and gently pulled him back down to the floor, "Hold it Naruto. We are not going anywhere in your condition."

"But I feel fine, really! Don't worry about that Hippovolumic shock, I feel great!"

She felt a smile form as she giggled, "It is hypovolemic shock idiot, and don't even bother Naruto, you look even paler than me. But more importantly-..."

Her smile morphed back to a dull expression, 'Sasuke-kun...'

"...-It is too dangerous Naruto."

Danger was something Naruto admittedly cared little about, and was about to protest further, but then his own concern rebutted before he could speak.

Sakura's own condition.

It appeared she had deteriorated further, since he noticed her tremor was now very visible at a distance, and she was squinting at the sun's weak shine behind him through the trees as if the light was hurting her eyes.

Giving in to his worry, he sat back down, "What do we do?"

Naruto blinked though when it seemed Sakura once again didn't hear him, and she appeared spaced out. So he tried again, "Sakura-chan?"

Leaning over to lightly touch her tense shoulder, he pulled back when her entire body jolted in surprise, "W-What?"

'What has gotten into you?'

"I said what do we do?"

Recovering from her unusual outburst, Sakura looked up at the early signs of stars in the dusked sky and let out a sigh, "We are going to wait for sensei and the others to find us. I know he is at least ok because I saw him and Shikamaru before I ran back into the forest."

Naruto just nodded his head, although what she was saying now was the last thing on his mind. Sakura went back to the stream a couple of times to keep Naruto hydrated as they remained there. Seeing Sakura about to make another run, but then stumbling as she tried to stand made him act.

He held her back from the wrist, "Sakura-chan...I can get it myself, you rest."

"But-" Her protests were overruled as his tug brought her down back to the ground, as he now stood up with to her surprise, quite little effort.

"No Sakura-chan, you really don't look well."

Hearing that concerned statement almost made her gasp, but instead she tried to keep eye contact with his concern gaze, "I am just tired." She insisted, while trying as best as she could to look normal.

"Then sleep, really, I mean it, I will keep watch."

"B-But your..." Her protests again trailed off as his firm, but gentle hands resting on her shoulders guided her to lie on her side, and upon contact with the grass, she near instantly drifted off into slumber. Her eyes widened though when he unzipped his jacket and covered her upper half,

"Naruto, no, you are suffering from blood loss, you could freeze to death-..."

Sakura yet again was silenced as he ruffled her hair lightly and gave an assuring and very lively grin, "Don't worry about me Sakura-chan, I heal fast remember."

Blinking now in surprise, she brought up her hand to touch his face to lightly gasp, "You're no longer cold..."

"Hehe, see, I am fine!"

"Unreal..."

"Now don't be such a worrywart, I will wake you the moment something happens."

She wanted to argue further anyway, but her exhaustion made her drift into sleep soon after. Still ruffling her hair, Naruto's smile morphed as if his emotional mask had slid off, revealing his deep concern. Stroking her hair again, he felt all the sweaty strands stick to his hands, as he looked hard at her unsettled face.

'Sakura-chan...Something is really wrong.'

The border of the Lightning country lived up to its very name. The eerie dark green setting lurking all around in the sky above could barely be seen through the bombardment of gulf ball size hail stones. Despite it being dark, the near endless flashes of lightning made it trivial to see the rock littered field the storm was unleashing upon.

This was certainly a storm no sane person would be lingering about in. However, casually seated on the tip of a enormous boulder, was a very carefree appearing man looking up at the chaotic storm.

The man's thick black cape was soaked, however his short black hair was mainly protected by a great hood. A flash of lightning revealed his oddly shaped spiralled orange mask, which was shielding his face from both sight and the down pour.

Over the roar of thunder came a squawk, which made the person turn his head to look at his shoulder, seeing a hawk perched on it.

The man gasped in greatly exaggerated surprise, and then spoke in a manner as if what was happening above was of no concern, "Well, well, well. What are you doing out in a storm like this little fellow? It's not safe here you know."

As he said that, a hail stone ricocheted off his mask, however the man jumped in feign shock, while rubbing over the spot where it hit, "YIKES! Good thing I have this mask on, that would have cracked my skull open like an egg!"

Suddenly the man recovered like he was a totally different person, as he rose his left hand to before him. The hawk jumped to it as if the arm was a perching branch and turned.

Silence then followed in the stare off, as another flash of lightning revealed the mask had a lone eye hole, and behind that empty space was a three tomoe sharingan.

"How very interesting. You have done well Senchi, my old friend." The man spoke in a very different style and tone after a long silence.

Standing, the person paid one last glance up at the storm clouds, as suddenly everything went ghastly quiet. The clouds above were beginning to rotate and pull in rapidly like a vacuum, as it appeared the clouds themselves were beginning to lower in the rough shape of a funnel.

"This was simply the calmness before the storm." The individual spoke, as he looked down to the still calmly perching hawk.

Within moments, the area all around the two began to blur in a spiral, as they suddenly disappeared just when the storm's ear popping noise suddenly came back with vengeance.

On the other side of the shinobi world, there was another storm down pouring over a country, but not by natures force.

This place was Amegakure no sato, the village hidden in rain.

Unlike Konoha or Suna, Amegakure's consistently dark grey towers mostly reached for the clouds, as the ground levels were unliveable due to excess flooding. Standing out over the greatest tower was a spiky red haired man wearing the Akatsuki cloak, with his Rinnegan eyes glancing over the village he was in control of.

Sensing a presence behind him, the Akatsuki leader turned to see the hooded masked man, but didn't say anything as if expecting the guest to speak first.

"Ronan has been killed Nagato." The man declared, as the hawk jumped back to the person's shoulder.

Pein's neutral face did not change, "Itachi and Kakuzu have come through then. The swordsman?"

"Killed by Jiraiya. Kakuzu is apprehending the bounty as we speak."

"Jiraiya-sensei? hmm...Explain to me again why Mangetsu needed to be killed? He would have made a great asset, and it is clear him and Kisame were on good terms."

"Mangetsu and Kisame more or less are the same in attitude, both are thirsty for blood. Itachi puts Kisame in his place, however Mangetsu would have no such relationship with any of our members. He would have been a pawn out of place. More importantly, Kisame was the strongest of the seven, so we already have the best in our ranks."

"Very well...you seem displeased however with Ronan's death?"

"It would appear Itachi is more aware of my whereabouts than I first came to believe...he sealed Ronan within the Totsuka. Getting hold of his eyes would have been useful, but now it is impossible."

"If you suspected Itachi was potentially going to cause trouble, why did you insist on sending him?" Came a feminine scold from behind the figure.

Turning to the newcomer, he explained, "Because this was a test for him Konan. A test which he passed with flying colours."

"What is it we should do with him? Itachi is proving to become a complication to our organisations desire to bring peace. I will settle the matter myself."

"No Nagato, you will leave Itachi be."

Pein's Rinnegan eyes held disagreement, "Explain..."

"Itachi to me is more valuable alive and within our clutches. Although you may not see it, but Itachi is an irreplaceable key. Until we witness something blatant that he is trying to thwart our shared goal, we will turn a blind eye to him."

"...Understood."

The mysterious man suddenly began to disappear before the two shinobi's very eyes, and then they were the only two people standing there. Approaching her long time friend, Konan cautiously looked around for something.

"He is truly gone Konan." Nagato answered.

Knowing that information now, Konan spoke her mind, "I don't trust him either Nagato."

Used to Konan reading his expressionless face, he replied with no emotion, "Although he says we share the same goal, I still feel uncertain that we truly are approaching it via the same means. Why does he require his fallen clansman's eyes? Itachi's loyalties are questionable, but he is insisting we leave him to his own devices?"

"I feel the exact same."

"It would appear we have to keep a watch on both Itachi...and Uchiha Madara as well."

Naruto was literally dying just sitting here, not knowing what was happening, but at the same time, another thing was worrying him to death. The state of his teammate that he was sitting next to. Sakura still looked terrible, if anything, she was getting worse.

Occasionally her entire body would twitch to the slightest of disturbances, but then she would resettle.

It was almost like she was very alert, even though she apparently had fallen asleep. Then there was their location, which daunted him, since he usually wasn't one to care about being out in the open. He only felt vulnerable here for his teammate, but Sakura's state was more than enough to stop him from waking her. Giving some time to focus on himself, Naruto concluded he felt pretty much normal.

It had gotten dark quite some time ago, with nothing but the early night sky to grant him vision. There was no moon out tonight either, which just complicated things even further. Gently raising his left hand, he lightly touched her cheek to feel its sweaty and smooth texture. The gesture made her weakly moan out in semi surprise, but upon her heavy eye opening for a moment to confirm it was him, she fell back into slumber.

'Sakura-chan really does not look well at all.'

Feeling her cool breaths from her open mouthed breathing, Naruto stroked away one of her bangs, 'She said she was exhausted but holy hell, she is even worse than that time she took all those soldier pills.'

Trying to remember what Sakura and him discussed so long back, he scrutinised her now in a different light, 'She is sweating all over, and is short of breath.'

Bringing his hand to feel her forehead, he ignored her eye lids opening slowly again to show weak question, "Naruto?"

'Is that a fever?'

Blinking in puzzlement, she struggled to sit up which Naruto didn't miss, 'She has gotten weaker.'

When she was up, she shot him a puzzled look through drowsy eyes, "What is it?"

She lightly gasped when she felt his hand rest at the top of her neck, looking for something, 'Is he...checking my pulse?'

"Y-You still remember what I told you even to now?" Her shocked question remained unanswered as Naruto's eyes widened.

As if he wanted to check something, he felt his own and voiced his confusion, "Why is it that mine is so slow and steady, and yours is ridiculously fast and almost feels...well tender? What does that mean?"

"U-Umm, well there are a lot of different explanations." It would appear Sakura was not part of this discussion, as Naruto carefully squinted at her irises, only to discover he was having trouble seeing the jade patterns he recognised...and it wasn't because of the low level of light.

"Sakura-chan, your pupils are massive!"

"I-I just woke up!"

Before he could check anything else, she swotted away his hand, "Enough of this Naruto! I said I am ok!"

"Stop lying to me!"

Her entire body froze at her teammate emotion filled shout, "Sakura-chan, you are hiding something. I know you are. What is it?"

"I am n-!"

When Naruto looked away from her with disappointment withered on his frustrated face, she cracked, "Damn it...fine."

The blonde's head snapped around in an instant, his worry clear, as Sakura tried to speak, "Naruto I-I...I think I have been poisoned." First there was agape shock, and quickly followed an expression Sakura had never seen directed at her from him.

Anger, and clear hurt, "Why?"

The question was not specific, but Sakura knew plain and well what he was asking.

When she didn't speak, he repeated louder, "Why would you try and keep something as big as that from me?"

She couldn't look into his eyes anymore and stared elsewhere, "Sakura-chan!"

"I-I didn't want you to worry!"

"Worry? I have been driven insane trying to work out what is wrong with you for the past hour or so now! What the hell was I going to do if you didn't wake up?"

"Alright-Alright! I made a mistake!"

"Were you ever even going to tell me-!"

"I SAID I'M SORRY, OK?"

Violently shaking his head, Naruto muttered something that Sakura heard at full volume, "Why didn't you trust me with that?"

"B-Because I knew you-?..."

'...I knew you weren't going to like it...so I tried to protect you.'

A question she had asked him more times than she could count ever since the beginning of this mission. Now, it had come back to hit her right in the face at full force. She didn't know what to say to that question, but only now did Sakura truly understand why Naruto always tried to keep things that would hurt her secret.

During her mental recollection, Naruto changed the topic the more pressing matter, although the awkward tension still was lurking between them, "When did it happen?"

"...During my battle with Claara."

"How did you know?"

"She told me before she died."

That answer brought a sharp intake of breath, but he asked the most important question, "Can you cure it?"

"I...I don't know."

Reaching slowly into her pouch, she tried to find something. While doing so, she desperately wanted to say something about before, but she couldn't think of even one word to make it any better.

Giving in, she brought out her medical equipment scrolls and a senbon that she had taken from the battlefield. Opening the two scrolls, she formed a seal. She was puzzled though when nothing happened. Trying again, only to find the same result, she suddenly became aware of something, only it truly terrified her.

'G-Give it about an hour from now...you will have a high fever, feel restless, and have trouble catching your breath...you may even become very sensitive to light and have random chill spikes. That is when the poison coated on my senbons is starting to work...don't take that another hour...you won't be able to help yourself.'

'Oh my god...'

Looking up at Naruto who was confused himself, she swallowed the hard lump at the back of her throat, "Unseal the scrolls for me."

"Huh?"

She tried to sound calm, even though inwardly she was freaked, "Naruto...I can't mould or even feel any chakra."

With darkness now all over the land, the lack of light from no moon was hiding most of the battlefield that took place at the disbanded town. A little further away was the place where Ronan once was inspecting the town from the beginning of the fight. The only thing remaining there was an opened scroll that was to summon the squid legion, which a rat was chewing on, before suddenly scurrying into the night.

Not far away from that empty area was Kakuzu, 'That was simple enough.'

He thought to himself, as he had Deidara up on one shoulder, and a closed scroll secured in his other hand. With that scroll containing the proof he needed, Kakuzu would now have to rendezvous with his dealer to receive the healthy reward. It didn't bother him that much that Kakuzu never dealt with the swordsman himself, in the end it all bottles down to one thing.

He was at minimum forty five million ryo richer, and he now had at least several potential targets that were going to be worth a grand fortune sooner or later. Finally, there was this discovery of the Hatake.

If there was one thing about Kakuzu's dealer that the Akatsuki treasurer admired, it was how he would find new worthy bounties fast for a percentage cut. At the news of Kakashi's new ability, the price of the Hatake's head and intact eye would become invaluable for any nation wanting to discover the secrets of the blood line limit.

Putting the glorious thoughts and schemes of getting rich to the side for a moment, Kakuzu had to retrieve his other heart, which was where he was heading to at the moment.

Meanwhile, he also was wondering what happened to his partner. Itachi still had not showed himself.

Just as he was contemplating further, said Uchiha stepped out from behind the shadows of a tree.

Kakuzu snorted in greeting, "Where have you been Itachi?"

"The job is now done Kakuzu-san." Itachi replied, ignoring the question.

Used to this behaviour by now, Kakuzu brushed it off with little care, "Very well. I have to retrieve something first, then we will go to the rendezvous point for the bounty. During that time, we shall drop Deidara here off at one of outposts in between the two locations. We will inform Pein-san on the way."

"As you wish Kakuzu-san." Taking lead, Itachi said no further as he pressed on, with Kakuzu lingering behind.

Once Kakuzu crossed the area Itachi has revealed himself, his unnatural eyes saw something on the grass concealed mostly in the shadows of a tree. Even in the darkness, he could see the patch of dark liquid covering the grass, and through his experience knew precisely what it was.

Blood, and a fair quantity of it.

Slowly turning to the retreating Uchiha, Kakuzu's eyes narrowed, 'How very peculiar.'

Back in the forest with the two members of team seven, Sakura's words still had both in stunned shock.

Eventually, Naruto recovered,"You can't what?" Naruto semi yelled, while Sakura tried to calm herself.

"You heard me, I can't feel any chakra. Now unseal the scrolls for me please."

Hastily doing as instructed, Sakura pulled out a senbon from her pouch that she had taken from the battlefield. Naruto could only watch anxiously, with the only sound being Sakura shifting through different equipment.

Naruto's eyes widened in interest when he saw Sakura dip the senbon in dye like what she did earlier.

When it rose out of the liquid not to glow, he mouthed off a curse, while Sakura bit her lower lip and announced it, "This is not a simple poison Naruto...just like she said."

"Then what can you do?"

"I-I'm thinking."

'I can't use my standard herbs blindly, I might just kill myself if I am reckless enough. I can't use chakra to enhance my senses to understand its characteristics. I don't have the proper equipment to deal with a poison like this effectively...and I am the one who is affected.'

Naruto didn't hear a single one of her thoughts, but you could have sworn he read them like a book, as he realised Sakura was starting to panic.

Quickly trying to pull her out of her dilemma before it worsened, he rested his hands on her shoulders for support, "Surely you missed something."

"I didn't miss anything Naruto. Well... -"

"Yes, go on!"

"...There is something I can consider." Naruto released his supportive hold as she shifted to bring out something tiny from her pouch. It looked like a pill, however Sakura was treating it more like something very dangerous, as she cautiously placed the pill on the opened scroll.

Seeing as Sakura wasn't speaking, but instead was looking at it in hesitation, he asked, "What is that?"

"Claara gave it to me."

"HUH?"

"Before she died...she told me some of the symptoms, and warned me if I didn't treat it within two hours, I would not be able to help myself. She told me this pill is the antidote for it."

Naruto took it all in slowly, and then looked back down at the pill as silence was all that remained painfully audible for minutes.

Finally, one of them broke the silence, "What do I do Naruto?"

"Isn't it obvious Sakura-chan?"

She at first shot him puzzlement, but then grabbed his hand just after he picked the tiny drug up, "What are you doing?"

"I am throwing this crap away!"

"Naruto-"

"-You can't trust that hag Sakura-chan!"

"I know that, but can we at least not act so rash!"

Reluctantly, Naruto let it fall into her grasp, as this time she held onto it, "I just need to consider it. It may be my only choice."

"I don't like this Sakura-chan...not one bloody bit. Why the hell would she give you that?"

Opening her palm to stare at it again, she remembered their conversation, "Truly Naruto...even I do not understand what it was she was trying to tell me as a reason for giving me this."

"What did she say?"

"U-Umm..."

Nibbling her already bruised lower lip, she sighed, as she told Naruto the general gist of Claara and her fight.

Naruto had been mostly silent during the entire explanation, as Sakura came to the conclusion, "Basically that lead her to her verdict...and then she warned me about-..."

Blinking in confusion as to why she paused, he prompted, "Warned you about what?"

"...You."

Firstly Naruto gaped, but then he didn't know why he suddenly felt he was being tested under her neutral gaze. He had a great desire to say something to prove himself, but he kept his jaw clenched shut. Naruto didn't even understand what he was working himself up about, when he already knew his own morals with an iron fist. Eventually, he simply just stared back at her with a firm gaze with no hesitance in the slightest, and didn't say a single word.

He didn't even react when she grew a smile, "But I know what I believe...and I kindly told her to go to hell. Then at the end of our fight, she told me that one of us was right, and wanted me to see the truth."

"You said you didn't know this person beforehand right Sakura-chan."

"That's right?"

"You all of a sudden know way too much about this hag Sakura-chan. I mean hearing all that, it's as if you've known her for a great long time."

She at first was at a loss, but then she stared at the floor in understanding, "That is very true."

"Honestly Sakura-chan, think about it for a second. Why would someone trying to kill you just blurt their entire life story to you? Why would they even give you a heads up?"

"She said she respected me Naruto. You really had to have been there to understand."

Naruto's persistence didn't lighten, "I really don't buy this Sakura-chan, sorry but no...it doesn't add up."

"But what do I do?"

"You said two hours then it was too late right? How long has it been?"

"Umm...I guess that time is passed. But look at me Naruto, she wasn't lying about the poison."

"I know, but I still am not buying it."

Feeling he had an answer, she relented, "What do you believe I should do then?"

"Find another way Sakura-chan, because I really, and I mean really, have a bad feeling about all this."

"But what way-...terrific, we are just going around in circles." She muttered as she ran a hand through her hair.

She wondered though why Naruto suddenly went silent, and looked up to see he was staring down at the senbon. To any normal person should would not have considered something crazy. But this was Uzumaki Naruto she was musing about...crazy was his very definition. Forcing herself to move as quick as she could, she slammed both her hands down on the laying flat needle, shielding it from the blond who was with pace reaching for it.

When their eyes met, Naruto didn't lose his serious gaze even from her harsh glare, "Don't you even think about it."

His response proved her near reflex like thoughts had hit the mark, "Why not? It makes sense to me-"

"I will personally beat you to death if you reach for it again, or even think of that as an idea."

"But Sakura-chan, we worked it out already, the Kyuubi helps me with poisons. Maybe I can cut that little pill in half and take it after I'm poisoned."

"Being sick and being hit by a lethal poison are very different things you idiot!"

"But-"

"You are not my guinea pig!"

Growing agitated, the blond gritted his teeth, "Then what the hell Sakura-chan? You saying we just trust that hag and use it?"

"I am not saying that, I am saying YOU are not going to be the one to find out!"

Their argument only was growing worse as both were starting to yell, the concern for the other practically rolling off their tongues, "This is stupid! If it really turns out bad then the Kyuubi will protect me, that's what the teme is always seems good at doing."

"I do not give a damn Naruto. The answer is NO!"

"Why are you being so stubborn about this-"

"BECAUSE I WILL NEVER FORGIVE MYSELF IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO YOU NARUTO!"

Normally Naruto would have backed down, only he had just as strong as a reason to not give in, "AND DO YOU THINK I WILL FORGIVE MYSELF IF ALL I DID WAS WATCH YOU SLOWLY DIE?"

"Naruto! Sakura!"

Both teens gasped and flinched in surprise when suddenly Kakashi landed between them, looking back and forth at them. Hearing more landings, they looked around them to see Jiraiya, Lee, Shino, and a disgruntled Shikamaru. Lee and Shino were carrying both Kiba and Hinata. Naruto and Sakura guessed they heard the end of their argument, as Shikamaru was continuously muttering, 'bloody troublesome couple.'

Looking back upon feeling a supportive hand rest on each of their shoulders, they looked up to see Kakashi's calm expression, "Tell me what is going on here."

Once the pair had finally calmed, Sakura decided to retell Kakashi and Shikamaru everything, while Naruto was standing further away looking elsewhere with his arms crossed tight. He could hear her recollection, but Naruto didn't know why it was hurting him from hearing it again, especially being told with little hesitance unlike earlier.

Jiraiya was keeping him company. Looking down to see the frustration on Naruto's face, Jiraiya took a guess what was the cause, "She will be alright you know, don't worry."

The sannin however met surprise when Naruto's shoulders slumped, as his eyes found the grass, "Yeah...I know."

"...Alright I give up, what's with you gaki?"

"Nothing...What happened to Ronan?"

While Jiraiya and Naruto were talking, Sakura was done with her recollecting and was looking at her teammates back, still remembering the tension between them earlier. Even now amongst the group, the atmosphere was still hovering above them. Her focus on him was pulled as she turned to the person she was attending to. Since she couldn't use her chakra, she was forced to diagnose and examine injuries the old fashion way, along with treating them with mere ointments and more professional bandaging.

In a sense, it clearly showed to her just how vital and how much more efficient a medic-nin was when they had access to chakra. The difference was even greater than night and day. Putting aside that little predicament, she continued looking over Hinata, soon after she had re-applied ointment and bandaging to Kiba. Both of the members of team 8 were now conscious again.

Hinata winced when Sakura lightly touched the black bruise, "God Hinata, I thought Kiba had it rough."

Sakura stated, while she kept her findings to herself, 'If whoever did this to Hinata had put any more pressure...her windpipe would have been crushed.'

She should have been more tactful with her words, "Will Hinata be alright?" Looking to the Inuzuka not far, she was taken aback by his deep concern.

Forming an assuring smile, Sakura nodded, "Of course, she will be just fine Kiba." Accepting Sakura's assurance, he returned focus to the blond and formed a scowl.

Feeling she was responsible for this, Hinata tried to speak, but her voice was very weak, "I-I...m-my apo-..apo-"

"Shh, its fine Hinata. Don't force them out if it hurts to do so."

"H-Hai..." Catching interest in the heiresses limp arm, Sakura gently brought it up to inspect.

Hinata's weak cry out made her instantly stop, "What happened?" Rolling at the sleeve, she soon could visually see the cause of the heiress's injury.

Her arm looked just like when Neji jabbed it two years ago, if not worse, with the red blister like wounds popping up all through her skin. Looking up at Hinata in shock, the heiress looked away in self disgust.

Applying the ointment around her neck, Sakura began placing the broken arm in a bandaged cast, "You didn't do anything wrong Hinata. I didn't honestly see what happened, but I can tell you gave it your very best. Don't look so down about it." Feeling a rush of air travel down the heiress's throat, Hinata's surprise was clear.

Eventually Hinata formed a weak and embarrassed smile, "T-Tha...Th-"

"Hehe, you are welcome Hinata. I have to say sorry however, to both of you, I can't treat your injuries without chakra."

The Inuzuka gave a dismissive snort while patting Akamaru, "Eh, don't beat yourself up about it, nothing you can do to help that."

"...What about you Lee-san?" Sakura asked, looking to the sitting miniature Gai not far away.

His face held one of deep thought, and it appeared he hadn't heard Sakura's question, "Lee-san?"

This time he snapped to attention, "My sincere apologies Sakura-san, I was lost in thought."

"That's alright, are you injured?"

Inspecting him, she noted he had received a nasty bruise on his knee. Without chakra there was little she could do, other than tell him moving at his full speed was out of the equation.

Was done, she heard Hinata's mutter, which made Sakura return to her, "Did you ask for me Hinata?"

"H-Hai...A-Are you-..."

Sakura understood what Hinata was struggling to say, and shook her head, "I don't know if I am alright Hinata. I pretty much am at this poisons mercy without the proper equipment."

While that brought concern to the heiress, Hinata's shaking head got her attention, "I-I also-..."

"She is asking about you and knuckle head over there." Kiba answered for Hinata, earning Sakura to turn her surprised head at him.

The Inuzuka was showing little joke in him despite Naruto's nickname, "Sounded like you two were having a pretty heated argument."

"O-Oh..."

Looking at Naruto again, she found the ground interesting along with slumped shoulders, "He was just being Naruto...and was willing to do something very stupid to try and help me."

"Tch. Sounds like he was just trying to show off like the goof always does, hey Hinata?"

The heiress understood where her teammate was going with the warming tone, and let out a strained laugh, "T-That's not n-nice...Ki-Kiba-kun."

Sakura only let out a warm smile to their remarks, as Kiba added, "I am sure it will be all cool real soon, you both were just looking out for each other."

"Thanks."

"Damn Itachi, that bastard!" Naruto's semi shout had interrupted their conversation, as Naruto's expression matched his angered tone.

"He saved your life Naruto-"

"He didn't have to k-kill him!"

Kakashi inwardly sighed at the argument between the sannin and the blond, 'This is because of what Naruto said earlier. Jeez.'

Shikamaru was growing tired of these unexpected turns of events, and put two and two together, "Like it matters Naruto. Ronan will not be coming after you anymore."

"HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!"

Shikamaru groaned into the palm of his hand, "What is with you all of a sudden? Make sense already-"

"Ronan lost everything! He realised what had happened! The guy didn't know what to do with himself, and he thought it was all over! He was fighting me just to end this, not even caring if he died in the middle of it all...he probably thought he owed it to those important to him if he didn't win. Ronan did not have to die!"

Sakura just focussed on Hinata, knowing that nothing the others were going to say was going to make Naruto see otherwise. She could see very clearly why Naruto was not happy at the news that Ronan was now dead. She was somehow feeling the same in her own way. When Naruto finally had quietened down, Sakura was done.

Kakashi decided it was time address her situation, "I have given it some thought Sakura, as I am sure Shikamaru has as well."

At mention of his name, the Nara walked up to them rubbing his temple as if it was in exaggerated agony, "More or less."

"Ok. What do you both think then?" Sakura asked, looking over Kakashi's shoulder to see Naruto's concerned head had turned enough to just see the corner of his eye to listen intently.

Kakashi didn't miss the gaze past him, but ignored it, "Firstly, Shino?"

Hearing his name mentioned, the bug user stepped forward, and lifted one of Sakura's arms, "Please try to relax." He said with what one might consider to be a tone full of care.

Sakura watched several dozen dots of insects creep all up and down her arm, with a very awkward and tingling sensation happening in the process. Despite Shino's eyes were unable to be seen because of his goggles, it could easily be seen that he was concentrating.

Even though this situation was not the most relaxed, Sakura's training made her take deep interest into what Shino was doing, "What exactly are they doing Shino?"

"They are absorbing some of your chakra and cells through the skin. While doing so, I can perform a basic diagnostic of what is occurring internally."

After a moments silence, Shino's goggles flickered, "Just as I figured."

"What?" Her question was answered as the bugs suddenly fell off of her as if suddenly turned lifeless. The bug user scooped up some of the small insects, as more bugs carried them away to under his sleeves.

"From what I am able to tell, the poison attacks the chakra pathways system, along with your central nerve system. Eventually it shall spread to your internal organs."

"Y-You knew all that from just analysing my arm?"

"Why do I know this? The reason being because my specialised bugs that were examining you got infected, and can speed up the process."

"That would explain why I am so tensed and can't mould any chakra...could you tell anything else?"

"Unfortunately my bugs can only tell so much. Focussing on the medical usages my bugs are capable of has not been my top priority. However I study it in my free time just to know I can assist my comrades in case."

"Wow..."

"My bugs now have created a little counter measure."

"R-Really?"

"It is not a cure I am afraid, but it should slow down its spreading and effects. Taking a rough guess from before...I would say you have little chance of reaching Konoha in time without some assistance. This however will increase that chance greatly. I must apologise though."

Sakura then watched as a larger bug suddenly crept out from shino's sleeve. This insect resembled a small beetle, with a very large pair of curved fangs that looked like razor sharp knives. It's grub like behind was full of a yellow-green coloured liquid. You could almost mistaken the beetled insect for a type of spider at first glance from the fangs and behind.

"Unfortunately since you are not a member of my clan, the safest way to inject it into you is via a venomous bug bite."

"...So basically, you are going to counter one poison, with yet another poison?"

The Aburame's goggles flickered, "Precisely."

"That's...that's actually quite clever when you think about it. Will I have any side effects?"

"In the worst situation you may feel dizzy, however it will only reduce the strength of the poison for a certain time. Again just relax, although the fangs appear intimidating, they are quite harmless, you will feel a little cold rush though."

Sakura just watched as the bug settled itself on her rested arm, and flexed her fingers when it lightly bit her. Before she knew it, the bug had shot off back up the bug users arm again, "That should buy you time in order to get to Konoha for treatment."

Without further word, the Aburame turned and walked away, 'He is creepy...but he is a lot smarter than I first pictured.'

Kakashi then resumed their conversation as she unconsciously rubbed her arm where she was bitten," Now that we have that in the clear...I am fully with Naruto on this one. You should not take that drug. The enemy is still the enemy, regardless of what happens or what is said."

"Jiraiya-sama told us she fights a person psychologically as well, so to me this could be a very dirty trick. Sure you are poisoned right now, but who is to say that 'cure' is really a cure. For all we know it could be an even stronger dosage of the poison." the Nara explained.

Sakura's loss had returned, "So..."

"So I think you should hold out until we get to Konoha. It's dangerous, it's a risk, but at least we know one hundred percent that you can be treated there. We are now aware of your condition, we will all keep an eye out for you."

"I agree with Kakashi." Still paying half interest to the pair before her, Sakura saw Naruto's head turn away again at their conclusion, and she didn't know why that hurt so much.

"Alright." She muttered, while Shikamaru looked back and forth between the teen's and just sighed.

Suddenly the Nara had a brainwave, "Shino , can you come over here again?"

"Yes?"

"What you were talking about with your bugs before has just given me an idea."

Sakura blinked when Shikamaru held out his hand, "May I have that pill?"

Dropping it into his hands, Shikamaru then passed it to Shino, "Get your bugs to test it."

That suggestion got Naruto's head to fully turn, while the Nara spoke out deliberately so the blond he knew was looking at him could hear, "Since the best way to find out is to test it, we may as well do so. However, I do think a bug as the candidate doesn't hold as great a gamble than a person...Do you approve of my logic there Shino?"

"While you shouldn't belittle an insects life simply because it is not human...I do agree in this case." Doing as he was ordered, Shino just got to work. Even though it was just a little black dot, everybody was intently staring at the bug crawling all over the circular pill.

Sakura felt more than her eyes show shock when the bug went lifeless and slid right off.

There was the sound of Naruto swallowing the hard lump at the back of his throat, while Sakura just lost it.

"I-I don't understand..."

Shino still didn't respond as the dead bug disappeared underneath his skin. Finally, he met Sakura's eye, "Sakura...if you were to have ingested this, you would have died. This pill's only content is cyanide."

'I hope we meet again soon...Sakura.'

Sakura could only violently shake her head in remembrance to Claara's last words, "S-She-..."

Desperate for some answer, she looked up at Naruto for guidance, but he had turned to look elsewhere again.

Shikamaru's sigh of relief made her finally return focus, "Well that settles it now, even in the worst situation, Konoha is our only option...thanks for the help Shino."

"You shouldn't be sounding so relieved, why is this, because we still have suffered a loss."

Deciding to just respect the Aburame's different views, the Nara muttered an apology. Shikamaru then left with Shino to leave Kakashi and Sakura, as Kakashi decided to get down to the other issue. The tension between his students still was lingering in the air, and it was evident to everyone's senses and sight.

First things first however, it was time to get moving, "Shikamaru, I will take over from here."

"No problem with me."

"We are moving out everyone, Sakura does not have time to waste."

Sakura muttered her apology to everyone, and then turned to Kakashi who had knelt down on his knees facing the other way, "I will carry Sakura for the first half of the way since she cannot use chakra to jump between the trees. We will travel for as long as we can. Given our state, we may unfortunately need to stop for a brief rest. If your situation grows any worse, we will have to improvise."

Partially taken aback, she looked up to see Naruto lowering his hand as if he was about to say something to her.

She wanted to say something, but that tension in the air glued her mouth shut.

Their awkward stare off did not go unnoticed, "Come on Sakura." Kakashi prompted.

Accepting her sensei's offer, she casted one more look at Naruto who turned his head away, his hurt still clear to her.

Before she could shake off her ailment, they already were off, but her sense of responsibility didn't ease.

The night was still young as the Konoha group were travelling through the forest.

Other than the soft 'bumps' of sandals hitting the bark, and the 'swish' of sharp wind bursting against them from the speed, not a single word was said.

Sakura being still on Kakashi's back was starting to make her feel she was a burden to everyone, given how injured and exhausted everyone was.

They were continuing against their own bodies limits for her sake.

While it was touching, it frustrated her at the same time.

"Sensei." She whispered, as said jounin raised his head upon the next jump.

Taking the gesture that he was listening, she voiced her guilt, "I am really sorry about all this."

"Whatever for?"

"You are all both injured and exhausted, yet you all are pushing through this for me..I really feel terrible."

"Well that's an interesting way to show your gratitude?" He jested light heartedly, although she was in no such mood.

"Shinobi are trained to expect the unexpected and need to be prepared for it. This is no exception. You can't help it that you are poisoned...so don't feel responsible. Or would you care to be told that this is merely another example of the will of fire in each of us that is urging us to continue."

Smiling weakly, she sighed, "Using Konoha tradition and beliefs against me...that's unfair."

His eye smile could practically be felt forming, "But you know it is the truth."

"Eh...You're right, as always sensei."

Kakashi noticed she suddenly lingered off into silence and slightly turned his head in interest.

She was looking to something in front of them with a mostly neutral face. It was her confused and partly worried eyes that revealed what she truly was feeling.

Looking to see, he met the red spiral of Naruto's jacket.

Said blond was far in the lead, occasionally looking back at them to obviously look at the kunoichi he was carrying in concern.

"Would you care to tell me the other issue?" He asked quietly so only she would hear.

Sakura at first gasped in surprise to being pulled out of her deep thought, but then watched the blurring trees they were passing, "You too?"

"We all can feel there is something wrong between you both. So you had an argument, and from what you told me, that was expected to happen, given that's just how Naruto is. Willing to take risks to help those he cares about, but sometimes-actually all the time, doing so very recklessly. However, there was something else in that argument as well."

"...He is upset I tried to hide this from him."

"Oh?"

"I don't blame him...but I know he is not angry at me."

"You believe he is upset and confused as to why you didn't tell him?"

"...Ah."

"Do you know why?"

"I didn't want him to worry. I knew he wouldn't like it, possibly try something like what he was plotting, among other things as well...I just wanted to protect him."

"Do you feel you did wrong?"

"...I do."

"The reason?"

That one made her pause for a moment, and finally she shook her head, "I don't know."

"Did you try to hide it because you felt you couldn't trust he could take it?"

"I do trust him!" She spoke higher than required to the question in manner Kakashi didn't expect.

It was the 'trust' word that had been eating away at her for a while now, but realising she took the question the wrong way, she looked hopelessly elsewhere in defeat.

Kakashi lightly chuckled, "So you are highly protective of Naruto, and you simply wanted to shield him from any worries or concerns...just like what he does for you."

Sakura's head rose to show her surprise and realisation, but then it relaxed against his upper back, "I know that already sensei."

"Well then, just seeing if you know."

Noticing however her still down demeanour, Kakashi decided to continue their conversation, "You consider this a problem?"

Sensing her questioning gaze, he elaborated, "Do you believe it is right to hide everything happening bad in your life just so another person remains happy? 'ignorance is bliss' as the saying goes no less ."

"I-I..."

She couldn't answer it.

She would always welcome an opportunity to try and make Naruto happy, however she at the same time felt it was wrong to lie to him. Between the two, happiness was the choice she appeared to usually go with.

"That is a tough question isn't it?"

"Hai...what are you trying to tell me sensei?"

"I am telling you it's not the end of the world Sakura. You did what you did because you didn't want to see Naruto unhappy. Nobody can fully say to you that is wrong, in some cases it can be for the best. However, what you have discovered here is a flaw in your relationship with Naruto that both of you share."

"How is that a flaw? I mean I really want him to be happy, just like I know he does for me...where is the bad in that?"

"Don't look at that word too deeply, in a sense it is good that you care very much for each other, but it also is a flaw."

"...Sorry, I don't understand sensei."

"How do you feel you and Naruto were before this? Putting aside the chaos happening around you. Even though you have only been together for a few days or a week...I know you have an impression already, everybody always does." Kakashi said as if it was fact.

Looking at Naruto as if he held the answer, Sakura grew a weak smile, "Well I don't know what to say. A bit awkward at first, still is.-"

"-Perfectly normal."

"-but otherwise-...It's fun, really great, it's-"

"'Perfect?'"

Blinking, Sakura nodded as Kakashi stared up at the night sky as if recollecting, "Take this from somebody who has seen it all Sakura. No matter what anybody tells you, or argues with you until they're blue in the face...there is no such thing as 'perfect' when it comes to couples."

"You mean 'the Perfect couple?' "

"Very much so. Surely that is a phrase you have tossed around in your younger years, or possibly still do?"

"H-Hai."

Grinning under his mask, Kakashi pressed forward, "So what I am telling you is you have stumbled across a flaw in you and Naruto's relationship. You are highly protective to each other, to the point you simply just want them to be happy, even hiding bad news from the other, maybe even more. Now I ask you this...is this the first time you have done something to try and protect Naruto for the reasons I mentioned?"

"U-U-UMM-!"

Sakura didn't even need to think, since she was keeping something fresh she knew would hurt Naruto greatly from him right now.

The chuunin first exam was another such case, where she was considering failing the test to protect Naruto's dream from his at the time stubbornness. There was the forest of death as well that flashed over her eyes.

'Sakura-chan! What happened to your hair!'

She never even told Naruto the true reason why her hair was cut that day...she just brushed it off light heartedly. While it more so was said to solidify her new found determination, a part of her just wondered.

On the other side of the equation, Naruto always tried to hide things from her just so she would remain happy. The blond was always like that to everyone however. The secret with the Kyuubi, Sasuke's fight at the valley of the end were possibly the largest that mattered to her.

"Do not answer that question, you should know the answer yourself." Kakashi butted in to her mumbles.

Going silent, Sakura looked at Naruto again, "What do I do sensei?"

"I have told you that there is no such thing as a perfect couple. Do you agree with me, or do you think I am speaking meaningless rubbish?"

"...I know there isn't."

"I am detecting a 'but'."

"But I believe you can achieve near that."

"Very good. People will feel strongly against that fact, and will never admit it, but it is true. Now I will ask you one more question. What do you believe is the difference between a relationship growing near that 'myth' and one never reaching it, and possibly falling apart."

Sakura's eyes were glued to the back of Kakashi's head in interest, as he casually tilted his head so he could just see her, however Sakura finally comprehended she was the one to answer it.

"Well there are lots of things that can be done."

"True, however in relation to what we have just talked about?"

Thinking for a moment, she answered, "The great factor that determines that are the ones that try to address and solve those issues together, and those that just try to ignore them until it is too late."

Kakashi's eye just formed its traditional eye smile, as he turned back to their path to continue.

"Sensei."

"Yes?"

"You have helped me so much with all this...I just want to say thank you."

"Just looking out for my students."

"...Will you please at least tell me her name?"

Not hearing a response, Sakura at first blinked in question, until she felt Kakashi's supportive hands holding up her legs tense.

Finally they eased, but nothing was said.

Feeling she may have said something wrong, she muttered an apology.

Kakashi simply tilted his head again to reveal his understanding eye smile to at ease her concern, and then looked back to his path.

Putting her dismay aside, Sakura turned her sights to Naruto now with deep thought, 'Naruto.'

The journey was mostly uneventful after that for several hours.

Sakura was beginning to feel that headache Shino forewarned her about, as her body felt another random chill travel across her joints.

She tried to the best of her ability to subdue any physical signs of her dilemma however, knowing that two blue eyes would burst into panic if she went noticed. Kakashi abruptly stopped on the next branch.

Even though he was a trained jounin, Sakura could feel his exhaustion was catching up to him, as they were slowly rising and lowering from his laboured breaths.

'My body has not recovered yet from the Mangekyou...damn it.'

"We are taking a ten minute break."

He announced, while turning his head to Sakura, "I am sorry, but at this rate we are only going to continue to slow down without rest."

Jumping down to the ground, Sakura stood on her own two feet, "Don't apologise, I really understand sensei."

Someone else however, had little case of needing rest in his face, "Why are we stopping? Sakura-chan doesn't have time to-"

"Naruto...Look around you."

Reluctantly doing as Kakashi said, he saw the members of team 8 panting for air as they were down on their knees, while Shikamaru was in a similar condition.

Jiraiya was lightly out of breath as well.

The only one not breathing from fatigue was Lee, who still was wearing his firm expression, and wasn't even muttering a word.

"If we do not rest Naruto, we are going to take longer to get back to Konoha than if we do."

Clenching his teeth in defeat, Naruto sharply nodded and stormed off to sit uneasily against the base of a tree. Even though it was clear Naruto was in a similar tired state, his anxiety was clear as day.

Unconsciously rubbing her elbow as her nerves were rising, Sakura turned to Kakashi, "Sensei..."

"We have ten minutes Sakura, no more, no less."

Muttering 'thank you' for giving her permission, she walked towards her teammate with purpose.

'I have to talk to him.'

Now standing before him, he looked up to meet her face.

Upon seeing it was her, his expression turned dull, but he gave a very genuine soft smile, "Hey."

"Hey..."

Shaking her head at her nervous response, she tried to kneel down but stumbled. He caught her as she was lowered to sitting, "Are you ok Sakura-chan."

'My legs just buckled...I am getting even weaker.'

Crushing her musing, she forced a smile, "I'm ok Naruto." Now rebalanced, Naruto gave her back her space.

Neither of them said anything for a good minute, while Sakura was fiddling with her medic skirt to settle her nerves. The awkwardness between them was killing her, and she knew it was the exact same for him. The grin she received and returned though was enough to lighten the mood to surprisingly quite tolerable.

Finding resolve from the exchange, she spoke, "Naruto, there is something I want to talk to you about."

Seeing his interest rise with his brows, she nodded, "It's about before..."

Naruto's face returned to neutral again, but she kept strong, "I just want to say I'm-"

"Pardon me for interrupting, Sakura-san, Naruto-kun."

Lee's sudden announcement made both look up to see his serious face.

Naruto could only shrug in question from his spot on the ground, "What's up fuzzy brows?"

"Forgive me Naruto-kun, I intended to say this upon reaching the gates of Konoha, and not to put my bruised ego before Sakura-san's situation... however I can't hold back what I have to say anymore."

"Lee-san?" Sakura muttered to herself, wondering why Lee's eyes held such determination practically burning within them. Since Lee was the only voice to be heard, his announcement had got the others attention.

Naruto mouthed out a 'wha?' while rising to his feet, "Can't hold back anymore? What are you going on about fuzzy brow-?"

Naruto flinched when Lee snapped a salute, "The Lotus in Konoha blooms twice Naruto-kun!"

Everybody held confusion to Lee's outburst, but Sakura gasped in understanding, "Lee-san.."

Looking back and forth between the shocked Sakura and the at attention Lee, Naruto voiced his bafflement, "W-What do you-"

"When the time comes again that your life hangs in the balance Naruto-kun, I promise that I will be a better and more able comrade!"

Seeing Lee's eyes still burning made Naruto go agape, "I-I don't know what you mea-"

"When you were in a situation that required immediate assistance, I was not fit enough to come to your aid as the dependable comrade I am meant to be. Instead I was not strong enough to best my opponent. I failed you, and in the end, you were rescued by the very people that seek to hunt you down in the near future. No excuse is acceptable, and I will never forgive myself for that conclusion, Naruto-kun!"

Naruto was going to voice his protest, but Shikamaru's unbelievably strong voice cut in, "Do not exclude us from that either, Lee."

Naruto snapped his head to the Nara, only to then go into deeper shock to see Shikamaru was holding the same expression as Lee, "S-Shikamaru?"

Feeling more eyes on him, he then looked to team eight to see they all were now looking at him in that way as well. Even Shino, who's eyes were hidden by his goggles was sending him the same powerful gaze, "Y-You guys?..."

Naruto again was thrown off guard when Lee suddenly shot a blurring hand in front of his face, which was his signature thumb up for the nice guy pose.

Lee's face however held little smile in it, but instead was a stern straight line to go with his definitive stare, "The next time your life is in danger Naruto-kun, no matter who they are, or how remarkably powerful they are...I will be strong enough to ensure I can help you!"

To say Naruto was stunned was an understatement. His mouth could not physically hang any wider open to Lee's law like words and promise. Feeling again numerous eyes on him, however in a way he previously was not used to, he shakily looked behind Lee. What was waiting for him were not eyes of fear and hatred that he long was used to receiving, but firm gazes that held completely different meanings to them.

Unbendable resolve, and promise.

Finally able to look away, he saw Kakashi with an eye smile, and then he looked to the smirking sannin, 'I told you for so long you idiot Gaki, and now it is hitting you in realisation tenfold how much you mean to your friends. Good...it is about time it was cemented for you once and for all.'

It was almost as if Naruto had heard his sensei's scold, as his eyes twitched in response.

Feeling a friendly nudge on his jump suit pants, he finally looked down to Sakura, who was wearing a soft smile, and gestured with a nod of her head to tell him he was forgetting something.

Realising what that was, he suddenly looked back to the unchanged Lee, and formed his own lively fox smile, "Thank you...everyone."

Kakashi could only give an eye smile to the entire situation, as he then looked up at the moon, "A couple more minutes and we will move out again, rest up as much as you can, we are not stopping."

With Lee finally relieved of his burden, he bowed his head in respect, "Sorry again for interrupting you and Sakura-san."

"Ermm, that's more than ok Fuzzy brows...thanks again." Walking off to leave them Naruto continued to watch the miniature Gai retreat, before finally sitting back down.

Naruto wasn't talking, but Sakura could see very well how much that small interaction had affected him. She almost thought he was going to cry with what she knew were tears of joy, but he held them back.

He then turned to her, "...What were you saying before Sakura-chan?"

"I just want to-"

"Yosh, we are moving out again everyone."

Sakura inwardly cursed at Kakashi's announcement.

She really wanted to speak to Naruto about what happened earlier, as it was driving her crazy that even the poisons ailment could barely compete.

Her agitation was not missed by her teammate, "You can tell me on the way if you want Sakura-chan."

"You sure you're fit to carry me-I mean- you are still-"

"All good, really."

"...Ok."

Standing, Naruto offered a hand to help her up. While doing so, Sakura pondered why he had his hands then held out before him.

Realising what he was intending she violently shook her head while whispering, "Can't you just carry me from the back?"

"Huh?"

"What if Ero-sennin-"

"Oh come off it Sakura-chan."

"Don't feed him ammunition Naruto-No!-" She bit her tongue to suppress her surprised yelp as she was effortlessly scooped up.

Ensuring he had a good hold, he walked over to Kakashi, "Let's go already sensei!"

Lifting off again, Sakura had to admit it was somewhat less nauseating in Naruto's secure but gentle hold...but it was replaced with embarrassment.

Despite her fears, other than a creepy smirk from Jiraiya, nobody so much as cared.

Perhaps she was just overreacting.

Putting that behind her, she noted Naruto was travelling much more faster than Kakashi.

Whether that was because his concern or his unreal levels of stamina she didn't know.

Giving in to her growing exhaustion, she rested against his warm chest, snuggling underneath his neck.

The gesture earned blue eyes looking down, "Are you ok?"

She grunted in response, "I am just a little tired, but I am as ok as can be I guess."

Deciding it was time at last, she started again, "About before Naruto...Naruto I-I'm so-"

"-I'm sorry." Naruto blurted, which Sakura resulted with a stretched sigh.

She knew Naruto would say that, he always blamed himself for these kinds of things, "No Naruto, I am the one who should be apologising. You were the one who was right."

"I-I didn't mean to get angry at you Sakura-chan, I was just really worried something would happen to you."

"I know I know, so was I..."

The loud 'thump' of Naruto's feet landing on the branch left a small pause between them.

"Are you ok Sakura-chan? "

Knowing what he was meaning with that question, she smiled softly, 'He always looks out for me.'

"I guess...I am confused though Naruto...I really am."

"Shikamaru said it Sakura-chan, that ha-...Claara, fights a person by getting into their head, and that is exactly what she did with you."

Sighing, Sakura slowly just accepted it, "Ah...You are right. I can't believe I fell for it."

"You felt sorry for her Sakura-chan, that is just how you are. She knew that...and used it against you, even when you had beaten her."

"Was it all I lie then? I-I really don't know."

"Maybe some of it was truth, but she certainly got your trust Sakura-chan." That word once again made her wince unconsciously, but she nodded weakly agreement.

"Cheer up Sakura-chan. What matters right now is getting you better."

Her replied and unseen smile was less energetic, "What about for you?"

Knowing what she was implying, Naruto's mouth formed a semi frown, "Yeah...I am just..."

"I understand Naruto, really I do."

Sakura decided to backup her claim, "You are agitated about it because Ronan...he really is similar, I mean not exactly apples to apples, but I can see the connection you can."

Naruto found the strength he needed, "I won't let the same conclusion happen with Sasuke. I-we!-we won't let him get as far as that." Naruto stated with full assurance.

Despite his display, Sakura couldn't find words to speak in agreement like she used to be able to.

'If you and Naruto continue to get in my way, I will kill both of you.'

Unaware of Sakura's silence, Naruto's hands holding her became more firm, as if to show her his determination which was matched with a definite grin, "We will save you, teme."

He spoke out as if the Uchiha was before him, and then looked partially down to Sakura.

Seeing her unchanged expression made him lose his expression to now hold confusion, "What is it Sakura-chan?"

"I want to talk about something earlier, at least, that first."

Naruto's eye brow perked in question, but she continued, "I didn't want to tell you about earlier because I didn't want you to worry...I know how you would react Naruto, and I only wanted to protect you."

She decided to hold it there, and waited for Naruto to react, or more so, test to see if he noticed something about her words that clicked in familiarity to him.

He followed just like clockwork, "I know what you mean Sakura-chan, it's fine, I get it perfectly well. Don't worry about it-"

"No Naruto, that is not the point I am trying to make...I don't want this to happen again."

"Huh? What are you saying?"

"I mean to say I want us to try and solve this. I don't want to be happy in ignorance while bad things are happening to you, and the same thing with you. Do you agree?"

"I guess I do. But- I mean-"

"-I know Naruto, it is hard, but I-...I want us to trust each other. I always keep telling you to trust me, but now I see I am no different, and it's not something new for me either. When I ask you what is the matter, I want to believe you when you tell me the reason, instead of pondering what you are leaving out. Don't you feel the same?"

"...I do."

Feeling this was going well, her grin became more genuine, "So it is a promise? We will try to address this together?" Naruto Upon the next branch halted and now fully turned his face to meet her gaze.

Seeing how strong her eyes were against the rest of her bodies condition, he grew a smirk, as he quickly took off in a burst of speed to make up for his pause, "Try? we WILL stop this Sakura-chan."

Smiling, she snuggled in further against his body, "You make it sound like it will be so easy."

"I don't go back on my word remember?"

Chuckling, Sakura nodded against his neck, 'I am glad to see you are over what happened before with the Kyuubi as well.'

"Ah...you don't."

Sakura kissed his neck before resting against it again.

Despite their moment, she was overwhelmed by what she was about to tell him next, but swallowed her nerves, "Naruto...I had another reason why I was so upset before."

"I thought so...will you please tell me?"

"...While you were knocked out, Sa-*Cough!*"

Naruto at first didn't register what just happened until Sakura suddenly coughed again. He forced himself to stop when a third phlegm filled cough followed.

When it appeared she was going into a frantic coughing fit, he set her down to rub her back, watching hopelessly as she continued her violent outburst.

Finally she stopped, furiously gasping for air as she practically was leaning against Naruto's body for support.

She was too weak to try and rebalance herself.

"Sakura-chan! Bloody hell are you alright?"

"I-I don't know....so tired." She didn't want to be this weak in front of him, knowing full well it was only driving his worry.

Sakura tried to push away to balance, but found all her strength was gone.

Lifting her again, Naruto instantly turned to the closest person that had stopped to see what was happening, "She is getting worse!"

"Calm down Naruto! Let's continue." Kakashi ordered, as Naruto resumed their journey.

Finally catching her breath, Sakura tried to continue what she was saying, "About before...When you-...When you were-"

"Enough Sakura-chan...you can tell me later, just rest."

Weakly groaning, she nodded, "Ok."

Dawn was beginning to rise in the forest, and the Konoha group still had not stopped to rest throughout the entire journey after their ten minute pause to recover. They couldn't risk wasting time. Kiba was even forced to sit on Akamaru to continue travelling since his wounds were causing him to slow.

"We are about an hour from Konoha." Shikamaru announced, while the news made Naruto grin.

"We're almost there Sakura-chan." Sakura's deterioration had progressed further now, as she was furiously sweating, and gasping for air. The sight of her made Naruto hold her closer, as he kicked harder off the next branch.

"Hey, talk to me." Naruto prompted her, as her shaky eyes rose to roughly meet his gaze.

"Mm?" She weakly groaned out.

She didn't intend for it, but the gesture made Naruto grit his teeth, "Let's move faster!"

"We are going as fast as we can Naruto!" Shikamaru rebutted. Naruto's eyes widened to the sound and feeling of Sakura suddenly going into a liquid filled coughing fit, and stopped on the next branch. Lowering themselves, he patted and rubbed her back.

After a very loud cough, Naruto just rubbed her back in circles as she calmed.

The coughing had started hours ago as he remembered her first violent outburst.

However what was scaring him was they were getting worse with each frantic wave.

Readying himself, he was about to lift her, but suddenly her arm grabbing his jacket constricting tight stopped him.

"Huh? What is the matter Sa-..." Meeting her face literally made him freeze upon seeing her bulging eyes staring at her hand she used to cover her mouth. Slowly looking to it, he too gasped.

The red stain all over it was the cause to her state, and now his skyrocketing panic.

"SENSEI!" He screamed, which effectively made everybody stop and turn.

Sakura's grip suddenly shook as she began to convulse, with her vision starting to blur. The last thing she heard was Naruto's screaming of her name as it all went ghastly silent.

Sakura tried to open her eyes, but found they were too heavy to do so. She didn't know why she was getting the impression she was flying, with the sharp wind pushing against her face. The muffled sounds of furious panting could just be heard, as on a next sudden burst of speed forced her eyes to open for a moment. She could barely make out a blond haired figure.

"Naruto! Slowdown!"

Came a voice so far away, as the person she was looking at whispered, "Hang in there Sakura-chan! Damn it, Please...PLEASE!"

Feeling a strong hand clench tightly on her arm sent a sting which she only could voice out with a moan.

The blurry figures face turned at the sound, as she could barely make out two wide blue eyes in deep concern. Before she could hear anything else, her light as feather eyes closed again on another burst of speed.

Sakura once again found herself bordering on consciousness, this time feeling as if they were ascending up a flight of great stairs. It was making her stomach turn to say the least at the constant earthquake like motion.

The muffled sounds of furious panting had returned, this time much more desperate and louder. It felt as if she was snuggled against something very warm and sticky, with an aroma of manly body odour smothering her senses. Whoever was carrying her must have been running for constant miles without even slowing.

In an instant, the motion sickening sensation halted, as she felt a gust of wind as her body span around into a now cooler area. She must have entered into a cave, or a building. There was all of a sudden very loud 'thud' noises she could hear pounding into her ear drums. If they were footsteps or her heart beats, she honestly could not distinguish.

The voice she heard earlier called out again in a stressed scream, "TSUNADE-BAA-SAMA!"

Her eyes finally opened at the sound of a loud bang that sounded like a door being kicked open, as she felt herself being burst into a strangely familiar room, despite the only sense of judgement being the temperature, and now the smell of fresh sake.

The sound of a surprise gasp of a woman rang a bell in her ears, "W-What the hell? Naruto? What are you do-..ing-...Sakura?"

"HELP HER! PLEASE!" Sakura's wish washy vision began to clear, however she still was having trouble depicting detail outside of what she guessed was very early morning from the dull orange coloured window.

She then heard the sound of objects being pushed off of a desk, as she in a rush moved towards the source, and was lowered onto timber Sakura met the focussed, however slightly dilated brown eyes of a person she thought she knew from somewhere, "What the hell has happened to her Naruto? SHIZUNE!"

"S-She has been poisoned!"

"Poisoned? By what? How long has she been under its influence for! What type? What-" "WE DON'T KNOW!"

"SHIZUNE!"

"Tsunade-sama-! W-What is happen- N-Naruto-kun?-"

"Get me several buckets of warm water, Naruto go with her now and help."

"B-Bu-"

"NOW!"

"AGHH DAMN IT ALL!"

While the paced stomping began to get further away, Sakura's vision now was mostly normal, as she after so long could just feel the tips of her fingers. Seeing the person examining her, Sakura could barely speak, "T-Tsunade-sama?"

"Yes it's me, what the devil has happened to you. How did my apprentice get poisoned?"

"I-I'm Sorry-"

"What are you talking about you silly girl? Just be quiet and rest." Sakura obeyed as Tsunade rested her ear over her chest and listened to her breathing.

"Organic type." Tsunade noted after a moment.

"I-In my weapon pouch...I-I have a sample." Lifting her up slightly, Tsunade grabbed the weapon pouch and opened it.

Pulling out the marked senbon, she finely examined it, "Very good, more than enough for Shizune to use. The poison has spread to your major organs unfortunately Sakura. Sorry, but I have to forcefully remove it if you are to survive any longer than a couple of hours."

"H-Hai...Shisho, just one thing I ask for, please."

"What is it?"

"...D-Don't let Naruto see, even if he begs...it will kill him."

Taken aback, Tsunade stared at her students small ounce of life in her dull irises, and recovered with a sharp nod, "I wasn't thinking of keeping him around here anyway, two minutes and already the gaki has me going nuts."

Sakura tried to laugh, but no sound came out with it. Mid way through her strained laughter, Sakura started to violently cough again. Tsunade in an instant raised her to listen to what was happening within. Hearing the sound of fluid rising up Sakura's throat, Tsunade backed away in time as Sakura with a sharp choke, coughed out a splatter of blood into her hand.

'Just as my initial analysis discovered, the poison has spread to within her internal organs. She is suffocating from it.' Tsunade mused, quickly grabbing a tissue to clean up.

Sakura's head in the meantime was spinning around in an nauseating manner, "S-Shisho...I thi-think I'm going to faint."

Laying her back down, Tsunade ran a hand through her apprentices hair, as it then rested on Sakura's scalp and began to glow green, "Pay close attention, I'm about demonstrate a top medical technique. I am going to temporarily replicate the sensation of your nervous system being severed. I expect a full demonstration from you when you are well." Tsunade explained neutrally, deciding to keep her apprentices anxiety lowered, along with her own by turning this into a lesson.

After a few moments, Sakura couldn't even feel the desk she was laying atop of, as her eyes lightly widened on her numbed face, "Is- is this...-a pain reliever for when you use the water to absorb the poison?"

"Very sharp indeed. Correct. You won't even feel a thing, since your brain isn't receiving any messages from your body."

Tsunade even proved a point by lifting Sakura's limp arm, and poking it. Sakura only saw the connection, but didn't even feel the slightest of pressure.

"B-But...how can I speak if my nervous system-"

"Always with the technical questions, that's what I admire to see in my apprentice. If you are skilled enough, you can limit specific impulses to travel back and forth."

"I-I see. W-Why haven't you shown me-...this before?"

"Because the slightest misjudgement can permanently damage the nervous system of the patient."

"O-Oh...why do you al-always tell me wha-what could happen...if I screw up before you show me something?"

"Hehe, to strengthen your resolve of course."

Seeing the green glow dim, Tsunade ran a hand through Sakura's hair again, as her eyes drifted, "Where the hell are Shizune and Naruto?" She whispered while focussing on the wide open and empty door, growing impatient at the delay.

She honestly was at a loss to this entire mess. She was practically half zonked out from her drinking when she heard Naruto's stressed scream earlier. Now her near dead apprentice was in her care. She just had to go with it until Sakura was outside of danger.

"Shisho..."

"Yes?"

"I-I didn't mean to get poisoned and end up like this, really I-"

"You took what I said before to heart? enough Sakura, it is fine. I expect whoever bettered you must have really been someone rare. Can I at least know their name?"

'So I can personally kill them for doing this to you.'

"T-Tsuta Claara...and she is already gone. I-I..."

Tsunade at first rose her eye brows in surprise, but then gave a pride filled smile, "Hmmph, I expected to hear nothing less."

"T-Thank you shisho." Sakura didn't know why, but hearing approval from her master about it eased her guilt greatly.

Their conversation ended upon hearing several pairs of feet rushing down the hall, along with a shout from Naruto, "I got them! Right here!"

Several clones all holding buckets full of water marched in, quickly pacing them by the side of the desk before dispersing.

Shizune came dashing in after, "Tsunade-sama, I need a sample."

"Take this senbon, it has more than enough of the poison to be useable."

"Hai. Do you need my assistance?"

"Who do you think you are talking to Shizune?" Without replying back, Shizune turned and hastily left.

Naruto meantime was looking back and forth between Sakura and Tsunade, "Shouldn't we take her to the Konoha hospital or something?"

"We do not exactly have the luxury to do that Naruto." Rolling up her sleeves, Tsunade focused on her new task. Seeing the look from her apprentice, Tsunade addressed Sakura's request.

"Wait outside Naruto." She said in her professional and direct tone.

The blond however didn't so much as comprehend it, "But I want to stay! Can't I help or somethi-"

"Sakura does not have time on our hands to discuss this Naruto. Closing the door and waiting outside is the best thing you can do. Do not fret, she is in good hands."

Still not sensing movement, Tsunade turned to show her annoyance, "Move, now gaki!" Tsunade could see very clearly Naruto was not going to give in, however a strained voice got his attention to break eye contact with the hokage.

"Naruto...just go."

Sakura pleaded weakly, which made Naruto start to crack, "B-B-But I-"

"I will be ok...please."

Reluctantly turning, Naruto dragged himself to the door. Upon reaching for the knob, he froze and looked once more, his concern and fear practically drenching all over his face. It was an expression Sakura hated to see on him, so she tried to think of something to cheer him up.

Knowing what would at least make him smile, she forced herself to grin, "W-When I am ok...we will go on that date you earned."

Naruto however, didn't respond nor change expression while looking at her. For what felt like a long minute, his mouth finally twitched at the corners, "I-Ichiraku's?"

Smiling wider, she tried so hard to nod, but only a jolt occurred, "Baka...I couldn't think of a better place...b-but you are paying."

That finally made Naruto let escape a genuine chuckle, as he smiled weakly, "I'm broke."

"I don't want to hear your excus-excuses, cheapskate."

"Hehe...You promise?"

"I swear on it Naruto." She replied without missing a beat, knowing what Naruto really was asking her.

Finally he closed the door.

Tsunade had simply watched the two interact without a word, and upon Naruto starting to close the door, the blond saw Tsunade smirk at Sakura.

"Date? Sakura, I thought I sent you to partake in a mission?"

Naruto never heard Sakura's muttered response, as the door clicked shut. His hand refused to let go of the knob for a good minute, before he finally dragged it off. Forcing himself to slide down on the wall parallel to the door , he kept staring at it as if he could see through it.

Naruto never even acknowledged when his name was called out by Jiraiya from down the corridor, 'Sakura-chan.'

AN: Apologies about this chapter taking a while to release, I am making sure I don't miss anything out in this and the next chapter since it essentially is the starting of the recap.

Sakura ~ I hope nobody went 'not again' to this last cliffhanger.

Naruto and Sakura Manga talk ~ Hopefully most viewers understood right off the bat what was happening here, and didn't raise an eyebrow going 'huh?'. It is to me an obvious quality and a potential flaw in their relationship/friendship happening right now in the manga/anime. Both of them hide things from the other for the sake of protecting them. Sakura's confession to Naruto and not telling him what the others had decided to do about Sasuke being a big recent one. Or When Sakura was hurt by the Kyuubi and what did she say? "This...Orochimaru did this to me." Need I say more? Because Naruto has quite a few more examples than Sakura. It is simply a hurdle they need to try and pass in their relationship, and no easy one by far, which to me, makes their relationship more believable and well 'human'. I hope I did this correctly and not left it on a note that makes it look stupid.

Up next is the epilogue. I recommend to those of you if you have either forgotten the very early chapters or haven't read my changes to please do so. While my additions are insignificant to the plot, some points will be raised.

Finally since this is a long story I suppose you can guess the appropriate length of the epilogue. I haven't even written it yet, but I can safely tell you right now...it is going to be very lengthy, I may even consider breaking it into two chapters if it goes that far.

I look forward to hearing your feedback/criticism's.

And sorry again for the previous release of this chapter that was very heavily flawed.