Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 2: Good-bye

Five days after his meeting with Gaara, Naruto found himself closing in on Konoha. He probably could have made it sooner but avoiding the Akatsuki patrols in River country had slowed him down considerably. Not to mention Konoha's own patrols, while he probably could have talked his way out of any trouble due to his status among Suna's forces this was a personnel visit, not something he wanted the Hokage to be made aware of. Pausing in his travels now that he could see the wall surrounding the village, he assumed a sitting position on the branch he was on and began channeling Natural energy. Once the sun had set and he was fully charged he would make his way into the village. Going into his Sage mode might have seemed like overkill but he hadn't been in the village for over a year so had no idea where Tsunade was located. As he gathered the energy he tried not to think about how easy it was for him to feel 'Her' chakra among all the denizens of the village. Reaching the appointed time he easily slipped past the holes in the detection barrier. He also avoided the few Anbu patrols that could have given him trouble on his way to where he felt Tsunade.

Tsunade was sitting on a couch in her apartment that she had attained after waking from her coma. She lived alone now, since Shizune had bought an apartment of her own. Tsunade's apartment was large and well furnished but sparse due to her years of traveling which meant she never really developed the need to accumulate all the little knick-knacks that people seemed to acquire when they set up roots. Although, she did have possession that she cherished above all else and that was the book 'The Tale of the Gutsy Ninja,' that Naruto had left behind with Yamato when he went to confront Sasuke.

She had probably already read it dozens of times and would probably read it hundreds more. It always made her feel closer to the pair of people that were connected to it. The lecherous man she had know for most of her life who wrote the book and the young boy who seemed to be the living breathing incarnation of the main character whose name he shared.

Today she was starting the book over and was currently curled up in front of her fireplace on the couch with the other lights dimmed. To be honest she was at, for her at least, the most depressing part of the novel, the foreword. Reading over how Jiraiya viewed himself as a failure despite all he had done for the village always made her lament not having appreciated him more during their time together. Also the fact that he counted his inability to win her favor as one of his failures contributed to her sadness when reading the book and always made her wish she had done things differently. Thinking of her own troubles with men made her think of Sakura's. Leaning back in her couch she said out loud to herself while thinking of Sakura,"No wonder you have such horrible luck with men. You must have gotten your inability to see what you had till it was gone from me."

From out of the darkness of her apartment a voice said, "They say talking to yourself is a sign of insanity you know."

Tsunade turned towards the voice quickly the surprise that she could be snuck up on so easily, even though she was lost in thought, clearly visible on her face. For the intruder it brought a smile to his face, as her expression went from being shocked at being snuck up on to confused. So he wasn't too surprised when she asked, "Am I dead?"

He shook his head no, so she began looking around for the pile of discarded sake bottles that may explain the illusion she was seeing. Not seeing it she asked a little hopeful and vulnerable, "Are you real?"

"I'm real Granny Tsunade."

That was all she needed to hear as she flew off the couch. Crushing Naruto into a hug so tight that if she didn't let go soon, she would end up finishing the job Sasuke started a year ago. As she let go of the hug Naruto could see the tears leaking from her eyes and knew he made the right choice in coming here to tell her of his survival. Wiping them from her eyes she then went from happy and relieved to stoic as she said, "Unless you want me to send you to the moon, you better have a good reason for playing dead for so long Naruto."

"I have a reason, Granny Tsunade," Naruto said a little scared the woman would fulfill her threat, "Whether it's good or not I can't say."

Giving him a look that said 'Well I'm waiting,' Naruto, after taking a breath said,"Gaara told me of Madara's Moon Eye plan and that he needs all nine Bijuu to make it a reality. With him believing me dead, he'll be forced to postpone that plan till the Kyuubi reformed. Which by my guess would probably be nine years since it took three years for the three-tails to reform after the Mizukage killed her predecessor."

Tsunade clearly agitated said, "That's it you did it in hopes of buying us maybe nine years before he went looking for you?"

Naruto tried to shake his head yes and no at the same saying, "It wasn't the best of plans or reason at the time. However now I have another reason and that's I refuse to be held in protective custody while people are out there fighting and dying."

"Naruto that decision was reached for your and Killer Bee's protection," Tsunade tried reasoning, "You are what the Akatsuki is after."

"I know, but I'm willing to take that risk. I'm not just some military asset to be protected. I have a stake in this fight too, you know."

"Well in any case," Tsunade said clearly not happy with his reasoning due to her worrying for him, "Once Kakashi is made aware of your continued existence you'll probably be forced to return."

"The only way he is going to learn is if you tell him," Naruto said, "and you're not going to do that. I only came here to let you know of my survival, not to return to Konoha."

"I can't, just not tell him you know. There are rules to be followed" Tsunade said causing Naruto give a small snort.

"Come on Granny, who do you think you're fooling," Naruto said, "You've been playing fast and loose with the rules for years. Besides I can think of several reasons why you won't."

Crossing her arms defiantly below her chest she said, "Well?"

"One, if you tell Kakashi and I don't come back, I'll be marked as a missing-nin," he replied with a smirk as she bit her lip at that, "You don't want that on your conscious do you. Furthermore, I haven't just been idle these past few months. I made quite the name for myself."

Getting what he meant she said, "The Desert Fox."

Sighing at the nickname he said, "Please don't call me that."

Clearly confused because every time she had heard the name mentioned it had only been with respect she said, "Why?"

"How would you like it if after covering your face and moving to a different country, you still find yourself somehow associated with the same animal that has been hounding you your whole life," Naruto said clearly annoyed that he was still associated with a fox in some way.

"Fine," Tsunade said then getting back on the subject asked, "Do you plan to ever return to the village?"

"Someday after the war perhaps," Naruto said, "I still have to become Hokage after all. But, I also want to try and make Jiraiya's dream a reality and I won't be able to do that tied to just Konoha."

Smiling he said "But enough about that. I came here to see you Granny, so tell me everything that you and the other s have been up to during the past year."

Tsunade told him the details of how Konoha had been doing in the war and other broad statements of the village's general well being. She knew he had wanted to learn about his friends' lives, but sadly she hadn't kept tabs seeing as she was too wrapped up in her own pain and loss. She apologized for not being more in the know, but he just laughed it off saying he should of know better than to ask an old lady about what the younger generation was up to. Although she did notice when she brought up Sakura he changed the subject.

As the clock struck three in the morning Naruto got up to leave saying, "I'll try and visit again Granny Tsunade, when I get a free moment or six but it'll probably be awhile."

Giving him one last hug she felt she needed to ask so said, "Naruto do you hate Sakura?"

Discomforted by the question but figuring Tsunade deserved an answer he replied, "No, I want to, but I can't. I guess I realized she was just trying to be true to her heart."

"So you think she really meant to defect?" Tsunade asked.

"I don't know. However, from what I heard from Gaara, she has really been busting her butt for the village so I think she deserves the benefit of the doubt," Naruto answered honestly.

"But what about what you feel about her?" Tsunade asked concerned for him.

Sighing he answered, "To be honest, I try not to think about her at all Granny. So please drop it."

Naruto then left the apartment as quietly as he entered. When she was alone Tsunade couldn't help but worry about Naruto. She just hoped that someday the bond between the pair could be repaired. She then decided that she should do the same having let her own doubts poison the relationship between her and Sakura. Deciding tomorrow she would begin repairing that bond she headed off to bed, pleased that the world that just a few hours before had seemed so dark and oppressive had gotten a little brighter.

Karin was doing a little late night training in Medical ninjutsu with Ino looking on while doing rounds during the night shift at the hospital. After giving the Hokage all the information she had on Akatsuki he had granted her a pardon for any and all crimes she had committed. If the rumors she had heard were true the other Kages hadn't at all been pleased by that especially in light of Suigetsu and Juugo escape from Iron Country's prison. Also, if rumors were to be believed it had been Madara who had done it. So that meant here old teammates were probably once again working with Akatsuki. A little disappointing in light of how her own tenure with the group ended.

All in all she was surprised to find herself welcomed in the Leaf Village. Of course there where the few people who didn't or wouldn't trust her not that she could blame them considering her close association with two of the Leaf's greatest traitors. Ultimately it was her desire to prove to those people that she was willing to become a Leaf shinobi they could be proud of that had her training tonight.

Unfortunately, tonight's training wasn't going well and it had to do with a strange chakra that kept washing over here from time to time. It had started right around sunset a chakra type she had never felt before it felt peaceful and calm. She had wondered if she should tell someone but due to the war strange chakra signatures were appearing and disappearing all the time. She had concentrated on it only to find that it had stopped at the Lady Tsunade's. Karin had been afraid she had allowed an assassin into the Leaf when Tsunade's chakra had spiked in surprise but then she sensed a sudden joy and happiness emanating from the older woman so blew it off. The strange Chakra then tapered off as if it had run out in its place was a massive chakra source that felt like the warm sun but seemed to have something sinister mixed with it. It felt familiar but she couldn't place it. However, after several hours the strange chakra returned causing here to fry here latest attempt at resuscitating a fish.

Watching the smoke rise from the fishes mouth Ino sighed, "Don't bother grabbing another one Karin we have to go do rounds."

Doing her best to completely dampen her ability to pick up chakra, so she could concentrate on the task ahead, she followed Ino out of the room. "Care to tell me what has you so flustered," Ino asked as they walked the halls of the hospital.

"I picked up this chakra source that surprised me," Karin answered, "I've never felt one like it before."

"Is it anything to worry about?" Ino asked concerned fearing another invasion like Pein's.

"I don't think so," Karin said then clarified when she saw Ino wanted to know here reasoning, "Whoever it was met with Lady Tsunade but she seemed happy to see them."

"Really Tsunade had a late night caller," Ino said with a lecherous grin, "Hopefully whoever it was gave it to her pretty good, so she'd stop riding our asses all the time. I know she misses Naruto, but damn would it kill her to smile from time to time."

"Don't you wonder who it could be though?" Karin asked.

"Not really, for all we know it could be somebody she met when she helped set up the hospital in the Five Element Village," Ino answered waving her hand dismissively.

"I guess you're right," Karin said before entering the next room during their rounds and letting the subject drop.

Naruto felt like such a sap being here, especially after telling Tsunade he tried not to think about Sakura. Looking around Sakura's apartment he found it fit her, everything was neat and tidy. He had been standing on the fourth's head gathering his Natural chakra when he felt her again without even trying. He had tried to ignore it nevertheless it had called to him and here he was. He supposed it had to do with the fact that her spirit felt like it was in incredible anguish. He believed it had to do with Sasuke still being in a coma, but he found himself unable to pay no heed to her pain.

Opening her bedroom door he quietly slipped in hoping she was decent. As he entered he saw her under the covers lying on her side looking as beautiful as he remembered her to be. Looking around the bedroom he was surprised that it wasn't garnished in pink like he would have imagined instead it was spartan and cold. Almost like she didn't really live here but it was just a place to lay here head. Now that he thought about it the living room had appeared the same way. It was apparent that she had been crying as she looked at a picture on her nightstand based on how she was sleeping.

Approaching the bed he moved a strand of hair from her face and was surprised when she turned into his hand as if seeking out the warmth it emitted. Tempted to cup her cheek he pushed it down figuring he had stayed to long already. About to leave, the picture on her nightstand caught his attention. Instead of being a picture of Sasuke, as he would have imagined, it turned out to be one of the two of them from right after they rescued Gaara. They had appeared so happy then and he had almost believed that he could capture her heart after all. Setting it down he figured that he must of had it wrong about her falling asleep while looking at the picture. He didn't doubt that she felt bad about his supposed death, but he just couldn't picture Sakura being this heartbroken over it a year later. Making his way to the door he took one last look at her before walking out of her life again and leaving the village.

Sakura was on her way to the hospital the next morning feeling rested and better than she had in a while. She had gone to bed after her usual cup of tea and cried herself to sleep, but sometime during the night she had felt a warmth she hadn't felt in ages. Whatever it had been had banished her usual dreams of self-loathing. All in all she had woken up feeling better than she had in a year making her feel a little guilty like she hadn't deserved it.

Entering the hospital she spotted a few of the nurses standing around gossiping. Listening in she heard, "Did you see Lady Tsunade this morning? She looked so happy."

Another of the nurses said, "Tell me about it. I even heard her humming while doing her rounds."

"Get out of here," the third said clearly surprised.

The fourth and last one said, "Well I heard, that Ino said she had a late night visitor. If you know what I mean?"

The other three nodded in understanding. Figuring that their little gossip session had gone on long enough Sakura approached saying, "I'm sure I could find more constructive uses of your time than gossiping if you really wanted me too." Sakura smiled as the four women quickly dispersed to find other things to do, while here standing may have fallen with many of her fellow shinobi here she still ruled supreme and her word was second only to Tsunade's.

As the day went on, Sakura did notice that Tsunade's was happier than she had ever seen her before. She was standing in the lobby observing Tsunade who was looking over the file of the patient she just treated humming some tune to herself. She was about to ask her master what had her in a good mood when Kiba along with several wounded shinobi busted in.

Tsunade quickly took charge with Sakura following behind checking the wounded. Tsunade barked out, "What happened, Kiba?"

"We were checking traveling papers at the Senju crossroads outside the village when one of the caravans turned out to be a group of Akatsuki suicide bombers," Kiba said placing the shinobi he was carrying on a stretcher. "Lucky for us Akamaru smelled the explosive tags before they went off. Although not everybody escaped the blast as you can see."

Tsunade began barking orders telling what doctors she wanted treating which patients. As the doctors left with their charges, Sakura noticed that Kiba was bleeding from a wound on his side. Having not received any orders herself she approached the Inuzuka saying, "Here let me look at that Kiba."

"Forget it I'm not letting you anywhere near me," Kiba snorted, "I'll wait for somebody who I can trust to look at it."

Sakura couldn't help but look hurt at the Inuzuka's words. She was just about to go find a doctor to look at Kiba's wound when Tsunade snapped, "Then you can bleed out for all I care, because there is a fully qualified medic right there," punctuating the end of her sentence by pointing at Sakura. Everybody still in the lobby had been surprised by Tsunade's outburst considering in the past when similar incidents had happened she had just let them unfold.

Kiba grumbled something under his breath, but in the end allowed Sakura to treat him there in the lobby. When she had finished treating Kiba, Sakura looked to thank her master for her kind words but found she must had gone into one of the surgery bays.

Later that night Tsunade was working on some of the paperwork she had to deal with from running the hospital. While she cursed the fact her life still had large amount of paperwork in it despite not being Hokage she found she didn't mind as much due to it being for the hospital. Hearing a knock on her door she bade the person to enter. She barely contained her surprise when Kakashi the 6th Hokage entered.

"What can I do for you Lord Hokage," Tsunade said interlocking her fingers in front of her.

Chuckling Kakashi said, "I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing that."

"Give it time you will," Tsunade said smiling behind her hands, "now as to the purpose behind your visit."

"Oh you know, just touring the village," Kakashi said while giving an eye-smile. "Also, I'm investigating an interesting rumor I've heard."

Surprised she said, "And that rumor led you here."

"Well considering that it concerned you yes," Kakashi said still giving off an air of good cheer. "It would seem that Tsunade the terrible; scourge of her medical staff was in a good mood all day long today. She even went so far as defending her old apprentice from some harsh words from Kiba."

Blushing at the nickname her staff had given her over the past year she said, "Is it a crime for a woman to be in a good mood."

Holding his hands up in a placate manner he said, "Not at all, but when that woman has moped around the hospital for the past year it tends to stand out." Getting closer and leaning over her desk scrutinizing her face he said, "Now I could either believe the rumor that you have taken a lover who rocked your world or go with what my gut tells me and that is you have recently received some good news."

Tsunade tried to keep the surprise off of her face saying, "It's neither of the above I simple realized moping around as you put it wasn't honoring either of their memories."

Leaning back from the Sannin, he said, "Hmmm, I thought you would be a better liar." Instead of clarifying he left her office leaving a very confused Tsunade. She hadn't wanted to lie to her village leader but a promise was a promise. Besides obviously Kakashi had his own theories on just why she had been so happy during the day and she was willing to bet that his theory was spot on.

Standing in the Tsuchikage office Shibuki watched as the village of Iwa was burned to the ground by his and Grass's shinobi. He didn't want to, yet he would admit to feeling satisfaction at the site. Iwa had been a constant thorn in Waterfall's side for years and the reason his father had died so young from drinking the Hero's Water. When Madara had first approached him about joining the Lesser Country Alliance with the Akatsuki he had wanted to say no. However the fact that they had seven of the Bijuu as well as had been preparing for this war for decades had forced his hand. He felt bad for betraying Konoha yet felt it was the right thing to do for his people. The fact that Iwa was being reduced to cinders before him reinforced that he had made the right decision.

The reason that two supposedly weaker countries could take a one of the Five Great Villages was because apparently old animosities died hard for Oonoki. After the devastating loss against Waterfall, when Madara had released Shukaku, instead of asking his allies for help the Tsuchikage had attempted to hide just how weak they had become from everyone. Once Akatsuki's spies had uncovered the Tsuchikage's deception Madara had charged him with leading the Grass and Waterfall forces to take the village. It had almost been too easy, not that he was complaining.

"Enjoying the view?" asked the smooth voice of Madara who had just teleported in.

"I would be lying if I said a part of me doesn't enjoy it, considering Iwa's past transgressions against my home," Shibuki answered honestly.

"It's good to hear such honesty in ones allies," Madara replied, "What do you have to report?"

"The village fell easily as expected," Shibuki said turning from the window. "Oonoki has been captured for a man of his advanced age he was surprisingly strong."

"Age isn't everything now is it," Madara said lightly.

Nodding his head in acknowledgment of the ancient Uchiha's point, Shibuki carried on saying, "There are still some scattered forces fighting us but it is only a matter of time."

"Excellent," Madara said pleased, "Did they mange to get a message off to the Shinobi Alliance?"

"No"

"Very good," Madara said. "Once your forces have succeeded here, we'll begin taking the various outposts and forts in the north."

"What should we do with the Tsuchikage?" Shibuki questioned.

"We'll hold on to him for now. Who knows holding onto their leader may sap the fighting spirit of Earth's remaining forces." Having nothing left to add Madara used his teleportation and warped out of the room.

Shikamaru took a deep breath before entering E's office, aware that the news he had wasn't going to be towards the Raikage's liking and mindful of the man temper. Entering the imposing man looked up from some file he was studying and asked, "What is it Shikamaru?"

"I'm sorry to report our scouting team didn't make it to Iwa. Hell, they did even make it a mile past Grass's border before being repulsed," Shikamaru informed. He then did an internal countdown in his head starting from five when he hit one the large man as expected smashed his desk into kindling.

"Dammit," E shouted, "How are they able to locate us so soon after crossing their borders?"

"I don't know sir, perhaps some sort of massive Detection Barrier Jutsu," Shikamaru surmised.

"Do you know the amount of chakra such a large jutsu would require," E said not convinced.

"Yes sir," Shikamaru replied, "About a tailed beast worth."

"I suppose your right," E conceded, "but why only use it in Grass and Waterfall?"

"I think it has to do with Akatsuki having some sort of massive operation happening in Iwa," Shikamaru said after a moment of thinking.

"Well at least Oonoki will tie up there forces for a while if your right," E said.

Shikamaru put a cigarette in his mouth and after lighting it said, "I don't think Iwa is as strong as the Tsuchikage claimed they were after that disastrous campaign in Waterfall at the wars start."

E leaned back into his chair then waved for Shikamaru to continue. Doing as instructed Shikamaru said, "I've been looking over the reports from the campaign and they don't add up. I think he took more damage then he claimed and then tried to cover it up."

"Why?"

Shrugging his shoulders Shikamaru said, "I guess he didn't fully trust in the Alliance."

Standing E began pacing saying, "That senile old fool, does he realize what his suspicions may have cost us?"

"If I'm right sir," Shikamaru answered, "I think he does now, because I don't think Iwa would be capable of repulsing a serious assault."

"We need to find out what the hell is happening in Earth country then," E said then asked, "Do you have any ideas?"

"Suna's mercenary seems to be able to move freely into and out of Akatsuki territory," Shikamaru said. "I think it's time we ask Gaara to allow us to hire his services."

Not liking it but agreeing E said, "Very well. I trust you'll let Temari know of our desire to hire the mercenary."

"I already did sir, she tells me Gaara plans to bring a representative of the mercenary with him to the Kages meeting," Shikamaru said.

"Nodding his head E asked, "By the way. How is it Sand seems to have no problem communicating with its forces here?"

"Temari won't say sir," Shikamaru answered but hypothesized, "They may have sort of secret method that they fear sharing with the other countries. They probably think if they tell everyone else it will allow Akatsuki's spies to get a hold of it."

Accepting that as a possibility E said, "I'll ask Gaara about it during the meeting. That's all Shikamaru your dismissed." Before Shikamaru could leave though E looked at his desk and then sheepishly said, "Um, could you have somebody send me up another desk."

Shikamaru just smirked before opening the door to the office and two shinobi came in with a new one. After he was left alone in his office E silently hoped the mercenary lived up to his reputation.

The hotel room that Suna proved for the mercenary Kyo was currently filled with the passionate cries of the two individuals occupying it. Naruto had found when he returned that Konan was in one of her more promiscuous moods and he had been more than ready to reciprocate to forget the pain of seeing Sakura again. As they reached the crescendo of their love-making they each called out a name. Konan, although thinking of someone else, at least had the decency to call out her partner's name.

After they had caught their breath Naruto got up not bothering to cover himself and began heading to the shower when Konan said, "You know you called me by 'Her' name again."

Naruto stopped and without turning to her said, "Sorry."

"You know unlike me the one you love is still alive;" Konan said calmly "You should tell her."

"For what purpose, she loves someone else," Naruto replied.

"Then why don't you try and find someone else," Konan said despite knowing how he would reply.

Looking back over his shoulder he said sadly, "We don't always get to choose who it is we love do we Konan?"

Konan thinking of her own great love just nodded. Naruto figuring the conversation was over head to the shower. As he cleaned himself Konan said, "Gaara wants me to accompany him to the Five Element Village for the Kages' meeting."

"Why?"

"Apparently he thinks it's time you began offering your services to more than just Suna," Konan answered. She then said sticking her head into the bathroom, "I'm going to my room. Are you okay with me going with Gaara?"

Naruto thought about it for a moment. The truth was he wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea. Seeing as how he would have to interact with Konoha and that meant possible working with Sakura. But he had weeded out most of the Akatsuki's forces in Suna with the shinobi of the Sands help. So if he wanted to remain in this war, he would have to chance it. With that in mind he said, "Yeah, go ahead Konan. Try and get me a good mission would you."

Smiling she said, "Of course, otherwise I'd have to listen to you complain."

After she left, Naruto just stood under the spray of the water as he thought about how he and Konan had ended up in this sort of relationship. It had happened shortly after he had helped her escape from Rain. There had been a huge battle between them and the Hunter-nin pursuing Konan on the Rain-Wind border. After it was over and they were both safely inside Wind Country they had stopped at a hotel and one thing led to another. The next morning Konan had made it clear that it was just a means of stress relief for her and that it didn't mean anything. Naruto was only to ready to agree, although he sometimes felt like he was cheating on Sakura which he knew was ridiculous. However, they both agreed to use each other in order to at least temporarily forget the pain they felt because of the people they loved. As a result Naruto had learned that despite her calm and collected appearance when alone Konan was a very sensual person. Sometimes he wondered if the reason Nagato was so emaciated was because Konan was always draining him of bodily fluids.

As he exited the shower and got dressed, he wondered just what sort of missions the other Shinobi Nations would have for him to do. Getting a little giddy at the thought of having challenging missions again he decided to head out for a little training to get himself ready.

Kakashi sat in front of the various jounin and chunin of the leaf with the two elders sitting just behind him on either side. Calling the meeting to order he said, "As you are all aware the Kage's summit is in a few days. As such I have decided that the people who will accompany me as bodyguards will be Kiba Inuzuka, Rock Lee, and Sakura Haruno."

He knew Sakura's inclusion was a surprise too many seeing as how she hadn't been out of the village since the tragedy with Naruto, but Kakashi had never doubted her so felt it was time she got some missions under her belt.

Yet surprise wasn't the only emotion in play as Kiba said angrily, "Why would you want to take her with you?"

He could see the hurt pass over Sakura's face. As well as the looks of the various Shinobi present who agreed with Kiba. Giving a smile to the assembled shinobi so that they didn't see his disappointment with how they were treating one of their own he said, "She is on the mission in case you screw up. If that should happen, I thought it would be prudent to have one of the best medics in the village nearby."

Kiba looked a little put off by Kakashi's comment but he could see Sakura brighten at his words so considered it a fair trade. Calling the meeting to an end everyone got up and left yet he wasn't too surprised when Sakura remained behind.

Walking up to her old sensei she said, "Thank you, sir."

Sighing Kakashi said, "You can call me Kakashi-sensei you know. Calling me sir makes me feel old. Besides Sakura I meant every word. You shouldn't let the others put you down like that. What happened to the little firecracker I remember?"

Sakura sighed as they began walking out of the meeting room, "I guess she can't blame them for hating me. My obsession with Sasuke cost the village something to precious to be replaced."

"Sakura you went there with the best of intentions," Kakashi said trying to help his student, "I know you went there to kill Sasuke but you weren't ready for the burden. This whole mess was my fault not yours. I should have been a better sensei."

Sakura looked startled at his admission and tried to say, "Kakashi-sensei…"

But Kakashi interrupted her saying, "But that's in the past Sakura. All we can do is move forward. Don't become like me and waste years worrying over past mistakes so much that you don't pay attention to the present." Giving her his famous eye smile he said, "Who knows what you will miss as a result."

Reaching his office he said, "I'll see you at the gates tomorrow Sakura."

Feeling buoyed by Kakashi's words she said, "Right." Then before he could enter the office she said, "Thank you Kakashi-sensei."

After talking with Kakashi, Sakura went home to pack for the mission. As she was putting clothes into her pack she stopped to look at the picture on her nightstand. Feeling the familiar guilt and pain welling up inside her she wished it was as easy as Kakashi made it sound to forget the past. While it was too late to change what happened back then, she could do as Kakashi said and try to not make any more mistakes in the present.

With that in mind and with her bag packed she made one last stop before turning in for the night. Heading to the I.T. department she made her way down to the lower levels where the prisoners were kept.

Having been here before, the two Anbu on duty outside Sasuke's cell let her pass without a fuss. Entering the room she could see the various seals placed around the room ensuring that should Sasuke awaken he would be unable to wield any chakra. She could feel the room's effect of her the second she entered. The cell was spare with just a single cot and a chair as furniture. Sitting in the chair she took out an apple and began peeling it. As she finished and cut it into slices she was hit by a feeling of Déjà Vu as she remembered doing this before in a similar setting. Thinking back to that day when Naruto and Sasuke had fought on the hospital roof she was hit with a sudden wave of sadness. As she ate one of her apple slices she wondered if that was the day when Team Seven died.

Looking at one of the slices on her plate, she felt foolish as she remembered peeling an apple for Sasuke while he was recovering from injuries he sustained on a mission. He hadn't even noticed her the entire time she had sat there. Looking at him now in his catatonic state she said bitterly, "I guess nothing has changed huh? No that's not true, this time Naruto isn't going to be entering the room is he."

Putting her plate down and standing she said, "Sasuke I've come to say good-bye. I know as you are now you probably don't care. I doubt you would have cared to much even four years ago, but I dreamed you would one day warm up to me."

Crossing her arms around her midsection, Sasuke became watery as tears entered her vision continuing she said sobbing lightly, "But that dream cost me and the village something precious. I wonder do you dream about the day you took Naruto's life. And, if so do you regret it?"

Sighing she added, "No, I guess you wouldn't. After that day I read the report about what happened between you two at the Valley at the End. How Naruto could still want you back after hitting him with two chidoris is beyond me. I used to think it was because of the promise he made to me, but he told me he had his own reasons when I confessed to liking him in order to get him to give up on you. Yet he wouldn't, I think he liked to believe some part of you can still be redeemed."

Her tears now falling freely she said, "Ever since we were little I believed I loved you. But it has cost me so much. Instead of training to become stronger I wanted to look pretty for you. Did you ever care for me as anything other than a teammate? I thought you did on that night you left and told me thank you. But I feel now that you just were recognizing that I cared for you not that you reciprocated my feelings. Yet I clung to the hope that you felt something for me as well so much so that I begged Naruto to bring you back knowing he had feeling for me."

Crying harder Sakura said between sobs, "And he tried so hard to keep his promise to me. So much so that even bandaged and in the hospital he was worried I would be upset that he had failed me, the noble little fool. Yet here you are now and all I wish is that Naruto was here. That I can tell him the price wasn't worth it and that not everything I said to him that day was a lie but a confession of a confused girl who didn't know what she had until it was gone."

Drying her eyes and composing herself she made her way to the door. Just before knocking to have the Anbu open the cell she decided to end her one way conversation with him using two words like he did four years ago, "Good-bye."