A/N: I am sorry it took so long for me to update, my new job is pretty demanding as is college, but I will be working on this again. Enjoy this chapter, the next is already in the works!

Chapter twelve

Friendship...

He sat in darkness as he listened to those around him make plans against his one time home. He again told himself he didn't care, but he was worried. It seemed from what they were saying Naruto had run off from the village shortly after their battle and had yet to return. He turned away from those around him and stood up walking to the simple room he lived in, he shut the door locking it. He needs help…the voice in his head whispered.

"I doubt he'd even accept my help if I offered it. I betrayed him, tried to kill while calling him my brother…" he answered to the voice. He was used to it by now, it was always there trying to remind him what he had left behind. Sometimes he was grateful for it, it seemed the more he trained the more he forgot who he once was. He needs someone right now! The voice screamed in his head. He stood straight narrowing his eyes, he could track Naruto, he had done so before and he would prove to the voice that Naruto was fine. He unlocked his door and took off making sure no one saw him as he left the base. He leapt high in the air landing feet away still running. His speed had increased already he thought somewhat pleased. He had no idea where to look, but instead he stopped thinking and let his feet take him. Sometimes one had to trust in something other than their mind…

Naruto slowly opened his eyes, his body was in agony, he lay where he had fallen. He started to move only to be thrown into a coughing fit, hacking up blood. He lay still as to not awaken the pain that seemed to hover over him. His throat hurt beyond what seemed realistic. He raised a shaking hand and touched it bringing it away to stare at the blood that now covered his hand. He closed his eyes coughing more. He sighed when the coughs finally stopped opening his eyes he stared out to the forest suddenly calm. He smiled thinking Arashi would be proud to know he had finally managed to get his anger and other emotions under check. He would wait, they would come back and then he would explain what had happened, they would find Akika and bring her back to safety, and then he would train…with that final thought he drifted into a light slumber.

He sped up faster something was wrong, he couldn't explain how he knew it as his eyes narrowed, without thinking he activated sharingan. Up ahead he stared in utter shock, a house became to appear. He landed in a tree near it staring at it in shock, then he narrowed his eyes looking around, he spotted the still form that lay underneath the over hang and caught his breath.

"It…" he became and leapt to land beside the body, he shook his head his eyes wide. His hand instantly went to find a pulse and he breathed a sigh of relief. He frowned at the condition his one time friend was in. he glanced around noting that it seemed as if people actually lived in the house, sighing again he shifted taking up the blonde's weight and slowly dragged him into the closet room. Setting him down he stared in shock as blue eyes opened glazed over with pain. Then the shock entered them, the blonde genin coughed trying to talk, moving to sit up, but he quickly pushed him back down.

"Stay still Naruto." He commanded. Naruto's eyes widened.

"Sa…suke!" he said before he passed out from pain. Sasuke shook his head and quickly stood, it seemed the house was well stocked which means there should be some medical supplies. Quickly he rushed off, finding them in the near by bathroom. He frowned shaking his head, Naruto didn't seem to be the same, he mused as he rushed back to find the blonde awake and sitting up. Naruto stared at Sasuke who calmly walked back to sit by his side. The blue eyes went to the mark on his shoulder and Sasuke sighed.

"I'll stay until I'm sure you'll survive, I cant stay any longer than that Naruto…I can't go back." He said simply and gently pushed his friend to lay back down. Naruto stared up at him, his eyes sad, Sasuke shook his head as he pulled the clothes Naruto wore off slowly staring at the damage. He shook his head again and quickly set to work again, he felt Naruto grab one of his arms. He turned and met his friend's eyes, and the look nearly had him gasping. The once happy filled eyes were filled with such sorrow and turmoil that Sasuke couldn't believe.

"You have to go back…Sakura-chan is waiting for you…" Naruto managed before he passed out again. Sasuke stared down at his friend, he blinked and shook his head a serious expression on his face as he worked.

Several hours later Sasuke found himself leaning against the wall watching over his friend. Naruto hadn't woken since he had last spoke. Did you think he would? The voice within him laughed. Sasuke growled out loud at it. But he glanced, dawn would be approaching soon, if he didn't leave now, Orochimaru would most likely begin to wonder where he had gotten off to if he didn't return. And why should it matter if snake for brains wonders where you are? The voice asked. Sasuke sighed.

"I can't go back to Konoha, not until I am strong enough. And he is the key to that strength." He said and stood rolling his shoulders. He looked down at Naruto's pale face and felt actual pain. Twice now, he would have left Naruto. Shaking his head he walked to the door, Naruto would survive he had to…because someday he would come for him. And they would fight again. Only the ending of that battle…Sasuke thought casting one last glance behind at his friend…only one would survive that battle…with a gust of wind he was gone, leaving the door open for the wind to touch Naruto's face. He stirred slowly, wincing as he opened his eyes, he stared defeated at the ceiling, he knew…he knew it would be pointless to try and go after Sasuke this time…closing his eyes he let himself fall into a deep sleep…holding onto one thing…that Sasuke came.

Hours later Naruto woke to a hand touching his face, looking up he met eyes he knew well.

"Naruto what happened?" demanded the silver haired man. Naruto closed his eyes and shifted to sit up.

"They took Akika, Ky ran off after he dragged me back here…"he said, he knew better than to mention that Sasuke had come, the fact that he had left again would count against him. He jumped as a hand ruffled his hair.

"We will find out where they took Akika, don't worry. Though I'm wondering if we should head back to Konoha after all. It might be a good idea, it would also inform the Hokage what has been going on." Kakashi said. Naruto bit his lip.

"Can we wait just a little bit longer?" he asked.

"I agree, I am still not in shape, and before people find out I am actually alive I would like to actually have my strength back." Arashi said from the door way. Kakashi sighed and stood shaking his head.

"If you ask me you two are just afraid to face Tsuande." Jiraiya called out from outside, Naruto blinked and laughed nervously. Arashi sent a glare at the sannin.

"I am not afraid of her, but I have a feeling the minute we go back, the real fights will begin. And I am not going to sit idly by." Arashi said, he glanced at Naruto.

"And Naruto, what aren't you telling us?" he asked. Naruto jumped and stared at the fourth hokage, he looked down and let out a slow sigh.

"Sasuke was here, but he said he wasn't coming back until he was strong enough…he seriously believes that Orochimaru is the only way he is going to get stronger." He stared down at his hands and blinked, no one said a word. Looking up he saw all three men were looking at each other.

"What…?" Naruto began but Arashi clapped his hands together.

"Naruto get some rest, Jiraiya, Kakashi spar with me." He said and left the room. Naruto opened his mouth again but Kakashi chuckled.

"After a nights rest your body will be fine, and then you can join us." Kakashi stated and left the room sliding the door shut. Naruto blinked for a few moments then groaned slumping back. That reaction was not what he had imagined would be if he told them about Sasuke. He closed his eyes and sighed, he was defiantly going to have to hunt down his friend and knock some real sense into him.