Before The End.
I do not own Naruto. And yes, I am still alive. Please humor me and read the author's note at the end of Before The End. This is a short update, just to get the ball rolling again.
Hokage's tower was dark. The once formidable walls were singed and cracked, and part of the tower was completely impassable. Sakura studied every inch of the building while she and Naruto followed the ANBU up the stairs to the Hokage's office. Though alarmed at the news of Tsunade's removal from office, everyone in Sakura's group knew it was best to play along for the moment. The healer and Naruto parted ways with Sasuke's group quietly, though Sasuke had given Sakura a slight nod before she had walked away. The meaning of that nod was still up for debate.
Sakura wasn't sure what her next plan of action was. If Danzo were a threat—and he certainly seemed to be so far—then was she prepared to fight him? Could there be another, more innocent reason Tsunade was no longer Hokage? Whatever the situation, Skaura would have to determine the truth of the matter. Sasuke's hatred of the Elders fueled the butterflies twirling in the healer's stomach, and she took a deep breath when the doors to the office pulled open.
"Uzumaki Naruto. Haruno Sakura." Danzo was standing, arms crossed, looking away from them out the window. "You have brought Uchiha Sasuke into Konoha. Is that correct?"
"Of course." Naruto peered around the office. "Where's Granny Tsunade? How come no one has been rebuilding the village?"
The new Hokage turned and looked at the members of Team Seven. His face remained impassive. "Tsunade has defected to Suna. I have Hunter Nins out searching for her."
"But Suna is our ally." Sakura placed her hand on Naruto's arm in silent warning.
"Not anymore," Danzo replied. "As loyal ninjas of Konoha, I wish for you two to bring me Uchiha Sasuke. I have matters to discuss with him."
Alarms went off in Sakura's mind. Danzo had known Sakura and Naruto were travelling with Sasuke. For the ANBU not to request the Uchiha's presence initially made the medic suspect Danzo knew Sasuke would not acquiesce to the summons. The Hokage wanted someone Sasuke trusted to lead him into whatever trap had been set. If Madara were in Konoha, there was a good chance he and Danzo had made some kind of bargain. Madara wanted Naruto. Danzo needed Sasuke eliminated if he had any hope for a long reign as Hokage. The medic's eyes narrowed.
"As you wish, Sir," Sakura said before Naruto could argue. "We will return immediately with Uchiha Sasuke. Is there anything else?"
The older man shook his head. "Do not delay. And remember, betrayal is punishable by death."
Author's Note: Yes, it has been a LONG time since I updated. Yes, I will finish this story THIS WEEK.
My news: I have finally signed my first official contract with a publisher for one of my original novels. Please look for it for sale in May 2012. When the official publication date opens, I will post updates on all of my stories with author information. After all, it would help if you knew my real name so you could buy the book, no?
Lastly, the final chapter of this story will signal my official farewell from fanfiction.