(A/N: It's Naruto's time to shine! And we find out just what the hell is wrong with Sakura! Oh, but I promise you, it's nothing good. And now with Amegakure's crisis….Boy, are we in for an emotional breakdown. It's not in this chapter but it will be in the next one.)
Konohagakure…..Dawn
"How is she, Baa-chan?" Naruto asked as soon as Shizune and Tsunade came out of the operating room. Jiraiya shifted behind him on his seat, leaning to the side to resume his sleep. Tsunade nodded at Shizune, who sighed and walked off down the corridors of the hospital. Tsunade turned to the blond Chunin in front of her.
"Who are in charge of you two?" When she saw Naruto slightly confused and irritated expression, she sighed. The news was not going to fit well with him. "Who is your guardian?"
"Uchiha Itachi," Naruto muttered out with a little resentment in his tone. He wanted to see his teammate. He wanted to know just what the hell happened to her back in Tanzaku Gai. He also wanted to know just who in all of Fucktown would want to poison his girlfriend. He didn't care about Itachi, or Amegakure, or even Gaara this moment. Sakura was the only one in his mind and Tsunade was pissing him off even more than he already was.
Tsunade's eyes widened considerably when she regarded this. Uchiha Itachi was the one who had annihilated the entire Uchiha clan, save for one member besides himself. These kids wouldn't be hanging around a dangerous man like him. Before she could ponder even more on the subject, Naruto rudely interrupted her.
"Baa-chan, if you don't tell me how Sakura-chan is holding up right now, I will release Kyuubi in all of Konoha!"
It was an empty threat, they both knew that but Naruto didn't have any other choice. He was desperate by now and Tsunade stalling wasn't helping his cause.
Tsunade took a deep breath and sat down on one of the chairs against the wall. Gulping down to damp her suddenly dry throat, she sighed. "Sakura was somehow wounded on the right side of her abdomen not many hours ago. She was either attacked, missed something during training or got scratched by a certain substance and it poisoned her. We were too late to extract the poison before it couldn't do any damage."
"What's that supposed to mean? Baa-chan, I'm practically dying out of desperation here. Stop stalling and tell me what's going on." Naruto finally pleaded, his eyes changing from a stormy sky to a sorrowful ocean.
Sighing again, Tsunade stood up and walked over to the window in the hallway. Her eyes travelled through the streets, taking in the scenery. It was comforting to be home and not worry about any debts. However, if this is how things are going to be, hectic and everything, she'd rather stay with that kind of lifestyle.
"The scratch was in her lower abdomen. It attacked the closest organs; her ovaries." Tsunade turned to Naruto to see his reaction. His slightly confused, yet pained, gaze told her millions of things. She let out a shaky breath, slightly nervous about the news she was about to bestow on him.
"Sakura won't be able to have any children."
Sunagakure…..
Kankuro leaned back in his seat, narrowing his eyes at his younger brother. Gaara stared back at him with his arms crossed. Kankuro's eye twitched slightly but he didn't dare move. Gaara raised his non-existent eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. The older male frowned, struggling to keep his eyes open. The redhead chuckled. Then, Kankuro blinked.
"Ugh! Damn it!" Kankuro glowered, slamming his fists down at the table. Gaara rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair.
"I told you not to challenge me in a staring contest. What did you think I did whenever I hadn't been able to sleep at night?" Gaara asked and Kankuro glared at him. Temari sighed and shook her head. Gaara glanced at her then back at his brother. He was about to say something else but someone crashed in through the doors of the restaurant and ran over to them.
"Gaara-sama, Akatsuki has been called to an emergency in Amegakure. You are to gather up the rest of your group and leave immediately." The Suna Chunin informed and, by the time he was done speaking, Gaara was already out the door.
"What's going on?" Temari asked as Kankuro and she stood up to face the Chunin. The Chunin turned to them and his grim face told them something very wrong was happening.
"Amegakure no Sato has been attacked."
Konohagakure Hospital…..
Naruto stared at Tsunade, his eyes showing just how pained he was with the news. He slumped against the wall behind him and slid down to the ground, gripping the fabric of his pants.
Sakura won't have babies. She won't be able to accomplish her dream of starting a family; their family. After she had worked so hard to rip hers from her heart and failed only slightly, she can't and she won't have one of her own. They can't start their own clan, or rebuild his. One of their dreams have been crushed and, as he gripped his legs tighter, he promised himself he would find the bastard that did this to her – to them – and kill him.
"Tsunade-sama!" Naruto snapped out of his sadistic thoughts when a Chunin came running down the hall to them, calling out Tsunade.
'Great. I've only been here for five hours and I'm already getting a headache.' Tsunade thought as she turned to face the frantic Chunin. He stopped in front of her and Naruto realized it was one of the Chunin from the first part of the Chunin Exams. Izumo, if his memory serves him right. "What is it, Izumo?"
Gathering his breath, Izumo spilled the beans. "Amegakure has been attacked. A messenger bird asks for backup and the rest of Akatsuki to report back immediately. Sunagakure has been contacted and they're already on their way. It's really grave, milady."
Before Tsunade could even think, Naruto interrupted. "No way. Pein has the best security in the entire nation. How could anyone penetrate it?" The blonde was frowning and his voice was calm but his stance was ready if he needed to sprint.
Izumo shook his head, "We don't have many details. The message had been written in a hurry."
Tsunade let out a curse. "Get me the list of able teams ASAP. We need to dispatch them now. Go, Izumo!" The Chunin nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Tsunade turned to Naruto. "You'll be leading the squads. Get ready."
"What about Sakura-chan?"
"She just finished surgery. She's fast asleep and won't wake up for a while. I'll watch over her. Just go, Amegakure needs you." Naruto glanced at the door of Sakura's room before nodding. "Get your things and wait at the gates. I'll send the teams over."
Naruto nodded again and disappeared in a whirlwind. Tsunade sighed and sat down in one of the chairs in the hall. "I need sake," Her mutter made Jiraiya, who had been listening in this entire time, chuckle. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
"Good luck getting some of that into the office." Jiraiya commented before opening his eyes and stretching. Before Tsunade could protest on her becoming Hokage, he turned to the window and stood up. "I'm going on ahead of them. I want to confirm something before they arrive."
When Tsunade didn't say anything, Jiraiya chuckled. "Nice generation we have today. They have what we were lacking back then."
"And what would that be?"
Jiraiya looked at her over his shoulder. "The will to keep going, even when boundaries are drawn. And I'm not just talking about those two and their teammate. Everyone their age seems to think alike." He squared his shoulders, "I'm leaving. See you in the office later, Hime."
Before Tsunade could throw something at him, he disappeared. Tsunade sighed and leaned back, repeating what she had said earlier.
"I need sake."
Konohagakure Front Gates…..
Naruto paced in front of the gates back and forth. By him, Kotetsu shifted in his seat inside the guard duty booth. Naruto dug inside one of the pockets in his Chunin vest and pulled out a scroll. He gripped it tightly before shaking his head and putting it back inside his pocket. 'Pein said we could only wear it whenever he told us to. But I haven't worn it since we met Gaara and Gaara doesn't have one, yet. Gah! It wouldn't even fit me anymore.'
"Naruto," The blonde turned around, blinking when Team Seven, minus Kota, Team Eight, Team Ten, Shizune and a four-man team of Anbu stood in front of him. It was Sasuke who had spoken. "What's going on? We were told to meet at the Front Gates immediately; that there was an emergency and the one leading us would be here."
"And where's Sakura and Gaara? You three are always together." Amaya asked, raising her eyebrow when Naruto clenched his fists.
"Gaara's still in Suna and Sakura-chan's in the hospital." Naruto grounded out but then shook his head to get rid of his thoughts. "I'm your leader. I'll brief you the details but we don't have much time. I'll tell you while we're on the way." When he got sixteen nods, he took off and set a pace he knew was comfortable for the Jonin and Anbu but a little straining for the Genin and newly made Chunin.
Half an hour into the trip, Naruto decided it was time to talk. "Amegakure was attacked by an unknown source. They asked for help from Konoha and Suna. Sunagakure is a little closer than Konoha so they should be on their way there. We're being sent as backup."
"So, you don't know who attacked Ame?" Kiba asked and Akamaru yelped at them from his place in the brunette's hood. Naruto shook his head and jumped into the trees, the rest following his example.
"The message was written in a hurry. It only asked for Akatsuki and backup."
"Akatsuki? What's that?" Ino asked. Naruto glanced behind him at the Genin. He saw they all were staring at his back questioningly, except for Sasuke and Shino. Then again, he couldn't really tell what Shino had on his mind.
'The guy gives me the creeps,'
"It's a group in Amegakure. Our main objective is to maintain peace in the world and strengthen ties between nations. An example of this is to gather up Nukenin and try to convince other lands to drop the charges on them. It's worked so far with a few, like Deidara from Iwagakure and the three of us. We're working on Sasori of Sunagakure and Uchiha Itachi from Konoha."
"Have you had any failures?" Kakashi asked, quite intrigued with the prospect. Naruto tensed then relaxed.
"Momochi Zabuza and his partner Haku from Kirigakure are still under probation." Naruto said, getting a gasp and a thoughtful hum in return.
"That guy that attacked us in our mission to Nami? Are you crazy! The guy's dangerous." Amaya spoke up, glaring slightly at the blonde in front of them.
Naruto smirked. "That's one of the reasons why we like him. Besides, we've been friends with them for two years. It was bound to happen sooner or later. And you're welcome, by the way." Naruto sent his smirk at her, making her blush from embarrassment.
'He's hot when he does that.' Amaya thought while looking away. She glanced at Ino and saw her blushing, as well. 'Nuh-uh. I have enough competition with Sakura being his girlfriend. I'm not having blondie over here fall for blondie over there.'
Naruto snickered when he saw her reaction, along with Ino and Hinata's, and turned forward. His grin immediately fell from his face and it was replaced by a scowl. 'We need to go faster. But I don't want to tire the Genin out in case we run into the enemy.' With a low sigh, Naruto jumped from one branch to another.
'I really wish any other Akatsuki member were here.'
As if someone up there heard his wish, two familiar scents washed into the area. He grinned when he realized who they were. Kiba seemed to have smelled them, too, because he stopped at a branch and took out his kunai. His team followed his example and, soon, everyone stopped to take fighting stances.
"What the hell are you doing with a bunch of Konoha brats, Blondie?" A mocking voice was heard as Kisame landed right by Naruto. Itachi followed, landing on the blonde's other side. Immediately, the two Uchiha brothers made eye contact. Itachi turned to Naruto when he yelped.
Kisame had grabbed Naruto by his ankle and was holding him upside down. Naruto grunted and crossed his arms over his chest, looking away from the two.
"Let him go, Kisame. Naruto has some questions to answer." Itachi ordered with a sigh. Kisame chuckled and let Naruto go. The blonde yelped when he landed on his head. He sat up, glaring at the shark-like man. Kisame whistled innocently while looking somewhere else.
"What are you doing here, Sensei?" Naruto asked as he stood up and dusted himself off. He glanced at the Konoha ninja. They were still holding their stances and the Anbu seemed ready to knock Itachi's head off.
"I should be asking you the same thing, Naruto. You're supposed to be with Jiraiya-sama looking for Tsunade-sama." Itachi said a glare ready to manifest itself in his coal black eyes.
Naruto blinked and his eyes widened. He looked back at the Konoha bunch before resting his eyes on Itachi and Kisame. His eyes were hard and his shoulders were poised. The two older Akatsuki members tensed immediately at that look.
"I'll explain everything on the way but, right now, we need to get to Amegakure. We can't waste any more time." Naruto said while looking between the two. Kisame sent Itachi a questioning gaze. Itachi nodded slowly before turning to the group.
"Who is in charge here?"
"I am, Sensei." Naruto spoke up immediately after the question was asked. Itachi looked back at him and nodded again. Naruto looked at the Konoha Shinobi and jerked his head forward. Kisame and Itachi jumped off and Naruto followed. Sasuke was the first of the bunch to follow the three Akatsuki members and his comrades tailed him.
Konohagakure Hospital….The Next Day
"What do you mean Amegakure was attacked!" Sakura demanded while sitting up. She instantly regretted it as a surging pain shot through her lower abdomen. Moaning in pain, she grabbed her stomach.
Tsunade sighed in frustration and rubbed her temples. These brats were getting on her nerves. "Listen, Sakura, I sent Naruto and four other teams for backup-"
"I don't care about the damn backup! How was Ame attacked! Pein-sama has the best security in the land!" Sakura took a deep breath to calm down and think over this when Tsunade glared at her. "Do you at least know who did it?"
The blonde Sanin shook her head, "No idea."
Sakura leaned back in her position and let out a shaky breath. First, it was the news about her being unable to bear children and now this? Things were progressing up to a point where it was Hell on Earth and she didn't like it one bit.
"When did you send them?"
"Yesterday,"
"Have you gotten any news, yet?"
"No."
Sakura groaned, "Damn it all." She hit the back of her head with the headboard, frowning at the slight pain the action brought. "And I can't get out of here until I'm completely healed," It wasn't much of a question but rather a statement. At Tsunade's nod, Sakura sighed. "This bites. I hate being stuck in a hospital bed."
Tsunade sighed and stood up to pat her leg. "We all do, Sakura. Now get some rest. You'll need your strength if you're going back to Ame." The blonde left the room and Sakura leaned back in her bed.
'I really hope everyone's fine. I wouldn't know what I'd do if something were to happen to any one of them.'
Amegakure…..
"What the hell happened here?" Kisame whispered as the group walked through the gates into the village.
Houses were destroyed, buildings were burnt to the ground and shops were barely hanging on in their structures. There was debris everywhere and the small fires lighting up in random places alarmed everyone. It looked as if a mayor massacre had just happened and no one survived. In fact, there seemed to be no one around.
Naruto looked around, his eyes wide in horror. However, what worried the three Akatsuki members more was the fact that it wasn't raining. Itachi maintained an impassive face but his chakra was spiking frantically.
"Naruto, Kisame, Sensei!" They turned to the voice and the blonde was relieved when Gaara, Sasori, Deidara and three other Suna teams, one Genin and the other two Anbu, came into view. Gaara ran over to Naruto and looked at the entire group. His cold eyes landed on the blond again. "Where's Sakura?"
"I'll explain later. Right now, I want to know just what the hell happened here." Naruto demanded, his eyes trailing over to the Suna groups before landing on Gaara.
"We don't know ourselves. We only just got here ten minutes ago through the West gates. We were looking for you guys." Gaara explained, only succeeding in making Naruto curse. "Naruto, it hasn't rained in hours." Gaara commented. That's when the blonde took in the state of the untouched grass. They looked ready to die.
"These herbs survive when water is being constantly fed to them. They don't smell burned so the enemy wasn't the one who put them in that state." Naruto considered then ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"What are we going to do?" Gaara asked, his eyes landing on Itachi.
The older Uchiha shook his head. "Naruto's in charge of this mission. Ask him." Naruto's eyes widened at those words and he turned to Itachi. "You're always depending on Sakura's intellect and commands. Not only you but Gaara, as well. It's time you two learned how to lead a squad. It's a Chunin's job."
"But there are Jonin here-"
"Naruto, I've been your sensei for almost eight years now. I know your strengths and weaknesses. I know you can do this. You've spent years planning and observing for your pranks to be successful. You know the village's layout more than Pein does. These guys are counting on you, survivors are counting on you. I have faith in you, Naruto. You can lead a village."
Naruto clenched his teeth as he turned away from everyone and wiped furiously at his eyes. It was the first time Itachi acknowledged him aloud. His dream had always been to have people acknowledge him, especially those important to him. Another of his dreams was to lead a village so that people could look up to him. He had been planning on being Pein's successor and leading Amegakure after Pein retired.
Now it was his turn to do both.
Gathering his conscience and thoughts again, Naruto turned to everyone. "All right, guys. We have work to do. Anbu and Shizune, I want you to go look for any enemies or battles still going on and assist Ame ninja. Team Eight and Suna Genin Team, you guys look for any survivors. Kiba and Akamaru's nose will come in handy here, along with Temari's Futon and Hinata's Byakugan. Team Seven and Team Ten, head for the bunkers at the South of the village. Akatsuki, let's find Pein and the rest of the members. Any survivors are to head over to the East entrance and gates."
Naruto made ten Kage Bunshin. He pointed at the first one. "You show Team Seven and Team Ten the way to the bunkers then look around for survivors."
"Hai!"
Naruto turned to the other nine. "Lock up all the gates and secure the perimeter around the village. Any intruding or upcoming ninja are to hand over their ID and wait for further instruction. Go!" The nine disappeared in whirlwinds. Naruto turned to everyone else. Kisame was smirking at him and Itachi gave an approving nod. Naruto smiled then turned serious. "Let's go, guys!"
Everyone set off to their assignments.
Five Hours Later…..
Gaara grunted as he guided his sand to lift a heavy piece of cement off a pile of smaller pieces of debris. His eyes widened when he took in the form of his superior. He turned around to address his teammate.
"Naruto, I found Konan-nee-chan!" The blonde turned around and jumped over to him. Together, the two dragged her out onto safe ground.
"Nee-chan, can you hear me?" Naruto asked as he looked over her. She was still breathing, meaning she had a pulse. She was unconscious but alive. However, that huge gash in her right ribs was bothering him. Naruto stood up and made a Kage Bunshin, probably the two hundredth one he's made today, and instructed him to take Konan over to the East gates.
When the Bunshin was out of sight, Gaara turned to his brother-like figure. "If Nee-chan's around here, Pein has to be close by." Naruto nodded at his words and sniffed the air, trying to get a scent. All he could smell was debris, smoke and blood; a lot of blood, at that. Not just Konan's but Pein's, too. Naruto's eyes widened. He pointed to a certain pile of tubes and gas pipes.
Gaara swiftly guided his sand to get rid of all the pipes as they walked to the pile. When a stack of certain pipes was removed, the two held back a choked gasp. Pein was lying there, unconscious, with a spear through his stomach and a katana barely digging into his right shoulder blade.
Naruto wasted no time in creating a Bunshin and making it get Shizune. The two dragged Pein out of the piles while being careful with his injuries. Shizune had been close because she went over in less than five minutes. After checking his pulse and internal organs, she turned to the boys.
"I'm gonna' need your help." At their nods, she continued. "Pull the spear out of his stomach when I tell you to." Her hands glowed green and she let them hover over his wound. "Now!" The boys pulled out the spear and, in a second, Shizune was already stopping the flowing blood and sealing the wound.
They proceeded to repeat the process with the katana. Turns out, his wounds weren't serious and they missed fatal organs. He was only unconscious because of chakra exhaustion. Naruto and Gaara carried him over to the East entrance.
When they got there, their eyes widened at the sight. About three hundred civilians were awaiting orders at the gates along with probably a hundred or so Shinobi.
"What happened here?" Naruto muttered as he gazed at the Shinobi helping out the fallen. Most of the civilians were weeping or damning the situation. As the two Chunin approached the groups, they could hear a fight breaking out.
"Who is in charge! We want to know just what the hell happened here!" A civilian man, a young man Naruto recognized as the best baker in the village Ikeda Shiniji, demanded as he looked around. A circle of people had formed around him, where a Chunin was trying to calm him down.
Placing Pein in one of the stretchers that had been in the still-standing hospital, Naruto walked forward to the group after taking a deep breath to calm his nerves down. "I'm in charge, Ikeda-san." Naruto spoke while maintaining a calm look in his eyes. His tone was filled with authority instead of the playfulness and, at times, uncaring nature of his voice.
Shiniji took a step back, his eyes widening. "Naruto-sama," The man narrowed his golden brown eyes at the blonde. "Where's Sakura-sama? She's usually the one leading the drills with the civilians."
Naruto looked down but quickly met the older man's gaze. "Sakura-chan wasn't able to make it due to a serious injury to her organs." His voice came out strained and slightly angry but it didn't seem to affect Shiniji in any way. In fact, the older man only walked to him and placed his hand on his shoulder, offering his understanding.
"What happened to her?" A woman with her child in her arms asked. Naruto looked at her and noticed her expectant gaze. He took a quick glance around, his eyes widening slowly as realization finally hit him. These people were eagerly awaiting his orders. They were depending on him, on all of them. They trusted them completely, and the knowledge that one out of the 'special trio' was hurt unnerved them.
"She's fine. She's in Konoha right now. Sakura-chan couldn't make it because she needs time to recover." Naruto took another look around as the bolts in his head worked rapidly on making a plan. "Now, I want you all to listen carefully. For those who can't hear me, the ones who can will give you the orders." Naruto looked around, finding a pile of rubbish a few feet behind him. He stood on it and let out a loud whistle to get everyone's attention.
Once everyone was looking at him, he began speaking. "I haven't been here long, just approximately five hours and I'm not very well informed of the situation. However, the leadership was given to me. I'm going to ask you to pay very close attention to given orders because this is a major crisis. Now, I need for the women and children to come to my right and for men to come to my left."
As the lines and groups started moving, Naruto could feel himself smiling. They were acknowledging him. They were following his orders. He blinked then asked an Anbu to supervise the progress while he went over to talk to the Konoha Shinobi and the rest of Akatsuki. They were all huddled up inside a tent while the Ame ninja organized the citizens.
"So?" Naruto asked as he approached them.
"It'll take a few days but we'll be in Konoha by the end of the week." Kakashi confirmed and the blonde let out a sigh of relief. "We'll also send a summoning to the Hokage. She'll send more Shinobi for guard duty."
Naruto nodded and sat down, not minding the fact that he would get even dirtier than he already was. With that thought in mind, he took a look around. The Shinobi around him were just as dirty, if not more, as he. They were all covered in dust and ashes.
"Sasuke," The Uchiha turned to Naruto, "Do you think these people could stay in the Uchiha clan estate? At least until we're exactly sure of what to do. Clearly, we can't stay here." Naruto reasoned but his hopes dropped when Sasuke shook his head.
"I haven't been in that place since, well, you know," Sasuke glanced at his older brother, who inwardly was a little surprised at the lack of anger and hatred in his eyes. "I don't have the keys to the estate; the Goikenban does."
"Damn. Where are all these people going to stay, then? We have to do something." Gaara said as finally his indifferent mask broke. Everyone could see just how tired and affected he was by this. Naruto let out a sigh and his shoulders sagged. He ran a hand through his dirty hair as his eyes trailed to the groups of civilians outside.
Asuma nudged Kakashi and they took a few steps back to whisper between each other.
"Kakashi, they're thirteen year olds. They shouldn't be leading this. Maybe we should take command." Asuma sympathized while glancing at the two Jinchuuriki.
"No. I may not know Itachi very well and he may not be on my favourites list but I know enough to notice that he's putting them through a test. Besides, we're Konoha Shinobi. We've no business in this. We're just here for backup." Kakashi gave Naruto a proud look. "Right now, all we can do is guide them in the right direction and help. I'm sure they'll do fine."
Asuma looked at Kakashi then at the kids before sighing and nodding. They walked back to the group, only to find Naruto and Gaara smiling at the girls.
"Really, Hinata, Amaya? You guys would do that?" Naruto asked his disbelief and hope evident in his tone.
The two aforementioned girls blushed at his smile and nodded. "Yeah. I have a few free residences. I'm sure Tou-san and Kaa-san won't mind if it's temporary." Amaya said with a smile of her own. She noticed Ino grunt and turn away slightly, only succeeding in making her smile widen.
Hinata nodded her agreement and the two boys beamed at them. "We could so kiss you right now," Naruto commented as he stood up. Amaya tensed, thinking he was going to do as he said. She started leaning forward as he leaned towards her. She closed her eyes slowly as her heart beat increased in speed. "Oops, excuse me, Amaya." Naruto chuckled as he placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned over her to get a scroll from behind her.
Amaya stared at him as he pulled away and sat down on his previous spot. She crossed her arms and turned away, a pout forming on her lips. She heard a giggle and instantly knew Ino had seen the intentions.
Naruto ignored the two and gave the scroll to Kakashi. "Send a letter to Tsunade-obaa-chan. Tell her everything we've discussed so far and to get the Uchiha Estate keys."
"Naruto, I already told you-"
Naruto turned to Sasuke, interrupting him. "I know, Teme, but it's worth a try. It's Okay with you, right?" The blonde asked after a brief pause. He didn't want to do something against the Uchiha's will. It will only stress him even more and the blonde was already at his limit in not only tolerance and patience, but chakra, as well. You try making hundreds of Kage Bunshin in only just five hours and still walk around giving orders to hundreds of people.
It's fucking tiring.
Sasuke nodded and leaned back against a rock. Naruto gave him a tired smile before looking back up at Kakashi. "Also tell her to negotiate with Hinata and Amaya's parents about the free residences. I know they offered but I don't want any future problems." Kakashi nodded and sat down to begin writing the message.
"Okay, I have a question." Gaara intervened before anyone left or decided to discuss something else. "There are injured people and little kids who clearly need to rest. How are we going to carry them and the supplies in the bunkers?"
"I might be able to help," An Anbu walked into the tent. He took off his mask, and smiled at Naruto and Gaara. "My element affinity is Mokuton. I could build carriages without a sweat."
Naruto beamed at him. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "Thanks…uh…"
"Call me Tenzou."
"Thanks, Tenzou. Can you make at least a hundred?"
"It'll take a while but sure. Any particular design in mind?"
Naruto leaned forward on his knees to think. He shook his head. "Just one that would carry at least five people. We have injured villagers and Shinobi, too, along with small children. We need as much space as possible for supplies as well."
Tenzou nodded and was about to walk out when Asuma placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'll help. Fill me in on any other details later." He nodded at Kurenai and walked out with the Anbu captain.
"Okay, that's pretty much it." Naruto said as he stood up. He stretched, and the girls flinched when his back and joints cracked loudly. "Let's go help out with the supplies. We need to leave as soon as possible before other villages get word of this and decide to attack or something."
Konohagakure…Two Days Later
Sakura walked into the Haruno clan estate and immediately froze at the stares she received. She took a deep breath and resumed her trek to her father's house, ignoring the questioning gazes and the slight glares. 'I forgot how unnerving this was.' She thought as she stopped in front of the main residence of the estate.
Sakura reached up and knocked twice before taking a glance around. Nothing much had changed over the years. The houses were still the same as well as some of the clothing style the clan members used.
The door opening grabbed her attention and she turned back to it to find Hitomi standing there. The younger girl quickly flashed a smile and Sakura couldn't help the smile that etched onto her face, as well.
"Hey, kid, mind if I come in? I have to talk to your father." Sakura said, jerking her head inside. Hitomi smiled again and nodded, stepping aside to let her in. Sakura stepped inside and looked around. 'Everything's still the same around here, too.'
"Tou-san's in his study. You should knock first; he gets angry if we don't." Hitomi said pointing upstairs. Sakura ruffled her hair while settling her gaze on the stairs. "Nee-chan isn't he your dad, too?"
"Genetically, yes, he's my father."
"Gene-…what?" Hitomi tilted her head to the side in a cute way. Sakura looked back down at her and chuckled, dishevelling her hair again.
"Forget it. I just don't have a very good bond with him, that's all. I'll be back in a bit and we'll go out for a walk, all right?"
"I'm not allowed to leave the estate without Tou-san or Kaa-san."
Sakura grunted and rolled her eyes, kneeling down to her level. She grimaced for a second before noticing the worried look on her sister's face. She smiled at her and poked her belly. "I'm your Nee-chan. We're going out for a walk whether you like it or not. Maybe we'll catch lunch, too, but that's up to you." She stood up again, using the small table by the couch for support.
"Nee-chan, are you okay?" Hitomi asked, her eyes trailing over to the way Sakura held her lower stomach in pain. Sakura shook her head slightly and ruffled her hair again.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be right down, okay?" Sakura smiled at her once more before making her way up the stairs, a frown overtaking her face as pain shot up her abdomen every time she lifted her right leg to take a step upwards. When she reached the top and walked down the hall, she started hearing her parents' voices.
They were arguing about something.
Sakura knocked on the open door twice with her knuckles, grabbing their attention. Keiko instantly smiled and Haiiro glared. Sakura leaned against the doorframe, holding her abdomen. "I'm not here to fight." She was staring at her father, who only glared more.
Keiko noticed the way Sakura was holding her stomach and immediately knew something was wrong. "Sakura, are you okay-"
"I need your help," Sakura interrupted, not breaking her father's gaze. The adults' eyes widened at the statement. Keiko was the first one to recover and she instantly began to fuss about it, asking if it had anything to do with her stomach. "No, Keiko, it's not about my stomach injury. By the way, you should be happy," Her eyes landed on the redhead again, "I'm suffering because I can't have children anymore. I can't have a future family."
Before her mother could ask about it and make her suffer even more on the subject, Sakura continued with the real reason why she was there. "Anyway, I'm here because I got news yesterday that Amegakure got attacked."
"Attacked by whom?" Keiko asked, her eyes widening and temporarily forgetting about Sakura's sudden confession. Sakura looked at her and shook her head in the negative.
"We have no idea. The only one who might have a clue is our leader but he's hurt and unconscious. Anyway, there are approximately three hundred and sixteen villagers and about a hundred and seventy-three Shinobi alive. More than half of the population was wiped out and the village itself is in ruins. Suna and Konoha have sent backup, however, Sunagakure is still on trial for the coup d'état. Konoha has no choice but to help in the matter. You are, after all, in debt to us."
Haiiro remained quiet, absorbing the information like a sponge. "What does that have to do with me helping you?"
Sakura smirked but didn't dare move. The pain was still there, after all. "Uchiha Sasuke has offered his assistance. He donated his clan's estate for the survivors. However, we're still short out of space. Hyuga Hinata has offered the free households in her clan's estate and Hyuga Hiashi agreed. Other clans are still thinking over offering their living space. I came personally to ask for your cooperation."
Haiiro frowned, ready to decline when Sakura, having foreshadowed his intentions, slammed her hand against the door, succeeding in making the entire house rattle slightly. "Damn it, Tou-san, for once put your pride at stake and help! These people are homeless now! Put your hatred for me aside to help as I did in the Chunin Exams! Forget about me; forget about what I've done to you! Just help these people out! If not for me, do it for the alliance between Konoha and Ame, and the people that have suffered this faith!"
Sakura lowered her head, tears threatening to fall down her cheeks. She hadn't cried when she found out about her injury. She hadn't cried when she found out about Amegakure being attacked. But now that she's actually spoken about her thoughts and feelings, she feels like she has to cry. The back of her throat burned and her shoulders were shaking. The back of her eyes stung with unshed tears and her heart clenched in a series of strong emotions.
"Just think that maybe it could've been you asking us for help if we hadn't found out about Orochimaru's plans early." Her voice came out strained, "Just think that maybe Amaya could've died if we all hadn't been ready. Just do something right for once!"
Haiiro stood up, slamming his hands down on his desks. "Don't talk about Amaya like she was trash! She's not weak-"
"Then listen to her!" The damn finally broke and tears started falling down her cheeks. Sakura choked back on a sob and gripped the doorframe tighter. "She was the one who offered the free spaces. She cares, too. Don't do it for me. Do it for the children, for those who are fucked up because some bastard decided it was a good pass time to destroy and bring a village to its knees! This is the only favour I'll ask of you!"
During the entire speech, she hadn't lifted her head. When she did, her pupils were slit and the colour of her eyes had changed from that beautiful emerald green to a raging blue fire shade. The tears and emotion only made those eyes glow even more than usual. Long, thick fangs were sprouting from under her lips. One inch claws had grown on hands and made dents on the wood of the doorframe.
"Tou-san," The tiny, scared voice startled everyone in the room. Sakura moved aside to give her parents a clear view of Hitomi crying behind her. Sakura quickly wiped at her eyes and tried to stop her tears.
Haiiro looked away, a scowl forming on his face. "Leave the room, Hitomi, this is a matter of adults." Hitomi bit her lower lip when Sakura sent him a glare. She clenched her fists and shut her eyes tight.
"Why do you two always have to fight!"
Hitomi turned away and ran downstairs. Keiko made to go after her but Sakura stopped her. "I'll go talk to her. She needs to know the truth, anyway." Sakura turned to Haiiro. "Just think about it. They'll be here by tomorrow noon." Sakura wiped her eyes and cheeks, and let her demonic chakra diminish. "Don't let Amaya down, Haiiro."
With that said Sakura left the room and walked downstairs.
(A/N: Reason as to why Naruto didn't exactly react to the news of Sakura's problem was because, well, he didn't really have time to react. Sakura finally cries after years of all the bottled-up emotions and Gaara seems to get along well with his siblings. There's nothing much to say here so thanks for reading, guys.)
Glossary:
Mokuton- Wood Style takes the form of wood attacks and defences. The usage of this elemental style is a hidden technique unique to Shodaime Hokage and others who possess his same exact genes. Mokuton is formed through the simultaneous usage of Water and Earth styles.