The Turning Point
Sakura! Get up! Sasuke's curse mark is getting stronger and Naruto is fighting Gaara alone! You've got the strength just open your eyes!
But I need to rest my bones are broken and I can't help them now. The exhaustion is overwhelming I need rest
You have the chakra to heal yourself now get up and do it. The bones aren't broken their fractured! We have to get Sasuke to Tsunade. She can contact Kakashi, if we don't act soon who knows what that mark Orochimaru gave to him will do.
Sakura opened her eyes slowly at Inner's urging and saw Sasuke lying a few meters away from her staring upwards. Following his gaze Sakura's eyes widened at the sight of a giant toad covering the tree tops. It surprised her even more when she saw the familiar blond spiky hair of her teammate standing upon the great beast. Sakura looked anxiously around for Gaara and realised that the toad had to have been summoned for a reason. Seeing that the Sand demon Shukaku had fully manifested itself Sakura had her answer.
Naruto was able to summon that giant toad? The chakra that a summoning requires he must have had to rely on the Nine Tailed Fox, Sakura thought completely stunned.
"You're awake at last I see" Pakkun said and Sakura turned her head slightly, wincing in the process as she located the small dog sitting to her right.
"Sakura you're awake?" Sasuke asked shooting his head up quickly.
"Yeah I feel like I've been hit with a truck. What happened?" Channelling her chakra Sakura attempted to heal the fractured bone in her arm and green fractures in her leg.
Her chakra wasn't strong enough to fully heal the fracture and Sakura knew she'd need time to heal it properly but at least the painful ache seemed to dull. Sasuke gripped the back of his neck in pain ignoring the look Sakura and Pakkun exchanged.
"Naruto's up against Gaara alone. Hn I have no idea where the dobe learned that summoning jutsu but he's stronger" Sasuke explained with an edge to his voice when he mentioned Naruto's strength.
"We need to leave Sasuke. You need to see Kakashi-sensei about the curse mark because the seal has been broken. We should go to the hospital and from there try and contact him" Sakura stated and moved herself off from the tree trunk painfully.
"I've got it under control Sakura" Sasuke replied firmly.
"Really because you were supposed to control yourself enough not to break the seal Kakashi put on and yet here we are. Not to mention you're almost in the foetal position from the pain it's causing you" Sakura snapped back and Sasuke glared.
"It's none of your business. We have to stay for the dobe" Sasuke said trying to keep his voice even. Sakura looked at him doubtfully, were either of them any use to Naruto now?
"I think Naruto has the situation in hand. From where I'm sitting both of you need to get to the hospital for medical treatment" Pakkun interjected and Sasuke glared at him.
"Look out!" Sakura yelled and all three moved out of the way to dodge a huge ball of water that hit the ground hard spurting water everywhere.
"YAH! CHIEF TOAD I SAID AWAY FROM HERE! MY FRIENDS ARE DOWN THERE!" Naruto bellowed.
"Hey you scruffy dwarf I'm doing the best I can!" The giant toad called back before jumping off in the opposite direction.
He's stronger than me it's impossible but he is. How can I hope to get revenge on my brother when Naruto is fighting Gaara and I'm almost retching in pain, Sasuke thought angrily.
"You two should leave now. I'll stay here and watch the Uzumaki boy" Pakkun said.
"Right, let's go" Sakura said and hauled herself upright.
"No I'm not about to run away" Sasuke replied stubbornly.
"We're hardly running away, this fight barely involves us as it is. It makes no sense to stay here and I don't want to leave Naruto any more than you but whether you like it or not that curse mark needs to be attended to. I don't have the knowledge or the chakra to re-seal it" Sakura ranted, annoyed at Sasuke's lack of cooperation.
I don't want to be seen to be leaving Naruto either. It feels like I'm my weaker self again running away to get help. But it's a logical plan we have no business in this fight now, Naruto's determined and stronger not to mention he has the Nine Tailed Fox within him. This just isn't something Sasuke or I can participate in.
"What so you're saying it's my fault? Did you see what we were up against? Did it look like I had much choice? You weren't here and Naruto hadn't even realised that guys power so it was all on me and I did what I could" Sasuke snapped at Sakura angrily.
"I wasn't blaming you Sasuke and I know what we're up against but for once stop being so stubborn and listen to reason would you!?" Sakura retorted.
"Whatever if you want to run back to Konoha then be my guest. But I'm not leaving" Sasuke said monotone.
"Honestly you're acting like a spoilt child but I'm not about to get on my knees and beg you to come with me. Pakkun please watch over Naruto carefully, if you feel things are getting out of hand communicate with Kakashi-sensei immediately" Sakura said and left.
"She's right you know. The boy has things well in hand and his determination to protect you and Sakura is strong, I don't see him losing anytime soon. But you need to seal that mark away nothing good can come from its activation" Pakkun said mildly.
"Hn, what would you know dog?" Sasuke asked rubbing his temples in frustration. Sakura always seemed to get under his skin.
"I know that the invasion of Konoha still continues and there are enemy ninja throughout the village. Sakura risks a great deal going alone to get help for you. Or I suspect she will seek medical advice and attempt to seal the mark herself. Despite her healing I bet those broken bones of hers hurt so she's at a disadvantage already" Pakkun said and went to lock eyes with the Uchiha boy but he had already left.
Damn it Sakura and damn the stupid pact I initiated with the dobe, Sasuke thought as he left the battle area following Sakura's faint chakra signal which spiked dangerously. She was mad no doubt and Sasuke sighed heavily but increased speed.
Stubborn kid but he made the right choice just like I thought he would. Now if the Uzumaki kid can beat this Sand demon then maybe I can have a nap, Pakkun thought as he watched Sasuke's retreating back.
"Stupid freaking Sasuke Uchiha can't he see the damn logic behind any of this. I'm not doing this for myself and you think I want to leave Naruto alone to face off against that guy but Sasuke needs to seal the stupid mark he shouldn't have activated in the first damn place. UGH!" Sakura ranted angrily as she jumped off a tree branch.
Trying to ignore the throbbing in her legs Sakura willed herself to move faster. At this speed and with all the enemy ninja around she was practically a sitting duck. No chakra meant she could only rely on her taijutsu style attacks leaving her vulnerable. It was at this point that she started to question the sanity of her movements, to travel back to Konoha with the invasion still in full scale. Sakura didn't know where to begin looking for Kakashi but if she could just get to Tsunade then perhaps everything would work itself out from there.
"Hn Sakura. You're too slow" Sasuke said appearing over her right shoulder.
"HIM! SO HE HAD TO SUCK UP HIS PRIDE AND ADMIT HE WAS WRONG. ABOUT TIME!" Inner thundered.
"Sasuke wasn't expecting to see you" Sakura answered deadpanned having already sensed his chakra before he appeared.
"Don't be annoying. You're right so is the dog. Now hurry up before we get spotted. I haven't got much chakra left and neither have you" Sasuke replied.
"Shut up I'm not annoying and it took a dog for you to listen? God forbid you should listen to your teammate who actually might be right!" Sakura shot back and almost lost her balance on a branch but Sasuke caught her arm.
"Hn I said don't be annoying. I'm here aren't I?" Sasuke said and pinched the bridge of his nose to keep from getting more frustrated. This woman honestly, he thought in exasperation.
Fine let's hurry then. I hope Lady Tsunade is still there" Sakura said briskly and Sasuke had a vague inclination he was forgiven.
"Who is this Tsunade woman?" Sasuke asked his protective instincts kicking in as he moved closer to Sakura in case she fell again.
"She's in charge of the hospital. I'm hoping she has the knowledge to seal the curse mark away or at least get in contact with Kakashi. She can heal my fractures and we'll come straight back to Naruto" Sakura explained her plan carefully.
"Hn. And the Sand and Sound ninja?" Sasuke asked seeing the hole in the operation.
"Didn't really plan on getting caught in the first place, the whole idea is to sneak in and out of the village undetected. Don't know how effective that'll be though but if it comes to it I have no problem in giving those jerks who invaded our home a serious beating" Sakura said and smirked at her teammate.
"Right let's get out of this forest" Sasuke replied and picked up the pace with Sakura close behind him.
The damage to the village was extensive and widespread; two giant snakes which were clear symbols of Orochimaru had been summoned and were flattening everything in their path. But a man with spiky white hair had conjured at giant toad to battle against the summoned snakes.
"That technique it's the same as Naruto's" Sakura observed, it seemed Ebisu hadn't been training Naruto at all.
"Hn. Ebisu was never that good anyway" Sasuke added as they ran for cover from the debris.
"Don't worry fair village ladies Jiraiya can protect you! Let's go Gamahiro!" Jiraiya called out happily as the civilians ran into shops and houses to avoid the destruction.
"Pervert" Sakura muttered and Sasuke shrugged but motioned for them to sneak around behind the flower shop Ino's parents owned.
At least that guy is causing some major distraction for the enemy ninja. So maybe we'll be able to sneak through undetected, Sakura thought.
"Fair maiden!" Jiraiya called out in their direction causing Sasuke and Sakura to freeze. The toad having done its work in demolishing the snakes sat sitting on top of them and Jiraiya on top of it. He had his arm extended pointed to Sakura.
You've got to be kidding me, Sasuke thought in annoyance.
"Quite a pretty one too I see. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Jiraiya the Toad Sage!" Jiraiya said jumping down from the toad and introducing himself to Sakura, completely ignoring Sasuke.
"Jiraiya? Aren't you one of the Sanin?" Sakura asked recalling Tsunade mentioning her teammates and fellow Sanin.
"You're a smart one too! Brains and beauty a deadly combination!" Jiraiya gushed happily and Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
Pushing Sakura behind him, Sasuke crossed his arms and glared at Jiraiya who took a couple of steps back.
"Hn back off" Sasuke said withdrawing his kunai.
"My apologies I didn't realise you were spoken for" Jiraiya teased and Sasuke glared viciously.
"I'll speak for myself, you're at least twice my age or more so not interested" Sakura replied coldly and Jiraiya looked disappointed.
"Hmm. I know who you two are. You're the Uchiha kid and you must be Sakura Haruno. Naruto's teammates" Jiraiya said in an all-knowing manner.
"Hn lucky guess, you were the one training him for the Chunin exams" Sasuke decided and lowered his kunai slightly.
"Yes that was me. Speaking of which where is the blond fool?" Jiraiya asked.
"He's fighting Gaara in the forest outside of Konoha. When we left he had summoned a giant toad to fight against the Sand demon inside of Gaara, Shukaku" Sakura explained quickly, keeping her voice hushed and scanning her surroundings for enemy ninja.
"Oh really now? Interesting but shouldn't you two be with him then? Why are you sneaking around the village?" Jiraiya questioned.
"I need medical supplies and then we're going back to him" Sakura lied smoothly and Sasuke gave a curt nod of agreement.
"Medical supplies? Right Naruto babbled on about you being a medical ninja in training. And I suppose the black flames on this one's face have nothing to do with it right?" Jiraiya said and jerked his head towards Sasuke.
"That's none of your business" Sasuke snapped but he hissed as the mark throbbed again.
"Really now? I've seen that curse mark on another before and I'm more than aware of who gave it to you. Don't mistake me for a fool boy" Jiraiya said in a serious tone.
"We need to get it re-sealed our sensei Kakashi Hatake had done it for Sasuke originally" Sakura interjected and Jiraiya nodded.
"Right Kakashi the copycat ninja. Well I suppose you'll want to get to the hospital for those medical supplies and then find your sensei. My work here is done I believe so I'll track down my student. Stay off the main streets if you don't want to be caught in a fight. Who knows I might spot some lovely village women in need of rescue along the way" Jiraiya said perking up a bit and disappeared.
That pervert is a Sanin? Sakura thought dubiously but at least he was going to find Naruto. Sakura could breathe a lot easier knowing her teammate would be helped by one of the three Sanin no matter how creepy he was.
"Let's get to this hospital already. We're sitting ducks out here in the open" Sasuke said sharply and began to move skilfully towards the village centre.
If that pervert is actually a Sanin who knows what Naruto has learnt. How far ahead of me is he? How much stronger can he get?
Sasuke's mind buzzed with thoughts of inadequacy and annoyance as he and Sakura managed to work their way quickly into the village centre. A kunai whizzed straight past Sasuke's head and landed a few metres away from where the two genin had been hiding, planning where to run next.
"Hey there they are! Ninja of Konoha!"
The shouts of the Sound and Sand ninja reverberated off the back alley where Sasuke and Sakura were.
Soon enough they were surrounded and Sasuke huffed in annoyance. "I thought you said we weren't going to get caught"
"No I said the plan was not to get caught" Sakura repeated and glared at the male ninja surrounding them.
"You know the orders for the invasion. Kill any Leaf Village civilians or ninja you see" One man said.
Sakura tried to gather the chakra into her fist but she had nothing left from the fight with Gaara, Sasuke was in the same position and the curse mark had just made things all the worse for him. Suddenly the pain was just too much, it whipped through Sasuke like a hot fire and took over every nerve in his body. Sakura quickly moved to his side as Sasuke yelled in pain before losing consciousness completely, the black flames receding from his face.
"No no! Sasuke!" Sakura panicked and shook her teammate a little but to no avail. What could she expect? The curse mark was a chakra sucking leech that left Sasuke with nothing.
If we had just stayed with Naruto but there was no choice. I had to get Sasuke to Kakashi and now his life and mine are at risk. With no chakra how am I supposed to fight? Sakura thought in despair.
"One hundred and thirty two!" A voice cried out loudly and a fist hit three of the Sound ninja hard into the closest wall. Gai immediately jumped in front of Sasuke and Sakura to perform the Leaf Hurricane manoeuvre.
"You're too slow Kakashi! I had to protect your students for you!" Gai announced loudly finishing three more ninja and grinned broadly.
"Actually I think you'll find since we've left the stadium that I have taken down one hundred and forty ninja. You forget the fight in the market place just before" Kakashi said coolly and disposed of the last of the enemy ninja efficiently.
"Sasuke broke the seal on the mark when he was fighting Gaara. I didn't know what to do so I brought him back to the village but I'm worried the journey has made things worse" Sakura explained hurriedly.
Sasuke withered on the ground a little and Sakura's hand flew to his forehead in an attempt to soothe him. It seemed to work but the Uchiha boy's face was still screwed up in pain. Gai looked concerned but turned his back to keep an eye open for more enemy ninja.
"Sakura I know whatever decision you made is the right one. Because you wouldn't have done it if you hadn't thought it would be worth it for Sasuke and Naruto" Kakashi reassured her and crouched down to inspect Sasuke.
I guess I should have expected him to lose control. After all he was fighting against Gaara but Sasuke can't afford anymore lapses he needs to get this under control. I can't reseal it yet he needs to be conscious. The best thing to do now is to get him to the hospital to rest, Kakashi thought and picked the Uchiha boy up.
"He needs rest I can't perform the sealing jutsu until he's fully recovered. Gai I'm afraid our little competition is over for the moment. My students come first" Kakashi said.
"Another excuse again huh Kakashi. So typical of you but I think I can make an exception just this once. Go I won't let anyone get past me" Gai said seriously and cracked his knuckles for effect.
"Sakura is Naruto alright?" Kakashi asked.
"He was when I left, Jiraiya the Toad Sage has gone after him. Naruto was fighting Gaara but he's a lot stronger now. Pakkun is with him" Sakura said quickly.
"Right let's go" Kakashi instructed and used his chakra to propel himself forward towards the hospital. Sakura took a deep breath and summoned the strength to follow him.
"I need the most critical cases in the emergency wing of the hospital send all the best doctors down there now! The urgent cases behind those and then the non-critical cases can be treated on the ground here! I want the most skilled nurses and doctors in critical and urgent cases, the rest of you on ground level treating and directing patients where you see fit!" Tsunade barked to her medical staff who lept into action.
In just a few short weeks she had whipped the Konoha hospital into an efficient and well run machine with everything to her specification. When Tsunade had first had the suspicion that the invasion was something to come she had made sure to brief her staff on the correct procedures to deal with a full load of patients in one on going rush. When the first loads of injured shinobi and villagers had begun to crowd the hospital reception and waiting room Tsunade and her staff were prepared and ready.
Orochimaru what have you done? Tsunade thought as she tried to remain composed. Looking out across the room full of injured civilians and shinobi some of which included children. Losing her temper would not do at a time like this.
There was no point in having nurses man the reception desk because every spare pair of hands was needed. Tsunade felt proud to see her staff following orders and directing the chaos. She herself would soon head up to the most critical cases and begin the gruelling nonstop healing and medical treatment that would be required.
The doors of the hospital opened again and Tsunade was prepared to see yet another group of injured people but she instead laid eyes on her apprentice and Kakashi Hatake carrying Sasuke Uchiha. Tsunade was immediately concerned for her student but after a quick check of Sakura's vitals knew that her bones had sustained minor fractures that could be efficiently healed and a loss of chakra.
"Sasuke needs to rest Lady Tsunade, he broke the seal I put on the curse mark. I can't reseal it until he's rested" Kakashi said walking over to where the blonde woman stood.
"Have you seen this room Hatake? Full of patients ranging from critical injuries to minor injuries and each one in need of some form of medical attention. This isn't some bed and breakfast where he can just lie down and sleep" Tsunade snapped letting her built up frustration and stress out.
"Please Lady Tsunade he just needs to rest. He fought against Gaara to protect the village" Sakura said and looked at her sensei almost pleadingly.
"Fine in my office there's a room that I use when I'm overworked and tired. It has a bed in it, put him down in there until I can allocate him a room" Tsunade relented and Kakashi immediately headed for the office.
Returning the silver haired man addressed his female student. "I have to leave now Sakura, the village is still under attack. Lord Hokage is fighting against Orochimaru and all the Jounin need to do what they can to help. Take care of Sasuke and help Lady Tsunade as much as you can"
With that Kakashi disappeared in a puff of white smoke and Tsunade turned towards Sakura immediately. "I'll heal those three fractures and give you what chakra I can. But you'll need to take a soldier pill and follow me"
"Follow you?" Sakura asked a little confused, what use would she be to Tsunade with her condition as it was.
The blonde woman bent down and immediately began healing Sakura's fractured legs before reaching for her arm. The sense of chakra flowing into her body made the pink haired teen feel rejuvenated and she was able to think a lot clearer. Tsunade then handed her a solider pill from her pocket which Sakura promptly swallowed.
"We're going into the critical section of the hospital and we're not coming out until we have attempted to save and heal every single person. I read the reports from the other doctors, you're a skilled nurse now and it's time we stepped up your training. Get into your scrubs and let's get going" Tsunade barked.
Sakura nodded attentively and followed her sensei down the corridor past the many injured patients. Pulling on her scrubs Sakura adopted a professional attitude and prepared herself as much as she could for the extensive injuries she would see. Recalling everything she had learnt over the past month Sakura was ready to put it all into practice.
They had spent over forty eight hours at the hospital half of which was spent in surgery receiving one critically injured person after another. The doctors, nurses, Tsunade and Sakura worked around the clock taking breaks only on occasion. By nightfall the invasion had come to a stop and the news quickly spread that the Third Hokage had been killed by Orochimaru who had then called a retreat.
If Tsunade had cried or mourned the loss of her former sensei Sakura didn't see it. The ANBU Black Ops member came to inform her, Tsunade had stood still for a few moments staring off into the distance but the sound of the patients heart monitor jerked her back into action and Tsunade had immediately returned to the surgery. The invasion may have stopped that night but that didn't mean the amounts of injured people did, as they were found throughout the village they were brought in.
Civilians and shinobi alike were tasked with scouring the village for survivors who could be saved. Others were tasked with burying the dead. Sasuke had been taken away by Kakashi to have the mark re-sealed once the invasion had ended. But Sakura had only heard of this from one of the nurses, she hadn't left the hospital the entire two days.
Swallowing soldier pills to keep going and eating food when her breaks were permitted Sakura was exhausted. She couldn't count the number of times she had cried silently on those breaks after they had lost a patient, especially young children.
Naruto had come into the hospital, chakra depleted but alive and Sakura had treated the minor wounds he had incurred. He gave her a brief rundown of the battle with Gaara but Sakura had barely five minutes to spare to talk to him as she was soon called back into surgery.
When they had finally cleared the intensive care unit Sakura was permitted to go home by Tsunade who was proud of her student. As tired and exhausted as she was Sakura didn't complain once and her assistance during the whole time had proved to be invaluable. Tsunade would definitely consider promoting her to head nurse.
Sakura had arrived home to find it standing in one piece which she was thankful for. Barely having the energy to make it to her own bedroom or change out of her soiled training uniform Sakura collapsed on the couch and fell into a dreamless sleep. She would have been content to stay like that for the next three days had it not been for Naruto and Sasuke on her door step clad in black ninja outfits, reminding her of the Third Hokage's funeral.
Sakura quickly showered and changed into a black ninja dress which indicated mourning and joined her teammates as they walked through the streets of Konoha. Huge black rain clouds covered the sky as Team 7 approached the Hokage tower. She wanted to question Sasuke about the curse mark re-sealing and Naruto about his battle with Gaara and his training with Jiraiya but now was not the time.
The rest of the Rookie 9 was there as well as all the Leaf Village shinobi no matter what level. Shikamaru had pulled off the decoy effectively with the help of his sensei Asuma and had arrived back in Konoha safely, Sakura was glad of that.
The funeral was to be held on the rooftop under the Hokage Mountain where the heads of all the Hokage past and present had been carved. Sakura observed Kakashi was nowhere to be found but didn't raise the issue, Tsunade had chosen not to attend either but Sakura saw Shizune standing among the shinobi. They exchanged polite greetings but Shizune appeared to be greatly troubled.
"We are gathered here today to not only honour our Hokage but to honour all those who served our village against the invasion. Dying in the line of duty is one of the most honourable things a shinobi can do" A village elder spoke to start the funeral.
"Hey guys I'm going to stand with Konohamaru alright?" Naruto whispered his eyes on the Hokage's grandson.
"Okay" Sakura whispered back as Naruto moved away quietly to comfort a sobbing Konohamaru.
Sasuke and Sakura stood beside each other silently but their presence seemed to comfort one another. Sasuke was no stranger to death after the Uchiha massacre so he bore the funeral with a sombre attitude. But for Sakura this was the first time someone she had known closely had died, the Third Hokage had been involved with her parents as Shinobi and herself to an extent. She bit back the tears knowing she couldn't show emotion but her body shook as she remembered the Hokage and the reality that her parents were no longer in the village.
Sasuke watched Sakura carefully and knew she was in need of some comfort, the girl looked exhausted and Sasuke knew she hadn't left the hospital since the invasion. Both he and Naruto had a chance to rest but from his knowledge Sakura hadn't. Silently Sasuke extended his arm to take a hold of her hand, a small gesture of comfort. Sakura smiled at him and Sasuke seemed satisfied, they stood like this as the funeral progressed.
It began to rain but just as quickly the rain stopped and the sun reappeared. Kakashi had arrived sometime during the funeral and Team 7 stood together afterwards with Naruto insisting they go out for ramen in honour of the Third. Surprisingly Kakashi and Sasuke agreed to attend with Kakashi even offering to pay.
At the edge of the village two men and black coats with red cloud shapes covering them stood together.
"The village survived I see" One of the men with a fish looking face said.
"So it has they've progressed since I've been back it would seem. The Hokage has died from what I hear" The other replied.
"Is that a tone of sadness Itachi? Don't tell me you still have feelings for your former home?"
"Of course not"
Hello everyone!
Sorry I'm late with the update but I had internet connection difficulties again. I hope you liked it even though it was relatively short but I hope I did alright. I'll upload again next Wednesday but review, favourite and follow if you like the story/this chapter!
Also thanks to everyone who's been reviewing! 400 reviews is absolutely incredible! Thank you so much! xxx
See you next Wednesday! :D