Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Losing Naruto ❯ The Party - Part II ( Chapter 12 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

“You're…what?”

Sakura sighed. She knew he wouldn‘t just accept it, and that he would demand an explanation. She also knew this couldn‘t be avoided. If she left without telling him face to face, she would never be able to forgive herself. The only thing she could do at this point, was put on a brave face.

“I requested a transfer from Tsunade. They need a medic nin, and I am fully capable of handling their current situation.”

Naruto stared at her. It seemed as if he wasn’t understanding a word she was saying. He looked lost, his eyes were darting from one place to the next.

Be strong, Sakura.

“Tsunade will soon find a replacement for the team, so don’t worry.”

Something seemed to click, but still, he said nothing.

“For now, I don’t think she will be giving you any team missions-”

“Y-you can’t…” Naruto finally cut in weakly, his voice sounded far away. His head was now lowered, hands balling into fists at his sides.

“-as it would be dangerous to fight without the assistance of a medic-nin.”

“Why are you...”

“Although, if an unavoidable mission comes up, you will probably be assigned a small group of lower level medic nins.”

“It's not…”

“Of course, I am still a Konoha shinobi until I leave. So for the next 3 days, you don’t need to worry about any replacements.”

Naruto seemed to finally come to his senses. His head shot up, allowing Sakura to see his expression. The raw emotion she witnessed there threatened to crush her resolve. His eyebrows were knitted together, mouth hanging open slightly in disbelief. But it was his eyes that got Sakura the most. They reflected her own inner turmoil. The pain she wouldn’t dare let him see.

“Replacements?” He spat out. “MORE replacements? Sakura-chan…”

A few moments passed in silence, stretching on like hours. She wanted to scream, fall down and cry - she wanted to bare her soul, tell him what he meant to her. But she couldn’t. Just for a moment longer, if she could keep her emotions in control..

I could fool him.

Fool him into thinking that I’m leaving for profession reasons.

He never has to know.

The air in the room was thick, full of words both of them couldn’t find or couldn’t say. It felt as if the walls were closing in, as if the tension itself was suffocating them. Finally deciding that enough was enough, Sakura took a deep breath, not knowing if she could trust her voice. When she was sure of her control, she began to speak, her tone void of any emotion.

“I just thought you should know. My decision is made.”

Naruto lowered his head once more, sagging his shoulders.

Good.

Please, just give up on me.

“Well, I think we should get back to the party. People are probably waiting for you. Hinata..” Sakura swallowed thickly. “You shouldn’t keep Hinata waiting.”

Silence.

Shaking her head slightly, Sakura made her way to the door. As she walked past Naruto‘s hunched figure, a hand closed over her wrist, stopping her in mid-stride. A sharp intake of breath passed her lips, unchecked. Eyes wide, she slowly turned her body towards him, only to see his head still bowed.

Why is he doing this?

What more could he possibly want?

“Let me go, Naruto.”

Silence.

“Release me, now!” Sakura growled out, not knowing how much more she could take. All of it was becoming too much, threatening to consume her.

Still, Naruto said nothing. His hand still held onto her wrist, not showing any signs of letting go. With a frustrated grunt, Sakura roughly pulled her wrist away from his grasp.

“Enough. I don’t know what your problem is-”

Suddenly his voice cut in, strong and confident, making Sakura jump slightly in shock. His head was still lowered, back still turned, but Sakura heard him clearly.

“Don’t leave.”

“Wha-? Naruto, you said it yourself, the party-”

“Konoha!” He shouted, finally turning towards Sakura, making her take a small step backwards in shock. She took in his expression. The uncertainty was no longer there, and his eyes were still full of emotion, but …not sadness. No, his entire face was now shining with determination.

“Don’t leave Konoha!”

Sakura’s mouth opened slightly before she quickly closed it, reigning in her emotions. She could feel his words echoing in her soul, making it hard to breathe. Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a deep breath, silently praying for strength.

“Don’t you understand?” She let out through gritted teeth, “I’ve made my decision, this is what’s best.”
“Best for who? For you? What about everyone else?”

“Look, this is something I need to do. I have my reasons, and to be honest, this really is none of your business!”

Naruto winced, she could tell her words had cut him deep. Before she could apologize, his expression changed once again. This time, he was looking at her in disbelief. And just a hint of disgust.

“You sound like Sasuke.”

“Excuse me?” Sakura asked, her voice low and dangerous.

How dare he?

Naruto was unaffected by the sudden change of her voice. “You heard me! When the bastard left to Orochimaru he went on and on about what HE needed to do, not caring about who he was leaving behind!”

“Naruto, this is different!” Sakura yelled, stepping closer to him, not planning on backing down. What he said struck her deeply. “I’m going to Suna to help, to be a medic-nin! I’m not…I’m not joining forces with the enemy!”

“That’s not it!” Naruto countered, “You’re leaving, Sakura. Who cares where you’re going, the point is, you’re turning your back on me. On everyone.”

She rolled her eyes. “I think you’ll manage.” her voice was cold, each word laced in anger. “You have Sasuke back, Kakashi, Tsunade, Iruka, Jiraiya, and of course-” Sakura paused for effect. “You have Hinata.”

“What are you - you think they can replace you? You’re Sakura, nobody can replace you! Please, don’t leave…“ He trailed off, when he spoke again, his voice was lowered to a whisper.

“Don‘t leave me. You‘re one of my best friends.”

With those heartfelt words, Sakura felt her anger draining, leaving a myriad of emotions in it‘s wake. Sadness, regret, loneliness, fear…all of it threatened to crush her resolve. It was becoming unbearable.

Before she could say or do anything, a forgotten memory began to surface. Something she was supposed to speak to him about..

Then it clicked.

“While we’re on the subject of friendship,“ Sakura spat the word out as if it were a nasty swear word. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

His brows furrowed in concentration, he thought for a moment before giving up. “Tell you what?”
A tiny smile, which held no real happiness at all, appeared on her lips as she closed her eyes, lowering her head. He had to strain to hear what she said next.

“That you were going to be the Rokudaime.”

Naruto’s body tensed, she rose her head to see that his face was pale, the shock clear in his expression. She watched as his mouth opened and closed, but not a single sound came out, save for some small sputtering noises.

“So? Why didn’t you tell me?” Sakura’s voice was regaining it’s former strength, just as she was.

How dare he act as if I’M doing something wrong!

How dare he preach to me about friendship, when he kept this secret from me!

Why isn’t he saying anything?

“SAY SOMETHING!” Sakura yelled, demanding answers. She couldn’t stand it, he was just staring at her in shock, not even moving. Her yelling was what finally brought him out of his state of shock, he shook his head, choosing to look at his feet instead of her.

Coward.

“I’m sorry.”

Sakura scoffed. “Sorry?” she paused. “Sorry? Is that all you can say? Why didn’t you tell me, Naruto?”

He quickly raised his head, looking her in the eyes. He swallowed thickly, those bright blue eyes begging her to understand.

“I was going to, alright? I was going to tell you guys first! But then I decided to throw a party to tell everyone together. I guess I just wanted all of you to know at the same time.” Naruto paused, the air became thick.

“It’s always been my dream to become the next Hokage. Really, Sakura-chan, I thought you would be happy for me!”

Sakura had heard enough. She was tired of hiding everything, tired of pretending. She needed answers. And he needed to know the truth, before all of it drove her insane.

I’m not strong enough.

I’m weak…

And I can’t go on much longer.

“What about me?” Sakura asked. “Can’t you understand? You’re leaving me behind!”

“What are you talking about? You‘re the one leaving to Suna., I’m standing right here!” He responded impatiently, sounding more than a little confused.

“Not for long.” Sakura whispered miserably, her expression had softened, and her once confident voice was now weak. She took in a small shaky breath before continuing.

“I’m so scared Naruto.”

The blonde standing before her said nothing, his questioning expression said enough. Sakura was glad, she needed to come clean, and him interrupting wouldn’t help.

“You’re going to be Hokage. I’m so proud of you, but at the same time, I wish it weren’t happening.”

Sakura clenched her fists. Her voice was shaking, and she couldn’t stop it. Not anymore. “Nothing is ever going to be the same between us. You’re the future Rokudaime,” Sakura chuckled softly.

“And as for me…I’m just Haruno Sakura. And I feel..”

I feel like…

“I feel like I’m losing you, Naruto! And it scares me. I feel like you’re going on this path, this path that I can’t take with you. Not only because I’m not strong enough, but because I’m not…”

I’m not her.

Before she could say or think anything else, she was pulled into a strong embrace by Naruto. He was holding onto her so tight, as if he thought she would disappear if he let go. Sakura stiffened in shock, all she could do was stand there, her arms at her sides. Slowly, she willed her arms to encircle his waist, clutching the soft fabric of his jacket.

They stood there, neither saying a word before finally, he began to speak above her. Sakura hearing, as well as feeling his soft voice through the embrace they shared.

“You don’t gotta be anyone else, Sakura-chan. Being you is enough for me.” Sakura let out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding in. “I’m still Naruto, you know. That title, it doesn’t really mean I’m a different person or anything.”

She wanted to speak, wanted to say something, anything. But she couldn’t. All she could do was smile softly, and let Naruto hold her for just a little bit longer.

“So whaddaya say, Sakura-chaaan?” Naruto cheerfully asked, lightening the mood considerably, making the pink haired chuunin in his arms smile into his jacket. “Will you stay? For the village, and…for me?”
Sakura’s eyes opened, she had no idea what she would say to him.

Simply say no.

But…can I say no to him? Sakura questioned herself, knowing it would hurt him, and herself as well.
Remember? Hinata.
Sakura took a deep breath, and with a all the inner strength she could manage, she released her hold on him, lightly pushing him away. His arms loosened, but still held onto her, not allowing her to walk away. Not allowing her to turn from him as she answered him. Not allowing her to be a coward.

Forcing herself to look up, she met his gaze. And was speechless. His eyes were so sweet, so gentle. So full of understanding, begging for an answer, but not pushing her to respond. Sakura knew she could drown in those eyes, and was sure she wouldn’t object. She loved those eyes, and everything else that was Naruto.

Her breathing became shallow, and she was sure if she watched him a moment longer she would faint. The intensity of his gaze had her frozen on the spot. All she could do was watch as his eyes bore into hers, searching for the words she couldn’t say.

It was as if the world was standing still, and the only thing left moving was their beating hearts. Nothing else around them mattered. Emotions and feelings were conveyed, souls were bared, and for just a moment, Sakura forget about her responsibilities. For once, she allowed herself to stop thinking, letting her feelings control her actions.

Before either of them knew what was happening, they found themselves moving closer together. Sakura could feel his steady breaths, could see his eyelids slowly closing over those blue pools of emotion. She closed her own eyes, not hearing anything, not feeling anything but his heartbeat. In Naruto’s close proximity, all of her senses were consumed by him.

Closer…

Just…a bit closer…

They were lost in each other, blocking off anything and everything. So they didn’t sense the approaching chakra. Nor did they hear the footsteps, or the door opening.

“N-n-naruto-kun…?”