Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath ❯ Tsunade Advises Sakura ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 8 Summary: The morale in Konoha has seen better days as many Shinobi of all ages deal with various issues in their lives. One kunoichi is having a very difficult time as of late and seeks out the Hokage for advice. Whether she listens no one knows yet?

 

Naruto vs. Sasuke the Aftermath

 

Chapter 8: Tsunade Advises Sakura

 

It had been over a week since Naruto's return to the village after his near death at the hands of Sasuke. Since then, the mood for many Shinobi both young and old was dark and full of strife. In particular for the young, the “Rookie Nine” class was having difficulty in dealing with what they had learned about their friend Naruto and with their own anger towards their parents or guardians in regards to it. Their anger didn't stem from their parents not telling them about the actual fate of the Kyuubi demon and it's relation towards Naruto. They begrudgingly understood that their parents were bound by the 3rd Hokage's decree not to divulge what had happened 14 years ago to their children. What angered and upset Naruto's friends so greatly was the hateful attitude and treatment of Naruto by their parent's generation, and why some of them tried to instill those same attitudes into their very own children as well? Shikamaru for instance had gotten into a very heated discussion with his mother on this topic. And being the strategic genius he is, he expertly defeated every single argument of defense she could come up with for justifying her past actions. So much so, that after an hour of fierce debate between mother and son, she was unable to think of anything else to say and remained quiet for the rest of the evening. This was a rare moment in the Nara household, as Shaikamaru's mother was well known in Konoha for years as “The voice that never ends.”

 

Things were even worse at the Hyuga compound as Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the clan had gotten into a violent argument with Hinata with regards towards Naruto in front of several members of the clan both main and side in the courtyard. Hiashi was very upset at what he perceived being judged by his own daughter for his past actions. He had also learned that Hinata had been visiting Naruto everyday at the hospital and angrily ordered her to cease anymore contact with the “Demon Child” as he put it. Hinata's responded with a word Hiashi rarely heard in his life, “No!” In fact, Hinata had said this with such a defiant tone in her voice that Hiashi became enraged and openly raised his hand to strike Hinata for her disobedience. As he was about to deliver the blow, he noticed Neji and several other members of the Hyuga side branch studying the entire scene with great interest. For several years, the relationship between the main and side branches had been deteriorating and was beginning to reach a point of open resentment and defiance by the side branch towards the main. Hiashi decided that showing conflict within the main branch would do nothing more than embolden the side branch members even further. So, he merely lowered his arm and stormed out of the courtyard leaving a shaken but still defiant Hinata behind.

 

Other parents of the “Rookie Nine,” such as Shino, Choubi, Kiba, and Ino's had never openly directed or taught their kids to avoid Naruto growing up. No, their sin lay in the fact that they had never given or even offered any help or guidance to boy during that time. For many, this was a bitter truth to face, but they accepted the criticism of their children on this subject, partly out of guilt and partly because they knew their kids were right. However, it wasn't just the young Shinobi who were upset, but several high-ranking older Shinobi were also in foul moods for various reasons as well. Lady Tsunade was upset with herself over her last encounter with Jiraiya, and was taking her frustrations out on everyone around her. She also was growing concerned about some disturbing ANBU reports she had been receiving on Orochimaru and Sasuke, as well as the Akatsuki. In fact, some of these reports were very troublesome to her because they lacked any hard factual information only rumor as to what was going on. She finally decided that she needed more concrete information and sent Kakashi out on a covert mission several days ago to see what he could learn. What Tsunade didn't realize in ordering this mission was the frustration it caused Kurenai, as she had been unable to see or talk to Kakashi since the night she mended his injuries. Jiraiya had left the village after visiting Naruto to gather research for his novels, as he was apt to do. However, the truth of the matter was he needed some space away from Tsunade to think and reflect upon a great deal of things. In an ironic twist, the happiest Shinobi in the village or out at the moment was Naruto, who was still basking in the glow of learning who his father was and of the advanced training he would soon be learning. The news also seemed to help speed up his recovery time, as he was beginning to heal at an astonishing rate considering the severity of his injury. Naruto wasn't fully out of danger quite yet, but if he remained stress free he could be released within a matter of weeks.

 

As for Sakura, the past week had been a nightmare that she was unable to awaken from. Since the disbanding of Team #7, she spent most of her time in her room or aimlessly walking the streets of Konoha in a daze since she had nothing to do. She had spoken to no one since talking to her mother about what had happened that terrible day in the hospital. Since that day, Sakura's parents Taro and Ishi had been arguing constantly about which one was to blame for their demotions in rank by the Hokage. So, talking to either of them would be even more futile than usual. It was also pointless to try and talk to her former friends in the “Rookie Nine” class, as they were avoiding or just ignoring her presence whenever she was around. Sakura finally decided she had to speak to someone or go insane from loneliness as she slowly made her way towards Hokage tower and Lady Tsunade.

 

“Shizune, bring me another bottle and be quick about it!” Tsunade yells to her assistant.

 

Shizune merely sighed as she got up from her desk and retrieved another bottle for the Hokage. She looked up to see the time and shook her head. Everyday this past week Lady Tsuande had started earlier and earlier in her drinking. Shizune knew something was bothering her friend and mentor, but Tsunade would not divulge what it was. She suspected the Hokage's recent foul mood that Shizune had bore the brunt of the past several days, had something to do with Jiraiya? Her suspicion was reinforced by the fact that one of the reports she had left for the Hokage to review regarded Jiraiya leaving the village. As she approached the door to Lady Tsuande's office she took a deep breath and with a strained smile entered the office with the bottle and approached the Hokage. Shizune set the bottle down and noticed that the file Tsunade was looking at was indeed the file about Jiraiya. She then stood and quietly waited to see Lady Tsunade required anything else? She received her answer in a hurry from the Hokage.

 

“Took you long enough Shizune, now get out! I don't want to be disturbed for anything or anyone right now, you got that!” Tsunade says to her friend her voice filled with anger.

 

Shizune stares at the Hokage for a moment, her smile lessening with each passing second before calmly replying in a voice tinged with disgust and pity.

 

“Very well Lady Tsunade, I shall lock the door behind me and take an early lunch so you may indulge once again in your favorite pastime these last several days.” Shizune turns to leave the office, as she is going, she hears Tsunade say.

 

“Don't get flippant with me Shizune, I can have you easily replaced if I want to!”

 

Shizune whirls around and places her hands on her hips, her smile gone as she responds in a voice now filled with derision and anger.

 

“Don't threaten my job status Tsunade, you and I both know that you couldn't find anyone else to take this job and deal with the way you've been acting this past week! But if you think you can, by all means fire me! Let someone else wait on you hand and foot and be your personal whipping boy for your drunken abuse! I can certainly use the rest!”

 

Shizune then turned around and stormed out the office door, slamming and locking it behind her, as she made her way outside and away from Tsunade as quickly as possible. Lady Tsuande sat in her chair in silence as she watched her friend leave, before taking a drink and grumbled to herself as she reflected upon what Shizune said.

 

“Damn it, the girl is probably right. I couldn't find anyone else to put up with my bullshit right now. God, if I don't figure out some things, I'll just end up driving her away just like everyone else I care about in my life. Just like I did to you Jiraiya,” as she gazes upon his file on her desk and slowly takes another drink.

 

Lady Tsunade begins to pour herself another drink when she hears someone knocking on her office door. Tsunade, still angry and disgusted with herself over many things, shakes her head and annoyed replies.

 

“Whoever you are go away! I'm not seeing anyone right now. Come back later and set up an appointment with my assistant.” As she begins to take another drink she hears a small weeping voice pleadingly call out.

 

“Lady Tsunade, its me Sakura Haruno. I really need to talk to you if you would be willing to do so? No one else I know will. Please Hokage-Sama, I really need to talk to someone or I think I may go mad?”

 

`Sakura, I really don't need this right now! I have no idea what to do with this girl yet? But I can't turn her away? Well, this day just keeps getting better and better.' Tsunade thought to herself as she got up and made her way towards the door to let the distraught kunoichi in.

 

As Tsunade unlocked her office door and let Sakura in, she couldn't help but notice that Sakura's face and walk reminded her of a defeated soldier walking off the battlefield. Her face bore the look of someone in complete and utter defeat in one's self. She watched as the young kunoichi slowly sank into the chair in front of the Hokage's desk, with her head hanging low and solemnly waited for Lady Tsunade to take her own seat and speak. Tsunade took her chair and after a minute to let the girl compose herself finally spoke.

 

“Alright Sakura, what seems to be troubling you?”

 

Sakura slowly lifted her head to look at the Hokage and in a choked voice replied.

 

“Everything Lady Tsunade, I don't know who or what I am anymore? I'm completely lost since my Sasuke-Kun left and with the ending of Team #7, I don't know what to do anymore? Normally, I would talk to my friends or Kakashi Sensei whenever I had a problem in the past and they would help me. But they all have abandoned me now and won't speak to me. I've tried looking for Kakashi Sensei to try and apologize and hopefully talk with him again, but I cannot find him anywhere? I feel so tired and alone anymore Hokage-Sama. I never realized before how important being on a Shinobi team was until it was gone. Without it, I feel as though I have no purpose in life anymore. If that's the case, what is point of continuing to exist? I'm sorry Lady Tsunade, I know you're a busy woman and I shouldn't be burdening you with this. But I needed someone to talk to and advise me or I don't think I could stand living like this anymore.” And with that Sakura dropped her head again and began to quietly weep.

 

Tsunade stared at Sakura and didn't say anything for several minutes as she tried to absorb what she had just heard from the young kunoichi sitting across from her. She could tell that mentally Sakura was on a precipice metaphorically speaking, and Tsunade's response would have a great deal of impact on which way this young girl fell. Inwardly, Tsunade hated situations like this; her own view or grasp on life was tenuous for herself at times. Now here she is facing a young girl with eyes pleading towards her for some sort of answers or guidance before she loses it completely. Finally after what seemed an eternity to Sakura, Lady Tsuande spoke.

 

“First off Sakura, you need not apologize for seeking my counsel. Part of a Hokage's duties is to always try and help the people of this village. Even if it is nothing more than lending a ear to listen or giving advice when asked.”

 

“Th, Thank you, Hokage-Sama.” Sakura softly replies.

 

“Secondly Sakura, if I ever hear you refer to Sasuke as Sasuke-Kun in my presence ever again, I will expel you from the academy and you can work the streets of Konoha for the rest of your life. I won't give a damn! Tsunade says with a vengeance.

 

Sakura's eyes grew wide and her entire body stiffened upon hearing this. Her lips began to quiver as she sank a little lower into her chair in fear over the Hokage's last statement.

 

“I know that was harsh thing to hear Sakura but prepare yourself. I have a few more things to say that you may consider harsh as well, but you need to hear them.” Tsunade says to the girl, the intensity in her voice dropping down. Sakura slowly nodded her head in response and waited to hear what the Hokage was going to say next.

 

“Now, Sasuke didn't just leave, he consciously chose to betray the Leaf village and everyone in it including you Sakura and ally himself with a being of pure evil. He did this all for the solely selfish reason of gaining power to kill with. I know you think you love Sasuke, but he has no love for you or anyone else other than himself. You need to get your head wrapped around this fact Sakura, because if you ever do see Sasuke again, run for your life! It won't be a joyous reunion for you. He will kill you without hesitation if you impede his maniacal desire for more power. I tell you this for your own sake girl. Do not trust Sasuke in anything. Besides, even before Sasuke went psychotic, he never expressed to you any kind of feelings that one might even remotely consider as love. You have a crush on Sasuke, which is harmless as a little girl, but your not a little girl anymore Sakura. You need to start seeing things as they actually are in life and not as you wish them to be. Sasuke is gone both mentally and physically; he has demonstrated his capacity to kill without mercy or forethought. Quite simply, Sasuke is a traitor to everyone and everything the Village Hidden in the Leaves stands for. You need to understand and accept this Sakura and move on with your life.”

 

“But Lady Tsunade, I'm sure that Sasuke is being controlled by Orochimaru somehow? I know he would never do on his own the things that have been said about him? He's a good person; he's just going through a difficult time since his brother injured him a few months ago. It's not a crush I have either Hokage-Sama, I truly do love Sasuke with all my heart, and I know Sasuke cares about me, I just do.” Sakura pleadingly says.

 

“God Damn it Sakura, listen to yourself! Even now you attempt to defend that bastard after everything he's done! What is wrong with you girl? Have you not heard a single thing that I have said? Sasuke and his new friends almost managed to kill four of your friends and Sasuke himself tried to murder Naruto, all for the sake of gaining the Mangekyou Sharingan to kill with! And he did all of this willingly Sakura! My God, what is it going to take for you to see and accept the truth about him? It's this kind of fairytale wishful thinking on your part about him, that causes your friends to abandon as you put it! Which they haven't by the way, they're just upset with your insistent fan girl loyalty to that killer and traitor, as am I! In fact, it absolutely galls me that you can sit there and attempt to defend the things he's done! He tried to kill Naruto, doesn't that mean anything to you?”

 

Sakura couldn't say anything as she hung her head in shame and began to openly weep before stammering out a weak “I'm sorry.” Tsunade stares at her for a moment before saying in a stern voice.

 

“Stop your crying Sakura, tears are not going to solve any of your problems. You need to grow up and face your difficulties as a Shinobi. You have a great many things to think about and some hard decisions to make about your life Sakura. And you're the only one who can make these choices in regards to your future. You're at a crossroad my dear, and which road you take only you can decide?”

 

Sakura merely nodded her head and wiping her tears away quietly said, “I understand Lady Tsunade.”

 

“I hope so Sakura, I really do. I don't say these things to you to be hurtful or cruel. But I pray that the power of my words is enough for you to understand the reality of things? As I said, not I or anyone else can help you with the decisions you have to make. However, I can help you in one way. I know its been difficult for you this past week in regards to no longer being part of a team. But one's purpose in life is not solely based upon whether or not they are a part of a Shinobi squad. It is an important facet of your life, but it shouldn't be the only reason for you to live as opposed to just existing. I promise you as Hokage that your training will continue in some form or fashion. I will speak to the other Jounin team leaders this afternoon and see about getting you placed with one of them. You're too strong a Shinobi and have so much potential Sakura, that it would be a crime on my part to let that go to waste.” Tsunade says reassuringly.

 

Sakura lifts her head and looks at the Hokage, her eyes still puffy and red from crying, but also with a glimmer of hope that hadn't been there before she came into the office. She sniffles once more before saying.

 

“Th, Thank you Lady Tsunade.” Sakura then rises from the chair and bows to the Hokage.

 

“Now Sakura, I want you to go home and get some rest, and I want you to think very hard about what I've said to you today. I'll let you know as quickly as I can where your training can resume and with whom.” Tsunade, says with confidence.

 

“Yes Hokage-Sama, I shall.” Sakura politely says as she heads towards the door.

 

“By the way Sakura, how is Naruto doing? I been so busy, I haven't been able to see him the last couple of days.” Tsuande asks.

 

I, I don't know how he is Lady Tsunade, I haven't seen him since the day of his surgery.” Sakura meekly says.

 

Suddenly, Sakura is jolted by the impact of two palms slamming down onto the Hokage's desk, shaking the whole room from the impact before a voice echoes loudly in her ears.

 

“Sakura, I don't have the time or the patience to tell you how upset and disappointed I am in you that you haven't even bothered to visit and see how Naruto is doing, but that ends right now! Before you go home, I as Hokage am ordering you to go see Naruto and try and make things right with him! Because, if you don't, I'll solve your problem of merely existing another way! Now go!” Tsunade says with vigorous anger as Sakura hurriedly leaves the office in absolute terror.

 

Shizune was returning to Hokage tower with some lunch she had purchased for herself and Lady Tsunade. When she was almost bowled over by Sakura, as she burst through the front doors running with a look of panic upon her face. As Shizune watched the pink haired kunoichi run towards the general direction of the nearby hospital, she wondered what could have put the girl into such a state? After a moment, she realized only one person could be responsible, Tsunade. Shizune then made her way to the Hokage's office to find the office door wide open and Tsunade sitting at her desk looking very despondent as he hands cupped her cheeks. Shizune quietly closed the office door behind her and asked.

 

“Lady Tsunade, are you ok? May I be of assistance to you?”

 

Tsunade looked up and slightly turned her head towards her friend and quietly said.

 

“No thank you Shizune, I'll be alright. Please come in and sit down, I wish to talk to you for a moment.”

 

Shizune walked over and took the chair Sakura had been sitting in, and set the food off to the side as she waited for the Hokage to speak again. Lady Tsunade looked at her longtime friend for a moment and said.

 

“Shizune my friend, I wish to apologize to you for the way I've acted this past week. I took some of the frustration and anger I have been feeling towards myself and taken it out on you. It was terribly wrong on my part. You are my closest friend in the world and I would be utterly lost without you. Your loyalty and friendship is one of my greatest assets, and I'm sorry I haven't expressed my gratitude for you more often. Even now, after treating you so badly earlier, I suspect you still brought me lunch in that bag over there. I truly don't deserve you Shizune, please forgive this old fool's transgressions.” And with that said, Tsunade bowed her head towards her assistant.

 

“Of course I forgive you my friend and Sensei. We've known each other too long and have been through too much together over the years. I would never abandon you over something as trivial as an argument.” Shizune reassuringly replies.

 

“Abandon, that's the second time I've heard that word in this office today. Sakura believes all of her friends have abandoned her.” Tsunade states, as she leans back in her chair.

 

“Yes, I was nearly knocked over by Sakura as I was entering the building. She looked panicked or terrified as she ran towards the hospital. Did something happen between the two of you while I was gone?” Shizune asks.

 

Lady Tsunade looked towards the ceiling and made a very long drawn out sigh before saying.

 

“Yes Shizune, the girl came to me in a frightful state seeking my counsel on some issues she's been trying to cope with this past week. I think or at least I hope that I was wise in the advice I was giving her. I'll admit I was a bit harsh with some of the things I said, but I felt a strong approach was needed to get through to her. I think I was doing a pretty good job with Sakura, up until I blew it at the end.”

 

“What happened?” Shizune asks.

 

As Sakura was leaving, I asked her about Naruto's condition? To which she informed me that she didn't know because she hadn't visited Naruto. My response of course was to lose my temper and order the girl under my authority as Hokage to visit Naruto and make things right with him immediately. I also let it be known that failure to do so would be looked upon quite negatively on my part, and I might have implied that it could also impact Sakura's health as well. I'm such an idiot Shizune! I just got so angry towards her because I know Naruto cares for her a great deal. So, because I didn't control my anger and lashed out at the girl, she's probably scared to death of me and will forget everything else I told her.” Tsunade replies, as she silently curses herself.

 

“Would you like me to go find her?” Shizune says.

 

“No, I'll speak with her again, but right now I don't think it would do any good. But I can keep my promise I made to her. Shizune, I need you to go find Asuma, Gai, and Kurenai and have them in my office in the next 30 minutes.” Tsunade tasks her assistant to do.

 

“As you wish Hokage-Sama.” Shizune says, as she leaves the office to bring the three Jounin back as quickly as she can.