Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath ❯ Freedom ( Chapter 23 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Kingkakashi 
As Inoichi struggles to survive while attempting to save the life of Sakura. He receives help from the most unlikely of sources. Meanwhile, Iruka has his hands full trying to keep two of the most stubborn, temperamental, and all around pain-in-the-ass Konoha Shinobi from killing one another on a mission he's been assigned to. And no one knows about the impending storm from the north that will soon cause pain and heartache for many people within the village.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Suspense / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.25.2008 | Pages: 7 | Words: 11.1K | Visits: 1.3K | Status: Work In Progress
As Inoichi struggles to survive while attempting to save the life of Sakura. He receives help from the most unlikely of sources. Meanwhile, Iruka has his hands full trying to keep two of the most stubborn, temperamental, and all around pain-in-the-ass Konoha Shinobi from killing one another on a mission he's been assigned to. And no one knows about the impending storm from the north that will soon cause pain and heartache for many people within the village.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Suspense / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.25.2008 | Pages: 7 | Words: 11.1K | Visits: 1.3K | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 23 Summary: As Inoichi struggles to survive while attempting to save the life of Sakura. He receives help from the most unlikely of sources. Meanwhile, Iruka has his hands full trying to keep two of the most stubborn, temperamental, and all around pain-in-the-ass Konoha Shinobi from killing one another on a mission he's been assigned to. And no one knows about the impending storm from the north that will soon cause pain and heartache for many people within the village.
Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath
Chapter 23: “Freedom”
Koishi nervously waited to see Lord Orochimaru to deliver Kabuto-sans message. It had taken him several days to return to Otogakure due to the Fire country’s increased security patrols coming from Konohagakure. In fact he had nearly been spotted by the legendary Toad Sannin Jiraiya only a couple of days ago, and had to lay low until he was positive he could make it across the border unnoticed. Needless to say this simple message delivery mission had ended up being the most harrowing mission the young Oto Shinobi’s had experienced in his brief career. Koishi was tired and desperately wanted to see his family. But he knew that it would be a grave mistake on his part not to deliver Kabuto-sans message as soon possible to the supreme leader of Otogakure no matter how much the man scared him. Finally, two large wooden doors creaked open and Kioshi was escorted towards a pale man with slits for eyes sitting on a gold encrusted throne ornately decorated with snakes. The man was currently looking down into a large battle arena. Inside said arena a young man with black hair and onyx eyes was engaged in battle with a captured Lightning country Shinobi. A young woman holding a crying baby was off to the side in arena looking up towards Orochimaru and begging that he spare their lives. Koishi could only guess it was the Lightning Shinobi’s family by the way the woman pleaded. Suddenly the young man who Koishi recognized as Orochimaru’s prodigal student Sasuke Uchiha made a series of hand seals and shouted.
“Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu.”(Fire Release: Grand Fireball Technique)
Koishi visibly winced as a massive fireball erupted from the Uchiha’s mouth setting his opponent ablaze while the man and his family screamed in agony and despair. Koishi tore his gaze from the burning corpse and shut his eyes wishing he could do the same to his hearing as the screams from the Shinobi’s wife and child filled the air. He snapped back into attention when he heard the lisping voice of the man in front of him say.
“Ku, ku, ku, am I to assume my Oto Shinobi did not like the show young Sasuke-kun just provided? I expect my warriors to be of ssssssstronger ssssssstock if you are to ssssssserve me, do you understand?”
“Yes Lord Orochimaru I understand. I, I just had never seen that jutsu in use before and was momentarily surprised by the sheer power of it.” Kioshi hastily answered.
“Hmph, a common jutsu from my former home country. I can assure you that young Sasuke-kun will learn much more powerful techniques than that. Now why are you here, my time is preciousssssss to me.”
"Ye, yes my lord, I bring a message from Kabuto-san for you.” Kioshi stammered as he bowed to one knee and handed the parchment over to the Snake Sannin.
Orochimaru studied the document before him and grim look came over his face. Looking back at the still kneeling Shinobi before him he asked with annoyance.
“Thisssssss request was made several dayssssssss ago by Kabuto-kun, why did it take you so long to bring thisssssssss to me?”
“Pl, please forgive me my lord. I traveled as quickly as I could. But Konohagakure has stepped up its security patrols throughout the Fire country in the last several days. They are even using the Toad Sannin Jiraiya, whom I narrowly avoided a couple of days ago from being captured.”
“Yessssss, Kabuto-kun makes mention of my former teammate's presence in his request. Wait a moment while I think, which I find difficult to do with that ssssssscreeching woman and her whelp crying! Ssssssssasuke-kun why have you not silenced that incessant noise yet from my ears!" Orochimaru angrily shouts to his pupil.
“Forgive me Orochimara-san, I was merely waiting for your permission to do so. I shall take care of it at once.” Sasuke replied with a smirk as he pulled a kunai out of his holster and slowly began walking towards the woman while she begs for the life of her baby. A moment later, both her pleading and the child wails are silenced forever.
“Ahhhh, that’s much better. Sasuke-kun come join us. This Shinobi before me brings word from Kabuto-kun.” Orochimaru announces as the Uchiha makes his way out of the arena to stand by his master and asks with excitement.
“What is it Orochimaru Sensei? Did Kabuto-san get me my Hyuga toy yet?”
“I’m afraid not Sasuke-kun. It appears that our former village is on high security alert and patrolling the fire country’s lands very heavily. They have even enlisted the sssssssservices of my fellow Sannin Jiraiya in this matter. Kabuto-kun wishes to abort this mission for another time. What do you have to ssssssssay?”
Sasuke began to pout and looking up to his Sensei with a sad look to his eyes, and he answered in a sickly sweet voice.
“But, but I really want my Hyuga toy to play with Oro-kun. And didn’t you want to find out if we can crossbreed the Uchiha and Hyuga Kekkei Genkai’s together? Can’t you pleeeeease get me my Hyuga bitch? I’ll be ever so grateful if you did.”
Orochimaru looked at Sasuke giving him puppy dog eyes and a quivering bottom lip before he chuckled and hissing replied.
“Yeeeeesssss Sasuke-Kun, we can still get the Hyuga girl. I just can’t refuse anything to you when you give me that face.”
Orochimaru then grabbed a parchment and wrote out some orders to be delivered back to Kabuto. Looking down towards the still kneeling Shinobi before him he asks.
“You there, what is your name?”
“Koishi, Lord Orochimaru.” The young Shinobi replied.
“Kioshi, how many Shinobi does Kabuto-kun have in his command right now?”
“Upon my return Lord Orochimaru, 21 including Kabuto-san sir.”
“Take this message and an additional dozen Shinobi back with you to Kabuto-kun at once. Now begone, Ssssssssasuke-kun and I have important matters to discussssssss.” Orochimaru orders as he licks his lips with an extended tongue, while Sasuke giggles slightly.
“Yes, Lord Orochimaru.” Kioshi quickly replied as he receives the document and hastily makes his way out of the room trying not to imagine what those “important matters” might be?
Once outside, Kioshi breathes a sigh of relief. If he hurries, he might be able to spend a short time with his wife and child while the Oto Shinobi assigned to return with him are ready to depart. Kioshi then thinks of the captured Lightning nin and his family and he shivers, as he remembers the gruesome way they were dispatched. As he runs to see his own family, he silently prays to Kami that he never runs afoul of either Lord Orochimaru or his new student. Because if he does, he knows there will be no mercy given to him or his family.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As Tsunade looked at the monitor showing Inoichi Yamanaka’s life signs she was growing more concerned by the minute. Inoichi had Mind Walked Sakura’s psyche over an hour and a half ago, to engage the Sasuke entity. And for the first hour it had appeared that Inoichi was winning the battle. His life signs had remained stable and Sakura’s had improved greatly. But in the past half hour the situation had slowly turned for the worse. Inoichi’s life signs were beginning to fluctuate badly and Sakura’s life signs were dropping as well. If something didn’t change soon, Tsunade was seriously considering stopping this procedure. Even if it meant Sakura would never recover. Tsunade looked over to the masked Jounin with silver hair standing in the corner with his arms folded staring at his former student. She was surprised Kakashi didn’t have his head buried in one of those perverted books her fellow Sannin writes like he normally does. But even Kakashi knew this was not the time nor the place for his usual hobby.
Kakashi had learned from Jiraiya during a training session with Naruto that morning of the procedure Inoichi and Tsunade were attempting to use to save Sakura. Kakshi felt he needed to be there, even if Sakura was no longer his student, he still felt responsible for the young kunoichi. He spied through the corner of his visible eye Lady Tsunade looking at him and noted the worried look on her face. From that look, Kakashi knew that the procedure was not going well and sensed the turmoil Tsunade was grappling with in making a very difficult decision. Suddenly Inoichi’s body experienced a violent spasm and the readings on his monitor went crazy for a moment. After taking note of the readings, Tsunade looked back at Kakashi with tears welling in her eyes as if silently pleading with the Jounin and said in a choked voice.
“Kakashi, I, I, can’t let this go on.”
“I understand Lady Tsunade, do what you must. No one shall bear you any animosity for it.” Kakashi solemnly replied.
As Tsunade motioned to Shizune to begin the procedure to bring Inoichi back from his Mind Walk his body experienced another violent spasm. Suddenly Sakura bolted upright in her bed with eyes wide open and let loose the most blood curdling scream the three people in room had ever heard in their lives. She then just as suddenly collapsed again into unconsciousness. Tsunade and Shizune quickly checked the young girls monitor and were shocked to see that all of her vitals were rising and stabilizing. But before the two medics could celebrate, an alarm went off on Inoichi’s monitor. Both medics rushed to Inoichi to find his vitals were dropping at an alarming rate. Tsunade shouted to her assistant.
“Shizune, he’s gone into Cardiac Arrest, administer .05 mg/kg of adrenaline diluted with normal saline in a syringe and apply the stimulant to release Inoichi from Sakura’s mind while I begin to send chakra pulses to resuscitate his heart. Kakashi, take this breather bag and keep Inoichi’s lungs ventilated.”
“Wha, what?” Kakashi exclaimed.
“Just squeeze the bag Kakashi to simulate normal breathing!” Tsunade ordered with force.
After a couple of frantic minutes, everything the medic specialist had tried was to no avail. Inochi heart had not started beating again, nor was he breathing on his own. Finally, Tsunade cussed in frustration.
“Damn it, it’s no good! My chakra pulses aren’t strong enough to get his heart going again, we need a stronger stimulant!
“Like what Lady Tsunade?” Shizune asks.
“I don’t know Shizune, perhaps an electrical charge to shock the heart might work? Tsunade answers.
“An electrical charge you say Hokage-sama, how strong of a charge?” Kakashi questions.
Tsunade looks at the masked Jounin in confusion before her eyes grow wide as she realizes what Kakashi is thinking and cries out.
“The Chidori, that’s brilliant Kakashi! Can you create a low level charge and send as a brief pulse to his heart, but without damaging the tissue of it?”
“I can try Lady Tsunade.”
Kakashi then began building a Chidori in his hand, but instead of the normal sound of a thousand chirping birds filling the air. There was just a low level crackling noise as little blue arcs of light danced around in the palm of Kakashi’s hand. With nod of Tsunade’s head as she pointed to the placement of the charge on Inoichi’s chest, Kakashi slammed his hand down and released the charge as Inoichi’s entire body convulsed. Tsunade quickly checked for a pulse while Shizune continued with Kakashi’s previous job on the breather bag. Unfortunately, Tsunade looked up and shook her head before ordering Kakashi to send a slightly stronger pulse again. Once more Kakashi built up a charge and slammed his palm onto the chest of the Yamanaka clan leader. Tsunade checked once more for a pulse and a smile spread across her face and she said with glee.
“I have a pulse and it’s getting stronger. Shizune stop the breather bag and see if he’s breathing on his own?”
Shizune removed the breather bag ventilator and knelt down towards Inoichi’s face and she began to smile as she could feel his breath tickling her ear. Soon after that, everyone present could see a noticeable rhythmic swelling of Inoichi’s chest. At that moment, Tsunade, Shizune and most especially Kakashi exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. Tsunade gazed at Kakashi a moment before saying.
“Kakashi, I don’t know what to call it, but you may have just developed a completely new and innovative medical technique for resuscitating a heart.”
“Well I must admit, it’s not the usual way I’ve applied the Chidori to another person’s heart. But it does please me to know that me technique can also be used to save someone’s life, instead of just ending a life.”
Tsunade smiled once again after hearing Kakashi’s words before ordering some nurses to get Inoichi situated into a private room and for Shizune to supervise the transfer, while she and Kakashi stayed to check on Sakura and make sure she was all right. After Shizune left the room with Inoichi, Kakashi watched Tsunade check all of Sakura’s vitals before she turned around and said with relief.
“All of Sakura’s life signs are good and getting stronger. I think she’s going to make it, thank Kami. Right now the poor girl is simply exhausted due to the mental strain she’s been under since you brought her back. What she needs right now is rest more than anything else.”
“Well that is good news. I’m sure Naruto and the rest of Sakura’s friends will be relieved to hear that.” Kakashi states.
“No!” Tsunade sternly orders.
“Wh, what do you mean no?” Kakashi stammers in disbelief.
“I mean no Kakashi. You are not to discuss her present condition with anyone. I don’t want anyone to know about Sakura right now. As soon as she is physically able, we need to question her to find out what she knows of Sasuke and Orochimaru. That is now our main focus for Sakura the next couple of days, do you understand?”
“Yes Hokage-sama, I understand. But surely you don’t want to keep Naruto in the dark do you? He and Sakura shared a close bond for a long time. I’m sure he would like the opportunity to see her.”
“I especially don’t want Naruto to know or to visit Sakura right now. Tell me Kakashi, have you spoken to Naruto recently about Sakura?”
“No Hokage-sama, I have not.”
“Well I have, and I can tell you that Naruto is not in a good mindset right now when it comes to the subject of Sakura, not that I blame him. He’s struggling with a lot of emotions about the girl, and until he can get a handle on them. A face-to-face meeting between the two will not do either one of them any good right now. In fact, to assure that doesn’t happen, I’m assigning Naruto to a diplomatic mission in the Wave country for the next few days.”
“I see do you wish me to accompany him? With Sasuke and Orochimaru plus the Akatsuki still lurking about, at the very least a Jounin should be assigned to accompany him.”
“I agree that’s why I’m assigning both an upper level Chunin and a Special Jounin to go along with him. And as much as would like you to go as well, I want you here when we begin our questioning of Sakura. Just inform Naruto to be at my office at 2:00 pm today.”
“Hai Hokage-sama.” Kakashi says before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wh en Tsunade and Shizune returned to Hokage Tower and walked into the Hokage’s office, a mountain of paperwork four feet high lay stacked on her desk. After letting loose a torrid of obscenities that lasted for 15 minutes, Tsunade flopped into her chair and began working upon the bane of her existence while waiting for Naruto and the others to arrive. The time went by quickly and it seemed Tsunade had hardly made a dent upon the paperwork when her office door flew open and Naruto came strolling in with his arm around Hinata and gave the Hokage his normal greeting.
“Hey baa-chan! Kakashi Sensei said you wanted to see me what’s up?”
Before Tsunade could bounce a stapler off of Naruto’s head, Hinata nudged Naruto in the ribs with her elbow and gave him a disapproving look. Naruto took one glance at his girlfriend and just rolled his eyes before sighing and says.
“I mean how may I be of service to you Hokage-sama.”
Both Hinata and Tsunade smiled at this before the Hokage spoke up and said.
“Thank you for the proper greeting Naruto and thank you Hinata for trying to teach this gaki some manners.”
“Douitashimashite (You are welcome) Hokage-sama.” Hinata replied while bowing.
“I think I’m going to be sick.” Naruto grumbled under his breath.
“What did you say brat!” Tsunade snapped at him.
“Nothing Hokage-sama, I’m just wondering why I’m here?”
“You’re here Naruto because I’m assigning you a mission. You are to leave this evening and are travel to the Wave country as a diplomatic liaison to further our two countries relationship.”
“Diplomacy! You’ve got to be kidding me baa-chan. what do I know about diplomacy?” Naruto shouts in disappointment.
“Well you have a point, but the people love you there so you shouldn’t have any problems unless you open up your big mouth! Besides Naruto, what do you suggest? Tsunade shot back.
“Can I bring someone with me to help me out?
“Who did you have in mind?” Tsunade asks with her eyebrow cocked.
“Well, how about Hinata-hime? Being the Hyuga heir, she knows all about diplomacy, politics, manners, and all that junk. She could help me out so I don’t screw things up. What do you say?”
Tsunade merely stared at Naruto a few moments before clearing her throat and saying.
“Ahem, I’m impressed Naruto that’s a well thought out arguement at least for you to have Hinata join you on this mission. I commend you.”
“So she can come?” Naruto pleads the hope evident in his voice.
“Not a chance.” Tsunade quickly answers with a smirk.
“But why not? You said I made a good argument for her to come with me.” Naruto grouses.
“You did Naruto. But my counter argument is the fact that your current relationship with Hinata might lead to some extracurricular activities shall we say between the two of you on this trip. And I don’t need one of my best kunoichi’s coming back to me with a little Shinobi in the oven.”
Both Hinata and Naruto blushed at Tsunade’s implied statement before Naruto stammered out in a shaky voice.
“I, I, would never do anything like that to Hinata. Were too young and besides I’m a complete gentleman with her. You wouldn’t have to worry about me trying something like that.”
“Who said I was worried about you gaki. Tsunade replied before turning her gaze towards Hinata and added with a grin. “I know all about the night of the Naruto clones."
Hinata went wide-eyed and audibly squeaked in embarrassment before turning around and burying her face into Naruto’s chest while trying to pull his jacket back around her head. It was at that moment that Iruka came into the room and bowed before Tsunade before turning his gaze towards his two former students and wondering why Hinata was attempting to hide herself inside Naruto’s jacket. He then heard the Hokage chuckle at the sight before them and said.
“Ah Iruka-san, thank you for coming on such short notice. I’m assigning you on a diplomatic escort mission to the Wave country. I want you to educate the Konoha liaison you will be going with in the fine arts of diplomacy as you travel. Please see to it that he doesn’t screw up and cause a political incident between our two nations won’t you.”
“Umm, yes of course Hokage-sama. May I ask who the liaison is I will be teaching?” Iruka calmly asks.
“A good question Iruka. The representative you will be helping is one Naruto Uzumaki.”
When Iruka heard this, he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration before saying in a voice filled with resignation and a little sarcasm.
“So, I take it this is a Class A mission.”
Tsunade erupted in boisterous laughter at Iruka’s statement, while Naruto just glared at his first Sensei. Naruto was about to respond to his Hokage and former teacher when a smoke bomb exploded in the room startling everyone. A woman with purple hair and wearing a long coat over some revealing fishnet clothing then appeared out of the smoke and made a sweeping bow to everyone present while loudly announcing.
“May I introduce the most beautiful, deadly, and sexiest kunoichi in all the Fire country if not the world! The one the only Mitarashi Anko at your service!”
“Anko must you always introduce yourself in such a theatrical way to you comrades on every mission I assign to you?” Tsunade grouses to the Special Jounin.
“It’s no fun to do it any other way Lady Tsunade, you know that.” Anko replied with a grin before asking.
“So what is this mission and who am I going with?”
“Anko you’ll be traveling with Naruto and Iruka here on a diplomatic mission to the Wave country. Your job is to make sure they get there and back in one piece.” Tsunade stated with exasperation.
“Oh just great. One obnoxious brat and a goody two shoes school teacher, this mission should be a barrel of laughs.” Anko says with bitter sarcasm.
“Then don’t come you crazy snake lady! I still remember you threw a kunai at my head for no reason during the second part of the Chunin exams. We’d be safer if just Iruka Sensei and I went on our own than to have you with us!” Naruto shouted in anger.
“Don’t piss me off brat! Even if I did throw a kunai at your head it’s not like it would have hurt you. It’s so dense it just would have bounced off.” Anko fired back in with equal rage.
Naruto and Anko then engaged in an all out insult war for the next few minutes before Tsunade could take no more and slamming her palms onto her desk with such force that it shook the entire office she screamed.
“ENOUGH!”
Anko, Naruto, I’m only going to say this once. You two had better figure out a way to get along because both of you are going on this mission and that’s final. Iruka you’ll be the mission leader on this. I know I’ve given you a difficult task on this mission, and I haven’t exactly assigned to you the best personnel for it. But do your best, and I swear I’ll make it up to you when you get back.” Tsunade laments to the Chunin leader.
“But why is Iruka Sensei mission leader? I’m the diplomat on this mission, shouldn’t I be the leader?” Naruto complains.
“Please brat, I’m the highest ranking Shinobi on this mission, so if anyone should be the leader it should be me.” Anko fires back.
“You’re both wrong!” Tsunade states.
“WHY!” Anko and Naruto shout in unison.
“Because one, I’m the Hokage and I said so! And two, I deem it necessary that the mission leader be an adult. And since Iruka is the only one of you three who qualifies under that guideline he’s the leader and that’s final! Now all of you get out of my office, you leave for the mission in two hours I suggest you get ready!” Tsunade angrily ordered.
As Tsunade watched everyone depart her office, the fatigue of the day’s events was catching up with her, as one thought entered her mind.
‘Kami, I need a drink.’
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
< br>
A couple of hours later, Iruka patiently awaited the arrival of his traveling companions by the east gate of Konoha. He silently wondered to himself if he would survive this trip with Anko and Naruto. If the interaction he witnessed between the two of them in the Hokage’s office was any indication, he had serious doubts. At that moment, Anko landed before him and greeted the Chunin instructor.
“Good evening Iruka-san.”
Iruka just gave Anko an annoyed look before curtly saying.
“Good evening to you Anko-SAN, judging by your actions earlier, you're still playing the role I see.”
“A kunoichi must maintain her reputation, it’s best for everyone. You understand that don’t you?” Anko quietly replied.
“No I don’t understand it? And I never will! Besides, you laid it on pretty thick in the Hokage’s office don’t you think.”
“Whatever gets the job done, because that’s the way I want it!” Anko hissed back through clenched teeth.
“Whatever.” Iruka says in discouragement before adding. “Here comes Naruto right now.”
As Naruto walked hand in hand with Hinata towards his traveling partners he was a bit nervous. After greeting Iruka he leveled a hard gaze onto Anko before calmly saying.
“Anko-san may I speak to you a moment.”
Anko for her part cocked an eyebrow at the subdued tone of Naruto was using and merely nodded her head, as she and Naruto met a few feet away from Iruka and Hinata. Taking a deep breath and still using a calm voice Naruto said.
“Anko-san I just wanted to apologize for calling you a crazy snake lady. That was cruel and uncalled for on my part. I just got angry when you insulted Iruka Sensei. Me, I’m use to it, but I tend to lose my temper when someone is disrespectful to one of my precious people. But that’s no excuse for saying what I did. So I hope you will accept my apology and we can become friends or at least umm, get along ok?”
Anko stared incredulously at the young blonde Genin before her in wonderment. After a moment she erupted in laughter and said.
“Ha, ha, ha, oh that’s rich gaki! You baka, you and me become friends get real! Ha, ha, ha, what happened to the knucklehead I know? Ha, ha, ha, did your little girlfriend over there put you up to this? I’ll admit you almost had me convinced. Ha, ha, ha!”
Naruto just stood rooted to the spot where he was standing and looking towards the ground, his body shaking in rage. His head finally shot back up and he declared with anger, pain and frustration echoing in his voice.
“You’re right Anko-san, you and me as friends what a stupid idea on my part! You just hate me or think I’m a fool just like everyone else does in the village! I don’t why I even bother to try anymore! I thought you might different, but I guess I am baka you say I am!”
Naruto then leapt away from everyone, as he needed to compose himself before returning. Anko stood staring at the spot he had been standing in her eyes wide with shock and her mouth slightly open. Turning around to look at Iruka and Hinata, she was leveled a cold glare from the Chunin while Hinata was staring at the ground with a tear rolling down her cheek. Anko finally worked up the courage to ask and stammered.
“He, he, wasn’t serious was he? It, it was all just a joke by him wasn’t it?”
“It didn’t sound like a joke to me.” Iruka spat in disgust.
“It wasn’t a joke Anko-san. Naruto-kun felt very badly about what he had said to you and practiced on that apology for over an hour just to make sure he got it out right. I didn’t ask him to apologize to you, he decided to do that on his own and I supported him. Kurenai-Sensei use to talk about you in such high regard, I never imagined you would look down on Naruto-kun and insult and consider him a fool. But I guess Naruto-kun is right, you are no different than the rest of the villagers!” Hinata angrily proclaimed before running off to try and find her hurting boyfriend.
After a few minutes, a somber Naruto with Hinata returned to the gate. Anko couldn’t even look Naruto in the face because of how badly she felt. Hinata exchanged a quick goodbye kiss with Naruto and he promised to be back as soon as he could. The trio then began heading out towards the Wave country. Off in the far horizon to the north, a storm could be seen brewing and heading towards Konoha. Little did anyone know the omen it represented, of what would be coming to certain people within the village in the next couple of days.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As Naruto, Iruka, and Anko began their journey towards the Wave country, Tsunade strolled into Inoichi Yamanaka’s room. She was greeted much to her amusement to the sight of Inoichi’s wife Keko feeding him his dinner by hand while simultaneously scolding him for getting hurt in the first place. Quickly spying the Hokage, Inoichi motioned his wife to stop and politely greeted Tsunade.
“Good evening Hokage-sama and welcome.”
“Hai.” Keko also said.
“Good evening to you Inoichi-san, Keko-san. I didn’t mean to interrupt your dinner, I just wanted to check and see how you were feeling?” Tsunade warmly replied.
“I’m feeling much better Hokage-sama. So much so, I’d like to leave here if I could and go home.” Inoichi answered.
“Well all of your vitals are good, but I still want to keep you overnight for observation. If your vitals are still the same tomorrow, I think I can release you then.” Tsunade cheerfully stated.
“Has my daughter and her team returned from their mission yet Lady Tsunade?” Keko inquires.
“Not yet Keko-san, but she should be back soon. I’ve left word at the northeast gate to have Ino come directly to the hospital the moment they arrive.”
“Oh good, then I can have two women admonish me at the same time about getting hurt. Thank you so much Hokage-sama.” Inoichi groans sarcastically.
Tsunade just chuckled and pointed out to Inoichi that while the women in his life may be critical of him for getting hurt. It’s only because they care so much about him. Tsunade then politely asked Keko to leave the room as she had some important matters to discuss with Inoichi. After Keko left, Tsunade pulled a chair up next to Inoichi and asked with concern.
“Inoichi-san, what happened inside Sakura’s mind? We almost lost you this morning. If it wasn’t for Kakashi’s quick thinking, we might not be having this conversation right now.”
Inoichi inhaled and exhaled a deep breath as he contemplated how to explain what had happened. He then looked towards Tsunade, and in a sober tone of voice began to speak.
“It’s, it’s difficult to explain Hokage-sama, but I will try. As you know, I did a Mind Walk on Sakura’s psyche once again and encountered the Sasuke entity she had created. I henge into Naruto’s persona and engaged the entity in battle. You were right, when the Sasuke entity saw a Naruto step out from the shadows, I glimpsed for a brief moment a look of fear spread across his face. We then engaged in battle and using the techniques and strategies I learned from Shikaku and Master Jiraiya, I was slowly but surely winning the fight.”
“All right, that coincides with the readings I saw. It appeared during the first hour or so that your life signs were stable and Sakura’s were improving. However, during the next 30 to 40 minutes, that trend was reversing and your vitals began to fluctuate severely over that time span. What happened during that time period?” Tsunade questions.
“The Sasuke entity recognized or realized I wasn’t the true Naruto Uzumaki. He then started speaking to me, which surprised me a great deal as it had not done that before. It was at this point I started losing the fight.”
(Flashback within Sakura’s Mind)
“I don’t know who you are, but you are not Naruto Uzumaki.”
‘Do not say anything Inoichi do not give yourself away. If it learns who you truly are, he can use that knowledge against you. How in Kami’s creation is this creature speaking to me.’
“Not talking huh? Well it doesn’t matter who you are, you’ll soon be destroyed anyways. Then I can go back to having my fun with that useless bitch over there.”
‘Looking over to where he pointed, I see huddled in a corner the battered and naked body of the inner Sakura entity. I can see her tears flowing out of blackened eyes, and her bruised face has a look of utter pain and despair to it. At that moment I knew I must defeat this evil thing no matter the cost.’
“I can see your upset by my handy-work on her. Well come on Naruto or whomever you are? Punish me if you can, ha,ha,ha.”
‘I will do more than punish you, I will destroy you!’
(Back to Present)
“I then leapt into battle, and for those next 30 to 40 minutes, I attempted to do just that. But in the end it was hopeless Lady Tsunade.” Inoichi laments
“What do you mean Inoichi-san?”
“I mean Lady Tsunade there was a serious flaw to our plan. One of which I could not overcome which meant my defeat and death was all but guaranteed.”
“What flaw could we have overlooked?”
“As I told you before, Sakura had created a manifestation within her mind of Sasuke Uchiha as some sort of perfect male specimen with no flaws and imbued it with incredible almost God-like powers and skills. The flaw was we concentrated so much on defeating the physical and skillful powers of this creature with our plan. We failed to realize that Sakura had also granted this entity with superior intelligence. As you know for every strategy, there is a counter strategy to defeat it. And for those next 30 to 40 minutes I fought with a vengeance using the strategies we had devised. The Sasuke entity devised and used those counter strategies against me until finally I took a Chidori to the chest and I knew I was defeated and dying.”
“But, but Inoichi you didn’t die. Does that mean we got you out in time, but that the Sasuke entity is still alive within Sakura’s mind?” Tsunade asked, her voice laden with fear for Sakura.
“No Hokage-sama, I can assure you the Sasuke entity within her mind is destroyed. Sakura is safe, I just wasn’t the one who saved her.”
“If not you then who Inoichi-san?”
“Naruto.”
(Flashback within Sakura’s Mind)
‘Not good Inoichi, I don’t think I’m going to get out of this one alive.’
“Well I missed hitting your heart, but judging the size of that hole in your chest, you should bleed out soon enough. I’ll give you credit; you put up a decent fight whoever you are. But you were too quiet to be the real Naruto, and you actually fought with too much strategy behind your attacks instead of charging forward head first like he would have. It doesn't matter, you should have realized I rule this mind now, and in here I’m a God! Nothing can defeat me! Ha, ha, ha!”
‘I can’t believe (cough, cough) I’ve been killed by a being created from a 14 year old girls overactive imagination! And now I have to sit and listen to its rant about being a God and unbeatable, ….wait what’s Inner Sakura doing? She’s shaking her head to me, and pointing towards that shadowed corridor. Why didn’t I ever notice that corridor before? (cough, cough) What’s that at the end of it? It looks like door chained shut with a heavy lock in the center. Now that I think of it, the Sasuke entity always did keep the fight away from that area. (cough, cough) Maybe there’s something behind that door he doesn’t want to see. Well, I’ve got enough energy to create one more Rasengan, I might as well put my theory to the test. (cough, cough) Get up Inoichi Yamanaka, this is your last shot!'
“So, you still have some fight in you, good. See if you can hit me with that Rasengan, I bet you won’t! Ha, ha, ha!”
‘Kami, (cough, cough) it even hurts to run. Just a little bit closer Inoichi, and veer off . . . . now!’
What? No, Nooooooooooo! Stay away from there!
‘Well he sounds like he’s about to piss himself (cough, cough). Good, I hope whatever is behind here works?’
(Back to Present)
“What happened next Inoichi-san?”
“Well Hokage-sama, I slammed my final Rasengan into the lock and smashed it open with the Sasuke entity screaming bloody murder behind me. As the lock and the chains dropped to the ground the door suddenly flew open and a golden flash came through the doorway and streaked down the corridor impacting the Sasuke entity immediately. I took a moment to get my bearings and looked down the corridor to see a most welcome sight. I couldn’t see his face, but I saw a blonde haired youth sitting on the Sasuke entity’s chest and raining down one crushing fist after another into the entity’s face while it screamed out in agony. I then began to make my way down the corridor when I saw the blonde youth grab the Sasuke entity by the throat and throw him into a nearby wall. The entity’s face looked like a blood filled piece of raw meat at this point. Then what shocked me most is that this blonde youth suddenly formed two extremely powerful Rasengan’s, one in each hand and charged towards the battered Sasuke entity. Upon reaching him, he thrust one Rasengan into his chest and the other one into his mouth. I can’t tell you the satisfaction I got Lady Tsunade from watching both the head and upper torso of the Sasuke entity explode and be completely obliterated right before my eyes. I live for the day we can do that to our Sasuke Uchiha.”
“I long for that day too, but where does Naruto come into all of this?”
“As I made it to the end of the corridor I decided to risk speaking aloud and asked.”
(Flashback within Sakura’s Mind)
“Who, who are you?”
“Who me? The blonde youth said as he turned to face Inoichi.
“I’m Naruto Uzumaki and apparently so are you?”
‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing, it is Naruto but in a way it isn’t. This boy looks more like a cross between Naruto and Minato. He has the same hair as Naruto albeit a little bit longer. He carries those same facial whiskers though they seem a little more pronounced. This boy is definitely taller and a little more muscular than our Naruto. He wears a long cloak similar to what the Yondaime wore but it’s infused with the trademark orange color Naruto loves, just not as much. This boy is an enigma to me right now. Please Kami, let me live a bit longer to understand who this is before me?’
“Uh, no I’m not Naruto Uzumaki, this is a henge I used to battle that Sasuke creature you just destroyed.”
“The teme, yes I’ve been waiting a long time to get out and take care of that problem. I take it I have you to thank for my release; I’m eternally grateful Mr. uhh . . .”
“I’m sorry let me dispel this henge, my name is Inoichi Yamanaka. (cough, cough)”
“Ah yes Ino’s father, a pleasure to meet you sir.”
“You know me?”
“Well I know of you sir from Sakura-chan’s memories. You’re wounded, let me heal that for you.” Naruto exclaimed before he pressed his palm over the Chidori wound and his hand glowed green for a few moments.
“How, how did you do that?”
“I just channeled some chakra into my hand and closed the wound while reanimating the damaged tissue. Quite simple really, injuries are virtually unknown in this realm. Here, there are only two states of being life or death.”
“That’s amazing! Now, you say you’re Naruto Uzumaki, but I know Naruto and while you share many similarities to him you also have some significant differences. I don’t mean to discount your claim, and I mean no offense, but can you tell me who or what you are please?”
“Ha, ha, ha! I take no offense Inoichi-san and I understand your confusion. But I am telling you the truth I am Naruto Uzumaki. The Naruto Uzumaki of Sakura Haruno’s mind.”
“I think I’m beginning to understand. You’re another entity created by Sakura’s psyche, like the Inner Sakura entity over there and the Sasuke entity you just destroyed aren’t you?”
“Very good Inoichi-san, you are indeed correct.”
“But I don’t understand, why are you so different from the Naruto in my reality? The Inner Sakura entity and the Sasuke entity were the same as their real life counterparts, why aren’t you? And for that matter why do any of you exist at all?”
“How do I explain our existence? A difficult question to answer Inoichi-san, but I'll attempt to do so. The first entity was created by your realms Sakura shortly before she met your daughter. Initially she was to be nothing more than a mental defensive mechanism to help her cope with her insecurities. But then she met Ino, and saw how vibrant and confident the girl was and she looked up to your daughter. When they eventually became friends it was one of her happiest days. Sakura tried to emulate herself to be as vibrant and as confident as Ino, so what started off as a simple coping mechanism evolved into Inner Sakura as you call her. Inner Sakura is where Sakura developed her strength, vitality and confidence. Soon for reasons which I cannot explain, Inner Sakura became a second extension of Sakura within her own mind.”
“This is only a theory Naruto. But from what you’ve told me so far, Inner Sakura sounds more like a second personality of Sakura rather than an extension. For you see the Sakura of my reality rarely exhibited signs of strength, vitality and confidence within herself.”
“If what you say is correct, it does explain a great many things to me. I had always thought that the Sakura of your realm was the same as the Sakura of my realm. But it appears I was incorrect with that assumption. Inner Sakura is not an extension of Outer Sakura as I’ll call her, but a distinct and separate personality carved out of Outer Sakura’s psyche, interesting. Going on that premise, I can surmise that they must have shared some sort of symbiotic connection on a psychological level. You say Outer Sakura rarely exhibited signs of strength, vitality and confidence within herself in your realm, but she did at times correct? Which means she drew upon these qualities from Inner Sakura, fascinating!”
“I don’t believe this?”
“What is it Inoichi-san?”
“Well I just realized I’m discussing the psychological creation of an entity within Sakura’s own mind with another psychologically created entity of that same mind.”
“Ha, ha, ha, A conundrum without question isn’t it Inoichi-san”
“Yes it is Naruto, let me see if I can piece together all of this. Essentially what we think is that on a conscious level Outer Sakura ruled and called upon Inner Sakura from time to time as needed. That does explain some what the conversations I saw in her memories of the two of them speaking to one another. However, on a subconscious level Inner Sakura ruled this realm. In an abstract kind of way it makes sense. And it would have continued to work if not for. . . . . .
“
“If not for the creation of the Sasuke entity is what you were going to say wasn’t it Inoichi-san.”
“Hai Naruto.”
“I suspected that might be the case, but since I still didn’t exist yet when the teme was created. I had no way of knowing for sure? I have my own theory as to the reason for the teme's creation. But I would like to hear your theory first Inoichi-san to see if we differ on anything?”
“Well my theory as to the reason for the Sasuke entity creation, I don’t believe is nearly as complex as Inner Sakura’s creation. From what I could glean from Sakura’s memories is that over the years she created a manifestation within her mind of Sasuke Uchiha as some sort of perfect male specimen with no flaws and imbued it with incredible almost God-like powers and skills as well as superior intelligence as I learned today.
“I concur with your analysis so far Inoichi-san, please go on.”
“The problem with this Sasuke entity is Sakura’s fanaticism and devotion towards Sasuke within her mind was nothing more than a fantasy construct on her part. And when the Sasuke of my reality did what he did to her, it shattered her mind completely. However this manifestation of Sasuke simply didn’t vanish when Sakura’s mind broke down, it merely took on a darker persona.”
“I agree with you Inoichi-san except on a couple of points. It wasn’t her mind that shattered when that despicable incident took place between Sakura and Sasuke in your realm. What shattered was the entity behind me. But perhaps that’s too simplified since we’ve already discussed how interwoven Inner Sakura is into Outer Sakura’s psyche. So in essence, you might be right in saying her mind shattered completely. However you theorized that the Sasuke entity took on a darker persona after the incident, and that’s not true. I can tell you when I existed with the Sasuke entity in this realm; he always had a dark side to him if you will. Remember who and what we are as entities are solely based upon what Outer Sakura gave us. So she must have on some level recognized or saw the darkness within your realms Sasuke and much to her detriment infused some of that darkness into his personality here.”
“That makes sense, Sasuke never did treat her very well in our realm. Now that I think about it, Lady Tsunade’s summation of what happened to Sakura was more accurate than I originally thought.”
“I know of this Tsunade you speak of from Sakura’s memories. Like your daughter at one time, Sakura thinks quite highly of this woman. What did she say?”
“She said that over the years Sakura had created an image of Sasuke as this perfect person within her mind. But with Sasuke’s attack on her, this was a contradiction of the fantasy she had created for herself about Sasuke. Basically, when reality Sasuke didn’t live up to fantasy Sasuke, her mind couldn’t handle it.”
“A bit simplified, but concise and to the point. And I can find no error with that statement.”
“Alright, so now we know or at least theorize how Inner Sakura and the Sasuke entities came into being, all that’s left is . . . . . “
“Me!”
“Hai Naruto.”
“Where do I begin?”
“Well, let’s start off with why you were created Naruto?”
“That’s easy Inoichi-san, I was created because of one word, desire!”
“Desire?”
“I’m afraid so Inoichi-san. Unfortunately I was created for the same reason as the Sasuke entity, I too am nothing more than a fantasy construct as you put it. My sole existence tied into nothing more than Sakura’s hope or longing for love in your world. Not the most noble or glorious reason to exist, but its not like I had a choice in the matter.”
“But why are you so different from the others Naruto in everything physically, emotionally, intellectually, all of it?”
“It’s not that I’m different Inoichi-san. I started off as the Naruto you know in your realm. I’ve just been enhanced shall we say.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Let me explain, though when you hear of my creation you’ll realize how superficial it truly is. For starters, the reason Sasuke looks the same here as here as he does in your reality is because Outer Sakura already viewed him as perfect not only from a physical standpoint, but in everything. I look different from my counterpart in your reality because she didn’t view Naruto the same way from a physical standpoint or in pretty much anything. So in her mind she would periodically upgrade me. I grew in height, muscularity, and definition. My hair, face, voice would undergo changes. The Naruto in your world wasn’t smart enough for her, so hence I’m a freaking genius in here. Your Naruto wasn’t skilled enough for her in your world, in this realm I can pretty much do any Fuuinjutsu, Genjutsu, Ninjutsu, and Taijutsu you can think of, observe.
“Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu.”
'As I watched this Sasuke entity verify his statement by incinerating what little remained of the Sasuke entity using a jutsu the Naruto I knew did not possess, something occurred to me that I had to ask.'
“If that’s the case Naruto, why did your fight end so quickly? It seems to me from what you've said that you are the perfect Naruto in Sakura's mind and that pile of ashes over there use to be the perfect Sasuke in her mind. Shouldn't you both have been of equal power, skill, and intelligence”
“Well after Outer Sakura’s enhancements, whether she meant to or not. In this realm especially from a physical standpoint, but pretty much in everything, I was just always better than the Sasuke entity hands down. It’s the primary reason why I was locked up. Plus between you and me, while Sakura does like all types of jutsu’s, deep down she’s got a secret fetish for Taijutsu. And after witnessing what the Sasuke entity did to my Sakura. I thought she would enjoy seeing me turn his face into hamburger before I killed him.”
“I think she did, I saw her smile before she passed out. And I think my world's Sakura did mean to make you superior to the Sasuke of your realm because she does love the Naruto of my world and not Sasuke, even if she can't admit it to herself. As you said earlier, who and what you are as entities are solely based upon what Outer Sakura gave you. Truth be told, if it wasn’t for your Sakura cluing me in to free you, we wouldn't be speaking right now. But why were you locked up in the first place Naruto?”
“When Outer Sakura began to develop feelings for the Naruto of your realm hence my creation. It began to cause strife and discord for her in her mind here. You see the Naruto before you is the fantasy of what Outer Sakura wanted Naruto to be in your world. The difference between the Sasuke entity, and myself is that both Inner and Outer Sakura believed him to already be perfect in both realms. While only this Naruto was deemed worthy to be with Sakura in here. There was a time that all three entities coexisted within this realm. However when Outer Sakura would have doubts about Sasuke or her feelings towards your Naruto would grow, it incited conflict here between the Sasuke entity and myself. Eventually, Inner Sakura had to make a choice between the two of us for peace within Sakura’s subconscious mind. She decided that Sasuke was her true love, in part because that is how your Sakura felt about your Sasuke. So I was cast out, into a deeper realm or level of Sakura’s subconscious never to exist on this level again.”
“Does that mean you can’t stay on this level of Sakura’s subconscious anymore Naruto.”
“No Inoichi-san, I could stay but I won’t.”
“But why Naruto? I think your Sakura is going to need as much help as the Sakura of my world is going to need in the future.”
“You don’t understand Inoichi-san, look at the damage caused to your Sakura’s mind when one person in your world didn’t live up to the fantasy construct she had created of that person within this realm. As you pointed out earlier, I’m like perfect Sasuke, except I’m perfect Naruto. What happens when the Naruto of your realm Kami forbid doesn’t live up to Sakura’s expectations or hurts her in some way. Don’t you see, I wouldn’t be helping Sakura by staying, only hurting her in the long run. But you are right about one thing Inoichi-san my Sakura does need my help.”
“What will you do?” Inoichi asks as he watches Naruto wrap his cloak around Inner Sakura before picking her up bridal style and walking back to Inoichi.
“I’m going to take her my realm Inoichi-san, a deeper level of Sakura’s subconscious. I’m going try and help her to heal. Perhaps in a sense we can actually build a life together, I don’t know but I can hope.”
“You love her that much Naruto?”
“How can I not Inoichi-san. I was created to love her, that is my existence.”
“Nar, Naruto-kun.” A soft voice says from the cloak as battered green eyes look up into blue ones.
“I’m here Sakura-chan.”
“Naruto-kun (sob) I’m, I’m so sorry, (sob) pl, please forgive me? (sob)”
“Shhhhh, of course I forgive you Sakura-chan. Just close your eyes and get some rest.”
“You, you won’t leave me will you Naruto-kun? (sob) You, you’ll take care of me? (sob)”
“I won’t leave you Sakura-chan I promise, and I’ll always take care of you ok?”
“Th, thank you Naruto-kun, I love youuuuuuu.” Sakura replied before drifting off to sleep once again.
“I love you too Sakura-chan.” Naruto replies as he kisses her forehead before turning his attention back to Inoichi and asks.
“Inoichi-san, may I ask you a personal question about the Naruto of your world? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want too.”
“What is your question Naruto?”
“Is there any chance or hope that your worlds Sakura and Naruto will be together?”
Inoichi paused a moment to consider whether or not to answer this question before he finally said.
“I'm sorry Naruto, perhaps as friends but nothing more. The Naruto of my reality has fallen in love with another and she loves him.”
“That’s a pity. I’ve seen Sakura’s memories of your Naruto and he appears to be decent and caring person. I wish your Sakura would have looked past the superficial faults she felt he had and given him a chance.”
"Unfortunately Naruto when puberty hits, the superficial is all most boys and girls seem care about at that age."
"It's a wonder any of you get through it unscathed Inoichi-san."
"Who says any of us do Naruto?"
"Ha, ha, ha, you have a point. I must go now Inoichi-san, but I want to thank you for everything you have done. Not only have I been able to have a most stimulating and interesting conversation with you. But you've granted me my freedom by your actions and allowed me to save someone very special to me. I hope your actions have the same effect in your world as well."
"Naruto, may I ask you a personal question? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"You may ask Inoichi-san, it's only fair you answered my question."
"Is the Sakura of my world crazy?"
"Ha, ha, ha a valid question I suppose considering our conversation. No I don't believe your Sakura is crazy, I would say she's . . . . . . . complicated, and leave it at that. But then again, what do I know? You're asking that question to a creation of the very mind you are wondering about. Quite the paradox isn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it is. Goodbye Naruto it was a pleasure to meet you."
"And I you Inoichi-san. I do need to tell you something with regard to your realms Sakura. Once I leave to the deeper realm or level of her subconscious with Inner Sakura, the door will reseal and your Sakura will not be able to access Inner Sakura anymore. Which is going to leave your realms Sakura devoid of her strength, vitality and confidence in herself, until she learns to believe in herself once again."
(Back to Present)
"And with that Hokage-sama, I watched him walk through the door I had freed him from carrying Inner Sakura in his arms. Once through the door, it shut behind him and the lock and chains reappeared sealing them into that deeper level of Sakura's subconscious."
"That's the most amazing tale I've heard in my entire life Inoichi-san." Tsunade replied while slumped in her chair literally dumb-founded by everything she had just heard.
"I can hardly believe it myself Lady Tsunade."
Before any further discussion can continue, the door to Inoichi's room flew open and a cry of "daddy" rang out as a purple and blonde blur engulfed Inoichi in hug. Keko Yamanaka followed quickly behind as she said to Tsunade.
"I apologize Hokage-sama, I tried to stop her but the girl is quite headstrong as you know. Please forgive her for interrupting your meeting with Inoichi."
"It's fine Keko, Inoichi-san and I had just finished before Ino arrived. I must be going anyway, so I'll let the three of you spend some quality time together. Inoichi-san, thank you again for the successful completion of your mission. I am sorry it did cause you injury, but I'm listing it as an A ranked mission and you will be compensated as such under that ranking. I'll be back tomorrow, and if everything goes well you should be released in the morning"
"Thank you Hokage-sama."
As Tsunade left the hospital, she exhaled a sigh of relief. It had been a long and taxing day and she was looking forward to getting back to Hokage Tower and sitting down with a bottle of fine vintage of sake. The sun was just beginning to set as she made her way through the streets of Konoha. A stiff breeze from the north hit Tsunade's face as her gaze drifted to the northern horizon and she noticed some dark storm clouds developing and thought to herself.
'It looks like we have a nasty storm brewing to the north and heading this way. I hope it doesn't cause too much damage?"
Little did Tsunade that her hopes would soon be dashed. And the high cost of the damage that would be caused to many people in the village would not come from the storm she was seeing, but by the one she didn't see.
Authors Note:Well this ending up being an interesting chapter for me to write. I hope you all enjoy it? I know some of you were hoping for an epic psychic battle between Inoichi and the Sasuke entity. But I just had a difficult time writing a battle scene between imaginary characters of imaginary characters. And the idea of "Naruto" of sorts coming to Inoichi's aid and their in-depth conversation afterwards just came to me for some reason? But not to worry, as I've alluded to with my "coming storm" analogy. This story is about to blow up once again in the next few chapters with a lot of angst, drama, and suspense. Not to mention fight scenes galore involving Naruto, Kakashi, Kurenai, Hinata, Neji, Kabuto, Several Oto nins, Kiba/Akamaru, Shino, Jiraiya and many others as well. So for all of you jonesing for some fight action, rest assured it's coming.
As for the next update, as always I'll try my best to do it asap. But I'm still looking for employment so hence I didn't have a real fun holiday because I couldn't afford to. So I spent a lot of time writing this chapter during that time. As always, if anyone wants to discuss the story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with the readers who really have an interest in it. I’ll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can.
Take it easy everyone and be good!
Kingkakashi
Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath
Chapter 23: “Freedom”
Koishi nervously waited to see Lord Orochimaru to deliver Kabuto-sans message. It had taken him several days to return to Otogakure due to the Fire country’s increased security patrols coming from Konohagakure. In fact he had nearly been spotted by the legendary Toad Sannin Jiraiya only a couple of days ago, and had to lay low until he was positive he could make it across the border unnoticed. Needless to say this simple message delivery mission had ended up being the most harrowing mission the young Oto Shinobi’s had experienced in his brief career. Koishi was tired and desperately wanted to see his family. But he knew that it would be a grave mistake on his part not to deliver Kabuto-sans message as soon possible to the supreme leader of Otogakure no matter how much the man scared him. Finally, two large wooden doors creaked open and Kioshi was escorted towards a pale man with slits for eyes sitting on a gold encrusted throne ornately decorated with snakes. The man was currently looking down into a large battle arena. Inside said arena a young man with black hair and onyx eyes was engaged in battle with a captured Lightning country Shinobi. A young woman holding a crying baby was off to the side in arena looking up towards Orochimaru and begging that he spare their lives. Koishi could only guess it was the Lightning Shinobi’s family by the way the woman pleaded. Suddenly the young man who Koishi recognized as Orochimaru’s prodigal student Sasuke Uchiha made a series of hand seals and shouted.
“Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu.”(Fire Release: Grand Fireball Technique)
Koishi visibly winced as a massive fireball erupted from the Uchiha’s mouth setting his opponent ablaze while the man and his family screamed in agony and despair. Koishi tore his gaze from the burning corpse and shut his eyes wishing he could do the same to his hearing as the screams from the Shinobi’s wife and child filled the air. He snapped back into attention when he heard the lisping voice of the man in front of him say.
“Ku, ku, ku, am I to assume my Oto Shinobi did not like the show young Sasuke-kun just provided? I expect my warriors to be of ssssssstronger ssssssstock if you are to ssssssserve me, do you understand?”
“Yes Lord Orochimaru I understand. I, I just had never seen that jutsu in use before and was momentarily surprised by the sheer power of it.” Kioshi hastily answered.
“Hmph, a common jutsu from my former home country. I can assure you that young Sasuke-kun will learn much more powerful techniques than that. Now why are you here, my time is preciousssssss to me.”
"Ye, yes my lord, I bring a message from Kabuto-san for you.” Kioshi stammered as he bowed to one knee and handed the parchment over to the Snake Sannin.
Orochimaru studied the document before him and grim look came over his face. Looking back at the still kneeling Shinobi before him he asked with annoyance.
“Thisssssss request was made several dayssssssss ago by Kabuto-kun, why did it take you so long to bring thisssssssss to me?”
“Pl, please forgive me my lord. I traveled as quickly as I could. But Konohagakure has stepped up its security patrols throughout the Fire country in the last several days. They are even using the Toad Sannin Jiraiya, whom I narrowly avoided a couple of days ago from being captured.”
“Yessssss, Kabuto-kun makes mention of my former teammate's presence in his request. Wait a moment while I think, which I find difficult to do with that ssssssscreeching woman and her whelp crying! Ssssssssasuke-kun why have you not silenced that incessant noise yet from my ears!" Orochimaru angrily shouts to his pupil.
“Forgive me Orochimara-san, I was merely waiting for your permission to do so. I shall take care of it at once.” Sasuke replied with a smirk as he pulled a kunai out of his holster and slowly began walking towards the woman while she begs for the life of her baby. A moment later, both her pleading and the child wails are silenced forever.
“Ahhhh, that’s much better. Sasuke-kun come join us. This Shinobi before me brings word from Kabuto-kun.” Orochimaru announces as the Uchiha makes his way out of the arena to stand by his master and asks with excitement.
“What is it Orochimaru Sensei? Did Kabuto-san get me my Hyuga toy yet?”
“I’m afraid not Sasuke-kun. It appears that our former village is on high security alert and patrolling the fire country’s lands very heavily. They have even enlisted the sssssssservices of my fellow Sannin Jiraiya in this matter. Kabuto-kun wishes to abort this mission for another time. What do you have to ssssssssay?”
Sasuke began to pout and looking up to his Sensei with a sad look to his eyes, and he answered in a sickly sweet voice.
“But, but I really want my Hyuga toy to play with Oro-kun. And didn’t you want to find out if we can crossbreed the Uchiha and Hyuga Kekkei Genkai’s together? Can’t you pleeeeease get me my Hyuga bitch? I’ll be ever so grateful if you did.”
Orochimaru looked at Sasuke giving him puppy dog eyes and a quivering bottom lip before he chuckled and hissing replied.
“Yeeeeesssss Sasuke-Kun, we can still get the Hyuga girl. I just can’t refuse anything to you when you give me that face.”
Orochimaru then grabbed a parchment and wrote out some orders to be delivered back to Kabuto. Looking down towards the still kneeling Shinobi before him he asks.
“You there, what is your name?”
“Koishi, Lord Orochimaru.” The young Shinobi replied.
“Kioshi, how many Shinobi does Kabuto-kun have in his command right now?”
“Upon my return Lord Orochimaru, 21 including Kabuto-san sir.”
“Take this message and an additional dozen Shinobi back with you to Kabuto-kun at once. Now begone, Ssssssssasuke-kun and I have important matters to discussssssss.” Orochimaru orders as he licks his lips with an extended tongue, while Sasuke giggles slightly.
“Yes, Lord Orochimaru.” Kioshi quickly replied as he receives the document and hastily makes his way out of the room trying not to imagine what those “important matters” might be?
Once outside, Kioshi breathes a sigh of relief. If he hurries, he might be able to spend a short time with his wife and child while the Oto Shinobi assigned to return with him are ready to depart. Kioshi then thinks of the captured Lightning nin and his family and he shivers, as he remembers the gruesome way they were dispatched. As he runs to see his own family, he silently prays to Kami that he never runs afoul of either Lord Orochimaru or his new student. Because if he does, he knows there will be no mercy given to him or his family.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As Tsunade looked at the monitor showing Inoichi Yamanaka’s life signs she was growing more concerned by the minute. Inoichi had Mind Walked Sakura’s psyche over an hour and a half ago, to engage the Sasuke entity. And for the first hour it had appeared that Inoichi was winning the battle. His life signs had remained stable and Sakura’s had improved greatly. But in the past half hour the situation had slowly turned for the worse. Inoichi’s life signs were beginning to fluctuate badly and Sakura’s life signs were dropping as well. If something didn’t change soon, Tsunade was seriously considering stopping this procedure. Even if it meant Sakura would never recover. Tsunade looked over to the masked Jounin with silver hair standing in the corner with his arms folded staring at his former student. She was surprised Kakashi didn’t have his head buried in one of those perverted books her fellow Sannin writes like he normally does. But even Kakashi knew this was not the time nor the place for his usual hobby.
Kakashi had learned from Jiraiya during a training session with Naruto that morning of the procedure Inoichi and Tsunade were attempting to use to save Sakura. Kakshi felt he needed to be there, even if Sakura was no longer his student, he still felt responsible for the young kunoichi. He spied through the corner of his visible eye Lady Tsunade looking at him and noted the worried look on her face. From that look, Kakashi knew that the procedure was not going well and sensed the turmoil Tsunade was grappling with in making a very difficult decision. Suddenly Inoichi’s body experienced a violent spasm and the readings on his monitor went crazy for a moment. After taking note of the readings, Tsunade looked back at Kakashi with tears welling in her eyes as if silently pleading with the Jounin and said in a choked voice.
“Kakashi, I, I, can’t let this go on.”
“I understand Lady Tsunade, do what you must. No one shall bear you any animosity for it.” Kakashi solemnly replied.
As Tsunade motioned to Shizune to begin the procedure to bring Inoichi back from his Mind Walk his body experienced another violent spasm. Suddenly Sakura bolted upright in her bed with eyes wide open and let loose the most blood curdling scream the three people in room had ever heard in their lives. She then just as suddenly collapsed again into unconsciousness. Tsunade and Shizune quickly checked the young girls monitor and were shocked to see that all of her vitals were rising and stabilizing. But before the two medics could celebrate, an alarm went off on Inoichi’s monitor. Both medics rushed to Inoichi to find his vitals were dropping at an alarming rate. Tsunade shouted to her assistant.
“Shizune, he’s gone into Cardiac Arrest, administer .05 mg/kg of adrenaline diluted with normal saline in a syringe and apply the stimulant to release Inoichi from Sakura’s mind while I begin to send chakra pulses to resuscitate his heart. Kakashi, take this breather bag and keep Inoichi’s lungs ventilated.”
“Wha, what?” Kakashi exclaimed.
“Just squeeze the bag Kakashi to simulate normal breathing!” Tsunade ordered with force.
After a couple of frantic minutes, everything the medic specialist had tried was to no avail. Inochi heart had not started beating again, nor was he breathing on his own. Finally, Tsunade cussed in frustration.
“Damn it, it’s no good! My chakra pulses aren’t strong enough to get his heart going again, we need a stronger stimulant!
“Like what Lady Tsunade?” Shizune asks.
“I don’t know Shizune, perhaps an electrical charge to shock the heart might work? Tsunade answers.
“An electrical charge you say Hokage-sama, how strong of a charge?” Kakashi questions.
Tsunade looks at the masked Jounin in confusion before her eyes grow wide as she realizes what Kakashi is thinking and cries out.
“The Chidori, that’s brilliant Kakashi! Can you create a low level charge and send as a brief pulse to his heart, but without damaging the tissue of it?”
“I can try Lady Tsunade.”
Kakashi then began building a Chidori in his hand, but instead of the normal sound of a thousand chirping birds filling the air. There was just a low level crackling noise as little blue arcs of light danced around in the palm of Kakashi’s hand. With nod of Tsunade’s head as she pointed to the placement of the charge on Inoichi’s chest, Kakashi slammed his hand down and released the charge as Inoichi’s entire body convulsed. Tsunade quickly checked for a pulse while Shizune continued with Kakashi’s previous job on the breather bag. Unfortunately, Tsunade looked up and shook her head before ordering Kakashi to send a slightly stronger pulse again. Once more Kakashi built up a charge and slammed his palm onto the chest of the Yamanaka clan leader. Tsunade checked once more for a pulse and a smile spread across her face and she said with glee.
“I have a pulse and it’s getting stronger. Shizune stop the breather bag and see if he’s breathing on his own?”
Shizune removed the breather bag ventilator and knelt down towards Inoichi’s face and she began to smile as she could feel his breath tickling her ear. Soon after that, everyone present could see a noticeable rhythmic swelling of Inoichi’s chest. At that moment, Tsunade, Shizune and most especially Kakashi exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. Tsunade gazed at Kakashi a moment before saying.
“Kakashi, I don’t know what to call it, but you may have just developed a completely new and innovative medical technique for resuscitating a heart.”
“Well I must admit, it’s not the usual way I’ve applied the Chidori to another person’s heart. But it does please me to know that me technique can also be used to save someone’s life, instead of just ending a life.”
Tsunade smiled once again after hearing Kakashi’s words before ordering some nurses to get Inoichi situated into a private room and for Shizune to supervise the transfer, while she and Kakashi stayed to check on Sakura and make sure she was all right. After Shizune left the room with Inoichi, Kakashi watched Tsunade check all of Sakura’s vitals before she turned around and said with relief.
“All of Sakura’s life signs are good and getting stronger. I think she’s going to make it, thank Kami. Right now the poor girl is simply exhausted due to the mental strain she’s been under since you brought her back. What she needs right now is rest more than anything else.”
“Well that is good news. I’m sure Naruto and the rest of Sakura’s friends will be relieved to hear that.” Kakashi states.
“No!” Tsunade sternly orders.
“Wh, what do you mean no?” Kakashi stammers in disbelief.
“I mean no Kakashi. You are not to discuss her present condition with anyone. I don’t want anyone to know about Sakura right now. As soon as she is physically able, we need to question her to find out what she knows of Sasuke and Orochimaru. That is now our main focus for Sakura the next couple of days, do you understand?”
“Yes Hokage-sama, I understand. But surely you don’t want to keep Naruto in the dark do you? He and Sakura shared a close bond for a long time. I’m sure he would like the opportunity to see her.”
“I especially don’t want Naruto to know or to visit Sakura right now. Tell me Kakashi, have you spoken to Naruto recently about Sakura?”
“No Hokage-sama, I have not.”
“Well I have, and I can tell you that Naruto is not in a good mindset right now when it comes to the subject of Sakura, not that I blame him. He’s struggling with a lot of emotions about the girl, and until he can get a handle on them. A face-to-face meeting between the two will not do either one of them any good right now. In fact, to assure that doesn’t happen, I’m assigning Naruto to a diplomatic mission in the Wave country for the next few days.”
“I see do you wish me to accompany him? With Sasuke and Orochimaru plus the Akatsuki still lurking about, at the very least a Jounin should be assigned to accompany him.”
“I agree that’s why I’m assigning both an upper level Chunin and a Special Jounin to go along with him. And as much as would like you to go as well, I want you here when we begin our questioning of Sakura. Just inform Naruto to be at my office at 2:00 pm today.”
“Hai Hokage-sama.” Kakashi says before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wh en Tsunade and Shizune returned to Hokage Tower and walked into the Hokage’s office, a mountain of paperwork four feet high lay stacked on her desk. After letting loose a torrid of obscenities that lasted for 15 minutes, Tsunade flopped into her chair and began working upon the bane of her existence while waiting for Naruto and the others to arrive. The time went by quickly and it seemed Tsunade had hardly made a dent upon the paperwork when her office door flew open and Naruto came strolling in with his arm around Hinata and gave the Hokage his normal greeting.
“Hey baa-chan! Kakashi Sensei said you wanted to see me what’s up?”
Before Tsunade could bounce a stapler off of Naruto’s head, Hinata nudged Naruto in the ribs with her elbow and gave him a disapproving look. Naruto took one glance at his girlfriend and just rolled his eyes before sighing and says.
“I mean how may I be of service to you Hokage-sama.”
Both Hinata and Tsunade smiled at this before the Hokage spoke up and said.
“Thank you for the proper greeting Naruto and thank you Hinata for trying to teach this gaki some manners.”
“Douitashimashite (You are welcome) Hokage-sama.” Hinata replied while bowing.
“I think I’m going to be sick.” Naruto grumbled under his breath.
“What did you say brat!” Tsunade snapped at him.
“Nothing Hokage-sama, I’m just wondering why I’m here?”
“You’re here Naruto because I’m assigning you a mission. You are to leave this evening and are travel to the Wave country as a diplomatic liaison to further our two countries relationship.”
“Diplomacy! You’ve got to be kidding me baa-chan. what do I know about diplomacy?” Naruto shouts in disappointment.
“Well you have a point, but the people love you there so you shouldn’t have any problems unless you open up your big mouth! Besides Naruto, what do you suggest? Tsunade shot back.
“Can I bring someone with me to help me out?
“Who did you have in mind?” Tsunade asks with her eyebrow cocked.
“Well, how about Hinata-hime? Being the Hyuga heir, she knows all about diplomacy, politics, manners, and all that junk. She could help me out so I don’t screw things up. What do you say?”
Tsunade merely stared at Naruto a few moments before clearing her throat and saying.
“Ahem, I’m impressed Naruto that’s a well thought out arguement at least for you to have Hinata join you on this mission. I commend you.”
“So she can come?” Naruto pleads the hope evident in his voice.
“Not a chance.” Tsunade quickly answers with a smirk.
“But why not? You said I made a good argument for her to come with me.” Naruto grouses.
“You did Naruto. But my counter argument is the fact that your current relationship with Hinata might lead to some extracurricular activities shall we say between the two of you on this trip. And I don’t need one of my best kunoichi’s coming back to me with a little Shinobi in the oven.”
Both Hinata and Naruto blushed at Tsunade’s implied statement before Naruto stammered out in a shaky voice.
“I, I, would never do anything like that to Hinata. Were too young and besides I’m a complete gentleman with her. You wouldn’t have to worry about me trying something like that.”
“Who said I was worried about you gaki. Tsunade replied before turning her gaze towards Hinata and added with a grin. “I know all about the night of the Naruto clones."
Hinata went wide-eyed and audibly squeaked in embarrassment before turning around and burying her face into Naruto’s chest while trying to pull his jacket back around her head. It was at that moment that Iruka came into the room and bowed before Tsunade before turning his gaze towards his two former students and wondering why Hinata was attempting to hide herself inside Naruto’s jacket. He then heard the Hokage chuckle at the sight before them and said.
“Ah Iruka-san, thank you for coming on such short notice. I’m assigning you on a diplomatic escort mission to the Wave country. I want you to educate the Konoha liaison you will be going with in the fine arts of diplomacy as you travel. Please see to it that he doesn’t screw up and cause a political incident between our two nations won’t you.”
“Umm, yes of course Hokage-sama. May I ask who the liaison is I will be teaching?” Iruka calmly asks.
“A good question Iruka. The representative you will be helping is one Naruto Uzumaki.”
When Iruka heard this, he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration before saying in a voice filled with resignation and a little sarcasm.
“So, I take it this is a Class A mission.”
Tsunade erupted in boisterous laughter at Iruka’s statement, while Naruto just glared at his first Sensei. Naruto was about to respond to his Hokage and former teacher when a smoke bomb exploded in the room startling everyone. A woman with purple hair and wearing a long coat over some revealing fishnet clothing then appeared out of the smoke and made a sweeping bow to everyone present while loudly announcing.
“May I introduce the most beautiful, deadly, and sexiest kunoichi in all the Fire country if not the world! The one the only Mitarashi Anko at your service!”
“Anko must you always introduce yourself in such a theatrical way to you comrades on every mission I assign to you?” Tsunade grouses to the Special Jounin.
“It’s no fun to do it any other way Lady Tsunade, you know that.” Anko replied with a grin before asking.
“So what is this mission and who am I going with?”
“Anko you’ll be traveling with Naruto and Iruka here on a diplomatic mission to the Wave country. Your job is to make sure they get there and back in one piece.” Tsunade stated with exasperation.
“Oh just great. One obnoxious brat and a goody two shoes school teacher, this mission should be a barrel of laughs.” Anko says with bitter sarcasm.
“Then don’t come you crazy snake lady! I still remember you threw a kunai at my head for no reason during the second part of the Chunin exams. We’d be safer if just Iruka Sensei and I went on our own than to have you with us!” Naruto shouted in anger.
“Don’t piss me off brat! Even if I did throw a kunai at your head it’s not like it would have hurt you. It’s so dense it just would have bounced off.” Anko fired back in with equal rage.
Naruto and Anko then engaged in an all out insult war for the next few minutes before Tsunade could take no more and slamming her palms onto her desk with such force that it shook the entire office she screamed.
“ENOUGH!”
Anko, Naruto, I’m only going to say this once. You two had better figure out a way to get along because both of you are going on this mission and that’s final. Iruka you’ll be the mission leader on this. I know I’ve given you a difficult task on this mission, and I haven’t exactly assigned to you the best personnel for it. But do your best, and I swear I’ll make it up to you when you get back.” Tsunade laments to the Chunin leader.
“But why is Iruka Sensei mission leader? I’m the diplomat on this mission, shouldn’t I be the leader?” Naruto complains.
“Please brat, I’m the highest ranking Shinobi on this mission, so if anyone should be the leader it should be me.” Anko fires back.
“You’re both wrong!” Tsunade states.
“WHY!” Anko and Naruto shout in unison.
“Because one, I’m the Hokage and I said so! And two, I deem it necessary that the mission leader be an adult. And since Iruka is the only one of you three who qualifies under that guideline he’s the leader and that’s final! Now all of you get out of my office, you leave for the mission in two hours I suggest you get ready!” Tsunade angrily ordered.
As Tsunade watched everyone depart her office, the fatigue of the day’s events was catching up with her, as one thought entered her mind.
‘Kami, I need a drink.’
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
< br>
A couple of hours later, Iruka patiently awaited the arrival of his traveling companions by the east gate of Konoha. He silently wondered to himself if he would survive this trip with Anko and Naruto. If the interaction he witnessed between the two of them in the Hokage’s office was any indication, he had serious doubts. At that moment, Anko landed before him and greeted the Chunin instructor.
“Good evening Iruka-san.”
Iruka just gave Anko an annoyed look before curtly saying.
“Good evening to you Anko-SAN, judging by your actions earlier, you're still playing the role I see.”
“A kunoichi must maintain her reputation, it’s best for everyone. You understand that don’t you?” Anko quietly replied.
“No I don’t understand it? And I never will! Besides, you laid it on pretty thick in the Hokage’s office don’t you think.”
“Whatever gets the job done, because that’s the way I want it!” Anko hissed back through clenched teeth.
“Whatever.” Iruka says in discouragement before adding. “Here comes Naruto right now.”
As Naruto walked hand in hand with Hinata towards his traveling partners he was a bit nervous. After greeting Iruka he leveled a hard gaze onto Anko before calmly saying.
“Anko-san may I speak to you a moment.”
Anko for her part cocked an eyebrow at the subdued tone of Naruto was using and merely nodded her head, as she and Naruto met a few feet away from Iruka and Hinata. Taking a deep breath and still using a calm voice Naruto said.
“Anko-san I just wanted to apologize for calling you a crazy snake lady. That was cruel and uncalled for on my part. I just got angry when you insulted Iruka Sensei. Me, I’m use to it, but I tend to lose my temper when someone is disrespectful to one of my precious people. But that’s no excuse for saying what I did. So I hope you will accept my apology and we can become friends or at least umm, get along ok?”
Anko stared incredulously at the young blonde Genin before her in wonderment. After a moment she erupted in laughter and said.
“Ha, ha, ha, oh that’s rich gaki! You baka, you and me become friends get real! Ha, ha, ha, what happened to the knucklehead I know? Ha, ha, ha, did your little girlfriend over there put you up to this? I’ll admit you almost had me convinced. Ha, ha, ha!”
Naruto just stood rooted to the spot where he was standing and looking towards the ground, his body shaking in rage. His head finally shot back up and he declared with anger, pain and frustration echoing in his voice.
“You’re right Anko-san, you and me as friends what a stupid idea on my part! You just hate me or think I’m a fool just like everyone else does in the village! I don’t why I even bother to try anymore! I thought you might different, but I guess I am baka you say I am!”
Naruto then leapt away from everyone, as he needed to compose himself before returning. Anko stood staring at the spot he had been standing in her eyes wide with shock and her mouth slightly open. Turning around to look at Iruka and Hinata, she was leveled a cold glare from the Chunin while Hinata was staring at the ground with a tear rolling down her cheek. Anko finally worked up the courage to ask and stammered.
“He, he, wasn’t serious was he? It, it was all just a joke by him wasn’t it?”
“It didn’t sound like a joke to me.” Iruka spat in disgust.
“It wasn’t a joke Anko-san. Naruto-kun felt very badly about what he had said to you and practiced on that apology for over an hour just to make sure he got it out right. I didn’t ask him to apologize to you, he decided to do that on his own and I supported him. Kurenai-Sensei use to talk about you in such high regard, I never imagined you would look down on Naruto-kun and insult and consider him a fool. But I guess Naruto-kun is right, you are no different than the rest of the villagers!” Hinata angrily proclaimed before running off to try and find her hurting boyfriend.
After a few minutes, a somber Naruto with Hinata returned to the gate. Anko couldn’t even look Naruto in the face because of how badly she felt. Hinata exchanged a quick goodbye kiss with Naruto and he promised to be back as soon as he could. The trio then began heading out towards the Wave country. Off in the far horizon to the north, a storm could be seen brewing and heading towards Konoha. Little did anyone know the omen it represented, of what would be coming to certain people within the village in the next couple of days.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As Naruto, Iruka, and Anko began their journey towards the Wave country, Tsunade strolled into Inoichi Yamanaka’s room. She was greeted much to her amusement to the sight of Inoichi’s wife Keko feeding him his dinner by hand while simultaneously scolding him for getting hurt in the first place. Quickly spying the Hokage, Inoichi motioned his wife to stop and politely greeted Tsunade.
“Good evening Hokage-sama and welcome.”
“Hai.” Keko also said.
“Good evening to you Inoichi-san, Keko-san. I didn’t mean to interrupt your dinner, I just wanted to check and see how you were feeling?” Tsunade warmly replied.
“I’m feeling much better Hokage-sama. So much so, I’d like to leave here if I could and go home.” Inoichi answered.
“Well all of your vitals are good, but I still want to keep you overnight for observation. If your vitals are still the same tomorrow, I think I can release you then.” Tsunade cheerfully stated.
“Has my daughter and her team returned from their mission yet Lady Tsunade?” Keko inquires.
“Not yet Keko-san, but she should be back soon. I’ve left word at the northeast gate to have Ino come directly to the hospital the moment they arrive.”
“Oh good, then I can have two women admonish me at the same time about getting hurt. Thank you so much Hokage-sama.” Inoichi groans sarcastically.
Tsunade just chuckled and pointed out to Inoichi that while the women in his life may be critical of him for getting hurt. It’s only because they care so much about him. Tsunade then politely asked Keko to leave the room as she had some important matters to discuss with Inoichi. After Keko left, Tsunade pulled a chair up next to Inoichi and asked with concern.
“Inoichi-san, what happened inside Sakura’s mind? We almost lost you this morning. If it wasn’t for Kakashi’s quick thinking, we might not be having this conversation right now.”
Inoichi inhaled and exhaled a deep breath as he contemplated how to explain what had happened. He then looked towards Tsunade, and in a sober tone of voice began to speak.
“It’s, it’s difficult to explain Hokage-sama, but I will try. As you know, I did a Mind Walk on Sakura’s psyche once again and encountered the Sasuke entity she had created. I henge into Naruto’s persona and engaged the entity in battle. You were right, when the Sasuke entity saw a Naruto step out from the shadows, I glimpsed for a brief moment a look of fear spread across his face. We then engaged in battle and using the techniques and strategies I learned from Shikaku and Master Jiraiya, I was slowly but surely winning the fight.”
“All right, that coincides with the readings I saw. It appeared during the first hour or so that your life signs were stable and Sakura’s were improving. However, during the next 30 to 40 minutes, that trend was reversing and your vitals began to fluctuate severely over that time span. What happened during that time period?” Tsunade questions.
“The Sasuke entity recognized or realized I wasn’t the true Naruto Uzumaki. He then started speaking to me, which surprised me a great deal as it had not done that before. It was at this point I started losing the fight.”
(Flashback within Sakura’s Mind)
“I don’t know who you are, but you are not Naruto Uzumaki.”
‘Do not say anything Inoichi do not give yourself away. If it learns who you truly are, he can use that knowledge against you. How in Kami’s creation is this creature speaking to me.’
“Not talking huh? Well it doesn’t matter who you are, you’ll soon be destroyed anyways. Then I can go back to having my fun with that useless bitch over there.”
‘Looking over to where he pointed, I see huddled in a corner the battered and naked body of the inner Sakura entity. I can see her tears flowing out of blackened eyes, and her bruised face has a look of utter pain and despair to it. At that moment I knew I must defeat this evil thing no matter the cost.’
“I can see your upset by my handy-work on her. Well come on Naruto or whomever you are? Punish me if you can, ha,ha,ha.”
‘I will do more than punish you, I will destroy you!’
(Back to Present)
“I then leapt into battle, and for those next 30 to 40 minutes, I attempted to do just that. But in the end it was hopeless Lady Tsunade.” Inoichi laments
“What do you mean Inoichi-san?”
“I mean Lady Tsunade there was a serious flaw to our plan. One of which I could not overcome which meant my defeat and death was all but guaranteed.”
“What flaw could we have overlooked?”
“As I told you before, Sakura had created a manifestation within her mind of Sasuke Uchiha as some sort of perfect male specimen with no flaws and imbued it with incredible almost God-like powers and skills. The flaw was we concentrated so much on defeating the physical and skillful powers of this creature with our plan. We failed to realize that Sakura had also granted this entity with superior intelligence. As you know for every strategy, there is a counter strategy to defeat it. And for those next 30 to 40 minutes I fought with a vengeance using the strategies we had devised. The Sasuke entity devised and used those counter strategies against me until finally I took a Chidori to the chest and I knew I was defeated and dying.”
“But, but Inoichi you didn’t die. Does that mean we got you out in time, but that the Sasuke entity is still alive within Sakura’s mind?” Tsunade asked, her voice laden with fear for Sakura.
“No Hokage-sama, I can assure you the Sasuke entity within her mind is destroyed. Sakura is safe, I just wasn’t the one who saved her.”
“If not you then who Inoichi-san?”
“Naruto.”
(Flashback within Sakura’s Mind)
‘Not good Inoichi, I don’t think I’m going to get out of this one alive.’
“Well I missed hitting your heart, but judging the size of that hole in your chest, you should bleed out soon enough. I’ll give you credit; you put up a decent fight whoever you are. But you were too quiet to be the real Naruto, and you actually fought with too much strategy behind your attacks instead of charging forward head first like he would have. It doesn't matter, you should have realized I rule this mind now, and in here I’m a God! Nothing can defeat me! Ha, ha, ha!”
‘I can’t believe (cough, cough) I’ve been killed by a being created from a 14 year old girls overactive imagination! And now I have to sit and listen to its rant about being a God and unbeatable, ….wait what’s Inner Sakura doing? She’s shaking her head to me, and pointing towards that shadowed corridor. Why didn’t I ever notice that corridor before? (cough, cough) What’s that at the end of it? It looks like door chained shut with a heavy lock in the center. Now that I think of it, the Sasuke entity always did keep the fight away from that area. (cough, cough) Maybe there’s something behind that door he doesn’t want to see. Well, I’ve got enough energy to create one more Rasengan, I might as well put my theory to the test. (cough, cough) Get up Inoichi Yamanaka, this is your last shot!'
“So, you still have some fight in you, good. See if you can hit me with that Rasengan, I bet you won’t! Ha, ha, ha!”
‘Kami, (cough, cough) it even hurts to run. Just a little bit closer Inoichi, and veer off . . . . now!’
What? No, Nooooooooooo! Stay away from there!
‘Well he sounds like he’s about to piss himself (cough, cough). Good, I hope whatever is behind here works?’
(Back to Present)
“What happened next Inoichi-san?”
“Well Hokage-sama, I slammed my final Rasengan into the lock and smashed it open with the Sasuke entity screaming bloody murder behind me. As the lock and the chains dropped to the ground the door suddenly flew open and a golden flash came through the doorway and streaked down the corridor impacting the Sasuke entity immediately. I took a moment to get my bearings and looked down the corridor to see a most welcome sight. I couldn’t see his face, but I saw a blonde haired youth sitting on the Sasuke entity’s chest and raining down one crushing fist after another into the entity’s face while it screamed out in agony. I then began to make my way down the corridor when I saw the blonde youth grab the Sasuke entity by the throat and throw him into a nearby wall. The entity’s face looked like a blood filled piece of raw meat at this point. Then what shocked me most is that this blonde youth suddenly formed two extremely powerful Rasengan’s, one in each hand and charged towards the battered Sasuke entity. Upon reaching him, he thrust one Rasengan into his chest and the other one into his mouth. I can’t tell you the satisfaction I got Lady Tsunade from watching both the head and upper torso of the Sasuke entity explode and be completely obliterated right before my eyes. I live for the day we can do that to our Sasuke Uchiha.”
“I long for that day too, but where does Naruto come into all of this?”
“As I made it to the end of the corridor I decided to risk speaking aloud and asked.”
(Flashback within Sakura’s Mind)
“Who, who are you?”
“Who me? The blonde youth said as he turned to face Inoichi.
“I’m Naruto Uzumaki and apparently so are you?”
‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing, it is Naruto but in a way it isn’t. This boy looks more like a cross between Naruto and Minato. He has the same hair as Naruto albeit a little bit longer. He carries those same facial whiskers though they seem a little more pronounced. This boy is definitely taller and a little more muscular than our Naruto. He wears a long cloak similar to what the Yondaime wore but it’s infused with the trademark orange color Naruto loves, just not as much. This boy is an enigma to me right now. Please Kami, let me live a bit longer to understand who this is before me?’
“Uh, no I’m not Naruto Uzumaki, this is a henge I used to battle that Sasuke creature you just destroyed.”
“The teme, yes I’ve been waiting a long time to get out and take care of that problem. I take it I have you to thank for my release; I’m eternally grateful Mr. uhh . . .”
“I’m sorry let me dispel this henge, my name is Inoichi Yamanaka. (cough, cough)”
“Ah yes Ino’s father, a pleasure to meet you sir.”
“You know me?”
“Well I know of you sir from Sakura-chan’s memories. You’re wounded, let me heal that for you.” Naruto exclaimed before he pressed his palm over the Chidori wound and his hand glowed green for a few moments.
“How, how did you do that?”
“I just channeled some chakra into my hand and closed the wound while reanimating the damaged tissue. Quite simple really, injuries are virtually unknown in this realm. Here, there are only two states of being life or death.”
“That’s amazing! Now, you say you’re Naruto Uzumaki, but I know Naruto and while you share many similarities to him you also have some significant differences. I don’t mean to discount your claim, and I mean no offense, but can you tell me who or what you are please?”
“Ha, ha, ha! I take no offense Inoichi-san and I understand your confusion. But I am telling you the truth I am Naruto Uzumaki. The Naruto Uzumaki of Sakura Haruno’s mind.”
“I think I’m beginning to understand. You’re another entity created by Sakura’s psyche, like the Inner Sakura entity over there and the Sasuke entity you just destroyed aren’t you?”
“Very good Inoichi-san, you are indeed correct.”
“But I don’t understand, why are you so different from the Naruto in my reality? The Inner Sakura entity and the Sasuke entity were the same as their real life counterparts, why aren’t you? And for that matter why do any of you exist at all?”
“How do I explain our existence? A difficult question to answer Inoichi-san, but I'll attempt to do so. The first entity was created by your realms Sakura shortly before she met your daughter. Initially she was to be nothing more than a mental defensive mechanism to help her cope with her insecurities. But then she met Ino, and saw how vibrant and confident the girl was and she looked up to your daughter. When they eventually became friends it was one of her happiest days. Sakura tried to emulate herself to be as vibrant and as confident as Ino, so what started off as a simple coping mechanism evolved into Inner Sakura as you call her. Inner Sakura is where Sakura developed her strength, vitality and confidence. Soon for reasons which I cannot explain, Inner Sakura became a second extension of Sakura within her own mind.”
“This is only a theory Naruto. But from what you’ve told me so far, Inner Sakura sounds more like a second personality of Sakura rather than an extension. For you see the Sakura of my reality rarely exhibited signs of strength, vitality and confidence within herself.”
“If what you say is correct, it does explain a great many things to me. I had always thought that the Sakura of your realm was the same as the Sakura of my realm. But it appears I was incorrect with that assumption. Inner Sakura is not an extension of Outer Sakura as I’ll call her, but a distinct and separate personality carved out of Outer Sakura’s psyche, interesting. Going on that premise, I can surmise that they must have shared some sort of symbiotic connection on a psychological level. You say Outer Sakura rarely exhibited signs of strength, vitality and confidence within herself in your realm, but she did at times correct? Which means she drew upon these qualities from Inner Sakura, fascinating!”
“I don’t believe this?”
“What is it Inoichi-san?”
“Well I just realized I’m discussing the psychological creation of an entity within Sakura’s own mind with another psychologically created entity of that same mind.”
“Ha, ha, ha, A conundrum without question isn’t it Inoichi-san”
“Yes it is Naruto, let me see if I can piece together all of this. Essentially what we think is that on a conscious level Outer Sakura ruled and called upon Inner Sakura from time to time as needed. That does explain some what the conversations I saw in her memories of the two of them speaking to one another. However, on a subconscious level Inner Sakura ruled this realm. In an abstract kind of way it makes sense. And it would have continued to work if not for. . . . . .
“
“If not for the creation of the Sasuke entity is what you were going to say wasn’t it Inoichi-san.”
“Hai Naruto.”
“I suspected that might be the case, but since I still didn’t exist yet when the teme was created. I had no way of knowing for sure? I have my own theory as to the reason for the teme's creation. But I would like to hear your theory first Inoichi-san to see if we differ on anything?”
“Well my theory as to the reason for the Sasuke entity creation, I don’t believe is nearly as complex as Inner Sakura’s creation. From what I could glean from Sakura’s memories is that over the years she created a manifestation within her mind of Sasuke Uchiha as some sort of perfect male specimen with no flaws and imbued it with incredible almost God-like powers and skills as well as superior intelligence as I learned today.
“I concur with your analysis so far Inoichi-san, please go on.”
“The problem with this Sasuke entity is Sakura’s fanaticism and devotion towards Sasuke within her mind was nothing more than a fantasy construct on her part. And when the Sasuke of my reality did what he did to her, it shattered her mind completely. However this manifestation of Sasuke simply didn’t vanish when Sakura’s mind broke down, it merely took on a darker persona.”
“I agree with you Inoichi-san except on a couple of points. It wasn’t her mind that shattered when that despicable incident took place between Sakura and Sasuke in your realm. What shattered was the entity behind me. But perhaps that’s too simplified since we’ve already discussed how interwoven Inner Sakura is into Outer Sakura’s psyche. So in essence, you might be right in saying her mind shattered completely. However you theorized that the Sasuke entity took on a darker persona after the incident, and that’s not true. I can tell you when I existed with the Sasuke entity in this realm; he always had a dark side to him if you will. Remember who and what we are as entities are solely based upon what Outer Sakura gave us. So she must have on some level recognized or saw the darkness within your realms Sasuke and much to her detriment infused some of that darkness into his personality here.”
“That makes sense, Sasuke never did treat her very well in our realm. Now that I think about it, Lady Tsunade’s summation of what happened to Sakura was more accurate than I originally thought.”
“I know of this Tsunade you speak of from Sakura’s memories. Like your daughter at one time, Sakura thinks quite highly of this woman. What did she say?”
“She said that over the years Sakura had created an image of Sasuke as this perfect person within her mind. But with Sasuke’s attack on her, this was a contradiction of the fantasy she had created for herself about Sasuke. Basically, when reality Sasuke didn’t live up to fantasy Sasuke, her mind couldn’t handle it.”
“A bit simplified, but concise and to the point. And I can find no error with that statement.”
“Alright, so now we know or at least theorize how Inner Sakura and the Sasuke entities came into being, all that’s left is . . . . . “
“Me!”
“Hai Naruto.”
“Where do I begin?”
“Well, let’s start off with why you were created Naruto?”
“That’s easy Inoichi-san, I was created because of one word, desire!”
“Desire?”
“I’m afraid so Inoichi-san. Unfortunately I was created for the same reason as the Sasuke entity, I too am nothing more than a fantasy construct as you put it. My sole existence tied into nothing more than Sakura’s hope or longing for love in your world. Not the most noble or glorious reason to exist, but its not like I had a choice in the matter.”
“But why are you so different from the others Naruto in everything physically, emotionally, intellectually, all of it?”
“It’s not that I’m different Inoichi-san. I started off as the Naruto you know in your realm. I’ve just been enhanced shall we say.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Let me explain, though when you hear of my creation you’ll realize how superficial it truly is. For starters, the reason Sasuke looks the same here as here as he does in your reality is because Outer Sakura already viewed him as perfect not only from a physical standpoint, but in everything. I look different from my counterpart in your reality because she didn’t view Naruto the same way from a physical standpoint or in pretty much anything. So in her mind she would periodically upgrade me. I grew in height, muscularity, and definition. My hair, face, voice would undergo changes. The Naruto in your world wasn’t smart enough for her, so hence I’m a freaking genius in here. Your Naruto wasn’t skilled enough for her in your world, in this realm I can pretty much do any Fuuinjutsu, Genjutsu, Ninjutsu, and Taijutsu you can think of, observe.
“Katon: Goukakyu no Jutsu.”
'As I watched this Sasuke entity verify his statement by incinerating what little remained of the Sasuke entity using a jutsu the Naruto I knew did not possess, something occurred to me that I had to ask.'
“If that’s the case Naruto, why did your fight end so quickly? It seems to me from what you've said that you are the perfect Naruto in Sakura's mind and that pile of ashes over there use to be the perfect Sasuke in her mind. Shouldn't you both have been of equal power, skill, and intelligence”
“Well after Outer Sakura’s enhancements, whether she meant to or not. In this realm especially from a physical standpoint, but pretty much in everything, I was just always better than the Sasuke entity hands down. It’s the primary reason why I was locked up. Plus between you and me, while Sakura does like all types of jutsu’s, deep down she’s got a secret fetish for Taijutsu. And after witnessing what the Sasuke entity did to my Sakura. I thought she would enjoy seeing me turn his face into hamburger before I killed him.”
“I think she did, I saw her smile before she passed out. And I think my world's Sakura did mean to make you superior to the Sasuke of your realm because she does love the Naruto of my world and not Sasuke, even if she can't admit it to herself. As you said earlier, who and what you are as entities are solely based upon what Outer Sakura gave you. Truth be told, if it wasn’t for your Sakura cluing me in to free you, we wouldn't be speaking right now. But why were you locked up in the first place Naruto?”
“When Outer Sakura began to develop feelings for the Naruto of your realm hence my creation. It began to cause strife and discord for her in her mind here. You see the Naruto before you is the fantasy of what Outer Sakura wanted Naruto to be in your world. The difference between the Sasuke entity, and myself is that both Inner and Outer Sakura believed him to already be perfect in both realms. While only this Naruto was deemed worthy to be with Sakura in here. There was a time that all three entities coexisted within this realm. However when Outer Sakura would have doubts about Sasuke or her feelings towards your Naruto would grow, it incited conflict here between the Sasuke entity and myself. Eventually, Inner Sakura had to make a choice between the two of us for peace within Sakura’s subconscious mind. She decided that Sasuke was her true love, in part because that is how your Sakura felt about your Sasuke. So I was cast out, into a deeper realm or level of Sakura’s subconscious never to exist on this level again.”
“Does that mean you can’t stay on this level of Sakura’s subconscious anymore Naruto.”
“No Inoichi-san, I could stay but I won’t.”
“But why Naruto? I think your Sakura is going to need as much help as the Sakura of my world is going to need in the future.”
“You don’t understand Inoichi-san, look at the damage caused to your Sakura’s mind when one person in your world didn’t live up to the fantasy construct she had created of that person within this realm. As you pointed out earlier, I’m like perfect Sasuke, except I’m perfect Naruto. What happens when the Naruto of your realm Kami forbid doesn’t live up to Sakura’s expectations or hurts her in some way. Don’t you see, I wouldn’t be helping Sakura by staying, only hurting her in the long run. But you are right about one thing Inoichi-san my Sakura does need my help.”
“What will you do?” Inoichi asks as he watches Naruto wrap his cloak around Inner Sakura before picking her up bridal style and walking back to Inoichi.
“I’m going to take her my realm Inoichi-san, a deeper level of Sakura’s subconscious. I’m going try and help her to heal. Perhaps in a sense we can actually build a life together, I don’t know but I can hope.”
“You love her that much Naruto?”
“How can I not Inoichi-san. I was created to love her, that is my existence.”
“Nar, Naruto-kun.” A soft voice says from the cloak as battered green eyes look up into blue ones.
“I’m here Sakura-chan.”
“Naruto-kun (sob) I’m, I’m so sorry, (sob) pl, please forgive me? (sob)”
“Shhhhh, of course I forgive you Sakura-chan. Just close your eyes and get some rest.”
“You, you won’t leave me will you Naruto-kun? (sob) You, you’ll take care of me? (sob)”
“I won’t leave you Sakura-chan I promise, and I’ll always take care of you ok?”
“Th, thank you Naruto-kun, I love youuuuuuu.” Sakura replied before drifting off to sleep once again.
“I love you too Sakura-chan.” Naruto replies as he kisses her forehead before turning his attention back to Inoichi and asks.
“Inoichi-san, may I ask you a personal question about the Naruto of your world? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want too.”
“What is your question Naruto?”
“Is there any chance or hope that your worlds Sakura and Naruto will be together?”
Inoichi paused a moment to consider whether or not to answer this question before he finally said.
“I'm sorry Naruto, perhaps as friends but nothing more. The Naruto of my reality has fallen in love with another and she loves him.”
“That’s a pity. I’ve seen Sakura’s memories of your Naruto and he appears to be decent and caring person. I wish your Sakura would have looked past the superficial faults she felt he had and given him a chance.”
"Unfortunately Naruto when puberty hits, the superficial is all most boys and girls seem care about at that age."
"It's a wonder any of you get through it unscathed Inoichi-san."
"Who says any of us do Naruto?"
"Ha, ha, ha, you have a point. I must go now Inoichi-san, but I want to thank you for everything you have done. Not only have I been able to have a most stimulating and interesting conversation with you. But you've granted me my freedom by your actions and allowed me to save someone very special to me. I hope your actions have the same effect in your world as well."
"Naruto, may I ask you a personal question? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"You may ask Inoichi-san, it's only fair you answered my question."
"Is the Sakura of my world crazy?"
"Ha, ha, ha a valid question I suppose considering our conversation. No I don't believe your Sakura is crazy, I would say she's . . . . . . . complicated, and leave it at that. But then again, what do I know? You're asking that question to a creation of the very mind you are wondering about. Quite the paradox isn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it is. Goodbye Naruto it was a pleasure to meet you."
"And I you Inoichi-san. I do need to tell you something with regard to your realms Sakura. Once I leave to the deeper realm or level of her subconscious with Inner Sakura, the door will reseal and your Sakura will not be able to access Inner Sakura anymore. Which is going to leave your realms Sakura devoid of her strength, vitality and confidence in herself, until she learns to believe in herself once again."
(Back to Present)
"And with that Hokage-sama, I watched him walk through the door I had freed him from carrying Inner Sakura in his arms. Once through the door, it shut behind him and the lock and chains reappeared sealing them into that deeper level of Sakura's subconscious."
"That's the most amazing tale I've heard in my entire life Inoichi-san." Tsunade replied while slumped in her chair literally dumb-founded by everything she had just heard.
"I can hardly believe it myself Lady Tsunade."
Before any further discussion can continue, the door to Inoichi's room flew open and a cry of "daddy" rang out as a purple and blonde blur engulfed Inoichi in hug. Keko Yamanaka followed quickly behind as she said to Tsunade.
"I apologize Hokage-sama, I tried to stop her but the girl is quite headstrong as you know. Please forgive her for interrupting your meeting with Inoichi."
"It's fine Keko, Inoichi-san and I had just finished before Ino arrived. I must be going anyway, so I'll let the three of you spend some quality time together. Inoichi-san, thank you again for the successful completion of your mission. I am sorry it did cause you injury, but I'm listing it as an A ranked mission and you will be compensated as such under that ranking. I'll be back tomorrow, and if everything goes well you should be released in the morning"
"Thank you Hokage-sama."
As Tsunade left the hospital, she exhaled a sigh of relief. It had been a long and taxing day and she was looking forward to getting back to Hokage Tower and sitting down with a bottle of fine vintage of sake. The sun was just beginning to set as she made her way through the streets of Konoha. A stiff breeze from the north hit Tsunade's face as her gaze drifted to the northern horizon and she noticed some dark storm clouds developing and thought to herself.
'It looks like we have a nasty storm brewing to the north and heading this way. I hope it doesn't cause too much damage?"
Little did Tsunade that her hopes would soon be dashed. And the high cost of the damage that would be caused to many people in the village would not come from the storm she was seeing, but by the one she didn't see.
Authors Note:Well this ending up being an interesting chapter for me to write. I hope you all enjoy it? I know some of you were hoping for an epic psychic battle between Inoichi and the Sasuke entity. But I just had a difficult time writing a battle scene between imaginary characters of imaginary characters. And the idea of "Naruto" of sorts coming to Inoichi's aid and their in-depth conversation afterwards just came to me for some reason? But not to worry, as I've alluded to with my "coming storm" analogy. This story is about to blow up once again in the next few chapters with a lot of angst, drama, and suspense. Not to mention fight scenes galore involving Naruto, Kakashi, Kurenai, Hinata, Neji, Kabuto, Several Oto nins, Kiba/Akamaru, Shino, Jiraiya and many others as well. So for all of you jonesing for some fight action, rest assured it's coming.
As for the next update, as always I'll try my best to do it asap. But I'm still looking for employment so hence I didn't have a real fun holiday because I couldn't afford to. So I spent a lot of time writing this chapter during that time. As always, if anyone wants to discuss the story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with the readers who really have an interest in it. I’ll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can.
Take it easy everyone and be good!
Kingkakashi