Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath ❯ A Time to Heal ( Chapter 30 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tsunade is dealing with many crises at the moment, the least of which is getting several of her Shinobi healed and back on their feet. Some injuries will heal quickly, while other wounds may take a longtime to mend, if they ever do? Meanwhile, what does the future hold for Naruto now because of his Kyuubi Event?

Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Suspense / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.29.2010 | Pages: 17 | Words: 23.3K | Visits: 798 | Status: Work In Progress

Chapter 30 Summary: Tsunade is dealing with many crises at the moment, the least of which is getting several of her Shinobi healed and back on their feet. Some injuries will heal quickly, while other wounds may take a longtime to mend, if they ever do? Meanwhile, what does the future hold for Naruto now because of his Kyuubi Event?

Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath:

Chapter 30: "A Time to Heal"

Sakura softly groaned, as her eyes fluttered open irritated by the sunlight now cascading into her room from behind the curtain a nurse had pulled aside. Sakura attempted to bring her arm up to shield her eyes from the morning sunlight, when she suddenly discovered that she was unable to move it due to the arm being strapped to the bed. Sakura then attempted to move her legs, only to discover that they too were strapped down as well. Shaking her head to clear the cobwebs, Sakura wondered what was going on before the memory of what she did came flooding back into her mind. It was then that the Konoha nurse noticed that Sakura had awakened and said.

"Ah Ms. Haruno, I see your awake. That's a relief; you put quite a scare into us. The Hokage herself worked tirelessly to bring you back. I'll inform Lady Tsunade at once that you've awakened."

As Sakura watched the nurse scurry out the door a lone tear rolled down her cheek, while she stared up at the unyielding ceiling before murmuring to herself in a voice filled with disappointment and despair.

"Kami, I can't do anything right."

Tsunade sighed heavily, as she made her way down the ICU hallway followed closely behind by Shizune. It had been a couple of stressful days for the Gondaime since Naruto's Kyuubi Event. The Council was demanding answers about what had transpired at the hospital, and Tsunade was doing her best to stall them under the pretense of having several medical emergencies to deal with at the moment. Which wasn't far from the truth considering how many injured Shinobi she was currently tending to, but Tsunade knew she would have to deal the Council very soon. However, Tsunade hoped that before that happened, she would be able to come up with something that would keep Naruto out of the Councils crosshairs. Because sadly, she still had no idea what to say to explain what had happened that would keep her grandson out of trouble.

As Tsunade and Shizune entered Kurenai's room, they saw the Genjutsu Mistress was sleeping peacefully in her bed. It was a far cry from the day before when Kurenai had awakened and immediately asked about Kakashi and Hinata. Tsunade had been surprised at the smile that lit up Kurenai's face when she heard that Kakashi was alive and would recover. However, that smile soon vanished when Kurenai learned of Hinata's fate. When Tsunade wheeled the still paralyzed Jounin into Hinata's room to visit her, Kurenai broke down into hysterics upon seeing the Hyuga girl's condition and had to be sedated. Shizune pulled the curtains covering the window aside and the room was quickly illuminated in sunlight. This action caused Kurenai to stir from her slumber and groggily sit up, while slowly rubbing her eyes and look about the room before her gaze fell upon Tsunade standing in the doorway who smiled and said.

"Good morning Kurenai, how are you feeling today?"

"Good morning Hokage-sama, I'm feeling better." Kurenai quietly replied, as her head hung low.

"Oh please, stop with the formal Hokage-sama crap, it makes me feel like an old bureaucrat."

Kurenai merely nodded her head in acceptance before looking up and saying.

"La, Lady Tsunade, I wish to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I know, as a shinobi we are to keep are emotions in check at all times. I can offer no excuse for my deplorable breakdown upon seeing Hinata's condition. But I can assure you that it will not happen again."

"Kurenai, there's nothing for you to apologize for. I know how close you and Hinata are, and to be honest I'd be more worried if you hadn't had an emotional reaction to what you saw. Many people have shed tears the past few days over Hinata's condition, myself included."

"Has, has there been any change in Hinata's condition Lady Tsunade?"

"I'm sorry, there hasn't, but when there is a change, you will be the first to know I promise you."

"Thank you Lady Tsunade." Kurenai softly said.

Tsunade could see how depressed the Jounin kunoichi was and decided to change the subject and focus on Kurenai's condition seeing as nothing else could be done for Hinata. Clearing her throat, Tsunade stated with mirth.

"Ahem, well now let's see what we can do about getting you back on your feet. After all, you've got an Aburame and an Inuzuka running wild out in the streets of Konoha you need to look after. We already know what kind of trouble they can get into when you're not around to reign them in."

A small smile appeared on Kurenai's face, as she thought of her other two students before she then heard Tsunade state with concern.

"Your chakra levels are back to full strength Kurenai. So we'll get you prepped and scheduled for surgery to restore movement and feeling back to your legs. I just wish we knew what Kabuto did to you to cause your paralysis? I don't like poking around a person's spinal cord looking for the damage. There's always a chance of causing even further harm to the vertebrae or nerves that aren't damaged."

It was then that Kurenai remembered what Kabuto had said to her after he took her down and said to the blonde Hokage.

"Lady Tsunade, Kabuto told me during the battle that he had severed the L5 nerve in my spine to cause my paralysis."

"Well thank Kami for Kabuto's big mouth, that information is exactly what I needed to know. We'll get you scheduled for surgery immediately and by the end of the week, you'll be walking around again as good as new." Tsunade announced with a smile before adding.

"You just lie back and rest for now. We'll come get you when we are ready."

"Hai Lady Tsunade and thank you." Kurenai replied, as she leaned back and watched Tsunade and Shizune exit her room.

Kakashi was happily giggling at a passage he was reading in the latest Icha Icha novel he had when he suddenly felt a large amount of killing intent directed his way. Looking up from his book, he spied Tsunade and Shizune standing in the doorway of his room glaring at him or more specifically at the book he held. Exhaling a heavy sigh, Kakashi put away the novel before turning his attention back to the ladies in his room and flashing his trademark eye smile waved and said.

"Hello Hokage-sama and Shizune-san, what brings you two lovely ladies to my room this morning?"

"We're just here to check on your condition you one-eyed pervert and make sure you haven't taken anymore unauthorized vacations from your bed like you did a couple of days ago." Tsunade stated with annoyance.

Kakashi face tensed slightly, as the memory of what Tsunade was talking about entered his mind.

(Flashback)

Kakashi's eyes snapped open the minute he felt the chakra pressure running through the hospital and a shudder went down his back. He immediately recognized the Kyuubi's chakra and realized something must have happened to Naruto. It was then Kakashi heard a tremendous explosion from the courtyard of the hospital. Struggling to get out of bed, the silver haired Jounin efforts were thwarted by several intravenous tubes going into his arms, which were providing him with fluids and medications. Ripping the IV's out of his arms in frustration, Kakashi swung his legs over the side of the bed and hopped down onto the floor, where he immediately collapsed into a heap. Kakashi grimaced, as he attempted to get his legs to work properly but it was no use. His recent brush with death and the subsequent medical treatments because of it had left the muscles in his legs atrophied and quite useless. But Kakashi could still feel the Kyuubi chakra pressure slowly heading towards the courtyard outside his window. Knowing it was Naruto; Kakashi forcibly and quite painfully crawled across the floor dragging his useless body towards the window. Using what remaining strength he had, Kakashi pulled himself up off the floor, and gripped the windowsill before peering out onto the courtyard.

Kakashi's breath hitched in his throat, as he saw Naruto in his one-tailed Kyuubi form slowly stalking his way over to Shikamaru and his other friends. Who by the look of them had taken up a battle formation to stop Naruto. Kakashi realized they had no hope of stopping a Kyuubified Naruto if he went all out on them in battle. Bringing his hands together, Kakashi attempted to make some hand seals to create a jutsu when the strength in his arms which also had been severely weakened the past couple of days gave way and he fell back down to the floor. Kakashi tried once more to pull himself upright, but found all of his strength was gone and that his vision was getting hazy. Slumping against the wall beneath his window; Kakashi uttered in a pained and choked voice before passing out from exhaustion.

"I'm, I'm sorry Minato-Sensei, I've failed you and Naruto once again."

(End of Flashback)

"I'm sorry Hokage-sama, what did you say?" Kakashi asked, as he realized he hadn't heard a word Tsunade had said the past few minutes.

"I said if you had been listening, that if your recovery continues to progress at the pace it has been, we should be able to release you at the end of the week." Tsunade answered in annoyance.

"That is good to hear, thank you Lady Tsunade."

"Don't mention it." Tsunade stated, as she and Shizune turned to leave his room, before Tsunade popped her head back into the room and with an evil smirk on her face added.

"Oh and Kakashi, if I catch sight of that perverted book in my hospital again, I'll burn it right in front of your eyes."

After the door closed behind Tsunade, Kakashi pulled the said novel out from under his covers and began rubbing it against his cheek while saying in a soothing hissing voice.

"Shhhhhh, it's ok, I won't let the mean old big breasted Hokage do that to you my precious. My precious o'my precious. You and I will always be together won't we my precious."

After stopping to check on Naruto who was still sedated and physically restrained to his bed, Tsunade told the two Anbu guarding him that if he awakens, she is to be notified at once. It was then the nurse who had been in Sakura's room came running up to Tsunade and Shizune to inform them about Sakura's awakening. A dismissive nod from Tsunade was the only response the nurse received before the Hokage ordered her to resume her duties. As Tsunade and Shizune resumed their trek down the hallway, she turned to her lifelong mentor and asked.

"Do you want to go and check on Sakura now Hokage-sama?"

"No!" Tsunade curtly replied, the anger tinged in her voice as she said it, which Shizune picked up on and said.

"Are you really that angry with her Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade stopped walking and turned around with an incredulous look on her face that Shizune could ask such a question before tersely answering.

"Yes Shizune I am! Is there any reason why I shouldn't be?"

"Only that being angry with the girl isn't going to help her get through this. We were lucky you know, because her left arm is still in a cast from Sasuke's attack. Sakura wasn't able to grip the shard of glass very well to cut deep enough. If she had, she would have bled out faster and we wouldn't have been able to save her." Shizune calmly stated.

"I know all about that and I'm sorry you disapprove of me being angry with the girl, but I am! I know Sakura has been through a lot recently and I can sympathize with what she has been feeling. But she didn't even try to deal with her pain and suffering like a true Shinobi would, but instead tried to take the easy way out."

"You're right Lady Tsunade, at the very least Sakura could have waited until she was healed and then left the village for 20 some odd years while developing a drinking and gambling addiction to help deal with her pain and suffering."

Tsunade stopped walking abruptly and spun around to glare at her apprentice and let loose some killing intent. Shizune to her credit didn't flinch or move, but merely cocked her eyebrow to the blonde Hokage as if silently saying, tell me I'm wrong. After a moment, Tsunade realized that the Shizune was indeed correct. Turning back around, Tsunade began walking again, before she spoke up and said.

"That's was a low blow, but you're right. I have no right to pass judgment on what Sakura did considering my own track record of dealing with pain. I will go see the girl later on today; I just don't know what I'm going to say to her yet?"

"I'm sure you will think of something Lady Tsunade, you always do."

Checking to see who was next on her list of patients to see, Tsunade groaned when she saw it was her perverted Sannin teammate Jiraiya. As Tsunade and Shizune approached the door to his hospital room, they heard the unmistakable sound of female giggling coming from inside the room. Tsunade gritted her teeth in rising anger, as the thought of Jiraiya with another woman irritated her greatly, as she swung the door open to his room.

The sight Tsunade beheld was of Jiraiya sitting up in bed with his arms wrapped around the waists of two young and pretty nurses standing by his bed while he finished the punch-line to one of his perverted stories or jokes.

"And then the Scotsman looked under his kilt and said, lad I don't know where you've been, but I see you've won first prize!"

Both nurses blushed and giggled uncontrollably, while Jiraiya erupted in boisterous laughter while he pulled both young girls closer to him. It was then all three of them suddenly felt an enormous amount of killing intent being directed towards them. The young girls shivered under the pressure and nearly collapsed, while Jiraiya looked over to the doorway to see Tsunade grinding her teeth and glaring at the laughing trio before saying in an icy tone of voice.

"If you ladies have nothing better to do but listen to this old perverts jokes, I'm sure I can find something else for you to do!"

"N, no Hokage-sama, we were just leaving, th, thank you Hokage-sama." One of the nurses replied, as she and her associate immediately dash past Tsunade and Shizune out the door much to Jiraiya's disappointment who commented.

"You can't ever let me have a little fun can you Tsunade-hime."

Tsunade blushed slightly at her teammate's suffix for her name, before clearing her voice and stating with authority,

"Ahem, not when your fun involves keeping my nurses from doing their duties. Besides which, I can't believe you were flirting with those young girls, they weren't even half your age you perverted old goat!"

"Well Tsunade-hime, just because there may be snow on my roof, it doesn't mean the fire has gone out in my furnace." Jiraiya replied with a grin and a wink of his eye.

Shizune giggled at Jiraiya's response, before a sharp glare from Tsunade stifled her apprentice amusement. Tsunade then turned back to Jiraiya and snapped with annoyance.

"Be quiet you old fool and stop flirting with me, now take off your hospital gown!"

"Well you've already scolded me for flirting with beautiful young girls, so I thought I would take a shot with an beautiful old girl, and if you wanted to see me naked my hime, all you had to do is ask." Jiraiya replied with a smirk, as he started to slip out of the gown and pull it below his waist before Tsunade shouted out with a blush on her face.

"I'm not old, and just strip to the waist you adolescent pervert! I just need to check on your Rasengan wound!"

"Bah, you're no fun." Jiraiya stated with a pout, as he leaned back into his bed.

Shizune giggled once again at Jiraiya's antics. Even though the man was a little perverted, she enjoyed his company, as he always knew how to make her laugh. Shizune also knew that this banter between her mentor and the Toad sage had a much deeper meaning than most people realized. A slight blush formed on Tsunade's face when Jiraiya removed the top portion of his hospital gown and Shizune tried to distract Jiraiya from noticing by commenting.

"You seem to be in high spirits today Master Jiraiya."

"Oh yeah Shizune-chan! These pain meds you've got me on are awwwwwwwwesome!"

While Jiraiya and her apprentice spoke, Tsunade stared at Jiraiya's torso and upper body and felt herself get flustered a bit. Though she loathed admitting it, her fellow Sannin had a very muscular chest and abdomen despite his 51 years of age. Tsunade gaze then went to the spiraled wound in the center of his chest. Charging up some chakra into her right hand until it glowed green, Tsunade began to rub the wound in a circular pattern all the while marveling at the feel of her hand on Jiraiya's well-toned body. Tsunade's thoughts were interrupted when she heard Jiraiya ask.

"How is Naruto doing?"

"Still sedated and under guard by some Anbu, but the injuries he received have all healed quite nicely thanks to the Kyuubi's regenerative powers." Tsunade somberly answered.

"Why do you have him under guard?"

"I didn't want to Jiraiya, but I had to placate the Council and that little concession bought me some time to try and figure out what I'm going to tell them to explain what's happened the past few days without getting Naruto-kun into trouble."

"So, what have you come up with?"

"Nothing I'm afraid." Tsunade softly said in a defeated tone of voice while dropping her head slightly.

"Don't worry my hime, we'll think of something." Jiraiya assured his distraught Hokage, as he brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"Umm Tsunade-sama."

"Yes Shizune what is it?"

"You're not really applying the chakra treatment to Master Jiraiya's wound anymore."

"What the Hell are you talking about Shizune?" Tsunade questioned, before she looked down and suddenly stopped, when she realized that her hand had been roaming in an ever-widening circle from the wounded area on Jiraiya's chest and stammering said.

"Wh, why didn't you say something Jiraiya?"

"Why would I Tsunade-hime, it felt damn good and you seemed to be enjoying it as well."

"PERVERT!" Tsunade screamed; as she punched Jiraiya and nearly drove the Toad Sannin through the bed, before getting up and storming off towards the door when she heard Jiraiya shout back with laughter.

"Ha, ha, ha, how am I the pervert my hime? When it was you doing the groping this time and not me!"

"UGGGH!" Tsunade yelled out in frustration with a furious blush on her face, as she stomped out of the room followed by a giggling Shizune closely behind her.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Are you sure about this Shikamaru? We can get into a lot of trouble if we're caught you know that don't you." Tenten stated with concern.

Shikamaru didn't say a word, as his gaze drifted over everyone standing before him. The Nara heir had called for a meeting at a secluded training ground of all of his fellow shinobi and kunoichi who were involved in the fight to stop Naruto. Also present was his Suna girlfriend Temari who stood off to the side writing out something on a sheet of paper. What it was he didn't know, but Shikamaru had more urgent matters to deal with like answering Tenten's question. Exhaling a sigh, Shikamaru looked up to view a particularly interesting cloud for a moment before muttering the word "troublesome" and then lowering his head back down and saying.

"Yes Tenten, I do know that. That's why I said this is an all or nothing type deal. Each one of you will have to decide on your own whether to do this or not? But if we don't do this, the Konoha Council is going to do something drastic to punish Naruto. You know as well as I do, they've had it in for Naruto his entire life because of the burden he carries. If they learn the truth of what happened at the hospital that may provide them with the ammunition they need to banish, imprison, or even execute Naruto."

Shikamaru's final statement gave pause to everyone present, as each person pondered what he had just said. After a couple minutes of contemplative silence, it was Neji who spoke up and asked.

"What do you need us to do Shikamaru?"

"It's quite simple Neji. I've written two mission incident reports about what happened at the hospital with Naruto. One report is factual and tells exactly what happened to Naruto, why it happened, and our involvement in it. The other report is more creative so to speak with regards to what happened, why it happened, and our involvement in it. This is the report I've decided I want to turn into the Hokage and the Council. Because if I turn in the report of what actually happened at the hospital; I will have sealed Naruto's fate into the hands of the Council.

Taking a moment to let that statement sink in, the Nara heir continued on.

"What I need each one of you to do is sign off on the statement you gave me about what happened."

"But we haven't given you any statements."

Shikamaru pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, while virtually everyone else looked at Kiba with annoyance or disbelief before the Inuzuka heir growled.

"Well he hasn't!"

"Kiba, we all know this. Shikamaru has already crafted our statements in the report. He merely needs our signatures to attest to the veracity of what he has written." Shino explained to his teammate.

"Huh?" Kiba replied.

"He needs our signatures on our testimony saying that everything in the fake report is the truth Kiba!" Ino snapped with irritation at her classmate.

"Ok, I understand, but I don't know? Tenten is right we could get into a lot of trouble if we do this."

"Kiba, if it helps you make your decision, I made you look like a badass during the fight in the report." Shikamaru stated to his Inuzuka comrade.

"Really, cool I'll sign off no problem."

Most of people present groaned and rolled their eyes in derision of how easily Kiba was swayed in making his decision before Shikamaru spoke up once again.

"Alright, Kiba is in and so am I. The rest of you look over both reports and make your decision. But remember, if any one of you decides they can't sign off on the fake report, then we all sign off on the factual one. We have to be unified with no dissenting testimony on either report. The only difference between the two reports is one will hang Naruto, while the other one may save Naruto."

Shikamaru watched intently as everyone studied each report that he had spent all night writing. About 15 minutes later, Neji brought both reports back and stared at the Nara heir silently for a moment, before taking the pen and affixing his signature underneath Shikamaru's. Kiba bounded up to Shikamaru with a grin on his face and signed his name next. Shino then quietly walked up and signed off without a word spoken. After that Chouji got up from sitting and held his hand out to Ino who took it and rose from the ground, as they both made their way over and signed the fake report exchanging a smile with their teammate and author of the report. That left only one person who had yet to sign Tenten, who fidgeted nervously trying to decide what to do. After a couple of minutes of indecision, Neji spoke up and said.

"What's troubling you about signing it Ten-chan? Do you not wish to help Naruto?"

"Of course I want to help Naruto, but it's not as easy for me to do as it is the rest of you. All of you are from respected noble clans in the village, but I'm not. If we get caught lying on a mission report, you all would probably just get a slap on the wrist because of who you are. Whereas I would most likely be discharged from the shinobi ranks, and being a shinobi is all I have in my life."

Neji walked over to his worried girlfriend and pulled her into a hug before whispering in her ear.

"You'll still have me in your life Ten-chan, and I promise you I will always be by your side to face whatever troubles may come our way."

Tenten sniffled and quickly wiped a tear away, as she hugged Neji even tighter before releasing him to walk over to Shikamaru. Just as she was about to sign the doctored mission report, Shikamaru stopped her and said with sincerity and assurance.

"Just so you know Tenten, I would never let you or anyone else who signs this take the fall by yourself if we're caught."

Tenten smiled at the Nara heir and nodded her head before signing her name to the document and then walking back over to Neji. Shikamaru looked over the report one last time and at all the names on it before declaring.

"Alright, that should do it; I'll turn this in . . . . ."

"Not quite Shika-kun, add this to your report, it should help you out in convincing the Council of its legitimacy." Temari stated interrupting Shikamaru's sentence, as she handed the sheet of paper she had been working on earlier over to her boyfriend.

Shikamaru looked quizzically at his girlfriend, as he took the sheet and read it before looking up and exclaiming.

"This is a witness statement and it's a complete fabrication!"

"Excellent, so then does it support what you wrote in the report ok?"

"Yeah it does, really well as a matter of fact. But Mari-chan, I can't let you get involved in this!"

"I've told you before Shika-kun, we may be going out, but that doesn't give you the right to tell me what I can or can't do. Besides, you guys need all the help you can get to pull this off. And the Konoha Council wouldn't dare to question the truthfulness of the Suna Ambassador's statement, not if they know what's good for them." Temari proclaimed with a fire in her voice.

Shikamaru merely pinched the bridge of his nose once more in frustration, as he knew there would be no talking Temari out of doing this and he muttered under his breath.

"Why are blondes so damn troublesome?"

"What was that?" Temari yelled out.

"Nothing, nothing at all Mari-chan." Shikamaru quickly replied, as if by reflex before adding.

"Alright, I'll turn this report into Tsunade this afternoon.

Shikamaru then held his hand out in front of him palm down and waited. Chouji and Ino both recognized this gesture of trust, as they placed their hand over each other's and Shikamaru's. Soon everyone else followed their example and walked over to do the same. It was then when everyone was grouped in a circle that Shikamaru quietly said.

"After today we are never to speak about this to anyone ever again, is that understood?"

Everyone nodded their head in silent agreement, as Shikamaru added.

"Remember, we're doing this for one reason and one reason only, to save Naruto.

"To save Naruto!" All eight shinobi said in unison before breaking apart and going their separate ways.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Just as Tsunade and Shizune exited Hinata's room they heard a repetitive clacking sound followed by a heavy footfall inside the ICU hallway. Looking up, Tsunade gritted her teeth in anger and her blood pressure went up, as she spied Danzo moving towards them at a steady, hobbling pace, his cane clicking along the floor as he went. The crippled old war-hawk elder councilman was followed closely behind by two other decrepit waste of councilmen, as far as Tsunade was concerned, Homura and Koharu. While Tsunade waited for this feeble trio to reach her, she knew it wouldn't be a pleasant meeting, as these three were always at the forefront of the anti-Naruto segment of the council and the general population. Upon them finally reaching Tsunade, Danzo was the first to speak.

"Tsunade, we have been quite patient with you the past few days, but are patience is at an end and we demand that you answer our questions right now!"

"Here, here!" Homura stated in agreement.

"Quite right!" Koharu followed suit.

However, the three councilmen had chosen the worst time to approach their Hokage and attempt to exert their influence upon her. Tsunade was already in a foul mood still saddened that there hadn't been any change in Hinata's condition, and was still blaming herself for what had happened to the girl. Handing her clipboard over to Shizune, Tsunade grabbed the front of Danzo's robe and before the crippled old man could do anything, he was slammed back first into the hallway wall. Tsunade then released a massive amount of killing intent before shouting at the other two councilmen who were protesting her treatment of Danzo.

"SHUT THE HELL UP BOTH OF YOU!"

Tsunade then turned her attention back to Danzo and spat with malice at the councilman.

"First off Danzo, now and in the future when you are in my presence, you shall refer to me as Hokage-sama and nothing else! Or you won't need your cane anymore, as your butt will be permanently planted in a wheelchair for the rest of your miserable life. And second, I already told the Council that I would address all of their concerns at tomorrow's meeting. I still have many injured Shinobi that require my assistance at the moment. Now, this is a restricted area of the hospital and only medical personnel, or friends and families of the patients are allowed here. And seeing as you three relics are none of those, Shizune will help all of you find the exit!"

Tsunade then released Danzo who inwardly was seething with fury, but held back his anger and merely bowed slightly to Tsunade before saying.

"I apologize Hokage-sama for any lack of respect you perceived from my initial address to you. That was not my intention. We shall wait until tomorrow's meeting to get the answers we seek. I eagerly look forward to hearing your explanations and reasons for all these injured Shinobi, including the suicide of one of our brightest young kunoichi, and the all the destruction caused by the Kyuubi vessel. I also look forward to discussing with you what measures the Council may have to implement in the future to deal with certain matters ever occurring again. But we shall not keep you from your medical duties any longer Hokage-sama and bid you good day."

As Tsunade watched Shizune escort the three councilmen down the hallway and out of the hospital. She pondered Danzo's veiled threat about "certain matters" to herself.

'Damn it to Hell, it sounds like Danzo's going to come at me full bore with regards to Naruto and I still don't know what I'm going to say yet? Please Kami, grant me some divine wisdom before the day is through, so I can save my grandson from those evil bastards!'

A short time later, Tsunade entered Sakura's room only to find the girl staring blankly at the ceiling above her. The blonde Hokage walked over to check the wound and the bandage on the young kunoichi's wrist. Tsunade saw the stitches had held up and there had been no further blood loss around the cut. Sakura said nothing as this was going on, and Tsunade was still at a loss for what she could say to the girl. Deciding she would talk to Sakura tomorrow, Tsunade fluffed up the pillows the young girl rested upon, before turning to leave the room. It was then she heard Sakura ask in the most morose tone of voice Tsunade had ever heard.

"Why did you do it?"

Tsunade turned around to see Sakura gaze was still affixed on the ceiling when she answered her question.

"Why did I do what?"

"Why did you save me Lady Tsunade?"

"What a silly question Sakura, I'm a doctor and it's my duty to save people. If I hadn't, this village would have suffered a terrible loss of one of its most promising kunoichi's and your friends would have suffered greatly from your passing."

Sakura gave a desperate and mirthless chuckle before stating with resignation.

"I highly doubt that they would suffer and you must have me confused with another kunoichi like Tenten or Ino-pig or especially . . . . . Hinata, as a most promising kunoichi. Me, I'm nothing more than an abject failure who willingly threw away everything that was good, kind, and decent in my life to chase after a murdering, rapist, traitor to the village. I'm not worth saving and you should have realized that Lady Tsunade before you saved me."

Tsunade was shocked at what Sakura had just said and felt about herself. That and the fact that the girl was actually upset with her for saving her life caused Tsunade's famous temper to boil over, as she lashed out and asked.

"Is that why you did it Sakura? You committed such an act because you feel sorry for yourself!"

"No." Sakura softly replied.

"Then why, and look at me damn it when I'm talking to you!"

Sakura turned her head away from the ceiling and with tears starting to fall from her eyes gazed at Tsunade and said.

"I, I just wanted to make it stop, and I realized everything and everyone would be better off if I was gone."

Tsunade looked at Sakura with confusion, before asking in a more subdued tone of voice.

"You wanted to make what stop Sakura?"

"Everything, all the pain, guilt, heartache, and misery I bring to people. When I saw you return with Kakashi-Sensei, Kurenai-san, and, and Hinata. I knew they had been hurt because of me! And when Naruto-kun was battling Shikamaru and the others, I, I just wanted to die! Naruto-kuns screams of agony while Chouji and the others attacked him were more than I could bear. I, I, just wanted the screaming to stop Lady Tsunade, that's all I wanted, for Naruto-kuns screams to stop!"

Tsunade could see that Sakura was in near hysterics and on the verge of a complete breakdown when pulled the young kunoichi into a hug and allowed the girl to cry into her chest. After a few minutes, Sakura began to calm down and Tsunade did her best to comfort and assure the girl by saying.

"Shhhhh, don't talk like that Sakura, I've told before you this isn't your fault what has happened. If anyone is to blame it's me. Kakashi and the others were hurt because of poor decisions I made as Hokage, not from anything you think you've done. And Naruto having to fight his friends certainly wasn't your fault. Naruto just lost control when he learned about . . . . . . ."

"When he learned about Hinata." Sakura sadly interjected.

"Yes." Tsunade softly said.

Sakura felt a small twinge of jealousy, as she realized that Naruto had nearly gone Kyuubi in response to Hinata being hurt, but not when she herself had been so seriously hurt. But Sakura quickly pushed that feeling aside, as she realized she had no right to harbor such feelings when it came to Naruto and Hinata. Sniffling, she looked up to Tsunade and asked with concern.

"Are Hinata and the others going to be alright Lady Tsunade?"

"Yes Sakura they are. Kakashi and Kurenai are on their way to making full recoveries and Shikamaru and the others were not terribly injured in their battle with Naruto, so they will recover as well."

"What, what about Naruto-kun and Hinata Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade exhaled a heavy sigh, as she didn't want to break the news to Sakura due to the girl's delicate emotional state. But she knew Sakura would find out eventually and it would probably be better to tell the girl herself, as she said.

"Naruto is fine, but under sedation and Anbu guard at the moment. As for Hinata, she's in a coma and we don't know when she might wakeup if ever?"

"Oh Kami!" Sakura exclaimed, as fresh tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

"Sakura, that's not your fault either and I need you to believe me when I tell you that. Right now Sakura, I need you to get some rest and we'll talk again later, ok."

"I'll, I'll try Lady Tsunade." Sakura stammered in response.

Before Tsunade left the room, she took one last glance back at the gaunt, pale young girl and realized it would take a long time for Sakura to heal from not only the nightmarish ordeals she had endured, but also from the oppressive guilt the girl felt about what her actions had caused to hurt other people so greatly.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tsunade was sitting silently at a desk in her hospital office, her forehead furrowed in deep thought, as she watched through her window a work crew repair the damage that had been done to the courtyard days earlier. Looking at the clock, Tsunade groaned when she saw it was only 4:00pm. It had been a trying day for the Hokage up to this point. Its lone bright spot being the successful surgery she and Shizune had performed on Kurenai to restore the function of her legs. Thankfully, Kabuto had been truthful to what he had done to Kurenai making the surgery less difficult and dangerous for the Jounin. A little bit of physical therapy for the Genjutsu Mistress and she would be as good as new. But Tsunade's encounter with Sakura had shaken her badly and she began to wonder if Sakura would ever be able to completely heal from what had happened to her. However, Tsunade couldn't dwell on that right now, as she needed to come up with something to tell the Council about Naruto in the morning. The Hokage was in such deep thought, she had failed to notice that someone had entered her office when a voice rang out and said.

"You shouldn't furrow your forehead so much in thought my hime that can lead to premature wrinkling."

"Ha, ha, very funny Jiraiya, why aren't you in your bed recovering?"

"Well, the pain meds have worn off and I haven't seen any pretty nurses in the last few hours, because apparently someone scared them all away!" Jiraiya answered while leveling a small glare towards his fellow Sannin.

"Well I'm sorry to hear about your lack of perverted research material being available to you right now. But I have more pressing concerns on my mind at the moment, than to deal with that!" Tsunade groused with irritation.

"Those pressing concerns wouldn't happen to coincide with a visit by three ancient fossils to the hospital today now would it?" Jiraiya asked with a smirk on his face.

Tsunade gave a small chuckle before she stated with amusement.

"Nothing gets past your spy network in this village does it Jiraiya."

"Nothing of importance Tsunade. So they're lining up to take their shot at Naruto. Have you decided yet how you're going to defend him?"

"No I haven't and truthfully I don't know what I can say to save Naruto-kun? I need a miracle from you Kami, and I need it now!" Tsunade pleaded while looking up.

Just then there was a knock on the door startling both Sannin, as Tsunade hesitantly answered.

"Come, come in."

As Shikamaru entered the office, he was surprised to see both Sannin present, as he made his way over to Tsunade and said.

"Hokage-sama, here is my mission incident report with regards to Naruto from a few days ago. If there is nothing further, I'll take my leave Hokage-sama."

"Just a moment Shikamaru, I would like to review your report before you depart."

'Troublesome!' Shikamaru thought to himself, as he stood and watched the Hokage read his report.

After a few minutes, Tsunade chuckled once again, before turning to Jiraiya and saying with mirth.

"Well, if you ever decide to quit writing your perverted novels, I've found your replacement in the literary world."

"Huh, what are you talking about Tsunade?" Jiraiya questioned in confusion.

"Here, take a look for yourself. It's one of the finest fictional stories I've ever read. You're the expert, tell me what you think?" Tsunade answered, as she handed over the report for Jiraiya to read, before turning back to Shikamaru and asking with a smirk on her face.

"So where are the rest of your conspirators Shikamaru?"

"Con, conspirators, I don't know what you mean Hokage-sama?" Shikamaru stammered, as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face.

"Well, let's just see about that." Tsunade stated, before pressing a button on her desk and seconds later three Anbu appeared in her office in a swirl of leaves and announced.

"How may we be of service Hokage-sama?"

"I need Neji Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, Chouji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, Tenten Sato, and the Suna Ambassador Subaku Temari in this office ASAP."

"At once Hokage-sama, but we have no authority over the Suna diplomat. What if she refuses to comply? The lead Anbu questioned.

"Just tell the Ambassador that if she doesn't comply, the next time she wants to see her boyfriend she can talk to him through the bars of his jail cell."

"Hai Hokage-sama!" The three Anbu said in unison before disappearing.

Tsunade then turned her attention back to the nervous Chunin in her office and said with amused assurance.

"Don't worry Shikamaru, I have no intention of throwing you in prison . . . . . yet! I want to hear what the rest of your cohorts have to say about this report before that happens. Who knows, maybe you'll have some company joining you?"

"Hokage-sama, if you have a problem with my report, I alone take full responsibility for it." Shikamaru defiantly announces.

"We'll see Mr. Nara."

"Hold on Tsunade, let's not be too hasty. This is exactly the miracle you were looking for or as close to one as you're likely to get." Jiraiya declared to the blonde Hokage.

"What are you talking about Jiraiya?"

"This report, yes it might be a work of fiction, but it's brilliantly written and also believable to explain to the Council what happened several days ago."

"I hadn't thought of that!" Tsunade exclaimed, as she grabbed the report from Jiraiya and began reading it once again.

Over the next few minutes each Anbu returned with a couple of the people Tsunade had asked for. First to arrive was Neji with a nervous Tenten on his arm, who both looked at Shikamaru who could only shrug his shoulders, as the lead Anbu left once again. Next to arrive were Chouji and Ino, who exchanged a hesitant glance at Shikamaru before he signaled them to stand with Neji and Tenten. A short time later, Shino and Kiba arrived along with Akamaru and stood off with the others away from Shikamaru. Finally, a clearly upset and agitated Temari arrived in a gust of wind riding her fan through the window. As Tsunade signaled the Anbu to depart, Temari marched right up to the desk and slammed her palms down before shouting in anger.

"What the Hell is this crap about Shikamaru going to jail if I don't come here at once! Who the Hell are you to do that to him or order me around!"

Shikamaru head dropped in resignation, as he thought to himself.

'Damn troublesome woman, what are trying to do, get me killed?'

"Who the Hell am I! I'm the Hokage you pampered little sand princess and I can do whatever the Hell I want with my shinobi in this village, as I see fit!" Tsunade angrily shouted back while standing up face to face with the blonde kunoichi across from her, as they glared at each other with murderous intent. It was then that Kiba oblivious to his impending demise for making this comment said out loud.

"Cool, a big-chested blonde catfight! Hey Ino, why don't you join in and make it a threesome!"

Jiraiya's eyes lit up after hearing Kiba's statement, as he quietly began writing in his notebook and doing his best to suppress a giggle.

However, the room had grown deathly quiet, as the three blondes whose eyes suddenly glazed over white slowly turned their heads towards Kiba before advancing upon the Inuzuka heir, as their anger with one another was suddenly forgotten. Akamaru immediately jumped down from Kiba's head and jumped up into the arms of Tenten shaking and whimpering. Kiba realized he had made an error in judgment and looked around for support but noticed that all of his friends had stepped away from him. Turning back to the blonde horde coming towards him he tried to stammer out an apology. Unfortunately, before he could a battle fan came crashing down upon his head knocking him down to the ground, as a hail of fists and kicks rained down upon him.

A few minutes later, the bruised and battered body of Kiba lay unconscious on the floor, as Tsunade called Shizune into the office and ordered her apprentice to begin healing the Inuzuka heir. While Shizune was doing that, Tsunade turned her attention back to the matter at hand and announced.

"I've called all of you here to discuss this mission incident report about Naruto from a few days ago."

Nobody said a word, although some people shot Shikamaru a few quick and nervous glances before Tsunade continued on.

"It's a magnificent report and is just what I need to keep the Council from getting their claws into Naruto. But the Council is going to try and dispute this report and come after you all to recant your statements. What I need to know is how strong your resolve is to handle the pressure and stand by your testimony?"

Hokage-sama, we know all of this already or we wouldn't have signed off on Shikamaru's report. We will stand by are statements no matter what the Council threatens to do to us because to do otherwise will doom Naruto." Neji calmly stated.

Tsunade looked around the room, as everyone nodded their head in agreement. The blonde Sannin smiled at the fact that her grandson had so many loyal friends. Tsunade cleared her throat before she gratefully announced with sincerity ringing in her voice.

"Good, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Thank you all very much for helping Naruto and don't worry, I'll do my best to keep the Council off your backs."

"You don't have to thank us Hokage-sama, Naruto is our friend and we all owe him anyways. I know if the situation was reversed, he would help any of us without hesitation." Shikamaru stated, as everyone once again nodded their head in agreement.

"Well Shikamaru, Tsunade is correct, you are an excellent writer. Perhaps I should take you on as an apprentice to my Icha, Icha novels." Jiraiya jovially complimented.

Jiraiya was then blasted with a fair amount of killing intent from all the kunoichi's in the room. Shikamaru noticed this and stated with certainty.

"Thanks but no thanks Master Jiraiya, it would be much too troublesome. Unless you want to make me a Sannin so I have the right to leave the village anytime I want. I doubt I could escape the wrath of the kunoichi's in this village not being able to leave like you can."

"That's a pity, if you can write love scenes as well as you can battle scenes. Then the literary world has truly lost a very promising and talented future author." Jiraiya commented with sadness.

"There's nothing fictional about the battle in the report. That is exactly how everything went down, we were just lucky that your theory about Naruto was correct when you sent us to stop him Master Jiraiya."

"You knew Mr. Nara?"

"I suspected, but it wasn't confirmed in my mind until I saw how Naruto was fighting us."

"What are you guy's talking about? I didn't notice anything about the way Naruto was fighting us. It was all we could do to survive and then kick his ass to win that fight." The recently revived Kiba announced to everyone in the room.

"You're wrong Kiba, the only reason we won is because Naruto wasn't trying to hurt any of us during the fight." Shikamaru said to his fellow clan heir.

"What's he talking about Jiraiya?" Tsunade asked in confusion.

"Tsunade, the reason I chose Shikamaru and the others to help me stop Naruto and not the Anbu is because I felt Naruto would not fight them at his full capacity out of fear severely injuring any of his friends. If I had used Anbu forces, he would have fought them at full capacity, and we would have lost and Naruto would be gone."

"So you guys are saying we only won that fight because Naruto let us." Kiba said in dejection.

"No Kiba, Naruto didn't let you win, he just didn't battle you at his full strength or skill. Naruto was fighting to leave the village and go after Sasuke. The victory you all achieved was well earned, because if you hadn't stopped Naruto, he more than likely would have been killed by Orochimaru and your former classmate." Jiraiya assured the Inuzuka heir and everyone else in the room.

"I can't believe it?" Kiba muttered.

"Think about it Kiba, we've seen Naruto go toe-to-toe with Master Jiraiya in a spar for over half an hour without using the Kyuubi's chakra. We probably couldn't last 10 minutes against a Sannin even if we combined our forces like we did against Naruto. So if Naruto is that strong and skilled without tapping into the Kyuubi's power. Then how much stronger do you think he is when he does use the Kyuubi's chakra." Shikamaru stated with reason.

"Well then if Naruto is so strong, wouldn't he have been able to take down Orochimaru and Sasuke?" Kiba asked in earnest.

"No Kiba, because even as strong as Naruto is in his one-tail state, he's still not as strong as Sasuke is in his level two curse seal form. And Naruto isn't trained far enough yet to access even more power because if he does, he runs the risk of losing himself to the Kyuubi." Jiraiya solemnly replied.

A chill went down everyone's spine at the thought of the Kyuubi escaping from Naruto and wreaking havoc upon the world once again. They were startled out of their thoughts by Jiraiya re-soundly vowing.

"But it won't be this way forever. I swear I will train Naruto to be able to go well beyond the one-tail form and still remain in control. And when that day comes, I suggest you all get ready for an Uchiha funeral!" Jiraiya spat with malevolence.

An eerie silence gripped the room after Jiraiya's declaration, as everybody was lost in their own thoughts about everything that had been said. Tsunade eventually spoke up and said to everyone in the room.

"I don't think there is anything more to discuss right now. Thank you all once again, but I have a Council meeting to prepare for so everyone is dismissed. Jiraiya if you could, please stay a moment."

As the two Sannin watched everyone depart the office, as soon as Shizune closed the door Tsunade turned to her teammate and asked.

"Jiraiya, did you really have to say that Naruto is going to kill Sasuke. I mean he did make that promise to Sakura to bring Sasuke back to the village."

Jiraiya glared at Tsunade for a moment upon hearing Sakura's name mentioned before he turned his gaze to look out the window and said stoicism.

"Naruto will keep his promise, but there was no mention in that promise that Sasuke would be alive when he brought him back!"

Jiraiya then began walking towards the door to leave the office when he heard Tsunade exclaim.

"You seem so certain that Naruto is going to kill Sasuke the next time he sees him Jiraiya! Why are you so sure about that? Our grandson isn't a murderer!"

Jiraiya paused with his hand on the doorknob before turning his head and looking back at Tsunade and saying.

"I'm so sure Tsunade, because it's exactly what I would do if what happened to Hinata had happened to you when we were their age."

Jiraiya then opened the door and closed it behind him. Tsunade slumped into her chair a tear rolling down her cheek, as she pondered what Jiraiya had just said. Meanwhile, outside the door Jiraiya leaned against it and thought to himself.

'And I would still do for you Tsunade, even if you'll never realize it.'

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kabuto slowly stirred from his slumber, as his eyes slowly opened to see an Otogakure medic nin hovering over him. The medic turned to another and told the man to inform Lord Orochimaru that Kabuto-sama had awakened. The Snake Sannin apprentice had stumbled back into the Sound village before collapsing in exhaustion, his escape from the Fire Country having taken a heavy toll on him physically. Kabuto reached up to feel the bandages that covered his throat from the near fatal wound he had received from Kakashi. It was then that Orochimaru entered the room followed closely behind by his newest protégé Sasuke Uchiha. Kabuto silently wondered what his fate would be to his master, as he had failed in his mission to capture the Hyuga girl. Looking up, he saw the Snake Sannin give a sickly sweet smile to him before saying in a lisping voice.

"Ku, ku, ku Kabuto, I am most pleassssssssssed that you are among the world of the living once again."

"Th, thank you L, Lord Orochi . . . . . . . " Kabuto weakly stammered in a gravelly voice before his master interrupted him and said.

"Don't try to speak Kabuto-kun. Our medics say you have suffered a seriousssssssssss wound to your throat and vocal cordssssssssss."

"My, my voice." Kabuto haggardly asked.

"Your voice is shot to Hell Kabuto. That's what happens when you end up on the wrong end of a Chidori." Sasuke announced with boredom.

"Sssssssssilence Ssssssssssasuke-kun, you should be more understanding of Kabuto-kun's plight! After all, he was injured in attempting to get the Hyuga girl for you." Orochimaru snapped with irritation to the Uchiha.

"Which he failed to do Orochimaru-sama! So I see no reason to feel sorry for the damage to Kabuto's once melodious voice."

Kabuto turned to the medic nin that he himself had trained and looked quizzically at the man who nodded his head sadly and said.

"It's true Kabuto-sama; the wound caused by the Chidori had cauterized your vocal cords where they had been sliced. We did the best we could to restore your voice, as it once was Kabuto-sama. But the damage was so severe it would have taken someone with yours or the legendary Tsunade's medical skills to do the job properly. I'm sorry Kabuto-sama, but how your voice sounds now is how it is going to sound for the rest of your life."

Kabuto sat up in his bed, as he attempted to come to grips with what he has just learned. After a minute, he turned back to the medic and smiled at the man. The medic nin returned the smile before his face suddenly grimaced in pain and shock, as Kabuto had shoved a chakra scalpel directly through the man's neck, crushing his windpipe. Kabuto, Orochimaru, and Sasuke watched with amusement, as the medic nin dropped to the ground and suffocated in his own blood. A raspy gurgle all he could utter in his final death throe.

As he watched the man die, Kabuto turned his attention back to Orochimaru and attempted to explain about the mission's failure. When Orochimaru held up his hand and announced.

"There's no need to explain, I received earlier today from our Konoha associate a packet containing the information he had gathered about what had happened. I was just about to review it, when I was informed you had awakened from your ssssssssssleep."

Kabuto and Sasuke watched in silence, as the Snake Sannin studied the information their Konoha agent had sent to them. After a few minutes, Orochimaru threw down the report in anger while openly threatening Tsunade.

"Damn that Slug princess of an ex-teammate! I swear I will make her pay before I am through!"

"What is it Orochimaru-sama?" Sasuke asked in curiosity.

"That blonde headed bitch managed to send out a rescue party consisting of your former Sensei and a few of your classmates to save the Hyuga girl. They along with the girl's Sensei Yuuhi Kurenai and the Hyuga herself managed to kill the entire force I had sent for the girl's capture. 32 brave and loyal Otogakure Shinobi forever lost to me in an effort to capture one 14yr old Genin Kunoichi, how pathetic!" Orochimaru spat with disgust.

"What were their losses?" Sasuke asked in amazement that a few of his classmates could actually kill that many shinobi.

"Kakashi, Kurenai, and the little Hyuga were gravely injured."

"Kabuto you dobe, I wanted the Hyuga bitch alive not dead!" Sasuke shouted with fury at the injured Oto Jounin.

Kabuto glared angrily at the Uchiha boy and released some killing intent. While Sasuke merely glared back and released some of his own.

"SSSSSSSSSTAND DOWN BOTH OF YOU!" The Sanke Sannin roared, as he released his own killing intent towards his two protégés.

Both Sasuke and Kabuto quickly lowered their heads in submission, before Sasuke finally spoke up and said.

"My apologies Orochimaru-sama, the loss of so many Otogakure Shinobi is indeed troubling. But if your forces were able to eliminate two of Leaf village's strongest Jounin and the heir to one of its leading clans. Then isn't this a victory for you?"

"I said they were gravely injured not dead Sasuke-kun."

"Th, that cannot be, I myself mortally wounded Kakashi. There is no way he should be alive!" Kabuto exclaimed, before grimacing in pain.

"Well he is and so are Kurenai and the Hyuga girl. It would seem Tsunade's medical prowess hasn't diminished in her advancing yearssssssss. Orochimaru hissed, as he had picked the report back up and examined it further. A moment later he commented with curiosity.

"Ku, ku, ku, this is most interesting. It appears the injuries the Hyuga sssssssssuffered has left the girl in a coma, which triggered a remarkable occurrence with your former teammate Sssssssssssasuke-kun."

"Naruto, what did that dobe do when he heard the news? Choke on the ramen he was eating."

"No Sssssssssssasuke-kun, nothing so comical. Apparently the dobe as you call him tapped into the chakra of the Kyuubi no Youko."

"What, why would he do that?"

"Apparently the boy blames you for the Hyuga girl's condition and was trying to leave the village in an effort to find and kill you my dear Ssssssssssasuke-kun."

"Hmph!" Kabuto snorted with satisfaction.

"Nar, Naruto wants to kill me." Sasuke stammered in disbelief.

"Yesssssssss, he does and according to this information it took that fool of a Toad Sannin Jiraiya and several of your classmates to subdue him."

Sasuke was clearly stunned to hear that Naruto wanted him dead, as he thought to himself.

'That idiot, I'm one of the last of the Uchiha's, the elite in comparison to the rest of lowlife mongrels that inhabit the planet. Doesn't the dobe know it would be a crime against humanity for me to suffer death? I'm an Uchiha damn it, certainly Kami wouldn't let my life end at the hands of a mere orphaned peasant like Naruto!'

Sasuke was brought out of his musings when he heard Orochimaru say.

"Well, if the Kyuubi brat is willing to go to that extreme to get at you Ssssssssssasuke-kun, we'll need to step up your curse seal training."

"I wouldn't worry about the dobe, he's a loser and will never be able to beat me no matter how hard he tries. Besides, my other ex-teammate Sakura would never allow Naruto to hurt me. If he did, she would never forgive him and he won't risk that." Sasuke replied, while trying to sound as confident as he could.

"That may have been the case in the past Ssssssssssasuke-kun, but I have some unfortunate news for you. Apparently the girl didn't appreciate your recent reunion with her and took her life during the Kyuubi bratssssssss battle to leave the village."

"Sak, Sakura is dead!" Sasuke softly exclaimed, nearly choking on the words as he said them.

A myriad of thoughts and memories went racing through Sasuke's mind in regard to both Naruto and Sakura at that moment. All the time they spent together on Team 7, during missions, training, and their lives within the Hidden Leaf village. Naruto his onetime brother and friend and Sakura the only girl who loved him unconditionally, truly he had now severed his bonds with them completely. A dull pain was starting to develop inside Sasuke's head the more he thought about everything. Then suddenly that dull pain erupted into a sharp stabbing torture within his eyes, as Sasuke screamed out in agony and fell to the floor. Orochimaru immediately called out for aid, as two medics rushed into the room and help Sasuke into a bed. The Snake Sannin gasped in surprise, when his newest protégé opened his eyes and he saw a distinctive kaleidoscope form take shape in boy's Sharingan. Orochimaru didn't know how it had happened, but Sasuke had achieved his greatest desire, he had attained his very own Mangekyou Sharingan.

A short time later Sasuke opened his eyes to find Orochimaru sitting by his bed holding his hand. Sasuke groggily sat up, while slowly rubbing his eyes and looked about the room before and asked.

"What happened to me Orochimaru-sama? The last thing I remember was this sudden agonizing pain in my eyes and then nothing."

"Ssssssssssomthing marvelous has happened Ssssssssssasuke-kun. You've gained the means to avenge your family on this day and have unlocked the ultimate level of your Sharingan."

"You, you mean I've achieved the Mangekyou!" Sasuke stammered in astonishment.

"Yes, Ssssssssssasuke-kun you have, so with my training and you now possessing that unbeatable Kekkei Genkai. You will soon be powerful enough to kill your brother and fulfill your lifelong dream!"

Sasuke immediately jumped up to look in a mirror and activate his Mangekyou Sharingan. When Sasuke saw it reflected back to him, he grinned from ear to ear before turning around and stuttering asked with joy and confusion.

"But, but how did this happen? I, I don't understand how this could be possible?"

"I do not know for certain Ssssssssssasuke-kun. The only known hypothesis of how an Uchiha gains the Mangekyou is through the death of someone close to their heart by their hands. The grief or remorse they feel for committing that act awakens the next level of the Sharingan."

"But I haven't killed anyone close to me? That dobe Naruto survived our fight at the Valley of the End." Sasuke commented in puzzlement.

"Yessssssss, but perhaps his wasn't the only death you needed to seek. Remember, you had just received word about your other teammate's demise before you collapsed. Perhaps the news that she took her life because of what you did to her, you felt grief or remorse for it, because you were the reason she is now dead. Apparently Ssssssssssasuke-kun, on some level you did care for the pink sssssssssslut after all." Orochimaru surmised as he spoke.

The room remained silent for several minutes, as both the Snake Sannin and his pupil contemplated what had happened. The silence was broken when Orochimaru heard a faint laughter that grew in intensity until it reached a maniacal level. He watched as Sasuke walked over to the window and threw it open before shouting with malevolent glee.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha, that pink-haired whore wasn't as useless as I thought she was! I've done it Itachi! I now possess the means to your destruction! Ha, ha, ha, your death will soon come at my hand brother! And as for you Naruto, ha, ha, ha! You want to kill me, then come forth and meet your demise as well, ha, ha, ha! Because I vow to kill you and everything you hold dear, for the honor and the glory of the Uchiha name!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Iruka arrived at the hospital the next morning to visit Naruto after having returned the night before with Anko from the Wave Country. They had informed Tsunade upon their arrival that the diplomatic mission had been a success and that the Wave Country renewed their treaty and support of the Fire Country. After that meeting, is when Tsunade briefed Iruka on everything that had happened the past few days. Needless to say, Iruka was saddened to hear the news about Hinata and knew how much Naruto must be hurting right now. When Iruka got to the hospital, he was pleasantly surprised to see the remnants of the Konoha 12 were already there.

After exchanging greetings with everyone, Iruka had learned they all had come to visit Hinata, Naruto, Kurenai, Kakashi, and Rock Lee. It pleased Iruka to know that Naruto's friend's had remained loyal to him even when having faced the adversity of fighting him. After a short yet heartbreaking visit to Hinata's room, the entire group made their way to Naruto's room. Upon entering the room Iruka nodded to the two Anbu guarding the boy, as they all found Naruto sleeping quite peacefully. However, after a few minutes of watching Naruto sleep in serenity, Iruka sensed something was wrong. Having known Naruto longer than anyone else, Iruka knew that the blonde Genin never slept like this and was constantly plagued with nightmares. It was at that moment he put his hands together and released a massive amount of chakra while yelling.

"Kai no Jutsu!" (Dispel or Release Technique)

It was then that the entire room seemed to shimmer a moment before revealing an empty bed and the two Anbu guarding Naruto tied up and unconscious in a corner of the room. Neji immediately delivered a Jyuuken strike to one of the Anbu guards he was standing beside, while Shikamaru stabbed the other with a kunai and both Anbu disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"Shadow Clones!" Nearly everyone shouted in unison.

At that moment everybody froze, as a realization hit them like a slap to the face.

Naruto was gone!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Authors Notes: Congratulations to all of you who survived Chapter 30 or as I like to call it the dreaded filler chapter. Mwahahahahaha! Actually, I hadn't intended on this being a filler chapter and maybe it isn't, I don't know? I know all stories need to have a few filler chapters, but I had held onto the fantasy that I would be able to write a story without one. But then I realized that I had written myself into a corner by having so many characters injured and out of action from the last few chapters. So finding the drive to write this chapter was very difficult, as an evil case of Writers Block infected my mind. Anyway, I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Take it easy and be good!

Kingkakashi