Sasusaku chapter 7

Last time:

...You probably know, but she loves you, Sasuke. She keeps mumbling your name in her sleep. Just… don’t hurt her. Me in this condition is already doing that, but, heartbreak isn’t what she needs.”

Sasuke smirked when he looked away. “I understand.” He said quietly, and shut the door behind him. He leaned against the wall and looked to the ceiling. He smiled lightly. ‘Sakura… how can you love me after all this time?’ He asked, and listened to Mrs. Haruno hum to her daughter.

Chapter 7

“Tsunade-baa, what are we going to do about Danzo?” Naruto asked quietly. Sasuke had just left with Shizune and Naruto couldn’t wait too much longer to kill the bastard. He laughed to himself bitterly when he discovered that Sai had been killed. He would have killed him slowly and painfully; but, the fact that Sakura had done it made it all the better.

“Like Sasuke said, we still have the advantage. As long as he doesn’t find out that Sakura is back and we know that she is alive, it’ll be ok. We also need to keep Sasuke hidden.” Tsunade explained. “I’ve been thinking, Naruto…” She paused, “Sai said that Danzo was trying to get to me. What if he was the one who poisoned Sakura’s mother? What if he planned all of this out? The mission, everything.”

“If he did… well, that’s all the more reason to kill him. All of us were worried for Sakura, Baa-chan. I suggest calling in Shikamaru. He is the smartest out of all of us… and besides; we can all keep watch over Sakura and Ami.”

Tsunade smiled lightly. “Yes, Naruto go and tell everyone the good news and send Shikamaru here. We have work to do. Danzo can’t stay in free reign like this.”

“Ok, Baa-chan!” Naruto saluted dramatically and ran out of the room, leaving a fuming Hokage.

“Naruto! Stop calling me that!” She yelled after him. All she got in response was a low chuckle from behind her. “Jiraiya? You’re still here?” She asked, turning in her chair.

“Well, I’m hurt. You forgot about me that whole time?” He asked, feigning being hurt. “Although, I agree with you. I think he had everything to do with Ami’s ordeal. It makes perfect sense.”

Tsunade nodded, standing up and walking to the window, staring out over her village. “Yes… I should have seen this coming, Jiraiya. He always wanted this position, it’s not surprising he’d do something so drastic after a while.”

“What are you going to do with Sakura and Sasuke? Do you even know where they are?” Jiraiya asked, mocking her.

“Sakura is with her mom, and Sasuke…” She trailed off. “Well, he’s not that stupid to go wondering around.”

“I’ll go get them. Just wait for Shikamaru.” He sighed, stepping beside her and jumping out the window when she moved out of the way.

“Was it the right thing to accept being the Hokage?”

“Then give the title to me, Tsunade.”

s-S-s

“Alright guys, we need to go. With or without you I’m going to find Sakura-chan.” Naruto announced. “Even though Tsunade said she’s dead… I can’t rest until I find out for sure. So… who’s coming?”

He had gathered all of the teams. Team Gai, Team Eight and Ten; they were all there. Ino started crying into Shikamaru’s shoulder the moment Naruto had announced Sakura dead, and Hinata was shaking, too shocked for any tears or words. Tenten had clasped Lee and Neji’s hand hard as they were standing next to her. All three Kunoichi had been good friends of Sakura’s.

“I’m in.” Tenten announced, followed by nods from her two teammates. She looked at Hinata who nodded as well.

“Hai, I’m coming.” She whispered.

Akamaru barked in agreement and Kiba smirked down at him, scratching the back of his ears. Shino nodded.

“Of course I’m going, Shikamaru! Why wouldn’t I!” Ino suddenly yelled. Shikamaru had a hand at his forehead, heaving a sigh.

“Alright, alright. I was asking if you could handle it, calm down.” He muttered, looking away, “Over reaction…”

“What?” Ino hissed.

He sighed again. “Nothing.”

“Chouji! Are you coming?” Ino suddenly asked. He nodded furiously, not wanting to anger Ino more.

“Y – yes, of course I’ll go.” He said. “I just need to head home and get some snacks.”

Naruto smiled sadly. “Ok, we need to work out a plan first, I think. Shikamaru, that seems to be more your style…” He hinted.

Shikamaru sighed. “What a drag… alright, let me think.” He said, kneeling down and placing his fingertips together, closing his eyes: his ‘thinking’ position.

They all had been waiting in silence for a good fifteen minutes. Shikamaru had resorted to sitting down as his legs were cramping up. Naruto was tapping his foot on the ground, pacing up and down the deserted training ground. That was before he had run into something.

“Yo!” It said, a little too happily for the depressed mood emanating from the others.

Naruto stumbled back and glared at Kakashi. “You’re not stopping us, sensei. We’re going even if we have to fight you.”

“No need. Sakura’s alive, and Sasuke’s back.” He said bluntly. “Tsunade-sama is healing her now.” He received many gasps and cries of joy from the girls.

“Why! Why does she need be healed? It she dying?” Naruto asked, coming out of his shock, and asking the one question everyone wanted to ask.

He nodded, and looked to the ground. “She was, but Sasuke got her here in time. She had stopped breathing.”

“But, why?” Ino asked quietly.

“Later, Naruto you need to come with me.” Kakashi said. “You can come and explain everything to them when you get the details.”

s-S-s

“Guys!” Naruto yelled into the training ground, waving. Ino was still crying, mostly in relief and immediately ran up to him.

“How is she!” She asked urgently. “Where is she? Is Sasuke still here, or did he leave again?”

“Woa, Ino, give him some room.” Chouji said, walking up, as did the others.

Naruto grinned and rubbed the back of his head. “She’s fine! She is sleeping with her mom right now, and Sasuke… well, Mrs Haruno wanted to talk to him and that’s probably where he is.” He explained.

“Why did she want to talk to him?” Kiba asked.

“Thank him. He saved Sakura’s life…” He trailed off.

“Naruto-kun… what happened to her?” Lee asked quietly.

Naruto clenched his fists at his sides, gritting his teeth. He sat down and put his face in his hands. Then, he began to tell them everything. All about Sakura’s mission, to how and why she was captured, what Sai had done to her, and what that ‘Lord’ had to do with it all.

It was safe to say, everyone was appalled. Lee had fire in his eyes, talking about how he had began to trust Sai, and how ‘un-youthful’ this was on his ‘poor cherry blossom’. Ino started crying again, leaning against Hinata now.

“Sai… he did this?” Neji asked. “The guy that was on your team?”

Naruto nodded, not looking up from the ground. “Ah…” He stood up abruptly, “I need to see Sasuke…” He then began to walk away. He turned his head. “Oh, Shikamaru, Baa-chan wants to see you. Ino… you should probably come see Sakura…”

Ino and Shikamaru followed, stepping up behind him. “Why does she want to see me?” Shikamaru asked, stifling a yawn.

“You’re a top strategist, figure it out.” Ino muttered. “Jeez, Shikamaru.”

Naruto grinned. “Ok, lets get going, Ino.” He started running, and called behind his back, “Good luck Shikamaru!”

Ino stopped when Shikamaru did and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek, hugging him briefly. “Thanks… Shika.” She whispered before running after Naruto. “Naruto, wait!”

Shikamaru watched her leave, a light blush on his cheeks. His hand unconsciously touched the spot Ino’s lips had touched him, and he found himself smiling. He shook his head, the smile still evident on his face as he walked lazily to the Hokage tower. All the while, wondering why he felt so warm. “Troublesome…” He muttered through his smile.

s-S-s

“Sasuke,” Jiraiya started, walking up to him. “You can’t just stay here where Danzo could find you.”

“Hn.” He mumbled, pushing himself off of the wall. He started to make his towards the entrance of the hospital, until Jiraiya chuckled.

“What about Sakura, Sasuke?” He asked.

Sasuke stopped and turned around, facing the Sanin. He gave him an odd look, “Well then, get her.” He said.

He shook his head. “No. I’m not taking her. The last time I tried to help, I got…” He shuddered, “No, you get her. She wouldn’t hurt you.”

‘She… beat him?’ Sasuke thought and smirked. “Just like Tsunade, huh, Jiraiya?” He asked, walking back over towards Ami Haruno’s room.

He shuddered. “Yeah. Well, anyways, meet back in Tsunade’s office. Make sure you two aren’t seen by any ANBU.” Sasuke nodded and stepped into the room, relieved to see Ami at least awake.

“You’re back?” She asked quietly.

He nodded, closing the door behind him. “I need to bring Sakura with me. We can’t let Danzo know me and her are alive and in the village.” He explained. He looked at Sakura still sleeping, clinging onto her mothers’ shirt like a little girl. He almost smiled.

“Alright, I understand… Sakura, you need to wake up, sweetie.” She said, placing a hand gently to her daughters’ cheek. “You need to go.”

Sakura groaned and squeezed her eyes shut tightly. “What?” She asked quietly, opening her eyes slowly. She began to realise someone else was in the room, and looked over to Sasuke, her eyes widening. “Sa – Sasuke-kun! What…?” She started.

“You need to stay hiding, honey. Danzo can’t know you’re in the village. You being here is too risky.” Ami said to her daughter.

Sakura nodded and sat at the edge of the bed. “How long was I sleeping for?” She whispered, hating the silence emanating from Sasuke.

“A little over an hour, honey.”

Nodding, Sakura hugged her mom tightly. Whispering in her ear, “I love you… just get better, ok?”

Ami nodded. “Of course sweetie. Now go on!” She ushered. She looked at Sasuke kindly, “Look after my daughter, please, Sasuke-kun?”

Sakura blushed and looked away from Sasuke, glaring at her mother childishly. “Embarrass me?” She mouthed. Her mother only giggled, shooing her with a swish of her hand.

“Come on, Sakura.” Sasuke muttered, waiting at the door. Sakura kissed her mom on the cheek before rushing out the door. She walked slightly behind him, her hands clasped in front of her nervously.

“Sasuke-kun…” She started quietly. “I – I’m sorry about before… I just wanted to –“

“Don’t worry about it.” He muttered gruffly, stopping at the entrance of the hospital, causing Sakura to run into his back and softly mumbling an apology. He shushed her and watched through the small window. ANBU were scouting the village. “Shit.” He cursed.

“W – what is it?” Sakura asked.

“Danzo… he found out.”

Sakura froze and her eyes grew angry. “That bastard.” She muttered, “He’s probably with Tsunade-sama right now. He must’ve overheard something…”

Sasuke looked back at Sakura and his eyes widened, he pulled her towards him, and moved back. Where they were a second before was now a young boy holding a katana like he had just swung it. Sakura gasped and looked at the boy with pity in her eyes. He was the same as Sai; trained to live without any emotion.

His cold eyes slowly looked over to the couple, his eyes narrowed and he charged again. “He’s not as skilled as Sai was.” Sakura muttered catching the boys’ arm in her hand, stopping him in his tracks. She hit the base of his neck, knocking him unconscious.

He dropped to the floor and Sakura looked up from his body to see nurses and attendants staring at her and Sasuke wide-eyed, their mouths open slightly.

“Sa – Sakura-san?” One of them stuttered, approaching her. “Y – you’re back? A – alive?”

Sakura smiled and nodded. “Yes, Yuki, I am. Please, take this boy to a room and keep him locked in there.”

“Why were you being attacked, Miss Haruno? Surely you have done something.” One of the older ones asked, a scowl on her face. “You should know better than to fight! Let alone in a hospital! Just go quietly so as to not cause trouble!”

Sasuke frowned and looked towards Sakura, seeing a smile on her face. “I suggest you get back to work. What happens to me does not concern you. Though, as the Hokage’s apprentice, you’d think I’d know that. Now please, don’t tell any ANBU where we’ve gone. This is important.”

“That is highly suspicious, Miss Haruno. ANBU are higher in status than you and your boyfriend there.” Sakura blushed at that comment. “And you don’t expect me to just lie to them!”

Yuki spoke up and glared at the attending doctor. “I suggest you do as Sakura-san says… unless you’d like to get fired. Like she said, she’s Tsunade-sama’s apprentice and head doctor in this hospital.” She smirked. “What you decide to do can either make you… or break you.”

Sakura smiled. “Thank you, Yuki! Now, if any of you get brought in, I’ll personally get you out. Though, I don’t think it will come to that. Not if we can get out of here unseen.” She began to leave with Sasuke, but stopped and looked at Yuki with pleading eyes. “Please… don’t let them get to my mom…if it does come down to that…”

“Of course, Sakura-san. I’ll protect her with my life.”

Sakura smiled again. “It won’t come to that, I promise.” Yuki nodded and Sakura followed Sasuke towards the door. He stopped her with his hand on her stomach and then grabbed her arm, running out of the hospital and onto the tops of the buildings.

s-S-s

Naruto and Ino burst through the hospital doors, big smiles on their faces. Naruto walked over to the front desk. “Naruto-kun! Ino-senpai!” Yuki exclaimed.

“Hi, Yuki. Where is Sakura-chan?” Ino asked quietly.

“She just left, to the Hokage tower with Sasuke-san. There were ANBU after them.” She explained.

Naruto cursed, “Damnit! Danzo already knows!”

Ino grabbed Naruto’s hand and pulled him out of the hospital. “Shikamaru is there!” She urged, running faster. “We need to go now, Danzo is there already.”

“How do you know?” Naruto asked, a dumb look on his face as he allowed himself to be dragged.

“My god, Naruto. Are you that dense! Look at the tower! Tsunade is fighting, obviously.” She yelled, exasperated.

Sure enough, when Naruto looked, he could see a person in black dodging Tsunade’s deadly punches on the top of the building. It looked as if part of the tower had been blown up, but as Naruto knew from experience, was actually Tsunade.

“Ok, lets hurry then.” Naruto stated, stopping in his tracks.

“Naruto!” Ino shrieked, stopping. “Get moving! We need to get there!”

Naruto groaned. ‘Damn women… they’re all so loud.’ He thought, forming hand seals and thrusting it onto the top of the building they were on. “Summoning Jutsu!”

Ino blinked. “Summoning?” When the dust cleared, Naruto stood over a small toad.

“Yo!” It said happily, holding up a flipper.

“Oh my! It – it talked!” Ino gasped.

“Gamakichi, I need you to go to the others and bring them to the Hokage tower. We may need their help.” Naruto ordered.

“Sure thing, squirt!”

Naruto nodded and ignored being called ‘squirt’. He turned to Ino and grabbed her arm, pulling her towards the tower. “You wanted to go. So come on!”

“Don’t order me around, Naruto.” Ino growled, forcing his hand on her arm off, and running beside him. Within minutes, they arrived to see Sasuke and Sakura surrounded by ANBU root. Tsunade and Jiraiya were fighting Danzo and someone else.

Naruto squinted to see better and gasped. “S – Sai!” There he was, a single scar on his neck, fighting with Jiraiya. Naruto looked at Sakura who was now standing still, her body shaking, staring up at Sai.

“Sasuke!” Naruto yelled, catching his attention.

He looked behind him and saw Sakura. He was confused for a moment, but then followed her gaze and growled. “Sai… Sakura, come on; just ignore him. He won’t do anything, I promise.” He whispered, jumping out of the way with her as a root ninja made the first move. That seemed to snap her back into reality.

“How… how is he alive! I – I killed him! Sasuke-kun?” She asked frantically.

Sasuke shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“Forehead!”

Sakura turned around, ready to pound whoever called her that, but stopped and smiled. “Ino-pig!” She yelled back, running and meeting her best friend in a hug. “You know, Ino, this isn’t the time or place.” She laughed, keeping a close eye on the root children.

“I know. I’m just so happy that you’re back and ok!” She said, hugging Sakura tightly one last time before letting go. She looked around. “Wh – where’s Shikamaru?”

Sakura looked away, her eyes downcast. “He’s in Tsunade-sama’s office… he took a bad hit, but I healed him. He’s still unconscious.” She said quietly, grasping Ino’s hand.

Ino shook her head, and pushed away from Sakura, running to the door that led to Tsunade’s office, mumbling ‘no’ over and over. ‘Shikamaru! You better be ok!’ She thought to herself, bolting through the tower.

When she finally reached Tsunade’s office, she barged through the door. “Shika!” She screamed, seeing him lying on his back in the corner of the room. She ran over to him, stopping just before his body. His vest was stained with blood and Ino’s breath caught in her throat.

Her hands hesitantly reached out for him, stopping just before she touched his shoulder, she pulled back, her vision blurring. “Shika…” She whispered, hastily wiping away her tears before reaching out and taking his hand in hers.

She sniffed and lifted him so he was leaning against her, his head in the crook of her neck. Her hands were becoming red from his blood. She held him tightly, ignoring the rumbling of the building, and small pieces falling from the ceiling. “Shi – Shikamaru… wake up! Please…” She whispered, holding him even tighter, as if he were her lifeline.

“I – Ino… I can’t breathe properly…”

She gasped and lessened her grip, looking down at his tired eyes. She smiled and hugged him, crying into his shoulder. “Don’t do that to me again… baka…” She cried.

Shikamaru was shocked to say the least; Ino never cried over him, and now her tears were soaking his neck. He raised a hand to his side to find the wound he received from Sai healed. He remembered vaguely Sakura crying out and healing him, but the pain had been too great for him to stand.

“You’re ok now, right?” Ino asked quietly, sniffling.

Shikamaru nodded mutely, looking at her crying face when she released him. “Ino… what’s gotten into you?” He asked quietly, lifting himself off of her, supporting himself with his arms.

Looking away Ino didn’t say anything. Shikamaru knew she was thinking though, she usually answered a question without thought, but now she didn’t. His only explanation was that she didn’t know herself.

He looked back at her when she turned to him, a sad smile on her face. “I… I don’t know… I just got so scared, so afraid that you were dead when I saw you… Shika… I think I… I…” She shook her head, “I don’t care about Sasuke… I care about you…”

‘What did she just say?’ Shikamaru thought. “Ino?” He asked quietly.

Without warning, Ino wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly again. “I don’t want… I don’t want you to leave me… ever. I think I… love you.” She whispered, her voice cracking.

Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something, but no words were forming. It was as if his brain had turned to mush. Instead of saying anything, knowing he couldn’t, even if he wanted to, he hugged her back. He felt her stiffen at his move, but giggled lightly.

She pulled away, looking into his dark, lazy eyes. He stared right back, and before they knew it, Shikamaru had leaned in and caught her lips in a sweat, gentle kiss, his hands rubbing her back as she placed a hand on his cheek, kissing him back.