The Path That Led To Darkness...

Regret

Sakura walked on the streets of Konoha thinking about the recent events that took place. She felt somewhat guilty about how she treated Naruto at that moment. Even more, Naruto's words haunted her.

Unconsciously, tears began to form in her eyes. Frustrated, she wiped them and walked on. Villagers gave concerned stares at the pink headed ninja.

How long would this be in her mind? Sakura remembered her old Team Seven... could things go back to the way they were once Sasuke was successfully retrieved? Would the village forgive him? Would Naruto forgive him? What concequences will he face for his betrayal?
Thoughts flooded her mind as she continued to walk. She didn't know where she was going, all she thoughts were about Team Seven's problems.

She stopped walking for a moment, her mind was now blank. She didn't know what to do, whether to go apologize to Naruto or to carry out her personal mission. With or without Naruto's assistance. But she knew her conscious would get to her and distract her.

She sighed in frustration, "Maybe I should go apologize to Naruto... after all he did get hurt because of me..." She said to herself softly.

She was slightly irritated by the fact that she couldn't protect herself. After all the hard work she had put in for the past three years, she still needed Naruto to protect her?

"What have a been doing the past three years?!" She mentally scolded herself, "After all the things I've went through to get stronger...is my strength still not enough?..." She thought.

She continued walking pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind, she wanted to resolve her dispute with Naruto. She would see him again whether she liked it or not. They were teammates after all.

"Naruto, even without you by my side, I will get stronger."

With a determined look on her face, she continued along her way to find Naruto.

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Kakashi made his way to the Hokages Office. He was contemplating on whether he should check up on Sakura or leave her to blow off some steam. It had been a few hours since they had their argument, he wondered if Sakura had calmed down or still needed some time.

He thought back to when Naruto had hugged him and felt heat rise up to his face. "What the hell was I thinking!?" He knew that a student embracing his teacher wasn't considered inappropriate, but some how it felt more... intimate. He shook his head violently, "I shouldn't be thinking about this." He thought.

He let his thoughts wander as he made his way to the Hokages office. He found himself thinking about his blonde student. Again.

Something about Naruto had changed in the last three years. Sure he was a little closed off lately, and hardly ever genuinely smiled, but he felt as if Naruto had... completely turned into a whole new person. His aura was no longer bright, warm and fun but rather dark, cold and gloomy.

He stopped infront of his destination and lightly knocked on the door.

"Come in" a feminine voice said.

He was surprised at the slightly distressed tone that came from inside. He went in and closed the door.

"Oh, Kakashi. What can I do for you?" Tsunade said.

"It's about Naruto" Kakashi said.

Tsunade seemed to tense up at his name. She straightened her posture and wore a now concerned expression.

"Yes...of course, what about him?" She asked.

"I think Naruto needs a break from all missions regarding Sasuke. His health and mental well-being are prime factors in my request. If he carries on getting hurt like he did, it's only a matter of time until Sasuke kills him..." Kakashi said with worry.

A long silence filled the room. Tsunade let out a sigh.

"I was about to call you regarding that," Tsunade stood up from her chair and grabbed a file from her drawers and handed it to Kakashi. "Take a look at this."

Kakashi took the file and started to read it's contents.

"But this is-!" Kakashi raised his voice.

"I know, and it's not getting any better. Turn to the third page." Kakashi obliged and turned to the page. The look on his face said it all to Tsunade.

"It's bad Kakashi, really bad."

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I'M ALIVE GUYS. NO NEED TO WORRY.

I know this chapter is short, I genuinely apologize 😭
But I do apologize for going on a five month hiatus without letting you guys know. But I'm finally done with my exams so I think I'll be updating more frequently. I don't really have a schedule so whether I update or not depends on my mood ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Have a wonderful day my friends! 💖