The Path That Led To Darkness...

Regret: Part 2

Kakashi looked at what he held with fear.

"That's a complete analysis of Naruto's chakra system. I was worried that there might be more to Naruto's inguries than it seemed so I had Shizune take a look at Naruto's chakra system for me. It would seem my gut was right, in the worst ways posssible." Tsunade said. She took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh.

"Naruto's chakra channels are tearing apart."

That, made Kakashi freeze. Those words made him shiver with fear. "T-Tearing?  How is that even possible?! I thought only the Hyuuga clan clan was capable of doing such damage to one's body!" The Gentle Fist. That was the only technique known to cause damage to a chakra system.

"Apparently not. Someone, or rather Sasuke, somehow managed to damage Naruto's chakra system. Look here." She pointed to a picture of a chakra system. "His channels look thinned out. It looks like the abdomen took the most damage, that's why the channels are fainter then anywhere else on his body. It also looks like they were burned or electrocuted, judging mostly by the darker and tattered areas." Tsunade explained.

Kakashi knew that Naruto's condition was bad, but not to the extent whereby his chakra system was being affected too. He swallowed his fear, a determined look on his face and asked a question...a question that would either release tension in his head or would completely shatter him.

"So...what does this mean for Naruto?"

Tsunade looked out the window and spoke, "His chakra system will likely heal over time, with as little combat possible for him of course, but..." She turned around and looked Kakashi dead in the eyes, "Worst case scenario, he may never be able to use chakra ever again..." She said sadly, "And with his chakra keeping the Nine Tails sealed, once his chakra is gone the Nine Tails will be unleashed and he will die...and so will his dream, indefinitely..."

Kakashi didn't know what to do, he said nothing but frowned. If he hadn't taught Sasuke that Chidori, maybe Naruto's condition would be better. If he had went with Naruto on all of those missions, maybe Naruto would still be able to fight...just maybe...if he had done a better job at being Team 7's sensei, Sasuke would still be here and none of this would have ever happened. That's what he thought. but too bad it was too late for him. It had already happened, and he watched as it happened.

Naruto would die. Now that, that, he would never let happen. Not again. He promised himself, he would never let anyone he cared about die. He would not let Naruto die as long as he was still alive.

"Is there a chance you can still save him? Naruto still wants to be respected by the village and become Hokage, is there a way you can help him?!" Kakashi asked or more like interrogated Tsunade.

"I'm not sure, our medical division -including me of course- can try to, but  I can't guarantee a full recovery. Repairing a chakra system is a highly risky operation, one mistake and it's over. It's very delicate work and has only been attempted once in shinobi history and didn't work as planned. Ancient methods might not work in this case."

Kakashi frowned again. Something that had only been attempted once and failed...those were not very good odds...

"Right, I guess those aren't very good odds." Kakashi said.

"I'm afraid so, but I will do the best I can as the Hokage, to help Naruto in anyway I can."

Kakashi had a lot going through his mind. Should he tell Naruto? Or should he keep it under wraps for now?

"Should...should I tell Naruto?" Kakashi asked.

A short silence fell upon the two. It felt like forever until Tsunade finally spoke.

"No. Knowing Naruto he might do something irrational or throw a tantrum, plus he doesn't need something to be moping about. Given the situation, Naruto will most likely be informed as soon as we come up with a solution. For now, he would rather take it easy and not do the harsher missions. He will be given D rank missions or rather Gennin level missions." Tsunade sweat at the thought of Naruto being sent on D rank missions. "He hates those, but it's for his own good."

Kakashi firm nod. "Right."

"Right then, you are dismissed."

Kakashi shunshined out of the room. He looked at his surroundings and frowned as he felt a familiar chakra signature but it was feint.

"Was someone listening to our conversation?" He thought. He tried tracing the chakra but failed as it was too feint. He looked around once more and decided to take his leave. 

It was brighter than usual outside. Very sunny and warm. It kind of reminded him of Naruto. His bright and warm smile brought a smile to your own face. Then he realised he was smiling and softly chuckled. He thought of what to do.

"I could go to the market...I do need food, but eh, I could still go tomorrow. There's enough food at home." He shrugged. The village was busy, Evey one was everywhere. Kids were also playing outside. The village was lovely again as they welcomed the summer season.

He started walking on heading towards the village cemetery. He come here often to pay his respects to those he failed to protect. He walked towards the front and said,

"Forgive me, Minato-sensei..." He said. "Forgive me for not being able to protect what you had entrusted to me..." He clenched his fists. "I failed to protect Naruto. I failed as his sensei. I failed Kushina-san as well..." He said falling into a long silence. "But I promise to become a better sensei to him. I promise to protect him from the same fate. I will not let him die."

...........

Hidden from Kakashi's line of sight. Stood the cause of all Konoha's problems.

"Tch, keep pitying yourself Kakashi... Naruto will be gone before you know it..."

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
Hello! 👋 I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I honestly wanted to add more to the previous chapter but Wattpad wouldn't let me, saying "error" and stuff🤔 Please comment what you think. I'd appreciate it very much. Enjoy your day/evening! See you in the next chapter!