I Fade Away [Gaara II]

Chapter 17

"Lord Raikage, as the only functioning member of the Kages and leader of the Alliance a decision has to be made," Kakashi stated.

The large man sighed, looking around the table as everyone watched and waited. For weeks the Shinobi Army was leaderless, the remaining Generals and Commanders stepping into command. Half of the forces, those who sustained little to no injuries, were ordered back to their lands in order to protect them from any rogues that decided to use their weaknesses to their advantage. The rest stayed behind for medical treatment and to protect the Kages.

It wasn't a surprise to Tamahome that the Raikage had been the first to regain consciousness. His injuries were almost completely healed under the white bandages on the man's arms and chest.

"Why isn't he saying anything?" Sanchi spoke under his breath, drawing his partner's attention. Temari and Kankuro were with them as well, the four standing against the wall. Earth Ninjas had dug the whole 'room' into the side of the canyon, gave them privacy to talk about the issues they faced.

"Leave him be," Temari whispered back. "This is a big decision to make on his own."

Agreed. The Tsuchikage and Hokage were still in comatose, while the Mizukage and Kazekage were beginning to show signs of reacting to certain stimulus given by doctors. They could continue to stay in the canyon and wait to see if there were any changes, or return back to their lands. But there was a great risk of moving the leaders for medical reasons and out of fear of being attacked on the journey home.

"We cannot stay here any longer," the Raikage finally spoke up. "Eventually the supplies will run out and we cannot ask our comrades to come to our aid when they are protecting our Villages."

"Moving the Kages right now is dangerous," a Commander from the Land of Rocks stated.

"That decision is in the hands of the Medical Division," Kakashi spoke up.

All eyes turned on Tamahome and Sakura, who glanced at each other before addressing the crowd. "We will honor the Raikage's wishes to return to our Villages if everyone agrees," Sakura said. "There are head healers from all of the lands that can continue their recovery, and arrangements will be made so the Kages are under protection."

"Two of them are due to wake up any time now," Tamahome added. "But I stand by the Raikage's decision of returning to our Villages. Supplies will eventually run out and everyone here is growing restless. We are very exposed out here in the canyon."

A murmur went through the crowd, some sharing nods. "I stand by the Raikage," Kakashi announced.

There were agreements all around before they retreated into the camp below. Tamahome sighed, cracking his neck, while walking along side Sakura to the medical tent.

"You need to relax," she stated, staring up at him.

"I will when Gaara and Azmaria wake up and we're inside the walls of Suna," he answered.

Shizune was there to greet them when they walked in, whisking away the pink-haired shinobi. Tamahome continued on, only to find that Azmaria had a visitor.

"Can I help you?"

The young man turned around, giving a crooked smile. "No, just visiting," he answered. "Word is that we're moving out soon and this will be the last time we can see each other before that happens."

"Tamahome," the ninja held out a hand.

The Water Ninja returned the gesture, shaking it firmly. "Yes, Az spoke highly of you during the Jounin Exams. My name is Hoshi."

Tamahome then realized why he looked so familiar. Gaara and Azmaria's partner. One of his eyes had been wrapped up; an arm also in a sling with a splint meaning the limb had been broken.

"How are you fairing?"

Their hands dropped; Hoshi pointed towards the injured eye. "From what doctors have been saying I'll be nearly blind when the recovery is over. But that won't stop me from being a ninja. My arm will heal, no problem." The Water Ninja then turned towards the bed. "What about Az?"

"We don't know," Tamahome answered truthfully. "There are no signs of life threatening injury, but it's the depletion of chakra that's confining her to a hospital bed. And overall overexertion." He chuckled. "It would've been a sight to see her out on the field."

Hoshi smirked. "I can't argue with you there. I would never want to be an opponent up against her." Shaking his head, the ninja began to leave. "Can you tell Az that I stopped by and said good luck in her recovery?"

Tamahome nodded. "I'll be sure to do so."

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There were ninjas moving everywhere in camp, packing up supplies and loading the wounded onto carts. Tents were being pulled down and elite ninjas were receiving orders on how to protect the Kages from any attacks on the road. Which paths were the safest to take.

"We're just about ready to leave, partner," Sanchi stated. He had just loaded Azmaria into a cart and comfortably situated her beside Gaara.

"Good," Tamahome answered. "Tie down the tarp, I have to meet up with Sakura and Shizune before we leave."

The Sand Ninja nodded before Kankuro stepped forward to help. The Medical Ninja moved through the crowds before locating the two Leaf Ninja conversing with the Raikage.

"We'll keep in contact and send word right away if there are any changes in the Lady Hokage's condition," Shizune stated. "As for now, Kakashi Hatake has agreed to assume the title as Hokage until Lady Tsunade wakes up."

"The same goes for Suna," Tamahome cut in. "Kankuro and Temari will jointly handle Suna's efforts until Gaara awakes. We will be in contact."

The Raikage nodded, turning to rejoin his forces.

Tamahome then addressed those from the Leaf, "Be careful."

"I could say the same thing to you," Sakura stated with a smile. Shizune disappeared to make sure all the preparations were in order for the transportation of the Kage. "You will let us know if you run into trouble?"

"Believe me, the Leaf will be the first to know. Though I'm hoping for once even rogues are tired of fighting."

"Sakura!" Naruto's voice called. "We're ready to go!"

"Take care of yourself."

Sakura pulled the Sand Ninja into a tight hug. "Thank you, for everything. Without you, Lady Tsunade..."

Tamahome returned the gesture, gently stroking her hair. "It's going to be alright. I promise."

He watched her disappear into the remains of the Shinobi Army, the Leaf Ninja only looking back once to give a reassuring smile. Tamahome rejoined to the ninjas returning to the Land of Wind. Temari stood atop of a rock formation to look out over their group to be sure everything was in order, Baki by her side.

"Suna! Move out!" the older sister ordered.

They were the first to be leaving the canyon, the other lands watching them go. Sanchi saluted to Sai of the Leaf before pulling the tarp closed and situating himself inside on guard duty. One of Kankuro's puppets accompanied him, while the puppetmaster sat outside, driving the horses attached to the convey.

Tamahome noticed Hoshi as they passed by. Guarding the cart that held the injured ninjas from the Land of Water. The young man grinning at the Sand Ninja in farewell. Finally, it hit the Medical Ninja, as he looked ahead.

They were finally headed home.