Paths of Divergence

Revival

Chapter 44
-Revival

     The pinkette dashes like crazy through the outer forests of the hidden leaf village. In the distance she hears the sounds of battle but they start to fade the further she gets. Naruto was taking on Pain to protect the citizens of the Leaf from more harm. More importantly he was preventing Akatsuki from obtaining another tailed beast.

      Sakura leaps through branches and tree tops as she makes her way closer to the mountain where Shizake was propelled into. Sweat caused by exhaustion and anxiety drips down her forehead as she exerts all her strength to make it there.

      She comes to the base of the mountain, looking upwards at the steep incline. She scans the face of the mountain looking for any signs or signal of where the boy lays. Her eyes come to rest on a small smoldering crater in the middle of the mountain face.

      Immediately she begins leaping upwards, propelling herself up rocks and ledges with chakra fueled jumps. At last she comes to the smoking crater. Steam rises off the boy's body from the almighty push that tore his skin and ligaments to shreds. A puddle of blood pools around his abdomen as small waves cascade around the tiny pool with each new drop.

     "Oh, Shizake," the girl whimpers as she falls to her knees by his side.

     She begins removing the black rods that had impaled his shoulders and stomach, tossing them to the side. Her hand rises up, stroking the side of his head. She brushes his hair up over his ears, smiling ever so slightly.

Back in the village Ino clings to Nitatchi's lifeless corpse, gritting her teeth as the tears spill out. Neji sits next to her, bowing his head in sadness and respect for his cousin. A couple of the others managed to sneak their way past the battle, retrieving the burnt and almost unrecognizable corpses of Kita and Toshika.

     Hinata, on the other hand stood at the edge of the crater. Watching the battle spiral as Naruto becomes exhausted. With determination flowing through her veins and a closed fist, she leaps headfirst into the battle.

      "Thank you, so much... for everything. For giving your life, for defending those who couldn't defend themselves. For holding onto that last inch of your life just in time for Naruto to arrive. I'll make sure the village remembers you and your teammates who so valiantly gave their lives. Rest In Peace... Shizake Uchiha," she says out loud.

     Tears begin to drop into the blood puddle beneath them, the salty fluid washing into the gooey crimson liquid. "I-I know it was your duty... but it still hurts. So much," Sakura says through muffled sobs.

*

"Mom... dad... it's so good to see you guys again," Shizake says.

His mother holds him in a warm embrace while his father stands off to the side with a proud grin across his lips. Sasaui, Aya, and Kutuya stand behind them, happily smiling as well.

"My son... we've been watching you from afar. I'm so sorry for all the pain you've burdened but we are incredibly proud of you," Hideo says, resting a palm on the boy's shoulder.

"I don't know if this is a dream... or some messed up hallucination from my injuries. Whatever it is... I'm just happy to see you all once again," Shizake says softly.

     "My baby boy. Look at you. You're all grown up now," Yumi says.

     "Well, you sure grew a couple feet taller!" Sasaui says.

     "You sure made us wait a while! But- it's good to see you again," Aya adds.

     "Big bro big bro!" Kutuya yells as she barrels into Shizake's legs and hugs them.