Forgotten Love | SasuNaru

~Chapter 29

Tsunade POV

Why am I even surprised, I was going through research to find out what was wrong with Naruto. As he hadn't woken up for two weeks, his collapse was due to stress but his current condition was something entirely different. Naruto being a Jinchuriki should be able to bounce back almost instantly no matter the illness. Unless the illness is affecting his chakra, slowing down his usual healing process. I got up with Shizune as she read to me reports of chakra eating bacteria, diseases and viruses that blocked chakra or chakra that basically eats their host from the inside out until there is nothing left. As we made it to Naruto's room, it was noticeable empty with the clear plastic curtains opened.

Naruto no where in sight, only thing still there was the IV drip and a small blood splotch on the ground. The window open with the curtains flapping helplessly from the wind. I looked out the window for a moment before closing it, my fists tightening at my side. "Lady Tsunade..." Shizune called out timidly, "call the security, I WANT NARUTO FOUND NOW" I shouted, sharply turning around at Shizune. News spread like wildfire, soon all the shinobi knew about their absent Hokage. Alarms were set, he must of left himself if no one noticed anything.

But the thought of a possible kidnapping left me sick. He was unconscious for awhile, to be kidnapped in such a weak state, we're all screwed if the Otsutsuki got their hands on him. For now, only time will tell how terrible of a position Naruto's put us in. I retire as Hokage and now I'm cleaning the Seventh's mess, Naruto was no where to be found. Neither family or friends knew of his whereabouts, he wasn't in the village and Anbu haven't found him outside the village yet either. Because of all the stress, I began subbing as the Hokage until Naruto's return.

There were no signs of the Otsutsuki, Sasuke and Sai are still investigating. They should be returning soon, knowing that brat, this won't end well.

Sasuke POV

Sai had painted a bird for us to fly on, saying it was more efficient to get back to the village. Using my Rinnegan would be a waste since we found nothing so far and are coming up short on new leads. Flying over head, I noticed something ominous and unsettling. Seeing what seemed to be the Hokage's Anbu rushing out the village before disappearing into the trees within a millisecond. I almost missed them, I looked ahead as it seemed that shinobi were scrambling around. Landing the bird in front of the Hokage's Office, the bird went back into Sai's scroll.

Once we walked into the Hokage's Office, the last thing we expected to see was Tsunade sitting in the Hokage's chair with Shikamaru and Shizune by her side. This sent alarms in my head and sudden I felt some phantom pain in my arm. Pain that I haven't felt in years since my arm was severed from my body, I have a bad feeling about this. "Naruto's missing" Tsunade said bluntly, putting her hands together. My heart dropped and I felt sick, "give me the report, have you got any leads on the Otsutsuki" Tsunade asked. "Urashiki remains aloof, his whereabouts is not known nor has there been any reports of sighting of Mitsuki from the other villages" Sai explained quickly.

I came close to the desk, "Naruto's missing, what do you mean by that" I questioned when I regained my senses. "Naruto wasn't in his room and the window was open, nothing points to a break in but Naruto is no where to be found in the village" Shizune explained. "You're saying he ran away" I asked, "from the evidence, it's clear that Naruto left the village but why is the question, I was wondering if maybe you knew something but from the sounds of it you're just as in the dark as we are" Shikamaru muttered. "Naruto wouldn't leave the village defenseless without a reason" I stated I walked past Shizune towards the window. Looking out, I contemplated for a moment, "not unless he's doing something stupid to protect something he cares for" I spoke quietly. "You're not saying he..." Shikamaru said, looking like he just realized something.

"Stupid like going out to hunt for Urashiki by himself....yup, sounds just like him" I grumbled, my fist tightening at my side. "Shizune, bring me Kakashi Hatake, Shikamaru you will assign teams to look for Naruto and investigate the whereabouts of Urashiki while they're at it, Naruto must not get to him before us" Tsunade ordered. "Yes, Lady Tsunade" Shizune was the first out the door followed by Shikamaru, I stood next to the wall as Sai stood in front of Tsunade. "Sai, check all reports on Naruto's whereabouts whether it's rumor or fact, getting Naruto back to the Hidden Leaf is our top priority right now" Tsunade stated. Sai swiftly walked out the room leaving me to be the last one, seeing as there was no reason to stay I went to leave as well. As I made my way to the door, "Sasuke" Tsunade called me.

I stopped at doorway, "bring Naruto home..." Tsunade simply said, I smirked slightly. "I was gonna do it even if you didn't ask....Naruto's not always the smartest but he's one of the most cunning if anything" I stated. Tsunade chuckled quietly, "you two are quite the pair" I turned away. If only you knew, maybe one day soon but for now, it's my turn to bring you home. I left to a place I could barely call home anymore, I walked up to the front door. But before I can go and get you, I need to go to you with the same resolve you left with.

The door swung open, Sakura appear with a gentle smile at my arrival to the house. To think I would be tearing away that endless joy when I signed my punishment in ink. But she knew, she knew this day would come although she thought, she could prevent it. Sakura thought if she could bear proof of our love, it would come true. But that proof was born out of accountability, it ends today, no more running away. I've lived with my crimes, I've faced my faults, and I've tried to make up for all my wrong doings.

I never thought I deserved to have the choice and even then I ran. When I experienced the same torture I put him through, why would he ever forgive me. I don't know if I truly deserve a peaceful life but is it so terrible to want it with him. Doesn't everyone dream for their happy ending, is it so wrong that when I dream it, I see him there with me. In an obnoxiously orange house with all our kids, sometimes I come home to him. Sometimes I'm waiting on the porch for his arrival, the kids running after him.

Laughing as they bet on who could make it to the porch the fastest. Whether Naruto won or lost, he always kept that award winning smile plastered onto his face. Is it so wrong to wish for that perfect life, maybe so, doesn't mean I'm not gonna give the impossible a shot.

"Sakura, we need to talk..."