DollFace

Chapter Nine

Reunions Are Bittersweet

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2 Years Later

Naruto couldn't believe it.

After 2 fricking long years he finally finished his training with ero-sennin. Finally, he'd be able to enjoy that bowl of ramen, heck! Maybe two or three. Showing everyone how strong he's gotten over the period of time. And Sakura-chan... He cannot wait to see her, who knows? Maybe she'll say yes to a date with him this time around? The thought made him feel giddy. He smiled unknowingly, Jiraiya raised a brow.

What's gotten into him?

Walking into the village, screaming, "I'M BACK!!!" He turned to the wandering villagers and smiled. Surprisingly enough, they returned it. Nothings changed much, he thought. Yet something feels missing. He greeted his fellow shinobi in the most Naruto way possible(screaming into their ears so much they bled).

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"I'm BACK BAACHAN!"

The blonde behind the stacks of paperwork only grunted in response. "So I've heard." Jiraiya followed suit. As per usual, Kakashi came through the window, early.

What's going on?

"Naruto I see your back." His sensei greeted in a lazy tone. "Yup and I'm stronger too!" Kakashi chuckled, "We'll see about that soon." Naruto beamed eagerly. His eyes trailed the neat office and only then did he realize.

"Hey! Where's Sakura-chan? She out on a mission or somethin'?" The room fell silent. The distant sounds of the village reaching their ears. Jiraiya looked at them perplexed before a knowing look crossed his features. He looked at Naruto with... sympathy?Tsunade remained quiet, Kakashi refused to meet his eyes. A feeling of dread filled his mind. Something was wrong! Something was definitely wrong!

"I'm sorry Naruto....." Tsunade spoke, her usually loud voice barely a whisper. He pursed his lips and furrowed his brows. He laughed, looking at them. Hoping that they'd laugh and say it was a joke. That she'd be right behind that door.

Sakura could never.

She was protected.

Sakura-chan wasn't dead.

Then it hit him. His body moved to a standstill. Naruto's throat felt dry all of a sudden. He couldn't move,  couldn't speak. Time seemed to slow down for the knuckleheaded ninja. The others spoke nothing, only watched as the vibrant boy broke down.

"You're joking.....right?" He questioned, "this... this isn't real, right?"

"Tell me she's still alive? Right..."

Tears fell from his eyes, snot dribbled from his nose. His voice wavered. This couldn't...be real. It all felt surreal. With all his self control he pleaded but to his dismay their eyes held no hate or lies. Only truth. Cold. Hearted. Truth.

"Calm down, Naruto." Kakashi soothed. But he was only met with a cold, hateful gaze from the jinshuriki's eyes. "You should have saved her." His voice sent chills down their spine, each took a step back. "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT." He raised his voice high. It felt like thousands of needles pricking into the Hokage's skin. Kakashi reached for the hilt of his kunai, Jiraiya raised his hands to calm the jinchuuriki. The Killer Intent clogged the room.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE HER?"

"Naruto you need to calm down." Jiraiya's words were gentle, grabbing the blonde's hand slowly. Naruto glared at him with sad, angry eyes, smacking his hand away.

"HOW COULD YOU!"

"ENOUGH!" Tsunade's hands made contact with the desk, breaking it. Killer Intent leaking from her. She looked at Naruto with cold, war ridden eyes.

"Uzumaki Naruto, you dare raise your voice in the presence of your Hokage!" Her voice held power and authority, it beckoned the shinobi in the room to look at her. She saw how dangerously close he was to releasing the kyuubi. It hurt her to treat him this way, he doesn't deserve it. He has every right to mourn.

But if the fox gets out of control God knows what will happen.

"You are hereby suspended from duty for the rest of the month. Jiraiya," she looked at said person, who nodded, "escort him home."

Perhaps having someone close to him might help ease the pain.

Jiraiya walked up to Naruto. In a flash he disappeared from the room, with Kakashi calling his name endlessly.

Naruto ran out the building, crying. She can't be dead. Why Sakura-chan?! Mumbling incoherent words whiles racing through the village, his eyes didn't miss the petite child staring at him, mouthing some words. She had bubblegum hair and jade eyes.

His wails became even louder.

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"Being insane is keeping me alive from my nightmare."

~Anonymous