Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 14

I waited anxiously in the hospital, pacing the floor.  Itachi watched me as I nervously twisted the ring on my finger.  The door opened, and I looked up, almost in tears due to the sight in front of me.  "Gaara..."

I pushed his escorts aside and hugged him tightly.  "That... hurts."

I smiled and moved to support him.  "Sorry."

He lowered his gaze.  "Lady Chiyo...."

I nodded.  "I know..."

He looked at me in surprise.  "I don't understand."

I smiled at him sadly.  "And it's not my place to explain it to you."  I helped him to his room, and when he was settled, I sat at his side.  "Gaara... I'm sorry..."

He looked at his hands.  "You told me they would come."

I nodded.  "And you did well... I apologize because I couldn't be there."

He shook his head.  "They want you too."

I chuckled.  "This is true. They'll hunt us all down, but I ask your forgiveness regardless."

He smiled at me.  "I have nothing to forgive you for... your brother, Naruto.  He-"

"Yes, he has the other half of Kurama."

He frowned.  "Then him too."

"Yes."

He looked at me with determination.  "We'll help in any way we can."

I put a hand on his head.  "I'm counting on it when the time comes, Little Brother.  Rest now, I have news for you when you awaken."

He had a ghost of a smile as his eyes closed, and I left the room, closing the door quietly.  I heaved a sigh and walked down the hallway. Itachi stood at the end against the wall.  I gripped the back of his cloak as I cried into his chest.  He stroked my hair.  "He's alive."

I shook my head.  "At what cost?"

He sighed.  "I know..."

I heaved a shaky breath, getting myself together.  "We go back tomorrow... I must speak with Jiraiya."

He nodded, and we went to the waterfall where he proposed.  I played as he read, melancholy in the air, I regretted the path I chose for the first time.  I never planned on being useless when I was needed.  I felt arms wrap around me and leaned into his chest as I continued to play.  The moon was high by the time we returned.

Temari smiled as we entered.  "He's awake."  I nodded and followed her through the halls.

Gaara's eyes smiled, though his face didn't.  "So, what's this news?"

I smiled and took his hand in mine before looking at Temari and Kankuro also in the room.  "Itachi and I... are engaged."

His eyes widened as he looked up at Itachi.  "Really?"  He must have nodded because a content smile spread across his face.  "I'm happy for you, Sister."

He hugged me, and I returned the embrace hearing Kankuro curse under his breath and Temari laughing at him.  "I wanted you to know... before I returned to the Leaf."

He nodded in understanding.  "Naruto doesn't have much time."

I shook my head.  "None of us do, be safe, Gaara... I'll return when I can."

He smiled softly.  "Promise?"

I kissed his forehead.  "Promise."

Zetsu met us when we were out of the desert.  "Sasori... is dead..."

I turned to them, hiding the pain that came with the news.  "How unfortuante..."  He hesitated, clearly a question on his mind, but thought better of it and dissolved back into the Earth.  I looked at Itachi.  "Let's move quickly."  He nodded, and we sped to the Leaf.

Once there, I went directly to Tsunade and entered without knocking.  She looked up surprised and frowned.  "Knock, brat."

I looked at the man that she was speaking to, recognizing his chakra.  "You almost killed me once."

He froze.  "Did I?"

I smirked.  "You use Wood Release... yes, it was you."

He seemed unsure of what to do.  "I..."

"Hiruzen never ordered for my death... that wasn't your goal... even then.  Too bad not all your Anbu can be trusted, or you would've succeeded in bringing me back here."

He frowned.  "How do you know?"

I smiled.  "Because I was in your mind, remember... even now I can feel you regret that day in the part you played."

He averted his gaze, and I looked at Tsunade.  "Just letting you know we returned."  She nodded mystified, and I left.

Itachi took my hand.  "You know Tenzo?"

I smiled at him.  "He will be of use to me... I was curious about Wood Release after and am able to perform it... he will help me learn it further.  Plus, he can subdue the Nine Tails..."

He shook his head.  "Always a scheme."

I shrugged.  "Better than him dead."  I sighed.  "I need to process... see you later?"

He nodded and kissed the top of my head.  "Nothing reckless."  I smirked before teleporting to the top of the Hokage heads.  I was in the middle of meditating when I saw a curious sight below.  A pale boy seemed to be giving Naruto trouble.  Interesting...

I watched closely as his drawings did his bidding.  That... is quite unusual...  Eventually, Sakura got involved, and he seemed to say something offensive as she became angry.  He finished his play and left Naruto ranting.  Seems Root is still going strong... he's still young...

I closed my eyes again, amused when ink dissipated as it collided with my barrier.  I didn't break my meditation as he approached.  "You seem as strong as they say..."

"What do you want?"  He's struggling...

He came to stand beside me.  "Your brother... is nothing like you."

I smiled.  "My brother is more than meets the eye, but you'll find that out soon enough."

"You sit here unafraid... why?"

I sighed and looked up at him.  "I killed Danzo hoping that his reign would end... I am well aware that someone took his place soon after his death.  Your people have been hunting me for some time. I do not fear them."

He frowned.  "They could kill you."

I chuckled.  "They could try.  Sai... that's the name you're using in the village, yes?"

He looked at me, I could see he tried to conceal his surprise.  He is trying to regain what they took from him... "Yes."

I nodded and closed my eyes once more.  "Your art interests me... don't be on the sharp end of my blade when the time comes."  He paused for a moment, bowed slightly, then disappeared.  This will be interesting...