He Walked Away

He Walked Away...

{Naruto's POV}

I opened my eyes to see a heart monitor but was surprised to see I wasn't in a clean white hospital room but a dimly lit cave. I craned my neck and there lay Sasuke. My voice was harsh as I cried out, "Sasuke."

"Shh, Don't strain yourself. He’s going to be fine. We almost lost you though," The lady from before placed a hand on my shoulder. She was very pretty but then I remembered I was angry with her for talking about my personal business.

I frowned and whispered, "Old hag."

"What did you call me?" he grip tightened almost painfully.

"Why, OLD HAG, did you talk about my personal business to Kakashi-sensei?" She frowned, "That was my business and mine alone. I have only told one person about that and he promised never to tell!" My voice grated.

Her face softened, "I am sorry, but what has happened to you must not go unanswered. You have no reason to be ashamed, and your teacher and your godfather have the right to know."

"Ha, that's really funny. What the hell have those to got to do with that?" My voice went up sharply, "That old pervert is supposed to be my god father! How come I have never met him before yesterday. Kakashi-sensei doesn't care about me! Why bother him with my problems? Just be glad I'm not a girl I'd have been pregnant more then once at this point." I glared around the room catching the shamed faces of my sensei and godfather. They didn't argue with me, but Tsunade did not back down.

She glared at me, "You listen here. We are not going to play the feeling sorry for yourself game. You are gonna stay awake and you are not going to slip into despondency again. Look at those people!" She pointed to Kakashi and Sasuke.

"They cared enough to risk their lives for you. We care to, we are not going to let you fall back into that horrible life you lived before," I was acquainted with her generous bosom as she crushed me into a hug. My breathing came out shaky and uneven. I was fighting the tears. I dreaded this all my life I was loosing control of my mask. I choked back a sob, but the tears came anyway. Tsunade rubbed my back and rocked me back and forth. The only sound that was heard was my quiet sobs.

{Normal POV}

Naruto fell into an uneasy sleep. He was monitored closely. After a sleepless night, for everybody else, Tsunade felt comfortable with moving Naruto. Sasuke was awake and healed enough to travel under his own power. He was trusted only to the extent that he was in the middle of the group being watched by the four adults like a hawk, but he kept his concerned eyes turned to Naruto.

"He's not out of the woods just yet Uchiha," The blond woman told him, "The Kyuubi seemed to heal his wounds, but his body is so frail from disuse that he is going to need constant supervision while he recuperates. You however will be remanded to a prison cell. I am sorry but you must understand that is our only recourse." She stopped and looked at him not with pity, but understanding, "I will do what I can for you, but I am afraid your fate is in the hands of the council."

Sasuke nodded, as far as he was concerned anything he got short of a death sentence was too good for him, "What ever happens to me...please take care of him."

She nodded and they continued on the path to Konoha. Kakashi was carrying Naruto at this point. Each of them took a shift except for Sasuke who was neither trusted, nor healthy enough to be allowed. He stirred just before they stopped at the gates, "Hault! State youe business." The guard eyed the group suspiciously.

"I am Lady Tsunade," She held up official papers.

"Our apologies Hokage-sama," He bowed to the point of almost tumbling over. Three ANBU appeared almost immediately, "I am sorry Hokage-sama, but we must take the Uchiha...Uchiha Sasuke your are under arrest for treason, you..."

"Yes we all know, but he will be coming with me for now. Please inform the council of elders that I wish to meet with them in one hours time. First I must take Naruto-kun to the hospital."

"Baa-chan, You're gonna be Hokage?" Naruto asked quietly as he lifted his head briefly only to fall limply against his sensei's shoulder.

"Stuff it Gaki!" She growled at him. Naruto's light chuckling could be heard by all and Tsunade smiled at him in spite of herself.

Kakashi's hand stroked the boy’s soft, if some what dirty hair he did not even seem to realize he was doing this. He hugged his student tightly, "The things we take for granted. The things we think will always be there..." The silver haired jonin looked at his precious student with a new found respect, "...there will always be Naruto. There has to be. He is the spirit of our team, and our village. I'm proud of you Naruto." The words were spoken to himself, but the others were nodding in agreement. Naruto had returned to his fitful sleep again...

{Sakura's POV}

Here we were again. I watched as the five powerful ninja escorted by ANBU brought Naruto back to us. He looked unhurt, though his face was anything but peaceful. He looked angelic as he slept. I looked to Kakashi who rested him on the waiting gurney. He nodded I could see the faintest outline of a smile as his eye curved into a gentle crescent. I knew that Naruto had succeeded, now was the hard part. Recovery. That could wait because word travels fast in a village filled with ninja. Soon the hospital was overcrowded with well wishers and the curious alike. Lady Tsunade left with Sasuke shortly after their arrival. She wanted to get him away from the fuss and allow Naruto to be the focus of all the positive attention. I was glad that Naruto was being fawned over. I was forced to leave because I had rounds to complete I bid good bye to my two former teachers as Kakashi sat bemused and Iruka fussed over Naruto.

{Normal POV}

Naruto slept on and off. He was visited by teams 8 and 10 often as they could get a chance, epically a certain shy Hyuuga. Team Gai came in occasionally also. The new Hokage made time out of her busy schedule. She seemed to have adopted Naruto as a brother. Despite their age difference they fought like siblings. Kakashi and Jaraiya were more involved in Naruto's life. Naruto had physical therapy and was excelling. Sakura kept pushing him.

As for Sasuke, he was put on house arrest and probation. He jumped through all the hoops and today was the day he would be allowed to leave. He headed straight for the hospital, "I'm looking for Uzumaki Naruto's room."

"I'm sorry but he's not here any longer," The nurse did not even look up, "What?" Sasuke panicked, 'What happened now! I lost him again!'

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura tapped his shoulder. He jumped as he turned to face her. He quickly cleared his face of all emotion, "What are you doing here?"

"I-I...it’s not important. I'm off house arrest. I'm a free man."

"Looking for Naruto?" She smirked.

"Where is he?" He looked past her acting bored.

"He checked out today, you're not the only one to gain their freedom today. Wanna know where he is?" She smiled evilly. I swear that girl is possessed or something.

"Well that was why I came all the way out here..."

"Well I know he is staying with Iruka-sensei. They tore down his apartment building while he was in a coma. He lost everything," She looked a little upset, but then she brightened up, "I am willing to bet he's at Ichiraku's right now," She looked at her watch. It read 12:37 pm, "Oh, I have to get to work. Tell him I said hi, ok?"

Sasuke nodded, "Thanks Sakura...Sakura-chan." He bowed briefly then went off to find his dobe.