Revenge

I don't own Naruto or its characters and I do not make a profit from this story.

AN: I honestly didn't know if I would get this up tonight or not. I'm a little late, but work had me busy as work tends to do. And then there is Sandy coming up the coast. It's actually supposed to hit my area today with strong winds and rain and the possibility of power outages.

To MisatosPenPen: I’m so sorry for making you wait so long. I admit I struggled with editing the dialogue, that’s what took me longer (work didn’t help either). I never thought about the nearest cell tower from the last call…I may have to change that, but then I would be changing the whole structure of my chapter and I would have no reason to ship off Tenten, Lee, and Shino.

I will go back and edit the hospital…I just don’t like using ‘Tsunade said’ and ‘Itachi said’ after everything they say. (I can’t always explain myself in writing, but when I’m focusing on two people in a room of many voices and the dialogue is between those two people I don’t name who said it until I write a sentence that includes a third or fourth person. Then the dialogue tends to go back and forth between those two people until someone else speaks. I have a horrible time when there are more than two or three people to write dialogue for. That’s why I made an excuse to ship off Tenten, Lee, and Shino for the time being. I don’t like having people just standing around saying nothing, I feel they have to be included even if it’s one or two sentences.)

Kiba, Kakashi, and Neji were at the courthouse, they followed Tsunade there. I just imagined Gaara and Neji floating around in the background, watching and waiting until they were needed. (Even though I don’t like doing that.)

Yes, I never did mention who Orochimaru was representing in court. That would have been a dead give-away to what Itachi was up to. And you know; I had the same image of Sasuke doing the same thing with his morphine…maybe I could add that?

I know I feel the same way after a chapter I read. I want the author to post another one right away. Actually, there’s a story I’ve been reading that the author hasn’t updated in over two years. Don’t know if that one will ever be finished, but it was good. It was about Itachi and Naruto.

So, I’m happy you didn’t see that coming. I should have noted before, but that was spoiling, that bad guys don’t have to tell the truth; in fact they’re chronic liars. And Madara was just being nasty when he said he was going to kill Naruto to a dying Sasuke.

Let’s hope that I don’t become predictable, I still have a few surprises.

To Angel_Davis: Thank you for the review. There were a lot of things going on in the last chapter. I should be a responsible adult and say that homework comes first, but I'm happy that you couldn't stop reading. I think my writing will always have room for improvement and as I improve I will come back to this story and tidy it up more. The story is winding down and there are some more chapters left to go.

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Chapter Seventeen

June 21^st

 

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No matter how many times I flipped my hand back and forth there was no denying that it was missing. I gasped, my heartbeat increasing with the realization that Naruto was going to kill me for losing the ring he gave me.

“Sasuke, what’s wrong?” Tsunade demanded, rushing to the side of my bed, but keeping a short distance between us. She turned her head towards the heart monitor watching the green digital line peak in rapid intervals and increasing by the second.

Every eye turned my way, alert to my distress and displaying nervous expressions. I wished they wouldn’t look at me because it was making it harder to breathe. My heartbeat felt wild, pounding against my ribcage in a dysfunctional quick step. What the hell was happening to me?

“Sasuke?” Sakura called and grabbed at my hand. I jerked it away and clutched at the bed sheets instead.

I saw hurt cross her face before she hid it behind a weak smile. I would have apologized, but the words stuck in my throat. I couldn’t even object to the nurses who entered my room briskly, a mild sedative in their hand. Its calming affect was immediate, my pulse slowing to a more comfortable pace. I would have thanked them, but I still couldn’t find my voice.

“It is on your bedside table, Sasuke.” Itachi replied. “It must be significant to work yourself into a panic.”

He reached for my hand, placing the green twist tie in my palm. I closed my palm around it and took a deep breath. It was a relief to have it back where it belonged, almost. I tried to slip it on my finger, but I felt like I was underwater and struggling against an immense pressure bearing down on me. Was this the work of the sedative?

Itachi obliged my weakened state and slipped the twist tie on my ring finger; back where it belonged. It was an immediate balm, one that gave me a feeling of having a little piece of Naruto with me until he was back by my side, for real, where he belonged.

I closed my eyes, silently reliving the moment I first put it on. In that moment, it was the only thing I wanted and it was still what I wanted; what I would always want. I wanted it just as much as I did then; I wanted it more with every passing minute.

“Sasuke…?” Sakura questioned.

My eyes snapped open. Sakura resumed her seat at the end of my bed, hands nestled in her lap. I knew her curiosity piqued, everyone was curious if the furtive glances were any indication. The only who looked disinterested was Shikamaru, who was always disinterested.

Realizing I wasn’t going to get away without answering, I mumbled quietly, “Naruto gave it to me.”

“He asked you to marry him?” Tsunade questioned, her fists digging in the fabric of my bed sheet and wrinkling the white cotton further.

I shook my head slowly noticing the frown of disappointment from Sakura. Yeah, I bet she was disappointed, but not for long. Soon she would be lording it over me, telling me ‘I told you so’. Maybe I should keep it to myself? I ruled that equation out from the glare Chief Tsunade was throwing my way. She was demanding an answer.

I could recall, with vivid clarity, every last detail. From the way he felt against me, to the warmth of his hands in mine, right down to his radiant face shining with the thought of being married. Who knew I would want this just as much as he?

“I asked him.” It wasn’t said in more than a whisper, but there was no doubt that everyone heard me clearly; attentive to what I would say.

“Did you really?” Sakura asked. Her face brightened with a light smile gracing her lips. I should have known she would be over the moon with the news. Sakura loved her wedding shows and watched them religiously. She even had every little detail of her wedding planned.

“Are you going to tell me ‘I told you so’? I’m fully expecting it, you know.” My thumb rubbed at the twist tie absentmindedly, reminding me that it was still there. I was never taking it off again, not until I had the metal ring to replace it…and that would be Naruto’s honor.

“Would it matter if I did?” She laughed.

“No, it doesn’t change how I feel.” I would always want Naruto. He was the one that I was meant to have; the one my mom told me was out there waiting for me to find them. She probably meant for me to settle down with a nice girl and raise a decent sized family, but I have a feeling she would’ve been thrilled with Naruto.

“I’m glad you found the right person and I’m happy for you.”

Sakura’s word was sincere, I could tell. This was something she wanted for me since that damn party in high school. I knew she thought it would be Neji and for a time there I really thought it was him too.

I turned to Chief Tsunade and then to Iruka. Shit, now I had to, somehow, calm the fuming grandmother and possibly beg for mercy from Iruka. I tried to swallow, but my mouth was dry.

“So, Naruto agreed to your request?” Tsunade hissed.

“He did.” That should be obvious by the ring on my finger, but I wisely kept my mouth shut. I didn’t need to provoke her further.

“He agreed without asking me?”

“Yes,” I replied slowly, cautiously. I may be bedridden, but that wouldn’t stop the Chief from attacking and maiming me. I’d be lucky to walk away with my life. “It was a spur of the moment thing.”

“A spur of the moment thing, eh. And are you going to back down now that the ‘spur of the moment thing’ has passed?” Ok, she was beyond livid. She was flaming mad and it didn’t take much imagination on my part to imagine whirls of fire as the irises of her eyes.

I eyed Tsunade with an iron glint; my jaw clenching tightly it was almost painful. She can’t mean that I would take back my proposal after all this? Me of all people: the marriage cynic? There was no way in Hell of that happening. Naruto was stuck with me for as long as he wanted me.

“Hardly,” I snapped. “I will have him married to me as soon as possible.”

From the corner of my eye I noticed Iruka smile. I could see Kakashi sporting a grin as well; only his was more irritating. Was he gloating? Never mind, I had Iruka in my corner so I was saved from begging for my life; for now.

“And what did you do after this ‘spur of the moment thing’?” She demanded.

“Huh?” I knit my brow in confusion, silently questioning.

“What did you do afterwards?” She asked slowly, enunciating every word like I was a slow child. The room dropped ten degrees with her chilly voice and I wasn’t the only one to notice. I wouldn’t be surprised if it began to snow.

I felt dumb, numbed by the pain and sedative warring for control over my nervous system. I took a quick glance around the room with a hope that I could decipher just what the Chief was getting at. I saw a snippet of Kakashi trying to hide his knowing smirk and failing happily; hn, the bastard. Iruka was determined to stare at a spot on the floor, his face half hidden from me. Sakura flushed with embarrassment, her gaze planted firmly on her clasped hands. Neji couldn’t look at me and Gaara looked apathetic, both tucked away in the corner together.

Kiba scratched his head in confusion. I should have known he’d be no help! Shikamaru, in an air of ever-present laziness, was now feigning sleep; the lazy ass. Temari, in contrast, was hanging on every word. Itachi was sitting primly in the chair beside me, his head tilted to the side waiting for an answer.

“I don’t understand…”

“Don’t be thick!” Tsunade groused, trying to clarify things for me further. “What happened after you asked Naruto and he accepted? It’s a simple question; easily answered.”

Shaking my head, I replied uncertainly, “I left him.”

Kakashi shook his head just behind Chief Tsunade who grinned in triumph. “What am I missing?” I asked.

“Foolish little brother, Tsunade wanted to know if you had consummated your relationship with her grandson after you proposed.” He flicked me on the forehead and I batted his hand away in annoyance as best I could; I wasn’t five anymore and I refused to be treated as such.

“I hardly thought it was the right time for something like that. I wasn’t focused on getting into his pants. If you forgot we had a lunatic after us.”

“Where did I go wrong with you?” Kakashi agonized to the heavens shaking his head in bewilderment. He earned a half-hearted slap on the arm from Iruka.

“Listen here, old man.” I snapped “I’m nowhere near as horny as you are. I honestly don’t understand how Iruka can keep up with you, every single night and twice after that?”

Iruka had the decency to look embarrassed as I aired out their dirty laundry; Kakashi, however, appeared unaffected and almost self-satisfied. I wasn’t paying him a compliment.

“I’m not old and my sex life isn’t any of your business.” Kakashi replied.

“When I had to hear it every night for almost two weeks, it is my business. And the same could be said for Naruto and me. It’s none of your business what we do.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Sasuke. I seem to remember a certain picture?” Kakashi teased.

“Picture? What picture?!” Tsunade demanded instantly. “I thought I saw all of them!”

I glared at Kakashi wishing the most horrific torture on him. I would find a way to copy that drawer key and offer it to Temari. All she had to do was promise to tear each page from Kakashi’s precious book and burn it. Yes, that punishment would fit the crime.  

“That was harmless and you know it.” I stated.

“It may look harmless,” Kakashi laughed. “But I don’t know for sure what truly happened.”

“Nothing happened and you know it! As if Naruto would let me after he already promised Iruka.” What did Kakashi take me for, a miniature him? When Naruto promised that was the end of it, he was off-limits to me, and if I wanted to keep my hands they would stay safely in my jeans pocket.

“Oh, I don’t know. You were alone with him for a month before…” He teased further.

“And I already told you that nothing happened. Nothing! We did nothing! I would have an easier time getting into Sai’s pants.”

“Is that an offer?” Sai piped up, suddenly interested in the conversation.

“NO!” I yelled at the same time as Temari, who smacked her partner over the head.

“Wait? Are you saying you and Naruto haven’t had sex yet?” Kiba tilted his head in confusion and mouthed silently. “How is that even possible?”

“Can we talk about something else, please?” I begged. This was not something I wanted to bandy about and I certainly didn’t want my brother to know of my lacking sex life. I didn’t want him to know, period!

“Why Sasuke, are you embarrassed?” Itachi teased, shaking with suppressed laughter. A moment later he was rubbing at his chest, a grunt of pain audible.

“Shut up!” I could feel the heat rising up my neck and over my cheekbones, the sensation setting off goosebumps along my arms.

“Oh, you are embarrassed little brother.” Itachi chuckled, wincing in pain this time.

“What happened to you Itachi?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject, arching an eyebrow in question.

“Such loving words from my dear baby brother, oh how I will cherish them forever.” Itachi replied in mock hurt, his hands actually rising and covering his heart.

“Seriously, what the hell happened?” I demanded, not moved by his theatrical display.

“I was shot in the chest.” Itachi stated calmly.

“What!” I jerked towards him before pain flooded my brain and I momentarily saw white. Itachi pushed me back against the bed and even pressed my morphine pump for me. It offered a small amount of relief, but not enough for my liking.

“Calm down Sasuke,” He replied, pushing some strands of hair away from my forehead. This was the first time I was getting a good look at my brother. The lines under his eyes looked longer and sharper, he was paler than I remembered seeing him last, and he looked tired. It looked like he hadn’t had a decent sleep in a few months. Was this my fault?

“What is with that look?” Itachi laughed, and suddenly he looked like my older brother again. “I knew it was coming and by whom. Really, Kisame was very easy to read from the beginning and I reasoned he was placed close by so he could attempt to take me out. I took purchase of a Kevlar vest and that fake blood you find in those ridiculous costume shops and made it appear to Kisame that he really had killed me.”

“You suspected Kisame; and from the beginning?” It never would have crossed my mind to mistrust the one protecting me, but it crossed Itachi’s. Was I too complacent enough to blind myself to danger?

“I had my suspicions, but not at first. He did not act like a normal bodyguard and that is what set me off. His focus was never on securing the surrounding area and many times he allowed me to flagrantly risk my life. No one would allow their charge to be in clear view of a window where they could easily be shot at, no one would allow their charge to enter an unsecured room and stay outside. It also fit that the murderer would place someone close to do his dirty work for him. I was, after all, in the safest place and considerably more difficult to reach. That would free him up to go after you; not to mention that it would be considerably more difficult if he had attempted to murder me himself. Tsunade would know and be forced to move you. You would be in the wind where he could not find you as easily.”

“Who exactly are we dealing with?” I whispered out in shock.

“Who indeed.” Itachi agreed, letting a lull of silence permeate the room.

As much as I wanted to focus on other events surrounding me today I still found myself thinking of Naruto in that deafening void, my mind wandering unwaveringly to the dobe. I had to reconcile the fact that he was always on my mind now. I let him worm his way into my heart and plant heavy chains that would forever link us; and I had encouraged him every step of the way.

My eyes began to droop as I continued to think of only him and the little time that we shared together; how I was going to marry him and trick him into taking my name; how I would treat him the way he deserved, spoil him, give him everything he ever wanted; how we were going to be happy; how I was going to be the one to make him ridiculously happy. Then, maybe, after that we could think about starting a family that didn’t involve just the two of us…

I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep until I awoke just after six a.m. to chaos.

 

~REVENGE~

Tick, tock, tick, tock…The clock continued to count out the time, ignorant of the room’s occupants and their internal thoughts.

Kisame remained quiet, standing behind Madara protectively. His gaze would waiver over the boy cowering on the bed momentarily before falling on his employer who was captivated by their guest. In his opinion the boy was nothing special, unlike Itachi Uchiha. He was filled with regret at the lost opportunity to bend Itachi over the nearest table and claim him. He could just imagine the struggle the ADA would put up, the tearing that would occur as he forced himself inside the lithe body; there may even be bleeding. He liked it when they bled.

            Konan picked up a glass and filled it with a dark amber liquid, watching Naruto from the corner of her eye. It took all her will power to keep her hand steady as she brought the crystal glass to her lips and sipped. She was weary waiting for Madara to make his move, but for the moment he appeared content to watch his prey. She should’ve known he wouldn’t try anything while Naruto was drugged; he just wanted to watch him without the boy yelling at him.

Madara sat and surveyed the subdued blonde, ruminating over his victory. After all these years he finally had what he wanted and he could barely contain his excitement. It wasn’t the exact way he’d planned; in fact, he would have preferred Naruto to follow him of his own free will. But he wasn’t being choosy at the moment; the boy was here and that was all that mattered.

Madara looked on with pride at the way Naruto had grown, never once doubting the boy would amaze him. He saw that spark in him when they met for the first time; he was so much like his father, in spirit and image. And Naruto was strong in the face of his parent’s death right before his own eyes; strength he inherited from Minato. How could he not be proud? Finally standing after two hours, he strode towards the bed, tired of waiting.

 

~R~

My heart sank as I followed his approach. Why now? Why couldn’t he just remain seated there and leave me alone? What was he going to do me?

I felt the bed dip behind me and a stinging breath on the back of my neck. Goosebumps erupted over my skin and I felt the oncoming of a panic attack; but I had to be stronger than that this time. I couldn’t allow myself the luxury of sleeping it off, not with this volatile man so close to me.

I stared straight ahead, unwilling to look at the monster behind me; too scared to move even if I could. I scanned the room for the thousandth time, pausing over the two figures guarding the door; they stared straight at me with an uncaring look in their eyes. I couldn’t bear to look at them longer so I moved on to the tense woman. She was white as a ghost and staring in my direction, worry etched into every line on her face. Was she actually afraid; and for me?

I heard him chuckle next to my ear as he spoke directly to the woman. “What’s wrong Konan? I thought you understood fully what I wanted?”

She turned a harsh glare on the man, but otherwise refused to move an inch. My heart was beating maddeningly as I felt a hand close against my throat, slowly tipping my head back. I glowered as he stared at me. And what was with all the staring? Did I look like a picture or something? It was creeping me out already!

I wasn’t expecting the sudden movement or the harshness of the act when he smothered me with his dry lips, constricting my breathing to my nose. It was horrifying how strong he was as he held me in an iron grip, bruising my tender flesh and lips. I felt bile rise in the back of my throat and clamped down tightly when his tongue flicked out for entrance. He pushed harder trying to break through. I didn’t want him in my mouth, it was disgusting!

I grimaced and hissed when my hair was tugged roughly, forcing my mouth open and allowing him to plunder inside. My stomach churned at the taste of him as he practically forced his tongue down my throat. I actually contemplated biting him just so I could breathe.

As if in response to my thoughts my hair was tugged painfully again, warning me not to try it. But since when do I listen to mass murderers? I bit down hard and tasted copper. My gag reflex kicked in immediately, even before he released me. I dry heaved, breathing heavily. It was disgusting! EW, EW, EW, EW, EW! Maybe I should have thought that through more before I actually did it?

“You are quite the stubborn one, Naruto; but overall not a bad kisser. Possibly better than your father was.” He chuckled, swiping at the drop of blood on his lip.

“I find it unbelievable that my Dad would willingly kiss a man like you. And I don’t force myself onto other people, especially if it’s unwanted.” I snarled, but my stomach was doing flip-flops.

How would he know how Dad kissed? He would never be involved with the likes of him, he couldn’t have been! But then I don’t know how they met or their history? And if I did, I don’t remember…and the flashes from that night; they were still foggy and I couldn’t recall any conversations. Is it possible that they were in a relationship once?

“And such fire too.” He laughed.

I turned away from him and curled further into myself, trying to protect what little of myself I could against him. My movements were still sluggish, but I could tell whatever was injected into my veins was finally wearing off. I no longer felt like the wicked witch of the east, trapped under Dorothy’s house in Munchkin Land. Maybe when it finally wore off I would have a better chance at escape?

“You’ll need to be more presentable. I have a change of clothes for you over there.” Madara stated suddenly, pointing to the pile of clothes sitting on the table behind me. I followed where he was pointing to see the pile sitting there, neatly folded, but I couldn’t bring myself to care at the moment and turned my head away from them with a snort. I was still fighting for control over my body I didn’t really care about changing clothes. I was cold and I could barely move a muscle; and I felt unbelievably tired. “Why so quiet Naruto?” He laughed.

I sighed out and put on my best glare, facing him again. “It couldn’t be the sedative you illegally shot into me could it?” I spat.

Madara chuckled at my audacity. “Oh, yes, you are very much like your father.”

“Yes, I guess I am. It’s clear to me that we both hate your guts.” I don’t know what possessed me to say something like that, but I was reaping what I sowed. Madara gripped my hair, pulling strands from my scalp, and forced me to look back at him. His face was a mask of anger.

“You have the filthy mouth of your whoring mother though. I will have to break you of this bad habit. I can’t have your father, unfortunately, but you are the next best thing.” He hissed in to my ear.

“I am not my Dad and I will never break under you!” I spat.

“We shall see.” I saw a flash from the corner of my eye and saw the woman move slightly in panic. “Stand down Konan!” He growled at her. She froze instantly, but hardened her features into a mask of pure loathing. That was interesting. Was she really working completely with him? I didn’t have the time to dwell when I saw the cold glint of steel in front of me reaching toward my wrists, snapping the bindings and freeing my hands.

“You can shower, if you like.” Madara whispered next to my ear, completely at odds with the anger he had displayed just moments ago.

 “Am I to give you a show?” I asked sarcastically as I rubbed at my hands to encourage circulation.

“That won’t be necessary, unless that is what you want.”

I almost threw up at the leer he presented me. With a contemptuous growl I slowly walked over to the table unhindered, trying not to stumble in my stiffened state. I grabbed the pile of clothing and advanced to the en suite shower, shutting the door behind me and locking it swiftly. I heard chuckling from behind the door as Madara spoke, “You shouldn’t bother locking the door, Naruto. I have the key that opens it from the outside.”

I let my head hit the back of the door. Well, there goes my plan of hiding in here for the rest of my life! I sluggishly pulled at my three-day old T-shirt, pulling it over my head and sliding my jeans and boxers off without unbuttoning them. I couldn’t get a grip on the button anyway, even if I had wanted to. I grimaced as the cold air raised goosebumps over my naked body.

I pulled the shower open hurriedly and turned the knobs to a warmer temperature before sliding slowly under the pulsing stream. Closing my eyes, I bent almost double and allowed the weight of everything to finally hit me. I gripped at the white tile trying to stave off another panic attack. It was unbelievable that I’d been kidnapped and taken against my will; ripped from the ones I loved, presumably never to see them again just so I could be my Dad’s stand-in for a deranged lunatic! And Sasuke! Sasuke was gone and I would never see him again; taken from me so easily. I tried not to curl up in a ball of agony as I realized my love was gone.

I pulled my hand up and viewed the twist tie that was still around my finger, rubbing it with my thumb. It felt like so long ago that Sasuke asked me to marry him, but it had only been a few hours. I’d been so stupid to think that we could possibly survive this. I allowed myself foolishly to believe that we could and I even went so far as to hope for a future together. I allowed myself to fall for a man targeted for death; that put himself in harm’s way every day. Even after I promised Iruka that I wouldn’t fall far a cop, I still fell in love with Sasuke. The only one to blame for my current heartache was I!

I could have put on the brakes and pushed him away, even told him I didn’t like him that way. I could have told him I didn’t love him. But I didn’t. Because it would have all been a lie. I promised Iruka; too, that I wouldn’t lie to someone I loved about how I felt. I loved Sasuke and that was never going to change.

The space in my heart that was Sasuke shattered, leaving behind a depression of nothingness. All that remained was an echo, reverberating pain and heartbreak. It was my fault for falling so hard and so fast. And now he was gone. Why Sasuke? What right did that monster have to choose who lived and who died!

I clutched at my chest, gasping between rapid puffs of breath, as the hole in my heart slowly started to fill with an emotion I never thought I would feel towards another human in my life. It was a deluge of uncontrollable rage, boiling and brimming over, seeping through my veins as if on fire. And I was left with one thought: I hated him. I hated him for taking Sasuke from me, I hated him for taking my parents away from me; I hated his very existence!

Clutching the side of the shower for support, I vowed to make him pay…no matter how long it took. Madara would regret not killing me when he had the chance.

 

~R~

An hour later I emerged from the shower clean and freshly dressed and able to move as freely as before I was drugged. I deliberately took my time, delaying the moment when I would have to see him again. My heated glare was directed at the man who caused all the pain I was currently feeling. If I could kill him now I would and think nothing of it.

It would only be what he deserved, right?

“You have such a murderous gaze.” Madara laughed, sipping at his glass of alcohol. “You want to kill me. Yes, I can see it in your eyes. But you’re incapable of it. It goes against your fundamental nature. You may very well get your chance one day, I have no doubt about that, but you won’t be able to go through with it.”

“You sound so sure that I won’t.”

“Like I said, it goes against your nature.” Madara stated. He finished off his glass and placed it on the bedside table.

“What would you know about my nature?” I replied coolly.

That question seemed to amuse him as his chest heaved with suppressed laughter. “More than you think, Naruto.”

“Stop saying my name!” I spat, tapping into my hatred. I didn’t know him and he sure as Hell didn’t know me!

“Oh, you’re back on that are you? Get used to it, Naruto. You’ll be hearing your name brush my lips for years to come.”

“You have no right!” I snapped.

Madara took a step forward and I mimicked the movement backwards, trying to maintain a safe distance between us.

“I will address you in any way I see fit, Naruto.” Madara stated. There was something in his tone that sent shivers racing along my spine. “You have no say anymore. You’re completely at my mercy and will do what I want when I want it; that is your reality now. Give up on fighting me, Naruto, because you can’t win against me. You are mine.”

“I will never be yours, and I will never stop fighting you. I will never stop trying to get away from you. You can try to break me, but I will not bend, I will not snap. I will live everyday with this hatred for you in my heart. I will let it fester and poison me from the inside all in the hopes that I will one day take my revenge on you. You think you have all the power over me, but I will always have stronger will than you. So go ahead and lock me away; it will be your undoing.”

I was shaking when I finished, but I couldn’t pinpoint why. Was it rage or shock that I dared to speak to a murderer like that?

Madara brought his hands together, clapping; but his expression was not amused. I felt the tingling of fear in my gut and wondered if I’d gone too far. 

“A marvelous speech, Naruto, but I know you will break. I will lock you away from the sunshine you hold so dear until you can’t bear the darkness a moment longer. You will break for that tiniest sliver of sunlight; you will submit to me and my every whim just for a glimpse of it. Let hatred consume your heart, it doesn’t matter to me, because the only one suffering will be you. Fill your thoughts with foolish notions of revenge, I don’t care. We both know when the time truly arrives, and there will be numerous chances, you won’t bring yourself to act upon it. You won’t lift a finger against me because you’ll have no will left. You’ll already be broken.”

“I will not break.” I muttered in defiance. But a sliver of fear gripped me despite my bravado.

“We will see Naruto.” Madara chuckled, reaching out and pulling me against him.

 

~REVENGE~

At one time I believed that chaos was calming and maybe that still held true, but currently it was the most annoying thing in the world. I blinked rapidly trying to dispel the sleep still lingering over me and focused on the packed room around me.

Chief Tsunade paced the length of the room in considerable agitation, giving off the deadliest aura I’d ever felt from her. It was clear she despised the man standing in the middle of my room. He was sporting the sickest leer I ever witnessed and what was worse is that it was directed straight at me.

“You have no right to be here.” She hissed, turning to confront him.

“And why shouldn’t I, Tsunade?” Every inch of the newcomer oozed contempt. He held an air of entitlement about him and whether it was deserved or not was still unknown.

“Why are you here, Orochimaru?” Shikaku asked. “You have already been informed by Mr. Uchiha that you are not welcome here.”

“I’m here to offer the Council’s support and protection, of course. After they heard of Itachi and Sasuke’s attack, they wished to extend a hand. It’s nothing less than what the former Police Chief’s children deserve…of course.” Orochimaru replied.  

I shivered at the unnatural sound, disturbed on a deeper level. How could one person’s voice be so oily and slithering at the same time and still be human? His flaxen eyes turned on me again and he smirked. I parried with a glower, fisting my sheets in agitation. I can’t believe I saw him again.

“I refuse your offer, just like before.” Tsunade spat immediately.

“You wanted our support just weeks ago…”

“When it was needed! Your offer is too little too late.”

“We offered our considerable resources before, offered to take the Uchiha’s off your hands. You refused then too, Tsunade.”

“Your offer wasn’t for the benefit of Sasuke and Itachi.” Tsunade snapped.

Orochimaru appeared unfazed by the Chief’s accusation and ploughed on, “Again, we are giving you our full backing, just like you wanted. We’ll even take over for you so you can focus on finding your godson. Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha will present themselves to Danzo Shimura tomorrow…”

“They will be going nowhere; especially with that man!” If I thought the Chief despised Orochimaru, this Danzo was on a whole other level. I felt a wave of undiluted loathing crawl along my skin; raising goosebumps and making the tiny hairs stand on end. I was happy that she tolerated me if that glimpse of hardened dislike and pure loathing was anything to go by.

“You have no choice in the matter, Tsunade.” Orochimaru shot back.

“I don’t agree. They will stay right here with me, under my personal protection!”

“Itachi and Sasuke will be removed from your custody immediately. You have already proven you can’t protect them, Chief Tsunade.”

I could hear Chief Tsunade’s knuckle crack menacingly. Anyone that knew her could anticipate the impending threat; I even noticed a flicker of recognition from Orochimaru. So, he was aware of her volatility.

“I refuse any offers of protection you can provide us. I am more than capable of protecting myself and my brother.” Itachi drawled, standing up from his chair and partially blocking me from view. It was a relief not to have to look at Orochimaru any longer.

“Hmm, yes,” Orochimaru sneered. “I seem to recall that your protection comes as a hyperactive blonde to back you up.” Itachi stood a little taller and I could just imagine his narrowed eyes drawn in suspicion. Not many people were aware of Deidara, so how did Orochimaru know of him?

“You have no say in this matter, Itachi. It is out of your hands now. Present yourself and your brother to Danzo tomorrow morning and from there you’ll be placed in a safe house until other accommodations can be made for you.”

“I know the law, Orochimaru. I also know that I have the right to refuse all forms of protection extended to me. I will invoke that right and I will speak for my brother as well.” Itachi replied, not backing down.

Orochimaru wasn’t impressed, his expression darkening with Itachi’s refusal. I could tell he wasn’t expecting to confront refusal from Itachi…maybe he mistakenly believed we would not be happy with the Chief. Given everything I knew about the council I couldn’t blame the Chief for opposing their offer as heatedly as she did.

“Again, Uchiha, this is for your protection.” He snapped, losing patience. “You will not have a say in the matter…”

“You are wrong, Orochimaru. Itachi has every right to refuse, and you cannot force their hand to suit you.” Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Governor of Konoha, replied. He stepped fully into my room looking old and frail, though I knew he was far from it.

“Hiruzen.” Orochimaru sneered.

“You are deliberately disturbing an injured man’s much deserved rest, Orochimaru, and are displaying highly disrespectful behavior by imposing yourself on the convalescing. You received your answer and I am sure Koharu and Homura are anticipating your return.”

“Why do you continue to interfere, Hiruzen?” Orochimaru hissed.

“Someone must keep you on the straight and narrow.”

Orochimaru sneered and slithered towards the door. He paused and threw over his shoulder, “This isn’t over.”

“It never is with you…” Hiruzen sighed watching him go. It was a relief to finally have him gone and I felt like I could finally relax a bit.

“Orochimaru never could understand that the world isn’t just black and white.” Hiruzen whispered to himself, but said more loudly, “How are you feeling, Itachi…Sasuke?”

“I am just fine.” Itachi replied, resuming his seat and turning in my direction.

“I will be better when we find Naruto.” I rasped out, my thumb rubbing against the twist tie again. It was still there.

“Ah, yes, Naruto. I am aware of his current predicament and that is what has brought me here. Tsunade, what can I do to help?”

“We’re still waiting to hear back on the roadblocks, though I believe they have bypassed them by now, and I have plain clothes officers going through the Garden Tower where Sasuke went to confront Madara. They haven’t been spotted yet and our time is running out fast. We only have an hour and a half until eight and by that time he will...” She paused, unable to continue.

“Times are dark, but don’t lose faith, Tsunade.”

“How can I not, Sarutobi, when I know that he is being tortured and suffering. He’s only a boy…”

“That has suffered all his life. I understand where you are coming from when you have been witness to the long list of suffering he has endured through the years, but you do not give Naruto enough credit, Tsunade.”

“He’s still just a boy.” Tsunade replied, her voice cracking uncharacteristically. “But he’s strong…I know that, or he wouldn’t be where he is now.”

Tsunade paused, the sound of her phone piercing the air. She hastened to answer the phone and turned away from everyone, pacing the floor. Sarutobi sighed and turned to Itachi, trying to break the tension.

“I hear congratulations are in order, Itachi, for your win in court yesterday. It was long overdue, I dare say.”

“Thank you, Governor Sarutobi; I try.”

“If only there were more people like you, Itachi. Motivated and driven. What you did today means a great deal to a good many people…” Governor Sarutobi paused, eyeing Tsunade critically. Her brows were knit and she was chewing on her thumb, hmm-ing and OK-ing excessively.

“You found nothing?” She asked. “Ok, did you talk to anyone… were they able to identify him… no, continue to search, we don’t have much time left.”

Tsunade sighed and closed her eyes, taking a deep and calming breath. She shook her head, opening her eyes on Kakashi. Iruka clutched his arm in apprehension, Kakashi’s hand rising to cover Iruka’s hand in support. He leaned in to kiss Iruka’s brow, murmuring words I couldn’t hear.

I turned to stare out the window, my mind twisting images of Naruto tortured in some dark room somewhere, believing that I abandoned him. My heart dropped and the stupid heart monitor displayed it for everyone to see. Thankfully, no one commented on it, but I did feel Itachi’s hand on my arm. It was enough to banish the images of Naruto broken and bleeding.

“This may not be the best time, Tsunade, but I have something that may shed some light on your case. Of course, it will not help you find Naruto.”

“It’s fine, what do you have?” Tsunade asked tiredly. She barely seemed with it at the moment, staring at my heart monitor.

“Tsunade, you must have faith that he will be fine…”

“What do you have?” She demanded, cutting off the Governor.

“History.” He replied.

“What do you mean?” Kakashi asked. He pulled Iruka close to himself, cradling the miserable man tightly. I suspected it was to hide his tears…I would have done the same thing with Naruto.

“There is history between Madara and Minato Namikaze.”

“Well, of course there is. Madara was a Councilman and Minato was the Governor.” Tsunade drawled tsk-ing and shaking her head.

“Troublesome.” Shikamaru whispered. The lazy ass couldn’t even bother to open his eyes.

Governor Sarutobi chuckled slightly. It was quickly cut off, as if it knew it had no business here. “I must disagree with you Mr. Nara. What I am about to tell you goes further than troublesome. But where should I start?

“When I heard the perpetrator was Madara I understood that I couldn’t keep silent with what I knew anymore. I should tell you now that what I am about to reveal is to remain strictly within this room. It is of a sensitive nature and must be handled with discretion. There may even be legality issues with me speaking of this so openly.”

Everyone in the room agreed. Kiba turned to close the door, but paused when he saw Sai standing in the doorway.

“I think you should step out Sai.” Tsunade replied stiffly. In my opinion, that was a smart idea. Sai was known to reveal personal information on a daily basis. It was proven he had no filter.

Governor Sarutobi sighed before motioning Sai inside and to close the door. “I am inviting him to stay, Tsunade. It was rude of you to attempt to exclude him.”

“I have my reasons.”

“You accepted his appointment among your ranks at my behest…” Sarutobi replied.

“He hasn’t integrated within my ranks as effectively as you had me believe he would.” Tsunade cut off.

“Still, you know better.” He reprimanded. “As the Chief of Police, I expect better from you.”

Tsunade wasn’t pleased with the Governor’s rebuke, but didn’t comment further.

Governor Sarutobi sighed and picked up where he left off. “What I am about to tell you I heard directly from Minato just before he was elected Governor. We were waiting to hear the results of the election, reminiscing about the years he spent in my office as a young lad and about what the future was going to hold for him and his family. If you remember, Kushina was heavily pregnant at the time and due at any minute.

“Minato and I got around to talking of the joys of fatherhood and how everything would pale in comparison to holding your child in your hands; the amount of love you instantly feel at seeing them. I do not know what I said specifically that led him to reveal this to me, but he…” Sarutobi paused and sighed deeply again. There was a look of utmost sadness splashed across his face; weary and tired looking.

“It is a shame Naruto had to share the same bad experiences his father endured.” He whispered.

“What do you mean?” Sakura asked, confused.

Chief Tsunade paled and sank to the end of my bed, clutching at her throat. My eyes went wide with shock, trying to wrap my mind around the information. No, it wasn’t true. I was interpreting him incorrectly…but then why was Itachi gripping my arm so tightly?

I hissed at the sudden pain as it traveled to my shoulder and gave a nasty throb. Itachi released me instantly and gripped his hands together instead. His hands were visibly shaking, the only part of him I could see clearly. He was hiding behind his long tresses of hair, casting his face in shadow.

“Don’t you know?” Sarutobi asked quietly, turning to Sakura. No, she wouldn’t know. There were only a few who knew what had happened and you could see it etched on our faces. Tsunade looked aghast at the thought and it didn’t sit well with me either. Itachi, hidden behind his hair and staring at the ground, radiated anger from his being. Kakashi and Iruka were subdued with sadness while Gaara fixated on the ground, his eyes narrowed that I couldn’t discern their true color. The thought crossed my mind that he wouldn’t think twice about murder; if those were murderous vibes I was intercepting. There was confusion from everyone else, even Shikamaru was lost for once.

“No.” Sakura admitted quietly.

“That’s enough! Sarutobi, let’s talk alone…” Tsunade replied.

“Naruto was assaulted when he was in high school.” Itachi blurted out receiving a harsh and murderous glare from Tsunade. “It had to be said, Tsunade.” He defended.

“No it didn’t! That is private information and only Naruto has the right to disclose it!”

“This is a circumstance out of his control, I think he would understand.”

“No, he wouldn’t understand. You had no right to betray him! You should have kept your mouth shut!”

“Naruto, by far, is the luckier of the two Tsunade.” Sarutobi injected, cutting off Itachi’s reply. “He was able to fight off his attacker before the real damage happened.”

Tsunade deflated like a punctured balloon. It wasn’t right, not one bit of it. Naruto didn’t deserve it and neither did his Dad. So why did it happen to them?

“I never knew Minato…that he experienced…Why didn’t he tell me, why didn’t he come to me? I could have helped him.” Tsunade whispered. And then, as if the thought just occurred to her, she asked, “Who did this to him?”

“I would think that is self-evident, Tsunade. It was Madara.” Sarutobi admitted.

“NO!” She ground out, jumping from the bed and rounding on the Governor. “Not him!”

“It is unfortunate and true. It was a great burden of fear Minato carried when he thought of his unborn son.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Tsunade growled and paced the room again. “How could he possibly think that?”

“Is it not understandable? Can you honestly say that there would not have been reason for him to worry?”

“He was a good man, Sarutobi.” Tsunade answered. “He would have never done anything to hurt Naruto. Minato wanted nothing more than to be a good father.”

“But it does happen…” Shikaku murmured.

“It is very rare, though.” Shikamaru replied.

“Yes, it does happen in rarely. But Minato’s worry came out of a love for his son. I didn’t believe that he had anything to worry about.” Sarutobi replied, picking up where he left off in his narrative. “Minato was on internship within my offices his eleventh grade year; he was 16 at the time. Even then he knew he wanted to enter into politics and make a change. He was a prodigy and his top marks earned him the right to intern in my offices.

“I was proud of his rapid progress and wished to help his advancement later in his career. I invited him to meet the Council, bringing him in contact with Madara. It spiraled out of control from there and eventually ended inside a court room. It is obvious what the verdict was. A gag order was already in place because of Madara’s involvement; but the court went so far as to the seal the records. They covered everything up. I knew nothing about any of this until that night, almost 24 years ago, when Minato told me. I wish he would have trusted me enough to come to me when it happened. I would have done everything in my power to help him.”

“How could they believe Madara?” Itachi seethed. He was clenching his hands tightly, trying to reign in his anger. It had been so long since I had seen him this furious that I almost forgot how scary he could be. “How could justice fail them?”

“It’s obvious, Itachi, when you think about it.” Shikaku muttered in disgust. “He was 16 and Madara was a Councilman instrumental in changing the very foundation of Konoha. Who would believe a boy over a Councilman? Tell me who would you have believed?”

“Minato!”

“And what if he’d been lying?” Shikaku reasoned.

“Then I wouldn’t have believed him.”  Itachi replied.

“You have a strong sense of justice, Itachi; just like your father. He was just as passionately enraged as you are now.” Sarutobi replied.

“I did not always.” Itachi muttered, ashamed. He deflated instantly, releasing all his pent-up anger. “I did not believe Naruto at first…”

“But you eventually believed him, Itachi.” I mumbled. “You got justice for him and that is all that matters.”

“It was too little, too late…”

“Don’t say that! It is never too late for justice. You not only helped Naruto, but everyone else victimized by him.”

“If I had believed Naruto from the beginning there would not have been more victims. I dropped the ball…”

“It was your first assignment as a Jr. ADA.” Sarutobi commented, interrupting Itachi’s little bash fest. “You are allowed to make mistakes, regardless of what you have told yourself.”

“I agree.” I stated, growling at my brother. “You learn from those mistakes and that makes you a better person and a better prosecutor.”

“When did you become so wise, little brother?” Itachi joked and poked my forehead again.

“Blame it on Naruto. He rubs off on you whether you want him to or not.” I blushed and forced Itachi’s hand away. Itachi chuckled and ruffled my hair like old times. I didn’t brush him away.

“So Sasuke’s father knew Naruto’s father?” Sakura interrupted.

“Yes,” Sarutobi replied. “They were actually best friends from boarding school and it was that very injustice that caused Fugaku to change his career path. He was the one that helped Minato through it.”

I was stunned. “I can’t believe our families knew one other? I was wondering why he targeted our family …”

“This is what I believe: that he took revenge against your family for their involvement with Minato. But that isn’t everything…Tsunade, you should see these.” Sarutobi replied and handed her a yellowing envelope and a folded piece of paper. “It should make things a little clearer. Though it won’t relieve your burden of worrying.”

Tsunade unfolded the paper first and started to read. Her hands began to shake and she fumbled with opening the envelope, pulling another paper out hurriedly. Tears welled in her eyes as she read through the one page letter. “Where did you get this?” She asked, staring at the Governor.

“There is a safe in the Governor’s office that is rarely used. Well, I never found much use for it so I decided it should be removed. I opened it to clear it for the removers and found those papers inside. If I had known the extent of trouble Minato and Kushina were in I would have helped them. Then maybe some of this tragedy would have been avoided. I believe you have clear motive for four of your murders, at least.”

“Yes, clear motive, but then how do the others fit in?” Tsunade questioned and handed the papers over to Kakashi to read, pacing the length of the room again.

“We concluded all the other families fit the profile and the stand alone was the Namikaze’s. This certainly puts them firmly in that group, but instead of answering our questions, it offers us more.” Kakashi replied. His expression appeared troubled as he handed the papers off to Shikaku.

Shikaku’s face dropped in genuine surprise. “These are real?” He asked, raising a brow towards the Governor.

“Yes, they are and it is easy enough to authenticate, if need be. I dare say Daimyô will find the information useful.” Sarutobi answered.

“Chief Tsunade, can I take these with me? I’ll return them to you shortly.”

Tsunade gave a curt nod, her gaze following the Councilman from my room.

“What is written on them?” Itachi asked.

“One was a personal letter from Minato and the other was a restraining order against Madara, an order denied by the Konoha Council. Only three names are present on the form; any guesses who, Itachi?”  Tsunade replied.

Itachi studied the ground, his chin resting on his hands. “They knew all this time.” It was a statement rather than a question.

Tsunade gave another curt nod and stopped by the window, staring at the horizon. “Shikaku and Daimyô can deal with the Council for the moment. We need to focus on finding Naruto. There isn’t much time left.”

No, there wasn’t much time I reasoned, staring at the time. Ten minutes left.

“Ok, if the Namikaze family is on the list, how do you explain the other families before the Uchiha’s? Uchiha and Namikaze were tortured, but the others weren’t drawn out as long…Can Tenten be correct? Could there be more than on perpetrator?” Kiba asked. “With Kisame’s betrayal wouldn’t it make sense that someone else murdered the other families on Madara’s order? It’s like that book…”

“There was only one murderer in the book, Kiba.” Shikamaru offered, but his expression turned thoughtful anyway.

“Well, yeah, but the point was to cover up their true target by murdering others. So if the true targets were the Uchiha’s and Namikaze’s then…”

“All the other murders were unnecessary.” Sakura supplied.

Something about that sounded familiar, but my brain couldn’t recall why? True targets…those words were familiar.

“Exactly.” Kiba replied, smacking his fist into his palm.

“He did say to me that the other’s where just a means to pass the time; that they didn’t matter…” I blurted out, not realizing what I said at first. Then the words sunk in, my eyebrows rising in revelation.

“The other families?” Itachi asked.

“Yes, he said they were a means to pass the time, until he got to his true targets.” I replied.

“His true targets being the Uchiha’s and Namikaze’s. But it doesn’t answer the question: why come back and attack the surviving children? He got away with it, scot-free. We never would have found him. So what made him target the children years later?” Temari asked.

“I don’t know…” Tsunade whispered. I leaned back on the bed, frowning. “We have the reason Madara went after Minato and Fugaku.” She muttered waving towards the door Shikaku disappeared through.

“It should have ended 16 years ago, but he came back. What changed?” Kakashi asked himself, repeating the question. Iruka gripped his arm tightly and leaned his head on his shoulder.

It didn’t make sense for Madara to come back, not after 16 years, anyway. He attacked Naruto, so he couldn’t have a conscience about murdering innocent children. Was it really revenge against our fathers; revenge because Minato took him to court? Our families where tortured before dying, the only ones drawn out for sick pleasure. Why?

I ran my hands through my hair, taking a deep breath. I had to slow down and think more critically. Why would someone murder I asked myself. The top three reasons for murder were profit, mental illness or defect, and crime of passion……

I felt my heart drop in realization and once again it was mimicked on the heart monitor. It couldn’t be? It couldn’t be that simple?

“Sasuke?” Sakura asked softly. “What is it?”

“Do you have a picture of Naruto’s dad; not one from the file, but an actual, normal picture?” I asked suddenly, turning to Tsunade. I never saw a picture of the dobe’s Mom and Dad not from the case files. I didn’t even know what they really looked like underneath the images of blood.

“Not on me.” She replied, turning contemplative.

“Does anyone?” I asked, looking to Kakashi and Iruka. They shook their heads, slightly confused. “Damn it…” I muttered. Why couldn’t they have a picture when you needed it but always have a camera when you didn’t…wait a camera? “Iruka, do you still have pictures of Naruto on your phone?”

“From the other day… yeah?” Iruka muttered and pulled his phone from his pocket.

“Good, please show them to Governor Sarutobi.”

“Sasuke…” Kakashi started. He had this look on his half-hidden face that told me quite clearly he thought I’d lost my mind.

“Please.” I begged, effectively silencing him and commanding compliance. Uchiha’s rarely begged.

Iruka pulled his phone out and showed Sarutobi the pictures. “I can’t see what you’re getting at Sasuke?” Sarutobi replied, focusing on the small pixelated photo.

“Does he look like his Dad?” I asked.

“Well, yes, the spitting image of his father in fact, right down to his blonde hair and complexion. But what does that have…” His eyes widened as realization set in. “Oh, dear god; no.” He whispered.

“I don’t understand?” Kiba asked, scratching at his shaggy hair.

“Obviously.” I growled.

“Then why don’t you tell us what the hell is going on instead of speaking in riddles?” Kiba demanded. “What does Naruto looking like his father have to do with our case?”

There were murmurs of agreement throughout the room and I rolled my eyes at their stupidity. They were morons, the lot of them. Even Tsunade wasn’t thinking at the moment; or at least that is what it looked like to me. Shikamaru seemed to have caught on as he turned to stare at me in shock.

“Our time may already be up…” Itachi whispered into the quiet room, catching on as well.

“You can’t mean that he has already killed him?” Kiba asked, aghast. “But you said eight?”

“They were found at eight, already dead.” Kakashi muttered.

“So you think he is dead?” Kiba replied worriedly.

“No, it is worse than that. Madara does not want to kill Naruto; he wants to keep him…for himself.” Itachi whispered.

“Keep him for what?” Kiba asked.

“Do you seriously work with them little brother?”

“Hn, I did. If you remember, though, I was fired.” I replied.

“Hey…!” Sakura replied angrily in mock hurt.

“Yeah, forgive us for not being mind readers.” Kiba snarled.

“Hn.”

“I will elaborate for those that cannot think properly, then. Naruto is being kept as a stand in for his father. He is not being tortured to death, but very much alive to play out some sort of sick fantasy Madara has.” Itachi drawled.

I caught it from the corner of my eye as it happened, snapping my attention immediately in that direction. Tsunade hit the ground in a crumpled heap, her hand at her mouth and tears running down her face. What I had mistaken for absentmindedness was in fact anguish as she released the most gut wrenching sob I had ever heard in my life. “Naruto!”

I never thought in a million years I would ever see my chief, my commanding office on the floor of a hospital room crying as if she was dying. She was inconsolable by anyone, even Kakashi and Iruka tried and failed. I shifted on my bed uncomfortably, wincing at the pain in my shoulder and stomach at the jarring movements. Itachi turned to stop me, but I shook him off with a silent shake of the head.

My feet touched the cold ground as I stood up and I had to grit my teeth at the pain. I took a hesitant step forward leaning on the bed for support as the bottom of my feet erupted into tiny painful pinpricks. All I could feel was the jarring pain as I took another step toward the crying woman.

So this is what loving Naruto does to you? He reduces you to this; a broken being lost in the darkness without his light to show you the way. I knew what she was going through; it was just my damn Uchiha pride that kept me from curling up in a ball and crying my eyes out like Tsunade was at this very moment.

I stepped in front of my chief and lowered my body painfully onto my knees. I will admit that it was quite painful, but it didn’t detour me. I reached out my hand and placed it on her shoulder gently. Only then did she look up at me, amber eyes swimming with tears and all red and puffy. “You should be in bed resting, Sasuke.” She rasped out, wiping at her tear streaked face.

“I should, but I have a crying police Chief on my hospital room floor. How do you expect me to get any rest with your wailing?”

“I may never see him again.” She whispered and I knew I was the only one that heard her. “I can’t live with that. I can’t live without him; he’s all I have left.”

“Then we will just have to find him.”

“They’ve slipped through our barricades. He isn’t at the Garden Tower and we have no idea where they are.”

“Then we will have to make them come to us.” I stated. “Draw him out just like he drew me out.”

“That is dangerous, Sasuke.” Itachi murmured from above me.

“I think it’s the only way. You’ll have to make it very public and I don’t think it would be a bad thing to drag the Council into it.”

Her lips curved upwards into an almost sinister smile before frowning again. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Absolutely, I have unfinished business with the dobe. And I have every intention of carrying it out whether you like it or not.” I smiled.

She laughed, really laughed. “He is certainly lucky to have you.” She admitted, stunning everyone.

“I’m the luckier one.” I stated.

“Maybe you are. Now get back in bed.” She ordered.

She stood up and bent over to help me to my feet. I winced in pain and sat on the edge of the bed, winded. “Kakashi, we need a plan to keep everyone safe.”

“There is a small hospital in the Terra District. It is close to the docks where Sasuke was found and is completely plausible that he’d be bused there instead. We can evacuate the civilians and draw Madara out. And if I’m not mistaken the officer down call was never broadcast, it was made over a cell phone because the radio in the vehicle had a wire short.” Shikamaru replied, cutting Kakashi off.

“How fast can we get everything together?” She asked.

“In an hour.” Shikamaru offered.

“Do it.” She muttered darkly.

Shikamaru nodded and started making calls. “Tsunade, how would you like me to help?” Sarutobi asked.

“Can you stay here with Sasuke, please? I don’t want anything to happen to him while I’m out.” She asked.

“You have my word.” He promised.

Tsunade gave a nod and made her way from my room. I leaned back against the bed, extremely tired, but unable to sleep. Soon, soon this could all be over.