When The Sakura Blooms

In this story Kyuubi is female. =]



'Naruto' Anyone’s thoughts.



"Naruto" Normal interaction between people.



[NARUTO] Change of place.



* NARUTO * Flashback for anyone.



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When The Sakura Blooms



Chapter 2: Valley Of The End



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Sasuke leapt from tree to tree trying to get to his home.



‘Who’s this ‘him’ person he keeps talking about?’ he growled.



‘Why don’t you ask him?’



‘Hn, like he’ll answer. He doesn’t speak with anyone anymore. Not the loud-obnoxious Usuratonkachi he used to be. He’s changed…’



‘Ahh it would seem that the great, arrogant stuck-up bastard Uchiha has feelings for Naruto.’ His mind sang to him.



‘Shut up, I do not have feelings for this Usuratonkachi.’ He looked down Naruto face looked so peaceful.. so calm, so... beautiful.



‘Why don’t you just admit you have feelings for him?’



‘Because I am an Uchiha. I do not fall in love and certainly not with a man that I haven’t seen in 5 years.’ Sasuke shook his head to get rid of his thoughts.



‘I’m becoming insane, talking to myself. Hn, figures, only he can do this to me.’ He continued to leap from tree to tree until the Uchiha District came into view. He dropped swiftly to the ground and began his walk to his home.



Once inside, he went straight to his bedroom.



‘Got to get a futon for the dobe.’ Half an hour later and Naruto was asleep soundly on a spare futon.



Sasuke sat looming over Naruto’s sleeping form, steadily but cautiously, he began to run his fingers through blonde hair. He sat pleasantly for a while before he heard something clatter, somewhere near the kitchen. Quickly and quietly he heads towards the kitchen, only to find it empty. He decides to thoroughly check it out, because he insists to himself that he heard something. But what he finds shocks him and sends him to the past.



* FLASHBACK *



“Niisan, Niisan.” A younger Sasuke jumped onto his older brother’s back.



“Ahh Sasuke, I told you not to do that,” but locked his hands under his Otoutou's legs and took him for a piggy back.



“You called for me, ne?” younger Sasuke asked.



“Yes Otoutou, I did. I need you to give this to Otosan for me. Can you do that?” Itachi handed the younger Sasuke a letter.



“Ahh hai,” he said saluting his brother and tripping over his own feet. Itachi just laughed and helped pick his brother up.



“Your so clumsy Sasuke, you need to improve your footing.” He said, and then flicked him in between his brows.



“See you soon Niisan. Bye” His older brother only waved, while turning and walked away.



Sasuke looked down at the letter in his hand. ‘Niisan has such nice writing, I wonder if I can write like that some day.’



*PRESENT*

Sasuke was shaking not from fear, but fury. He crumpled up the letter that said,



“Ahh, foolish little brother. You bring the Kitsune into our home, when never before have you let anyone in. Well no need to worry, I WILL take him with me this time and you will not stop me.

Good bye little brother.”



‘I have to tell the Hokage.’ Then he remembered he left Naruto alone. What if Itachi had got to him? He couldn’t, he wouldn’t. Sasuke ran up the stairs only to find Naruto laying peacefully asleep.



‘Okay I’ll go and tell her.’ He shook his head. ‘No, she’ll scream at me and ask me why I came to tell her that, when I should be looking after him. Arghhh, what do I do? It’s not like I have a messenger bird.’

Then as if Kami-sama blessed Kakashi with a brain and a watch, he was knocking on the front door. Sasuke thanked whatever god he knew of and quickly let Kakashi in.



“Hmm.. Sasuke, you seem quiet anxious to let me in. Never before…” He trailed off because Sasuke cut him off with a deadly Uchiha glare and…



“Ka-ka-shi.” His patience was cut short, hanging by a thin line. Kakashi knew something was up. He placed the new edition of Icha Icha paradise in his Jounin jacket and followed Sasuke to what seemed to be a lounge room.



“Kakashi, Itachi was here.” Kakashi the seemingly bored and stoic Jounin gasped, his one visible eye widening, before settling into recognition.



“I felt his chakra, that’s why I came here. Did you see him? Speak to him?” Sasuke just shook his head.



“He only left this.” He handed Kakashi the letter. When Kakashi had finished, he stood. Facing Sasuke he said,



“I will give this to the Hokage and we will decide what to do. For all your worth Sasuke protect Naruto. He really only has 2 months to live.” With that said, Kakashi disappeared into the night.



Sasuke decided he had had a long night and was up for some rest. When he got to the bedroom he was sharing with Naruto, he was shocked to find that Naruto was sweating and breathing heavily. Not knowing what was causing this Sasuke did the only thing he knew of.



He went and filled a bowl with ice water, got an empty bowl and a rag. He tried to cool down Naruto’s fever as much as he could but he could see it was to no avail. So instead he opted to just sitting there and watching him. Ever so slowly he was dragged into dreamland and didn’t resist, couldn’t resist.



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When he woke he was stiff all over and definitely uncomfortable. Remembering what happened last night to cause this stiffness he cursed himself and got up. After stretching and waking up his body he realised that Naruto was still asleep and was showing no signs of getting up.



Sasuke went by his day as per usual, until he was called to the Hokage’s office.



“You called for me Hokage-sama?” (It was more a statement but whatever)



“Yes Sasuke, Kakashi informed me of last night. Would you like to add anything to what you told Kakashi yesterday?”



“Well not about Itachi, but rather about Naruto. You see…” before he could finish, he staring straight into the fuming eyes of the Hokage.



“You did not leave him alone, did you Uchiha?”



‘I am so lucky Kakashi came when he did. She’s freaky’



“No an Anbu is there and there are 5 more Anbu surrounding the house.” He grinded out from between his teeth, at this, the Hokage visibly relaxed.



“As you were saying Uchiha?”



“Well Naruto, after the incident happened I went to check on him. He was sweating and breathing heavily. He was shifting but he didn’t wake and he is still not awake.” He waited to let all that sink in. Tsunade had a thoughtful look on her face.



‘What the hell happened to you Gaki? What is causing you so much pain? Why don’t you tell me so I can kill it?’ She thought, ‘Well for now, we’ll try to keep you safe if you allow us.’



“Sasuke those Anbu surrounding the house, do you think they are trustworthy?” Sasuke couldn’t help the surprise that shone in his eyes. She was asking for his opinion for the safety of her Gaki. Well he must admit it is a first.



Begrudgingly he remembered that when he returned to the city of Konoha with no Naruto in toe, she nearly killed him and never asked anything of him personally until today.



“I think they are fine Hokage-sama. But if I may suggest that you add more, Itachi is dangerous I don’t want anymore deaths on the Uchiha ground thanks to him.” His eyes were cold with determination to not let anything happen to anyone, especially Naruto.



“Yes you’re correct. I’ll increase the number. I will place Kakashi, Gai, Jiraiya and Sakura as well. Whenever he begins to act like last night, call upon Sakura, she should know what to do.”



“Do you need me for anything further Hokage-sama?” He asked hoping that he could finally go home and get some rest.



“Two more things actually Brat,” she paused when she saw his eyebrow twitch, she smirked inwardly, “Jiraiya, Gai, Kakashi and Sakura will need to stay close by. So if you wouldn’t mind giving them your hostility for Naruto’s sake.” She smirked when all she got was a ‘Hn’, she continued in a more serious manner,



“Sasuke I know I have been rough on you, but please my Otoutou only has 2 months left to live.” Tears were swelling in her eyes, but she continued, “This will not be forced upon you, but please, try to make his last days ones he will never forget.” She was now sobbing and trying to speak between them.



“I know he has not exactly come home and welcomed you all, but I’m sure Naruto has a reason. He never hurts someone without a reason and only if that reason is major. So please Sasuke, let his Oneesan see him happy one last time ne?”



“Hai Tsunade-sama.”



“You may leave now Sasuke.” And leave he did, going straight for home. He went straight to the bedroom only to find that Naruto was still asleep. Although he was tired, sleep would not come. So went and sat next to Naruto and held his hand, going over Tsunade’s words,



“He never hurts someone without a reason and only if that reason is major.”



It was true, Naruto never liked to see others in pain. Maybe that’s why he was being so distant so that they could hate him and not feel pain when he dies.



‘Dobe, we’re still going to feel the pain when you’re gone and if you don’t let us in you’re going to feel the worst pain of all… Dying alone. I won't let you, I will find out who this ‘him’ person is and I will make him help you. I don’t want you to die.’ And slowly Sasuke drifted to sleep once again in the most uncomfortable position possible.



“...Of youth, we must protect Naruto-kun with our lives. YOSHA!” That was the dreadful scream that woke Sasuke up from his dreams, of a garden of flowers and a mystery person he couldn’t seem to reach.



“I am going to kill her for this. And him!” He screamed walking down his stairs. When he got down to his kitchen, what he saw shocked him. There were Kakashi, Gai, Sakura, Neji, Lee, Jiraiya and Shikamaru, along with 10 different Anbu. Sakura was the first to notice him walk in, she looked at him and silently told him “I tried.”



‘Why did I suggest to take Naruto in the first place? Arghh.’



‘I already told you because you have feelings for him.’ Sasuke began shaking his head and muttering curses about stupid brains and second voices. Although when he first walked the attention was elsewhere, the attention was clearly on him now.



When he came to, everyone was staring weirdly at him before Sakura said,



“Ermm, Sasuke? You alright?” he realised that he was speaking aloud, although he felt stupid and was sulking on the inside, he kept his face of indifference on the outside.



“Hn,” was all he said before walking back up the stairs and slamming the door.



‘Damn it! I’m losing it. What the hell?’ Although he chuckled at himself, they must have heard him muttering about second voices and such.

‘Ahh, I need to take a shower.’ That’s exactly what he did. He assigned everyone their rooms and showed them where everything was.



The rest of the day went by quiet casually, as did the rest of the week. Then, came Sunday.



Naruto’s stirs had become worse and Sakura was doing all she could to keep down his fever, but nothing worked.



Then they felt it, a powerful and familiar chakra, with a great gush of wind.



“Ahh so Otoutou, you sought to defy me. Anbu, friends and a Legendary Sannin will not stop me from taking Naruto-kun.” Itachi stated calmly.



A burst came from upstairs.



“Who’s with Naruto?” Jiraiya roared.



No one was, because everyone was downstairs.



“I see. So Naruto-kun is upstairs alone. Then what is your purpose Otoutou, if not to protect him?”



Sasuke didn’t answer. Couldn’t answer. Everything was blurring.



‘Get a hold of yourself Sasuke! You need to protect Naruto’



“Well seeming as you don’t care about him I will take him for myself.”



“Keep your filth away from him.” Sasuke and Itachi stared at one another, neither willing to let the other one win. Kakashi took that as his cue to get Naruto to safety but before anyone could move, Naruto began to calmly walk down the stairs.



“Ahh, Itachi, lovely to meet you again after our last meeting. I’m surprised you came after what happened.”



“Yes true, I’ve been meaning to ask you Naruto-kun, why did you not kill me when you had the chance?”



Gold chakra began to swirl around Naruto, the purity of it, radiating off every wall and person.



“Because back in my Genin days, a certain shinobi told me, his sole purpose of living was to kill you. I would never betray a comrade and go against their wishes. So now you tell me Itachi, do you really wish death upon yourself that you come to your brother, knowing that he is stronger then you?”



Everyone stood shocked at how easily Naruto handled the situation, not even flinching as Itachi came closer.



“Stop.” Sasuke calmly said. “Take one step closer Itachi and I will kill you. You will not harm him.”



“Ahh, but Otoutou, did you not hear what he said? You are stronger then me. So why are you hesitating?”



“Because I am not you. While I hate to admit that you are my family, you are. And you are the only family I have left. I will not kill you because of revenge, the guilt will kill you.”



“You have become wise Otoutou, and your right the guilt has eaten me up. I have waited for this day for far too long. I have finally fulfilled my parents’ wishes and may rest.”



“Parents’ wishes!” Sasuke spat. “You’re the one that killed them.”



“No, I didn’t. Listen Sasuke…”



“NO! Stay away from me. You liar, always wishing me harm Itachi. Not enough what you have done already.”



“It was the mangekyou. That’s what killed them.”



“I know it was the mangekyou, your mangekyou.”



“No. With attaining the mangekyou comes a curse. If you had looked properly at the stone beneath the mats you would have known it was a genjutsu and the real reason that I could not have killed them. Do one last thing for me and read the stone. Come,” Itachi paused, waiting for the response. “You may bring Naruto-kun with you.”



Naruto followed Sasuke who was in turn following Itachi although he knew where they were going. When they got to an open area covered in mats, Itachi bent down and moved some aside, baring a stone staircase. They walked in silence. When finally Itachi coughed they were standing in front of a large stone, encrypted with signs Naruto couldn’t understand. Itachi murmured a light ‘Kai’ and just as Naruto was about to ask what it said, Itachi began to read,



“Itachi, read this and memorise it well. The mangekyou is killing us, your family, all of it. It eats away your brain cells eventually making you blind, before you die a painful death. You have already attained it, but Sasuke, he has not. You must do all in your power to make sure that he never attains it and on the night he comes late from school you must kill the clan. I will not have them dying painful deaths. Please son, tell your brother I love him and I love you too. Good bye, Uchiha Fugaku.”



“That Otoutou is the real reason I killed them. I was asked to. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. That night when you saw me I knew you would never do what I said and I was glad. You would be the first Uchiha to survive the mangekyou curse.”



“Why? Why couldn’t you tell me this earlier? Why Itachi?”



“Because you were eight, I did not want this burden placed upon you. This was my burden to carry. Our parents are happy now Sasuke, you can be happy now.” Sasuke was hesitating on whether or not to believe him. But it all made sense. His thoughts were interrupted by Naruto saying,



“He’s not lying, this stone has been rooted in the ground for over 15 years. There is no genjutsu. He speaks the truth Uchiha-san, you have a brother now.” Sasuke began to tear.



“Aniki, is there no cure to your mangekyou.”



“I’m afraid n..” Itachi trailed off.



“Itachi-san there is a way.”



“Naruto-kun, how?”



“Hatake-san, told me about the curse. I had found a way but it will destroy the mangekyou completely…” He paused waiting for this to sink in. “Are you willing?”



“If destroying the mangekyou means I can see my brother smile again, I am willing.”



“Well I will wait outside for you both, take your time.”



‘He can finally have a part of his family back. He can smile honestly now. I won’t have to worry about him when I’m gone.’ Naruto continued his walk up the stairs in silence. When he reached the top, he found them all looking worriedly at him.



‘This would be the perfect time to play a prank on them.’



‘Kyuu what do you reckon? To prank or not to prank?’



‘Kit, I think you deserve to have a little fun before you go.’



Naruto chuckled inwardly. Couldn’t have them find out his prank yet.



“Naruto, where’s Sasuke?” Sakura asked cautiously. He perfected his look, while his head was down. When he lifted it, he had a single tear running down his face. They gasped and some cried.



‘Woops... Kyuu I think I over did it.’



‘Naa they’re coming up now.’ Naruto stood aside so that the Uchihas’ could come up.



“Sa.. su.. ke, huh?” Sakura fainted. At this point Naruto was biting his tongue to keep from laughing.



Sasuke and Itachi stared at everyone. They all looked shocked. Was it because they were talking? Sasuke and Itachi looked at each other. That’s when Naruto decided he just couldn’t hold on any longer and burst out laughing.



At first everyone was shocked. Naruto… laughing… pranking, Naruto?



DONG! “NARUTO NO BAKA!” Sakura was up and at it. Naruto was sporting quiet a few bumps to his head.



‘Shit, Kyuubi what do I do? Do I call her Sakura or Haruno-san?’



‘Kit, you’ve had your fun, make up an excuse. You can’t afford to let them close.’



‘Yeah you’re right.’



“Ahh shiman shiman, Haruno-san. It’s just you were all so expectant and I couldn’t resist.” He smiled sweetly. When he said Haruno-san everyone deflated but had some hope left. So the real Naruto was still in there just hidden. They smirked and Tsunade walked straight up to Naruto and pulled him up by the ear.



“Itai, Hokage-sama. Sorry.” He paused, muttering a small, “Sorry for wanting to have fun before I died. Humphh.” Only one person looked shocked at that comment, Itachi.



“Naruto-kun? Did I just hear you correctly? You are dying?”



“Ahh, hai. Which reminds me…” He turned to face Tsunade again. “My time span has shortened due to using to much chakra. I now only have 1 month and 14 days left.” Naruto could no longer hold in his disappointment, he had to show them.



“Naruto do you still refuse to let anyone help you?”



Slowly Naruto brought his hands together to make the hand signals to release his extreme genjutsu. What they saw caused everyone to Gasp, some came closer to examine.



“Naruto,” was Sasuke’s whisper.



“With all due respect Hokage-sama, does this look like a person that can be saved.” When he turned and had all eyes on him, Naruto looked like he would die any second.



His pale rivalling that of Sasuke and Itachi’s, his eyes that held no spark, were a dark cold blue with black rings surrounding them.



“Naruto, how long have you looked like this?”



“5 years,” it was whispered, as if he didn’t want anyone to hear. But they heard.



“You left because of this. 5 years wasn’t that the year that Sas…” she trailed off shooting glares at the Uchiha.



“What did you do to Naruto at the Valley of the End, Sasuke?”



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Ahh cliff-hanger. You’re gonna love this trust me? LOL well i hope you do. But you just gotta wait for it. Review please and I’ll try get the next chapter up quick.