Revelations Of The Mind

This is chapter 6. Chapter 7 should be up tommorow, and so you know it occurs during the exact same time period as this one, so essentially this isn't the whole story. I understand that this chapter may be a little confusing but I hope youall can work it through...also I wrote a lot of this in my economics class so if their are some inconsistencies it's because i was thinking of the demand curve or something...yeah.

It had taken her longer then she had thought to close Naruto’s wounds. In the end she was able to complete the task, but it had taken far more chakra then she had actually wanted to use, after all the tough part was coming up next, and whether Sakura would survive depended on her, and her full stores of chakra…and of course the donor.

That, however, had turned into something of a large problem. Sakura’s parents, some of the most avid traders you’d ever find, were not always the easiest to get a hold of. Not to say they weren’t around, just rarely ever together. As such Tsunade had commissioned three Genin teams to find them, and while they were able to find Haruno-San her chakra profile was too different from her daughter to be a suitable donor. This, along with the news of her daughter’s condition, caused quite a burst of emotion in the elder Haruno woman causing towels to be changed beneath her chair every hour or so to sop up the saline.

As for the father, he was in wave country, and as he wasn’t a ninja he couldn’t make it within 4 days…which was Sakura’s estimated time.

Tsunade sighed, flipping the page of yet another book on transplantations and the lower back…specifically about the middle and lower back and chakra lines. Her thoughts were interrupted, however, by a knock at her door.

Shizune walked into the room followed by the whole of the rookie nine, excluding the obvious; and Neji, Tenten and Lee.

“Tsunade-sama, these people would like an audience with you.” Said Shizune bowing in respect.

Tsunade looked up from her book, slowly looking over the group collected in her room. It was an odd mix really. After all it wasn’t often you got a Hyuuga a Nara and an Inuzuka all in the same place without a fight breaking out in some sense. Of course what surprised her more was the presence of a certain sand ninja.

“Can I help you all with something?” asked Tsunade, feigning irritation

Shikamaru, being the senior in diplomacy stepped forward, closely accompanied by his wife.

“Yes Hokage-sama, we would all like to be screened for Sakura and as such be considered as donors.” Said Shikamaru, eyes showing no wavering in resolution.

Tsunade starred at the young Chuunin, watching as her intention caused no reaction in the young man, a good sign.

“Shikamaru, you do realize you have a child coming…” said Tsunade “and that this operation, though rare, can be lethal to both parties if something goes wrong.”

“Yes Hokage-Sama.” Said Shikamaru, nodding in knowledge

“And your wife is fine with this?” asked Tsunade

Temari stepped forward from out behind her husband to answer.

“Hokage-sama” said Temari, forgoing the usual bow due to hindrance “The Sand and I both believe the survival of Haruno Sakura is of great importance. As far as my husband goes…I’m actually quite proud of him.”

“The Sand? What do they have at stake in this?” asked Tsunade puzzled.

“That will be explained to you if and only if Sakura survives.” Said Temari, sliding her arm through her husbands pulling him close.

“Well then, if that’s what you two want that’s fine, but what about the rest of you are you sure about this?” asked Tsunade

The group nodded all showing determination far past their years. It was obvious that the girl meant a lot to them.

“Well, alright then.” Sighed Tsunade, smiling to herself inwardly. The more donors the better, even if the chance that one of them would match Sakura was almost one in a million. “Shizune, would you make sure they are all screened please and see that they are put in a waiting room to wait for the results.”

“Yes Tsunade-sama, it will be done as you’ve asked.” Said Shizune, holding her arm indicating for the group to leave though the door, a white eyed girl and green clad boy remained unmoving however.

Shizune looked at the pair and back at Tsunade, who nodded at her giving her permission to leave. Shizune stepped out away from the door, bowed deeply and proceeded to leave, closing the door behind her.

“Can I help you two?” asked Tsunade, smiling warmly at the duo.

“Umm…Hokage-sama…is Naru…Naruto-Kun alright?” asked a hesitant Hinata, Lee nodding fervently in agreement to the question.

Tsunade smiled, she was glad that some of Naruto’s peers were worried about him, it would mean quite a bit to him later on.

“Yes, Naruto is fine, he’s resting now.” Said Tsunade, watching the young ninja’s faces turn to relief. “If you want you can go visit him, he’s right across the hall from Sakura…though he isn’t actually awake yet.”

“He’s not awake?” asked Lee

“No, but like I said he’s fine, hi s body just has to recuperate, not to mention his mind.” Said Tsunade

‘Though to tell the truth I’m not sure what’s wrong, he should have woken up by now and the fact that his wounds were having a great amount of difficulty healing on their own was quite disturbing.’ Though Tsunade to herself, though her face showed nothing to the pair.

“Well, if anyone can get better its Naruto!!!” said Lee, trademark confidence shinning through

“I already told you he’s fine, he’s just needs some rest” said Tsunade; sliding up behind him waving her had indicating for him to calm down.

“You sure he’s alright though right Tsunade-sama…” said Hinata heading for the door
“Of course!” said Tsunade, giving a thumbs up to the downtrodden girl

“Alright then, come on Lee-kare, we need to go get the test done.” Said Hinata responding with a smile

“Hai!!” said Lee running after Hinata, slipping his hand into hers at the last second as the door closed.

‘They make a cute couple…though in an odd, green jumpsuit sorta way…’ though Tsunade shivering to herself. ‘Well, I might as well…’

Tsunade put her glasses on and once again began perusing her books for any chance of increasing life expectancy…which at the moment was below forty percent. The new donors would peak that percentage but at the moment it wasn’t really something she was putting much hope into. After all they weren’t related to Sakura and as such the likelihood of them actually matching was very slight. But she still did have an ace up her sleeve.

*One hour later*

*Knock, Knock*

“Enter…” said Tsunade, hand on her forehead studying a book

“Tsunade-sama, all of them are undergoing the tests now, they should be done within the hour and their results should come through reasonably soon after that.” Said Shizune, still amazed how Tsunade always knew it was her coming in.

“Good, good, anything else?” said Tsunade not bothering to look up from her book.

“Yes actually, Kakashi, Gai, and Jiraya-sama all wish to take the tests as well…and as they are all much older then the limit requires I let them…” said Shizune hesitantly

“You did, did you?” said Tsunade, getting up from her chair and walking over to where Shizune was cringing.

“Tsunade-sama…” said Shizune, nervousness causing her hair to stand on end. “I was just trying too…”
Shizune was silence, however, by the tight grip of Tsunade’s hug.

“I’m so glad you’re finally able to make decisions without asking me Shizune!!!” Tsunade happily cried a large smile on her face.

Shizune inwardly sighed, she really thought she was going to get a pounding there.

“I’m sorry I didn’t consult you…” said Shizune under her breath

“Hey now, stop that…” said Tsunade playfully , chuckling “You made an educated choice, and it happened to be the right one…after all if the likes of Neji and that Kiba boy can donate why not Jiraya…”

“Yes Tsunade-sama…” Shizune sighed, the ever persistent love hate relationship between Jiraya and her mistress was always a factor to consider, and luckily it didn’t cause any direct harm this time around. “They wanted me to ask you if it was alright to use Naruto’s room as a waiting room…that question also includes the other donors as well.”

“Yes, that would be fine…I’m sure Naruto would love the company…” said Tsunade, hand still clasping Shizune’s shoulder “Oh and on the topic of Naruto, would you do me a favor and run a profile on him too…”

“But, Tsunade-sama we can’t run one on him without his consent…” said Shizune

“I know that, but which do you think he would be more likely to be upset about…” said Tsunade “Not being considered as being a suitable donor for Sakura or being the reason she’s alive.”

“While I understand your point Tsunade-sama, the fact still remains that Naruto just got out of surgery and is in no condition to have an ORGAN removed.” Said Shizune

Tsunade sighed, “You and I both know that the boy took his wounds on behalf of Sakura, and as such was willing to give his life for her, and I’m sure he would have taken her later wounds as well.”

“Tsunade-sama that’s beside the point, it’s just not ethical!!” said Shizune getting upset.
“Since when has that stopped us…” said Tsunade in a low and threatening tone, causing Shizune to pale slightly “Shizune, just follow my commands, if Naruto is angry about this later I will take full responsibility, alright.”

Shizune gulped audibly, “uhh…Yes…Tsu…Tsunade-sama”

Shizune made for the door, intent on escaping what was obviously a doomed fate for her if she didn’t complete her task. The door was opened and closed in less then a second.

Tsunade sighed, and leaned back in her chair, she just couldn’t read anymore…

*In Naruto’s Room*

“He looks like he’s going to make it doesn’t he…” said Kiba

“Of course, this is Naruto we’re talking about, since when has he ever been beaten…” said Shira

“Good point, he’s annoyingly unsquishable.” Said Kiba, smirking at Shira’s glare.

“I can’t believe he was hurt so bad he couldn’t bounce back…” said Kiba attention drawn back to the bandaged boy in the bed

“Well, he wasn’t protecting himself and got hit in some key areas…it’s only natural to be hurt that badly when your not concentrating.” Said Neji, chiming into the conversation

“Not Concentrating!? The man jumped in front of three kunai for Sakura…it’s heroic.” Said Hinata an unusual flare of anger on her face.

Neji glared at the other Hyuuga, taking personal offence to her statement. However, the interruption of another changed his thoughts.

“ I know what your thinking Neji, and your wrong so just drop it, Hinata is right on this one.” Said Tenten, Neji’s glare stopping obediently afterwards.

Tenten smiled triumphantly, enjoying her control over her soon to be husband…though he didn’t know it yet. Giving the thumbs up sign to Hinata, who smiled back, Tenten went to go comfort the defeated boy.

“Still…” said Ino, breaking into the long silence “It was Naruto’s fault that Sakura got injured right, I mean she wouldn’t have gotten injured if she hadn’t been protecting him.”

“Yes, but he also got hurt protecting her…come on Ino you really can’t blame this on anyone, after all I would hope someone would be willing to that for me…” said Temari, casually gripping her husbands arm.

Shikamaru, whose was leaning against a wall, smirked as his hand grasped his wife’s.

“But…” said Ino, apparently on the verge of tears

“She’s right, Ino-pig…” said a male voice, newly arrived

“Hey! Who you calling pig!!!” yelled Ino, ripped from sorrow to rage, only to be stopped by the notoriety of her insulter. “Kakashi-sensei…”

“Gai-Sensei!!!” said Lee jumping into the arms of the green clad jounin. Hinata blushing behind him.

Neji and Tenten looked on, slight smirks on their faces.

‘It never fails; Lee will react that way for the rest of his life.’ Though Tenten

“So, this is what happened to the boy huh?” said Jiraya, standing next to Naruto’s bedside.

“Yes, it’s unfortunate isn’t it…” said Kakashi, sounding depressed

“Unfortunate doesn’t begin to explain it…and this all happened under your watch right Kakashi?” said Jiraya, the perverted hermit looking older than he truly was.

Kakashi winced, casting his eyes down, “Yes…”

*SMACK*

A loud cracking sound was heard, followed by Kakashi plummeting to the floor hard, a fuming Ino behind him rubbing her fist lightly.

“No one get to call me Ino-pig save one…” said Ino, face darkening in thought “NO ONE!!!”

Ino sobbed and Chouji, who had been silently standing behind the group eating, moved forward placing a hand on Ino's shoulder.

“Come on Ino.” Said Chouji leading Ino to a chair. All the while glaring at the older man.

“Well, I suppose the joke was in bad taste…” said Kakashi standing up, rubbing the sizeable bump appearing on his head. “I’m sorry Ino…I’m just not sure how to deal with all this…”

The booming laugh of Jiraya was heard, and was issued in direction of Kakashi.

“You have always taken the injury of your friends so personally.” Chuckled the Sannin. “Ever since you were a kid and even with my student teaching you.”

“Yes, but this time I could have done something…” said Kakashi, the conversation continuing oblivious to the surrounding company

“It wasn’t your fault Kakashi, no was it yours Gai.” Said Jiraya “You both did exactly what you should have, and no one can fault you for protecting yourself, it was their own choices that lead to their injuries.”

“But…” gasped Kakashi and Gai synchronized the though of pulling the guilt away painful to them.

The door to the room opened quickly, slamming the knob into the wall leaving an imprint of the handle.

“Jiraya’s right Kakashi, and you know how often we agree.” Said Tsunade, followed closely by Shizune “If you still doubt even my word ask the two of them when they wake up.”

“Hokage-Sama, Does this mean you’ve found a donor?” came an excited question from somewhere in the gathered crowd, though by their faces it was hard to decipher just from where.

“Is Sakura-chan going to be alright?” came another question, this time from Lee who had stepped forward.

“Naruto-kun…is going to be ok, right?” asked the ever shy Hinata

“Calm down…” said Tsunade holder her hands up defensively. “Now, who do you want to know about first, Naruto or Sakura.”

“Sakura is in the more critical condition correct?” asked Neji, calmly as ever, though his voice did waver slightly.

Everyone looked at he white eyed boy, surprised to hear concern in his voice, though he had been growing more open recently.

“Yes, she is in critical condition at the moment.” Said Tsunade, slight pain in her voice “However, she should be fine now.”

“You mean you found a donor?” asked Jiraya, completely aware of the odds.

“Yes, we actually have, it’s one of the people here in the room surprisingly enough.” Said Tsunade, grinning broadly, triumph appearing through her gaze.

“Well don’t keep us in suspense. WHO is it!?” asked Ino
“Naruto, actually…” said Tsunade, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Naruto!?” exclaimed the group, surprise covering most of their faces.

“But, Tsunade, is that even possible, after all…considering his circumstances…” stated Kakashi

“Of course it is, why would I lie about this…?” chuckled Tsunade

“But is it safe?” asked Jiraya, a dark shadow casting itself over his eyes, showing a seriousness rarely seen in his eyes.

“Well, Naruto did just get out of surgery, but he should be fine.” Responded Tsunade, ignoring the real intention of the question.

“That’s not what I meant, Tsunade…” said Jiraya, voice low and gravely, hand moving Naruto’s hair out of his eyes.

Jiraya’s movement’s and actions toward the boy, including the way he starred at him spoke of the deep caring the two had gained for each other. Tsunade, who was watching the pair, related it to a father and son but considering Jiraya’s relationship to the fourth Hokage it was no surprise

Tsunade looked at Naruto and sighed deeply.

“You may all stay here if you would like, the nurses will be in shortly to prep Naruto for surgery.” Said Tsunade turning her gaze away from the boy in question. “Gai, Kakashi and Jiraya, please follow me…”

Tsunade turned and walked out the door, held open by Shizune. The Jounin’s and Sannin followed, knowing that they were going to learn something for their ears only.

“What do you think that was about?” asked Lee, directing the question tot Tenten

“I have no idea, but I guess we’re not invited.” She said, moving herself closer to Neji.

“Yeah I suppose…” said Lee, he in turn moving closer to Hinata smiling at her.

*Within the Hokage’s Office at the hospital*

“So, why did you want us to come with you?” asked Kakashi, already knowing that this had something to do with the demon housed in Naruto.

“Because, Jiraya seems to think the transplant is dangerous…” said Tsunade “And I think it’s a good idea to put down any fears before they take hold, so what’s your reasoning for being afraid...?”

“Well, he does have a demon in him for starters…” interjected a serious Gai

“I’m not so stupid that I wouldn’t have taken that into consideration…” said Tsunade. “And as such I’ve studied it and found that it should be fine.”

“Would you mind explaining why you are so confident to me?” asked Jiraya, staring intently.

“It is because of what I saw when I came to the rooftop.” Said Tsunade “ The blood left over by their bodies was glowing with a pink aura…”

“The glow…I thought I was just seeing things…” said Kakashi under his breath.

“Ah, so you saw it to did you Kakashi?” asked Tsunade, a sly grin on her face. “Yes, that was my first hint that it would work. The second was that Naruto couldn’t heal himself, which as you know Kakashi, is very odd.”

Kakashi nodded in agreement, remembering Naruto’s healing prowess from team seven’s first Genin missions.

“This led me to believe that Naruto, somehow, had separated part of himself and transferred it to Sakura, thereby not allowing his chakra to flow properly and as such not allow him to heal. I believe this is also why he isn’t awake yet, because for all intents and purposes, he should be.” Continued Tsunade

“So what does that all mean exactly?” asked Jiraya, scratching his head.

“Well, I believe that they are linked now, their chakra mixed through their free flowing blood and somehow this caused their chakra profiles to match exactly. So, my theory is that the demon in Naruto moved part of its essence into Sakura, and changed Naruto or possibly Sakura…or maybe even both of their profiles so that they would match.” Said Tsunade, slightly absorbed into her own thoughts.

“So...what your saying is that the fox, which was sealed in Naruto by the fourth Hokage, somehow broke the seal and leaked out of it into sakura throught he chakra flow in both of their blood streams?” asked Kakashi, rather confused.

“Not exactly, you see the fourth’s seal is essentially perfect…however, it does rely on the will of the holder to keep it strong…so I believe that Naruto subconsciously allowed this to happen so that he might be able to save Sakura.” Said Tsunade

“Your saying that the boy, though he was unconscious, made that kind of decisions!?” gasped Gai

“Yes that’s exactly what she’s saying, and I wouldn’t exactly say it was impossible for Naruto…after all he’s done some pretty impressive stuff over the years.” Responded Jiraya, finally grasping the situation.

“So, does she have the seal for the fox now?” asked Kakashi

“Not in any way visible yet, like I said this was only a theory, though there is quite a bit of evidence to support it.” Said Tsunade. “Though after the actual transplant, she probably will. After all, Naruto’s entire body acted as a controller for the seal and as such every inch of him has the part of the whole seal. So, she will likely become a part of the whole seal as well, and as such they will be invariably linked.”

“So, Sakura is going to house that…thing then?” asked Kakashi, unable to grasp the concept.

“It is the most likely outcome, though we won’t know exactly what will happen until we let everything run it’s course.” Said Tsunade “Which, by the way, is in an hour.”

“An hour!?” exclaimed Kakashi, his protective drive kicking in “Don’t you have to ask her parents?”

“Sakura is legally of age, and I don’t actually want to give her parents the choice…” sighed Tsunade “After all, what parent wants to choose between letting their child die or letting them house a greater demon…”

“But, you can’t just act without consulting someone with authority over her, after all she is unconscious…” said Kakashi, voice becoming weaker.

“Actually, Kakashi, Tsunade-sama as both the Hokage and Sakura’s master holds legal authority over her when she or her parents are not present…” said Shizune convincingly.

“Seriously?” asked Jiraya

“Yes, it is both a blessing and a curse in this case, after all it is not an easy decision, but I believe Naruto will be able to give Sakura guidance on how to handle the beast. He does, after all, have a great heart even with the influence of the demon.” Said Tsunade

“Yes I agree, I’m sure it’s not going to be that bad for her, Naruto will coach her. He loves the girl enough to where it would probably give him the resolve to rein in the fox even more for her sake.” Said Jiraya, smiling at Kakashi confidently

“Yes, I know you right…but still we’re not giving her a choice…” said Kakashi, annoyingly stubborn

“Look, Kakashi, her choices are to have the surgery or die, there is no in between or compromise on this one.” Said Tsunade, frustration clearly present in her voice. “It is the only way, and personally I would rather see her live.”

“As would I.” said Gai, coming up beside his friend and rival giving him his trademark smile.

The gathered looked to Kakashi a final time and received a sad nod from the man.

“Alright then, Shizune, prep Sakura for surgery and see that the nurses take care of Naruto. After that move them to the operating room within the hour.” Tsunade commanded, suddenly very serious.

“Yes Ma’am.” Said Shizune moving out of the room and quickly going to make the arrangements.

“This is it, I hope I’m right…” said Tsunade under her breath, unbeknownst that a certain Sannin was right next to her.

“Don’t worry Tsunade, I’ve never known you to be wrong when it truly counts…” said Jiraya, causing Tsunade to smile “I just thank god your aren’t gambling!!!”

Across the hospital a loud crash could be heard, and from far away a dust cloud could be seen falling from a wall that was cracked in the shape of a man.

Back in the office, Tsunade was cracking her knuckles loudly, an implanted Jiraya behind her unconscious, while two terrified jounin looked on.

“For a minute there I actually thought you were being sweet…” growled Tsunade.