Amaranthine

by layniebleargh

:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x::x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x:

Chapter 14: Aftershock

Dawn came to reveal the outcome of last night's events. Bodies can be found everywhere – in the forests, clearings, and camping grounds. Those who are fortunate enough to survive are both grateful and tormented – lives were taken so quickly, so mercilessly, as if those ended never mattered – the earth bearing only ghosts of their existence. Yet, they who are still alive have to cope with the scenario unfolding as surely and as steadily as the rays of sun. Ruined structures. Lost investment. Futile effort. Destroyed lives. Stained hands. However way put, the war brought misery not only to those who lost, but also to those who won. Strangely, the perseverance wrought into the bodies of shinobis seems to have worn, every nook silent and no movement can be seen or heard. Breathing is labor – air is so thick of metallic scent and poison could have been embedded with what little gust of wind there is.

A kunoichi disturbed the stillness. Carefully inspecting the bodies she can see, she silently prayed that a comrade is still alive, even a faint pulse would give her relief before laying eyes on another body. Suddenly, her heart skipped a bit as she caught sight of a color so familiar to her – a flock of pink hair. Making her way quickly to the person nestled between the roots of a great tree splattered with deep crimson blood, she hastily searched for the slightest beating.

"Shishou…"

The person's voice is weak and gravelly. A deep cut can be seen on her stomach area. The blood on the tree is hers.

"Don't talk, Sakura."

"You shouldn't leave the village… a counterattack is possible… heck, those rogue nins are too persistent to kill… they would want revenge…"

"The reinforcements are being taken care of."

"Shishou… I'm fine. Check on the others… Kiba and Sai especially… they were severely wounded…"

The Godaime Hokage bit her lip to restrain from bellowing to her apprentice.

"One of your vital organs is punctured. You are asking me to leave you? Are you asking me to let a loved one die?"

"Please… they are in more danger. I know they are still alive… I can sense them, but barely. Konoha needs them… we made a pact didn't we? No one dies…"

"Alright, Sakura. But promise me you are going to hang on."

"I will. And shishou? Shikamaru and Neji, I cannot sense them. Before we parted last night, they are well, but then… who knows…"

"Don't worry. They are going to be fine. They know Konoha depends on their genius."

Sakura smiled weakly as the Hokage left her side to look for comrades to save. "You all better be alive…"

Shikamaru Nara groaned as he tried to sit up from his peculiar position on a tree branch. He had woken an hour ago from being knocked out from chakra depletion, but he hadn't bothered to open an eye, knowing bloodshed would greet him. However, exactly five minutes ago a demanding voice called on to him and he had no choice but to reciprocate.

"How troublesome… I can't go down, Hokage-sama. I have broken ribs."

"Then I'll ask Akamaru to bring you down. Don't overstay up there, an enemy might still be alive and waiting to ambush."

"Geez… Does it mean that Kiba is alright? How about Sai, Sakura, and Neji?"

"Sai and Inuzuka are in no immediate danger. Sakura's vital organ was hit, but she promised me she'll hang on. Hyuuga, I haven't found him yet. Several bodies are being recovered, but thank goodness most Konoha nins are alive. I'm sad to say that a couple of jounins and chuunins passed on, but they fought bravely."

"Is there going to be a counterattack?"

"Jiraiya's taking care of that. He said he will ambush the reinforcements before reaching this area, for you guys who survived."

"Tch. And Shizune's at your office now posing as you, huh? The elders won't be pleased."

"You guessed right. Well, I'm trying to get a new pair of advisors, they are a nuisance at times. If you're not in mortal danger then, I better get going to search for Neji Hyuuga, it is a big loss if he… well, dies… to Konoha and the Hyuuga clan, and Tenten is going to kill me if I don't bring him back."

Tsunade turned around leave when Shikamaru decided to risk a statement.

"Hokage-sama?"

"What is it?"

"It is rare to see you marching around finding comrades in peril. Usually, the ANBU and other medics, by Shizune's lead takes care of it."

The shadow user is surprised when Tsunade turned around to smile reassuringly.

"Nara Shikamaru, I can't afford losing my best men by entrusting this to them alone. After all, I remain the best medic in the village."

The young Nara sighed in relief as he was consoled about the Godaime's presence, since the Hokage only leaves Konoha if the happenings outside really needs her.

"Tenten. Tenten. Can you hear me?"

Tenten stirred in her sleep, struggling to open her eyes despite the early hour. Someone is calling her. The voice is familiar, but the tone is not something she is used to… It sounded of apology… and regret. A hand reached to cradle her cheeks gently. Groggily, the weapons mistress forced her eyes open. In front of her is the person she most longs to see.

"Welcome home, Neji."

The Hyuuga cracked a small smile. "You are a good wife to me, Tenten. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Go back to sleep… I'm sorry I disturbed your rest."

"No, no, I don't mind at all. I'm glad you're safe." Tenten said as her husband tucked her to bed. Neji caressed her hair, gazing at her until she fell asleep. Sighing, he placed a chaste kiss on her lips softly as not to wake her up.

"I am sorry… I have always hurt you…"

Tsunade stared in shock at the scene before her. Trees uprooted, craters formed, blood everywhere… and Itatchi Uchiha's body lying on the ground. When she finally regained composure, she observed the area critically, looking for hints of the sharingan wielder's death. Several scattered weapons. A good scroll or two. Body seems to have no critical wound. Only one person is capable of this… Interestingly, bloody footprints can be seen from the Uchiha heading to the nearby forest…

"Search the area thoroughly. It is highly possible to find the body of our last comrade missing."

The Hokage remained at the clearing to survey the circumstance. "Bloody hell… what would the clan say? His wife? I'm in for a long explanation… I hope he's still…

...alive."

A/N: So... the end. If you have read this far, I want to thank you for following my entire fic. I have a sequel for this that won't be up for a long time - that is, until my academic load lightens up - so I apologize for those who are expecting. Just please visit my profile page every three months or so.