A Vow Fulfilled: A Leaf Dancing in the Wind
Chapter Twenty-three
We've finally come to the end of a long road. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me and reviewed and made my first story a pleasure to write.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto!
"Over there, with Lady Tsunade-shishou." Sakura replied. she turned to watch a section of of Oto's outer wall collapse. Moving aside, she watched as Narto and Hinata helped the remainder of her sons and daughters into an evacuation unit. Some were still infants, but they would all be given a chance at life in Konoha--far away from Orochimaru's potential influence.
Frowning, she remembered he was still out there. Despite Kakashi's best efforts, he had escaped within Kabuto's body. The Sannin hadn't been seen or heard from in nearly six months...Still.
"What are you thinking about?"
Sakura gasped as a pair of arms circled her waist. Sighing, she replied, "You scared me."
"Did they all make it?" Sasuke asked, resting his chin on top of her head.
"Not a single casualty." Sakura responded.
"I'm happy for you."
"You never told me what Lady Tsunade had to say." Sakura stated after a brief lull in the conversation.
Sasuke thought for a moment.
Sasuke shifted in his bed, waiting for Tsunade. He was nervous and irritable. He had been under ANBU watch for days while he recuperated. He hadn't been permitted to see anyone...not even Sakura--her condition aside. He fully expected to be executed.
The door swung open and Tsunade stepped in, closing it behind her.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Horrible."
"I can only heal physical wounds, Sasuke." She replied.
"I know." He said, laying back.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" Tsunade asked, placing her hand on her hip and tucking the chart under her arm.
He searched for more eloquent words, none forthcoming, he replied, "It was a mistake."
Tsunade tossed her head slighly. "We all make mistakes." She opened the door. "Some decidely larger than others."
He knew he had been unconditionally forgiven. It was more for Sakura than for him, but he would take what he could get.
"A lot. But for right now, I'll be pardoned." He replied.
"Thank goodness." Sakura sighed, resting her head against his chest.
"When we get back to Konoha, I have something to ask you." He said.
"What..?"
He stopped her short, pressing two fingers to her lips. "When we get back."
He turned away, gently fingering the ring in his pocket.
Another section of Oto collapsed.
END