Chapter 21

Naruto jerked upright, spitting dirt from his mouth. He couldn't see anything from the dust cloud that surrounded him and his father.

"Hey!" the ninja shouted. "Is everyone alright?"

The Hokages groaned, Juugo pulling a slightly dazed Sasuke from the rubble he was trapped under with Tobirama. It was then they came to realize, along with the stunned army a bit further away, that they had won. The enemy had been defeated. Obito's dream was not realized. The Ten-Tail had been destroyed.

"Yeah!" the knucklehead cheered in joy. A 'whoop' also leaving his lips and falling onto his back in exhaustion. They had survived.

"Where's Mai?" Sasuke grunted. His arm stung from the amount of chakra that had been pulsing through the limb to enhance the Lightning Jutsu.

"I'll find her," Juugo said.

Moving from the Uchiha the young man searched through the destruction in the area she had last been seen. He found the Be Fong half buried under the rubble, legs pinned. Juugo began digging, soon joined by Sasuke as the Phantom Ninja was hoisted free. She begun to stir from being jostled, blearily looking around to figure out what happened. Upon seeing the once enemies, a strained laugh escaped Mai's lips in mild disbelief that this was all over. From the absent look of fear and edge in their expressions it was clear who the victors were.

Then the Be Fong's laugh began to change. It almost sounded like she was shaking, choking for breath. Blood began to trickle from the corner of the lips, face growing paler by the second. Something was wrong as Juugo propped the teen up against a bent leg so she was half in his lap offering support. The young man pressed the back of his hand against the teen's forehead.

"S-Shit," the Be Fong stammered out. Her whole body seemed to be vibrating as it shook from the lingering effects of what happened. "That w-w-was im-p-pressive."

"She's burning up," Juugo stated, bringing away the hand.

It was the stress of using that amount of chakra in such a short period of time. Everything was beginning to shut down at an alarming rate trying to conserve whatever energy was left. And it wasn't much.

"What do we do?" Sasuke quickly questioned.

By now the resurrected Hokages and Naruto were gathering around them, confused as to what was going on.

"She needs chakra, but not an alarming amount at once. That could end up killing her faster. This needs to be done slowly and with precision."

But everyone present was already low. Teetering on the brink of life and death themselves.

"She can take some of mine," Sasuke didn't hesitate.

Juugo cocked a brow. "You're not exactly fit yourself for the job."

"I'm not about to have you offer up your chakra either," the Uchiha snapped.

"That wasn't even a thought in my mind."

The side effects that plagued the young man from the curse mark sealed inside him would taint the Be Fong's own, should they attempt a transfer between them. And could quite possibly turn her into one of Orochimaru's test subjects that had been given the seal. The results would not be what they hoped for.

"Just tell me what to do, Juugo. This is no longer up for discussion."

Sasuke reached for her to take the lead. Mai grasped at him desperately with surprising strength in the still good arm. Her only lifeline. The Uchiha instantly returned the grip, not daring to let go.

"Now," Juugo instructed. "Slowly pump chakra into your fingertips to transfer her body. The dormant Chakra Strings should take over from there, absorbing it, much like what happened with Obito. I will let you know when to increase and decrease the flow."

The Uchiha nodded staring his childhood friend in the eye. He could see a hint of fear in her expression. It was nothing like when her arm lay limply at her side unattached. Still, it was an emotion he did not wish to see her express.

"Ease up a bit," Juugo spoke up.

None dare to speak to the Uchiha, observing as he watched over the ninja carefully, not daring to look away. Those from Team Taka needed to focus in order for this to work. Otherwise, they'd lose another ally, despite the war being won. And after all of Mai's sacrifices to aid their efforts, she did not deserve to die.

Kakashi, Sakura, and Sai approached. Witnessing the sight before them and understanding what was transpiring. The Be Fong's life hung in the balance. The pink-haired shinobi went to move forward and assist when the Jounin stopped her.

"They know what they're doing," Kakashi reassured. "Trust them."

"I should help–"

"You've done enough, Sakura. Just wait a moment."

Mai continued to gasp and wheeze like a sick person trying to gain a proper breath. Sasuke to pull the ninja's hand against his chest allowing the Be Fong to feel the rise and fall of each breath.

"Calm down," he instructed. "Follow me."

It was hard as the pain only increased forcing Mai's eyes to squeeze shut tightly, brows pinching as agony washed over her features.

"Don't look away from me."

It was a struggle to do what he asked.

"Sasuke..." she barely managed out.

The Uchiha shifted them so the Be Fong was now fully in his embrace. Held tightly to his chest.

"Don't die on me yet, Mai..." he muttered lowly for only her to hear.

"Can't... rid of me... that easy..."

He would have laughed, but only held her tighter.

"Too much," Juugo's voice cut in. Forcing the Uchiha to retreat some of his chakra.

So this is what Mai had become in his absence. And the same could be said for Naruto as well. Still, the Be Fong had passed them all, not being a Tailed Beast. His jaw tensed. This was what she was capable of. In a sense it made him feel weak having been unable to protect the teen. Her brushes with death were his fault because he was not there from the beginning. And though they had all worked together in the end to eliminate Obito to save the Shinobi World... it had really been Mai's final attack alongside their own that had tipped the scale. Using Obito's own dark chakra against himself. Sasuke had never seen anything like it before.

"The question is which of you will continue to become more powerful and break all logical boundaries. And possibly be viewed as a God amongst mortals."

The answer to Itachi's question was very clear to see now. It was Mai. And with more thought Sasuke realized it always had been. A part of him realized Itachi had known all along too. It was something else his brother said to push him to grow stronger as a ninja. To have someone to compare with in order to test his own strength.

"Your chakra levels are running low," Juugo broke through his train of thought. "You should take a break and have someone else take over."

"Not until she's stable."

The wheezing had died down, but the Be Fong was still trembling.

"You'll end up in a hospital bed alongside her if you don't stop right now."

But Mai was worth it.

A hand touched his shoulder. Sakura had joined his side.

"Let me take over for now, Sasuke," she reassured. "You've done enough."

The Uchiha wanted to protest when the fatigue suddenly washed over him in an instant. He halted his contribution to stop himself from passing out. Mai's eyes had already closed even when he told her not to, but the strain was too great to hold on any longer. Immediately Sakura took over, latching onto what little levels were left in her comrade's body. Then again, the Medical Ninja didn't have much herself, but it would do for the time being.

Meanwhile, the Generals and the Kages, who had been revived from their loss against Madara, assessed those still alive. Regrouping and reporting incidents on the various battlefields to decide how to proceed next.

"That guy was such a bastard," Belva grunted in her report to Tsunade.

The woman was a mess covered in bruises, gashes, and dried blood. Her clothing was tattered as well, exhaustion clear in her eyes. Belva was completely spent.

"But we got him. If it wasn't for Mai pushing through his Edo Tensei form and paralyzing Madara temporarily we would've been massacred."

"What do we do with him?" Hinata asked.

The Bind Squad had the corpse in their custody. Sealed in a dense sand burial, courtesy of Gaara's assistance.

"The Hokages agreed that when the Edo Tensei is released that they will take him with them," Kakashi stated. "They are saying their final goodbyes now."

It was tearful for Naruto, watching as his father's form began to disintegrate before his very eyes. There were so many things he wanted to say to Minato, but there just wasn't enough time. So he settled for,

"Tell Mom not to worry about me! I'm doing just fine here surrounded by my friends. I love you both so much!"

The man smiled, "We love you too, Naruto."

It was as if the pressure in the air had suddenly burst. Every bound corpse turned to dust as their souls returned to the afterlife, the wrappings instantly caving in on themselves. That was when the reality of the situation set in. They had survived and won. There was no longer a need to fight and it made the ninjas breathe a sigh of relief. But their celebration didn't last long having to clean up the countless bodies of their comrades that littered the multiple battlefields. And cart those with injuries to the medical tents for assistance. They were free from fear and annihilation, but at a price. The death toll was unfathomable.

"We need to regroup," Kakashi stated. "Count the wounded and see if they are fit for the long road home. We could all benefit from seeing the comforts of our own Villages."

It was clear to see from where they were that the Alliance was dispersing. And Sasuke knew eventually they'd all be heading home.

"What will you do?" Juugo questioned. "Taka will return to Orochimaru's hideout. We don't belong in a Village."

The Uchiha thought for a moment, staring at Mai's unconscious form. He knew Sakura was sitting there, listening intently to what the answer would be. Even if she was pretending to remain solely focused on the task at hand.

"For now... I will return to the Leaf..." Sasuke said. He would be sure that nothing happened to Mai. "And I will go from there."

The young man nodded. "Understood. I support your decision."

The answer surprised the Medical Ninja greatly, not expecting it. He wanted to return. For now, a small voice noted in the back of her mind. Still, Sasuke was coming home to the Leaf after all these years. Maybe there was hope that he truly had changed for the better, no longer set on vengeance. Her thoughts went instantly to the Be Fong. She'd be so relieved when she woke up. At least, that's what Sakura hoped. There was no telling what kind of mood the ninja would be in upon waking at the sight of the Uchiha.

Sakura's hands pulled away. "We can move her now."

"Are you sure?"

The Medical Ninja nodded. "Mai's stable, but will still need to be seen to by Shizune and Lady Tsunade."

Grunting, Sasuke struggled to stand. He was wobbly on his feet for a moment and Juugo offered to carry the Be Fong. The Uchiha refused. He wouldn't let her out of his sight.

None were fit for travel that day as more tents were erected and cots were set up. Those that had been evacuated returned and came to their aid helping every ninja to a bed so all could sleep. Sasuke nearly collapsed on top of his childhood friend upon placing her down. Completely exhausted himself. Even if there wasn't any room on the one-person cot, it still appeared comfortable. He barely cared at this point.

"Off to bed with you, before you pass out where you stand," a Medical Ninja stated.

The Uchiha glared weakly, heavy feet dragging to the cot beside the Be Fong. He had just caught sight of the Hokage and Shizune gathering at Mai's bedside to assess her old and recent injuries. Sasuke couldn't hold on any longer feeling Juugo's presence beside him and slipped into unconsciousness, never taking his eyes off of Mai.

When everything began coming back was when the aching hit. It was an uncomfortable feeling that seemed to build as the seconds ticked by and soon the Be Fong couldn't stand it anymore. Brows pinching and a low groan escaped dry lips. Oh God, why did everything hurt? It never had this much before. But then the events of the war came rushing back. Mai realized she was lucky to even be breathing. Having used that much chakra should have killed her. Along with absorbing that amount of Obito's dark chakra. But someone saved her from the brink.

Sasuke.

The familiar feeling of his hand in hers and his warmth coursing with chakra. A part of her couldn't believe the Uchiha actually saved her life, and then another part was grateful. The ninja's eyes slowly slipped open not finding the battlefield. In fact, it was the familiar walls of the Konoha hospital. There was no tent, or dirt, or destruction. They were finally home. Mai wondered how long she had been unconscious.

It was through the aches that sprang up at any sign of movement, the Be Fong realized that there was one area that felt nothing. Glancing to the right, the arm lay limply on top of the sheets. Even when she tried to force it to do something there was no reaction. The skin was wrapped in bandages up to the shoulder with various medical patches covered in seals placed in multiple areas. Judging by the contents they were chakra and herbal suppliers attempting to mend the broken nerves. Especially around the area that had been severed. At least they were trying to save it.

The door quietly opened as Sakura slipped in. The Medical Ninja grinned at the sight of the conscious Be Fong. "We missed you," were the first words from her lips. "Welcome back."

Mai gave her a small lazy smile. "How long has it been?"

Even her voice was scratchy from lack of water and use. Sakura instantly offered the Phantom Ninja water, helping her drink.

"A few weeks. Everyone's gone home. The wounded are being accommodated, the dead... have been laid to rest... and the world is safe again."

Peace. It was a word they hadn't used in a long time. But it had a nice ring to it. "What's the verdict, doc?"

Sakura snickered. "You've strained all the muscles in your body. The only reason they are holding so well together is because of your Chakra Strings, so you should be thankful for that. Still, you will need to remain in bed until you regain movement in your legs. I take it you're in pain."

"The aching is annoying as hell."

"I bet."

"And my arm?"

Sakura's eyes traveled to the limb. "You have to understand that's going to be a long process. No missions for the next few months... maybe a year. But there isn't a doubt in my mind you'll beat those odds. Your nerves have no reaction when we tested them with chakra. Obito severing it did a lot of damage. And the fact that you did not seek immediate medical attention."

"We were a little busy."

"Yes, I know. I can't scold you on that."

The Medical Ninja moved to the right side of the bed to rewrap the skin. The surface wasn't too mangled looking, saved for the browning line that was fading into a permanent scar.

"How are you?" Mai wondered. "How did you fair?"

"Exhaustion hit me the hardest, didn't wake up for a few days myself," Sakura said. "But I'm alive and on the mend." From the corner of her eye, Sakura watched Mai stare out the window. "You've had your fair share of visitors. Everyone's been worried. Hinata left you flowers. They buried Neji."

The Be Fong's brows pinched, turning to look at her teammate in confusion. "Neji?"

The shinobi paused for a moment. "Oh, that's right... you didn't know... He died protecting Hinata and Naruto."

There was a beat of silence. "Fuck," Mai breathed out in disbelief. How had that happened?

"It hasn't been easy. A lot has been lost. But the Kages are intact. The Alliance is strong. We're glad to see you've managed to pull through. Though us from Team 7 never doubted you."

"Team 7..." Mai muttered. "I can't believe we all came together again. That time... it seems like so long ago..."

"I know."

Sakura then helped prop up the pillows shifting the Be Fong so she could sit up instead of stare at the ceiling. Mai was grateful for the assistance.

"Sasuke's still here," the Medical Ninja said. "He's been talking with Kakashi and Naruto since returning." A gentle smile reached her lips. "It doesn't look like he will be tried as a criminal for aiding us."

The Medical Ninja waited to see some kind of reaction to this news, but of course Mai's face was a mask. Merely listened to what she had to say.

"Are you not happy?"

"I'm just surprised he's stuck around for this long," Mai said.

"Well, maybe he'll actually decide to stay now."

"I doubt that."

Sakura blinked in surprise. "Why would you say that? He's come home–"

"Sasuke isn't one to sit around."

And the pink-haired shinobi realized just how true those words are, causing her to sigh heavily. "You know, I should stop doubting your words towards him... you're always right. That's where we're different. Even if he's been gone all this time, you know him better than anyone. He never gave us a chance."

"Can't say it's always nice knowing that much about him," Mai attempted to lighten the mood. "He can be a real pain in my ass."

She knew in a way Sakura was still in love with the Uchiha. That would never change. In a way the Be Fong felt bad for her watching all her attempts to woo him during those years as Genin.

Sakura giggled with a grin in agreement. "I'll come back later with dinner for you. And I'll let the Hokage know you're awake. She'll want to come by and assess your condition. And wants your full report on your war efforts."

"I figured Tsunade would drop by."

"You sure you're up to it?"

"Yeah. I'll be fine... but thanks for asking."

The ninja offered her a smile before leaving. As the silence settled in the Be Fong was left contemplating what happened during the war. All that blood and death, there was so much of it that could drive a person mad. And it made the Be Fong wonder how many had. Why hadn't she? She had placed herself on the front line at every chance and opportunity that presented itself. Faced her former Clan members, her parents. How hadn't she snapped?

"Guess I'm just a freak," the Be Fong muttered to herself with a humorless laugh.

Eyes trailing down to the arm the ninja cocked her head. She heard theories from a conversation between Sakura and Shizune in the ER one evening years ago. It had been after a mission and granted, at the time, neither knew of her position among Phantom. The Be Fong had been present the entire time having brought in one of her partner's that were been severely injured by a bomb – courtesy of a manic rogue that had gone on a killing spree in the west. The theory was that a person could retrain a part of their body to regain motor skills after losing them. If you willed the brain enough to concentrate, reimagined its original use. It could take hours, days, months, depending on the given situation, and in that man's case it had been nearly four months before regaining the use of his foot. It was worth a try, but given the severity this would take more than a few hours to accomplish.

Better get started now–

The door opened again, catching the Be Fong's attention. She wasn't expecting to have any more visitors that day. But it shouldn't have come as any surprise when seeing who it was.

Sasuke.