Chapter 1
In the dimming light of the evening, the gates of Konoha creaked open to reveal a staggering figure. The guards, alert and tense, recognized the silhouette immediately—it was Sasuke Uchiha, one of their own, though he had long walked a solitary path.
"Sasuke!" one of the guards called out, rushing towards him as he clutched his abdomen, dark crimson seeping between his fingers. "What happened?"
Sasuke's onyx eyes, usually so sharp and composed, were clouded with pain as he pushed forward, his voice a strained whisper. "Naruto..."
The word was like a spark in a field of dry grass. Within moments, the village was astir with activity. The guard swiftly supported Sasuke, guiding him towards the Hokage's office while another ran to fetch the two names that had fallen from Sasuke's lips: Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno.
In the Hokage's office, Naruto was in the midst of discussing mission assignments with Kakashi when the door burst open. The urgency in the guard's voice was enough to send a jolt of alarm through both of them.
"It's Sasuke," the guard panted, "He's back... and he's hurt."
Naruto's heart leapt to his throat. Without a word, he bolted from the room, with Kakashi close on his heels, both racing towards the village's entrance. As they arrived, they saw Sasuke leaning heavily against a wall, his face ashen.
"Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed, skidding to a halt beside him. "What happened to you?"
Sasuke's gaze met Naruto's, the bond between them wordless yet profound. "Ambush... didn't expect it," he managed to say before his knees buckled.
Kakashi stepped forward, his experienced eyes quickly assessing the wound. "We need to get him to Tsunade, now."
As if summoned by her name, Tsunade, accompanied by Sakura, arrived at the scene. Sakura's medical expertise was second only to Tsunade's, and her eyes widened in shock upon seeing Sasuke's condition.
"Sakura, we need to stabilize him before we move him," Tsunade instructed calmly, her voice betraying none of the concern that flickered in her eyes.
Sakura nodded, her hands glowing with green chakra as she knelt beside Sasuke. "Sasuke, you're going to be okay," she said, her voice steady as she worked to heal the worst of the bleeding.
Naruto watched, feeling a tumultuous mix of relief and fear. He reached out, taking Sasuke's hand in his own, offering silent support.
Sasuke's eyes softened, a silent thank you passing between them before he turned his head to the side, spotting Hinata and Sakura standing together, their concern evident. "Hinata... Sakura..."
Hinata stepped forward, her Byakugan deactivated but her worry clear. "We're here, Sasuke. You're safe now."
Sakura gave Sasuke's shoulder a gentle squeeze, her other hand still focused on healing. "Don't talk, conserve your strength," she said softly.
As Sakura's healing chakra worked its magic, Sasuke's breathing eased, and the tension began to leave his body. Naruto remained by his side, steadfast, while Kakashi watched over them with a protective gaze.
Once the immediate danger had passed, Tsunade directed the group to the hospital. "We'll take it from here. Naruto, Sakura, you've done well."
As Sasuke was carried away on a stretcher, Naruto and Sakura exchanged a look of shared relief. They knew the road to recovery would be long, but with the support of their friends and the unbreakable bonds they shared, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay