Silence

47. I Couldn't Bring her Back.

The recovery team minus Naruto were admitted to the Hospital. Many of them were sustaining severe injuries. Choji and Neji were in Intensive Care. Kiba wasn't as injured as the others were but his companion, Akamaru was in critical condition.

Shikamaru stood in a corridor with a cast on his arm and few bandages. He was stressing over his comrade's health. Shikaku Nara sat across him, worried about his son.

Shikamaru tried his best to stay strong. Deep inside his mind, he was blaming himself. Hearing footsteps, Shikamaru turned to face Lady Tsunade.

"Shikamaru." She said. Both Shikamaru and his father stood up straight to face their village leader. "The mission didn't go as expected." She said making Shikamaru nod numbly. "But, you did your best." She said flashing him a small smile.

Shikamaru continued to stare at the Grey tiles beneath his feet. "Listen, son, the mission went better than what could have happened," Shikaku said trying to bring his son's spirits back up. "You managed to get your team out. You put-"

He was interrupted by Shikamaru. "Not the whole team." He said as he looked at both the adults with a pained expression. "I didn't bring back Naruto. I needed help from Gaara and his siblings. My team is fighting for their lives and-" He paused before looking back down at the tiles as tears fell out of his eyes. "I couldn't bring her back."

Both the adults looked at Shikamaru is pity. They knew how close Shizukana and Shikamaru was.

"That's true. You failed the mission. As a team leader, you should protect your team while achieving your objective but you failed both." Lady Tsunade said looking at Shikamaru.

"But, we all know that you tried your best. Get some rest. We'll call you when we get more news." Tsunade said as she couldn't help but feel bad for the Nara. She too knew the pain of failing missions and losing loved ones.

Without disobeying, Shikamaru turned around but before he could take a step, loud footsteps were heard.

"Lady Tsunade! Neji Hyuuga and Choji Akimichi are stable." Sakura said running through the corridor. The Hokage sighed in relief. "We also received news from the medic team in the field that Kakashi has recovered Naruto and Shizukana. We have to prepare for critical injuries." She said trying her best to keep her voice steady.

"Well, there you have it. You completed the mission except for the Uchiha. You brought back your team. You've done more than anyone else your age and rank could." Lady Tsunade said to Shikamaru before rushing off with Sakura.

Unable to hold back, Shikamaru sobbed into his hand causing his father to comfort his son. Deep inside his heart, Shikamaru knew he did everything he could.

Outside the hospital.

Lady Shizune, Lady Tsunade, Sakura and a bunch of other nurses and doctors stood ready to receive their patients. They had just received news that Naruto and Shizukana are both in critical condition.

They looked to the group of medics that were headed their way. Everyone was out of breath as they carried the two injured teenagers. Kakashi and a few other Jonin escorted them.

Lady Tsunade and the rest ran to the medics and brought them inside. She assessed the situation. It was horrible. Naruto was in a severe Chakra exhaustion coma while Shizukana was on the verge of bleeding out.

Both Lady Shizune and Lady Tsunade split into two teams. Lady Shizune took over Naruto while the Senju took over Shizukana.

Both Medic ninjas worked their way to stabilize their patients. Naruto's Chakra was replenished but there was a foreign Chakra that Shizune assumed was the Tailed Beast. Normally a Ninja is supposed to have at least a tiny bit of Chakra if they are in Chakra Exhaustion. But in Naruto's case, he didn't have an ounce of natural Chakra.