Never Urge Kindness on Those Whose Pain You Haven't Known

When Sakura saw Sasuke leave with such resolve, she immediately went to report him to Tsunade. But "Sasuke" doubled back and knocked her unconscious before she could.

The next morning, Sakura woke to find herself and Naruto lying in the bushes. After a panicked check of herself, she hurried to the Hokage's Office.

Naruto followed behind her, looking "shaken," while thinking to himself:

Good thing I kept my voice down when I spoke to Sasuke yesterday. Sakura couldn't have heard me. Otherwise, I really would've had to bring myself to deal with her.

In the Hokage's Office.

When Tsunade heard that Sasuke had defected, disbelief and anger swept across her face.

Her first thought was of what Orochimaru had said when he came to her to have his arms healed.

"That twisted bastard really did make his move on Uchiha!"

Tsunade slammed her fist onto the desk, splitting the solid wood in two.

Tenzo (Yamato), the Anbu member standing guard in the shadows, could only sigh inwardly:

Damn you, Orochimaru and Danzo. You didn't create me just to plant trees around Konoha and make desks and benches, did you?

If Naruto could have read minds, he would surely have belted out, "Your eldest uncle, your second uncle—they're both your uncles! Tall desks, short benches—they're all your wood!"

After splitting the desk, Tsunade quickly settled on a plan. She summoned Shikamaru and gave him and Naruto immediate promotions:

"Based on the strength and ability you showed in the Chunin Ninja Exams, you're both Chunin as of today."

Tsunade continued:

"Sasuke left the village last night. He's probably headed for Otogakure."

"Wait a minute. Why would Sasuke do that?" Shikamaru asked, shocked and confused.

Tsunade glanced at the silent Naruto and chose her words carefully. "Orochimaru must have lured him away."

"But