* Naruto's Point of view *

A week later, Sai was released from the hospital and I was driving to pick him up.

Our roles were exchange, huh!

I parked the car and excitedly ran up to his ward. "Sai, how are you feeling?" I greeted as I entered his ward, seeing him already awake and packed. "I'm alright, thanks for asking." He smiled as he carried his bag. I snatched the bag from him and helped him carry it to the car. Why is he so nice to me? He's making me feeling even more guilty! I dumped the bag in the back and helped Sai get in the car. As I started the engine, I looked at the rearview mirror, meeting Sai's eyes. "I'm very sorry, Sai. For everything that has happened. Truly I am." I turned around to apologize to him face to face.

He once again smiled, "It's fine, I'm still alive. Aren't i? I'm sure you didn't mean to pull that trigger anyway." He kindly replied, understanding what happened. I immediately wailed. "GODDAMMIT, SCOLD ME HIT ME DO SOMETHING! YOU'RE MAKING ME FEEL SO FUCKING BAD!" I poured my heart out, regretting my mistake a thousand times more.

Just then Sakura called me, I looked at my phone to see her name and my eyes beamed with joy. She's finally forgiven me?! Maybe my life is starting to go back on track again. "Hi! Yes, dear? Have you finally forg-"

"Naruto, go to the west avenue now! A group has started a gang attack on your people!" Sakura hurriedly informed me through the phone. I was surprised, no one had guts to try and take over my territory. Who is behind all these recent events against me? I stepped on the pedal and sped to west avenue to check out what the fuck was going on.

I parked the car a good distance away from the fight, "Sai, you stay in the car." I commanded as I slowly opened the car's door. I was a few blocks away but I still had them in sight. Guns were blazing and people were killing one another. "No, Naruto. Don't go out there, it's dangerous!" Sai grunted in pain as he attempted to stop me. I took out a pistol I had in the car's glove compartment. "I have to go. This is my gang!" I shut the door as soon as I said it. But before I could press the lock button, Sai exited the car as well. I grunted, "Just get back in the car. You don't have a gun!"

"No, Naruto! It's my job to protect you!" He fought back with me.

Then suddenly someone shot at my car's window. It was a clear shot between Sai and I. It couldn't be a regular shooter. It had to be a sniper.

"Shit! Run!" As soon as I said it, Sai jumped in front of me and another shot was fired.

Sai's body was hit so hard he flew backwards and landed on me. I was shocked, I couldn't stomach what had just happened. I quickly opened my car's door, squatting and carried Sai into it. He was bleeding profusely, I stepped on it and raced to the nearest hospital. I tried to have one hand applying pressure on the wound and the other hand on the wheel.

"Please, Sai. PLEASE. STAY WITH ME." I sobbed. It wasn't just a regular attack. The person behind it was extremely cunning and clever. He used the attack as a decoy and distraction me. He planned to kill me while I was focused on the attack. Fuck! I banged my hand against the wheel while I made a mad dash to the hospital. Who could have done this? I haven't offended anyone recently. Who would want me dead? Think, think!

It has to be Shino! He must be still breathing. That bastard, I knew I shouldn't give him a chance to live. But is Shino really that capable and intelligent? Could he have really been the one behind this?

Sai was direct to the emergency room immediately and I just had to sit outside impatiently while explaining to the cops we were attacked at west avenue by the gang members.

And then all I could do was wait with his blood soaked into my clothing.