_
Arc II: Sand
_
Chapter Eight
A perv, A sloth, A genius and A medic: Perfect combination?
The moment she stepped inside the Hokage’s office, Sakura’s mouth fell agape.
“Oh, there you are.” Tsunade calmly addressed her student with both hands folded on the table.
Sakura blinked when she saw Hatake Kakashi standing silently in front of Tsunade’s table.
All these years of knowing him, not once did he ever manage to come early in mission briefings than her or Naruto or even Sasuke!
She always came first while he came in last with his pathetic excuse of encountering a lost dolphin outside his house.
But this time…
He was earlier than her…
EARLIER THAN HER!
HER!!!
The words echoed thoroughly inside her head.
Is it the end of the world already? She knew she was exaggerating a bit too much but the shock of seeing him like a punctual jounin made her world turn upside down.
“Well, are you just gonna stand there and gape like an idiot?” The blond Hokage commented minus the acrimony. “Come here, Sakura. I don’t have all day!"
She did as what she was told and stood next to her sensei who was smiling underneath his mask. Giving a petulant pout, Sakura fixed her eyes towards the Hokage who was watching the exchange with mild amusement.
“Before we start,” her eyes directly addressed the pink-haired jounin, “I just want you to know that the—events—that happened yesterday is well forgotten by everyone. You need not to worry as what that boy told me.”
Sasuke. She had no idea whether to be grateful or get disappointed at the way he behaved these past few days. But then since she’s up for another mission, that’ll help her escape the tension around Konoha. The chances of seeing Sasuke again will be thin… at least for awhile. And he’s the last person she wanted to see right now.
“So, about the mission.” Kakashi immediately interfered after noticing how Sakura indulged herself on la-la land.
“Yes,” Tsunade nodded, “A messenger from Sand came yesterday and delivered a request letter from the Kazekage. As you can see, a suspicious group was spotted lurking around their border. The said group injured a lot of jounins from the Wind country. An attack from the enemies occurred three days ago and Sand’s quite desperate for more medics to treat their men.”
“Why?” Sakura asked. The request letter was just—odd on some point.
“It’s because at the same time, an epidemic spread and most of the children caught it. The Kazekage fears that the epidemic and the unseen enemies might damage the Sand Village greatly.”
“So, they have no idea who’s running the group?” Like Sakura, Kakashi found it quite unusual. If Sand wasn’t able to detect whoever’s attacking them, then that only means it was no ordinary group. Could it be? Then he quickly ignored his preceding thoughts, Not possible… Sasuke already killed him. So as what he said… but even he doubted the fact that Uchiha Itachi’s dead. It just came out of Sasuke’s mouth when he returned, tattered and worn-out. He said he killed his brother and that’s that. After his proclamation, everyone believed his words. Kakashi wasn’t so convinced though. Even the Hokage did not believe him at first and still sent a search party for the Akatsuki’s. But for the past few years, they hadn’t heard nor seen any of them. They disappeared… all of them. Did Sasuke really kill his brother?
“None. These rebels move in stealth. Sand’s threatened by them.”
“I’m one of the medics you’re going to send, huh?” Sakura cocked her head on the side. Good. She needed to get away from here.
“Yes, along with your team of four.” Tsunade referred to the interns Sakura was handling in the hospital. “Kakashi, Neji and Shikamaru will accompany you there.”
“All three of them?” Sakura was a little surprised at this.
“Yes. All three of them.” The Hokage confirmed, “I can’t risk our own medics. We need them as much as the other villages do.” Sighing, she went on, “Now for the strategy. As usual, do not use the straight route.” Her finger directed a circular motion until it reached the border.
“We’ll circle around to avoid confrontations.” Kakashi agreed on the plan as she continued. This was the best way to avoid attracting too much attention.
“Exactly.” Rolling the map again, Tsunade dropped the paper on the side of her table, “Once you reported to the Kazekage, Hatake, Nara and Hyuuga will report back to me as soon as possible.” Her eyes immediately caught Sakura’s, “Stay there for a week and then come back here and give me the initial report personally. With the trouble Sand’s facing right now, I don’t trust anyone sending vital information without them pilfering it.” She noticed the look on her student’s eyes, “You know what I mean.”
Sakura nodded. Orochimaru was still hiding somewhere around Wind country. Who knows? Maybe he was the one who planned those attacks against Sand. Perhaps even the epidemic was his cause too. It’s possible… that man is evil.
“Anything else?” Kakashi interrupted.
Tsunade gave a long sigh. She’d been giving orders since the moment she woke up this morning, “Just do what I instructed you to do and everything will be fine.”
“Clear.”
“When do we leave?” Sakura asked after removing her gaze away from the map and into her superior’s.
Tsunade smiled, “Tomorrow.”
**
After the briefing, both jounins walked out and headed home in silence. Kakashi was happy to walk her home of course. The smile on his face was enough proof.
“What are you smiling at?” he gave her an innocent look but that failed miserably.
His eyebrow arched at her, “Is it a crime to smile once in awhile?”
Sakura looked at him and then shook her head, “Whatever it is, it better not be me.”
“What do you mean?” the man faked innocence.
The pink-haired nin blatantly accused, “You’re looking at me.”
“Aren’t you a little high of yourself? What makes you think I’m looking and smiling at you?” the moment he said those words, he immediately regretted it and mentally kicked himself. The way she looked away with—what?—disappointment in her eyes made him realize that he offended her.
Sakura had no idea why but her heart sank when he said that. Yeah… I’m not worth your smile… everyone knows that… For someone who bickered with him for years and been slapped with a witty remark right in the face, she’s acting kind of strange. She’s supposed to be used to it by now! But why am I so disappointed? Then her inner voice immediately answered, Perhaps you’re expecting him to shower you with honeyed words and phrases until you melt like a puddle of goo. Sakura, I think you’re starting to fall— Sakura immediately stopped herself from thinking further before she realized something she will regret.
Kakashi noticed her stop and this made him feel guiltier. Could she be that upset?
“Sakura?”
Snapping out from her trance-like-state, her eyes sought his and they looked at each other for a moment that seemed like eternity. Finding this quite ridiculous, Sakura cleared her throat and forced her eyes away from his.
What was that?
“You can stop imitating me now. Walk, Kakashi.” She herself wasn’t sure if her voice sounded normal.
Her voice brought him out of his stupor and noticed Sakura walking way ahead. With a sigh, he went to follow closely behind her.
There was silence again. Though this time, Sakura appreciated it. She’s not even sure if she’ll be able to talk without stuttering in front of him.
“How are you now?” Kakashi felt the need of using his voice.
“What?” she asked, quite confused and then understood what he really was asking. Realization dawn her and then replied, “Oh, yeah I’m fine.”
“And your parents?”
Finally, the tension broke the minute she recalled her encounter with her parents that morning.
“You will never believe what happened,” she started and began telling him how her parents acted like nothing occurred yesterday. Just like what everybody else is doing.
“Hm, I guess Sasuke’s really serious about clearing both of your names.” That was good of course.
Sakura nodded, “Now I’m compelled to thank him.” Her eyes lowered, “That’s the least thing I could do.” Then she turned to him, “Have you seen him, by the way?”
Kakashi shook his head, “No, I haven’t.”
Sakura nodded, “I see.” She was half disappointed, half glad she didn’t see Sasuke today. That would be awkward.
They continued walking until they reached the familiar intersection. Both separated their ways the moment Sakura convinced Kakashi not to walk her home.
Her parents might not like seeing their daughter who’s supposed to marry yesterday with another man.
A former sensei or not. She couldn’t risk the chances.
**
“WHAT??” A female voice shrieked so loud, all the birds sleeping on their nests flew away in alarm.
“It’s a mission, woman! What am I supposed to do?” a bored, drawling voice retorted back.
“YOU’VE JUST RETURNED AND YOU’RE GOING AWAY AGAIN?? I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU!”
“Again, I said—It’s-a-mission! I can’t refuse the Hokage! She’ll kill me!”
“YOU AND YOUR STUPID EXCUSES! JUST SAY IT! YOU DON’T LOVE ME ANYMORE! YOU DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT WHAT I FEEL!”
“Oh, don’t start on me again…” the voice almost pleaded.
“I HATE YOU, YOU LAZY JERK! GET OUT! GET OUT!” and then the female cried, just as loud as she shrieked.
“Gladly!”
Slamming the door behind him, Shikamaru grunted as he stepped outside the wintry afternoon. “Women, so troublesome…” he grumbled to himself as he scratched the back of his head in annoyance. Up until now he had no idea how he ended up with that loudmouth.
Oh yeah, because you love her you big, lazy idiot.
And now he wondered WHY?
She maybe a loudmouth but she’s still caring and loving when she’s not mad.
Except her being a noisy, blonde bitch attitude weighed heavier than her good traits.
“I knew I got the right house.”
Shikamaru almost tripped backwards from the sudden intrusion, “N-Neji?? Goddammit, don’t go appearing like that again! You spooked the shit out of me!”
The other ghosted a smile, his colourless eyes watching Shikamaru twitch with mild amusement, “Did I?”
Shikamaru snarled at his witty reply, “What are you doing here?” then his eyes narrowed, “How’d you find me?”
Neji shrugged, “Easy. I just had to follow her voice.” He tipped his head towards the apartment behind him.
And then it just occurred to Shikamaru that he was blatantly kicked out of HIS OWN apartment! Ticked by this fact, Shikamaru felt like destroying something yet too lazy to do so. “I’d better steal that extra key from her.” He muttered as numerous ideas of stealing the key of his apartment flashed his mind.
“Did you say something?” Neji’s brows arched.
“Nothing!” Shikamaru snapped. He was definitely NOT in the mood. “So, what are you doing here?” it’s not everyday he was visited by the Hyuuga genius. Yeah, they’ve been on missions together before but none of them still considered each other as friends to visit each other’s home. A team mate, or probably an acquaintance is more acceptable.
“Sakura said we’ll meet in the bridge by dawn.” Neji then added, “Hokage-sama’s orders.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Shikamaru waved a dismissive hand, “If there’s anyone she should remind about time… that would be Kakashi.” Looking at Neji, he asked, “Anything else?”
Neji kept his straight face. That smile he showed a few minutes ago (yeah right!) was a mistake. But seeing Shikamaru’s pallor face was worth his amusement. He couldn’t help it. “No, that’s it.” Making a gesture that he’s about to leave, Neji said, “See you tomorrow.” And with that, he started walking away.
Fifteen steps, he counted, until he heard his familiar voice call out to him, “H-hey! Wait!”
Neji stopped his steps and looked over his shoulder. The look of apathy was still there though he’s curiousness of what Shikamaru was up to was not.
“Where are you going?” Shikamaru dumbly asked.
“Home.” Neji internally winced. He lived there, yes, but he didn’t belong there. It was Hinata’s home, not his.
“Let’s get a drink before we risk our asses off tomorrow.” Shikamaru said and started walking ahead. Actually, the real reason was that he was avoiding Ino for the rest of the night. Going home drunk will save him from her unbearable nagging.
Neji frowned, “I haven’t agreed yet.”
Shikamaru offhandedly shrugged his shoulders, “You have no other choice.”
“We have a mission tomorrow.” Neji weakly protested.
“As I said no-other-choice.”
Clear eyes widened and then narrowed. This Nara boy does have a lot of air in him. Finding that he had-as what Shikamaru said no-other-choice, Neji followed closely behind.
A little drinking wouldn’t hurt.
At least, that’s what he hoped.
Having a hangover while in a mission’s definitely inappropriate.
**
The next day, everyone gathered on the bridge the moment dawn struck. Well, all except for...
“Kakashi…” Sakura’s brow twitched irritably. Her morning was obviously destroyed. Noting that Kakashi wasn’t the only who failed to meet the scheduled time.
Even Shikamaru and Neji are late!
Hyuuga Neji, of all people!
“Haruno-san, we’re falling way behind the schedule. Do you think we should leave now?” one of the medics she was handling asked timidly. Everyone could see how pissed off their superior was.
“As much as I want to, we can’t.” sighing, she hoped Tsunade-sama assigned more punctual jounins to accompany them instead. “We can’t travel without them. Hokage’s orders.”
“But the sun’s already up!” another medic whined.
Sakura apologetically shook her head, “Give them five more minutes and then we leave.” But inside, she was already fuming. How can they be so unprofessional??
As if on cue, three figures emerged from the horizon.
“They’re here!” she heard someone said behind her.
“Finally!” another one commented.
Neji was the first one to arrive from the three, looking a bit tired.
Shikamaru was not far behind him, looking as tired as Neji.
And finally, Kakashi appeared. An apologetic smile already plastered on his face.
That git. Sakura gave him a disapproving look.
Neji passed by her and she was about to open her mouth to ask what was wrong though he beat her up to it.
“Don’t ask.” He said while rubbing his temple. The headache wouldn’t go away and he had no idea if he could ever function well on their trip to Fukuoka.
Shikamaru came next and again, Sakura did the same only to be silenced by his hand.
As Kakashi neared, he grinned widely and said, “Funny story. This morning two—”
“Dolphins.” Sakura supplied, quite ticked off. Her arms were crossed while she tapped her foot on the ground.
As if to tease her more, he cocked his head on the side, “I was going to say penguins this time.”
Sakura glared at him, hard, “Whatever.”
“Hm, somebody’s not in the mood today.” Kakashi commented as he started to lead the way. His smirk grew wider when he felt her eyes burning holes on the back of his neck.
**
“Naruto?”
A cheeky grin smeared all-over the blonde’s face, “’bout time you showed up!”
The other grunted, “You just love telling me that.”
“Pfft!” crossing his arms angrily, Naruto replied, “Well, I wouldn’t if you stop hiding away from everyone.”
Onyx eyes glared him down, “I wasn’t hiding.”
“…right.” Jumping off a rather large boulder outside the Uchiha residence, Naruto once again gave that big sunny smile, almost blinding Sasuke until his eyes burned into ashes. “In case you didn’t know, it’s been three days since you became cooped inside that house of yours.”
“It’s been that long?” Sasuke most mused to himself. With all the thinking he did just caused time fly by so fast.
“So I believe that we should go out and spar!” smirking, the blonde haughtily continued, “I bet with all the sitting and sleeping you did back there sore that sorry ass of yours.”
In return, Sasuke regarded him coolly, “And what makes you think I’ll go spar with you, dobe? Not worth my time.”
“And moping for three days straight is a lot more meaningful??” the other snapped loudly.
“Maybe…”
“Gah! You’re an asshole!”
Sasuke smirked, as usual finding victory with their petty argument was easy enough. It had always been like this; Naruto challenging him into a fight, yelling, insulting, and screaming even shrieking at some point when Naruto was finally over the edge. Seeing him all riled up just makes his day.
But today was different.
Despite of how much he tried to pretend he hated Naruto, his physical and mental being refused to do so.
It was odd, really.
“Don’t worry.” Naruto said, “She’s not here. No one will remind her of that day anymore.”
Who’s not here? Sasuke’s brows frown turned deeper, “What do you mean?”
“Sakura’s out in a mission. It’ll probably be a long before she comes back.”
“What?” now, the Uchiha genius was glaring daggers, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Naruto gave him a ‘duh-you’re-so-stupid’ look, “You wanted to brood alone, remember?”
“I wasn’t brooding,” Sasuke reasoned out, “I was just trying to regain my hon—”
“Before you finish that sad remark for an excuse, I want to ask you something.” Seeing that Sasuke’s expecting him to continue, he said, “What did you tell to Sakura that day—” then he faltered, feeling awfully uncomfortable, “—you know—that day you went after her.”
“Why do you want to know?”
“Because she’s my friend.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
Sasuke stared at him for a moment. A long pause occurred and then…
“What makes you think I will tell you?”
“Because I’m-your-friend!” Naruto never thought Sasuke would reach the limit of annoying him up to the boiling point. But then, this is Sasuke we’re talking about. He’s been doing it ever since, always getting the rise out of him and such.
“It’s none of your business.” He said and started walking pass the loud blonde but failed when a hand shot through to grab his arm. Turning his head, he saw something that made his eyes unusually widen.
Naruto was beyond the point of joking. He was not looking directly at him but he could tell he was upset. Maybe he pushed the buttons a little too much? What’s so surprising about that?
Hm, the fact that they jumped from one friendly conversation to an argument surprised him.
“It’s my fucking business, Sasuke and you know it.” Then his hand moved and grabbed Sasuke by the collar. His eyes flashed dangerously towards him. “I may look like I don’t care but if you EVER do that to her again, I’ll kill you!” Ever since Sasuke returned from his mission, he noticed how oddly Sakura had been acting and it worried him. He knew there was something going on and there was only one person he knew who could cause so much trouble. Sasuke.
When he learned that Sasuke forced Sakura to marry him for an heir, he did not bother to intrude. He thought since Sakura once loved Sasuke, she’d learn to love him soon as they got married. But he was wrong. Sakura wanted nothing with the Uchiha but still he persisted. It was so wrong.
Sasuke knew he was supposed to take the situation seriously. But then being a prick as he was, he flaunted a taunting smirk, “Well, is that a challenge, dobe?”
“SASUKE!”
“I don’t care what you think. Let go of me and get out of my way.”
The fist on his collar shook. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Naruto muttered, “Why are you doing this to her?”
Somehow, the intensity within Naruto’s eyes put him into shame. Fighting the urge to continue their glaring contest, Sasuke finally gave up and looked away.
Naruto just blinked.
He didn’t understand. Sasuke never backed off from anything.
Was that—guilt in his eyes? The blonde could never tell for the Uchiha prodigy made sure his eyes were well-hidden beneath his bangs.
“I don’t know either…”
TBC