Chapter Ten

Sakura’s teaching strategy

This is stupid. For the last six hours of travelling, the medic nin continuously chanted the same words inside her pink head. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Ever since they left the last campsite, the situation at hand bothered her to the brink of insanity. It was confusing and frustrating all at the same time! Why is he avoiding me?? Green eyes swiftly glared on the said man’s back. Glaring for hours caused immense headache on her part and up until now she couldn’t figure out what she had done to make someone so upset, to the point where he ignored her. Or mainly, thought of the possible ways to avoid her. It was maddening and all she wanted to do was to jump at him, strangle his neck and demand him to tell her what’s going on.

As they ran towards the steep hill, Sakura continuously glared death towards her ex-sensei while musing about methods on how to stop this ridiculous silent-treatment. Ignore me again and I swear I’ll burn that book of yours! She could be evil if she wanted to. And right now, Kakashi was almost begging on his knees for that ultimate transformation. As they passed another set of trees, Sakura replayed their conversation last night. They were talking, teasing, arguing—same old story. And then he stopped, looked into my eyes and brushed my lips and—Sakura immediately swept away those thoughts. Every time she came into that part, she would abruptly pull away and go back to square one. He’s teasing me. He only wants to see how I would react… but then, Kakashi never laughed after that little incident. He just went away and ordered her to go to sleep. If only I can read your mind inside that white muss you call hair, I wouldn’t be so miserable right now.

Miserable as she was, Kakashi paid no heed to it. If this was the only way to prevent himself from treading into territories that were not meant for him, then so be it. It was difficult, pretending that she wasn’t there. Even if he refrained from looking back he always knew she’s standing a few feet behind him, her scent almost tangible despite of the distance, gnawing him raw. She smells nice. He would always say to himself whenever the wind teased his nose with her undeniable fresh flowers scent. In fact, he was starting to get addicted to it.

It seems the copy-nin’s confused with his feelings. His mind was muddled and couldn’t think straight, especially whenever the pink-haired jounin was close by. He didn’t know what to do and that irritated him. He always knew how to handle things and realizing that the universe didn’t want to go his way, he couldn’t help but not to feel pity towards himself. For years he had grown to love Sakura as a friend and not someone he could just throw in bed and make-love to.

Do I love Sakura… have I crossed that line? Kakashi kept asking himself and yet he couldn’t remember. That disappointed him. No… impossible.  I used to be her teacher… It’s taboo… I’ll get beheaded if any—

He was rudely cut-off when Shikamaru yelled, “Village ahead!” everyone stared at him with mild amusement but kept their comments to themselves. Of course everyone knew they’re nearing a village, Kakashi told them an hour before.

Shikamaru ignored the weird looks they sent him and snorted. His eyes trailed towards their so-called leader and the medic running at his side. Actually, the reason he spoke out loud because he wanted to break the irritating tension between the two. They’d been acting strange… no, that’s an understatement… they had been acting weird with the capital W since they left the last campsite. Sakura glaring at Kakashi’s back until she bore holes while the other pretended not to notice. What the hell is wrong with these two?? The desire to ask was unbearable, he could almost imagine himself asking the simple question. When he was about to do so, Neji turned to him and gave a warning glare clearly saying, ‘don’t-you-dare-or-I’ll-kill-you-slow-and-agonizingly’. That effectively stops him.

Neji was not stupid; he’s a genius for goodness sake! He knew exactly what’s going on between the two. Kakashi’s ignoring Sakura while Sakura’s confused why she’s getting the silent-treatment. What surprised him though was the look Kakashi gave him when he neared Sakura. It stunned him and Hyuuga Neji’s not easily stunned by a simple look promising ultimate death. Though, he couldn’t understand why he gave him that look until he recalled what happened last night. Kakashi probably assumed he’s flirting with his woman with him showering her with compliments and everything.

Yes.

His woman.

It was CLEAR as the daylight and the waters in the ocean at noon.

There were gossips about them before. Many people assumed that the two were already going out though both parties denied it and said they were only friends. Some were hopeful that the gossip was true; Ino and Tenten for example, and some others were reproachful with the idea of a student falling in-love with her former teacher. Neji on the other hand didn’t find the idea offending. So what if Kakashi used to be Sakura’s mentor? So what if Kakashi’s older than Sakura? As long as they love each other, there’s nothing wrong with that. If he was in Kakashi’s shoes, he would have—oh no, there he goes again. He’s getting off track—Neji scowled deeply. Even he was getting confused. The tension between the two was contagious; he wanted to get away from them just like everybody else. As soon as we arrive in the village the better. He resolutely said to himself.

**

Once they arrived in the village, they went to the nearest inn to check in. Others went straight to their bedrooms while some decided to enjoy their stay and explore the small village further. There was a festivity held but Sakura was too damn tired to care. Her feet ached and a good night sleep will do to ease the pain. As she went up on the stairs with a couple of trainees behind, Shikamaru hauled both Kakashi and Neji outside and suggested visiting the pub. Neji who wasn’t quite tired at all agreed. Kakashi wasn’t reluctant to accept the offer since he needed some space, way away from Sakura whose room right across his.

Sakura entered her room and dropped on the empty bed with a sigh. She was so tired, both of her arms and legs hurt like hell and her eyes drooped, almost nearing the state of unconsciousness. Sleep… I need sleep… and it didn’t take long before she slipped into the darkness and fell into a deep slumber.

**

The next day however wasn’t so pleasant. Sakura woke up, brushed her teeth, took a bath and readied for another long hours of travelling only to find her three jounins suffering from a massive hang-over in the whole existence of drunkards. They were supposed to meet on the village entrance at seven thirty in order to start their journey by eight. They were delayed, as usual, since the three holy jerks decided to show up one hour and a half late. Sakura was fuming and her trainees backed off to avoid from getting hurt. When they neared, Sakura’s eyes met Kakashi’s and liquid fire poured.

Everyone observed the exchange with curiosity and slight fear. Neji only shook his head, kneading his temples with his forefinger and thumb, angry at himself for letting that Nara boy manipulate him again. Shikamaru however pulled out his bored mask and marched on, joining the cowering medic trainees.

Hatake Kakashi never felt more vulnerable when her eyes met his. She was angry and rest assured she would make anyone feel awful for causing her bad mood. He expected her ranting by now, telling him how foolish and irresponsible he was and that he doesn’t deserve to be their leader. Actually, he would prefer her doing that than saying nothing, which was exactly what she was doing now.

Sakura only glared at him, remembering that she was angry at him for ignoring her yesterday and realizing their situation worsened with Kakashi’s tardiness for the umpteenth time.

“Let’s go.” She turned on her heels and started walking forward. The others took this as a cue but was quite confused who’s their leader now. Kakashi sighed and followed. He really messed up this time.

“Smooth move,” Shikamaru made that dry comment as he walked next to the older jounin, “you didn’t say anything.”

Kakashi fought the urge to snort, “What is there for me to say?”

“A lot.” And with that he left his side, leaving an awfully confused ninja behind. His eyes trailed from Shikamaru towards the person leading the pack.

What is there for me to say? That penguin excuse again? That I really overslept this time? That I was sorry for overreacting and ignoring her for one full day? At that, he felt awfully guilty. Sakura considered him as a close friend, a confidant, a team mate and yet with one awkward moment, he had changed and mistreated her as if she had done the most dreadful thing ever created in this world.

He owed her an apology. And he screwed up by pissing her off.

“Be more articulate,” Neji’s voice said as he passed by him.

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed. This was coming from someone who rarely talks. And then he realized something, Why is everyone passing by me? He looked around and realized he was walking agonizingly slow. Sakura didn’t noticed or probably chose not to notice as she continued walking in hurried steps. Perhaps she was so angry at him; she didn’t care if he was left behind (Like he would ever get left behind!).

They travelled until nightfall with a couple of short stops. They were nearing the next and final village before they reach Sand. Avoiding the enemy through travelling around the country instead of going straight to it was strenuous. Sakura would’ve preferred handling emergency situations in the hospital than this.

They arrived in the village and as the usual routine, they checked in while the boys decided to visit the pub again. Although, Sakura gave Shikamaru an awful time before he convinced her how much they needed to unwind.

“Every village, Shikamaru! Every village you go to pubs and drink only to come back here wasted!” Sakura dug her hands on her hips, reproachfully glaring at her best friend’s boy friend.

“Sakura, we drink booze, we relax, we oversleep for a head start for our journey, is that too hard to understand?” Shikamaru drawled, annoyed that both Kakashi and Neji left him with the sad excuse of unpacking their things. He could use a little help when dealing with the fiery pink dragon of Konoha.

Sakura hated it when Shikamaru treated her as if she was the stupidest girl in the world. “A head start, you say? Ha! Do you think we appreciate waiting outside for two hours? We could’ve left you there, you know? But we can’t since it is the Hokage’s orders that you three, accompany us through our journey!” the shrill of her voice almost made his ears bleed. She was worst than Ino when it comes to nagging. No wonder they’re best friends, Shikamaru mused with a shake of his head.

Sakura raised an eyebrow, “Why are you shaking your head?”

“Nothing,” he quickly dismissed her question, “Look, if you won’t allow us to go to the pub, then will you concede if I tell you to go have a drink with us? I’m sure your minions will appreciate it. Those younglings deserve a break.” His eyes questioningly searched hers, “Are you getting my drift?”

As much as she hated to admit it, Shikamaru was right (as usual). She pitied her trainees and probably enjoying the night will be enough to reward their sacrifices. And besides, Sand was only a few miles away. If ever they wake up late, they’ll still arrive there tomorrow afternoon.

With a sigh, she nodded, “Very well… we will go.” She heard her trainees cheering on the background. She almost forgot about them since they went silent the moment their sensei went into full rage mode again. She sent them a warning glare and automatically, they shut up.

Shikamaru grinned in triumph. At least he ended up victorious with this argument. He never won with Ino before and defeating Sakura was an achievement.

**

Like a typical bar, the place was noisy, crowded and foggy. The moment you stepped in, you can smell the strong tang of cigarettes and alcohol. Sakura scrunched her nose as she squeezed her way through the crowd. She saw both Neji and Shikamaru talking to the bartender but then there was no sign of Kakashi around. She noticed an empty stool next to Shikamaru and assumed that was Kakashi’s seat.

What do I care anyway? She was still angry about Kakashi’s odd behaviour. She was miffed for the fact that his stupid pride was as tall as the Mt. Rushmore version of Konoha; refusing to make the first move and apologize to her. Was that so hard? She was not the one at fault here. Her intentions were good. She was not the one who commenced the silent-treatment. It was all Kakashi’s fault! But why do I feel compelled to approach and talk to him? There was only one answer to that question. She missed him. She missed talking to him. She missed teasing and joking with him. She missed their training and their little game. She had never got the chance to continue that challenge and get the two prices she wanted. His explanation and that grey mask of his. In fact, all she ever wanted to get was his explanation of why he pressed the fact that she was already nineteen after giving a dry comment about his needs. The mask was only a side-dish. But now, she wanted the mask more than the answer she had been demanding from him since day one of their training/challenge… whatever.

“Haruno-san!” a voice called her. She looked around and found Daigaro and the others waving at her at the far table. She smiled and waved back and started walking towards their direction.

She sat down next to the only boy medic in the group and grinned, “Having fun, team?”

They all smiled and nodded. “What took you so long, Haruno-san? You’re an hour late!” Aiko, the youngest trainee asked.

“Will you believe me if I say I was assaulted by ferrets outside my room?” They all just stared at her in silence and Sakura pursed her lips, “Thought so,” she shrugged and drank the serving of sake Daigaro poured for her.

“Forgive me, sensei, but you’re far worse than Kakashi.” Oichi commented but as soon as she said that, she regretted it. After receiving a painful jab from Aiko only then she remembered the tension between the two.

Sakura waved a dismissive hand, “Couldn’t agree more with you. He excels in that department. Sometimes I wonder if he has a black book to jut it all down.”

“Is that the reason why you two are in bad terms—ow!” it was Oichi again but this time, she received a hard kick on the shin by Yuriko, another medic nin.

Sakura wanted to laugh but failed when the topic with her difficulties with Kakashi opened, “No, he was just being stupid. Don’t mind us. It’ll pass.”

“If you say so, Haruno-sempai.” Daigoro said as he poured her another serving of sake.

Sakura smiled in gratitude. She tipped her head back and drank the liquid down her throat. She dropped her cup and grinned at her team, “So, want to play a game?”

“What kind of game?” Yuriko finally spoke.

“Drinking game.” They all gave her a confused look, “I’ll ask you questions concerning our field and when you say the wrong answer, you get to drink the sake served.”

“Oh,” they all muttered in unison.

“You mean the medical field?” Aiko asked.

Sakura nodded, “Hai.”

“Oh,” for the second time, they all muttered. “Alright.” Daigaro said with full determination. He will win this game. He can prove to his sensei how much he excels in this category.

“Great.” Sakura poured sake on the cup and then said, “Okay, who’s first?”

**

Kakashi went out of the restroom only to find a blonde bombshell approaching him. Her long wavy, golden locks cascaded down her waist and over her shoulders, her eyes electric blue you could almost see them even through the dim light of the pub. He looked a bit surprised when the woman started throwing herself at him, rubbing against him in the most suggestive way a man could never resist. The copy ninja, however, doesn’t easily become subdued by the temptation and spared his team mates a despairing glance. Neji ignored him as Shikamaru gave two thumbs up.

Despite of his utter surprise, Kakashi chuckled. They both remind him of his friends back in Konoha. Asuma and Genma will be their older versions, pulling the same tactic as well. She’s here, why not enjoy the attention? He slightly pushed the woman off of him but kept hold of her arm as they went back to the lively part of the room. They joined Shikamaru and Neji who’s also trying to rid themselves of fawning girls who instantly noticed their bravado air.

Kakashi was laughing forcefully, trying not to embarrass his companion for the night as she tried to make jokes for the last two hours. Honestly, he had never met someone as—thick as this one. She may be beautiful but she totally lacks the department up there. Their conversation was going around in circles, like the hand on his thigh, which kept drawing circles. And so to kill his boredom, Kakashi drank more liquor, wishing that the woman will leave him alone. See, this is the reason why he hated blind dates. You never got the chance to choose and then you’re forced to adjust with what you had been given.

The blonde continued babbling like mad, talking about her friend’s cousins’ first cousins’ mother-in-law, which made him wonder, ‘What do I care?’

And then his eyes slowly drooped from the liquor, his vision slightly blurred as she watched the woman beside him talk continuously. Involuntarily, his eyes wandered around the room. Even with his fuzzy vision, a certain pink-haired nin caught his attention. Oh no… What was she doing here? He slightly shook his head as if trying to erase the illusion until someone patted him on the back.

Shikamaru said something about going to bed and grinned at him after noticing the blonde’s hand on his thigh. Neji on the other hand went towards the table where he saw the striking pink hair of Sakura. His eyes narrowed in a suspicious glare.

He saw her smile when she saw Neji approaching and then patted the empty sit next to her. Neji took the invitation and both started talking. She was laughing now while Neji still kept his mask in tact but his amusement was obvious by the quirk of his lips. Kakashi growled.

He watched them talk like that for an hour as his companion used that time range to prattle nonsense as well.

“—and so he said that I was too—” the blonde continued to babble and then immediately stopped when she felt Kakashi’s hand snake through her hair, gripping the back of her head as he moved to kiss her full on the lips. She instantly melted and clung to him desperately.

Kakashi did it to distract him from the way Sakura’s enjoying Neji’s company. Was it jealousy? No, he couldn’t deny it this time. He was really jealous and at the same time angry at himself for letting that Hyuuga boy seduce his cherry blossom. The kiss was intense but Kakashi didn’t feel anything. And so he abruptly pulled away and ended the kiss much to the girl’s disappointment. He turned and drank another glass of alcohol, hissing as the warm liquid course down his pipe.

“Leave.” He said with a gruff voice, not turning to look at the stunned blonde.

“What?” her mind was still disoriented from the kiss. She was expecting more but felt her expectations shatter when she heard him dismiss her so easily.

“Leave me alone.” He repeated before drinking another shot glass.

The blonde pursed her lips, grabbed her bag and yelled, “Go to hell you jerk!” and then she left.

Kakashi watched her leave and as his eyes wandered around, he noticed a pair of green eyes looking at his direction. And then his vision went black.

**

“Are you sure?” Neji asked as he and the other trainees stood up to leave the pub. It was getting late and they still need to get up early to start their journey towards Sand country.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Sakura smiled, “Just one more glass and then I’ll go.”

“Alright.” Neji looked at her and then glanced at Kakashi and his date. “We’ll see you in the morning then.”

“Don’t worry.” Sakura grinned with mischief, “I’ll be there on time.”

Neji snorted, “Fine.” And then with a small smile, he and the other trainees left the pub.

Sakura sighed at Neji’s attempt to cheer her up. Did she really look that miserable? Everyone seems to feel pity towards her for a reason she herself could not name. Perhaps the way she reacted when Kakashi came out with a beautiful blonde on his side made them assume that she was jealous?

They were still playing that drinking game when her eyes saw Kakashi return to his bar stool with that woman. Sakura couldn’t understand why but as soon as she saw the blonde clinging on his sensei’s arm, her blood boiled. She felt the urge to walk towards them and attack that harlot for touching her sensei. But then that made her think, why was she so affected? It’s not as if they’d been going out together for her to act like she was his girlfriend. They had never dated in the first place for goodness sake! She had no right to get jealous and Kakashi has every right to flirt with other women. But why was she so angry, her hands balled into a fist. Her trainees noticed this and decided that they should end the game. Sakura was definitely not in the mood to continue.

“Haruno-sempai, are you alright?” Aiko asked her.

“I’m fine,” she replied, albeit forced.

She glared at them for as long as she remembered until Neji came and started a conversation with her. She took this opportunity to distract herself from Kakashi. Neji was fun to talk with even if his expression betrayed any emotion she’s drawing out of him. That amused her somehow.

She was slightly enjoying Neji’s company-thank God!-but time flew by so soon that they had to hit the sack. And now that she was alone in the table, she was impelled to turn towards Kakashi’s direction only to find him kissing the blonde harlot. The blonde’s enjoying every minute of it but then Kakashi immediately pulled away, said something unpleasant since the woman’s face contorted in anger, yelled and left. She saw him watch her leave until his eyes met hers.

Sakura found it difficult to swallow when they silently stared at each other.

And then their trance-like situation broke when Kakashi’s head lolled and fell into the bar with a thud.

TBC