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Path of thorns by Yukimiya
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22/09/2008
Path of thorns [Chapter 13]

Chapter Thirteen

 

Fake Epidemic

 

When she arrived at his office, she found it empty much to her surprise. With no other choice, she wandered through the halls and rooms in search for Gaara. Soon she found herself standing in front of the stairs heading to the rooftop. He’s probably up there doing his victory dance while the miserable ol’ me wanders around for his amusement. She’s starting to hate Gaara more and more. You should hate him. He tried to kill you before, what difference does it make now? Taking the steps in a steady pace, she finally reached the top and as what was expected, his dark figure stood there, watching his people move around below. I should have known… Sakura glared and crossed her arms, waiting for him to say something for she knew he was aware of her presence behind him.

 

“You’re late,” he said with incredible nonchalance.

 

“It wouldn’t hurt to tell me where exactly I’m supposed to go, don’t you think?” her sarcasm dripped like acid.

 

“Should I punish the medic for not telling you?” he spoke like it was the most normal thing to do.

 

“If you didn’t scare her, she probably would’ve never missed that tid bit of information.” She muttered as she started walking towards his direction and stood a few feet away from him; for safety measures of course.

 

Sakura was never fond of silence. And so she struck a conversation by breaking it first. “Why am I here?” hesitantly, she glanced at him and saw his eyes still trailed somewhere down the village. She could almost see the wheels turning as he contemplated on the right words to answer.

 

“I don’t see any progress.”

 

“On what?”

 

“The plague.”


”Oh,” she uncrossed her arms and replied, “I was planning to tell you—”

 

“When?” Gaara curtly intervened.

 

Sakura felt the urge to roll her eyes but fought against it, “When I prove my theories are right.”

 

“Tell me now.” He demanded.

 

Yeah, can’t upset you more, can I? She cleared her throat and started, “I doubt that it’s an epidemic, Kazekage-sama.”

 

This time, Gaara did bother to turn his head and glare at her albeit questioningly. “Enlighten me.”

 

“In my three days observation, I found out that the disease was not communicable. An infected mother breast fed her baby yesterday. But the baby did not acquire the mother’s disease. We have seen no symptoms on the child when we checked him this morning.”

 

“Why is everyone suffering from the same sickness if it’s not epidemic?”

 

“Everyone is sick, yes. But their signs and symptoms varied. In a family, only one dies while the rest of the members suffered from a long-term fever.”

 

“Then what do you think it is?” he again turned away and went back to watching the people below.

 

“It’s poisoning, Kazekage-sama. One man complained he acquired the disease after drinking the water from the well. But still I doubt that assumption. I don’t think it’s the water since I myself had been drinking the same water for three days.”

 

“If it’s not the water, then what is?” Sakura paused and that caught his attention. He turned to look at her and saw her eyes hesitantly looking at him. That again made him curious, “Speak.”

 

Sakura slightly glared at him and then finally gave-up. Confidently, she stood straight and looked at him unwaveringly, “I need to investigate.” Another pause and, “That requires me to leave and inspect the other villages surrounding Sand.”

 

Gaara looked at her impassively but she could tell he was thinking it thoroughly. An uncomfortable silence washed over the two after the proclamation from her. She suddenly felt nervous underneath Gaara’s scrutiny. Will he kill her for her boldness?

 

“I only need three days. I’ll inspect the nearest village. After that I’ll go back as soon as it’s over.” She hoped that would help. Still Gaara didn’t say anything. A little more encouraging. “While travelling, I observed some of the villages near Sand were suffering from the same disease as well. I need to investigate and—”

 

“Dangerous.” Gaara cut her off.

 

“But I have to…”

 

“I will not permit it.”

 

“When will you let me handle things on my own?” Sakura’s temper was clearly rising. She had her arms in Akimbo. Every request she made, he would deliberately dismiss it even if it’s the most vital thing to do.

 

“What if you die?” he casually asked.

 

So like you—straight and precise to the point Goodness…  “Why does everyone assume I’ll die?” growling, she went on, “I can take care of myself, Gaara-san! If ever something bad happens to me, that’s my fault!”

 

Now Gaara was upset, he glared at her again. “If you’re smart as what you assumed to be, then you’ll do as I say.” He silently added, Or do you want to die? The fact that this girl could easily irk him and defy his every words, which was law in this country, annoyed and at the same time; amaze him. She was the first person to ever stand up to him, not only as Gaara of the Dessert but as Kazekage as well. Even his sister couldn’t find the will to confront his decisions. They follow whatever he says just so to please him and to avoid any unpleasant arguments. And then this woman came with bravado as tall as the skies above. She’s predictable, yes. That was why he’s taking advantage of it through verbal abuse. But her predictability was hard for Gaara to tolerate. What did he want from this girl? Respect of course. Does he have the possibility to gain it? Impossible.

 

“If I don’t do this, we won’t solve anything.”

 

“Is there any other way?”

 

Sakura groaned in frustration, quickly realizing she wouldn’t get away so easily. “No.”

 

There was silence again and this time, Sakura wished it to last just for a few more minutes. She had enough of hearing Gaara’s never ending questions and witty come backs. She was growing tired and sleep was what she wanted.

 

“Very well.” He closed his eyes and nodded his head, “You can go.”

 

Sakura could not believe it. She convinced him… he actually agreed on something she suggested. For the first time during her stay in Sand, she felt elated. The feeling of someone trusting her with her decisions for once made her really happy. “R-really?”

 

“Someone must accompany you.” His jade eyes once again appeared.

 

Okay, so maybe he still doesn’t trust your skills too much… but it’s a start! With a sigh, she asked, “Who do you suggest?”

 

Gaara shrugged his shoulders, “Whoever from your team. Choose wisely.”

 

Sakura huffed “Don’t question my ability to choose…” she quietly said to herself yet she knew Gaara heard all of it.

 

“I’m giving you two days.”

 

“What??” she instantly whipped her head towards him, “I said three, didn’t I!”

 

Gaara finally moved around to face her. Sakura suddenly felt awkward facing him but tried not to show it. “There’s a small town near the border. It will only take you one day to get there.”

 

“Fine.” Suddenly, she felt her personal space was invaded. In a blink of an eye, Gaara was standing behind her, his chest touching her back while his mouth neared her ear. Coldness shot down her spine the moment she felt his darkness envelope her.

 

“Your insolence displeases me.” He said in the eeriest way that can make any human, let it be a man or a woman, squeal like wuss.

 

How could you forget your addressing the Kazekage?? How could you forget that he’s Gaara? How?? Sometimes, Sakura should learn how to shut her mouth. Her way of talking and approaching people didn’t save her ass all the time. There are different people in this world. And Gaara’s one of those who you can’t easily bring sunshine upon. He’s not an ordinary man, Sakura… you can’t be sarcastic in front of him… you have no right… She swallowed a lump down her throat. Funny how one minute they were exchanging wits and the next thing he was giving her a death threat. If only Sand didn’t have the duty to prove their loyalty to Leaf, he would’ve discarded her without any hesitations.

 

“Really?” she whispered, trying to conceal the unsteadiness of her voice.

 

“Talk back like that again and I will not hesitate to—eliminate you.” And without further ado, he was gone into thin air.

 

Sakura wasn’t able to move around to see where he went. But she assumed he was probably gone down stairs leaving her cold and nervous all at the same time.

 

She could’ve died right then and there.

 

**

 

For the past few days of locking himself inside the Uchiha main house, people started to worry about him. He received constant visits from his friends every now and then much to his annoyance. He had been craving for peace and yet these people who call themselves his friends kept bothering him. He wanted to be alone, even if that required him to brood until Sakura returns. After that talk with Naruto, he’d done a lot of thinking over his situation with his supposedly, future bride. It had been days since she and Kakashi had been away from their mission and the desire to talk to her heightened more in each passing days. He wanted to see her. If only Tsunade would allow him to follow her to Sand, he would’ve done it a long time ago.

 

It was a cold afternoon in Konoha since winter finally arrived. Sasuke stayed in his old room, watching the snow cover the once green garden outside. He used to remember doing the same thing as well, watching the snow with his mother. Mikoto usually accompanied him since his father was mostly away and Itachi… well, Itachi was always outside, seeking power in an early age. It was times like this when his mother would lay his head on her lap and stroke his hair until he fell asleep. It was one of those memories he couldn’t erase despite how much he tried. It remained there no matter what.

 

His reverie however was disturbed by the sudden opening of the shoji door. Keeping his poker-face, he glanced back, refusing to look like he was surprised. Come to think of it, he shouldn’t be surprised at all since people tend to intrude his household a lot more often for the past few days.

 

This time, it was Ino.

 

“What do you want?” how many times did he ask that question? I lost count…

 

“Sasuke,” the usually loud Yamanaka Ino called his name in the softest way.

 

He turned his head again, hoping that the blonde leave him alone before he snapped at her. They’ve been getting on his nerves and he wouldn’t hesitate letting them feel what it was like to be bothered this much.

 

The soft thud of her footsteps confirmed that she entered the room without his permission and sat right behind him only a few feet away. “Sasuke, come on.”

 

“Whatever you say, it will not affect me.” His voice sounded distant as he said it.

 

“How long will you lock yourself here?” again, Ino surprised him by not speaking in her trademark shrilling voice.

 

Silence…

 

And then…

 

“Sakura…” he only spoke her name, hoping she would understand.

 

“She won’t return until next week.” The blonde reasoned pathetically.

 

“Then I’ll wait.”

 

“You can’t starve yourself to death! You have to live, Sasuke. Sakura will be upset if she finds out!”

 

Ever since Sasuke locked himself, everyone assumed he had never eaten nor slept in the past few days. But they thought wrong of course. He’s not stupid. He was human after all and he knew what’s best for his body. He stocked enough food and usually dozed off when he was done brooding. People just can’t understand that. The whole stereotype of ‘brooding Sasuke’ tortuously kills him.

 

“I’m fine,” he spat quite bitterly, “I’ll come out when she’s back.”

 

“What will you do then?” Ino asked the inevitable. Sasuke fell silent for a moment. Ino took this advantage to continue. “Tell her that you made a mistake… that you love her and sincerely want to marry her?” she made it sounded so incredulous, Sasuke kept his temper in check.

 

“So?”

 

“Sasuke!” Ino whined, “It wouldn’t be the same!” then softly she added, “It would never be the same…”

 

Sasuke felt his blood boil. His hands balled instinctively, “She said she loved me…”

 

“And you rejected her.”

 

“It’s not too late.”

 

Ino pitied the broken man before her. The man she and Sakura used to admire sat here, silent and heart-broken. Who would’ve thought he’d actually fall in love? And not to just any other girl, but Sakura. The same girl he used to ignore since childhood.

 

“You’re wrong.” Ino said, “Believe what you want to believe, Sasuke. But you can’t turn back the time… you can only wish you did something different back then… back when Sakura still loved you.”

 

Sasuke knew she was right but was afraid to admit it even to himself. He couldn’t face the reality that he didn’t matter to her anymore. To her, he was only just a friend, a former team-mate. That’s it. “She told me—”

 

“She won’t tell you again.” Ino cut him off. She didn’t want him to expect something that would never happen. She knew Sakura better than anyone else. She was her best friend. And that look she saw in Sakura’s eyes when she asked her to help her escape her wedding, she knew it was over. Sasuke already missed his chance.

 

Sasuke was hesitant to ask but still went on, “She’s in-love with someone else.” He said it more like a statement than a question.

 

“Honestly…” Ino let her eyes fall on the floor, “I don’t know…”

 

Again, silence conquered the two of them.

 

“I need to be alone,” was all he said to dismiss her.

 

Ino didn’t protest and left the room silently.

 

**

 

Kakashi watched the woman in front of him consume another cup of sake, hissing as she dropped the cup on the table with a thud. Man, this woman was tough. They’d been talking for hours and still his mission of getting information out of her was left unsuccessful.

 

“Good shakeee…” the woman slurred, her head lolling from one to side to the other as she propped her chin on her hand to keep her awake. “You should shrink morsh if you wansh, presshy boy….”

 

Kakashi sheepishly grinned and scratched his cheek, “I think you had enough.” Really, if he was not getting any information from this one, he was willing to call it a night. He’ll try again tomorrow.

 

The woman waved in the air, shaking her head, “No-no, I’m fine...pht…” a little bit annoyed, she blew a stray hair away from her face.

 

Kakashi blinked at the act and then smiled. For someone who can’t handle alcohol, she’s quite cute. For hours of talking and drinking, she removed her glasses, tossed away her hair tie and let the waves of chestnut locks rest behind her back and over her shoulders. What was her name again? Ah, Maiya. She’s fairly attractive and he could tell many men around here were quite smitten by her. The looks they’re sending towards her were very evident. During their conversation, he found out that she had been working for the Kazekage for two years right after the previous one resigned. She said most of Gaara’s assistants couldn’t handle his unpredictable temper and not to mention… his reputation as a merciless killer way before he had Shukaku. Maiya proudly proclaimed herself as the longest assistant to ever stand him. She talked a lot despite of the strict appearance she made the first time they met in Gaara’s office. Kakashi tolerated her non-stop nattering about her life, her family and some friends. She was like that until Kakashi asked something about Sand’s situation and how the Kazekage’s handling it. Despite of her drunken state, she refused to answer him and said it was against policy to tell anyone without the Kazekage’s permission.

 

All the silence and secretiveness made him more curious. He was suspicious with the unknown enemy fiasco. Why do I have the feeling that Akatsuki’s behind all of this? What do they want? Akatsuki once attacked Sand in order to extract Shukaku from Gaara’s body. But since Shukaku’s gone, what more could they want? Perhaps Gaara was asking himself the same thing as well.  

 

Kakashi never believed Sasuke when he said Itachi was dead; nor that the Akatsuki no longer existed. Many tried to believe him because at that time as well, they had not heard anything concerning the group. Whatever Sasuke’s reason for telling them that lie was still left unknown. Orochimaru’s still alive somewhere. There’s a possibility he’s a part of this. Just like the Akatsuki, they never heard of Orochimaru since Sasuke came back. There were no unusual attacks until this mission. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tsunade preparing everyone for another war… But then, that didn’t stop him from wondering why Sand was not completely cooperative with this mission. Yes, they wanted medics and that was all their concern yet he remembered Sakura complaining to him how unfair Gaara was for not letting her fight. She said something about ‘stopping the epidemic as her only duty and that she should not interfere with the war’. Could it be that Sand doesn’t trust anyone? Even Konoha? His fear was when Gaara suddenly assumed that he couldn’t trust anyone and everyone will betray Sand… most importantly his trust. That could probably the reason why he’s so reluctant… Gaara inherited his father’s position and he thinks about his village’s safety rather than anything else. Or maybe he just doesn’t want his people to hate him… again. It sounded more like redemption. He hurt them before and now he wants to protect them for their absolution.

 

He was quickly drawn away from his thoughts when Maiya dropped another cup she consumed. “I want more! More! More! Sake is good! Taste so good! So I want more, more, MORE!!!” she wildly sang in the most awful voice he’d ever heard.

 

Kakashi hopelessly shook his head. I’m not getting any information from this one…

 

**

 

How dare you. The piles of paperwork on his table could burn into smithereens by the death glare he bestowed over it with the rage he was feeling. Right after that rather, interesting conversation he had with that medic nin, Gaara returned to his sanctuary, trying to control his anger. Despite of the years he tried to manage his temper, that girl easily sent his nerves haywire. Her sarcasm, her wit, everything about her and the way she talked annoyed him. For years of living silently, his world turned completely upside down when those Konoha nins came in. He knew they only meant trouble. If only his sister never suggested getting help from Konoha, this would’ve never happened.

 

Why does he despise the hidden leaf, anyway?

 

Who said he despised the village?

 

He just wanted to be cautious of his actions and the people around him.

 

In war, he couldn’t trust anyone.

 

And that he didn’t want another burden slung over his overloaded shoulders.

 

When nins from Konoha arrived, he was suddenly compelled to take care of them. Even though Konoha-nins are known to be the strongest and most skilful shinobis among all villages, he couldn’t risk the chances of letting harm befall them. If one of them gets hurt or eventually—dies, Sand’s ties with Konoha will shatter. And he couldn’t let that happen… not now that Sand’s under a crucial situation.

 

That girl’s making this hard for me and I-don’t-like-it. If it was possible, his eyes narrowed further while he gritted his teeth in attempts of preventing himself from destroying the table again.

 

-

 

“I can take care of myself, Gaara-san! If ever something bad happens to me, that’s my fault!”

 

-

 

Her voice echoed like scraping metal against the insides of his head and that caused him a headache. And that’s when he decided…

 

  he destroyed the table into pieces.

 

Ah, poor, poor Maiya. She was expected to replace that first thing in the morning.

 

TBC


Posted by yukimiya at 4:54 PM JST
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