Chapter Twenty
Homeward bound
“Ambushed?!” Naruto’s outburst disturbed the birds nesting on the nearest trees. “We have to do something!” his fists shook at his sides, wondering where Sakura was right now. “Sakura-chan… Sakura-chan’s in trouble… I’ll find her!” Naruto turned to run off, but Tsunade’s firm voice stopped him.
“Your impulsiveness doesn’t help the situation, Naruto.” A vein popped on her forehead after being rudely interrupted by the loud blonde’s outburst.
“When did this happen?” Sasuke was there too, looking uninterested yet his eyes somehow betrayed his usual aloofness. The once empty eyes were now filled with unconcealed anxiety. Ever since Naruto told him of Sakura returning, he felt restless. He wanted to talk to her yet had no idea what to say. But now, after hearing this awful news, Sasuke couldn’t prevent the provoked fear of losing Sakura eat him up.
“Two days prior.” The blonde Hokage tucked her chin against her interlaced hands. “Don’t worry. Sakura’s safe now. Kakashi retrieved her. They’re on their way and will probably arrive in a day or two.”
“So… they’re safe?” Sasuke cleared.
Tsunade nodded, “Just so you know.”
Naruto then jumped, “Gah! You made us really worried, you old hag!” the blonde pointed an accusing finger towards her. Unfortunately, right after, he didn’t see the massive book coming and hitting him straight on the face.
Tsunade huffed, “Ungrateful loudmouth.”
Sasuke grew tired of the dense interludes and crossed his arms impatiently, “Why’d you call us here for?”
Recovering from the impact, Naruto cried, “Nothing! She just frightened the shit out of us before telling us Sakura’s fine after all!” This time, it was Sasuke who shut him up by kicking the back of his head, making him topple forward. “ii---itaaiii!!!”
Sasuke ignored him and returned his gaze toward Tsunade. His silent, questioning gaze made Naruto’s continuous whining more pronounced to Tsunade. The vein on her head would pop anytime soon. She has to do something to prevent it. “SHUT UP!!!!”
Naruto quickly stopped challenging Sasuke to another fight. When he saw Tsunade reach for something on her table, he swiftly raised his arms to protect himself.
“Here.” In the Hokage’s hand laid a scroll, “For your next mission.”
Sasuke stared curiously as Naruto blinked twice at the presented scroll. The remaining Uchiha moved to take the document and started reading.
“With him?? Only him??” Naruto incredulously pointed at Sasuke.
Tsunade shook her head, “Of course not. No mission can be done if you two travel together alone.” She could feel Naruto gearing up for another argument. But before he could even start, she beat him to it, “Kiba just had three days off. Brief him about this and leave as soon as possible.”
After reading the last paragraph, Sasuke raised his eyes and said, “A hunting B-class mission…”
Tsunade knew better than to ignore this mishap concerning Kakashi and Sakura. “I can’t let this happen again. I don’t know who sent them but… anyone who dares to kidnap a Konoha shinobi is inexcusable.” Putting it simply, Tsunade was pissed they dared to kidnap her best student.
“Do you want us to terminate them?” Naruto suddenly turned stern, “They tried to hurt Sakura-chan. I will never forgive them…”
Tsunade smirked in return, “That won’t be necessary. I just want to know where this troop came from and whom they are working for. They once involved the Daimyo’s name in their dirty work. If any termination is necessary, the Daimyo will be the one to preside over that. But…” both boys looked at her, all ears, “Terminate those who’ll get in the way.”
It didn’t take long before she dismissed the two. Once she was alone in her office again, Tsunade massaged her temples and then leaned back at her chair. Her eyes drifted slowly toward the ceiling, “I don’t want another war to start… but you, Orochimaru. You’re stretching my patience.”
Only the wind heard her mentioning his name.
A name everyone tried to forget over the past few years.
**
When he returned that morning, he saw her sleeping in crumpled bed sheets underneath her. A stray pillow was thrown over her head while other held between her arms. The blanket wrapped around her legs up to her waist. Bubblegum hair formed a fan-like shape over the bed, her mouth slightly opened for her soft breathing as her eyes closed into a peaceful slumber. This was the strangest sleeping position he had ever seen. Kakashi quietly chuckled as he closed the door behind him. He had been up all night, guarding the inn just so to avoid further trouble. And now, he’s tired.
Removing his vest and shoes, he slipped inside the bed sheets crumpled around Sakura, trying his best to rearrange themselves into a better position. Sakura grumbled something in her sleep and then snuggled closer to his neck, unconsciously wrapping an arm around his waist. Pulling the blanket over them, Kakashi settled back and soon drifted to sleep.
**
It was mid-afternoon when she woke up. She glanced up at the clock and read 4:15. I slept that long? Perhaps the excess use of chakra drained so much energy from her that she ended up sleeping worse than the dead.
As she got out from bed, she made her way toward her bag pack. After getting fresh clothes and toiletries, Sakura trudged tiredly toward the bathroom.
She took off her clothes and went inside the tub. Turning on the shower, hot water immediately rushed down her tired muscles. Sakura sighed. The past few days had been quite difficult. All the epidemic fuss, the attack of those shadowy shinobis, them kidnapping and hunting her down… Sakura could possibly say now she survived a month of gruesome torture.
After her thirty-minute bath, Sakura stepped out of the tub and towelled herself dry. Wrapping herself and her hair with the inn’s towels, Sakura reached for her toothbrush and started brushing. In the midst of it, she heard the soft creaking of the door. Figuring it was Kakashi; Sakura spat and rinsed her mouth. Quickly changing into her clothes, she left the bathroom and was greeted by the sight of Kakashi reading his ever-present Icha Icha.
After shutting the door behind her, Kakashi looked up and smiled at her behind his mask. Sakura threw the wet towels on the laundry bin and sat next to him.
“So, how did it go?” she asked just to start up a conversation.
Kakashi arched his exposed eyebrow at her and then replied, “Well, Erin’s about to confess his undying love for Yuna in front of this wonderful beach house where they’ll share a hot, passionate—” before he could even continue, he received a hard slap on the back of his head.
All flushed and pissed, Sakura snapped with her hand still in the air, “Not that, you idiot! You were on guard, weren’t you?” and when Kakashi started laughing sheepishly and rubbing the forming lump on the back of his head, it was Sakura’s turn to arch an eyebrow at him, “You didn’t spend the whole night reading that stupid book, did you?”
Partly true, but Kakashi only did it because he already checked the entire area and found it clean. Bored to death, he decided to buy his time through reading the last chapter he had finished before leaving Sand.
“Don’t be so stereotypical, Sakura. Of course I didn’t spend my whole evening reading the 'stupid book' as you call it.” Then he returned to reading, not before muttering under his breath, “Only for a few hours…”
Unfortunately, Sakura had sharp ears and took the liberty to show him just that, “Thought so…” then adding, “Getting back to your old, perverted self.”
Kakashi closed his book for a while, putting a finger between the pages he was currently reading and gave Sakura a feigned, hurt look, “Ow.” Wincing, he said, “That hurts…”
Sakura’s glare felt hot against his skin, “We’re in the middle of an up-coming war and you’re still sticking your nose in that book! You’re a perv!”
“Hey! What is so wrong about indulging yourself in a free-spirited, inspiring novel such as this?” he raised the little orange book with a guy chasing a girl as a cheap-ass cover. “I was just wondering what would happen to Erin and Yuna after they confessed their love for each other and express it through hot, passionate love-maki—”
Sakura grimaced and immediately stopped him, “Way too much information, Kakashi!”
As if two hits weren’t enough, Kakashi continued to tread through thin ice. Wriggling his exposed eyebrow, he teased the bubble-gum haired girl further, “What? Your naïve little ears can’t take a little… information?”
Sakura flushed, “That is not—” she looked at him and saw him arching his brow at her. “Uh!” she threw her hands in the air and went about to pack her things.
“Sakura?”
“What?” Sakura grumbled.
“Don’t… let it affect you. I will not let them come near you… I promise.”
Sakura froze and glanced over her shoulder to find Kakashi groused over his book again. So that’s why he’s been… so different today.
Sakura smiled at that and softly replied, “I know.”
And somehow, those two words just sealed it off.
**
Just as Tsunade predicted, both Kakashi and Sakura reached Konoha within two days. The moment they entered, Sakura couldn’t help but feel relief wash over her upon stepping inside her village. She missed Konoha so much, she’d probably choose hospital duty rather than missions so there would be no need for her to travel and leave again. Knowing Tsunade, she’s thinking the same thing.
As they reached the bridge, Kakashi stopped and turned to her. With all his attention focused on her, Sakura looked up, wondering what was wrong. Kakashi then answered her muted question, “You can go back to your house and rest. I’ll report back to the Hokage.”
“But…”
“I’ll come over tonight and tell you the details.”
Sakura knew he was determined with his decision and nodded in acquiescence. If he thought going alone was for the better, then so be it. Upon her agreement, Kakashi saluted goodbye and went his way toward the Hokage’s building. Sakura watched him for awhile until his back disappeared around the corner.
Smiling to herself, Haruno Sakura made her way toward home.
**
“I trust that Haruno’s alright?”
Kakashi nodded, “Of course”
Tsunade absently nodded, “Good. Now, report.”
“How much do you know?”
“A few. I want a clearer description.” Kakashi looked like he was thinking it over. Tsunade waited patiently while drumming her fingers. “Well?”
“We don’t have enough time if I report everything.” He cleverly reasoned.
Tsunade gave a withering glare. Why was Kakashi born smart-ass? “That’s what you are supposed to do.”
The copy-nin nodded, “But as I said. It’ll take us hours before I finish the whole report.”
“Then summarize!” Tsunade snapped irritably.
“Alright,” Kakashi scratched the back of his head, “Orochimaru’s after Sakura.” Brief and straight to the point, just exactly what she asked for.
Somehow, that did not surprise her, “What do you mean?”
Kakashi appeared like he really did prepare his report as he attentively started, “One: Spreading an epidemic is the easiest way to lure Sakura to Sand where the Daimyo’s faux army decided to dwell. Why Sand? Well, it’s probably because Shukaku was already extracted from Gaara’s body and assumed that he’s weak without it. Leading them to a conclusion that Sabaku no Gaara will ask help from its bordering country, Konoha.
"Two: When their first tactic ends due to the fact that Sakura’s starting to figure it all out, the said faux army appears in one of the small villages named Daikon and introduce themselves as the Daimyo’s army—revealing the second tactic of the plan. They fabricated a story that they are also after Sand’s intruders under the Daimyo’s supervision. We did not interfere even though we thought they were suspicious, because without any orders from you or from the Kazekage we could not execute any proper action. That night when Sakura and Hyuuga stayed in Daikon for Sakura’s research, the mysterious nins attacked Sand at the same time. Nara and I tried to track them down but it was too dark to finish a proper search.
"Third: The second tactic was the key toward the third, which is, making Sakura and I travel alone. Sakura solved the mystery, Sand’s a dangerous place and the Kazekage ends up with the decision of sending some of the Konoha nins back. The less shinobis around her, the better. As you know, while on our way, we were attacked by a group of the same nins who attacked Sand and tried to kidnap Sakura. The leader, which turns out to be the faux army’s captain, Captain Shoda, revealed to her that they were transporters and that someone ordered them to deliver her immediately.
"How did Orochimaru get involved in this? Well, who would want a medic nin like Sakura? Who would take the risk to send a group of professional transporters just to get a medic nin from Konoha? A professional medic nin trained by the Hokage herself? Now, tell me Hokage-sama…” his eye sought Tsunade’s almond ones, “Is there any other person who needs to regain the function of his arms back?”
Everything he said made perfect sense. As she had said, Kakashi was a witty smart-ass. You’re always ahead of me, boy. Offspring of the White Fang and student of the late Yondaime. I couldn’t expect more. A smirk tugged Tsunade’s lips and gave a low chuckle. With a shake of her head, she looked at him and said, “You do realize you just gave me an extensive report.”
Kakashi grinned, “Did I?”
“Hm.” Then the once smirking Tsunade turned grim. Her eyes stared off into space as the wheels inside her heard turned its gears. “This is a serious matter then. I’m glad I already sent those boys to hunt for more information…” her last words turned to a musing murmur.
Kakashi frowned, “Who?”
“Naruto, Kiba and Sasuke are already out there on a B-class hunting mission.”
“And the time range is?”
“I’m giving them two days. If they exceed the limit, I’ll send ANBU and find them. And it’s been two days since they left Konoha… I’m expecting a report this afternoon.”
“I see.” Kakashi nonchalantly nodded. After five seconds of silence, he asked, “Do I get any missions this week?”
Tsunade shook her head, “Whether you like it or not, I won’t allow you to sign up on anything. You two deserve a break. As well as Hyuuga and Nara once they get back. You will stay inside Konoha’s terrain until this information is confirmed. You’re dismissed.”
Kakashi nodded before making a move to leave.
“And Kakashi,”
With hands dipped inside his pockets, Kakashi looked over his shoulders lackadaisically, “Hm?”
“Tell Sakura to see me tomorrow.”
Kakashi just stood there for a minute, silently sharing a look with the other occupant of the room. The silence between them broke when he said, “Got it. Anything else?”
Tsunade shook her head, “No. You may go.” And as she watched Kakashi leave her office, she realized she had a lot of thinking to do.
**
“Sakura!!!” Yamanaka Ino called out to her friend who was about to turn the last corner toward her house. The bubblegum haired medic turned and saw the blonde jogging toward her.
“Ino?” Sakura turned right when Ino stood in front of her.
“You’re back!” Ino enveloped her in a tight hug and released a rather breathless Sakura. Still holding her by the shoulders, Ino’s brows furrowed and said, “We were so worried about you! We heard about what happened… are you alright?”
The friendship between her and Ino can’t be described as your typical best-friend type of thing. They usually fight and call names. They had a history of fighting over Sasuke for years. But in times of trouble, they have always been there for each other. Sakura smiled warmly at her and nodded, “I’m fine.”
“Is Shikamaru with you?” Ino inquired quite sheepishly.
Just like that, the subject shifts from me to Shikamaru. Sakura noted before shaking her head, “No. But they’ll be here in a week or so.”
Ino sighed heavily, “I hate to admit it but I miss that lazy guy. It’s almost two months since your team left… it worries me…”
“I heard you had a fight with him before we left.”
Ino’s face flushed. Huffing, she haughtily looked away, “It’s because he’s the most insensitive freak I’ve ever met, that’s why!”
Sakura softly laughed, “You’re one tough girlfriend.” Feeling like she had missed taunting Yamanaka Ino, Sakura went on and teased the blonde, “I won’t be surprised if he finds another girl pal in Sand. I mean, Sand girls are really pretty with those dark skin and wavy hair…”
Ino’s brow twitched, “Alright. Don’t tell me, Shikamaru paid you to say that to make me jealous…. Because it’s not working.” Sakura arched an eyebrow at her, “… it’s not!”
“I was just giving you a reality check.” Sakura shrugged her shoulders.
“Thanks but no thanks. No matter how insensitive that prick is Shikamaru will return to me.”
“Alright.” Sakura teased and grinned at Ino’s chagrin.
There was silence that gapped the conversation before Sakura started looking around, “By the way, have you seen my boys?”
“Your boys?” Ino arched an eyebrow, suspicion all over her face.
Sakura sheepishly smiled, forgetting the fact that she hadn’t mentioned anything to Ino about calling Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi as her boys. “Naruto and Sasuke. My children, where are they?”
“Oh… they’re on a mission.”
Sakura gave an understanding nod, “I see…” She had really hoped to see them when she came back. Particularly Sasuke… they had tons of things to talk about.
“Hey Sakura,”
Sakura turned to Ino, “What?”
“About Sasuke…” Ino looked hesitant to say anything and was looking anywhere but Sakura. How was she supposed to say this to her?
It was Sakura’s turn to furrow her brows, “What about him?”
“Err… there’s something you should know about…”
“SAKURA-CHAN!!!”
Both girls turned towards the bouncing blonde head heading toward them. Sakura gave a wide smile, “Naruto.”
And right behind Naruto was none other than the remaining Uchiha himself. When he stepped into the light and beside Naruto, Sakura couldn’t help but turn her gaze toward him.
“Sasuke…”
Sasuke acknowledged her with a nod, “Sakura.” He mastered the art of looking reserved, or he would’ve fallen silent at the sight of Sakura… whole and safe.
Ino looked away and Naruto observed his two best friends with slight worry.
The moment evergreen met onyx; they knew escaping was an impossible option.
TBC