Chapter Twenty-three
A Genin’s Job
Somewhere in the forest near the border of Wind Country…
“15, how’s your post?”
“Quiet. I wonder where they’re heading.”
“Any targets?”
“There’re two of them. Post 12.”
“Alright.” Standing up behind the tree, he quickly jumped to the next until he reached the third post. Joining the other, the two carefully watched the conversation unfold beneath them. “You tapped?” he questioned the man next to him as the other gave a confirming nod.
“Heading northeast.”
“Konoha?”
The other pressed the bug on his ear before grumbling, “Affirmative.”
“It’ll take a day to get there,” the man said, looking upon the horizon, revealing the Suna sign on his head protector. “Keep the tap,” he told the other Sand nin, “I’ll inform squad one about this.”
“Hai,” the nin saluted.
Jumping from tree to tree, the sand nin sped up, carefully assessing the area. As he was about to ascend to the next branch, he heard a blatant rustling of leaves a few feet behind him. Sensing someone following, the nin quickly rose to his feet and drew three knife kunais. Throwing them precisely behind his back, a muffled groan of pain was heard and next was the sight of a falling body.
“Shit…” Something tells him that they were not the only ones who were doing the bugging.
**
“Naruto.”
The blonde looked over to his sensei from his makeshift bed. “Nani?”
It had been a day since he and Kakashi left Konoha to hunt down the nins who destroyed Hoku Village a few days ago. And up until now they had found no trace of said bandits. When nightfall came, the two decided to camp and wait until dawn to continue their search. Throughout the travel, Naruto noticed something odd with his former sensei. He was a lot quieter than usual, and not once did he catch him reading that perverted book of his. He was either a changed man or just suffering from a terrible fever. Naruto chose the latter. But when he had moved to touch his forehead, all he got was a painful slap on the hand and a death glare by Kakashi’s exposed eye. After that, he had decided not to bother anymore and sleep.
Unfortunately, Kakashi decided to talk to him when he called his name.
“What did I tell you about the way of a ninja? Do you remember?” his question was a little void and nostalgic.
Naruto was quiet for a moment, recalling that day they had their first bell exam, before answering, “You told us that… those who break the Ninja rules are trash, however those who do not consider their comrades are lower than trash…” Naruto was suddenly curious why his sensei had asked. He watched for any sign of emotion crossing the stoic jounin’s face and found none.
Kakashi lay back on his bed roll and stared up at the starry skies. “Is it possible to break both rules at the same time?”
Naruto was taken aback from the question. “Eh??” he sat up quickly and glared accusingly at him, “Alright, what’s going on? I’m thinking this is not a simple question and answer. Something’s behind this conversation.” Again, the feeling of being left-out bothered the energetic blonde. When the copy-nin refused to answer, the blonde got riled up, “C’mon! Nobody’s telling me anything!”
Kakashi chuckled, “I asked first.”
Naruto scowled and reluctantly agreed. “Fine,” he lay back on his bed and mimicked Kakashi. He, too, watched the stars, “I’m not really sure, but…” frustrated with the lack of information, Naruto growled, “Argh! I have no idea!”
“You probably didn’t even understand my question…” When he heard another disapproving growl from the other, Kakashi continued, “What if you did something taboo… and it involves a very close friend of yours… what will you do? Will you let it affect you?” That was all the information Kakashi could safely offer to Naruto. He was very much aware of how overprotective Naruto was when it came to Sakura’s sake. If he ever learned about his taboo love for her, who knew what he’d do to him?
“Well…” that left the blonde thinking. “Like a forbidden relationship or something?”
Kakashi was knocked over with that oh-so-innocent suggestion, “You could say that.”
“I don’t see any reason why I should let the rules affect anything. See, if I’m happy, that’s all I care about.” That somehow reminded him of her. They thought alike in some ways—and Sakura will probably kill him for even thinking that. “Forbidden is only meant for fruits that have an awful taste.” Kakashi wanted to laugh at his example but kept listening quietly because, for some odd reason, Naruto was turning into some kind of weird philosopher.
“What if following the rules is your way of atonement?”
“Atonement?” Naruto was clearly confused why something like following the rules was considered as a way of penitence. “It’s not endless, is it?” That earned him a questioning grunt from the other. “I mean, if you already think it’s enough—it’s enough. Done. The end. Trapping yourself into some kind of a shell that requires you to do something you don’t want in order to forgive yourself is just plain—stupid.” This coming from Naruto almost stunned the older jounin.
Kakashi then wondered why ever he decided to start this conversation with him. An honest man such as Naruto could easily blind you with his unbearable light of truthfulness. Everything he said meant something that needed to be ploughed in order for it to surface and for him to understand.
Silence ensued as the night grew colder than expected. The cold winter air could’ve frozen their bones if it weren’t for the added clothes they wore. For a little while they gazed at the sky, each lost in their own thoughts.
“There’s no forbidden love.” Naruto broke the eerie silence. “If I truly love this person, I’ll fight for her…” the soft expression on Naruto’s face proved that he had really pondered over his answer and was starting to feel a little sleepy. With a yawn, he went on, “Forget the rules for once, Kakashi-sensei…” not long after it was followed by a loud snore.
Kakashi could only listen, reminiscing on his past about how his father, Obito and Rin died. They left him because they were strong-willed. He thought that abiding by the rules would make his life better. Guess he was wrong…
I don’t care what other people will say about us.
Sakura told him.
But you don’t. And that’s disappointing
He was disappointed at himself too.
Forget the rules for once, Kakashi-sensei…
Naruto’s words echoed continuously throughout the night. And then Obito’s face resurfaced somewhere in his mind. They were so alike…
The blonde shifted on his sleep and mumbled, “Unfair… You never answered my question, pervert.” And then back to la-la land.
**
A loud explosion made Naruto shoot up from his sleep, obviously startled, “I’m up! I’m up!” he looked around and saw Kakashi already scanning the area with a kunai in his hand. He stood up and did the same thing, backing him up.
“I think they found us.” Kakashi said to him.
Naruto clucked his tongue, “No kidding.”
Another explosion, this time it came around the perimeter where the two stood. Naruto flipped over and landed on his hand. Kakashi jumped back and stood on a tree branch, trying to find the culprit before another bomb exploded.
Naruto was about to perform a series of seals when a voice suddenly stopped him.
“That’s enough.”
Both Konoha jounins followed the voice and found two familiar nins emerging from the thick line of trees.
Kakashi’s arm fell to his side. “Sand.”
Naruto dropped his hands and turned toward their attackers.
“You’re from Leaf?” the one in the middle asked, addressing Kakashi.
Kakashi jumped back to the ground and approached them silently. “Yes.” He hadn’t expected this, nor had the Hokage herself… probably. Why are they here? He suspected it had something to do with that Captain Shoda Sakura have been talking about. Gaara never trusted the false Daimyo’s army from the beginning. Perhaps the moment he learned the truth, he immediately executed action. And possibly one of the many reasons why Hyuuga and Nara were both still in Sand.
Naruto cast a glance over Kakashi, wondering the same thing.
“We have the same purpose, I believe.” The one who spoke first stepped forward and introduced himself, “As you can see, we’re from Sand. The Kazekage sent three squads to hunt down the fraud army and its captain. We’re from division one. We received a notice that you were coming.”
A frown crossed the copy-nin’s face, “Who informed you?”
“It was the Hokage of Leaf herself,” the nin answered.
“Hey… hey…” Naruto butt in, “That’s not mentioned in the scroll.”
“Yes. We were never informed to meet…” Kakashi tried to choose his words wisely, “… vassals on our way.”
The nin understood what they meant and nodded, “We were originally supposed to perform this mission alone. But since Konoha was tasked to get information from them as well, our Kazekage thought it was only wise to help each other.”
“We’re only here to track down and get information, as what you said.” Kakashi crossed his arms, still a little doubtful with this sudden turn out of events. “No head on battles. If we get attacked, we will fight out of defence and nothing else.” Tsunade precisely told them not to kill any enemy they encountered. Instead, they should be taken back to the nearest HQ and undergo interrogation.
The nin nodded, “Alright.” His eyes suddenly checked the area before speaking in a low voice, “We got new information. I suggest we head back to our camp and discuss this.”
Naruto nodded as Kakashi only answered him with silence.
“How can we trust you?” The copy-nin asked. Being careful is something he was good at. He couldn’t possibly just trust a couple of guys popping out of nowhere and causing a major explosion just to get their attention.
The other nin looked at his captain before turning to Kakashi. “Hatake Kakashi, the infamous copy-nin of Konoha… we expected you’d get a little inquisitive about this.” He took something out and handed him the scroll they received from Sabaku no Gaara a few days ago.
Kakashi read it for awhile. Not long after, he was finally convinced after confirming the Kazekage’s seal.
“This way.” And so the two Sand nins lead them further into the forest, not even noticing a lone figure watching them beneath the shadows.
**
“They’re moving fast Orochimaru-sama.” Kabuto told the snake after performing his daily chakra restoration. It seemed as the days passed by, Orochimaru’s body grew weaker and weaker. It had been awhile since the last time he had a body he could depend on. Now that Sasuke left, Orochimaru couldn’t think of anyone else to replace the Uchiha prodigy.
“Let them,” said the hissing voice of Orochimaru, “Shoda’s doing a very good job, right Kabuto?”
“Hai.” Kabuto left his side and went to return all his instruments, “They sidetracked both villages. And now they’re heading to Konoha with ease.”
“Are they near yet?” Orochimaru had never been patient. But it seemed this operation was no easy task.
“They’re only a day away.”
“Good.” Laughing, Orochimaru dropped back to his bed, having a little difficulty with breathing. “Aah… I wonder how Tsunade’s handling this.” He said sharply, “I bet she’s already seen through our plan.”
“I don’t see why she can’t. It’s Tsunade.” Kabuto said.
Orochimaru’s eye narrowed to thin, cold slits, “Yes. The cunning bitch.”
“Are you worried?”
“I’ll be lying if I say I’m not…” Orochimaru hissed, “But I trust Shoda will do his job perfectly. If not… you know the consequences.”
**
Sasuke didn’t know what hurt most.
The fact that you were dumped because you’re a bastard or the fact that you were dumped because she preferred older men?
That kept him thinking and up until now he couldn’t stop.
And to make matters worse, he saw Sakura sitting on that same spot they last talked. As he approached closer, he noticed the thoughtful look on her face.
He heard a lot of rumours. And one of them was the hospital incident where a lot of interns heard Sakura and Kakashi bickering quite loudly. It was the talk of the town, or so as what he believed.
“You know, I hate it when people sneak up on me.” She turned her head and gave him a small smile.
Sasuke watched her as she patted down the spot next to her. Taking the invitation, he went and sat next to her but refrained touching the frozen stream.
“When did you arrive, Sasuke-kun?” Sakura asked before turning back towards the winter horizon.
“This morning,” he replied. “And I got another mission lined up on me the moment I stepped inside her office.” It’s not like he’s complaining or anything. But even prodigies like him need some time to rest like everybody else.
“Already?” Sakura incredulously raised an eyebrow at him. Shrugging, she returned to her snow gazing, “Hurts to be popular.”
Sasuke smirked at that, “Hurts to be popular and strong.”
Sakura rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say, Sasuke-kun. Whatever you say.” Sighing, she asked what she was wondering about the moment he appeared, “What are you doing here anyway?” the snow rained down upon them, making her tighten her hold around her thick sweater. It was almost February and the weather felt terribly cold.
“The Hokage wants to see you.” Flakes fell onto his hand, and he watched them idly, “I figured you’d be here… moping.” Inwardly, he smirked, watching her reaction from the corner of his eyes.
“I am not moping!” Sakura poorly protested.
“Alright.”
A pout turned the pink-haired medic’s lips, “What does she want from me?” she was still sulky about their training where Tsunade clearly showed how upset she was with her slow progress. I thought I was supposed to seek her when I’m “ready”.
“Will you be happy if I say we have a mission together?” Sasuke asked while dusting off the flakes from his arm.
The look on Sakura’s face was priceless and she abruptly turned toward him with a look of utter surprise on her face, “A-are you serious?”
“I never kid, Sakura.” Sasuke warned sharply.
“B-but…” Sakura spluttered, “I thought she banned me from listing…”
“The mission’s quite easy.”
“Define easy.”
“It’s more like a genin’s job.”
“That easy?”
Sasuke nodded.
“What rank?”
“D.”
Both looked at each other’s eyes before Sakura snapped, “WHAT??” abruptly she stood up and started pacing around, “And you agreed on this? Don’t you find this is a little insulting?”
“I do,” Sasuke countered, “But I’ll do whatever she says. It’s her prerogative so she can accept me back here in Konoha.”
“Oh… I see.”
Sasuke stood up and again dusted his lap, “We’re supposed to protect Hoku’s envoy until he gets back to his village.”
Sakura frowned, “Envoy?”
Sasuke nodded, “We’re supposed to be his guardian or something.”
“But I can easily do that myself…” It was odd that Tsunade would ask ANBU’s help just to guard some proprietor when there were more important things ANBU must focus on.
“Exactly.” Sasuke himself didn’t know what the Hokage was up to. “But Hokage-sama told me the client specifically hired top notch nins in exchange for a pricey deal.”
“How important is this ‘envoy’ that he requested a medic nin and ANBU captain to protect him?”
“Perhaps traumatized from the attack they had from a group of thugs a few days ago.”
“Thugs?” It was then that Sakura realized she wasn’t much informed about this proprietor and what exactly his purpose was for coming here in Konoha.
Sasuke frowned, “Why is the Hokage not telling you anything?”
Sakura waved a dismissive hand, “She’s angry because I got rusty. She’ll get over it. Now, tell me about these thugs.”
**
The HQ of squad one wasn’t far from where they left. Kakashi had to admit, Sand chose a very good spot to hide. The area looked clean and murky. The path towards the base was difficult to remember for first timers. This makes it impossible for any enemies to follow their track… since they’ll eventually end up in the torture chamber once they’re caught.
“Neji! Shikamaru!” Naruto ran towards his friends the moment he spotted them, a little excited to see them again.
“Oi.” Shikamaru stepped back from the tree he was leaning on and grinned.
“It’s been awhile.” Neji patted the blonde’s shoulder.
“What are you two up to? You were supposed to be back in Konoha a few days ago.”
Shikamaru scratched the back of his head, “We’re caught up.”
“What?”
Neji shrugged his shoulders, “Trouble’s brewing. We can’t just go home. The Kazekage requested to prolong our stay as long as we can to help his squad track down the black bandits.”
“Yeah.” Shikamaru interjected, “Those bastards are making a big fuss.” Then silently added; “Now we’re forced to help them. Darn.”
“Tell me about it.” Naruto crossed his arms as the frown on his face deepened, not hearing the last few words Shikamaru said, “First they kidnapped Sakura, then they’re destroying villages that get in their way. Now I wonder what they’re up to…”
Neji’s eyes narrowed upon the mentioning of Sakura, “How is she?” they had heard about that incident when one Sand nin reported back to Gaara. It seemed Gaara had seen through this and sent one of his men just to make sure.
Naruto smiled, “She’s fine.” He raised a thumb and pointed back at Kakashi who was still talking with a few Sand nins, “He made sure of that.”
Neji nodded in relief. Sakura had grown on him… and like Naruto, Shikamaru and Lee, he considered her as one of his closest friends. “How’s everything in Konoha?”
“Pretty much the same. But we’re all aware of what’s going on around the border…”
“How much do you know about the bandits?” Shikamaru asked.
Naruto shrugged, “Asides from almost destroying Hoku and the ones who kidnapped Sakura… nothing much.”
Both Neji and Shikamaru shared a look. But before they could even say anything, Kakashi was already approaching them. He looked at the two and said, “Have you been well?” that earned him a glare from Neji and a yawn from the other.
“We try to stay away from trouble.” Shikamaru said before noticing the sharp glint on Neji’s eyes.
“You mean I try to stay away from trouble?” Neji corrected.
Shikamaru’s eyes narrowed, “Sure pansy pants.”
Kakashi just shook his head. “Come. We have a lot of things to discuss.” He walked back towards the largest tent with the three following his heels.
Opening the flap, the Konoha jounins entered and saw three sand nins waiting inside. Kankuro was with them, discussing trails on the map. Gaara’s brother looked up, “Glad to have you all here.” He rolled the map, gave it to one of the nins and went to approach them.
He crossed his arms as his eyes settled on the blonde standing at the middle, “Heh. You even joined the crowd, blonde brat?”
Naruto growled, “I’m not a brat you make-up freak!”
Neji shook his head as Kakashi only rolled his eye.
Kankuro laughed, “You’re still full of energy. We need that here.”
“You lead squad one?” Kakashi asked.
Kankuro nodded, “Temari leads the other squads. I handle one and two.”
“One of your nins told me you got new information?”
Kankuro nodded and then started walking back to his table, “This just came in.” He took out a scroll and tossed it toward Kakashi as the copy-nin expertly caught it with one hand. “The bandits… they’re heading north east. I guess Konoha is their target…”
“Any idea why?” Kakashi knew the answer to his own question. But he figured maybe the Sand had other theories.
Kankuro shrugged, “Gaara assumed they’re after something. And your village has it.”
Naruto exclaimed, “Don’t tell me Orochimaru’s after Sasuke again?? Is this some kind of Sound 4 déjà vu?” Retrieving Sasuke was a difficult task and now the enemy was doing it all over again.
“Wrong.” Kankuro grumbled.
Neji conceded, “You’re right on the first part though.”
Naruto arched an eyebrow, “What? He’s not after Sasuke? Then who?”
Kakashi gripped the scroll, feeling a sudden rush of fear as his assumptions were finally confirmed. “He’s after Sakura.”
Naruto’s eyes widened as he tried to digest what Kakashi said, “Sakura?” he gave a nervous laugh, “I-I can’t see any reason why he should. Right?” he turned towards the others and found them looking at him tensely. “Guys?” he abruptly turned towards Kakashi, demanding for some explanation. “What’s going on, Kakashi-sensei?”
Kakashi looked at his student and then replied, “Orochimaru—probably wants Sakura so she can heal him.”
Naruto remembered Orochimaru’s invalid arms, “Sakura? Only Baa-baa knows how!” the blonde protested.
“But that doesn’t stop him from believing Tsunade taught Sakura the healing jutsu he needs…” Kakashi rationally answered.
“Did she?” Shikamaru asked, “I mean, did the Hokage taught Sakura the healing jutsu?”
Kakashi himself was unsure since he and Sakura hadn’t talked for awhile. “The last time I checked, Sakura denied the idea of her learning that jutsu. She said it’s one of the sacred jutsus Tsunade rarely teaches…”
“That means Shizune doesn’t know the jutsu either…” Naruto thoughtfully said.
Kankuro sighed heavily, looking really disgruntled, “So basically, all this fuss is over some medic nin in training so she can heal Orochimaru’s arm? They’re not really starting a war as of now?”
Neji nodded, “No… but then if this plan of his works… we’ll have to expect an upheaval next.”
“But Kakashi told you, Sakura doesn’t know the jutsu!” Naruto griped.
“In any case, Sakura’s in trouble.” Shikamaru said.
Yeah, she is in trouble alright… Kakashi thought, I promised to protect her… but what did I do?
“We have to stop them before they enter the border.” Kankuro said with finality. All agreed with a determined nod.
“We were ordered to report back.” Kakashi told Kankurou and that earned him an odd look from the rest.
“We’re staying, Kakashi-sensei.” Naruto told him, “I’m sure Tsunade-baachan will understand.”
“I’ll send Takamaru (1) deliver the information.” Kankuro said, “Don’t worry. Takamaru can deliver that message in no time.”
Kakashi shook his head, “Trust me. That’s not what I’m worried about.”
And then suddenly he felt a hand heavily land on his shoulder. He looked back and saw Neji giving him a meaningful glare.
“She’ll be fine. I’m sure she’s well protected there…”
For the first time in his life, Kakashi never felt so vulnerable. Was he that easy to read? Or was it just Hyuuga’s too observant for his own good?
“Now that’s settled,” Naruto exclaimed, “I’m gonna pound those bastards’ asses for even trying to kidnap one of my friends again!” Kudos to Naruto for that. First Sasuke and now Orochimaru aims for Sakura. I mean, what is up with taking all my best friends??
Shikamaru sighed loudly, shaking his head, “Troublesome… everyone just has to be so troublesome…”
“Oh by the way, Shika.” Naruto suddenly piped in, “Ino’s really angry at you, so you’d better be careful when you get back.”
That actually made Shikamaru think it over, Should I go home and get killed by Ino or stay and get killed by the enemy? He chose the latter. At least I died with honor.
**
As they walked toward the massive gates protecting Konoha, Sakura was awfully quiet. After learning about the bandits that attacked Hoku and that Kakashi and Naruto were sent to get some information, she went silent, pretty much fighting with her inner self with all those variations of emotions showing on her face.
“I can’t believe this. How could he not tell me anything?” she muttered disbelievingly to herself.
“Maybe he’s just concerned.” Sasuke couldn’t believe he was taking Kakashi’s side. “It’s the same group that kidnapped you.”
“I know!” Sakura protested, “That’s why I have to know…”
Sasuke shook his head, “What difference would it have made if you did?”
Sakura looked at him, a little shocked, “I—I…” she couldn’t find the right words to say, “W-well… I could…”
Sasuke sighed, “See?” he commented with an all-knowing nod.
Oh shit, now even Sasuke-kun thinks you’re an impulsive idiot… Inner Sakura shouted in shame. Sakura managed to ignore it eventually.
“But still!” Sakura really looked upset, “He should’ve told me…”
Sasuke glanced at the pink-haired medic and noticed the sudden regret that crossed her face. “What’s wrong?”
Sakura shrugged, “I had this really…awful fight with Kakashi and…”
“So… you were not on good terms when he left?”
Sakura nodded dejectedly. “Yes.”
“That gave him more reason why he shouldn’t tell you anything.”
Sakura glared.
Unfortunately, Sasuke was unfazed by it and went on, “How was he supposed to tell you if you were yelling at him?”
“How did you—?”
Sasuke gave him a disapproving look, “Everyone in the hospital perimeter probably heard you two…”
Sakura rubbed a palm over her face. God, that was so embarrassing. I’m not wondering why everyone’s looking at me funny…
“Hm,”
Sakura looked up at him, “What?”
“The envoy’s early.” He told her as he tipped his head towards the gate.
Sakura followed the beeline with her eyes and saw someone standing not too far away from them, looking awfully annoyed.
Her brows arched, “That’s the envoy?”
Sasuke himself was quite surprised to find a… woman standing over there. He was expecting to find a middle aged guy who was capable of protecting himself and the message he’s delivering. This woman however…
“I hope you’re the jounins who should’ve accompanied me thirty-minutes ago.” Her voice was nasty as well as the glare on her eyes. She was a couple of feet taller than Sakura, a lot older, perhaps around Kurenai or Anko’s age. Her eyes were unusually blue, opposing her feisty attitude. She looked disdainful with her head held up high. And the robes she wore… it was so fine, Sakura could’ve mistaken her as the village’s princess or something.
Unfortunately…
She looked like she could breathe out fire to toast them.
Sakura nudged Sasuke and whispered carefully, “I thought Makoto was a guy’s name.”
Sasuke gave a stiff nod, “Me too.”
“What are you two mumbling about?” the envoy named Makoto spat, “Let’s get going. Or do you want the bandits to overrun us and get killed?”
Well, so much for trusting us. “We assure you… as long as we’re here, your safety is guaranteed.”
Makoto ran her eyes on Sakura from head to toe, “You’re a jounin?”
That just snapped a string on Sakura’s patience, “Yes… I-am.” She said with gritted teeth, “I’m Haruno Sakura and this is Uchiha Sasuke.” She motioned towards Sasuke who was starting to lose patience as well. “We’re both jounins with high capability of protecting you. That’s why the Hokage chose us.” Also, it made her wonder what Makoto’s rank was in her village for her to have so much money just to pay two jounins to guard her.
“Hmph,” Makoto sneered, “I thought everyone else wasn’t around; that’s why I had you two.” She muttered to herself, just loud enough for Sakura’s sharp ears to hear.
Sakura’s jaw fell. When Makoto turned away, Sakura snapped and would have tackled the woman down if Sasuke hadn’t grabbed her arms and pulled her back.
“Now if you’re done playing,” Sakura released herself from Sasuke’s grip and shrugged her bag pack to its place. “Let’s go.” She told them and then started walking. The two followed awkwardly.
TBC
AN: TY sagdragon3002 for the beta!
1. Takamaru- Sand’s fastest falcon (Manga 250:15)