Chapter Twelve
Formalities between the killer and his prey
It took them a day to reach the edge of the forest that was separating Sand from the last village they stayed at. It was a fast travel, yes, but they’re obviously a day behind the promised date of their arrival. They all knew the Kazekage wouldn’t be too pleased. They reached the border when a group of three sand nins eyed them suspiciously. They appeared filthy from the travelling but none cared about their appearance. Just as long as they got their job done, everything was fine.
Inevitably, one of the nins questioned, “State your business.”
“A consular mission instructed by the Hokage of Konoha.” Kakashi spoke to the nins who were responsible for Sand’s security, showing them a scroll written by Tsunade herself. “We’re here by the Kazekage’s request. Leaf’s fifth Hokage gave us her consent.” He gave them the papers signed by the Hokage and the request letter of the Kazekage. The three nins affirmed the papers and started rummaging through their luggage. Kakashi, Shikamaru and Neji looked unruffled as the inspection was done. Sakura, however, thought it was unnecessary. Perhaps the current attacks caused paranoia. She looked over her team of medics and noticed them nervously giving them their things.
Once the bag inspection was over, they were led towards the post and waited for their pass.
“Is it rude if I pull their eyes out?” Sakura murmured at Kakashi while glaring at the Sand nins who continuously kept a watchful eye towards their group.
“They’re doing it for their own safety, Sakura. We’re all very aware of their situation.” Kakashi replied in a low voice while eyeing the sand nins as well. It was rather surprising that no enemies attacked them so far and in situations like this, Kakashi thought it was odd.
As they travelled further, the grass of the pasture slowly disappeared and turned into a golden coverlet of sand. The weather changed from windy to irritatingly warm as they headed further into the Sand country. The group decided to walk instead of running for it was starting to get unbearably hot. Hours went by before they reached almost halfway towards the village. They camped in the middle of the desert to spend the night, all throwing away their blankets in order to let the warm breeze somehow cool them down. The next day however was torture. The sun attacked them viciously, biting their skin like sharp blades as they neared the group of dry mountains surrounding the village of sand.
Finally! Sakura triumphantly danced inside her head. I will give anything for water… She was parched as the sand sea beneath them. She looked over her team and noticed them in the same state. As usual, Kakashi, Shikamaru and Neji refused to show any weakness and kept their faces straight. Although, Shikamaru seems to be failing miserably. His eyes drooped tiredly and she could tell he will give anything for a nice soft bed to collapse in. Actually, she too wishes the same thing as well.
They entered the village and noticed the square buildings, Sakura assumed as houses for Sand people. Her vision turned everything into the warmest touch of brown and gold. The sun was unforgiving, frying everything underneath without hesitation. Oh my god my brain’s melting… She couldn’t describe the how happy she felt when the first building to welcome their eyes was an inn.
“Rest,” Kakashi said before everyone else head towards their respective bedrooms. “Someone may have informed the Kazekage about our arrival by now. We’ll meet here tomorrow morning.” As they all nodded and went to leave, Kakashi took Sakura’s arm and pulled her back. “Not you. We’re going to visit him now.”
“But I thought you said…”
“The Kazekage asked for your assistance and we owe it to him that you show up the moment we arrive.” He released her arm and started walking outside. Sakura closely followed behind. “I’ll accompany you there.”
Because of the heat, Sakura almost forgot the real reason why they visited Sand. She abided with Kakashi’s request and set aside her need for sleep until next week. The receptionist kindly advised them not to stray separately since the area was currently unsafe. Everyone else in Sand was notified to stay alert at all times and not to mention, stay inside their homes too for the time being until the plague wanes.
They went outside and suddenly noticed the absence of people. The whole area was so quiet; you can almost hear the rustling of sand as the wind blew in. Sakura trudged with heavy feet while observing each corner vigilantly. All the buildings looked exactly the same except for the few signs attached on stores and other public stations.
“Are we there yet?” Sakura asked, wincing at the way her voice rasped. Her poor, poor throat.
“I’m not sure…” even Kakashi’s voice showed the evidence of dehydration. She noticed his shoulders drooped slightly as they walked further.
“Don’t you think we should find some official or something?” she used her hand to keep the sun from hurting her eyes, squinting as she tried to envisage the outlying part of the village. “Going ‘round in circles won’t help us. If I faint here, you have to drag me back.”
Kakashi chuckled, “Sure as long as you do the same thing to me.”
“I carried you when you were drunk, Kakashi. What difference does it make?” she sardonically replied.
“This time, I’ll make it much harder for you. If I have to double my weight, I’ll do it.”
“Yeah, do that and I’ll bury you alive.” Despite of her comment, she silently laughed when she heard him chuckle in return.
She knew their petty argument was meant to boost up their remaining energy. All the travelling and the heat overly wearied them out and laughter always makes things less strenuous.
They continued walking and finally, one Sand nin took pity and led them towards the Kazekage’s building. As they walked there, the jounin explained why everyone else chose to ignore them. They were frightened, and who wouldn’t be after being tricked twice by unknown nins who continuously harass them.
“We’re afraid you’re one of them too but…” the jounin nonchalantly said as they neared their destination, “…since we’re informed about nins from Konoha will come to help us and noticed the Village signs you carry,” he pointed on Kakashi’s hitai-ate, “we assumed you’re the people sent here to end the epidemic.”
Kakashi couldn’t help but ask, “How are things around here? Has another attack occurred these past few days?”
The jounin looked reluctant to answer yet he did so with very few words, “A warning, that’s all.”
“What do you mean?” Sakura frowned over his answer.
“Well… some part of the village were bombed two days ago. They say it’s a sort of… warning for the Kazekage to start building his troops. It was rather confusing and frightening at the same time. We will never know if we’re safe today, tomorrow or next week. Vigilance is a must here…”
Soon they reached the village and the jounin went on his way.
“This looks awfully serious, Kakashi.” Sakura noted as she watched the jounin disappear on the horizon.
He ignored her comment and made a move to enter the Kazekage’s office, “Let’s go.”
Once they went in, Sakura felt the urge to kiss the walls for becoming her comfort zone. The room was cool enough and it definitely sheltered her away from the awful sun. Wiping the sweat on her forehead, Sakura followed Kakashi as he started walking further into the hall. It was a blessing, really, just to stand here and shield herself, especially while viewing the hotness of the outside world through the building’s square windows. She was too occupied staring off that she didn’t notice the lady sitting outside the Kazekage’s room, who Kakashi assumed was his secretary.
“May I help you?” the woman addressed him in deadpanned voice. It seemed she herself wasn’t enjoying the heat as well. She was the same age as Anko with chestnut hair tied in a bun and wore thick rimmed glasses.
“We’re here to see the Kazekage. I have brought his requested medic nin from Konoha.” He tipped his head towards Sakura’s direction.
“I see.” The woman said in a clipped tone, “Go in, he’s waiting for you.”
Kakashi smiled his thanks and turned to grab Sakura away from her daydreaming. “Don’t you dare go to lala land without me.” He softly murmured in order for her to hear his comment alone and she giggled in return. “He wishes to see you. I’ll wait for you here.” He said and automatically plopped down the nearby chairs. With a nod, she went towards the door separating her and the Kazekage and cautiously knocked.
“Enter.” A deep muffled voice said within the room and took the opportunity to enter the room.
The vision before her surprised her nonetheless. There stood the Kazekage, now tall and matured from the years of not seeing each other. He was still the same Gaara of the Dessert. Deep mahogany brown hair, emotionless jade eyes… well, except the clothes he was wearing; more fit for a ruler… or something that will differ him from the others. And the gourd, of course was gone. Why would he even carry that thing around when he’s got a town-full of sand around him anyway?
He was standing behind his desk, arms crossed, glaring down on the pile of scrolls on the damned mahogany table, eyeing it in hopes of burning it down. Despite of his blank image, he looked extremely upset right now.
Closing the door behind her, she walked in baby-steps, “Kazekage-sama…” Sakura formally bowed her head but kept her eyes locked on Gaara’s dark form. He had settled on ignoring her for awhile since his eyes were obviously still trained on the scrolls. Somehow, she felt insulted. She wanted to demand his attention but immediately realized the harm it could do to their current situation. Gaara of the Dessert was no man who easily follow orders from a measly medic nin like her. During the Chuunin exams, he was hardly tamed by Baki. Who is she to even dare to tame him now? Not from someone he tried to kill seven years ago.
Finally, after the long silence that he finally took notice of, Gaara lifted his eyes and studied the girl before him. He showed no signs of confusion but still it showed that he was trying to recall where he had seen Sakura before. And it dawned on him, seven years ago during the finals of Chuunin exam. The girl he pinned on a tree while he fought with Naruto. Also, one of his rescuers when he was kidnapped. Ah, that girl. He mused, still looking at her with his eerie jade eyes.
Come on, keep yourself together. Chin up, stand straight… speak for Pete’s sake! Inhaling to calm her nerves, she said, “By the order of the fifth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, I am here as requested by the Kazekage of Hidden Sand Village.” She bowed again, this time to show her utter respect.
“I heard you travelled with three other jounins.” Gaara’s voice sounded so smooth yet so cold around the room.
“Yes. And with four medic trainees as well.” She answered, still retaining her bowing position, “We are here to help stop the epidemic.”
“How long is your service?” without looking up, she could tell he moved around his desk by the soft footfalls and the rustle of his clothing.
“As long as it is needed…” she carefully replied. Tsunade-sama did instruct her to stay until the problem was solved. Once the Epidemic was over, she and the others would return to Konoha immediately.
There was silence for a moment before Gaara decided to speak again, “Your safety is assured. There’s one thing I must clear before this conversation ends.” Then he paused, “Stand straight.”
His offhand command reached her ears and immediately she did as what she was told. She stood straight and was able to face the Kazekage properly. He was now standing before his desk but he still kept his arms crossed.
“The battlefield is no concern of yours. You will stay in the hospital and heal my people. Your interference is clearly unaccepted.”
This information irked her, noting that her abilities were once again questioned and underestimated, “But what if my assistance is needed?”
“It’ll never happen.”
“What if I want to protect myself?”
“As I said, your safety is assured.”
Her eyes narrowed, “You’re not being reasonable.” Great, their first meeting and she’s starting to piss him off. Yep, they’ll get along just fine.
Gaara glared at the obstinate female, “You are from another village. If something happens to you, your Hokage will not be pleased.”
As if seeing light at the end of a never ending tunnel, Sakura finally understood. He’s just trying avoid anything that would destroy the friendship between Sand and Leaf. If something did happen to her and her team, Sand will be questioned and the treaty will be overthrown. “I understand…” she said, nodding and letting her eyes fall on the ground in shame.
Again; with unreadable emotion except for the gleam in his eyes that clearly said, I-told-you-so in a manner that annoyed the shit out of her. She has to get out of here before she says something stupid again.
“You’re dismissed.” Was all he said before he turned and started glaring on the scrolls again. Weird.
“Hai.” With one final bow, she turned and exited the room.
That was one weird exchange of formalities.
**
The hospital was unbearable, especially the tent specifically built to house all those who caught the epidemic. Cries of pain sounded like nails against blackboard, screeching until the brain bleeds and ends up like a puddle of poo on the ground. And the smell… a combination of sterilized equipments, sweat, blood and pus. Just the smell you need when you’re about to eat a mouth-watering bento box with different maki’s and sushi’s inside and a rice with a fermented cherry on top.
It had been three days since they arrived and boy, Sakura had the urge to quit and go back to Konoha. But of course she didn’t have the will to do that. She was a medic and it is her duty to care for people until they’re nursed back to their health. And not to mention the treaty between her and the Kazekage who seemed to ignore her sufferings and sacrifices would be in danger.
Her team wasn’t all that bad. Daigaro and the others were doing pretty well with their practicum despite of the toxicity of the situation. Patients were having trouble with breathing, having infection, blood-shot eyes and cyanotic skin. Sakura assumed it was poisoning, whether through food, air or water. The medics there proved her right and said the same thing. They told her it happened a few weeks ago when the first attack occurred. The village was in shambles and enemies could freely access in and out through the area without being traced. They also said the first patient reported that the water from the well was consumed by him and his family. After doing so, they felt unbearable pain on the stomach until their limbs felt weak and numb. The pain was attacking from the inside and eating its way through the surface of the dermis area of the skin, causing an infection and the continuous distribution of pus.
They would’ve finished their duty in one week if only there weren’t any threats coming from Sand’s invisible enemies. During her five day stay in Sand, she experienced almost three distractions and had to hide into the underground floor of the hospital until the attacks were over. It was an awful experience, avoiding battles and not be able to fight for yourself. It was like being an invalid; deprived from walking or from doing something productive.
And so the next day, she confronted him again about this.
“It’s obviously not fair. I think we medics should fight as long as it is required.”
“The underground floor’s not built for your proposition.” That eerie voice of ‘speak-more-I’ll-kill-you’ haunted her ears. “Not unless things won’t work my way. Only then I will allow you to do whatever you want.”
“Can I take your word for that?” she received a glare and she willingly took that as a ‘yes’. Fine, you prick. She took her leave and went back to the inn.
“Haruno-san!” Oichi’s lithe form approached her as soon as she reached her room. “Hatake-san and the others are at the bar and…”
“Why does that not surprise me?” Sakura shook her head and sighed.
“… well, they told me to fetch you. Nara-san said you needed a break. It’s been five days and…”
“Alright, tell them I’ll be there in thirty minutes. I need a bath.” Oichi nodded jovially and left. A war is starting and still they keep on bar hopping. She quietly mused to herself as she slides the shoji door of her room. She went inside, rolled her shoulder and massaged it. She entered the bathroom, turned the dial and stood underneath the shower head.
**
Sakura arrived five minutes late. Upon entering, she immediately saw Temari and Shikamaru, exchanging wits for the second night they had seen each other. Ever since Temari and Kankurou went to visit them; those two never stopped strangling each others’ throats. The blonde was sitting crossed-legged, a smirk on her face as she watched the very, very pissed off Shikamaru defend his dignity. Next to them was her medic team, laughing as they listened to their argument.
Kankurou was talking to one of her female trainees, telling her something that made the girl blush and laugh. Sakura’s mouth twitched. It was an odd sight seeing Kankurou flirting with anyone, so she shifted her eyes and saw Hyuuga Neji walking around, avoiding a gang of fan girls, whom, she remembered, kept chasing him since they arrived. Poor, Neji. She laughed as he spotted her and immediately went to her direction, Fine, I’ll save you. As he neared, she met him halfway, latched an arm around his and dragged him away from his disappointed fan girls.
“Thank you.” Neji quietly said as he reluctantly glanced back on the irritating female species.
“You amaze me.” Sakura’s eyes glittered as she laughed, “You manage to acquire a mob of fan girls in such a short time. How do you do it?” she lightly teased, but Neji wasn’t angry despite on how much he tried to show he was upset with her teasing
“I never did it on purpose.” He defended quite poorly since his mouth was slowly curving into a smile. Just shows you how much Sakura changed him in the past few weeks they’d been together in this mission.
“Oh C’mon,” she let go of his arm so she could lightly push him, “It took years for Naruto to do that.”
“There’s your answer. He’s Naruto…” He meant it as joke, but the look he saw on Sakura’s face was priceless.
She stopped, gaped at him and almost breathlessly said, “Did you just made a joke?”
Neji’s eyes narrowed, slightly insulted. “You’re supposed to laugh.”
Sakura shook her head and started laughing, “No… I mean, wow… I just—I mean you're so out of character but—” she latched her arm around his again and dragged him into walking, “I’m glad.” At least he’s finally crawling out of shell, albeit slowly. She never got this effect on Sasuke before. Her attempts to change him were poorly ignored, much to her disappointment.
They joined the others and drank booze. They talked, made jokes and enjoyed the night like there was no tomorrow. After this however, they will all go back to their duties and wear the same-old mask of deception. As they all listened to Kankurou, Sakura scanned the whole table and noticed someone was missing. Where’s Kakashi?
“He’s busy talking to glasses girl over there.” Shikamaru said as if reading her thoughts.
Sakura turned to him, confusion written all-over her face, “What?”
“Gaara’s hot secretary dragged him away.”
At that mentioned, Sakura’s fine brow arched, “Really?”
Shikamaru put his hands on a defensive stance, “Whoa, don’t get him wrong, Sakura. We only have two days left before we give our report to Hokage-sama. It’s been three days and that Gaara doesn’t give us proper information. Kakashi had no other choice but to use his secretary. You know, take advantage on whatever opportunity’s coming forth.”
“I didn’t ask for an explanation, Shikamaru.” Sakura murmured softly enough for Shikamaru to hear.
“You looked like you’re ready to burst out into a jealous fit if I didn’t.”
Sakura glared at him and indignantly replied, “I-am-not-jealous!”
“Yeah, whatever.” Shikamaru waved a hand and drank the whole contents of his glass.
“What are you trying to imply, Nara?” She was dead serious, he could tell by her using his last name.
Shikamaru opened one lazy eye to side-glance at her, “Promise me you won’t skin me alive?”
“It depends.” Sakura pressed.
Shikamaru gulped as she gave him that look clearly saying ‘tell-me-or-not-I’ll-still-skin-you-alive’. Why do they always threaten him with those killer eyes, both Neji and Sakura? Ch, some friends they are… With a sigh, he gave up and said, “You and Kakashi’s been traipsing around for a long time. Everybody knows you two will end up together and…”
Sakura almost dropped her glass, “What?” her eyes were wide as saucers.
“It’s obvious. You and Kakashi feel for each other and I don’t see why…”
“See what?” Sakura’s head was spinning, was it because of the booze or the stuff Shikamaru was telling her. Does everyone really assume that they’re—that they felt for each other??
“… see why you’re not together.” Shikamaru finished. He looked at Sakura and almost felt sorry for causing this shock.
“Why were not together…” Sakura dumbly repeated.
“Do you like him?”
Sakura raised her head and saw Shikamaru’s piercing eyes looking at her. “What?”
“Do you love him?”
“Love him?” again, she repeated quite dumbly.
For someone almost as smart as Shikamaru, Sakura was a mess. That frustrated him. “Think about it… this conversation tires me.” He stood up and went to start an argument with Temari again, who by now was quite drunk and loud. Who knew the blonde bombshell gets loud when drunk? It was priceless.
Sakura was left thinking over what he said.
You got angry when he ignored you.
You kept touching his face when he’s asleep.
You cried when you felt he doesn’t trust you.
Felt happy when you reconciled.
Admit it you felt the spark of jealousy when Shikamaru said he’s with Gaara’s secretary.
Also, you almost bore holes on the back of he’s neck when you saw him with that blonde girl. And they were kissing!
Just admit it! You get jealous when he’s with other women!
Doesn’t that just scream L-O-V-E??
No… Sakura was sad, furious and betrayed all the same time. Why… When did it happen? When did she realize she had fell in-love? Again? How… That moment she realized her love for Sasuke was platonic, had she already fallen in love with her ex-sensei?
Oh no… Sakura sat there silently in disbelief, trying to review her weird conversation with Shikamaru until a figure came rushing to their table, a little breathless and frantic. It turned out; it was one of Sand’s medics.
“E-excuse me,” every pair of eyes turned to look at her. “Haruno-san, the Kazekage wishes to see you.” She said, trying to catch her breath. She came all the way from the Kazekage’s office, obviously threatened by Gaara to deliver the message quick or he’ll make her life miserable is she so fails.
Don’t I deserve any break? I’m human too… With a sigh, she stood up and nodded. She turned towards her friends and said, “Sorry. I’ll make it up next time.” She saw the look of worry on their faces, especially on Temari and Kankurou after hearing that the request came from their brother himself.
As she bid them goodnight, she went to follow the messenger outside the bar. As she walked, she got the eerie feeling that someone was watching her. With a little turn of her head, she saw Kakashi’s eye looking straight over her direction while conversing with glasses girl, who pretty much looked like she drank enough alcohol for tonight.
She immediately looked away and exited the pub as the warm evening breeze welcomed her. I wonder what he wants now… She felt another knot forming at the back of her neck. Great.
TBC