AN: Hello! It's me again with yet another story. Well I just couldn't help myself once again. I was actually gonna save this one till it was all done but...Oh well. Enjoy it anyways! (could be subject to slight changes in the future, but only small ones I promise)
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Tsunade groaned and slumped further into her chair as Shizune set down the fifth stack of papers in front of her. "Can't I take a break? All this paperwork is giving me a headache."
"I'm sorry." Shizune sighed. "But if you don't finish at least this stack we'll fall behind."
"How in the world can we fall behind? I've been signing nothing but mission reports for the last week." Tsunade leaned forward slamming her stamp down onto the last report from the previous pile.
Shizune flinched at the cracking sound. She was still shocked that the poor old desk hasn't collapsed yet. "Please just bear with it a little longer." Shizune quickly retreated from the room to avoid any more pleads from the angered woman.
Giving a small growl, Tsunade pulled open her desk drawer and retrieved her beloved bottle of sake. "I would be lost without you." She gave small smile as she popped the cork and took a large swig.
She gave a sigh of relief as she spun her chair around to face the windows that overlooked the city of Konoha. She still couldn't believe how many years have passed since she took up the position as Hokage. It was ten to be exact. She took yet another swig of sake as she recalled all the major events that have happened in the last ten years. Too many bad ones for my comfort that's for sure. She was glad she was going to be training Naruto to take her place soon.
Resting her head against the back of her chair she wondered if maybe Akatsuki was behind this sudden crime spree, hence the never ending paperwork. Of course she had no way to prove it, since the Akatsuki seemed to have completely disappeared about six years ago. That in itself was quite strange but in the end it was a huge relief to have such a threat diminished. But, the fact still irritated her that they couldn't dispose of them properly.
A small gust of wind suddenly blew through her office sending papers flying through the air and breaking her train of thought. She swiveled in her chair to give the unannounced guest a lesson in manners, but before she could utter a word the unknown man standing before her spoke first.
"Are you the Hokage?" The man's voice was stern and steady.
She narrowed her eyes; she had never seen him before in her life. His features were unique enough to where she would remember him, late forties, 6'2, around 250, definitely all muscle, dark brown hair with speckled gray here and there and dark green eyes. But what stood out the most was the star shaped scar on his left cheek. The way he presented himself to her made you believe he demanded your respect. He had power written all over him.
She gave a small smile; if this man expected her to cooperate by using force he was sadly mistaken. "And just who might you be?" She titled her head in interest then added. "And while you're at it, why don't you tell me who the hell you think you are to have the right to barge in here as you have."
He met her glare with his own hard cold stare. She had to give him credit, he had balls…...or else he was just extremely stupid. Without even averting his gaze he strode to her desk and leaned down placing his hands firmly on the edge as he brought himself to her eye level. "Hmm….Bad attitude, poor youth jutsu, the strong scent of cheap sake" He smirked seeing her eyes glaze with irritation. "You must be Tsunade."
Now he did it, he tipped the scale and pissed her off, but that's what he wanted. He was trying to get under her skin and she'd be damned if he thought she was going to take the bait. "I will have you know." She couldn't hide the venom in her voice. "That I do not drink cheap sake."
For the first time since he appeared in front of her his expression actually faltered, he now had a look of confusion. He blinked a few times as if trying to gather his thoughts before he finally stood back up. Tsunade couldn't help the smug grin that crossed her face. She was probably the first woman to ever render him speechless and for that she had a huge amount of self-satisfaction for the achievement. "Now, are you going to tell me who you are and what business you have with me?"
His confused look was quickly replaced by his previous hard stern expression. "My name is Shuhan Gosha and I have come to retrieve my daughter who is currently under your care."
She searched her memory for anyone by that name. But she came up with nothing, she had never heard of him or a girl by that name. "Are you sure she is here?" She asked, pretty sure that he was mistaken. "I don't know anyone who goes by the name Gosha."
He narrowed his eyes for a moment before he shook his head in disbelief. "Of course you haven't." He seemed to reminding himself of that fact more than informing her of it. "You would know her as Haruno, Sakura Haruno."
The bar was dirty, crowded and smelled of stale cigarette smoke and booze. Sakura crinkled her nose at the stench. In the dim lighting she evaluated her situation, 1 old sleeping dog lay by the entrance, 2 bartenders, 133 civilians, 87 men, 46 women, 13 Shinobi, all male, all from the Land of Grass. She grunted at the fact. Of course no respectable kunoichi would be caught dead in a place like this by choice. But none proved to be any real threat. Other than that, her target had not arrived.
Thief-Man mid-thirties, average height and build, brown hair, brown eyes, scar above right eye, unidentified tattoo on left side of neck. Mission-Capture thief and retrieve stolen scroll. Scroll-Priceless family heirloom of a feudal lord from The Land of Tea. Sakura sighed. Things sure have been picking up lately. She pondered the thought for a moment. I wonder if…
"Pay attention Sakura" A static male voice sounded in her ear piece, breaking her train of thought. "We don't know what he'll be capable of."
Sakura scowled. "Would you like to come out here and do this for me Genma, since you seem to think I can't handle it?"
"Now Sakura I never said that. Besides I don't have the right equipment for that dress." She could tell from his voice he was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Pervert" She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, covering her showing cleavage. Who would wear something like this unless they were forced too? The black dress made her stand out; there was no doubt about that. With spaghetti straps, an extremely low neckline and a skirt that ended just above mid-thigh, how could she not. The fact that Genma had supplied the dress wasn't a shock either.
"Stop it you two" Kakashi's static voice rang in her ear. "Our target should be here any minute, so keep focused."
Sakura rolled her eyes; she really didn't understand why she had to be stuck with these two. They were always teasing her and causing problems for her. Well at least they keep things interesting. She had to admit it; they sure knew how to have fun.
"What's a pretty girl like you sitting all alone at the bar for?" A good-looking young man leaned on the bar next to her smiling.
"Who said I was alone?" She raised a questioning brow.
The man chuckled. "You entered alone and you've been sitting by yourself since." He gently ran his fingers down her bare arm.
"My, I didn't know I was under such a watchful eye. But I'm sorry I'm meeting someone." She reached for her drink, affectively moving away from his reach.
"Come on sweetheart, don't be like that." He moved closer, now placing his hand on the small of her back. "Why don't we get to know each other a little better?"
"Get rid of him, he'll blow our cover" that obnoxious voice sounded in her ear again. I know. She clenched her teeth shut to avoid yelling it out loud.
She turned to the man and batted her eyes. "Tell you what" She breathed seductively. "Why don't you run across the road, get us a room at the Inn and I'll come on over after I have spoken to my friend. They should be here soon."
The man grinned. "Is that so?" His hand moved quick across her back grabbing her firm by the waist, pulling her against him. "How about we just go over now and not waste any time? I'm sure your friend will understand."
Shit, this guy's persistent. I can't knock him out or I'll definitely blow my cover. She forced a smile at him, using every ounce of her will power to hold back her anger. "Ok then how about if I told you I'm not interested."
His smile grew. "I wouldn't believe you." She pulled away slightly as he leaned in attempting to kiss her.
"I'm a few minutes late and you try to replace me?" A male's voice hissed, both Sakura and the man turned towards its source. "You should learn to keep your hands off of another man's woman."
Sakura narrowed her eyes. Kakashi
"Mind your own business." The man hissed back, tightening his hold on her. "I saw her first."
Kakashi gave a menacing grin behind his mask. Too fast to even know what hit him, the man was bent over the bar, his arm restrained behind his back. "Get out of my sight before you really piss me off." He growled, pulling the man up and pushing him back into the crowd.
He found his footing and glared at Kakashi, who met his gaze, daring him to even try and start a fight. "Tch" The man averted his eyes and disappeared into the crowd.
Kakashi gave a satisfied smirk and rolled his shoulders before turning to look at Sakura. A chill ran down his spine, if looks could kill he definitely would be dead on the spot. "What?"
"What?" Sakura scowled. "You pull a stupid stunt like that and all you can say is what? You do realize that you just blew this mission right?"
"Yeah you idiot." Genma hissed through their ear pieces. "What the hell were you thinking?"
Kakashi clenched his fists at his sides and averted his gaze away from the pink-haired woman. Apparently I wasn't. He had completely put the mission aside, thinking only of getting that man away from Sakura. His body just moved on its own. "It can still work. I'll just leave and…"
"It will never work." Sakura sighed as she stood from her bar stool. "That man is watching us now and as soon as you leave I'm sure he will return."
"Not only that, you let half the bar hear you say she was your woman and then you just had to go and draw more attention to yourself attacking the guy. How can she possibly seduce the man after that?" Genma added.
"I guess we'll just have to call it a day." Sakura shrugged as she straightened out her dress.
"Hold it" Genma ordered. "The thief just walked through the door. How wonderful." He drawled. "What perfect timing?"
Both Kakashi and Sakura glanced at the man who was currently headed towards the bar. He most definitely was the man they were looking for, he fit the description perfectly. And the idiot had the scroll strapped to his belt, in plain view.
Oh too easy. Sakura grinned and turned back to Kakashi. She cocked her head and gave a tiny shrug, meaning to tell him what-the-hell-why-not. Kakashi just sighed and leaned against the bar, evaluating all the possibilities, along with the possible outcomes.
"What the hell are you two doing? Don't tell me you're going to actually attempt….." Genma's sentence was left unheard as Sakura removed the earpiece from her ear. She had no desire to listen to him right now anyways.
Sakura watched their target out of the corner of her eye as he took a seat at the bar only a few stools down from them and happily order a drink. He's not half bad looking. Sakura concluded. At least that makes the seducing part easier. She rolled her eyes at the thought. If the plan ever… "What the hell are you doing?" Sakura yelped as Kakashi wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him.
"Just go with it." He grinned right before pulling his mask down and capturing her lips.
Tsunade's' eyes went wide as she stared at the man before her, still trying to grasp the claim he just made. Surely he had to be mistaken. She supposed that it could be possible…no there was just no way this man could be her father. All the records she has ever seen prove it. Sakura is the daughter of Shuoto and Yuka Haruno.
Now irritated, Shuhan let out an annoyed breath as he sat down in the only chair that wasn't piled with papers. "Let me guess" He brought his right leg up to rest his ankle on his left knee and made a steeple with his fingers together placing his elbows on the armrests. "You're either thinking that I must be wrong and talking nonsense or you think I'm completely crazy."
Tsunade recovered control of her racing thoughts before clearing her throat and gaining her composure. "A little of both actually. What proof can you provide me that you are her…..Sakura's…birth father?"
He titled his head and raised a brow. "I have to prove to you that she is my daughter?" He now laced his finger together and brought them to rest on his stomach. "I see no need to have to prove anything. I'm telling you she is my daughter. And I would appreciate it if you just told me where I might find her."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. The audacity this man had to come traipsing in here and making crazy accusations was off the charts. And if he thought she was going to give him any information he was indeed crazy. "Well Mr. Gosha…."
"Shuhan is fine."
Tsunade pursed her lips. "As I was saying 'Mr. Gosha', if you have no proof then I have no reason to comply with your request."
The muscle in his jaw tightened with irritation. "Fine." He now stretched his legs out, getting himself more comfortable, seeming to plan to stay awhile. "Haya, Sakura as you call her was born on March 28th. She weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. She has birthmark on her lower back shaped like a soaring eagle. She spoke her first word when she 7 months old. Which was daddy by the way. She took her first step when she was 9 months old. On her second birthday she cried for hours because she didn't get a pony. At the age of…"
"That's enough." Tsunade threw her hand up, signaling him to stop. "I don't understand how you expect me to take any of that into consideration as proof. Any well informed 'stalker' could get his hands on that kind of information." She made it clear to emphasize the word stalker, which is what this man was beginning to sound like at this point.
"You are a vexatious woman!" Shuhan hissed as he jumped to his feet. "What in the hell do you want me to do? Sign my name in blood swearing I speak the truth."
"Not exactly. Just a sample of your blood will do." For a moment Tsunade thought she herself was going mad, to even indulge this man in thinking there was even a slight chance that he is speaking the truth. But then again…there is always the possibility.
Yet another muscle tightened in his jaw as he clenched it shut. He squared is shoulders defiantly. "You will not be satisfied otherwise will you?"
Tsunade raised a brow. "Would you give out information about someone you care about to some unknown stranger just because he can spout off simple details?"
For the second time that day she saw his cold hard expression falter. He let out a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair. "Of course not." He hated admitting it. "If this is what it takes then fine."
"Good" Tsunade jumped to her feet and made her way around her desk, heading for the door. She glanced at him over her shoulder. "I think I will personally look over this one. I wouldn't want you to mess with the results."
"By all means." He drawled sarcastically and followed her out the door.
For the first time since this man entered her office Tsunade finally felt like she was back in control of the situation. It was touch and go there for a while, one minute she had the upper hand then the next minute he had put her in a corner.
She glanced over her shoulder at him as they made their way down the hall. Even the way he carried himself was intimidating. She was guessing that most of the time he probably just had to snap his fingers and everyone around him would be at his back and call. I definitely need to find out all I can about this man…
Hearing the sound of footsteps she averted her eyes to Shizune who was walking towards them. She saw the questioning look on her face when she glanced at the man then back to her. "Don't ask." Tsunade put her hand up, not only stopping Shizune from asking any questions but also stopped her dead in her tracks. "Don't just stand there hurry up." Tsunade ordered.
Shizune jumped slightly before scurrying to fall into to step with the woman. "May I ask where we're going?" She hesitantly asked.
"She's on a mission to prove me insane." Shuhan mused.
Kakashi needed little encouragement to deepen the kiss as Sakura grabbed the front of his shirt, bunching it in her fists pulling him closer. But that's when he lost it, crushing her close, tasting her caressing her, unable to get enough.
He probed with his tongue and the hot, sweet flavor of her mouth sent fire shooting through his veins. Smoothing his hands down her back he pulled her pelvis against his, he had to hold back the groan as she pressed her hips harder against his growing erection.
It was at that moment Sakura jerked suddenly in his arms, breaking away from the kiss. She stared up at him in slight shock and for a moment he thought she might actually send him flying across the bar. But to his surprise a small smile slowly formed across her lips. With the inviting smile he lowered his head ready to taste her again.
"What the hell are you two doing?" Kakashi flinched, Genma's voice was loud enough that even Sakura heard it. "This isn't Make-Out Paradise Kakashi, Sakura's suppose to be the one doing the seducing not you."
Kakashi could have killed the man right now. He reluctantly let his grip on her go and stepped away while pulling up his mask. He had completely forgotten they were on a mission for the second time in 15 minutes. Glancing at Sakura, her flushed face, moist bruised lips slightly parted, still trying to steady her breathing, her eyes reflecting a desire. Apparently she had forgotten too.
"Well I guess it's on to plan B." He stated with a one shoulder shrug. Genma's ranting about the idea was made silent as Kakashi removed his earpiece.
Sakura gave a quick nod. "Yes" Was all she managed to say and made a bee line for the door.
Kakashi frowned. When he had thought the plan through only minutes before it hadn't turned out like this. In his mind Sakura had pulled away, disgusted even and threw a few choice words at him, hit him even. Their little spat leaving the perfect opportunity for her to throw him, who was playing the imaginary lover, to the side. Leaving it wide open for her to seduce the man she was meant to in the first place.
He trailed after her, he hadn't expected her to melt against him as she did. Hell, even in his wildest dreams he never imagined Sakura even kissing him. But now, he took in a quick glance of her in her tight black dress, now he wanted to have her naked body pressed against him. The thought surprised him, but only slightly. Sakura was most definitely an attractive woman and the attraction he felt between them was off the charts. So why wouldn't he be attracted to her?
"Hurry up Kakashi." Sakura smiled over her shoulder. "If we don't hurry Genma will have more to yell at us about."
"Damn it!" Tsunade hissed as she crumpled the test results in her fist. A positive match. She could tell by the smug look on Shuhan's face he was expecting something like an apology. Tsunade took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes at him. "You….." She had to bite back the few choice words she wanted to throw at him.
His smile grew as he titled his head so he could hear her better. "You had something to say?"
"You don't move even an inch." She growled as she slammed the door to the exam room behind her. Once in the hall she had to control herself so she wouldn't put a huge hole through the nearest wall. Which has happened numerous times by the way.
But she didn't have time to be mad at the moment. Now that it was proved he was indeed Sakura's birth father. Many things had to be done. First, get Sakura home from her mission ASAP. Second, find out as much as possible about Shuhan Gosha. She let out a groan. Just more things to add to her list of things to do. But that didn't matter; she was taking this matter rather personal. Sakura was like the daughter she never had. She could see the confused and pained look on the girls face now. This is going too…
"Lady Tsunade is everything alright?" Shizune asked as she drew closer. Worried by the state the blonde woman seemed to be in.
"Shizune, send a message out to Genma's team and tell them to get back here as soon as possible. Then summon Izumo and Kotetsu at once." Tsunade turned ready to go back into the room, deciding the sooner they got this over with the better.
"Y…..Yes ma'am." Shizune nodded, still confused about what exactly was going on. But she knew better then to ask.
Tsunade entered the room and closed the door behind her. It was time her and Mr. Gosha had a chat and now was as good as time as any. She rolled her eyes as she saw him balancing a kunai on his forefinger. "So…." She hesitated for a moment. Which one of the million questions should she ask first?
"Are you going to tell me where my daughter is now?" Shuhan flipped his kunai in the air before catching it and replacing it back in his pouch.
Tsunade leaned against the wall closing her eyes. "Listen, I still don't know who you are or what your purpose is for locating Sakura now but I think…."
"Locating her? I always knew where she was." Shuhan corrected her unknown error. "She was put here under the care of the Haruno's by me personally. And that was done only to keep her safe. But now it's time for her to return and carry out her duty."
Tsunade could do nothing but just blankly stare at him. He really thought that he could waltz in here and do as he pleased and that…..well it didn't surprise her. She learned quickly he was a very demanding man, the 'my way or no way' kind of guy. "Let's back up here a few steps shall we. Tell me exactly the reason why you had to place her here for her protection?" She could tell by his frown he had no desire to explain himself, and if that was the case then it sucked to be him. Because if he thought she was just going to hand over Sakura without knowing anything then he was sadly mistaken. And she most definitely had the power to keep her hidden from him.
The room stayed silent. She was beginning to believe that he was going to stay silent, but he surprised her after five minutes and actually spoke. "If explaining things to you will get me to Sakura any faster then so be it. But I refuse to discuss things here." Tsunade raised a questioning brow and waited for him to elaborate. "I would prefer somewhere more secure and also" he glanced around the room at the plain white walls and the many medical supplies. "Somewhere that has a little less depressing atmosphere."
Tsunade hung her head in disbelief. This man was becoming more and more insatiable the more time she spent around him. "Would my office be more to your liking?" She drawled.
Without skipping a beat he was heading for the door. "How about a local bar?" He smiled over his shoulder at her. "I better pick though since your choice in sake really isn't up to par."
"That was the stupidest stunt I've ever seen either of you pull!" Genma ranted as he paced the forest floor. "What exactly did you expect to happen by doing that?" He directed the question at Kakashi but didn't give him a chance to answer as he continued on. "I mean the scroll was right there ad instead of trying to figure out a way to get it you two decide to have a make-out session!" He was flipped the toothpick in his mouth back and forth before he still continued. "Now I can imagine maybe Sakura losing it in the heat of moment, but you Kakashi? I thought you had more…"
"Instead of just yelling at us why don't you figure out a plan to get that scroll now that seducing is out of the question." Sakura snapped as she leaned against the nearest tree and let out sigh after kicking off her heels. "What's done is done and it's not going to get us anywhere sitting here listening to you rant about what happened in the past."
Kakashi had to bite back the laugh that wanted to escape upon seeing the look on Genma's face. But he had to agree with her, there was no point in sitting around and dwelling on it. Actually he was just happy that he managed to calm his libido before they met up with Genma. "Why don't we just wait till he leaves the bar then steal it back? It's simple and quick, we could be done and home by morning."
Genma scowled and plopped down on a tree stump. "That's too easy and it's no fun."
Sakura let out an exasperated breath. "Why do you have to make things more complicated? We should have just stole it back in the first place and saved our selves a lot of time." She snatched up her pack and disappeared behind a tree.
"But why let that dress go to waste?" Genma finally cracked a smile. "Besides, you like wrapping men around that pretty little finger of yours."
"Oh shut up" Sakura threw the dress at him as she came back out. "You know that's not true. When did I ever have time to find a boyfriend with all my training and missions." She finished zipping up her vest. "Not only that but hanging around with you two seems to drive all the men away from me."
Kakashi raised a questioning brow. He'd never heard any of this before. So that means…no it isn't possible. Sakura surely has men lined up around the block waiting to try for chance with her.
"Don't tell me that you're a 23 year old virgin?" Genma mused. Kakashi had to roll his eyes, leave it to good old Genma to be blunt and to the point.
"Yeah so what?" She sent him cold glare. "You got something to say about it?"
"No" Genma held up his hands defensively. "There's nothing wrong with that. Actually I was hoping maybe you would let me remedy that fact for you."
Sakura had her mouth hanging open ready to spit fire at the man as Kakashi cleared his throat catching their attention. "Can't you two talk about this after we get the scroll?" He really wanted to throw a small tantrum of his own at the moment. Now that he found out Sakura was still a virgin all his fantasies flew out the window. Things would just get more complicated, she would expect more from him. Like a serious relationship, something he particularly wasn't interested in at the moment.
"Fine, I can yell at him later him for being a moron." Sakura crossed her arms over her chest and smiled at the said moron.
"Alright then" Kakashi quickly added before Genma had a chance to retaliate. "I'll head back and get the scroll you two wait here." Just after the words left his mouth a messenger hawk was heard through the trees above them. He glanced up catching site of the soaring bird.
"Guess we better get this done and get back." Genma was back to being serious in a split second. "Hurry and get the scroll back, use force if necessary. We'll stay here and wait so make it quick."
"Right." Kakashi nodded. "Just make sure you're ready to head out by the time I get back." With that he was gone in a puff of smoke.
Tsunade gladly chugged the glass of sake that was set before her, slamming it back down on the table before the waitress had even left. This wasn't what she would call a secure location, but she needed the drink so she wasn't going to argue. After pouring another glass she finally turned to the man sitting across from her. She narrowed her eyes wanting nothing more than to slap that smug grin from his face. "Start talking." It was an order, not a request.
He raised a brow and took a leisurely sip of his drink before resting his elbows on the table and leaning in closer to her. His voice quiet. "You'll think I really am crazy if I tell you the truth."
Tsunade leaned forward and looked him square in the eye. "Try me"
He held her gaze before shaking his head and leaning back in his seat. "Ok" He shrugged one shoulder. "But don't go accusing me of lying this time."
Tsunade eyes glazed over with anger, this man was just asking to be beat within an inch of his life. And if he wasn't careful she wouldn't hesitate to do it. "Whatever" She waved her hand at him. "Just get on with it already."
"Ma'am" Izumo suddenly appearing next to the table with Kotetsu. "Sorry to bother you, but Shizune said you wanted to see us right away."
She stared at them blankly for a moment. "Yes I did." She nodded now remembering what she wanted them to do. She grabbed a napkin and was looking around for a pen.
"Here" Shuhan smiled holding a pen up.
"Thanks" She muttered taking the pen and writing down what it was she needed. "I want a full report as soon possible. And that means five minutes ago."
"Yes ma'am!" The two men said in unison before quickly leaving the bar.
She let out a sigh as she took another large swig from her glass. She glanced at Shuhan and noticed he happened to be shaking his head. "What?"
"I don't know how anyone can work for you when you treat them like that." He pointed his finger at her. "People would like you more if you were nicer you know."
She growled and slapped his finger out of her face. "Shut it. The only thing I want to hear come out of your mouth is an explanation." He raised a brow and he met her gaze. A few moments passed before Tsunade rolled her eyes and let out a frustrated breath. "Please"
He finished off his glass and was pouring himself another one when he finally spoke. "I suppose that's the most I can expect so fine I'll tell you." He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "You want to know why I placed Sakura under the protection of the leaf village?" She gave a nod. "Because her life was endanger."
Tsunade waited for more but it never came. "Why was that?" She finally asked with a growl.
"She is one of the few members of our clan that inherited our kekai genkai and for that reason her life was in constant danger. Either someone was trying to kidnap or kill her. So right after her second birthday I brought her here and placed her under the care of the Haruno's. I would like to speak with them too."
"That's not possible." Tsunade anger melted and her heart sank. She still remembered that day like it was yesterday. "They were killed last year in a fire." By his shocked expression she knew he had never heard about it.
"Is that so." He let out his held breath. "So then Sakura..." He broke off, look of concern on his face or his daughter.
She gave him a few minutes before she said. "You were telling me about your clan's kekai genkai."
He stayed silent as if gathering his thoughts. "Right" he cleared his throat. "As I was saying. Sakura carries the secrets to our clans hidden power, she is not aware of it as of yet, that's the reason I have come to retrieve her. So she can learn how to use it and hopefully master it."
Tsunade was listening intently now. "What exactly is this kekai genkai of yours?"
He gave a small laugh and ran his hand down his face. "Honestly I am not totally sure. All I have to go by is our clan's sacred scrolls."
Tsunade slumped down in the booth in disbelief. "Then how do you know Sakura has the ability to use it?"
"Her birthmark. The scroll clearly states that the chosen one will be marked by the soaring eagle. And actually, she is the first known member of our clan to be born with such a mark."
"The chosen one? Don't tell me this is some sort of ancient prophecy and Sakura is meant to save the world or something."
Shuhan shrugged his shoulders. "Ok I won't"
Sakura sighed as she felt the cool grass beneath her tired body. They had been running nonstop trying to get back to Konoha as soon as possible. And at the moment Genma had set out to check the perimeter of the campsite, so she was left with peace and quiet. If you count out the rustling of a page being turned now and then.
She looked towards the said noise, not surprised to find Kakashi sitting against a rock reading next to the fire with the same book in his hands that he's read a hundred times. Really, she didn't understand what was so great about it. She didn't find it that interesting when curiosity got the best of her a few years back leading her to the local bookstore to purchase a copy. Once was enough for her, it's been sitting on her bookshelf collecting dust ever since.
In the dim light of the fire she could see the old book was beginning to fall apart, it had been read so many times that the binding was coming apart. The thought crossed her mind about giving him her copy and let that poor old book retire to a bookshelf before it completely fell apart.
"Something wrong?" Kakashi asked looking at her from over the top of his book. Startled and a little embarrassed for being caught staring she sat up.
"Not really" She gave him a smile. "I was just thinking how pitiful that book looks."
Kakashi tilted his head as he flipped the book over and back. "It doesn't look that bad."
Sakura snorted in disagreement. "Are you kidding me? The pages are about ready to fall out."
Kakashi scratched the back of his neck as he stared down at the old book. It did look pretty worn out he had to admit that much. Maybe it was time to go get a new copy. Now usually he wasn't one to be too sentimental, but when it came to his books...he couldn't even begin to explain. He frowned at the thought. "It's perfectly fine." He returned to reading his beloved book.
Sakura rolled her eyes and laid back down, gazing up into the star filled sky. Maybe he got the book from some old girlfriend or something. Nah, I don't think any girl who would buy that book for her boyfriend. Actually the more she thought about it, she could never remember a time when he ever had a girlfriend. That couldn't have been right, he was an attractive man and smart to boot.
An image flashed through her mind of his unmasked face back at the bar and the hungry look he had in his lone eye when he was looking at her sent her heart racing and her cheeks heating up. She had to admit he was the best kisser she's had so far. His lips were soft and warm and he tasted of mint. She could have went on kissing him if Genma hadn't interrupted them.
"Well the perimeter is secure." Genma said as he plopped down next to her. "Who wants to take the first watch?"
"You know" Sakura sighed as she looked up at him, hoping he wasn't going to make this interrupting thing a habit. "I was enjoying your absence."
Genma glanced down at her. "Yes well you would be the first woman to say that."
Sakura let out a laugh. For once she couldn't argue with him. Genma did have a way with the ladies. "Well I'm not drunk so that makes a difference." She laughed again when she heard Kakashi join in laughing.
Genma threw a nearby stick at Kakashi failing to stop his laughing, before turning back to Sakura. "So let's get back to our discussion from earlier, you never did tell me why is it you're still a virgin?" He raised his brow waiting for her to answer. "And don't give that old excuse about wanting to find your one and only either."
Sakura stood up and wiped off the loose grass before sending Genma a smile. "Ok I won't" She took off walking into the darkness. She waved over her shoulder. "I'll take the first watch."
"Hey!" Genma hollered after her. "Just answer the question already!"
AN: So how was it any good? Did you catch any errors that need correcting? Just let me know what you think. ;) Luv ya