"It's time, today I'm going to tell you why the yondaime sealed the kyubi inside you", "Now I leave it in your hands my sweet little girl, forgive me. We love you", "You are the chosen one, since your birth you were meant to save us all", "You have a connection nobody else have", "I'll always come back to you, I love you". Semi AU.
Disclaimer: Naruto characters are exclusive property of Kishimoto Masashi.
Chapter 1 – A New Mission
"Do you really have to go again? You just came back two days ago" Ino said while taking her gaze to the ground, sadness upon her because of what she just heard.
"I'm sorry Ino, Tsunade – sama's orders. I'm sure she has her reasons" Sakura answered with voice that asked for understanding. "Besides, she knows my last mission lasted three weeks. This one shouldn't take that long" she said trying to see the bright sight of the situation.
"I know that Sakura, but we've barely had the time to see each other. If it's not you. It's me who's in a mission. It's not fair" Ino answered while frowning. She couldn't help it, she was disappointed she wouldn't see her Sakura for who knows how long more.
"Easy my love, I won't take too long. I'll be back sooner than you think" Sakura said trying to lighten her girlfriend's annoyance.
Ino was still upset and wouldn't bother to hide it, but her humor changed suddenly when she felt a couple of warm and unmistakable arms making their way to her waist.
"You know? Sometimes it's still difficult for me to believe we're together. I'm really lucky to have you by mi side" Sakura said causing Ino's cheeks to turn red. "I hope we can have a long and happy life together" she continued as she buried her face into the blonde's hair, smelling softly the essence of the person she loved and calmed her being the most.
"Damn it! I hate it when you do that" the girl with purple clothing said. "What, telling you about my feelings?" asked the one with pink hair, cut shoulder – length, with a smirk and looking directly at her eyes.
"Not that! But when you change my humor in an instant with all the so much sweet words you tell me" Ino answered taking her arms to her companion's shoulders and then to her neck.
"Yes well, I's the truth. Besides, I love it when you blush" Sakura answered with a smile. Ino only got redder. "Sakura stop! God, I don't understand how still after nine months with you, you do this to me" Ino said trying to break the contact.
"I'm sorry, I won't say anything else" the green – emerald eyed said while laughing and hugging Ino tighter. "I'll come see you as soon as I know what my mission is, alright?" Sakura said with soft voice and a smile.
"Fine, but we're going somewhere after that. I'll be with you at least for the rest of the day" the blonde answered, her face going back to normal.
"Ok" Sakura said while nodding. "Would you give me a kiss before I go?" she asked getting closer to the blonde's face. Ino couldn't help but to giggle a little. "Fine, but just one, we'll have time for more later" Ino's face reaching Sakura's. "Mmm, well if that's what you want… I like it" the one with red clothing answered, giving Ino a naughty smile.
The blonde's eyes got wide and the blood made its way from her neck to her face "SAKURA!" she yelled releasing the hug.
The green – eyed started laughing hard, "It was the last one, I promise" she said lifting her arms to her sides indicating that was the last thing she'd be saying about it.
"So now, my kiss?" Sakura's gaze could easily win to any child's trying to convince their parents. Ino rolled her eyes, trying to fake indifference, but Sakura's insistence was bigger.
The blue – eyed couldn't take it anymore and smiled "Come here you dork". In a fast movement she brought her girl into herself to finally connect their lips. It didn't last long, but the contact was sweet and warm, filled with love.
They broke apart and smiled to one another, they both felt so filled with happiness and care.
"I'll stop by your house to get you" Sakura said, giving Ino a small kiss on the forehead.
After that, the blonde girl was left alone in the middle of her family's flower shop.
A wide smile appeared in her lips and a small blush was shown in her cheeks. 'I love you' was the last thing Sakura whispered in her ear before disappearing, leaving cherry blossoms floating on the air for seconds.
"I love you more" her heart speeded up a little bit. She still wasn't used to say it out loud. Expressing the best thing she has ever felt in her fifteen years alive, love.
Sakura was expectant before the godaime, she still didn't know what this new mission was about and she was starting to get eager.
What could be so important so Tsunade – sama would have to send them on a mission again? What she was certain about is that it was pretty important for her teacher, since the squad that has Sakura as a leader was an anbu special team that would only follow direct orders from the godaime, nobody else's.
The pink – haired girl was so lost in her thoughts she barely noticed her teacher starting talking.
"Very well squad ten, before anything, I apologize for sending you again on a new mission so soon, but as you know, you're the only ones whom I trust completely. I also appreciate the protection you give me very much". The three anbu nodded, confirming that it was all good and that they would accomplish their duty.
Meanwhile, Sakura was listening carefully every word said, it was truth, her squad was formed specially to be the godaime's right hand just over a year ago, exactly six months after she started training under her teacher's wing.
They were assigned primary for her protection and to take all the top secret missions, at least before being talked about with somebody else.
"Right, now to the point. It seems Akatsuki is now moving, they've been seeing by two jounin, Hatake Kakashi and Yamato, two days ago near the fire country border. We already know there are eight members, but we only have identified four of them. Now, it's important we identify the rest of them and find out where they're heading to".
The news got Sakura into a defensive mode, since she already knew Akatsuki's target were the biju, therefore, they were looking for the jinchuriki. Also, hearing her old sensei's name made her remember how she went from student to genin, from genin to the hokage's apprentice and finally anbu. All in just two years.
"Ino…" was all she could think in that instant.
Akatsuki already managed to capture seven of the nine jinchuriki, leaving only Sabaku no Gaara, container of the ichibi, and Konoha's jinchuriki and container of the kyubi, Yamanaka Ino.
Gaara had the fortune to meet Namikaze Naruto as children, one of Sakura's closest friends since her childhood and member of team seven alongside Uchiha Sasuke, so it was easy for him to make friends. Naruto has always been very cheerful and enthusiastic like his mother, Uzumaki Kushina, though physically he was just like his now deceased father, the yondaime Namikaze Minato.
"It's a mission ranked S of course, I need you to gather as much information as you possibly can. Depending the situation, I'll make a decision and talk to the elders, Danzo will also be there, and so I prefer to say the essential only" Tsunade said seriously.
It's been years since they have suspected of Danzo, always opposing to the hokage's decisions, making plans on his own. Nothing was insurance with that man.
And Sakura thought he had his eyes on Ino, she couldn't help but to suppose he wanted to use the kyubi for something. She wasn't certain, it was a simple hunch, but it was there.
"I believe that's all I have to tell you about your mission, details will be on the scrolls Shizune will give you in a moment. Questions?" the godaime finished with hard voice.
The squad stood still and it was only Sakura who insured everything was understood and in order.
"Excellent. Now, what I'm about to tell you is just precaution. It's not for you to make it top priority but to keep it in mind" Tsunade said with mandatory voice and looking at the team carefully.
The atmosphere got a little tense, squad ten didn't know what to expect.
And then it was all cleared.
"C'mon Chouji, just a little longer. You can do it!" Ino was yelling to support her friend.
"Easy Chouji, it's almost over. Just a little more" Shikamaru said with not so much enthusiasm, but supporting his best friend.
"Hang in there Kiba – kun. You c-can't lose" Hinata said.
"Mhm, don't be a looser" Shino's words ended the challenge.
"Waaahhh! Damned Shino, how can you say something like that in a moment like this?" Kiba blurted, losing automatically.
"I thought you needed support. And so I did" Shino's answer only made Kiba more upset.
"What the hell… you call that support? Next time it'd be better if you don't say anything" everyone kept silent for a moment, to start laughing afterwards. Kiba's gestures could make anybody laugh.
"Guys, it's impossible not to laugh with you" Ino said unable to hold her laughter. Suddenly, she found odd when her friend Chouji wasn't yelling in victory, so she turned to his direction.
"Cho-Chouji what the… you can breathe now. Don't you see Kiba already lost?" the blonde said concerned due to her friend's blue color because of air lack.
It was a breath holding contest.
"Blaahhhh, what a relief. I thought it was time out because Shino distracted him" Chouji said trying to recover some air.
"In that case, you'd been able to breathe as well Chouji. Why didn't you?" Shikamaru's question made everyone look expectantly at Chouji.
"Ehhhh, I guess I didn't think of that. I was so concentrated I totally missed that detail" was the las thing Chouji said before everyone would burst into laughter once more.
Hanging out with friends was like losing track of time, and it was then Ino remembered something, or more like someone.
"Sakura. Her meeting with Tsunade – sama should've ended by now".
"Eh, I'm sorry guys I have to go. I'm going to see Sakura" Ino said turning to leave for her house, but somebody stopped her.
"Sakura, eh? I wander what the two of you do when you're all alone" Kiba said with a smirk and sassy voice.
Ino's face turned crimson "Sh-Shut up Kiba. We're just going out" Ino said back as she would cross he arms trying to simulate the blush of her cheeks.
"Oh c'mon, I'm just teasing" Kiba said while bursting in laughter alongside the others.
Ino sighed and smiled, being with her friends make her happy, even though she sometimes is the main target to make fun at. It wasn't news when they told everyone Sakura and her were going out, it seemed, they weren't as discreet as they thought.
"Alright guys, I'm leaving. See you s…"
"Ugh, look guys! It's the girl with the demon inside" Ino was interrupted by a boy who seemed to be their same age.
"Yeah, I don't understand how she can have any friends. She's the one who's guilty for the village's destruction fifteen years ago" another boy said. They were still genin it seemed.
It wasn't common for people to say anything hurtful to Ino, since she was always supported by her parents, friends, even Naruto and his mother, they who lost a father and a husband that night. They didn't blame her and never would. They perfectly understood the yondaime sacrificed himself for the village's well – being as well as his own family's.
Ino was eternally grateful for it.
But unfortunately, there were the ones who didn't. And those were the people who would sometimes hurt Ino with their words. But the jinchuriki and kyubi's proud keeper almost never allowed it, almost.
Everyone noticed Ino's saddened gaze, so they defended her.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? Nobody insults my friends, especially when it's the one who helped save the village from the nine tails" Chouji was the first one to talk. "Let's go guys, we got to show them who they're messing with".
The boy's aura became dangerous, scaring at the moment the three weak genin, after all, they were already chunin.
"Wa-wait, it was only a joke" the leader said with nervous voice and sweating cold.
"Joke my ass…" Kiba answered ready to do a jutsu.
"Wahhh, ru-run!" was the last thing the boy said before running away with the other two.
"Mhm, to come a mess with chunin level shinobi, how troublesome" the genius of the group said with a smirk.
"Ar-are you alright Ino – san?" the pearl – eyed girl asked with worry.
"Yeah Hinata, I'm fine. Thanks guys, you're awesome" Ino told them with sincerity and gratefulness. These guys, she couldn't ask for better friends.
The rest of the group gave her a sincere smile.
"Ok, I'm leaving now. By the way Chouji… it's not 'nine tails', his name is Kurama" the surprised faces made Ino giggle.
"See you soon guys" after that, the five started laughing.
How did Ino know the tailed – beast's name was a mystery for everyone, but they thought their friend would talk about it when the right time comes.
Sakura, still in anbu clothing and with an eagle mask in her right hand, was patiently waiting for Ino's arrival, it's been thirty minutes since the girl with emerald eyes was seating in the bed of the Yamanaka, and her girlfriend wasn't home yet. Which relieved Sakura a little bit, it'd give her time to think about everything her shishou told her in the meeting.
"Excellent. Now, what I'm about to tell you is just precaution. It's not for you to make it top priority but to keep it in mind" Tsunade said with mandatory voice and looking at the team carefully.
The atmosphere got a little tense, squad ten didn't know what to expect.
And then it was all cleared.
"We have reasons to believe Danzo has created an alliance with Akatsuki" that was all Tsunade had to say to surprise the squad.
"Danzo and Akatsuki? But Tsunade – sama, that means he's managed to fool us somehow. It could also be a great danger for everyone if it's truth. We must stop him immediately" Hashimoto Ryu said, with brown hair, hazel eyes and light skin. He has the mask of a tiger.
"Not so fast Ryu, it's necessary to have evidence. And for the way Tsunade – sama has said it, it seems there's no such" red hair with dark blue eyes and tanned skin, Akiyama Kohei answered for the godaime. The wolf is his mask.
"That is right Kohei, there´s not even the minimum evidence of that kind of movement from Danzo. If it's truth, he's done a terrific job hiding his tracks" the Senju said while massaging her temple. The whole thing about Danzo and a possible treason could be extremely exhausting.
"What do you suggest we do then shishou?" the leader talked for the first time in a while.
"There are no conclusions about it, but I do ask you to stay alert in case Danzo shows up nor you find anything related. Konoha has been under a lot of pressure lately due to the Akatsuki matter since they've already managed to capture all the jinchuriki except Gaara and Ino. We must be cautious" light brown eyes looking carefully an eagle mask, as wanting to see right through and directly to emerald green. The godaime was worried about her apprentice, because just like everybody, she knew of her relationship with the Yamanaka and she wasn't sure how she was taking it.
"Hashimoto, Akiyama. Could you leave me alone with your taichou please?"
"Hai, Tsunade – same. We're leaving" they said in one voice.
"I'll see you tomorrow at five o'clock well rested and ready. And read carefully the scrolls" Sakura said with mandatory voice.
"Hai taichou" after that, teacher and apprentice were left alone.
"Anything else to add shishou?" Sakura tried to sound calm, but she knew her teacher could read her like an opened book, even with her mask on.
"I know the news were sudden Sakura, but it's important that we're ready. I also know how much you care for Ino, that's why I wanted to tell you as soon as possible, although not in the way I would've liked" the hokage's eyes reflected sadness and worry because of the situation her apprentice was going through.
"I understand shishou, and I appreciate very much you did. And excuse me, but I don't see the reason it was necessary for Kohei and Ryu to leave" something else was in her teacher's mind, and she was sure it would be said soon.
"I'm worried about you Sakura, we both know why" the gaze Tsunade gave Sakura made everything clear.
"I know shishou, but I promise I'm fine. For the last year, it has all been easier, I assure you" Sakura knew perfectly what Tsunade meant, but since she joined anbu full time, it has all been better. It even turned out in her favor.
Tsunade sighed deeply "That's not all Sakura. I have a bad feeling about all this. If this whole thing turns out to be truth, it'd mean Danzo's going after you as well because you…"
"Please Shishou, don't tell me you don't trust in my skills" the sudden interruption surprised even Sakura, who spoke without thinking, though she also knew her teacher's supposition was the most likely. She too had a bad feeling.
"I only ask you to be careful Sakura. There are a lot of people who believe in you, worry about you, and they'd be devastated if anything happened to you. Just take care, ok? Please. More than as hokage, I'm asking as a teacher. Come home safe" it wasn't usual the one considered the strongest woman on earth would show her feelings so openly. Sakura knew how much she appreciates her, she also has seen her as a motherly figure for quite some time now.
"It doesn't matter what happened shishou, I promise I'll find my way back home" the security in Sakura radiating in all her being.
And just like that, Tsunade knew everything would be alright, some way or another, it'll all be fine.
"Right, that's it. Go home and get some rest, you have an important mission tomorrow" the godaime knew her apprentice wouldn't go straight home, but it wasn't the time to tease her with that.
"Hai Tsunade – sama. I'm leaving… Thank you" Sakura gave a grateful gaze and finally disappeared, barely seeing the smile her teacher gave her.
"Good luck Sakura. Stay safe" was said to the air.
"I'll keep my promise shishou" Sakura was so wandering she didn't notice somebody was watching her from the bedroom door with worried eyes.
Ino knew something was wrong with Sakura, her eyes would tell it all.
"I hope I didn't make you wait long. I'm sorry, I was with the guys and lost track of time" Sakura nearly jumps when feeling arms embracing her from behind, but immediately calmed down when recognizing such beautiful and unmistakable voice.
"You know? For being an anbu, you let your guard down pretty easy" the blonde said jokingly trying to fade away her girlfriend's worry.
"Sorry, I was thinking in the meeting, that's all" Sakura said after laughing a little due to the Yamanaka's comment.
Ino frowned with worry "Is everything alright?" she whispered to Sakura's ear hoping she'd relax. Her muscles were much tensed.
"Yes, Tsunade – sama normally exaggerates things. You know how she is sometimes" Sakura took Ino's arms breaking the embrace and turning in her direction. She wanted to look directly at her eyes.
"Mhm fine. So, what´s the mission?" Sakura knew Ino wouldn't like to hear it, but she wouldn't hide anything, not this time.
"Kakashi sensei and Yamato taichou saw Akatsuki near the border, Tsunade – sama wants us to go check, that's all" Sakura said without caring much, though she knew Ino would.
"Akatsuki again? Why know? You know I don't like it when it's about them, it's bad enough that a fourteen year old girl takes S ranked missions, even as an anbu" It wasn't usual Ino would take Sakura's age difference among the others of the generation as excuse, but that only reflected how much she cared about the youngest of the generation.
Sakura smiled a little before the comment "Don't exaggerate Ino, I'm not even a year younger than you, just months".
"A year or not, you're younger. I don't think Tsunade – sama should…" Ino was silenced by soft lips upon hers.
Only Kami – sama knows how much Ino enjoys the kisses her pink – haired girlfriend gives her, the ones only she can give her.
Their lips were moving with synchronicity and Ino was starting to feel the air lack. Seconds later, the couple breaks apart exchanging gazes.
"You know me, don't you Ino? And you know that a way or another, I always come back home, always" Ino wanted to answer, but couldn't do it at that instant. She knew what she was just told is truth.
After some minutes, Ino found the strength to say what her heart felt.
"I can barely stand it Sakura, it's unavoidable every time it's about Akatsuki" the jinchuriki took her gaze down, she didn't want to look at Sakura's eyes, she couldn't.
Sakura frowned slightly, she wasn't sure she was following.
"What do you mean by that? I'm afraid I'm not understanding you love" her lover´s sudden words made the hokage's apprentice get worry. She had no idea how to respond to that.
Ino sighed deeply, she knew what she had said wasn't enough to explain herself, but she hoped it would.
Sakura waited patiently, she knew the girl in front of her was having a hard time trying to express herself, it had to be serious.
"Everyone in the village already knows Akatsuki's target Sakura, so they also know who they're looking for and why" blue and emerald collided.
Taking with her hands a soft face, Ino continued "The reason you have to take such risks when it's about Akatsuki… it's not just because of the jinchuriki, you try so hard to protect everyone else as well. I know it sounds really selfish but…" her voice started breaking "…just the thought that I could lose you not only because of my well –being but everyone else's too. I can't, couldn't handle it Sakura. I don't want to think what my life would be like without you" and then it was all said.
Uncontrollable tears falling over the bed they were both in. Sakura had no idea Ino felt this way about this kind of missions, to think she hurt her without even noticing… it was unforgivable for her.
After a fast move, Ino felt her body laying down upon person who occupied her heart and thoughts. Her head was now in Sakura's neck while her right arm was on her lover's chest, she could feel perfectly her heartbeat.
Sakura cuddled the slender body upon her, providing warmth and safety to the touch. The only thing she wanted at the moment was to take away the pain of her most important person, and enjoy the company of the love of her life before her new mission.
"I'm sorry, I had no idea you felt that way. Forgive me" was all Sakura said.
"It-it's alright, you don't have to apologize. I over reacted, that's all" after calming down and a deep breath, the atmosphere became calm. It became the place where two people did nothing but enjoy the company they had.
"Sorry it turned out this way, we were supposed to go out" the Yamanaka giggled when she heard that.
"It's no problem, being with you and knowing you're fine is more than enough. I wouldn't want anything else" Sakura's face turned crimson, but due to the darkness already present, wasn't seen. The embrace strengthened.
"I'll tell you what, I'm spending the night. That way I'll make it up for not being with you in a while" a wide smile appeared in the blue – eyed girl's face, Sakura could feel it right away.
"I like the idea, I love it actually. I hope you know what awaits you tonight, I won't let go not even for a second" a loud laughter was heard in the room, courtesy from the youngest of the girls.
"I wouldn't want it any other way" a soft and sweet kiss was landed in the blonde's forehead.
"Sakura…" for seconds, the silence occupied the room "Promise me you'll wake me up tomorrow before you leave, I want to say goodbye. Please" her voice was so imploring Sakura shivered.
"Of course I will. Now tell me, what happened the days I wasn't around. Any news?".
"Any news? Sweetheart, it's not only one, they're lots. So if you want to catch up of what's happening, make yourself comfortable, this'll take a while".
Sakura laughed hard "Believe me, I'm fine just this way. Now, update me please".
The hours passed by, and as it was said, it took a long time to get updated, but that didn't keep the couple from talking about other things of their lifes.
Finally, it was midnight when they felt silence and a breath became gentle and calm, an embrace was kept strong and emerald eyes were looking with intensity and tenderness to who was already sleeping.
"Goodnight love, sleep well" a small kiss in the top of her head was what ended every movement and sound. After that, another breath joined the first one.
The sun was still hidden, the people still sleeping, and barely any movement on the streets. But one person had already left home, gathered the necessary for a mission and read a scroll with strict orders from the hokage.
Anbu clothing, eagle mask on the left hand and a couple of katanas as the purest white with cherry blossoms in the handle on the right hand. Sakura still looking undecided the slender body laying over the bed, she didn't want to wake her. But it was time, she had to leave.
"Are you leaving already?" a sleepy voice asked. "Yeah, I told my squad I'd see them at five o'clock" the other voice said firmly.
"Come here" the anbu already set to leave left the things occupying her hands and obeyed. The body over the bed moving quickly and in an instant her arms were already embracing the one standing.
"Come back as soon as you can but don't rush things, follow your plans, stay safe and complete your mission" Sakura returned the hug after those words. "But most of all, come back home" Ino's voice firm but sad as well.
"I promise" seconds passed, the embrace was kept and Ino thought there was nothing else to say. She was wrong.
"The reason I'm so sure I'll come back home Ino, it's because I know that if some time I get lost you'll help me find my way back… only you can do it" Ino's body stiffen slightly and withdrew a little bit to set her gaze upon Sakura's, leaving her arms around her neck. A wide smile full with sureness on her lips made Ino's cheeks turn crimson.
"I think it's time already, I have to go" leaving her left hand in Ino's waist, Sakura took her right one to Ino's cheek stroking it. Ino closed her eyes enjoying the touch.
"I love you, a lot" Ino opened her eyes slowly and a smiled was settled on her companion's lips.
Sakura knew Ino was still getting used to express her feelings so openly, and hearing her say it out loud right before her departure was the best.
Taking her hand to Ino's chin, Sakura leaned slowly and kissed her. At the beginning it was a small touch, but they continued and deepened it to the point of gasps due to the the air lack. Sakura's arms now in Ino's waist.
Recovering the breath, gazes settled in one another and faces to mere centimeters from each other. Sakura told her what she always says before going in a mission and what makes Ino's heartbeat speed up.
"…, I love you" Sakura's voice barely louder than a whisper.
They both smiled and just with a gaze their feelings were told, as they always were.
After a moment, one last gaze and cherry blossoms in the air, Ino left her arms fall on her lap.
"I love you more" Ino smiled, her mind still in the in person who occupied her heart.
"They're moving already, aren't they?" a woman's voice asked.
"That's right, they'll make contact in three days approximately" a deep voice answered.
"What do we do in the meantime?" somebody else asked.
"We'll wait. We already have a plan. We'll stick to it" the leader voice said to the others.
"And have you decided what to do about it?".
Silence was settled for minutes. Everybody around waiting for an answer.
"Yes, it's all settled. When the time comes, I'll tell you" a nod was the answer. After all, they trusted their leader's decision.
"C'mon Sasuke teme! I challenge you right here and now".
"As if you can win urusontachi".
Of course I can. C'mon. Right now. Get ready" the blonde looking with challenging eyes to his best friend and eternal rival.
"Mhm, if that's what you want" the Uchiha said with arrogant voice and a smirk.
They both looked at each other, and then started a taijutsu battle.
"Tsk, how troublesome with these two. Always wanting to show off" Shikamaru said with bored voice.
"How can you say that Shikamaru – kun? What they're doing it's only a small proof of power of youth. It should not be slighted" Lee said with fire in his eyes and a fist up with enthusiasm.
"Lee, only you could say something like that, right Neji?" Tenten said while turning to her other teammate.
"Mhm" was the only response from the Hyuga while nodding and supporting his teammate.
The group started laughing to then return their attention to the ones who were still in taijutsu battle.
Away from the others, Ino was wandering about her pink – haired girl. It's been two days, and she already wanted her back.
"Are you ok Ino?" it seemed somebody noticed her distant attitude.
"Yeah, everything's fine Shikamaru" the girl tried to smile, but in front of her were her closest friends since childhood. She knew they'd see through that.
"You don't have to lie Ino. We know what you're thinking" Chouji said, holding a bag of chips in his hand. So typical of him.
"Sorry, I'm worried about Sakura" her friends nodded in understanding.
"Don't be, we all know Sakura can take of herself. She's always completed her missions and almost never gotten hurt. It'll all be alright" Chouji said smiling. Ino smiled back.
"Yeah, Sakura – chan is very strong. Nobody would mess with her" Naruto said with his thumb up and unique smile. The dark – haired boy besides him nodded with a smirk.
It seemed they interrupted their challenge for a moment.
"She's the strongest of our team. That's why she's anbu" the Uchiha said with security. He trusted completely in his teammate.
Ino nodded, she knew it was truth. But for some reason, an emptiness was settled in her chest and was refusing to fade away.
"Thanks guys, really" was all the Yamanaka could say. Maybe she was just exaggerating everything again, maybe in a couple of days she'd be with Sakura again, maybe, maybe, maybe.
"Alright boys, let's get closer" carrying an eagle mask and dark hair, result of a transformation jutsu, Sakura indicated her squad to move towards their target, Akatsuki.
Akiyama and Hashimoto nodded, following close to their taichou.
It took them two days to get close enough without being sensed, but it was worth it. They hadn't been noticed.
Sakura stayed alert at all times, studying every move, expression, sound.
Everything.
Anything that could help identify them. They already had four, now they were after four more.
"Taichou, they're splitting in two groups. What do we do?" Kohei asked behind his wolf mask.
"We must find out where they're heading at least taichou" Ryu seconded his teammate. It's been three hours since the closeness was an advantage to them, but they haven't been able to make it count.
Sakura was thinking for a moment, and then spoke.
"Listen closely. I don't want any argument nor discussions. They're about to leave the fire country and we must complete our mission".
They both tensed due to their taichou's decision, but it was true. If they wanted to complete the mission, this was the best option.
Black cloaks with red clouds were covering eight people completely at the fire country, they were preparing to departure. But somebody stopped them.
"Fire style: Fireball jutsu" two anbu said at the same time and instantly, Akatsuki was surrounded by flames.
"Tsk, we've been followed. I didn't sense them".
"Fuck, this will delay us".
Three of the Akatsuki exchanged gazes of complicity.
"The fact their attack was only to regroup us makes me believe they're not here to fight" the apparent leader said.
"If that's how you see it, I guess we can make an agreement and just talk" in front of him was the leader of the anbu squad.
"And what makes you think we'll talk in a way so… civilized?" he asked taking a step towards Sakura.
"Because if that wasn't the case, you would've already attacked and created an opportunity to scape, or well murder us and then leave. I know very well who you are and the level you have, but I believe I recognize when somebody is willing to treat things more 'civilized', even among enemies" the Haruno responded with firmness and security.
They both stood firm, tensed even, at the same time they exchanged a message between them.
Finally, the silence was broken.
"You have a lot of courage to stand in front of us with only two partners, since there're eight of us. So I suppose I can listen to you and then decide to answer or not" if there was something the Akatsuki members respected, was the courage their enemies would demonstrate.
"We want to know where you're going, and also…" curious eyes still on Sakura "…the names of the four members we still have to identify".
Loud and mocking laughter was heard.
"Do you think we're fools or something? We can easily kill you and leave, why the fuck would we bother to give you information" one shouted.
"Silence. It may not seem like it, but they three of them possess great amounts of chakra that could rival ours, especially her" Sakura frowned before the comment. It seemed they could see her chakra levels.
"Besides, we already have seven of the nine jinchuriki. Maybe it´s time they know who they´re dealing with" the leader spoke, surprising the rest of them because of his attitude so… accessible.
"Listen closely and tell your hokage the real battle is soon to happen. Once we capture the last two, all as you know it will disappear".
Sakura waited patiently.
After the leader's order, all the Akatsuki members uncovered their faces.
"Tsunade – sama, are you alright?" Shizune asked, though she already knew the answer.
"I'm not sure Shizune, it's been three days and I think squad ten can make it back today. But I can't help to think that, something will happen" the godaime had her jaw tensed and was frowning. She was looking outside the window.
"I think the best we can do is wait Tsunade – sama. Besides, it's Sakura we're talking about, you've trained her well" Shizune's words helped a little bit, just a little.
"I'll leave your tea here. Try to relax. Squad ten will be here by the night".
The godaime was left alone after that.
Tsunade sighed deeply and turned to her tea. And just as she was about to take it.
Crack.
Now she was sure something would happen. She could only hope her apprentice would find a way out.
"Kohei, Ryu. We won't stop until we reach Konoha. We must inform Tsunade – sama as soon as possible" Sakura told her team as they made their way back to Konoha as fast as they could.
"Hai, taichou".
Setting her eyes at the front, Sakura still remembered what happened a few minutes ago.
After the leader's order, all the Akatsuki members uncovered their faces.
"Deidara, Hidan, Kakuzu, Kisame. You already know them. Now us…" Kohei and Ryu looking their enemies carefully. They were still unsure if they could trust them.
"Sasori, Konan, Nagato and Yahiko. Remember our names well. I assure you'll heard them again soon" the leader, now revealed as Yahiko, said looking straight to Sakura.
"And about where we're going. Well, I believe you can deduce that by seeing our protectors" that was all he said about it.
"Now if you excuse us, we must leave. Remember, a new era is about to begin" Yahiko gave Sakura one last gaze, to finally disappear with the rest.
"Taichou!" a shout from Ryu was what brought Sakura back to the present.
Sakura turned to her back when she detected an unknown chakra. Reacting fast enough she managed to dodge the kunai aiming to her throat. Barely.
How did she let her guard down like that?
"Damn it, we've been followed. But it's not Akatsuki" Sakura thought as she detected two more.
"They seem to be strong shinobi taichou. What do we do?" Ryu asked.
Sakura tensed her jaw.
The attackers had their faces hidden, so they weren't identified by squad ten.
"You take down two, I'll handle the third one" Kohei and Ryu nodded and broke apart from their taichou, two of the followers went after them.
Sakura stopped suddenly and turned to face her new enemy. But just as she was about to attack, her entire body got paralyzed and her chakra level was left in zero.
"What the…?"
And then it all happened.
