BEFORE YOU READ!
A LINK FOR SAKURA'S WARDROBE IN THE UPCOMING SCENE IS ON MY PAGE-MY OWN SKETCH
A LINK FOR SAKURA'S UPCOMING SNAKE-DANCE IS ALSO ON MY PAGE-SAMIA, THE DANCER TRULY INSPIRED ME, SHE IS SO HYPNOTIC!
Be sure to Check both out! :)
Now that that's out of the way...
Hey! :)
Whether your a long-time reader of my fics or happened to stumble upon this one, I'm stoked it piqued your interest! I've had this plot in mind for a while and am thrilled to get it started! But BEWARE, there will be some dark content in the future, and mind-games...
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
. . .
Brilliant green eyes examined the black, revealing pieces of clothing sprawled out on an old wooden chair with absolute dread.
...Who the hell wore this stuff?
Tickling laughter filtered the air then, and Sakura caught sight of three curvaceous women, dressed in said gypsy-clothing - escorting a drunken civilian to the room across from her own.
'They,' wore this 'stuff.' A smart voice from within admonished.
She sighed dejectedly.
But this was their forte, dammit - not hers!
Usually, her dignity and pride as a Kunoichi always managed to steel some resolve... But now, the two were nowhere to be found. They had betrayed her - running for the hills and away from the undignified scene. Just as the woman whom she held so dear to her heart, her mentor - had exiled her.
Okay, maybe she was being a little dramatic but still...
Her Shishou could be quite the conniving, and malignant Hokage when she wanted to be.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"For the last time - I refuse! Its too degrading!"
'Do not act as if this is beneath you... And NO! Ino is not an option, I want you there, with YOUR team!"
"But Shishou, I have no experience in," She sputtered, red-faced,"- in seduction! I'm a ninja - I'm an Anbu-Black Operative for Christs Sake!"
The Hokage's fist banging against her desk resounded,"Exactly! Anbu are versatile and without hindrance! I WILL release you of your one-dimensional mentality... You leave at the crack of dawn - that's FINAL!"
Betrayal etched every contour of Sakura's features as she turned on her heel, departing from the office with a fissure-inducing, slam of the door.
Dust and chunks of plaster sprung forth from the rosette's harsh force and amber eyes narrowed at the barely hanging door in frustration.
"Mark my words, the repairs are coming out of her paycheck this time!" She growled, sizing up the two remaining persons within the room. Tsunade was not surprised by the disapproval and displeasure adorning their faces.
"Something you two want to say?" She questioned in an edgy tone, entwining long fingers under her chin.
Naruto's sandled foot, scratched the carpet restlessly,"Why isn't Ino an option granny? She'd be comfortable and even excited with the task."
"You cannot sway me, Uzumaki... Kami above - You three are the bulging thorn in my side!" She sighed exasperatedly.
He shook his head,"I'm not trying to pull a fast one... Sakura just - looked really anxious, ya know? And she's not afraid of anything."
"It will be a good learning experience for her," She assured, before shifting her hard gaze toward an aloof Sasuke,"And what about you Uchiha? ...Lets hear it."
Dark eyes regarded her intently for a moment.
"I'd much rather you elaborate on how a twenty year old virgin is supposed to effectively seduce and slaughter a rapist."
Naruto's eyes widened animatedly at the blunt choice of words from his best-friend.
Tsunade smirked,"You've been reunited for years and still doubt her capabilities?"
His eyes narrowed,"Do not manipulate my words..." He took slow steps until he was standing before her desk,"As the leader, and distributor, you will be held accountable-"
Her hands slammed flat against the desk as she rose,"Remember your place Uchiha - do not question my leadership or decisions. I am aware that there are other more experienced Kunoichi who would better fit the criteria but I know Sakura can do this. Now, my decision is final, you leave before sunrise..."
A silent battle between scornful amber and disdainful obsidian waged for what seemed like a lifetime before Sasuke gave a stiff nod, and withdrew.
Awkwardly clearing his throat, Naruto turned to exit as-well and was nearly out when Tsunade's quiet voice carried over.
"I know with much blood, sweat and tears, you three managed to rekindle your friendship - your team... I know it comes naturally to protect and shelter her but do not make the same mistake of having her dependent on you both again... And though it hurts me to be so crude with her, understand that sometimes, discomfort is essential for growth... She is already a force to be reckoned with but I want her to be prepared for every situation and circumstance... Both now, and in the future."
Naruto nodded, a soft smile on his face,"Don't worry, she's gonna rock this mission."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obnoxious laughter broke through her jumbled thoughts and Sakura's attention was brought back to her surroundings.
Pale hands gripped the curtains before her, creating a tiny opening to see beyond.
A thick sheen of smoke filtered the dim, red lighting within the lounge room, causing unease to settle into the pit of her stomach.
Seats and tables were occupied all throughout the restaurant and the boisterous laughter was immediately identified.
There, at the very center of the room, sitting with several other wretched excuses for shinobi, was their target.
Hibiki Yamada of rain country.
Aside from ravaging and defiling young, innocent women, he was a common thief and murderer... but the day he decided to mug and slaughter an old Akimichi Lord and her clansmen, was the day he signed off his death... And it would be effortless, as long as they played their cards right.
Because, his kekkei genkai was enhanced senses.
Touch, taste, smell, sound, sight - were all heightened and amplified to inconceivable measures.
That is why the relaxed and hazy setting was very appropriate, and her role - so vital.
If he consumed enough liquor, and she performed enticingly enough - his attentions would be on her and guard would be down... She'd slit his throat and depart before anyone would come looking for him or find her guilty.
Konoha was allied with Rain, and though the country promised to deal with the fugitive - after two years of no action and increased murders, Konoha decided to take the matter into their own hands... Even if it was to be an anonymous act.
She gulped, suddenly wishing her teammates would wait outside until she was done.
Naruto was probably on the roof, making sure no unwanted guests arrived and Sasuke was somewhere within the room now... Just to make sure things went smoothly, of course - he was not to get involved...
But if she was being honest, his presence was the cause of her jitters - not the mission... Knowing he would be witnessing what she was about to do was more nerve-wrecking than anything else.
And as of late, he was a bit more reserved than usual.
Foolishly, she sought him out in the dark expanse of the room to predictably - come up short... He was utterly one with the shadows, the master of stealth - what did she expect? A wistful expression overcame her. They had come a long way since after the war. After his traveling, he returned back to Konoha and it took four long years to pick up all the pieces. She could say they were closer - closer than before but not quite there.
It was confusing, really.
Sometimes, he walked her home after shifts at the hospital, managed to scare off her suitors without her immediate knowledge and even invited her to spar, which was both thrilling and humbling... But then again, didn't Naruto do the same..?
Another sigh escaped her lips.
That's why she was torn between believing it meant more and thinking it was only natural with their renewed trust in one another.
Still, she hoped for more, always longed for more... But, without some actual incentive from him, Sakura didn't have the courage to ruin what they had now...
Surely, after all they've been through, Sasuke knew how she felt... And if he felt the same, he would've acted by now, right?
So, when would she learn to accept that..?
Physically deflating, the rosette saw Hibiki toss back another cup of sake and found the shadows lift off his hidden face. Late twenties, he was a physically built man - his cheeks slightly scruffy, with silver hair combed back from his face and eyes the color of burning lanterns.
She felt the prickles of goosebumps ghost up her spine and withdrew from the scene.
"Black mamba - your up in ten minutes."
The head governor announced at her room before carrying on.
This was it.
Shaking off her trepidation, Sakura approached the costume...
She had defeated several Akatsuki members, fought in the great Shinobi war, and was the only apprentice of the slug Sannin.
How did a measly seduction - assassination mission compare?
It didn't.
Whether her raven-haired teammate was present or not, she was a professional and wasn't going to cower away now!
Besides, she had trained with and without the dancers, preparing until the routine was ingrained into every limb of her body.
She was ready.
Determination renewed, she began to undress.
Feeling the cool air hit her exposed body, she quickly finished knotting all the confusing straps, silver bands, and beaded bracelets of the gypsy-wear, before facing the mirror.
Her hands stroked the newly lengthened locks of ebony hair in fascination... After performing a handy jutsu to lengthen the hair, Sakura also dyed it early that morning at the inn, after the boys left to scout the area. Knowing she would be the center of attention tonight, Sakura couldn't take any chances with a henge, especially with Hibiki's bloodline. Examining the dark attire, she surprisingly liked that her shoulders remained bare as the strapless top merely covered her chest and upper torso. The long skirt had several wide layers and was very light in material, shifting and expanding with every movement. Her smooth, exposed skin appeared white as snow, in contrast with the bewitching ebony clothing and hair... The only familiar feature remaining were her green eyes - shrouded and painted with dark liner and shadow.
Sakura didn't recognize herself.
The Black Mamba...
That was the provoking title announced all across the small country of rain, to ensure their lecherous target would show at the restaurant.
And he did.
"Showtime."
Immersing black and hushed voices... Those were the only things that registered without her use of Chakra... and of course, the beat of her thumping heart.
The air smelled of smoke and jasmine - a surprisingly soothing combination for her nerves.
Legs folded beneath her, arms crossed beneath her chin and fore-head pressed flat against the cool wooden stage - Sakura remained still as a sculpture.
Waiting for the sound, for the beat of the drums.
The face of her jewel and silk covered thighs pressed into her abdomen with every breath, as she began to focus on her surroundings, on Hibiki. His table was before her, and camouflaging Chakra - while attempting to bewitch him required concentration.
Boom.
All the whispering voices quieted at once and the iridescent glow of red burned alight, shining solely on her bowed, pale frame.
Boom.
The sound wave of the drum carried over again, in-sync with her pounding heart and Sakura trained herself - mind, body and soul to become one with the beat.
Boom. Boom.
Her hands spread out, pulsating with the beat.
Sakura's arms moved until they were outstretched on either side and ever so slowly, began to roll from one side to the other - following the absorbing rhythm of the flute.
With every wave of her snake-arms, Sakura rose.
Eyes sealed shut, she sat back on folded legs, black hair spilling over creamy shoulders, and curtaining her face.
The sight of her kneeled pale body, clad in black jewels and silk, with wild ebony hair covering her face - was equally haunting as it was hypnotic. Every eye within the room was on her... And Sakura didn't need Chakra, or her sight to sense that.
Pushing onto her knee's, Sakura's hips began to sway as-well - sensually slow, her body rolled from one side to the other, maintaining her snake-arms.
Then, a hard pound of the drum had her hands slamming down against the stage - swift and unexpected, like a Mamba. The charmed crowd gasped at the abrupt change in her unhurried flow. Another hard pound and Sakura was dipping her head, and with the third pound of the drum - she thrust her head up, tossing all the long ebony locks back from her face.
Green eyes immediately connected with the sun-shade of Hibiki's, disregarding all the whistles and groans from the civilians.
Drunkenness, lust and fascination were evident on his face.
Sakura kept his gaze, and his only...
Ergo, she missed the fleeting set of red eyes from within the shadows - shining with curiosity and enrapture.
Leisurely, Sakura began to crawl like a feline - crawl closer to Hibiki's table.
Exaggerating the sway of her hips, and accentuating the arch of her back, she allowed a teasing smirk to spread over her lips as she came to a stop just at the edge.
Sitting on the balls of her feet, Sakura's slender hands made there way up her exposed thighs in a lazy manner - across her toned stomach and up the swell of her chest - into her hair. She held his eyes, and continued the unhurried movements of her hips. One hip moved up, away from the body, down, and then back to center; the other hip moved down, into the center, up, and then away from the body.
She rose a bent knee to steady herself, as dancing lotus hands came down from her hair, outstretching towards him. Arching her chest, Sakura's belly rolled like that of a snake moving in lateral undulation. Lean muscles rippled from her upper belly, to mid-belly, down to her lower, as her extended hands continued to subliminally invite him. She was magnetic, captivating every soul within the room - as though the Mamba had become the charmer.
Hibiki's grin was thrilled and pleased, as his eyes continued to devour her.
The beat of the drums quickened and Sakura pushed to a stand, hips jutting up and down sharply with the tune.
Several drunk civilians stumbled against the stage, hollering and reaching for her. When she only smiled from afar, maintaining her distance, one civilian attempted to hop onto the stage... and that certainly wouldn't do.
Coming before them, while still maintaining a circling torso, she playfully shook her head before raising a foot and pushing it against his chest. In his drunken state he stumbled back and pressed both hands against his chest in wonder and bedazzlement.
Now, if only Hibiki would be so fixated with her.
Various whistles and shouts began to filter the air as the palms beating against the drums accelerated.
With one hand clutching the fabric at her hip and the other rising above her head, Sakura's skirt opened like a blooming dahlia in the spring. She spinned again and again, as the drums beat harder and faster - her long black hair whipping across her naked shoulders and back.
And then, with the final poundings, Sakura dropped to her knee's - with profound grace - twisted until her back faced the crowd. With the last strike of the drum, her torso bent back while still remaining on her knee's, and arms fell lifelessly above her head, against the wooden stage.
Hollers and shouts resounded throughout.
Chest heaving, Sakura cracked her green eyes open to find several, lustful upside down faces, but Hibiki's - nowhere in sight.
Sensing what was about to happen but not ready to blow her cover, she resisted the reflex to pummel the man roughly grabbing her by the neck, thrusting her forward, off the stage.
Acting accordingly, she yelped as her back-side was crushed against a strong chest, muscular arms wrapping around her front.
Falling back, she bounced onto his lap and involuntarily flinched at the patent tightness of his pants.
Oh God.
Vile nearly sprung up her throat.
"You feel amazing in my arms, sweetheart." The deep voice of her captor whispered, stirring the wisps of black hairs at her neck.
Internally grateful he hadn't commented or noted her physical reaction, she quickly got her bearings... Under no circumstance was failure an option!
Feigning a blush, her green gaze shifted back to connect with - Hibiki's.
Perfect.
Music shook the room once more as several other dancers came out with their own routines and Sakura put her plan to action.
Turning in his lap, she threw her legs around either side of him, and stroked the silver hair at the nape of his neck,"Easy tiger, I'm here all night long."
His strong arms locked around her torso, pulling her until their chests were grazing,"Still not long enough for what I have planned for you baby." His hands traveled down the curve of her back to squeeze the swell of her rump,"I think I might be in-love."
One of his comrades leaned in then, his eyes clouded and hungry,"And when your done, I'd love a go with her Hibiki."
"I wanna round with the flexible Mamba too... Why don't we just have a three way..?" A third comrade slurred with a sickening grin.
Heart thundering, and beyond disgusted Sakura held her breath waiting for his response... If he agreed it would change her whole game plan.
Hibiki was watching her closely, as if he could sense her anxiety,"What do you say Mamba..?"
Could he sense emotion too!?
Crap!
She needed to fix this now!
"I -" her words remained unfinished as an unexpected down-pour of icy liquor splattered over the group.
The two suggesting men, coincidentally - being the most soaked out of the bunch.
Still in Hibiki's grasp, Sakura turned toward the source of the disturbance, just as several of the drenched men slammed their fists against the tables pushing to a stand.
A red-faced teenager.
About fourteen from what she could guess, with choppy brown hair, and golden-hued skin... but those eyes, they were unmistakable... Could it be-?
"What the hell!"
"You have a death wish kid?"
"Leave it to me, I'll take care of him Hibiki!"
The boy appeared horrified, his hands raised in surrender,"No sir, it was an accident-"
Their chairs creaked as they began to advance toward the boy and Sakura fought to keep a nonchalant demeanor.
"Gentlemen please, pardon the boy - he is still in training... I have several women here that would gladly clean you up, and after - complimentary sake for the rest of the night..?"
At his unexpected arrival and proposal, all eyes drew towards the head Governor.
And after a heavy moment of silence, the men seemed to think over the offer and Sakura felt relief flood through her system.
The Governor stood beside the brunette haired boy, one hand resting against his shoulder and she had never been more confused... Which one was he? One had stepped in to save her and the other stepped in to save them both. And at the precise moment she had begun to sputter, so it had to have been deliberate..?
But, the governor she had met days prior was a hard and stern man, not at all a mediator... Or had she misjudged him?
Strange.
Of course she couldn't sense him without her Chakra, and no doubt he had concealed his own to reduce all suspicion but surely she would be able to recognize Sasuke, even in a henge..?
Hibiki pushed to a stand, setting Sakura down only to scoop up her legs a second later, carrying her as that of a bride,"Dismiss the boy - send him on his way... And we'll even give him a head-start... If he's lucky he'll live through this night."
His threat hung in the air as he turned to leave, clutching her against his upper body.
Oh the irony.
Sakura fought the urge to smile... Hibiki was about to meet his own doom.
She was aware of the destination they would soon reach and knew what she had to do.
Shoving all dignity aside, she let instinct take over.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she began kissing all along the column of his throat needily.
His grip on her thigh and waist locked tightly in response.
Sakura's slender hands then grasped the hairs at the nape of his neck, as she pressed her chest against his more firmly, earning a wolfish grin out of him.
Now she needed to stroke his ego.
"Your so strong," Sakura mewled over his jaw, stroking his broad shoulders,"And commanding,"She uttered, licking the column of his throat.
His body shuddered and she smiled in satisfaction.
Scrunching the material at his stomach, Sakura slid her hands inside, scratching her way up his chest,"I was hot for you the moment our eyes connected on the stage," She bit down hard on the junction of his shoulder,"Think you can handle me?"
"Fuck!" He groaned, kicking the first door open for the private suites, his body stumbled forward, crushing hers against the bed, and mouth slanting over her own. Sakura gasped at the brash force, but soon found herself utterly subdued with mortification by the loud, aggressive couple on the second bed, across the room.
Oh hell!
Her face burned hotly, as she squeezed her eyes shut.
What the hell was she thinking!?
She COULDN'T do this!
Panic began to seize her and Hibiki's mouth grew slack against her own...
Shit, Shit, Shit!
She needed to pull him back, fast!
But how did she do that when disgust was hindering her actions?
She didn't love this man... He was despicable - a criminal, a low-life!
How did she muster up passion for someone such as this?
And while two others were moaning each others names a few feet across - unhindered by their presence?
It was repulsive!
IMPOSSIBLE!
Maybe she could just go for the kill now - consequences be damned!
Sun-shade eyes narrowed in confusion and impatience at her frozen state,"Either you spread your legs, or I'll do it for you."
Somehow, that did it.
That got her engine running.
This asshole needed to die, like now!
The most seductive smile she could manage crossed her features, as Sakura dipped her chin up, pulling his bottom lip between her teeth,"I was just admiring those two," She cocked her head to the couple across,"Imagining all the nasty things you could do to me..."
He grinned devilishly,"Baby, you wont be able to walk for days when I'm through with you."
Hibiki covered her mouth ravenously and she returned his urgency robotic-ally.
Come on girl, think passion!
He was already skeptical, she needed him convinced and unguarded.
She needed to kiss him senseless, and in order for that to happen, he needed to feel her hunger.
And the only man she had ever been hungry for was... was Sasuke Uchiha.
Sakura moaned against his mouth...
Sasuke.
She just needed to envision, imagine - that it was his mouth sealed over her own.
Yes, she could do this.
Grapping the hair at his scalp, she kissed him feverishly.
Their lip-lock steadily became more urgent and Sakura helped him ease off the material of his shirt, her hands kneading every inch of his naked upper torso.
Hibiki hummed in appreciation, as his own hands went to work, gripping either of her thighs and pulling them apart, he nestled himself in-between.
Sakura gasped, back arching at the unexpected connection of their cores.
His tongue roamed over every inch of her mouth, teeth nipping and sucking dominantly.
It was wrong.
It was so, so disturbingly wrong but there was an unexplainable, sort of thrill growing in her belly...
Frighteningly so, Sakura was steadily loosing herself in this man... In this make-shift Sasuke.
Their breathing was becoming ragged from their heated lip-lock and abruptly Hibiki ground his hips against hers.
She whimpered, reflexively crossing her legs over his bum only to writhe further at the confining contact.
He bit down on her shoulder, his greedy hands roamed and massaged their way all along her body...
And it felt so good.
In reality he was the enemy - her target, but as long as her eyes were closed, she had her mind convinced that this is what it could feel like with Sasuke, how his warm, lean body would feel against her own, and the task at hand was blurring.
Hibiki groaned, immersed in the feel and sound of her, he pressed into her clothed center harder, as a hand traveled down from her black hair to cup her bust.
She groaned helplessly.
"Sasuke." ...Heavens above, she wanted him so bad.
Sucking on the tender flesh at her throat, Hibiki hoarse voice tickled the soft black hairs at her nape,"You feel amazing beneath me."
His words, that voice...
Sakura felt something crack within her...
Oh no.
...What the HELL was she doing?
Hibiki wasn't Sasuke, he could never come close - never compare to him...
Mentally cursing herself, the deceiving haze dispersed and she grasped how out of hand it had really become and that it needed to end now!
Eyes closed tightly, she slanted her lips against his one last time, kissing him how she had always wanted to kiss Sasuke - in wreck-less abandon...
And then - then, she would kill Hibiki!
He hummed in satisfaction.
Stroking her lean belly with urgency, his hands gripped the buckle at his jeans and began unbuttoning it.
She felt the movements of his rigid hands at her lower waist and shallow rise and fall of his chest but then - then everything stilled.
A trail of jabbing goosebumps sprung forth from her scalp, spreading all the way down to the ends of her toes.
The atmosphere thickened at once, becoming something dark and menacing - and abruptly, Sakura felt a form of liquid splatter over her collar-bone, sliding into her hair.
What is..?
Squinting her eyes open, Sakura choked at the scene before her.
Sasuke...
Clad in his evocative black-on-black Anbu-wear, Sasuke stood on the bed, looming down on them.
Somehow, the room seemed visually darker at his arrival as-well.
His katana was dripping crimson, extended and still embedded through Hibiki's heart from his back... But what had the color draining from her face was the burning fire in his mangekyou gaze...
It seared her, body and soul.
And though he didn't use them on her, she was utterly immobile and mute where she laid.
Vaguely, her wide eyes traced over to the couple across the room to find them un-moving and blood drenching the sheets...
"Did I interrupt?" He inquired lowly, his chilling tone - lethal.
Oh God.
He knew...
If only his Katana had pierced her too...
At her silence, Sasuke's swirling energy only manifested, like the rumbling thunder of a storm and it was becoming difficult to breath.
Ruthlessly, he gripped Hibiki by the hair and thrusting the Katana out, shoved the lifeless corpse off of her and onto the ground with a thud.
She shuddered as the cool air hit her body, and only then did she find her voice,"How did - Why are you - I was handling it!"
With his feet on either side of her, the boy with the raven hair began almost casually, swiping his blade against the edge of the mattress, ridding it of Hibiki's blood,"Handling it how?" Sasuke's Katana sliced through the cushion like butter, as he fixed her with an indecipherable expression,"...By giving him one last fuck, Sakura?"
She visibly flinched at his cutting words.
Did he really just say that to her?
But then again... That was how it looked, didn't it?
Feeling both mortification and anger consume her entire being, she reacted without much articulation in her defense,"NO! ...H-He was onto me! I think he sensed emotion too... I - I was trying to be convincing so he would let his guard down... and how could you say that to me?"
Sakura blinked once - to find him crouched before her, sheathing his katana.
She was more breathless now than she had been all night.
Reflexively, her hands crossed over her chest, as if to physically shield her palpitating heart.
Resting muscular arms on the dark pants of his bent knee's, the young Uchiha held her gaze for a long moment before fixing her with a knowing expression,"He let his guard down shortly after you entered this room... So, what were you waiting for Sakura?"
Why was he doing this?
Couldn't he see that she wanted to die?
"No, he was alert! I - I had to do it, I knew what I was doing!"
She gasped as his hand suddenly locked around her wrist in a vice grip. With the tendons of his jaw visibly straining, Sasuke began in a quiet, informative tone,"He didn't sense my presence when I severed those two," He cocked his head toward the deceased couple across while maintaining her chastened gaze,"Didn't sense my blade driving through his heart until it was too late, and," he paused, an unnameable emotion crossing over his chiseled features.
"He didn't catch the slip of your tongue."
...What?
What did that mean?
Pink brows dipped in confusion, as Sakura tried to think back to her conversations with Hibiki...
"I don't know what your talking about, but you had no right to meddle and - and to spy on me!"
His crimson gaze severed further, chilling her to the bone,"I did no such thing until you uttered my name."
Green eyes widened painfully.
Oh no...
Dumbfound, disbelief, and shame permeated her entire being.
How?
...How could she be so stupid?
Sakura remained frozen in shock as Sasuke's gaze shifted away from her and traveled toward the closed door. Before she could comprehend it, his hand on her wrist tightened and free hand was beneath his chin, forming a seal.
All the oxygen within her lungs was stolen as the swirling vortex overwhelmed her.
Air-borne for a second, Sakura dropped onto her bed at the inn, breathless and disoriented.
Sasuke had performed the transportation jutsu.
She lay still for a while, not bothering to seek her daunting teammate out because he hadn't come back with her...
Sakura was alone and had never been more grateful to be sheltered by the shadows within the dark room.
Of course, she had failed the mission...
And though the Hokage's apprentice should have been furious with Sasuke for interfering, and cutting her so deeply, she couldn't blame him.
Crippling disgrace weighed down on her...
Wholeheartedly, Sakura wished the rock everyone spoke of hiding under existed... She'd never see the light of day again.
Sakura shifted into the fetal position, her breathing becoming shallow.
She didn't have the Mangekyou but the rosette could plainly see the disgust and disappointment etching his features.
Heart aching, she squeezed her eyes shut.
...What have I done..?
The expected dip of the mattress beside her torso, and soft stroke of her forehead had her childishly wanting to cry.
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself... I don't know the details, but I know you did your job - his kekkei genkai was powerless against your charm... Hell, I think you eliminated it completely," Naruto joked in a gentle tone, nudging her shoulder.
She remained silent, too afraid the log in her throat would give out.
If Naruto knew what she had done, he would be just as disgusted with her.
She didn't deserve his comfort.
Nor anyone's.
With no response, Naruto mused his own thoughts aloud,"The head governor was kinda weird, wasn't he? He seemed to know exactly where I was but I couldn't sense anything irregular or any use of Chakra from him... Kinda touchy, feely too..." He shuddered exaggeratedly.
At her continued silence, he sighed sadly.
Knowing precisely what, or who would have such an affect on the girl before him, Naruto's blue eyes regarded her stricken face with sympathy,"Sakura," he called softly, lightly shaking her shoulder,"Besides stealing your thunder and killing that freak Hibiki, what did that teme' say to you?"
No...
Naruto had it all wrong...
She shook her head, cracking her blood-shot eyes open,"I messed up Naruto," she confessed, her voice thick with emotion, though she refused to cry,"Its what I did... and this time, I've driven him away for good." She pushed off the bed, unable to look her blonde teammate in the eye as she hastened to the bathroom, and locked it shut.
Tearing the wretched pieces of clothing off of her body, Sakura emerged under the scorching, cascading water - black-hair dye, eradicating in its wake.
Sasuke.
...How was she supposed to fix this, when she no longer had the courage to stand in his presence?
Self-loathing consumed her as she stayed in the bath long after it turned cold as ice.
. . . .
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To Continue..?
Please leave me your thoughts on this friends, thank you.
