Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto.

After the war, Kakashi became the sixth Hokage after Tsunade retired. There were a lot of things that needed his attention, like restoring the village and the lives of those that were ruined by the war, but it was Sasuke's case that he attended to first. The amount of crimes that Sasuke had committed against the village and the world. Normally he would get a life sentence to prison if he was lucky otherwise it would probably be execution. There was also no denying that if it wasn't for Sasuke's contributions in the war, they would probably still be stuck in that dream world.

As Sasuke was a shinobi of the leaf, it was ultimately Kakashi's decision as to what he would do with the outlaw. His Co-kage's voiced their thoughts of disapproval of pardoning the young man however they also respected everything Sasuke has done for their side of the war. Then there was Naruto. His stubbornness probably had the most influence in the decision and just to shut hi up, they agreed. That's not to say however that Kakashi also wanted to give Sasuke a second chance. He strongly believed that Sasuke had gotten his act together but just didn't want to look to sentimental in front of the other Kages. Who knows, he probably planned to bring Naruto along just for that.

Sakura was watching orange sky as the sun sunk behind the horizon deep in thought. She knew that by the end of the day, Sasuke's fate would be decided. Her mind was blank surprisingly. Perhaps she just didn't want to think about it too much. She feared that the more she thought about it, the more it would come true. She wished for the latter but realistically it would probably an execution. No! Stop! There she was again thinking about it. It's going to be all right. She pictured Naruto talking to her before the precinct. "Don't Worry Sakura-chan! I'll definitely save him-ttebayo!"

"Sakura-chan!" It was Naruto again. This time he sat next to her on the bridge. She looked into his eyes. Wanted to ask the question but the words tumbled in her mouth. Naruto noticed the worried look in her face. He wrapped an arm over her shoulder as if she was a 'bro'. "I'll said I'll save him didn't I! I'm a man of my word! That's my ninja way!" and gave her a wide grin. It relieved some of the stress look on her face but it was obvious she was still sad. "Knowing him...he probably won't stay either..."

Naruto hopped off after his stomach grumbled. "I'm hungry...you coming?"

Sakura gently shook her head.

"After the papers are done, you should be able to see him" Naruto said before heading for Icharaku ramen.

Sakura was once again left with her thoughts. It was good news that Sasuke wasn't going to be executed but she wondered however if Naruto was right. If Sasuke would indeed opt to leave. He most likely would. He's the kind of guy who would never ask help anyone for. He would rather find his answers on his own. Sigh. Just when Sakura thought she could finally catch up to Sasuke. Turned out that he would be leaving...again. Is it wrong to fall in love? Why is it always like this? Always one step behind...

A little later she met up with Kakashi who were seeing Sasuke off the village. There was no changing his mind off his journey of redemption so Sakura's only hope was to come with him. So while blushing, she asked once more if she could go with him. Sasuke gave her the usual answer. A declination to her request and said that his sins had nothing to do with her. Sasuke saw the disappointment dawn on Sakura's face. He didn't know what came over him but he felt sad that he was leaving her again. But he didn't want to get all sentimental with words either, he still held his pride high after all. So he tapped her forehead affectionately and promised that he'd be back and told her 'thank you'. It was the only other way he knew to return her feelings without looking or sounding to corny in front of Kakashi.

Later that night she decided to cool down over some tea. Well... drinking tea doesn't exactly cools down the body but it helped her think over things. At how bitter sweet that good bye felt. It was disappointing that she couldn't come with Sasuke but it was still fresh to her Sasuke's tap on her forehead. It was unexpected and she didn't quite understand what the gesture meant but there was something about it that made her feel warm and secured. And when he said he'll be back, Sakura couldn't help to think selfishly that those words were only meant for her. 'HUEHUEHUE!'

"Someone looks happy!" Ino commented on that fact that Sakura was giggling to herself.

"Ino!"

"Look at you! Grinning like an idiot! Did something happen?!"

"I'm not telling!" Sakura teased.

"Something happened between you and Sasuke before he left didn't it?!..." Sakura sensed the jealousy evident in her friends voice. Ino still liked Sasuke after all. At the same time she saw the sign of defeat in her eyes but she smiled anyway. Ino was truly happy for her friend even if it meant that she be with Sasuke. "Anyway... I need to get back to the shop, we've been busy lately!"

"Hey Ino..." Sakura stopped Ino from leaving. "Thank you"

Ino smiled in acknowledgement. "Better remember this forehead girl! You owe me one! HUEHUEHUE!"

As Ino turned around, she timed it perfectly to hide her tears. She picked up the bundle of flowers she was supposed to be delivering then stepped on to the street. She accidentally bumped into someone as she was trying to hide her tears which in turn affected her vision. "Ah!" Ino tumbled on to the ground.

"I'm so very sorry!" Sai exclaimed. Ino looked around for the flowers she dropped during the collision. It was on the ground covered in ink. Why is it so unfair? She thought. Don't I deserve to be happy? It wasn't really a big deal but all her emotions piled up and she just couldn't handle it any more. Admitting defeat to Sakura and practically trying to forget her feelings for Sasuke pushed her to the limit already. Ino stood up and ran pushing away Sai's hand.

"Um..." Sai was confused. He was sure apologised so everything should be fine. But how come it turned out for the worse? That's not what the textbooks said. When you apologise to somehow things usually work out fine.

"Ino?!" Sakura rushed on to the scene only to find a bewildered Sai gathering the bundle of flowers, tainted with black ink, together. "Oh..." She understood the situation and it confirmed her suspicion whether Ino was indeed crying or not. It must have been too much to see her flowers destroyed so she broke down. Probably the same flowers she watered and watched grow since it was first planted.

"I-I don't understand..." Sai looked up to her. It was the first time he saw him with so much emotion it almost didn't suite him. But the confusion and sadness were completely evident on his facial expression and his voice. "I said I was sorry..." This could be a good opportunity Sakura thought. She knew that Ino was broken hearted and it's going to take more than just sweet talking to cure that. All Ino wanted was for someone to appreciate her. Sai might just be able to do the job. Sakura felt bad that she was scheming this kind of things but she wasn't going to give up Sasuke for her either. It's not like she's using some random dude. It was Sai who truly cares for Ino. He just doesn't know it yet.

"You better hurry up and give her back those flowers!"

"Oh...is that it?" Sai was relieved that he found the solution to the problem.

"GO!"

Sai left at once. He it took him awhile to find Ino. He asked around if anyone has seen a 'beautiful girl with long blonde hair'. However all he got as answers were cheeky grins and a wink. Did I say it wrong? Sai couldn't comprehend it. He had no idea what the scene looked like. A young man carrying flowers looking desperately for his lost maiden. Of course that never crossed his mind. In the end he found her in his own intuition.

Ino was sitting on a bench on the side of a hill that had a clear view of the clear night sky that showed off all the full moon's glory. It was night. Sai already planned what he was going to do. But for some reason, he hesitated. He saw how Ino was hurting with her body language. Just give the flowers back to her right? He looked at the flowers and noticed it's got his paint all over it. He felt embarrassed and shy all of a sudden. His heart started to beat loudly that he took cover behind a nearby bush. Afraid that Ino might hear. Sai formed seals then the ink detached themselves from the flowers and dripped on to the grass. "Now I can give it to her"

He attempted to stand up but his nervousness was holding him back. What is this?! Is it the fact that she's crying? It shouldn't affect me this way! Sai didn't understand that it was how guys felt when they're trying to talk to the girl they like for the first time. Of course he didn't know that and mistook it for some kind of sorcery.

Ino noticed some rustling in on bush behind her but when she turned around to look, it suddenly stopped. It didn't really matter. Sakura had beaten her at everything. She turned out to be a stronger kunoichi that her. A better medical officer and she got the guy. More tears streamed down her cheeks. She remembered that she made a promise to Asuma that she wouldn't lose to Sakura. Moments later a small bird landed on her shoulder carrying a handkerchief. When Ino touched the handkerchief it dissolved to ink.

"Huh?" Then was a loud rustle and she saw a silhouette run from the bush. "Wait!" Ino ran after but the man he disappeared into the shadows before she could catch up. Behind the bush he was hiding from, Ino found the flower bundle she dropped earlier. Only it was clean of it. There was note next to it that said:

'Miss beautiful. You look better when you smile. =)'

Ino wiped the tears away with the handkerchief and couldn't help but smile. "Thank you Sai"

Sai didn't understand what happened to him earlier. He didn't understand why all of a sudden he paniked when Ino was he understood one thing, liked seeing Ino smile. Now the question was to approach her or not approach her? Then there it was again. His heart standing beating loudly and he started to feel warm around the cheeks. "...Maybe tomorrow..."

Author's Note: Review, Favourite, Follow if you liked! To be continued...