Hey guys
Kenju gave me a copy to Letters of Love so I'm going to continue off this instead. I won't give a deadline, but I'll say the earliest the next chap for this will be up will be in two weeks. My hours at work are ridiculous right now.
Enjoy.
She trudged home, a noticeable limp in her step. If that woman pushed her any more she was going to go crazy and kill something. Orochimaru had put her through worse things but that was so long ago that she had forgotten how difficult it was. Add in the time she was stricken immobile by Temari and Tayuya had some catching up to do.
Both her sensei explained to her that her taijutsu was her weak point and chose to focus on that earlier on but now they were moving on to jutsu. The redhead swore she wasn't imagining the gleeful glint in Anko's eyes whenever she prepared for another Gokakyu no jutsu. The last one nearly robbed her of her red mane. The tokubetsu jounin never passed up the chance to press that she needed to cut it, but the redhead would always counter Anko's arguments with the same order to mind her own business.
While Kakashi wasn't as enthused in his training methods, he was surprisingly dedicated and his infamous tardiness didn't play a role when it came time for training. The first few days the copy ninja hadn't shown up on time, coming thirty minutes late every session. Although this was a vast improvement, Anko had stated that it simply wouldn't do. By the next week Kakashi was arriving on time. His usual nonchalant attitude regarding training seeming to have waned a small bit.
When the redhead had asked her female sensei about it she informed her that the copy nin had a great deal on his mind much of the time but she had seen to it (Anko never told Tayuya how) that he would push those things aside in favor of throwing himself into their training. Today had been focused on taijutsu again as always, although at the end Kakashi seemed oddly pleased with her. Tayuya could only chalk it up to the crumpled piece of paper in her hand. Staring at it didn't bring her any answers, however.
Fishing a key out of her pocket, she managed to unlock the door and limp over to the couch. Tayuya took time to bask in the silence of the apartment before the telltale sign of someone wanting entrance, a knock on the door, roused her. The redhead growled.
"It's open!"
The doorknob jiggled for a few short seconds. The door stayed in place.
"No it's not! Get up and unlock it!" Sakura's voice called from the other side.
"It's not my fault you forget your damn key all the time!" Tayuya snapped.
Sakura's sheepish smile could almost be heard in her voice. "Gomen. My hands are full though! Could you just open the door?"
From the other side of the wood Sakura heard her roommate slowly get up and attempt to stomp to it. Only after the sound of her cursing filled the apartment did the door finally swing open, an agitated Tayuya on the other side. The med nin pushed past the redhead and set the bags on the counter. Rolling her arms, Sakura let out an exhausted sigh and collapsed on the nearest couch. Tayuya had already retaken her position on the other one.
"I'm so tired. Tsunade-sensei had me train all day and mom wanted me to come by to pick up groceries again. I don't know why she doesn't let me shop," Sakura rolled over, now facing the other kunoichi.
"It's because you only buy what you can make. I was so fucking tired of pancakes every morning," Tayuya answered.
"I don't see you getting up and coming into the kitchen to learn whenever she comes over to cook. You've only cooked once since you've been living here!"
"I've cooked twice whore," the redhead mumbled into a pillow. She released a similar sigh to Sakura's earlier one.
"Twice?"
Tayuya frowned. "Two months ago, and last week. If my sensei wasn't such a pain in the ass it'd be more than that."
"Two months..." the pink haired kunoichi turned her eyes to the ground.
She thought it had been longer than that. Naruto had been gone for two months and there hadn't been any word from him. They both understood. With Akatsuki pursuing him it wasn't safe to try to communicate unless they had some exclusive means that no one else could detect. More than once they'd stopped off at the Hokage tower but Tsunade always gave them the same message and subsequent speech to not expect anything during the three years he would be absent. A ghost of a smile appeared on Sakura's face.
"Did you cook the same thing for him too?"
Tayuya was silent for a few seconds. She sat up, feet now on the ground. "Hai. He liked it by the way. Said they were the best he ever had." The pride was audible in her voice.
Sakura made a sick face. "I don't like mine like that. They taste funny."
The redhead shrugged. "Maybe your mouth is just fucked up."
The other kunoichi scowled. "Or maybe you need to learn how to cook."
Tayuya frowned at the ceiling and said nothing else. She didn't have the energy to get into another debate right now and she knew Sakura didn't have it in her either. The sun had already set, casting the two kunoichi in a temporary darkness. Sakura could hear Tayuya shift across from her.
"I really miss him. Maybe Tsunade-sensei will let us-"
"You know she won't," Tayuya interrupted. They had already been through this numerous times. "She already knows it isn't safe to try and send him anything." She sighed again. "I wish I knew where he was though. Shithead's always getting himself into trouble."
"He is...but Naruto doesn't ever give up. I know he's okay wherever he is...and he's got Jiraiya-sama with him too."
Tayuya scoffed. "He's just another pervert. He'd probably get his ass handed to him by some bimbo with a pretty face."
Sakura smiled across from her. "I've seen Tsunade-sensei do it more than once."
They both broke into a quiet laughter. Sakura flipped the switch nearest to her, activating a small lamp Shizune gave to them as a gift months ago. She shook her head when her eyes landed on Tayuya's disheveled hair. Its ends were singed and a few leaves littered the topmost area. The redhead didn't seem to care at all right now. Her stare was focused on the ceiling.
Naruto hadn't left her thoughts the entire time he had been absent; she only wished it was the same for him. Tayuya was annoyed that she kept having these thoughts. She remembered how foolish she felt after the first day they'd made love because of the pessimistic thoughts that invaded her mind. Chastising herself didn't seem to be doing anything for the redhead's insecurity, however. She sighed.
"Eh...Sakura."
The med nin turned a surprised eye in Tayuya's direction. She waited with a curious expression.
"Have you ever felt like...kind of...do you think shithead could find someone else on his training trip?" Tayuya hurriedly asked. Her stare penetrated the pinkette. Sakura gazed back at her with the same expression as earlier.
"And leave us?" Sakura questioned.
"Hai..."
Sakura shook her head. "He wouldn't."
Tayuya waited but her fellow kunoichi said nothing else. "That's it? Just...he wouldn't?"
"Why do you think he would?"
Tayuya squirmed in her seat. "I...I get this stupid feeling sometimes." She placed her hand on her abdomen. "Hell, I don't even know what it is."
Sakura nodded. "Like you're not good enough for him?"
The redhead's eyes snapped up, an angry glare now on the other girl. "What did you say?"
"I used to feel like that with Sasuke-kun," Sakura explained. "All the girls wanted him and I felt like he would never look at me. It was because of Ino that I stopped doubting myself. Why are you feeling so insecure for?"
"Insecure?" Tayuya parroted. She opened her mouth to argue but found she couldn't. Sakura had hit the proverbial nail on the head. She didn't even know what was making her so hesitant to accept the fact that Naruto wouldn't leave her. Instead of answering the other kunoichi she left to her room, still pondering the question.
In the living room Sakura simply shrugged and began putting away the groceries. Half of the things her mother bought for their apartment she didn't even know what to do with. She had learned to cook a few things growing up since her parents stressed independence, but not as wide a variety as her mother and father. Putting away the last dozen of eggs, the bubblegum haired kunoichi followed her roommate's example and walked to her room. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
"Come on Ero-sennin! I've been waiting all day!"
Jiraiya grunted. He'd stopped reprimanding the boy long ago about using the embarrassing name he had so affectionately dubbed him with. It wouldn't do any good for Naruto to call him "Jiraiya" or "Jiraiya-sama" while they were traveling as it would gather unnecessary attention. Taking a seat, the toad sannin pulled up his sleeve and stared at the gash that ran down the length of his arm, a scowl on his face. Naruto's proud smile was what met his eyes when he looked up.
"You know, it would be wise to tell me when you've mastered a new jutsu. For my well being if nothing else." Jiraiya stated, arms folded.
Naruto's grin was replaced by an annoyed look. "Well what did you expect? You're always in some town with a woman when you're not helping me with kyuubi so you wouldn't know!"
Jiraiya coughed. "That was a dirty trick."
The blond smirked. "Can we hurry up and do this Ero-sennin? I've been working on them all day."
"All day? Only a gaki like you would spend the entire day like that."
Naruto barely bit back a retort. Amused, Jiraiya shook his head and bit his thumb.
"Kuchiyose no jutsu!"
'Creeeek'
Tayuya was up in an instant Her eyes wandered around the large bedroom until she was certain that it was empty. The bathroom was unoccupied as well. The redhead relaxed her stance a small bit but withdrew her kunai from underneath her pillow as she stepped quietly to the door, eyes still scanning.
About two weeks ago, Anko started surprise attacks on Tayuya outside of training but the tokubetsu jounin had never stopped by so late. Nevertheless, Tayuya stayed poised in a ready position as she slowly inched herself to the living room, almost passing Sakura's door in the process. Nearly past the door, Tayuya jumped back toward her room just in time to avoid the wood flying off its hinges and hitting the opposite wall.
Sakura exited her room, still in her pink nightie, one hand gloved. The redhead threw her an irritated glance and pointed toward the living room. Whoever was in the apartment surely knew that they had been noticed now. Nodding to Tayuya, they both gradually made their way into the living room. It was also empty. When Sakura walked out of the kitchen with a nod moments later, Tayuya flopped down on the couch. The light from the center bulb illuminated the room. Sakura took a seat across from the redhead. There were no broken windows or stolen furniture. The girls were perplexed.
"Someone was here," Sakura said.
"There's nothing missing though. Who the hell breaks in an apartment and leaves?" Tayuya put a hand to her chin.
Sakura wore an equally confused expression. "They had to use ninjutsu too. Nothing's broken."
'Crooak'
The redhead bolted up. Sakura hardly muffled her shriek and jumped beside her roommate, fist at the ready. The couch she was sitting on where the sound was made no further noise. The pinkette readied her attack. Tayuya grabbed her companion by the crook of her elbow before she could pulverize one of the few pieces of furniture they owned. She shook her head. There was no need to destroy anything else in the apartment. Nodding to Sakura once again, Tayuya moved to the side of the piece of furniture and waited for the signal before tipping it over.
Both were silent as a small white toad with its hands over its eyes came into view. Its trembling figure was shaking the floorboard under it. The toad removed it hands, its eyes meeting Tayuya's stunned ones. A regular sized scroll sat on its back, devoid of outside writing. Sakura eyes matched Tayuya's, but there was a gleam of excitement now beginning to show in hers. Both girls now eyed the scroll, ignorant of the amphibian under it.
Tayuya was the first to lunge. The frog was on her head the next moment. After one more croak it made a mad dash toward the back room. Sakura was the next to chase after it. She hurdled the slanted door in the hallway and nearly caught the thing in her hand, but slipped as her socks lost traction on the smooth floor. She slid until the top of her head met the spring box of Tayuya's bed.
Tayuya burst into the room just as the toad jumped on the other side of her bed. It still had the fearful expression in its eyes and looked to be debating on staying. It didn't have enough time to think as Tayuya dove toward it again. The toad was faster and before the redhead knew what was happening, it was once again atop her head. Her growl of frustration forced the amphibian to abandon its spot and run back to the living room. Not too far from her, Sakura was laughing and rubbing her skull.
"You think this is funny! You know what happens if it gets away? This might be the only one!"
Sakura's chuckles stopped instantly. "How do you know it's even him?" A hint of doubt was in her voice.
"Who the hell else would it be! Nobody else uses toad summons and it's in our apartment!" Tayuya all but shouted. Sakura could sense her desperation.
"Okay okay. Let's catch it before it disappears then."
When the girls re-entered the living room the toad was seated comfortably on the end table. Its bulging eyes made contact with those of Sakura first. The pinkette watched it curiously, its trembles to gradually beginning to subside. They returned full force, however, when Tayuya took a step forward, her angry expression putting the amphibian on edge. Sakura had no time to warn her as she attempted another lunge. This ended much in the same fashion as the others. The white toad made its third departure from Tayuya's head, this time scurrying off into Sakura's door-less room. The bubblegum haired kunoichi waited until her companion's curses stopped before speaking to her again.
"I think we should stop chasing it," she offered.
"Are you fucking crazy! What makes you thing it won't-"
"It won't," Sakura answered, much in the same way as earlier. "I'm sure. If we wait it'll come to us."
Tayuya pierced her roommate with a stare that spoke volumes about how against the idea she was. She turned away slowly, taking the same seat she had earlier. Sitting back, she threatened the pinkette in what must have been the first time in several months.
"You'd better be right."
Sakura welcomed the coming silence. The soft sound of webbed feet moving about filled the house, but to her credit Tayuya remained still. Sakura busied herself with taking off and putting on her only glove repetitively to stall the boredom. Tayuya settled for moving the kunai around in her sweatpants pocket. It seemed like an eternity before the sound was heard near the opening to the hallway. The toad sat there, gazing around to make sure everything was safe. It hopped slowly until it came to the front of the couch Sakura sat at, its eyes focused on the redhead across from her. Tayuya made no move to chase it. It jumped onto Sakura's couch and faced her with its head down. Sakura smiled and took the scroll.
"Arigatou."
The toad sought refuge on Sakura's left shoulder as Tayuya sat on her right side and waited in anticipation. Sakura brought her hand up to unroll the scroll but the flap wouldn't open. She tried many more times before sighing in exasperation and handing it to Tayuya. The redhead smirked as she took it. Tayuya had no more success than her roommate however. Even when she went to such lengths as to try and open it with her teeth. It was soon out of her hands and under Sakura's scrutinizing stare. The pinkette noticed a small seal on the edge of the paper. There was only one word under it.
"Hime?"
"Huh?"
"Near the bottom of the scroll," Sakura informed her. "There's a seal with a word under it. It says 'Hime'"
Tayuya grabbed the scroll and examined it. "What does that mean though? Shithead never called me that."
"Me either."
Tayuya sat up a little higher to stare at the animal on Sakura's shoulder. "Shouldn't that thing have disappeared by now?"
The toad made what sounded like an indignant croak at the redhead. It went silent after the bubblegum haired kunoichi rubbed its head. "Maybe it has to stay here for a while, but why would-" Sakura snapped her fingers. "Naruto doesn't know how to do seals! It had to be Jiraiya-sama. So that means..."
"Means what? Spit it out!" Tayuya urged.
Sakura pointed at the scroll again. "It's for Tsunade-sensei. I've heard him call her that a few times."
"Then they're sending love letters through toads?" The thought made Tayuya's stomach churn.
"Maybe. There has to be something for us inside too though. Why else would it come to our apartment?"
"So the bimbo is the only one who can open it?" Sakura nodded. Her heartbeat picked up as Tayuya pocketed the piece of parchment and made a beeline toward the door. The med nin in training barely stopped the redhead in the form of an awkward tackle. Sakura could barely restrain her as she started clawing her way toward the exit, trying to push off the extra weight all the while.
"Let me go whore! You said it yourself!"
"It's almost three in the morning! You'll get beaten to a pulp if you wake her up now!"
Tayuya clawed at the ground fruitlessly. She struggled to keep escape the pinkette's grasp but she was clearly the stronger of the two. It was at that moment that Sakura would hear possibly the most ridiculous thing to ever come out of the redhead's mouth.
"I can take her."
In her desperation Tayuya must have been experiencing a bout of temporary insanity. Sakura hadn't ever heard her speak so irrationally. The pinkette brought her arm up with the intention of knocking out the other girl before she could get any further. Tayuya turned and glared at the other kunoichi in that same instant, toad still present on her shoulder. She pointed at it.
"What if that thing disappears and the scroll does too? Then we'll never get another one!"
Sakura hesitated for a moment. That was all the redhead needed. She slid out from under the pink haired kunoichi and sprinted out the door. Sakura was behind her immediately, though she no longer planned to catch her. The med nin cradled the toad in her crossed arms. If what Tayuya said was true then she wasn't taking any chances on the thing getting injured and the scroll disappearing as well.
Jumping across Konoha in the early morning wearing minimal clothing was not Sakura's idea of fun. She would have to pull down the nightie every other jump to prevent it from flying up and giving a peek to the imaginary audience beneath her. A memory of Tayuya scrutinizing her bedtime attire came to mind. The redhead always chastised her on the lack of clothing. Sakura found herself wishing that she had listened to the ex-oto nin tonight. She sighed gratefully when the Godaime's home came into view.
Tayuya was the first to land a bit apprehensively on the porch. Sakura was beside her a second later, staring at the large double doors. The pink haired kunoichi shook her head as the redhead began fumbling with the lock. A frustrated groan and a metal tip of a kunai lodged in the keyhole later and the door was unlocked. The redhead hastily ducked inside, hardly leaving any room for her company to slip through. Not too far away from the house, a mask fazed out of the bushes.
Neither girl had ever been in the semi-spacious home that Tsunade owned. The living room was peppered with so many different ornaments and furniture that they bumped into many things before finally making it to the hallway entrance. It was a single floor home so the bedroom was easy to spot at the end of the corridor. Sakura's attempt to reach for the nearby light switch failed when her comrade slapped her hand away. Sighing exasperatedly, Sakura started the walk to her sensei's bedroom. The flickering of the lights halted her movements. Her plan to scold Tayuya halted when she turned around to see a blade poised at the redhead's neck. The ANBU behind her was silent. Her mask turned to regard the med nin.
"Is there a reason you are sneaking into Hokage-sama's home Sakura-san? I do not think she is fond of early morning visitors."
Sakura's thoughts started racing. She switched her eyes from Tayuya to the ANBU woman many times before speaking.
"We have an urgent message for her from Jiraiya-sama."
"Jiraiya-sama?" The ANBU paused to press the redhead's twitching hand behind her back. Tayuya grunted. "That is one of his summons?"
"Any other dumbass could see it is." Tayuya growled through gritted teeth. They both had the feeling the ANBU was glaring at the redhead behind the mask. It didn't help any that the toad croaked in agreement. The redhead winced when the blade pressed little closer to her neck. The ANBU woman turned to Sakura.
"If it is that urgent then I shall accompany you."
Tayuya moved to take a step forward but the ANBU didn't release her grip. This made for an awkward wobble the rest of the way toward the Godaime's room. The redhead nearly cut herself several times because her pace was so much faster than the woman behind her. She held the scroll in the pocket on her right. If the ANBU had made an attempt to take it she would have fought to the death. Beside her, Sakura sighed as the finally reached the door at the end of the hallway. The ANBU's agonizingly slow pace was maddening. It didn't elude Sakura that the entire time she failed (or refused) to acknowledge Tayuya's cursing.
The masked woman nodded to Sakura when her hand clasped around the handle. The door didn't make a sound until it opened completely. The knob clacked against a metal placement in the wall that Tsunade must have installed to prevent holes.
A pleasant red carpet met her toes when she stepped in. The room wasn't as furnished as the living room and not nearly as large, but it was easily the size of their apartment's main room. The queen sized bed shifted in the center of the room. After a few more shuffled steps they stood at the foot of it. The woman behind Tayuya peered over her head to check on the Godaime. Tayuya was the second to look at the snoring figure in the bed and immediately cast her gaze elsewhere. The ANBU cleared her throat. Curious, Sakura peered from behind the other two (she'd hidden behind them in case Tsunade awoke).
Tsunade's night attire was much more...provocative...than what Sakura had on. The top of her black lingerie stopped barely below her breasts and clung tightly to her ample bust. The entire thing was transparent except for a few bits of darker cloth to cover the more private areas. The lower part ('part' putting it generously) was transparent as well and had the same darker shade of cloth to cover the junction of her thighs.
The ANBU politely looked away. She was in the midst of moving to cover up Tsunade when Tayuya took advantage of her surprise. The redhead slipped out of her grip and ran to Tsunade's bedside to shake her awake. She would have succeeded had the ANBU not kicked her across the large room. Her body hit the opposite wall with a thud. Sakura watched the woman look from the Godaime to Tayuya and take off in the redhead's direction. Tayuya stood up in just in time to meet the oncoming sword with her kunai. The woman pushed down, backing the other kunoichi into a corner.
"The fucks your problem! I was just waking her up!"
The ANBU didn't pull back. "You were sent here to assassinate Hokage-sama."
The redhead's already irritated expression became even more furious. "What!"
The older woman's coming sentence was cut off by Sakura's fist colliding with her arm. Her heels slid backwards until they thumped the side of Tsunade's bed. It was obvious that she didn't expect the blow by the way her mask stayed on Sakura for a few moments. Her right arm hung limply at her side, clearly broken. Neither Tayuya nor Sakura noticed that the amphibian had vacated the spot on the med nin's shoulder and was nowhere to be seen.
"Were just here to give Tsunade-sensei a message. We don't have to fight."
The ANBU didn't seem to hear her. Just as she bent down to pick up her sword and the other girls assumed ready stances, her feet left the floor. Tsunade's hand clutched the back of the woman's shirt. The blond's eyes were lidded, evidence of her still being half asleep. In a manner that bordered on comical, she halfheartedly tossed the woman in her arms out of the door. A loud crash was heard from the living room. Neither girl doubted that numerous expensive things in there were now broken.
Tsunade's slumped form turned toward the two kunoichi currently backed as far away into the corner as possible. Each one's pair of eyes was frantically scanning the bedroom for another exit. The only window in the bedroom lay directly behind Tsunade. Moonlight pooled in through the invisible field that was freshly cleaned glass. Tayuya and Sakura shared a gulp when the Godaime advanced a step. The redhead readied a kunai at the same time Sakura clenched her fist. She was beginning to regret her impatience regarding the message. Another step was taken by the buxom blond in front of them.
Sakura began to think the anticipation would kill her before the Hokage could.
The med nin's fear halted for a brief second when a light weight landed on her head. The white toad that had nestled itself in her hair seemed heavier for some reason and why it had returned now of all times left Sakura clueless. She received her answer when a blast of water burst from its mouth and hit Tsunade square in the face.
The Godaime fell back several steps. Her hands worked eagerly to clean her face and block the still flowing water. When the toad's spurt finally calmed Tsunade opened her now sleep-lacking eyes to see the two girls cowering in a corner of her bedroom. Her coming question was interrupted by the sound of struggling in the hallway. The ANBU staggered back into the room seconds later. Her purple hair hung limply over one shoulder. The few shards of glass in it could be seen twinkling in the moonlight. When she stared into Tsunade's awakened eyes a slight bow was all she could offer before grasping her broken arm.
The Godaime immediately righted her posture. Her eyes scanned the room for any threats. Giving the two girls a curious glance, she strode over to the ANBU. Her hand soon bathed itself in a green aura that worked as a strange nightlight for the dark room. The mask the woman wore bobbed up and down in a discreet fashion. Her hushed tone couldn't be heard by the other girls. Tsunade's gaze switched from the woman, to Tayuya, and then to the kunai in her hand. Shaking her head, she motioned for the girls to move to the living room. The redhead opened her mouth but a quick pull from Sakura silenced her. The Godaime hadn't taken notice of the toad on Sakura's shoulder the entire time.
In the living room the girls stepped around various shards of glass and what looked like broken vases. They chose to lean against the wall closest to the hallway and wait for Tsunade. The ANBU was the first to enter the living room minutes later. Her form stiffened upon noticing the other two girls but a push from Tsunade seemed to relax her muscles a little. The awkward silence between the four began to get on Tayuya's nerves. Wordlessly, she grabbed the surprised toad from Sakura's head and shoved it in Tsunade's face.
"We got a message from Shithead."
Tsunade sharp intake wasn't missed either of the two young kunoichi. She stared at the amphibian for nearly a minute before giving Tayuya a questioning look.
"Well where is it?"
Tayuya slowly removed the scroll from her pocket. Her hesitance was shown in her eyes as well. "It says 'hime' on the underside. Whore said you could probably open it."
"I remember Jiraiya-sama calling you that a few times," Sakura explained.
Tsunade inspected the seal. She sighed and turned to the ANBU. "You're dismissed."
The woman seemed ready to protest but silenced herself. She disappeared in a plume of smoke soon after. Flipping a switch, the Godaime strode to an end table not to far away and sat on the floor. The other two kunoichi hurriedly removed their shoes and joined her. Tsunade sat the scroll in the middle of the small table. The girls across from her never made eye contact. Their discomfort was ticking her off a bit. If anyone had a reason to be angry it or uncomfortable it should be her for being awoken by a toad in the early morning.
"Is there something wrong?"
Sakura shook her head quickly. Tayuya pointed down at the Godaime current bit of attire. Tsunade had the decency to blush lightly. She immediately left the table, returning in a white bath robe a few minutes later. She didn't plan to apologize to either girl though. It made her feel young.
"Can you open the damn thing now?"
Inspecting the seal once more to be certain, the blond extended her hand toward Tayuya and nodded to the kunai. The redhead glanced at the tool before tossing it to the older woman. Tsunade made a thin cut on her finger and made sure the blood landed near the seal. Without warning, the scroll opened. Five more seals were spaced a good distance apart on the inside. One had the same seal as the outside under it, along with the name 'hime'. However, those that caught both girls' eyes were the two that rested beside each other with the names 'Sakura-chan' and 'Tayuya-chan' printed underneath them. Tsunade shook her head, a smile on her features.
"He used my blood. The idiot could have at least told me before he left." Tsunade took notice of the girls' eager expressions. She pointed to the two with names under them. "Feel free to open them. I don't have to use my blood for these."
Tayuya's hands were the first to touch the parchment. The amount of chakra she pushed into the scroll made a larger than normal plume of smoke appear. The redhead was bouncing in anticipation, her heartbeat erratic. A red and white scroll came into view a second later and she eagerly opened it. Naruto's handwriting painted the entire inside except for a small portion where two seals resided. Her attempt to read failed when her vision was obscured by white smoke. Sakura was practically in a giggle fit beside her when her pink and green scroll made itself known amongst the white clouds.
"I knew he was going to send something! Didn't I tell you he would?"
Tayuya found that she couldn't fight their contagious smiles. "I was the one who told you! Just...shut up and read."
Sakura restrained the impulse to start up an argument. She unfurled her scroll upon the table. Its arrangement was exactly like Tayuya's, writing scrawled everywhere with two small storage seals at the bottom. Tsunade was already reading one of hers across from the two.
Baa-chan
How's the village doing? The training trip isn't as fun as I thought it was going to be. We've been to a couple of fun places but Ero-sennin doesn't really train me! It's only help with the kyuubi sometimes and then he goes into a town just to see pretty women! Right now I'm stuck at camp waiting for him to get back so I can send these letters. I've been sneaking looks at his scrolls while he sleeps since he never wakes up. Must be all the sake. There's nothing inside the big one except names of toad summoners and the smaller ones don't have any fun jutsu. The last one I went through had a woman's underwear in it!
Whenever he goes into town I usually summon Gamatatsu or Gamakichi so I won't be bored but I'm running out of snacks. But there's good news! Gamakichi said he can teach me how to do different jutsu! He said it's going to be a while since he's not big enough yet (but he's gotten pretty big) but I can't wait! Ero-sennin's gonna be so surprised when I hit him with something new!
Ero-sennin sent the letter to you but before Gamapuchi left I told him to go to my apartment if it was late or early morning. It wouldn't be good if Gamabunta heard you killed one of his kids while you were half asleep.
I'm gonna work on Tayuya-chan's and Sakura-chan's letters now Baa-chan. I still don't know what to write to them and I've been thinking about it all day. I miss them a lot...but I miss you too! Tell Shizune-nee-chan I said hi!
Love,
Naruto
Tsunade smiled as she read over the letter again, only pausing to scowl at the tidbits about Jiraiya. She assumed that Gamapuchi was the white toad resting on Sakura's shoulder at the moment. Sighing, she placed the scroll back on the end table and cast her gaze to the other two. Tayuya still held her scroll a good ways away from her eyes. The Godaime could have just attributed it to the redhead being far-sighted, but her hazel eyes didn't follow the words at all. Conversely, Sakura had not hesitated. She was so deep in the page that Tsunade was beginning to wonder if she would attempt to seal herself into the scroll.
Sakura-chan
It feels like it's been forever even tough Ero-sennin says it's only been two months. He says time feels like it passes slower whenever you're away from someone you care about. It was a weird because the old pervert actually sounded like he knew what I was going through.
How are things? Ero-sennin is pretty fun every once in a while but I still feel a little empty sometimes without you and Tayuya-chan. I have dreams that you guys are with me but then wake up and I'm sleeping by myself. I get a little lonely whenever that happens. If it wasn't for those Akatsuki bastards I'd be running back to the village right now. Ero-sennin says we can't go looking for them because he doesn't have enough information on how strong their members are. I'd take on the world just to be back with you two though.
Ero-sennin says I don't understand.
How's training with Tsunade-baa-chan? I can't wait to get back to see how much stronger you've gotten. The old pervert hasn't taught me anything so far except more chakra control but I think that'll change when he gets the return letter from Baa-chan. She doesn't like it when he fools around too much and doesn't get anything done. Then I'll learn all types of jutsu since the old pervert is supposed to know a lot. You should ask Kakashi-sensei or Iruka-sensei if they can teach you something. Super strength is great and all but it doesn't matter if you can't hit anything Sakura-chan.
It's getting pretty late. I have to work on Tayuya-chan's letter before it's too dark to see. I'll try to send as many letters as I can but Ero-sennin says we should focus more on controlling the kyuubi than love letters. Ha! I'll write as many as I want and he can't stop me. I can summon toads too and I see him writing letter to Tsunade-baa-chan when he's supposed to be asleep. This is just the first time we've sent any.
By the way please be nice to Gamapuchi. It's his first mission and Gamakichi says he doesn't have the gift of human speech yet. Gamakichi says he can understand some of it but can't speak it. I don't know why they don't just teach him! It kind of made me mad that they said they couldn't. That's just like giving up! Anyway he doesn't like loud noises and he's pretty fast so you probably won't be able to catch him. But this probably won't help until after you've caught him...just ignore that part.
Only two years and ten months to go! I can't wait to get back to Konoha. Don't forget to get stronger. We still need to get Sasuke-teme back!
Love you,
Naruto
p.s. I got you and Tayuya-chan a few gifts while we were traveling. They're in the seals.
The last bit was scrunched in at the bottom where it was clear that the blond shinobi had run out of room. Sakura giggled and turned to the two seals at the bottom. Tsunade was smiling across from her, also examining her scrolls. Sakura's eyes were suddenly staring at roommate. She realized Tayuya had maneuvered herself so that they were staring eye to eye. The redhead's scroll sat on the coffee table, obviously unread.
"Well?"
Sakura knit her eyebrows. "Well what?"
"How is he?" Tayuya pressed.
"Why don't you just read your letter? There's nothing bad inside it."
Tayuya was tight-lipped on the matter. Tsunade cleared her throat before her pupil could get off topic. "Naruto's fine. I'm sure he wrote that letter with the intention that you read it. It also must have been a good deal of trouble to send it."
Tayuya faced the coffee table again. A sigh passed through her lips. "I don't know why this is bothering me so much. It just a fucking letter! I shouldn't be..." She trailed off.
"Scared?" Sakura supplied.
The redhead said nothing. With trembling fingers, she reached out and grasped the scroll again. Tsunade unsealed her second scroll while Tayuya scrutinized her only one. Sakura fell back with an exasperated sigh. She decided to wait until Tayuya finished her reading to unseal her gifts but the redhead was beginning to get on her nerves. Finally, she took a deep breath and started running her eyes over the words.
Tayuya-chan
We've been traveling for a long while. I can't tell you where we are in case Gamapuchi (the toad with the letter) gets toad-napped. It's sort of hard to tell Gamapuchi apart from regular toads too, so he's less likely to get caught. Akatsuki hasn't appeared yet and Ero-sennin said they probably won't as long as he's around.
The old pervert said no pictures too! The only ones we took were weeks before I left and only you and Sakura-chan have copies! I was planning on sneaking one in anyway (I think I'm taller than you now) but then if someone else got the letter then we would have been found out. Maybe if I take it facing the sky so that they can't tell where we're at?
If there's one thing that's been on my mind since I left other than you and Sakura-chan it's who Tsunade-baa-chan gave you as a sensei. Baa-chan's pretty stubborn but I think I managed to convince her not to choose Anko (Crazy Snake Lady). Kakashi sensei too. He says he'll do better when I get back but I'll believe it when I see it.
I hope you're learning a lot of jutsu because you're coming with us to get Sasuke-teme whether you like it or not. Tell Sakura-chan that you're officially part of team seven! You better be able to put up a good spar against me too! I'm gonna be super strong when I get back!
I don't know how long it'll be until I can send another letter. I can always do it without Ero-sennin knowing but I don't want to run Gamapuchi into the ground. Gamakichi says he can use shunshin but he doesn't have a lot of chakra so it takes a lot out of him.
I'll stay safe. You do too.
Love you,
Naruto
The letter had the same note about there being gifts at the bottom. Tayuya read over it a few more times, much to her roommate's annoyance, before setting it down on the table. She sighed in relief. Almost as if a small weight had been removed from her shoulders. Then, she started to chuckle while shaking her head.
"He worries about me. Shithead should know that he's the only one who could be in any danger. I could kick any of these idiot's asses if I needed to." She went quiet for a few seconds. The other two kunoichi didn't make a sound.
Sakura placed her hand over one of the small seals and smiled. "He's always had a habit of wanting to protect people,"
The Godaime put on a wry grin; a memory of Naruto having a kunai driven through his hand in order to protect her coming to mind. "Even if he does it in the most idiotic way possible."
The bubblegum haired kunoichi pushed a little chakra into the left seal. Tayuya saw her hold up two ornaments in each of her hands a second later. Sakura's eyes sparkled as they roamed over the two earrings. The oval shaped clips held a hole beneath them where a two carefully shaped pieces of metal together gave the image of a flame. The second piece of metal held a stylish emerald colored rock that matched her eyes. Sakura didn't hesitate in placing both of them in her ears. They swayed from side to side as she released the other seal to reveal a matching bracelet. Its oval stones were held together by six silver links, one to each piece. Tsunade, perceptive as always, pointed Sakura in the direction of the bathroom where the mirror was located.
Tayuya did the same as her companion except she started with the seal on the right. Honestly, she wasn't a big fan of jewelry. The only kind she owned was the diamond flute he'd bought her so many months ago. The flute wasn't only a gift though. It had meaning. It was symbolized the sacrifice he was willing to make, financial or otherwise, to make her happy. It was the day she'd thrown away her inhibitions about Naruto grasped onto the hope that he wasn't using her. The day she'd told him as much as she could remember about her past. The day they'd shared their first kiss.
So she wasn't disappointed in the least when a pair of ruby earrings came into view. She hadn't been expecting something that would blow Sakura's gift away. Naruto was always wary about treating them both the same and she was grateful for that. They were styled in the shape of lightning bolts, a hook on each end. A small piece of paper lay under them on the scroll. Tayuya removed them and read it.
Because I know you'd look beautiful wearing them.
The redhead's blush won the battle for her face in that instant. With the hope of suppressing the embarrassment indicator lost, she pocketed the paper and released the other seal. Fortunately Tsunade eyes were on her second letter. Tayuya assumed it was from the toad sannin. A small plume of smoke later and she was left staring at a six-by-six inch silver colored box. She tilted her head curiously. The box was much bigger than anything Sakura had received. A scowl surfaced on her face at the thought of having to carry around something of that size. Naruto had enough intelligence to see the error of buying her jewelry that large didn't he? Cautiously, Tayuya tipped the front portion up.
Her eyes were sparkling like Sakura's the minute they landed on the contents of the box.
In the bathroom Sakura turned around in the mirror one more time. The jewelry swung from her ears and wrist. On the sink, Gamapuchi's eyes gave no indication that he was bored. The toad actually seemed to be enjoying himself. It gave an appreciative croak that made Sakura giggle.
"I guess that means he'd like it too." Gamapuchi nodded.
Sakura walked out with the toad in her arms. Tsunade's arms were placed behind her head, feet on the coffee table. The bubblegum haired kunochi couldn't see Tayuya's face. It was obscured by the lid of a sliver box that Naruto must have bought for her. A crumpled piece of paper sat by the side of her gift. It was in Sakura's hands and smoothed out a second later.
Share with Sakura-chan and Baa-chan if she's around when you open it.
Sakura scowled. She reached a hand around to tap the top of the box. At the exact time Tayuya's head rose Sakura's face took on a look of disgust. The redhead's mouth was covered in a brown substance, as were most of her fingers. The happiness in her eyes didn't waver. Assuming that Sakura had nothing important to say, she returned to her box. Her roommate turned the box around before she could. Several brown spheres sat in an equal number of squares. More than half the squares were empty. The intoxicating smell reached Sakura's nose before her brain could process what the shapes were.
Chocolate.
The next few minutes were spent fighting over the few pieces Tayuya hadn't managed to get her hands on. Tsunade had rolled up the scroll that originally contained all of the other letters. She'd left the last blood seal intact. That was probably something needed to be opened in private. She'd restrained herself from grabbing the sweets across from her the moment the aroma wafted in her nose. They weren't hers to eat. This changed, however, when she noticed the letter that had been in the chocolate box. The girls had no chance to grab any more when red nail-tipped fingers stole the last of the sweets. The Godaime licked her fingers clean.
"The two of you are awfully lucky. I can't remember the last time Jir-" Tsunade abruptly stopped.
"It's not a secret sensei. The way he gushes over you all the time makes it obvious." Sakura said.
Tsunade cleared her throat. Tayuya was still busy cleaning the copious amount of chocolate off her face and fingers. The Godaime picked up Gamapuchi, giving him a once over before setting him back down.
"Aren't you going back home? We have the letters."
The toad shook its head.
"You still have something to do here?" Sakura asked.
Gamapuchi picked up the scroll. He shook it for emphasis.
Tayuya's now clean mouth opened a little. "You mean Shithead's gonna let us send you back with message?" An eager nod was her answer. Tayuya restrained herself from hugging the toad. She did give it an appreciative pat on the head.
"How long until you have to go back?" the med nin in training inquired.
Gamapuchi glanced around until he found an antique clock that's glass had been broken lying on the floor. Tayuya followed his gaze and retrieved it immediately. She laid it in front of him. The white toad put a hand under its mouth, then pointed at the ten. That gave them just under seven hours to send Gamapuchi off with their letters.
"It's still early. Why don't we all get some sleep and you two meet me at my office ten minutes before the deadline?" Tsunade suggested. They nodded in agreement. The Godaime waved them out and retired to her bedroom, taking time to turn of the tap that had somehow come on in the bathroom. Once there, she stopped and scowled, a thought coming to mind. She unrolled her letter from Naruto examined it once more to make sure.
"Where the hell's my gift?"
Light filtered in through the windows of both the apartment rooms. Tayuya jumped out of bed and slid on the floor. She only calmed after she'd found the clock on the wall. It was only eight in the morning. The box from the previous night sat on the end table beside her bed. Strangely, she didn't have any intention of throwing it away. Tayuya completed her normal morning routine before making her way to the dining room table. Sakura was already there with her writing implement in hand. Her words left less than half of the paper available. The bubblegum haired kunoichi's hand continued its path across the paper after Tayuya sat down.
"Morning," The redhead greeted. Sakura returned the greeting. Gamapuchi was quietly munching on some bread beside her letter.
"Thought of what you're going to write yet?"
Tayuya grunted. "No. I just woke up."
"You better hurry up. We only have about an hour and a half."
For the next hour the girls worked tirelessly on their letters. By the end of it Tayuya had already scrapped numerous scrolls. They lay on the floor at her feet. Sakura had wisely decided to learn from her companion's mistakes and completed a few rough drafts. As the first hour ended, she started on her final. Tayuya picked up yet another scroll, sighing all the while, when she suddenly felt a cold pressure. She growled.
"You better get that away from my neck before I shove it through your damn chest."
Anko shrugged one shoulder and closed the patio door with her foot. She removed the kunai nonetheless. "Always the empty threats Tayu-chan."
The door opening interrupted Tayuya's coming threat. Sakura moved aside to allow Kakashi to enter, a bored expression on his face. Tayuya hadn't even heard him knock.
"You're late for training," He stated casually.
Tayuya waved him off. "Don't have time for that right now."
Kakashi released an exasperated sigh. He ran a hand through his hair. "As much as I hate to interrupt your..." He raised an eyebrow at the mess on the floor. "...writing, I did make a promise to Naruto. That includes not allowing you to miss training."
Sakura returned to the table. "We're writing to him now Kakashi-sensei. Can Tayuya go to training at eleven instead?"
"Oooh you're writing to Naru-kun? Tell him I said I can't wait for him to get back to we can shop together!"
Anko spoke over Tayuya's shoulder. She narrowly ducked the punch that the redhead sent her way. Tayuya moved for a follow up attack but Sakura stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. Giving Anko an icy glare, she turned to the other girl.
"We have to take care of this now. We'll deal with her later."
Tayuya angrily tore her gaze from her female sensei and resumed her letter. Kakashi sighed beside them. The woman never got enough of teasing Tayuya about anything regarding Naruto. The copy nin knew she didn't truly want the boy (or so he hoped) and was just using the blond to get under her skin. He'd allow it from time to time but when it came to the point that nothing was getting done in training he'd intervene. It was strange how their roles were reversed given the fact that he was supposed to be watched by Anko. Gamapuchi waved to Kakashi when he bent down to eye level to examine the toad. It was certainly one of Jiraiya's summons.
"That's fine," The copy nin said in reply to Sakura. He turned to Tayuya. "Because of the fact that you didn't inform us you were going to be late training will be extended today. I might even work in a spar with Lee if he has the time."
"With no breaks!" Anko yelled enthusiastically.
Tayuya's twitch was the only sign the news affected her. "Fine. You can get the fuck out of my apartment now...Hebi-sensei."
Anko remained composed but her previous playful nature had disappeared. The tension between the two almost had Gamapuchi sweating. Kakashi nervously made his way between the two females and pushed the older one toward the door. Sakura rolled up her letter and placed it in front of the toad. After Anko exited, the copy nin stopped halfway out of the door. He could feel eyes on his back.
"Did you need something Sakura?"
The med nin ran her eyes over her letter again before responding. "Can I come to training with you and Anko-sensei? I don't have training with Tsunade-sensei today."
If Kakashi was surprised he didn't show it. He was mentally doing the pros and cons of such a thing. Sakura had never really been his focus, but then neither had Naruto. The blond, however, had great potential. To be fair though, the copy nin hadn't noticed it until much later. He reasoned it could be the same with Sakura, even with her small reserves. Shrugging, he replied:
"As long as you clear it with Hokage-sama, it's fine with me. Anko?"
Anko grinned. "Who am I to stop the girl from wanting to endure a little torture? It builds character."
Kakashi waved as they both exited. "Training ground 44 in two hours." He paused. "Let Naruto know I'd like it if he told me how far along he is in that technique."
They didn't have a chance to ask because the door closed. Sakura sighed and unrolled her scroll. She tried desperately to find a place to put in that information but most of the scroll was already used. If Tayuya hadn't used up all the empty ones she'd just put it in a different scroll. Finally locating an empty corner, she penciled it in. Tayuya held the last empty scroll. She was scribbling quickly and mumbling to herself. Gamapuchi hopped away from the table to the back room while they continued working.
At twenty minutes to ten they departed in standard mission clothing. Tayuya's mission clothes were the usually issued konoha ninja black pants. Her long sleeved shirt was red with black sleeves. Gamapuchi chose to ride atop Sakura's right shoulder. The toad seemed eager to get back to its realm and Sakura didn't blame it. This was its first mission and it still seemed pretty young.
When they reached the tower Tsunade's doors were already open. Shizune closed the doors behind them as they neared Tsunade's desk. Her smile mimicked Tsunade's. Tayuya and Sakura took seats across from the Godaime while Shizune assumed her usual position behind her sensei. Gamapuchi nestled himself in the top of Tayuya's hair, invoking giggles from everyone except the redhead. She didn't choose to move him, however.
"You have your letters ready?" They nodded.
Tsunade presented a regular scroll with the seals at the ready. "Go ahead."
Sakura sealed hers close to the opening. She intended for Naruto to find her letter first because that meant he would write back to her first, or so she hoped. Not that it really mattered since all the letters were going in one scroll, but just the thought of seeing her name before the others when he received the return message made her heart jump a little. The med nin in training left the room, claiming that she had to use the bathroom. Surprisingly, Shizune stepped up with her own scroll. Tayuya's suspicious look prompted the Godaime's assistant to seal her item quickly and leave to the hospital. The redhead rubbed her legs together uncomfortably. She rolled her item around in her hand.
"I have to do mine last," Tsunade explained. Tayuya still didn't move forward. "Something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," she answered quickly. "Just...I didn't get a lot of time to think about what I was going to put in it. It's mostly stupid stuff..." The redhead paused. "Should I still send it?"
"I think Naruto would be disappointed if you didn't write back. In any case, better something than nothing right?"
Tayuya drew her eyebrows together. "I know. It's just...I don't know. He might not like it."
Tsunade frowned. "Unless you've given up on your relationship, I highly doubt it. I may not know much about you, but I'm aware of the fact that he cares for you deeply." The sound of knuckles cracking made Tayuya's head snap up. Tsunade was still in the same position, her head resting on her intertwined fingers, but she was scowling now.
Tayuya put her hands up in defense. The blond's scowl sent a shiver down her spine. "T-That's not what I meant! I usually don't do stupid shit like love letters, that's all."
"Love letter? Naruto's just checking in on you two. It's your decision whether you want to write anything pertaining to love."
The redhead scoffed. "I suppose that's all you and his perverted sensei do then. Just checking in right?"
Tsunade serious expression didn't falter, though a red tint did make an appearance on her face. "Of course. Jiraiya and I have nothing to speak about but business. Not that it's any of your concern, but I'd never fall for that womanizing pervert."
"Why the need for two letters and one with a blood seal too? The blood seal is obviously something important, probably about Shithead's training or Akatsuki. What about the other one? Personal? Unless it's the other way around you two want to keep your perverted letters under a blood seal. It wouldn't do for Akatsuki to make you a target too right?" Tayuya leaned back. She felt she'd backed the woman into a corner.
Tsunade's face heated further. "First, Jiraiya and I do not, I repeat do not, have perverted conversations through letters. Second, If Akatsuki were to make me a target, it'd hardly be because Jiraiya and I were involved, which we aren't. The only reason that the old fool could be a target right now would be because he's traveling with Naruto. The blood seal is because some things are more classified than others. However, we're not talking about Jiraiya and I. You wouldn't stop caring for Naruto without good reason, right?"
Tayuya dipped her head. "I..I couldn't stop if I wanted to."
Tsunade placed her hand atop the red mane, her face softening. Gamapuchi rubbed the girl's hand in a comforting manner. "You're such a silly girl. What makes you think he feels any different?"
The redhead shrugged and sighed. Shaking off the other two, she sealed her letter hurriedly before she could change her mind. At that time Sakura walked back into the room. Seemingly left out of the loop, she took her seat and waited. Tsunade proceeded to seal her scrolls. Tayuya noticed that once again, there were two different scrolls. One went under the blood seal while the other went under a seal identical to hers. With that done, she handed it to Gamapuchi. The toad received two pats on the head from Tayuya and Tsunade while Sakura hugged him. His normally white skin was rosy as he was put back down. With a wave and the toad equivalent of a smile he disappeared along with the scroll.
"Are you sure about training with Kakashi and Anko today? I won't hold back on you tomorrow regardless of your fatigue."
Sakura nodded. "Naruto wrote something that's stuck with me ever since last night. I'm sure."
Tsunade stood. "Alright. You two are dismissed. I have several important meetings today."
The two departed. On the way out of the tower they were both bumped rudely. Throwing her gaze over her shoulder, Tayuya caught a glimpse of long purple hair before it turned the corner. Her body was already turned around but Sakura caught her. The bubblegum haired kunoichi started pulling her along rooftops until Tayuya snatched her arm of her grip.
"We'll deal with that later. Kakashi-sensei won't be happy if we're late for training..." Sakura's face scrunched. "It feels really weird to say that."
Tayuya growled. "I don't like it when people fuck with me whore. This is the second time somebody did today. We better get Anko back for that shit earlier."
Sakura affirmed that with a nod. "I don't like it when she talks about Naruto either. We might not be able to get her today, but she won't get away with it."
The redhead put her hands in her pockets. "I plan on today. If you keep thinking negative like that we'll never get her."
The pinkette sighed. "Kakashi-sensei's going to be there too. The entire time I was in team seven I don't think we ever landed a hit on him."
Tayuya cast her eyes to the sky. They were almost at the training ground. "I almost forgot. Shithead says I'm part of your team now. Guess we better tell the one eyed pervert."
Sakura nodded. "I agree with him. I didn't think you would get your legs healed and sit at home all day. You might be a pain sometimes but...I guess I've gotten used to it."
"Good. Don't try and do better than me in training today. I've been enduring this hell for two months. If you start out too hard too fast they'll just make it harder. Hebi-sensei likes to play with her food."
Her companion nodded. "Tsunade-sensei's training isn't easy exactly a cakewalk either but I appreciate the information. I'll remember it."
Kakashi and Anko were waiting by the open gate when they touched down. The copy nin closed his issue of Icha Icha and walked inside without a word to the other two. Anko motioned for the girls to follow Kakashi. When Tayuya was halfway through the gate the snake user's foot raised, fully intending to give her a boot for her earlier comment. What she didn't expect was for Sakura to catch the kick before it could connect. She tossed Anko's leg aside carelessly and continued inside. Tayuya threw her sensei a dirty look and kept walking beside the bubblegum hair kunoichi. Kakashi masked his surprise with a sigh. He was beginning to regret allowing Sakura to come. Three women clashing were bound to be harder to stop than two.
Neither of them noticed Anko's gleeful smile as they went deeper into the forest. She locked the gate behind them, this time keeping a closer eye on Sakura.
Tayuya kicked the door open and dragged in the extra baggage hanging partly her shoulder. Closing the door with the back of her foot, she collapsed on the floor. Beside her, Sakura made a futile attempt to push herself up onto her legs. She groaned.
"I don't know how you do that every day. My body feels so sore."
Tayuya grunted painfully. "That crazy bitch! She didn't even play around today. Kakashi wasn't any fucking help either."
"She was trying to kill us!" Sakura sat herself up against the couch and began the healing jutsu Tsunade had taught her. She wasn't proficient in it, but she knew the jutsu well enough to mend a few cuts. Tayuya sat next to her and sighed when Sakura began the jutsu on her.
"I guess you're not as useless as I thought you were whore."
Sakura pulled her hands back. "Hai Hai. Now carry me to my room. I won't be able to make it there on my own."
Tayuya complied. Sakura hadn't only been beat up in today's session. She managed to distract Anko for enough time. The redhead was able to land a few glancing blows on the older woman at the beginning but then it had all gone to hell. Apparently Anko still was sore about the earlier comment and didn't hold back when attacking the other two kunoichi. Kakashi hadn't had a chance to really pull off an attack because his comrade didn't let up. They'd finished just as the sun set behind the Hokage mountain.
Tayuya felt she owed it to the other kunochi to lend a shoulder to her room. It took a good deal of effort to get her there. Sakura fell on the bed when they entered.
"Arigatou Tayuya. I owe you."
"Tch, whatever. I'm not carrying your heavy ass tomorrow. I'm just as sore as you are."
"All the same, thanks. When do you think Naruto will send more letters?"
Tayuya's weight fell against the door frame. The slanted door from last night still lay in the hallway.
"I don't know. At least we know Shithead is okay. That's enough for me for now."
"Me too. I hope it isn't too long."
"If it is we'll just deal with it...and then we'll kick his ass when he gets back for sending only sending us one letter." Tayuya managed a grin.
Sakura mimicked her grin. "Hai, when he gets back." Sakura rolled over and yawned. "Night Tayuya."
Tayuya waved threw a hand over her shoulder as she limped back to her room. Once inside, she too fell onto the soft mattress and rolled amongst the sheets. The bedroom had the same empty feeling it held since Naruto left but she felt a little better about it.
The redhead still felt a bit of anxiety over her letter but there was nothing she could do about it now so she cast that thought aside. Across the bed, the silver colored box caught her eye. Tayuya grumbled a little to herself. In the few months before Naruto had left, he'd discovered her love of chocolate. It was such a rare delicacy in the sound hideouts that whenever it came along her teammates automatically knew not to touch it. Apparently Tsunade and Sakura also liked the sweet flavor, but Tayuya was a little sore about having to share her gift. She didn't walk around with Sakura's bracelet on. Not that she would anyway.
Eyes halfway closed, Tayuya was close to nodding off. The strange structure of the silver box on her nightstand caught her vision immediately. After an abrupt sit up and a few curses at her muscles aching, she stared at it again. The bottom of the box was slightly askew, leaning more toward the right. It didn't appear to be a trap so the redhead picked it up and walked back to the bed. A piece of paper with the same length the width ratio fell out onto her lap when she sat. Convinced that the box was empty after a few hard shakes, Tayuya stared at the paper. There was a large seal on it with her name under. Her heartbeat raised a few beats when she unsealed it.
An identical silver box popped into view. The depth of the box was three rows deep compared to the other one. The last seemed a bit empty and now she could see why. They both held the same structure but this box held enough chocolate to fill it. Tayuya removed and counted all three rows to make sure nothing was missing. A note hid in the bottom of the carrier.
Tayuya-chan
I bought the chocolate for you, but Ero-sennin ate most of the first box. I decided to let Sakura-chan and Baa-chan have any if they wanted what was left but that didn't seem right. I said I would treat you both equal right? I'm not going to break that promise. Gamapuchi knows to open it when he's about to leave. I hope you're reading this by yourself or else Baa-chan will probably get angry for not getting her own box.
So here's yours. I bought this ONLY for you so don't share with anyone else. I don't think I have to worry about that though. You're addicted to the stuff.
Love you,
Naruto
Tayuya smiled at the letter one last time before stuffing it under her bed. The rows of sweet chocolate beckoned and she wouldn't make them wait. Sighing in complete satisfaction, the redhead popped one into her mouth and chewed before her jaw slowed. Her fatigue didn't catch up to her until that moment.
She drowsily stuffed the rest of the box underneath the bed. Falling back on her pillows, Tayuya released a content sigh. All pessimistic thoughts about her relationship with Naruto temporarily driven were away by the dream she had. Her favorite recurring dream in fact. The one where they held each other on top of the Hokage mountain while two childlike figures roamed over the hill.
Well, I hope you all enjoyed that. I'll explain a few things here before I get reviews asking questions.
I'm planning on continuing off this instead of going into a third arc right away since Kenju was kind enough to give me this copy of Letters of Love. As stated last time, isn't going to be a long arc. I'm going to say five chapters maximum. I'm toying with the idea of putting it all together, or just continuing off the this with the third arc, but I'm not too sure yet. Anyway if you have any questions, you know what to do.
Review/Critique