Cherry Blossom Moon: Dry Friendships

By Sakura-cherryblossom16

Summary: A new chapter begins to find the next demon crystal in the land of sand. It is an adventure with new friendships and bonds of trust that can affect each one of their futures. Sakura searches for answers that lie in her adventure ahead. Will she find them or find more questions that continue to surprise her? As for Itachi, will he develop that special bond with her that he had in the past? What will the friendship with Deidara bring? And lets not forget about Naruto…and Sasuke.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters.

'This text…'means theirs thoughts.

CHAPTER 1: Long Days At Sea

I woke up tasting the salty atmosphere that caused me to wake with a big yawn. I just then remembered where I was, I stood up and looked over to the bed beside me where Deidara was supposed to be sleeping. It was vacant, but I continued to search for him. I wondered if I should go out there, where danger was. If I made one wrong move, that could determine whether I would live or not. But I went out anyway, Deidara could maybe defend me…unless he went out flying again.

But I especially needed him right now because Itachi was coming right my way, 'perfect timing to come out Sakura' I thought as I closed the door behind me and gave him room to walk by. My breathing stopped as his body almost brushed against mine, he wasn't wearing his Akasuki cloak and I could see his well-built arms and shoulders. I could feel his chakra and how much greater it was than the Itachi in the past, its like I completely forgot who Itachi Uchiha was as I gawked at him.

He continued on walking and ignored me as if I was invisible and thankfully I was glad, though I hope he didn't see me staring at him. He left and I then started to breathe as I closed my eyes. There was one other thing though that I noticed about him that was different than the one in the past, 'he was so hot'. I mean the other Itachi was nicer, but I always liked to see his face. Even though he was a killer and hated me probably. Don't get me wrong I mean the Itachi in the past was still cute, but I always loved that gorgeous face. Then it hit me, 'if Itachi liked me like he did before and was my friend then we could possibly fall in love' I thought as I blushed deeply and started to fantasize…

I then heard a quiet laugh that came from another room, it sounded like Deidara so I just slowly opened the door. It ended up being him and he looked like he just did something really unpleasant to Kisame who was sleeping, totally oblivious of the prank Deidara pulled.

"Deidara what the heck are you doing?" I angrily whispered as put my hands on my hips.

"Lets go! He might wake up soon yeah!" he whispered as he dragged me back to our room.

"Okay, you have some explaining to do."

"Sakura, Sakura, he deserves it. He always yells at me and is never on my side just Tobi's yeah."

"That doesn't give you the right to do that, what exactly did you do anywa-" I said as my stomach growled.

"Oh, yeah! I'll get you some food, wait here," he said quickly trying to ignore our conversion.

"This is going to be one long journey…" I thought as I groaned.

"Blondie!!" Kisame shouted at the top of his voice and he slammed the door wide open in the room I was in and I just stared at him blankly. I landed my eyes on one of the funniest things I ever saw in my life. Kisame's lips were swollen and all red, as if he got stung by bees. "Where is he?!" he shouted as I finally responded. I busted out in laughter and pointed to his face.

Deidara stood at the doorway and crossed his hands over his chest and swiled. "Hey I see that my hot chili peppers worked. Pretty funny huh Sakura, he looks like a fish out of water. It probably hurts too huh Kisame?" he said as he started running from a infuriated Kisame. I ran after them and made it to the deck, still giggling though. Deidara quickly made a clay bird and started to take off, out of Kisame's reach so he wouldn't strangle him.

Kisame had his cloak conceal his lower face now and he was so angry that he couldn't reach him. I had enough of Deidara's foolishness though, now I knew why they treated him like they did. I grabbed Deidara's foot and yanked him down from his bird.

"Sakura! What are you doing yeah, he is going to kill me!" he shouted as he tried to escape my grip, but it was pointless. I wasn't letting go anytime soon.

"Deidara I won't let him hurt or kill you…but I will!" I shouted as I hit him on the head. "You idiot! You are just like a child, now stop all this nonsense or else you will get more of my rage!" I shouted as I turned away from him to come face to face with Kisame.

"Not bad for a kunoichi, you could be helpful around here. Straightening him up is impossible for the rest of us, even Itachi. For doing that you have my respect, Pinky."

"Thank you, but I'm not a kunoichi. Also if Deidara misbehaves again just call me," I said as I dragged Deidara to 'our' room. "Now what was up with that?!"

"Why do you take his side yeah? I thought we were friends…" he said as he rubbed his head.

"Hey, you were being an idiot. And I wasn't taking his side, you just need to get along with others. You are lucky I didn't use my real strength…now will you please try to get along with everybody else?" I said as I sighed, he reminded me of Naruto…

"Sakura…"

"Now where is the food that you said that you would bring? Never mind I'll just get it myself," I said as I left and decided to ask Kisame. If I went to look for food on my own I might end up going into Itachi's room that would be bad, really bad… "Hey Kisame where can I get a meal around here?"

"In my room there is a door," he said as he continued mapping out everything for our next destination, which got me curious. I laughed a little as I went into his room, I still imagined what it looked like. Harsh, but funny. I opened Kisame's door and saw that it wasn't the cleanest nor the dirtiest, Deidara's room was so much worse than his. I opened the closet door and there were fruits, bread, and meat, mainly all meat to be exact. I took an apple and closed the chest, 'at least the stuff in there is edible so I won't go hungry'. I noticed how bruised the fruit were and how badly the meat smelled, I was so happy to be out of there. I walked back on the deck and sat on the floor next to Kisame.

"So what is up with Itachi? I mean he is so cold and rude, does he treat you like that?" I said as I took a bite out of the apple.

"No, just to weak, idiotic, and unimportant people."

"Oh…" I said as I sighed. 'I definitely am on that list, there is no chance of the other Itachi coming back,' I thought as I frowned.

"Don't worry though, just stay out of his way and you will be fine. Don't ever insult him too or speak of his family either. He even sent me those looks when I first asked about his family."

"Yeah…I can understand why, but are you guys like friends?"

"No, not at all. Itachi has no friends, just people that he respects is the highest he goes."

"Really, huh?" I put my hand on my chin and thinked. 'Darn, this situation couldn't get any worse. I thought I could bring the old Itachi back, but I think its impossible…He didn't mind strong people though and people that could be useful. I wonder if Deidara could train me, he might then not think less of me then. Reminding him of his past would just be plain stupid though because he would kill me…or would he? I mean if I knew something about his past he would think that I knew more about him than he thought, but he would be suspicious of me then. Probably think I was a spy…sent by Madara. I can't speak of that guys name here though, it seems that no other Akatsuki members know about Madara, they just know him as Tobi…' I thought as I got up. "Do you mind people training on your deck? I will try not to damage anything."

"Hmm…sure. But who is going to train you?"

"Deidara?"

"Hah! Trust me, you don't want him training you. He is a reckless runt and getting trained by S-rank criminals is extremely difficult, you could die trying or because of exhaustion."

"I don't care…I have no use to anyone anymore. I have been a unhelpful and dependent my whole life, I think its time for a big change."

"Hmm…I see. You want to become one of us?"

"Maybe, I think I can handle it. If I die its nothing…I guess."

"You got guts, I'll give you that. But I would bet anything that you couldn't make it in our group, you have to kill and do things that will blow your mind away."

"If the killing that is necessary then yes, but if its killing innocent people forget it. There has to be a good reason or for someone's protection. I already did stuff that blew people's minds away too so I think I can handle it, I know I can prove you wrong. I am very determined and don't give up!"

"We will see…it will be interesting seeing you try anyway. But you really don't think anybody would miss you, I mean you are their princess."

"No…not that I know of," I said as I finished my apple. 'Though there is my friends…and Naruto.'


Naruto sprung out of bed when he heard someone shouting the return of the king…and Sasuke. He ran out of his room, bumping into soldiers, guards, and maids. He turned around a corner though to come face to face with Hinata, she blushed as he did a quick bow to her. "Sorry Hinata, I was in a rush. You see the king is back and he must have information on Sakura…I really hope she is okay."

"I bet she is Naruto, but…can I go with you? Only knights and squires like yourself are allowed and Sakura is my friend too."

"Of coarse! Now lets hurry!" he shouted as he grabbed her by her arm and ran as fast as he could to the chamber where everyone was talking, discussing the plans dealing with Sakura.

Sasuke glared as he saw Naruto come in, that wasn't the first time he saw him. Sasuke just turned away and closed his eyes. 'What is that idiot doing here?'

The king stood up and sighed, "I have put a search team out to look for my daughter, Sasuke you take my soldiers with you and go north toward the land of water. There are a few islands there that may know things involving the Akatsuki. Kakashi you stay in the land of fire and search for clues that others may know about them. Jiraiya I believe you can just go about anywhere that may seem important regarding the Akatsuki or my daughter."

"Sounds good to me…though I need some money you know. My ship needs new supplies and-" Jiraiya said as he stood by the door next to Naruto and Hinata.

"You just spent all of it? It was on…unnecessary things again wasn't it?" the king said as he closed his eyes.

"Some of it…though I spend it on helping me find information, my lord."

"Fine, but this is the last amount that you get. If you end up failing I will never give you more money."

"Of coarse, or coarse!" Jiraiya said as he turned around to leave. Naruto watched him leave as he passed by him. He then squeezed the hand that wasn't holding Hinata's hand and took off after him.

"Hey! Stop, I need to talk to you!" Naruto shouted as Jiraiya turned around.

"What do you want?"

"I want to come with you, Sakura is my friend and hers. They would never let me leave on a search team, I promise I will be helpful to you!"

"Hmm…there is a few things that I need help with. If she can cook and you be my servant that cleans the ship and such I accept."

"Sure…but Hinata do you want to come?"

"Of coarse! I would do anything to help Sakura and help you find her Naruto."

"Thanks Hinata, we accept. When do we leave though?"

"Right now, unless you want to pack a few things really quickly. I'll be waiting on my ship, it's the one with the beautiful and spectacular mermaid painted on the front," he said as he grinned. Naruto and Hinata just looked at each other as he left and let go of each others hands, well Naruto did to be exact.


"Sir, it seems like that Jiraiya knew something that we needed to know. He was hiding stuff from us…" Sasuke said as he walked through the town with the kind.

"Yes, but he is good at finding information. Later on I'll get him to talk, now what do you suppose we do?"

"He is one of the legendary sages, one lives in this town. Am I correct?"

"Yes, Tsunade. But she just drinks and teaches Sakura."

"That could help us, after all she did know Sakura well," he said as he came to the tavern door. "Wait here." Sasuke walked in and immediately noticed her and saw that she was drunk. 'Perfect,' he thought as he sat next to her. "Tsunade do you have any information on Sakura?"

"I might, but why would I …hic…tell you?"

"I want to help her, the Akatsuki have her hostage. I couldn't save her in time and my brother will do something bad to her, unless you tell me."

"…I saw them...hic…leave in the direction on the land of sand."

"Excellent, now just relax. I'll bring her home," he said as he smirked. 'That was way too easy.'


Hinata packed all her things that would be helpful to her and sighed, "Naruto…we will finally be together after all these long years. Its what I have always wanted and I will do anything to be with you," she said to herself as she walked to Naruto's door and waited. But Naruto wouldn't be out for a while…

"Darn it! I can't find my supplies, I knew I should have cleaned my room!" he shouted as he dug under his bed. He finally found his kunai, shuriken, and good clothes. "I think this is all I need, I'll bring my money also although its not much. I hope that perverted man has some money with him…traveling with him is going to be awful though. Oh, Hinata is probably waiting for me!" he rushed out his door only to knock her over as he fell on top of her. "Sorry Hinata…I didn't see you there."

Hinata blushed as she paused, Naruto's face was inches from hers and she gulped. "Hinata your face…do you have a fever?" he said as he off of her and helped her up. Hinata still said nothing as she gathered her bags, 'Naruto's face was so close to mine and he was on top on me.'

"Well since you seem okay I think we should go, don't want to keep that pervert waiting," he said as Hinata followed him.

They were at the dock with many ships, but Jiraiya's stuck out the most. On it was a picture of a really hot looking mermaid that would be unavoidable to miss, Jiraiya shouted from above causing them to look up. "Hey what do you think of my ship? It sure is a beauty huh and Mika looks great too."

"Mika? You named your ship and why would anybody want 'that' on their ship anyway?! You are such a pervert!" Naruto shouted as he pointed a finger at him.

"Calm down now, your making everybody look at us. Just get on board and lets set sailing!"

"Don't worry Hinata I'll protect you from this guy if he bugs you."

"Thank you Naruto, I feel safe with you by my side," she said as Naruto grinned and they walked on the deck to see Jiraiya.

"Hey, perverted man where are we headed?"

"Don't call me that! I am a great sage for your information, I am very famous and wrote the best series ever to be created."

"Books huh? I bet they are perverted too, pervy sage."

"I told you stop calling me that, lots of people like books like that for your information. We are headed to the land of sand, we might find something over there."

"The land of sand? It seems like nobody would want to go there, why would they even take Sakura there?"

"Kid, I don't think they really need Sakura. They either killed her or sold her, they have other plans."

"You are wrong! If you know so much then what do they want?!"

"Crystals, crystals full of power. The Akatsuki is an organization designed to rule the world, they probably took Sakura for a prisoner just to get the crystal."

"…I still think she is okay. Sakura is strong and she always has a way of surprising people. You know the king might want to know about that information that you know about the Akatsuki."

"Tell the king, why? He is the one that caused your friend to leave you know, I wouldn't trust him. He seems evil hearted so information like this shouldn't be revealed. Also I know where the closest crystal is, we will try to get there before them."

"Are you confident that they will be there?"

"Absolutely kid, now we wasted enough time here. Next stop to the land of sand!"


Tsunade woke up on the counter and looked at the bartender, he shook his head at her and closed his eyes. "You really messed up Tsunade."

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"You just told Sasuke where Sakura was, were you too drunk to notice?"

"I told him what?!"

"You did and now Sakura could be in trouble," he said as he left to ask someone else what they wanted. Tsunade dropped her head to the table and slammed her fist against it. 'Sakura I'm sorry, I messed up big time. And now…oh what have I done.'


Thanks for reading the sequel to Cherry Blossom Moon: Fiery Passion, I hope you liked the beginning. I will now probably make my chapters longer now so they will be updated later than before.