A/N: FYI, this story is completely spoiler free. And uh, this story makes no sense in the time line, I guess it happens sometime before the latter half of the chunin exams. ((points to the Tragedy category)) You see it? You see it?! You have been warned.
Two Sides
Chapter 1: The Mission
Hazy mist shrouded the village of the Hidden Leaf. It was neither day nor night, but was the dusky twilight between both. Few people were awake at such an hour. Those who were hurried on to their destinations, always with their heads bowed to the ground.
Normally I would not have been awake either. However, Kakashi-Sensei had wanted to speak to me. He said it was important. Part of me believed that Kakashi planned to boot me off my ninja squad. Compared to my teammates, Sasuke-kun and Naruto, I was a weakling. In every mission, I only seemed to get in the way.
Although I bragged about being the 'brains' on the team, Sasuke-kun could predict and plan almost as well as I could. Naruto was a plain powerhouse, with insane fighting abilities and powerful chakra, such as his Shadow Clone jutsu. The two could be a squad all by themselves; I was completely useless to them. My fighting abilities were mediocre at best. In our missions, both of them ended up protecting me.
They would do much better without me.
…although neither would admit it.
Maybe if I was lucky, I could convince Sensei to let me on the team a little longer.
I arrived at the bridge two minutes late. Normal teachers would have scolded me for my tardiness… However, Kakashi-Sensei was far from a normal teacher. For example, he was always late for appointments.
Like this one.
Sensei was nowhere in sight. It didn't bug me though, because this time I had prepared for him to be late. Besides its normal ninja gear, my pouch carried a hairbrush and a protein bar. Knowing him, I'd have plenty of time left over when I had finished both tasks.
Unclasping my pouch, I took out my brush, and promptly smoothed my hair. Unfortunately I had no mirror, so I had no clue how my hair really looked like.
Duh, Sakura. Obviously there is water under the bridge.
Oh yeah, of course. Water under the bridge.
I glanced over the bridge's side, seeing my reflection in the smooth lake. My hair had always been one of my chief points of pride. Unlike most girls, my hair was pink.
Now if only you could do something about that forehead…
My hair by itself is enough to send any guy head over heels for me…
Care to test that theory, fore brow head?
Not that I care though.
Oh really?
Yeah, the only guy I care about is Sasuke-kun.
Unfortunately for me, he was the only guy who played hard to get. However, since all girls have stolen my idea, that might be a good thing. If he fell in love with all the girls who liked him, my victory would be bittersweet at best. I had one clear advantage over the other girls, though: I was on a squad with Sasuke-kun.
It's only a matter of time before Sasuke-kun gives his affection to the one who deserves it most: me.
Face it: Sasuke won't even give you the time of day.
No, Sasuke-kun really has become better. We're a lot closer than before. Just… we need more time.
Does 1,000 years sound good?
That's why I must beg Kakashi-Sensei to allow me to remain on the team! If another girl is put on Sasuke-kun's team while I'm gone… Ooh! I don't even want to think about it. My love for him will never fade. True love can't be stopped!
Can you truly love Sasuke by admiring him from afar?
Dawn had already reached the sky. My feet had tired long ago, so I sat on the wooden bridge, hoping my red kimono wouldn't get dirt stains. I munched on the protein bar, glancing at its flavor. Chocolate Peanut Butter. Yum.
As the day wore on, people passed me by. Whenever I heard footsteps on the bridge, I immediately looked up at them, hoping it would be Kakashi-Sensei. Of course, he kept me waiting, like always.
Kakashi! I'm going to kill you for being so late!
I sighed, the protein bar suddenly tasting sour. The anticipation by itself could have killed me. Even if Sensei carried bad news, it was best to get it over with. Besides, nothing could be as bad as all this waiting.
Sandals hit the bridge's floor once again, and I couldn't help but lift my head expectantly. My heart suddenly leapt into my throat unexpectedly. It was Sasuke-kun! What was he doing up so early?
Sasuke?!
The sour taste in my mouth vanished, instead replaced by my fluttering heart. I stood up expectantly. Sasuke-kun was walking straight toward me! His black hair flowed in the slight breeze, and his stoic eyes stayed ahead of the hard bridge. Sasuke's hands were coolly tucked in his pockets. Everything about him just sent shivers down my spine!
That's called puppy love, you know.
"Sasuke-kun!" I smiled at my teammate and waved. However, he must not have seen me, because he never even looked twice.
He's ignoring you.
Maybe he's just in a bad mood or something. Better not disturb him now. Oh well…
Sasuke sees you as an interference, not as a person. He's a conceited, arrogant, egotistical, self-absorbed moron who believes he's more important than the universe. Oh sure, he talks tough talk, but in the end he's nothing but a coward. You've seen him, Sakura! No one knows better than you. He's definitely not hot stuff, because he freezes all the time!
No, that can't be true. Sasuke-kun's part of the Uchiha Clan. He's definitely not weak. With his Sharringan, Sasuke-kun can learn his foes' moves. The awesome part is that he never stops growing. Sure, Sasuke-kun has had one or two times where he gets scared. But who wouldn't? He's a human being, not a god. He has good and bad days just like the rest of us.
Conceited. Self-absorbed. Egotistical. Arrogant. Dastard.
I would have followed Sasuke-kun, and maybe tried to ask him what was bothering him, but I still needed to see Kakashi-Sensei. Hopefully he'd come soon, but…
Just as I was about to sit down, a flash of orange appeared in my right eye.
Naruto!
Naruto was shuffling on the bridge, blinking slowly, blue eyes unfocused. His yellow hair was a disheveled mess – geez, doesn't he comb his hair before he leaves his house? My teammate yawned loud enough that I could hear it, despite being at least three feet away. Naruto blinked again, his head turning slightly so that he just barely caught my eye.
Glazed blue eyes immediately came to sparkling life. Naruto opened his mouth, staring straight at me, before his face contorted into the biggest smile the world had seen – and probably had never wanted to see.
"Sakura-chaaaan!" The fox boy barked, loud enough for the whole Hidden Leaf Village to hear. I winced, as did the people on the bridge. Without noticing how incredibly annoying he was, Naruto bounded next to me. "Hey, hey," he panted, still grinning maniacally. "What are you doing here?"
Naruto is so… annoying.
But kind of cute, too. Reminds me of a dog. Stupid, but loyal.
"Hello, Naruto," I greeted my teammate properly. Hopefully Naruto could learn from example. "I'm waiting for Kakashi-Sensei," I said, smoothing out a ruffle on my pink kimono. "He said he wanted to talk to me."
"Wow," Naruto frowned. "What'd you do, Sakura-chan? You never get in trouble for anything."
"I'm not… in trouble. Maybe Kakashi-Sensei is planning to brief me on a new mission."
Or kick you off Team Seven, Sakura.
"Mm," Naruto's brow furrowed. "Why wouldn't he tell me and Sasuke then, too?"
"Maybe it's like, you know, a special covert mission," I shrugged, frowning now as well. Naruto had a point. But I didn't feel like explaining every possibility to him. Or that it was unlikely for a mere Genin to receive a covert mission.
"Well, tell me what Sensei said later," Naruto broke his frown. "I'm starving! I'm going to the ramen stand for some food."
"For breakfast?" I couldn't stifle a giggle. Leave it to Naruto to eat ramen for breakfast.
"Why not? Well anyway, see ya later, Sakura," Naruto turned, then lifted his right hand up, as if to wave goodbye, minus the wave.
"Goodbye, Naruto," I called out to his receding figure, forcing myself to smile.
I was glad he was gone. Naruto knew no bounds. That was why it was so important to set my own limits – and if he crossed them, give him a good smack. A few days ago, I found out that Naruto had been transforming into Sasuke-kun. After the transformation, Naruto-as-Sasuke would seek me out, and then act as if he were actually interested in my affections. I discovered Naruto's ruse when I talked with Sasuke-kun – the real Sasuke-kun – about a conversation I had thought we had had a day before.
Not only did Naruto get beat up by me (toying with a girl's emotions is absolutely unforgivable!), but Sasuke-kun smacked him a couple of times for impersonating him. Together Sasuke-kun and I managed to coerce – err to convince Naruto to promise that he'd never impersonate Sasuke-kun again. Ever.
But why would Naruto impersonate Sasuke to begin with?
Obviously, because he enjoys watching me struggle with my feelings towards Sasuke-kun. Naruto is rude and inconsiderate. There's times when he can act civilized enough, such as when I just talked to him a few minutes ago, but his true nature is revealed through the childish pranks he plays. Vandalizing the Hokages' sculptures… sexy no jutsu… transforming into Sasuke-kun… and much more. It's all proof of who he really is: nothing more than an immature brat.
No… he acts childish because he wants attention. He has no parents… he has no friends… he's alone. Better to be laughed at and be a clown, than to be ignored and be a recluse. Maybe he transformed into Sasuke-kun because you talked to him, then. Not the normal how do you do, but your deep thoughts – your true self. Things you'd never say to Naruto Uzumaki, only to Sasuke Uchiha, who has no interest in you.
Ha! We're talking about Naruto here. But… on a different note… You think that Naruto likes me?
Duh, Sakura.
Eew, no way! That's worse than bug-boy!
I like him… He cares about people – genuinely cares. Not only has he proven that he can be a good listener, but he isn't just on good behavior around you. Look at the way he treats other p-
The way he treats Sasuke-kun? Naruto deliberately trys to annoy him! He's proclaimed Sasuke-kun his rival, for no reason at all.
-no, not Sasuke. Think beyond that. Look at Konohamaru, and his buddies, I can't recall their names.
They're as annoying as Naruto…
Bah, stupid girl. Naruto is their only friend. He takes care of those around him.
Look, I'm sick of arguing with mys-
POOF!
My conversation/argument with myself was momentarily forgotten as I returned to present. Kakashi-Sensei had poofed onto the bridge's wooden rail. He crouched lightly to fit on the rail, legs reminding me of a pretzel. Left hand rested on his knee, while his right held a copy of Make-Out Paradise. Lazy, Half-shielded eyes rested on the open page.
"Hi," Sensei said simply, raising his left hand in greeting.
"Good morning, Kakashi-Sensei," I nodded, smiling sweetly. "You're late," I added after a pause, tone still sweet, but… I'll rip him to shreds if he doesn't have an excuse! Cha! Make it a good excuse, at that. He was nearly an hour and a half late!
"Oh… Sorry about that, Sakura," Sensei said, eyes never leaving his book. "Sorry but… I spilled salt behind my back, and…" His eyes finally left Make-out Paradise to meet mine. He coughed lightly. "Let's move on…" He closed the book with one hand, placing it behind his back – I assumed he had some sort of pocket back there, I could never figure out where his book disappeared to when he did that. You'd think it would have to be a big pocket to fit a book…
"I need to tell you something, Sakura."
My heart skipped a beat. My throat involuntarily clenched.
"I know you might not be too thrilled to hear this, but bear with me."
I knew it was bad news. But please, let me stay on Team 7!
Kakashi-Sensei reached behind his back again, this time pulling forth a scroll. He pointed the scroll straight at me. It took me a moment to figure out that he wanted me to take it.
"It'll be easier to explain after you read this."
I blinked at the scroll, before slowly accepting it. I turned it over to find the scroll's seal. I found it – white, with the red symbol of fire etched on it.
The Hokage's personal…
My hands trembled. The only time I had received a personal note from the Hokage was when I had graduated from the Ninja Academy.
Omigosh, they're not just kicking you off Team 7, they're discharging you!
My thumb broke the seal. As I unrolled the contents of the scroll, my hands began to shake more violently. It took me a moment to realize that it wasn't my hands shaking, but my knees.
Sakura Haruno
I forced myself to continue reading.
You are assigned a covert mission; do not speak to anyone about this except Kakashi.
I stopped trembling and frowned. A covert mission for a genin? I hadn't expected what I had said to Naruto to actually come true. But wait… this was addressed to … why me?
You must find a man to marry in the next week.
My jaw dropped.
I looked down to read more, but the only thing left was the Third's personal signature.
What… in the… Sakura, you ate that week-old leftover onigiri, didn't you? I told you not to!
I furled the scroll. My eyes lifted to meet Sensei's. He was staring at me intently.
"Wh-wha… what… wh…" My mouth wouldn't form a coherent sentence.
Kakashi-Sensei placed one finger over his masked lip, signaling for silence. He glanced to his right, then to his left, before turning his full attention to me. The bridge was empty, save for myself and Sensei.
"This is an S-ranked mission."
He's… not serious…
"By the Third's order, you must be engaged to someone by next week."
I smiled lightly. Then I began to giggle. My giggle erupted into roars of laughter. Tears formed at my eyes. Sensei just continued to watch me, half-slidded eyes betraying no emotion.
"Ok, you got me," I sputtered when I had finished laughing. "I mean, I honestly thought you were serious for a while. Haha…"
"I'm dead serious, Sakura."
I hiccupped.
"I'm here to explain the details that would be a bit too… dangerous… to leave on paper."
I wiped away the tears from my eyes. It sounded stupid, but I really couldn't think of anything. I didn't know what to think. I didn't know how to feel. And part of me believed it was still some elaborate set-up.
"Your grandfather passed away two days ago."
I frowned. "My grandfather died seven years ago." It was the first thought that came to mind.
"Yes, well… not that one. You had another one, whom you met when you were very young. It's no wonder you don't remember him. But he was an excellent shinobi. An ANBU. I talked to him once or twice. He was very dedicated to this village."
"What does this have to do with this mission?"
Kakashi-Sensei tapped his nose. "I'm getting to that. You see, you grandfather was actually a very rich man." So? "When he died, he left ten million ryo to Konoha Village."
I blinked. "That's a lot of money."
"Yes, but in his will, there was a special condition that needs to be met before Konoha can claim the money."
I gulped. Kakashi-Sensei didn't need to explain any more. But of course he did.
"The condition was that his granddaughter – that's you, Sakura – had to be married to someone you love. So the sooner you get married, the faster our village can claim the money. The Hokage has requested that you get married right away. You have a week to choose your husband. I'd use that time well."
"Well…" My head felt light, and the world seemed to be slightly out of focus. "If Sasuke-kun agrees, I want to get married to him."
Pshh not Sasuke. I can't live with that arrogant dastard forever.
"I don't think you totally understand, Sakura."
Oh great, what did I miss this time?
He'll probably add some condition to the mission, like, 'you must go to a ball and lose your glass slipper, then wait for the Prince to return it to you!' or something stupid.
"You have a week to choose your husband. The man you pick doesn't have to agree to marry you."
I gasped. "Love has nothing to do with it?!"
Kakashi-Sensei shook his head. "The Hokage will order the person you choose to marry you… if he won't willingly comply. But… Sakura…" Sensei leaned forward slightly, his tone suddenly becoming softer. "As your teacher, I advise you to marry someone who is willing. Nothing good will come in the future of a forced husband."
"I wouldn't want to force someone to marry me, anyway…" My frown returned. The sudden power thrust upon me… it was a little scary. I could order anyone… even Sasuke-kun… and he'd have to marry me? Of course, I couldn't command him to love me.
Rargh for crying out loud let's think beyond the scope of Sasuke.
But I can't… right now I can't make a decision…
"I'd use your entire week before you decide," Kakashi-Sensei leaned back to his original position. He was good at reading my thoughts. "I'll ask for your answer next Saturday. Oh, and Sakura?"
I realized that I had been staring at a symmetrical pattern on the plank by my feet. "Huh?" I blinked, lifting my head to face Sensei. "I mean… yes, Sensei?"
"Let me know if I can do anything to help." Kakashi-Sensei stood up straight, as if he stood on thin rails all the time.
"Ok. Thanks, Sensei," I nodded my head.
"See you later," Sensei placed two fingers parallel to his nose.
Poof!
In a column of smoke, Sensei left the same way he had appeared.
I wiped my brow with the back of my hand, letting out a shaky sigh. Suddenly I had the terrible feeling that someone; no, that the whole world was watching me. I whipped around, expecting someone with blood-shot eyes to be staring. But of course there was nothing.
I need some time to think… and to rest… this day has been unbelievable.
I sighed again, walking in the direction of my house. On my way, I passed a boy my age with long black hair, which cascaded down his back, and glittered in the sun. A different, older man walked with an uneven stride, his sandals clanking lightly with his erratic shuffle.
Stop staring at males as if you've never seen one before!
I clutched my head and moaned quietly.
A/N: Chapter two: Sakura narrows down her choices. And the competition grows fierce. Uhh I actually have it already written. Already working on chapter three. Please review on your way out!
