Chapter 1 : Real Nightmares
Nightmares usually had unrealistic landscape right? This day wasn't one Kakashi could chalk up to simply being a nightmare he'd not waken up from. His student..former student he had to remind himself ; now an ANBU. She wasn't ready! That was what he tried to plead to Tsunade who had made up her mind to give Sakura the choice. No, even though she was twenty years old now, he knew she would still jump at the chance to prove her strength. Inheriting much of that flare from Tsunade, he thought.
Now as he stood in the old training grounds, rain pouring down, his grey locks slightly weighed down from the moisture, he knew.. That girl won't last in the ANBU. He knew letting him lose control of his emotions would not benefit in front of Tsunade, she was the queen of that, it would not appeal to her, she was set in her decision. Right now he knew..Sakura was probably hearing the woman out, excitedly, he could almost imagine his former student's face, hardly able to contain an immediate 'YES!' to Tsunade.
Kakashi's dark eye down cast, he'd barely noticed the orange clad ninja joining him in this training ground.
"What's up Kakashi-sensei? Why'd ja wanna meet out here in the rain?"
The confusion in Naruto's voice evident to Kakashi as he looked up to the former student of his. He had grown so much, he had become so proud of them all, but some how he knew Sakura wasn't going to be able to survive being an ANBU.
"It's Sakura"
Kakashi must have used a grim tone because the yellow haired nin interrupted him before he could finish.
"What do you mean?! Is she hurt?"
Kakashi gave a slight smile only really seen by the upward curve of his only visible eye..
"No no she's fine, she's going to be joining the ANBU."
The yellow haired ninja seemed perplexed still, wasn't that good news?
"That's GREAT Kakashi-sensei! We should celebrate! " Kakashi finished in his mind 'With Ramen ' Right?
Obviously Naruto didn't share his point of view on the ANBU as he did, how could he? Kakashi had been part of it, where as Naruto had not. Kakashi could never hope for Naruto to understand until..it was too late. A sigh came to his lips, why had he told Naruto then? This was Sakura's dream to be the best she could, to advance as a female nin. He didn't understand his overwhelming protective emotions all of the sudden, and then Naruto spoke.
"Huh? Kakashi you don't look so happy about it, why not?" Suddenly Kakashi had to think of something to cover up his lack of happiness.. Even why he had met Naruto here without Sakura, and then he had a reason.
Rubbing the back of his neck as he spoke, a slight eye smile
"Ah well, Naruto I was hoping you'd help me plan a suprise party for Sakura. She doesn't know you know, or that I know yet. "
As expected the yellow haired ninja's eyes widened with happiness, accompanied with a smile of delight.
"YOU GOT IT KAKASHI! SHE WON'T FORGET THIS PARTY FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE!"
Kakashi didn't have time to complete the thought of how loud he was practically announcing the party...When a familiar voice was heard.
"What party Kakashi-sensei? "
Kakashi looked over to the right of Naruto as Sakura stepped into the clearing, a sigh, it had taken her less time than he had thought to get done in the Hokage's office, he had to think of a lie to cover up his previous lie now.. this was getting complicated but not challenging by any means, not yet at least.
" Ah well you see, Tsunade's birthday is coming up and she didn't want anyone to know, so I asked Naruto to help me set up a surprise party for her."
Naruto smiled sheepishly at the well played lie, and Sakura fell for it, a smile coming to her face as she spoke almost immediately.
"I want to help too then Kakashi-sensei!"
A small voice inside Kakashi's head whispered..Baka, now their both going to be working on a party that was never suppose to happen in the first place! One for a reason that could be true and one for a reason that is so fake and could get you caught any second. SMOOTH Kakashi. Genius indeed.
Naruto spoke up in the silence, his tone sounding innocent enough... for Naruto.
"Sakura-chan, what are you doing out here in the rain anyway?"
Sakura suddenly became red in the face as if she became embarrassed for being reminded of something really important that she should have never forgotten in the first place. However that was quickly replaced by a proud smile, and a air of confidence.
"I was selected for ANBU! Can you believe it? Me! " Her inner self ' CHA! About time I was recognized for my strength!'
Naruto put on his best genuine smile, and Kakashi seemed to smile the same he always did. Naruto the first to speak though, which did not surprise Sakura, he was always so quick to mouth his thoughts.
"THAT'S GREAT SAKURA! I'm happy for you! "
Her jade colored eyes turned to Kakashi after smiling her thanks to Naruto, what was Kakashi going to say? He was smiling to her, a slight nod to her.. Wait wasn't he going to say anything?
Kakashi didn't know what to say, he'd not known out of all the lies he told today, one single positive thing to say about Sakura joining the ANBU. He reached deep, it ached that Sakura was now looking at him looking for reassurance that she had done well for herself, and he had nothing to tell her. Finally..he just said all he could think to say..
"I'm happy you're happy."
The jounin then disappeared in a rain dampened wisp of leaves and dirt, off to his apartment, leaving behind a very stunned, and slightly hurt Sakura. As well as a VERY confused Naruto, did this mean the party was off?
TO BE CONTINUED
