This is a short fic that came out of the blue. As you'll see it is set in an AU and it will probably get you confused at various points. But in truth it isn't set on the action, on the contrary – what I wanted to do is to play a little with feelings, symbols and principles. So, as a forward announcement: You'll find here that the events take place when team 7 is somewhere around their twenties, the Uchiha massacre never took place, Sasuke did leave but he came back with Naruto, and with the Akatsuki on the move the countries came to critical times of war. And, relevant information, after both Naruto's and Sasuke's departure, some time after Sakura became Tsunade's apprentice she left the village as well to grow stronger and self-confident. Any other detail that confuses you, feel free to ask, but, as I said, I would rather have you guys see beyond the background.

Before going on I'll repeat myself (shoo, :P) this is a symbolic fanfiction, inspiration coming from music. - my hands kept typing as I was listening to a series of songs, which you will find in the chapter's name.

Therefore, this one is called 'Sora' ,after one of Yoko Kanno's songs. I recommend you to listen to it too - extremely beautiful song.

Disclaimer: Naruto © Masashi Kishimoto

Chapter 1: Sora

'Where are we in this world?'

'What a funny question, kunoichi, mm! We are the world, yeah.'

'You and I?'

'Of course, un.'

'Then why can't I see you?'

'But you can feel me.'

I gently squeezed both of your hands in mine and leaned backwards to feel your back on mine. 'You're right.' I giggled. 'Your heart beats funnily.'

'mm.'

'Deidara?'

'Yeah?'

'You never answered my question.'

'…'

'Why can't I see you?'

Silence… Was that wind that I barely felt through my hair?

'Because we belong to different people, un; different worlds.'

One pair of our hands slipped apart as we both brought them up to our faces to touch the binding that was covering our eyes.

'Do you mean that we are blind, Deidara?'

'No. We're just ...blinded…by them…'

'…different worlds.'

'…'

'Ah…I… I got it now. I understand.'

'un.'

'Deidara…?'

'What, un?'

'…nothing.'

We took each one step, and one step again until, with a gentle caress along the fingers and a last grip at the end, our hands fell apart and we continued walking further and further away.

--

Ne, ne, Deidara I won't look behind because I am scared I won't feel your back on mine anymore.

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Oooo I'm home oooO

Maybe it was half because I felt homesick…maybe it was half because I got unlucky enough to cross paths with the perverted Sannin on his way to Konoha. And maybe braking down the door with a chakra filled fist wasn't such a great idea of an entrance. But one training arena filled with dropped jaws and Sasuke's eyes wide in dumbness really made my day.

"Ta-dai-ma!

Oooo Hometown oooO

I really missed it; the streets, the people, the clatter, the children's play in front of their houses... When you are away you think at it with so much nostalgia but only when you are back you realize how much you've really missed it. My hometown. This place that I, as a shinobi, swore to give my life for. I lowered my head to watch the dust that had settled on my shoes. My life…would I…the meaning of it…would I really be ready to give it when the time will come?

"Ne, Sakura-chan! What are you spacing out like that for in the middle of the street? Come in or we'll order ramen without you."

Looking up I met Naruto's goofy grin as he waved from Ichiraku Ramen Bar. I couldn't help but smile.

Right Naruto, this is out town. If not for us, let's make a better future for the ones that will come after.

Oooo Old friends oooO

Knowing that they were already back when I came didn't shock me much. But actually seeing both of them was proof enough to make me hope that maybe…maybe… we could go back to what we had before; before Sasuke's sudden disappearance, taking Kakashi with him, before Naruto's departure to train under Jiraya as well…when we were kids I was always watching them from behind and I felt so small… I watched them getting further and further away from me, until I couldn't see them anymore. For a while I had Tsunade…but I still felt I couldn't face them right when they would come back, stronger and more confident. So I did the only thing that would bring me to the same podium as them… I left - to come back with pride and rightfulness. So here I am with enough pride to make a Hyuga flush… though… I'm not sure what is right anymore…gomene…

Those two… 7 years ago I would have punched both of them for fighting like that over small things… But for now it makes my heart warm…a little… if they'll continue this for long I'll send them on a hospital visiting tour.

Funny that even now I am standing somewhere behind. Guess it's just out of habitude – you both have now such firm and straight backs, but I don't feel the same uneasiness I did when I was a kid. No, it's ok where I am now…who would be there to watch over your clueless backs if it weren't for me?

"Woman, stop falling behind; I don't feel like looking under every rock for you for the rest of my day if you get lost."

"Aww, Sasuke – you finally realized I was a woman...I was starting to worry you will never notice."- All I could do whilst I caught up with them was to roll my eyes.

"But Sakura-chan, how couldn't he not, when your breasts-"

"Shut it Naruto!" he gulped. Good.

"And you, wipe that smirk from your face Uchiha! Your jokes are getting worse as years pass, it seems."

That's right… the three of us… we can still get back the time we lost, so let's do our best! I really missed your laughter, no matter how angry I am that you broke our childhood's promise.

Oooo Relationships oooO

This is the third time I try to take a sip from my tea. Breath in, breath out… Who would have thought Hinata had the 'balls'. Festivals sure are full of events and seeing Hiashi's constant frown at the coarse young man that he has to share his family table with, surely is something that requires a lot of concentration not to laugh at. Naruto, you just set your adventurous future on fire. Though hypothetically I can sympathize with the Hyuga head…hypothetically. On the other hand I do pity Fugaku, it seems that he won't get to see any small Uchihas' spreading their clan prestige any time soon with both of his sons lacking at hormones activities. Fu fu fu fu fu…serves you right... finally the laws of nature turned against your 'mighty clans'.

"Sakura-san did you get drunk already? You've been laughing in your cup for almost 5 minutes. And your eyes are shining strangely."

"I'm quite fine Sai, thank you. How did I end up spending the spring festival with you guys, anyway? And what was in my head when I brough Sai along?"

"That's because your boys have what it's called family duties. Though Naruto is in his probation period." Was Yamato trying to get me drunk, pouring more sake in my tea?

"Aaawww… come on Sakura-chan, you should really be proud to share the same table with important people like us, jounin."

"Genma, I don't know if I should start by making you swallow your senbonfor the '-chan' thing or breaking your left arm before it even reaches my waist."

"What's wrong Genma, rusty lately?"

"Oh, knock it off Asuma. At least I don't keep a woman next to me and pretend there's nothing between us."

Men… they always laugh at the most idiot jokes.

"Kurenai-san, don't get uncomfortable. It will only make them enjoy it more. And Sai, don't even THINK I didn't see you filling my cup with sake again. I don't know what you and Yamato are up to but I definitely don't look like a certain blond full-breasted woman, mind you."

"Well Sakura, surely no one can contradict you on the blond part but-"

"You really hate your life, don't you Genma? You just finish that sentence and I will make sure to take that burden from you." Time for another sip. "And my breasts are not that ridiculously big anyway."

"Awww...you have such a cute face when you're pouting. I can assure you your breasts are just fine. Can I fe-"

"Have you ever considered wearing an eye-patch Genma? 'Cause you'll need one after I'll poke out one of your eyes with that thing from between your teeth."

"Would you mind not talking about Sakura's breasts at this table. It feels somehow disturbing since she used to be my student and all."

"Welcome back among us Kakashi. I thought we'll have you reading from that book for the rest of the night."

"All that's left is to convince Asuma relax and drink something too."

"Humph! You try to drink something after spending your last days with Ibiki torturing information out of traitors and cleaning the mess left behind. With the upcoming war you should all celebrate that Sakura-san is safe back home."

Silence. "I can take care of myself just fine. What is war anyway? Who decides who are the good guys and the bad guys? As long as you strongly believe in what you are fighting for, could that be bad or wrong?"

"Already drunk, Sakura-san?" it's strange how the same Sai that can embarrass you in less than 3 words is also capable of easing the atmosphere the same way.

I know what I stand for in war, because I strongly believe in Konoha…and I am not scared to die for it, but…what about those who are forced into it, fighting with no reason, … Why won't you treble if you are scared? Are you even scared?

Oooo Happy moments oooO

It's been three days of walk. Three more days and we'll be back in Konoha.

"Aaah… my back really aches. All I want is my bed again."

But I guess the grass and the small fire will do for the night. After days of working at the hospital, to be sent on a team mission wasn't something I will send my thanks to shishou for. It was not her fault that I overreacted and crushed the smallraintown from earth's facebut I don't like to be looked down; as if a stupid mice trap would have been enough to kill trained shinobi. After the job was done (and not successfully because our connection man was sent to silence before we could reach him) we met with team Gai and team 8 on our way back. When was the last time we spent some time together? During out chunin exams? Laughing and goofing around at Ichiraku's? Seeing so many familiar faces gathered around a campfire sure brings back memories.

"I'm famished!!!!"

"You just ate, dobe."

"Hinata-chaan, you know I need to eat in order to stay strong. How am I going to protect-"

"Don't you even dare taking advantage of her soft spot Naruto" From his current cuddling at a blushing Hinata he eyed me with a spoiled face.
"You're mean Sakura-chan. You're even meaner than Tsunade Baa-chan!" he sighed "I don't think that begging TenTen will get me anywhere, is it?"

"Shame on yourself Naruto. Taking advantage of young women, with gentle hearts and pure intention just to satisfy your greedy stomach. Ntz. Ntz."

"Gentle women, Lee? Where? Ok, so Hinata is, but I fail to see any others around."

"Ha ha ha… Kiba if I were you I would check under the blankest for kunai or poisoned needles before going to sleep tonight. Plus, even I wouldn't find the courage of insulting Sakura-chan after what she did to that town with only one bunch in the ground."

If I wasn't feeling so lazy at the moment I would have sent both of them flying back to Konoha. And lying on the ground, with a perfect clear sky was too much of a comfortable position to even bother.

"Speaking of which, that was an unnecessary action Sakura-san." With one arm under my head I lowered my eye level to watch Neji taking a lotus position at my feet, facing the fire. As long as he wasn't going to face me I found no reason to answer him and went back at star-gazing.

"But it was so cool, even teme admitted it!"

"Hn"

What makes some stars shine more powerful than others? Is it because of their own strong will or is it that they were just lucky enough to be closer, for us to see only them? I used to chase after shinier stars too. And I still am. But I want that little star, barely shining, from far, far away… and I want to make it shine as powerful as the rest…does that make me a bad person?

"…no-san?"

When my thought came back down on earth there were Kiba's hysterical laughers alongside TenTen's and Lee's and Hinata's giggles, obviously directed towards an embarrassed and angry Naruto, who was shoving his fists in front of a pair of smirking/ grinning raven-haired men – Sasuke and Sai. As much as both couldn't stand each other, when it came to ways of making a fool out of Naruto they turned into best partners.

"Haruno-san."

Sigh. "What Neji? If you would stop calling me 'Haruno-san' maybe you'll manage to get my attention easier."

"Hm. What were you thinking at?"

Blink; and stare. His serious expression should have made me laugh but instead it made me a little uncomfortable. Has he been watching me all the time?

"That if you keep it up with that stoic face and monotone voice you'll end up a mirror image of Sasuke's brother. Think how much you'll end up enraging the Uchiha clan: stealing their prodigy'suniqueness and reaching Sasuke's life goal without even trying."

Silence… yet again.

"This was a good one, Ugly. Is getting on the bad side of the Uchihas' and Hyugas' you new goal? Because you've managed both in just one sentence."

"Whatever…" Even if to the rest my eyelids seemed too heavy and closed with boredom I couldn't help but smile. We are really back, we are really together and I haven't felt so happy in years.

Oooo Weakness oooO

"They've been following us for almost an hour."

"Lets' split."

"We don't know if there are others beside the four tailing us but by splitting we'll have better chances in outplaying them without a fight."

"There's a waterfall 3 miles following north. We'll regroup there."

"Ok."

"Shino, Sakura, Kiba, Sai do you think you could head south?"

" No problem."

"Good. Naruto, Hinata, Tenten – you go north and if you're followed make sure to lose them before reaching the meeting place."

"Got it."

"Sasuke, Lee, we'll continue ahead. Everyone, move now."

-----

"Lets' hope there won't be any need of fighting." Sasuke nodded unhappy and took off after one last look behind.

------

"I don't get it. We should have just waited there and face them."

I felt like turning around and punching Kiba right in his face. I really didn't like this. It gave a bad vibe. So everything I did was to listen to their conversation.

"There is war outside Konoha's gates. You can't just jump into it without bringing the whole village with you. If avoiding any finger-pointing situation is the only way to protect Konoha then that's what we will do." Shino picked his peace to tree-jump alongside his teammate.

"Neji-san was right. We are being followed as well."

Sai added extra chakra in his feet and with one jump he advanced from behind the group, some branches in front of me, taking the lead.

"Akatsuki."

------

Razors broke the branch on which I landed and I had to drop to the ground. Sai run down the tree's trunk.

"They destroyed a village not far from here. There still are ashes and smoke in the air but I don't think there's something breathing left behind."

Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. "Where are Shino and Kiba?" "Coming our way. It seems they got an encounter with the missing nin from mist. My senses kicked in. "Sai, jump!" We moved just in time to dodge another row of razors.

"That was close." If only I had looked at Sai instead of the figure that landed meters in front of us. Unconsciously my hands turned into fists and I narrowed my eyes in anger. Black robe and crimson clouds. Why them? Why now? I hated their name and their sole existence. Back in Konoha I blamed them for taking my friends away from me. I used to blame them for Naruto's and Sasuke's decisions. When I left I promised that the day when I will come back will be the day in which I will be able to face them with cold blood. But I couldn't keep my promise. Even now they had to do it again; one way or another they kept taking the people I cherish away from me.

"Sakura! What are you doing? Get back!!"

Sai's voice vaguely reached my ears as, without even realizing, I was already in midair, fists and feet filled with chackra. The attack took the Akatsuki member by surprise as well because he had no time to avoid my frontal punch, leaving a deep gully in the ground that crushed beneath him.

It was a mistake but what is done is done. I looked towards the Akatsuki but when he wasn't there anymore it wasn't such a surprise. Then I felt a cool breeze pushing the air to the surface of the soil making the grass and the leaves in the trees shiver. I eyed Sai in a stubborn decision not to look up when a shadow covered the moon, leaving both of us in darkness. Only when the moonlight beams were lightening his porcelain face again I let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding. I dared to look at the moon, white and pale from above. My heart was beating at a frightening speed as my conscience was telling me to stay with Sai and finish the disaster that I had just started, but all that my feet seemed to want to do is to start running as fast as my body could hold. Maybe, maybe if I'd run fast enough I could still catch him…just a glimpse. When did you become so selfish Sakura?

"Sai, I'll continue south. Please handle the situation here and go meet the others. I'll be there as soon as I can. Don't let the others panic." Of course I didn't give him the chance to replay and of course he knew that by 'the others' I meant Naruto.

----------End of chapter one -------------------------------------------------------------------------