Chapter Two

It's been two weeks since the confrontation with Sasuke and his gang. Everytime the girls and I leave school we always see one of the kids from our school getting beat up either by Naruto, Shikamaru or Neji, but never by Sasuke. I guess that he thinks that he's too cool for it. Yet every time we stop for a few seconds, they stop what their doing and stare at us. Today's Friday and I'm glad that we have a four day weekend. I mean with school and me training the girls. Ever since the incident that happened with Naruto they asked if I could train them. I agreed only because I think that it would be good for them. I told mother and she said that she would hire a professional to train them, but father said that I could train them—and that when he could he would. Father once worked in self-defense—I mean I should know because when ever I didn't go to self-defense class, he would be the one to train me.

So this four day weekend I would train the girls as much as I can. When we arrived home I surprised to see that dad was there. He said that he was taking the weekend and Monday off so he could help me train the girls. I had asked him if it was such a good idea—but he said that he felt as if the past four years he wasn't being such a good father. I told him that that wasn't it—that he was doing fine, but he saw right threw me. He knew that I missed him at times. So after we finished eating he told us to get changed and to meet him in the backyard. I asked him why don't we use the training room and he said that it would be better if we do it outside for certain reasons that he didn't say.

Mother gave us tank tops that reach and inch below our bust and really short shorts. I had put on a red tank top—with little tints of navy blue in—and black shorts with red socks and black sneakers. Hinata had put on a yellow tank top—with little tints of orange in it—and black shorts and yellow socks and black sneakers. Ino had put on a beige tank top—with hints of black in it—and black shorts with beige socks and black sneakers. Lastly, Tenten had put on a white tank top—with hints of silver in it—and black shorts with white socks and black sneakers. As you can see we were wearing the same thing except in different colors. When we complimented each other mother said that it was about time we went to the backyard to where dad was at.

Dad was out there talking to a man. He looked at us and asked me if I remember him. I nodded my head. I looked at the girls and told them that he's Fugaku—Sasuke's father. They bowed their heads slightly—a symbol of recognition. Dad asked if we were ready and we said yes. Then he asked Fugaku if he would mind helping. I looked at the girls with worry. They looked back at me with the same worry. When Fugaku came back he began teaching the basics. We stopped him and told him that we knew it already—which is true, since the girls and I don't even pay attention when Kurenai teaches it because we already know it. So he separated us into two groups and told us to spar. After he finished showing us styles that would suit us we began sparing again. It was Ino against Tenten and Hinata against me. Ino managed to defeat Tenten, but when it came to Hinata and me—it was evenly matched.

After we finished we went inside to cool off. Dad had commented that we did great and so did Fugaku. Five minutes later the doorbell rang. Mother went and opened it. When she came back to the kitchen she didn't come alone. Behind her was Mikoto with Itachi, Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji and Sasuke. I looked at the girl and they looked back. We excused ourselves to the training room. We got up quickly and headed out the door as fast as we could. When we arrived the girls and I began talking. We couldn't come up with a reason why the guys would be here—I mean we're rivals so we shouldn't be associating with them, yet it seems inevitable. We sat there talking when the door to the room began opening. We looked at the door—breaths being held. When we saw that it was mother we began breathing again. She asked what was up. We told her about the whole rival thing with the North and South Kanoha Highs. She nodded her head and said she kind of had a feeling.

"Huh?" we asked confused.

"You guys don't know how all of this started right?" we shook our heads. "Well it started when I was seventeen. I was the leader of North Kanoha and—Sakura—your father was the leader of South Kanoha. It was peaceful—there were no rivals until I began dating your father."—we continued to look at her confused—"I was dating this guy in my high school, but we broke up after I began dating your father. At first it was harmless. I met your father at the park. I was there with my younger brother—your uncle. Well, your uncle had gotten into a fight with five of the kids from my school and I stepped in."

"I began fighting them, but it was hard. Then your father stepped in and helped me. After that your uncle thanked him and made a comment that I should have dated him instead of the other. What we didn't know was that he was there watching. After he said that he came and made a scene. 'Well then Robby that's what your sister's going to get.' He had said. 'Rosemarie you and I are done.' With that said he left. The next day in school everyone came up to me and asked if I was fine. I was loved by everyone and feared too. Yet they still remained by me. I don't know if it was because I was the leader or not, but that doesn't matter. A few weeks passed and students from both school began getting into fights. My best friend—Mikoto"—we looked at her surprised—"told me about what my ex did—since she is my right hand girl—friend—and came to the same school as me. He decided to call a war between the two schools. I tried everything, but I couldn't stop them."

"After your father found out he stepped down from being leader and so did I. So Mikoto and Fugaku became leaders. When my ex found out, he went after your father and beat him up badly. If I hadn't arrived he would have probably died. After that we got married. Mikoto and Fugaku also got married with us. They had fallen in love and stepped down and had chosen the next leaders. After that we heard about both schools rivalry continuing, but decided not to get involved."

"W-O-W." We said.

"But what I don't get is why doesn't North Kanoha High have a leader?" I asked no one in particular.

"Because the students haven't decided on who yet and Tsunade has to approve." Ino said.

When we finished talking we went to take a shower and get changed. After that we headed downstairs and into the kitchen. We entered to Mikoto and mom trying to bake. I looked at the girls and nodded.

"Mom, Mikoto—you guys just focus on making dinner. Leave the desserts to us." I said handing an apron to Ino, Tenten and Hinata.

We began baking while mom and Mikoto continued cooking. When dinner was ready we put in the Angel cake into the oven. When the Angel cake was ready we had dinner. We sat as far away from Sasuke and the guys as possible. When we finished and the cake was all gone—compliments from Naruto and his big stomach—Mikoto and the others went back to their house.

The next morning was a little bit more difficult. When the girls and I decided to go ice skating we had to pass by Sasuke's house and that was difficult because they were outside on the front yard. I looked at the girls and nodded. We continued walking until we completely passed them. After we were a few feet away we let go of our breaths that we were holding in and we didn't know about it. When we arrived to the skating rink we began skating. A few minutes later I got a feeling that we—I—was being watched. I turned around and saw a guy with brown hair and grayish eyes looking at me. I told the girls and they turned around and looked at him. He walked to where we were at and smiled at us.

"Hello and you guys are?"

"It's common courteously for you to introduce yourself first." I said taking a step back. The girls followed suit.

"Right. I'm sorry. My name's Mike Garcia. If you don't mind me asking, are you Rosemarie's daughter?"

"No and yes I am. What of it?" I asked defensively taking a step back and bringing the girls with me.

"Nothing it's just that I used to date her."

I said nothing. Then my phone rang. It was mom. She wanted me home and now. I looked back at him after I hung up. I got a really bad feeling about him. For some reason my instincts were telling me that he's planning something—something awful.

"Girls it's time we leave." I said. They nodded their heads.

"That's such a shame." He said smiling 'sadly'.

"Yeah it is." I said sarcastically. I stared at him as the girls went around. Then I added threateningly. "If you go anywhere near me, the girls or even my family. You going to pay dearly." I said the last part with a cold look in my eyes. I knew he understood because he shivered slightly.

As we walked the girls asked why we left early. I told them that I had a bad feeling about him and that mother told me to come early. When we passed Sasuke's house they were out there—still. We looked at them and they had a look of relief on their face. When we entered the house, mom came to the front door and began inspecting us. I asked her why and she said nothing.

"Mom was your ex's name Mike Garcia?"

"Yes. Why?"

"We met him." Hinata said.

"Did he try anything?"

We shook our heads. "But I have a feeling that he's planning something."

"I got that same feeling." The others said simultaneously.

We looked at each other and laughed. Mother told us to be careful—that he could be planning something.

When Tuesday came the girls were already up and ready. I got up and got ready myself. When I headed downstairs they were already eating breakfast—chatting animatedly with dad. I sat and began eating. Five minutes later I realized that we were going to be late. I told the girls and we rushed out the door. We saw that guys getting on their bikes. We rushed passed them and went around the corner of the street. We made it to school in record time. When we arrived to homeroom Tsunade called us to her office. We went and entered.

When the pledge and announcements were done she began talking to us. She said that the students decided who their leader was going to be and she agreed with them completely. I asked why she called us here and she said that it involved us.

"They had chosen you—Sakura—for their leader."

"What? That—no—it—this can't be possible. I've only been here for a few weeks. Maybe even less."

"Doesn't matter. With what you did the first day you arrived they had chosen you after you left. I agreed right away."

"Then why are you telling me this now?"

"Proper paper work." I just stared at her. "Don't worry you'll be a fine leader. Your mother was one. All you have to worry about is—"

"Mike."

"You know."

"Mom told us."

"Alright. Well now that you know everything you have to choose a right hand girl or guy."

I told her that I chose Hinata. She then explained that when I'm not around Hinata's in charge. So Hinata chose Ino as her right hand girl. Tsunade said that when both Hinata and I aren't around that Ino will be in charge and Ino chose Tenten as he right hand girl. Then she explained that if both Hinata, Ino and I aren't here that she'll be in charge. Tenten didn't choose because she didn't want to and wasn't planning on to. After we finished talking we headed to second period because first period already finished. When the day was over we exited the school. We looked towards the gate and there waiting for us was the redhead and her group of friends. They noticed us and came our way.

"Look who's here girls. The wannabe's."

"You do know you're talking about yourselves, right?"

There were a lot of 'ohs' from the crowd that had formed around us. With that said we began to fight. As we fought the girls and I heard revving of a bike. With a final blow we knocked the redhead and her friends out of the gate. The girls and I looked up and saw Sasuke and the others had come. Yet that wasn't what surprised me. What surprised me was that Mike was outside of the school gate attending to the redhead and her friends.

"Sasu-dear, get them for us." She said. I felt like hitting her again—all for calling him 'Sasu-dear'.

"Karin" he said gritting his teeth for some reason "Get Nita," The a girl with black hair "Britt" the girl with blonde hair "and Rayla" the brunette "out of here and never return. You do remember what I told you about going near them. Well now be prepared to face the punishment." When he finished they left quickly.

"What ever he's going to do to them I do not want to find out." Ino said shivering.

We agreed. Then I remembered that I saw Mike. I told the girls and we tried to find him, but we couldn't. Somehow he disappeared. Then someone called my name. I turned around and saw that it was Sasuke.

"Are—"

"Hey don't get anywhere near our leader!" someone yelled and a chorus of 'Yeahs' followed.

"Leader?" he asked incredulous.

"They chose me to be their leader so if you have to say something that involves the schools then you may talk to me—if you don't please refrain from ever coming near me again." When I was done I went to where the girls were at and began walking home.

Then what I said kept playing in my head like a broken record player. When we were far enough I let the tears—that I've been trying to keep in—fall. The girls saw this and hugged me. When we arrived to my house we went upstairs. Once the tears subsided I began talking to the girls. We tried coming up with a reason as to why Mike was there—yet we came up with nothing. Then something popped into my head. I got up an dashed to mother's garden—knowing fully well that she'll be there. The girls were right behind me. When we arrived mother looked up with a surprised expression. I asked her if she knew where Mike worked at. She said in a school. I asked which school—my suspicion growing stronger by the second. She said at South Kanoha High.

"I knew it." They looked at me for clarification. "The only reason why the schools are still rivals is because he's working there. So he's probably feeding false information or accusations to the principal—hence prolonging the feud."

"Then if we prove that he's wrong—lying—whatever—then maybe we can stop the feud—rivalry?"

"Yep. Question is how?"

We sat there trying to figure it out how—then I came up with a solution, but I don't know if the girls are up for it. I looked at them and they looked back. I took a deep breath.

"Lets make a truce with Sasuke and the guys—just them. If they agree we'll tell them and if they don't then we're on own." They nodded their heads.

We got up and went to Sasuke's house. We arrived and I rang the doorbell. I was expecting Sasuke to appear behind the door, but it was Neji instead. He let us in and led us to where Sasuke was at.

Sasuke:

I was in the family room with Neji and the others when the doorbell rang. Neji got up to get it. When he came back in he wasn't alone. Sakura, Hinata and the other two were trailing behind him. Sakura looked at me and smiled—not a smile that reached her eyes, though, but still a smile. I told them to sit down and make themselves at home. We sat there in silence for a moment and then Sakura spoke up.

"Do you guys know how the rivalry came to be?" we nodded our heads. "Do you know who the girl in the story—well maybe not story, but still—is?"

"No; should we?" Neji asked.

"I don't expect you to know it, but I'll tell you. It's my mother. So the other day—when we passed by you guys on the way to the ice rink—we met a guy there. His name is Mike Garcia and—"

"What does he have to do with the rivalry?" Sakura whacked Naruto on the head. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Let me talk will you? Good. As I was saying before being stupidly interrupted—his name is Mike Garcia and he's mother's ex-boyfriend. He's the one who started the rivalry. All because mother fought along side of father to protect uncle from getting beat up. If you ask me that's just stupid."

"Okay and?"

"Well mother, the girls and I figured that the reason why the rivalry is still going on is because he's probably feeding false information or accusations to the principal—prolonging the feud or rivalry. Whatever you want to call it."

"What does this have to do with us?"

"Shikamaru you're smart. Figure it out."

We sat there in silence for a few minutes—everyone looking at Shikamaru. While he tried to figure it out I asked Sakura for the blonde's and brunette's names. She said the blonde is Ino and the brunette is Tenten. Then Shikamaru said he figured it out.

"You want us to help you see if he's doing what he's doing." He asked, but it was more of a statement.

"Yep."

"You want a truce?" I asked. She nodded her head.

"We're okay with it." Naruto said. "But the school might not be."

"I'm only calling a truce with you four. We can forget about the school for now."

We agreed; then we shook on it. I held Sakura's hand a little bit longer. She looked at our hands and blushed. I smiled at seeing the reaction she had. It was different than all of the ones she had made before. Out of her character. When I—reluctantly—let go we began coming up with a plan. Then they mentioned that he worked in our school. That changed everything. We told them we that we will try to find out what he's planning. They agreed. I asked them what their principal's name is and they said that it's Tsunade. I told them that we know who she. They looked at the other three and they nodded in conformation.

"Tsunade used to be principal Jaraiya's wife. They had gotten married around the age of eighteen. When they both became principals of the school they were still together. Then after what happened with my parents, your mother, father and ex—they were still together. But after my parents and your parents—Sakura—got married after they graduated—they began having issues. Someone told Jaraiya that Tsunade was 'fooling' around—cheating on him. He got mad. Then when he went to confront her about it she denied it. He called her a lot of things—then when he asked for a divorce she broke down. 'Why won't you believe me when I'm telling the truth?' she asked him. 'Have some dignity and quit lying.' He said. When they got a divorce is when the rivalry became worse."

"He told us that people from North Kanoha High are a bunch of liars and should be taken care of. Since then our heads been filled with mean and disgusting stuff about your school. They appointed me leader and I just beat anyone who I thought was weak and useless. I never killed even though it was implied at that time that it should be done."

"But Tsunade never told us anything awful about South Kanoha High." Hinata said.

"What she means is all that she told us upon entering the school is that we're rivals and that there would be fights. That the girls are taught self-defense to defend themselves. That if we want bodyguards we can have them—that we can start, stop or intervene in any fight that we think is best fit to do so. She never degraded your school what so ever." Ino said.

"That proves my point even more." Everyone turned to look at my cherry blossom. "He's the one that has—that is—probably filling his head with lies and false accusations. If I could just get my hands on him I would…" Sakura trailed off mumbling the rest of her threat.

"Then we'll try to get what he's planning and we'll come to you girls for further instructions." We nodded our heads.

Sakura looked at the clock and told the girls that it was time for them to leave. I looked at her with longing on my face. I've longed to talk to her. To see her smile—a smile that reaches her eyes. To have her laugh at some things that I do—at anything as long as she laughs. Yet I've mostly longed to hug her. To feel her body against mine. To have her all to myself—just like when we were young. She looked at me with the same longing.

"Well we have to go." She said looking at me. She surprised me by stepping forward and hugging me. "Be careful when trying to get his plan—please I don't want to see you hurt on my account." My face fell slightly when she let go. Yet it went back to how it used to be when we were kids, when she kissed me on my cheek.

With that she went back to her house with the girls. I suddenly feel empty. Then it hit me. The reason why I long for her—the reason why I worry—the reason why I look for her everywhere is because I want her—because I've completely and absolutely have fallen for her. I didn't notice it, but she's made me fallen for her since the first time we met.

Sakura:

I looked at the clock and told the girls that it was time for us to leave. Sasuke looked at me with longing gracing his face. I looked at him with the same longing. I've longed to talk to him since I first came back. To see him smile at me for no apparent reason. To have him laugh at some things that I do—at anything. Yet I've mostly longed to hug him for years. To feel his body against mine. To have him all to myself—just like when we were young

"Well we have to go." I said looking at Sasuke. I stepped forward and hugged him. "Be careful when trying to get his plan—please I don't want to see you hurt on my account." I noticed that his face fell slightly when I let go. Yet it went back to how it used to be when we were kids, when I kissed him on the cheek—that surprised all the occupants in the room.

With that said and done the girls and I headed back home. When leaving, I suddenly felt empty. I had already realized that I've fallen for Sasuke—yet this only proved how much I've fallen for him. I meant every word that I said to him. I like him far too much to have him get hurt—just so we can put an end to the rivalry.

The next day I woke up a little later than usual. When I looked at my clock I rushed out of bed and got ready in record time. When I went to the kitchen I grabbed toast and told the girls that we needed to leave—and fast. They looked at the clock and bolted out of their seats. When we passed Sasuke's house we saw them getting on their bikes. I was about to ask them if they could give us a ride, but decided not to. Then someone grabbed my elbow. I turned around and saw that it was Sasuke. I just stared at him—confused.

"We'll give you a ride." He said getting on his bike.

"What about our school?" I asked getting on. The other had already got on.

"We'll drop you off three feet away from the gates so they won't see. Once we figure all this out and maybe stop the rivalry—then we'll drop you off at the gates."

Before I could say a thing they were speeding off. It felt nice. The wind rushing in my hair—well the ones that were out of the helmet. When it came to a corner I held on tighter. Somehow I had a feeling that Sasuke would probably be smirking.

When we arrived, he kept his word and dropped us off two feet away from the gate. We made it with fifteen minutes to spare. We bid them goodbye—well the girls said goodbye, I just gave Sasuke another peck on the cheek as a goodbye—and went inside. When we put our stuff in our lockers, I headed to Tsunade's office. The girls followed asking what we're going to tell her. When we entered I noticed that Shizune wasn't at her desk. We went into Tsunade's office and saw that she was there having coffee with Tsunade. They said good morning and ask what was wrong. I told them everything that the girls and I discussed with the guys. Tsunade looked at me and then she told Shizune to tell all of our teacher to excuse us that we may or may not arrive for class.

"So you think that your mother's ex-boyfriend—Sakura—is the one who made my ex-husband—Jaraiya—divorce me?"

"Yes, because I mean he was the one who started the rivalry when mother went to this school. Plus—let's not forget—he works there for who knows how long. So he could have also been the one to make sure that this rivalry kept going. To make sure that it didn't go back to the peaceful days—the days of the times he was happy and when it all went downhill. I think that since he couldn't make mom and dad miserable—he's going to try to make the rest or maybe only their offspring—me—suffer for what they did."

"You could be right. So Sasuke and the others decided that they were going to try to get what his plan is?"

"Mm-hmm. Honestly I think it would have been better if one of us—or all of us—did it instead."

"You girls have fallen for them, haven't you?"

We nodded our heads.

"Hinata and the others have fallen for them since—I don't know how long ago—but I've fallen for Sasuke since the first time I met him and that was when I was three."

"You've been friends with him since them?"

"For five years. Then when I was eight I had to move. Eight years later, my parents decided to come back."

"Huh. Anyways, put your feelings aside for now. We have to focus on what we're going to do about—what's his name?"

"Mike."

"About Mike. He has to be stopped—you know if he's the one behind this." We looked at her confused on why she wants this badly. "I want to make him pay for what he did to Jaraiya and me. I still love Jaraiya, no matter what, but he doesn't want anything to do with me—to make him pay for all of the misery that he's put every student in both schools through. And for a lot of other things that I can't remember."

"I have a question?" Hinata said.

"What is it?"

"After the divorce, why didn't you say crap about the other school like Jaraiya did? I never understood that."

"Because it wouldn't help into trying to bring both schools to how they used to be a long time ago—and I couldn't bring myself to do it. Jaraiya might have been able to believe everything he was told, but I know I don't—that and as I said, I still love him. Now if we're done here you need to get to class." She looked at the clock then decided on something. "Maybe not since school is about to end anyways."

When she said that the bell rang. The girls and I headed to the gate. When we exited the gate—waiting in the same spot as before were Sasuke and the others. We smiled and got on. They took us home. When we arrived I told them to come in. I asked if they got anything.

"Believe it that we did." Naruto said.

"Well what did you find out?" I asked Sasuke.

"He's planning on making you suffer. He was planning on only making the students suffer the pain he suffered, but when you came his plans changed. He wants you to fall in love and then to have said person taken away from you. To make you feel the pain he felt."

"Still doesn't explain about the schools though."

"He wants to end both schools—along with the leaders."

When he was done we all stayed there silence engulfing us. When the door opened the girls and I jumped and the guys stiffened. Then I heard mother calling me. After everyone had dinner the guys decided to stay over at Sasuke's house. There was a question that been bugging me and I asked the girls. I asked them why they stay over Everytime and they said that their parents decided that it would be best since they were filled in about the whole Mike/School Rivalry thing.


Read and Review, please.

Need feedback.

:)