A Plan in Motion

Instead of making her way home, Sakura decided it was time to get back at Kakashi for his rather pathetic explanation. Though she sure as hell wouldn't, she was sure one of the girls would pin him for their target, but she wanted to get her revenge first. Grinning to herself, Sakura made her way to the training grounds hoping to find the man still there with Naruto.

"Sakura! Sakura!"

Sakura turned when she heard her name called to see Sai running up to her, his stupid smile beaming, and a book in his hand. "Oh, hey Sai. I was just on my way to the training grounds."

"Ah, so your finished your women's classes then?" he asked, taking stride beside her as she walked.

Sakura glanced at him. It didn't seem like he thought anything of the fact that she had just been through seduction training. "So you knew about that, huh?"

"Yes. Naruto was very adamant about finding out where you were," he replied, still smiling brightly.

"And how did Naruto take it?" she asked, keeping her voice level. Yes! Maybe Naruto already got Kakashi back for me!

"Hmm, well he was pretty upset for some reason and started yelling at Kakashi. Said he'd kill him if he sent you on those kinds of missions. Which was really silly, since I had just told him that they only send the pretty girls on those."

Sakura stopped in her tracks, and turned to face the boy.

"Is something wrong, Sakura? Your face is looking very unpleasant."

Kakashi was sitting under his favorite tree, reading while half a dozen Narutos were training in the background. He glanced up just as a rather determined looking Sakura made her way through the clearing. He knew this was going to come sometime, so he might as well deal with it now. Sighing, Kakashi mentally prepared himself for what ever revenge the pink haired girl had planned.

"Sakura! You're back," he heard Naruto call. The clones all vanished as he ran up to the now smiling girl.

"Hi Naruto, how've you been?" she answered once they were beside each other.

"Me? I'm fine, but what about you? Kakashi sensei told me where you were," he added in a hushed voice. The boy started eyeing her critically, as though trying to spot something different about her. "They didn't… you know, make you do anything, did they?"

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck uneasily. She was going to kill him.

Sakura let out a strained laugh before replying much too cheerily. "Don't be silly. It was just like any normal class."

Naruto didn't look convinced, but then again, neither was he. So Kakashi decided to stay a few paces back, just in case. "Hello Sakura, I trust everything went well?"

"Yes Kakashi sensei, the classes were very… enlightening." She was still smiling… not good. "You don't have to look at me like that. I'm not going to do anything. I'd like to think I'm much more mature than that."

I'm sure, he thought cautiously. "You didn't happen to see Sai on the way over here? It's not like him to be late," Kakashi asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, I did pass him. But he had to run off to get an icepack…"

"So then what did they teach you?" Naruto cut in. Seeing that his friend was actually fine, he now had a look of awe about him.

"Oh you know, this and that…" she answered evasively, sparing a glance to Kakashi.

Kakashi flinched.

"Anything you can show me? Like tricks or…" The boy paused when the girl flushed and her eyes darkened angrily. Kakashi shook his head, happy he chose to stay out of fist range. "I don't mean… what I mean is, well… never mind."

He really didn't get it, did he? the girl asked herself. Might as well make due with what you have...

Sakura let out a sigh before giving a coy smile. "Any tricks huh? Well I suppose there is something I could show you."

"There is?" he answered, surprised.

Sakura nodded.

A bead of sweat fell from Naruto's brow as she stepped towards him, looking him dead in the eye. Once she had fully invaded his personal space, she spared a glance to her sensei who seemed to be thoroughly examining the landscape just to the left of them.

"You know, there's this new deserts restaurant just opened in town I've been dying try. How about you buy me something sweet and I tell you," she said with complete calm, allowing her hand to brush his arm.

Naruto's eyes widened. "Sure! Anything you want Sakura. I'll buy you the biggest desert there is!"

The two of them turned when they heard Kakashi snickering.

"What?" Naruto asked.

Kakashi shook his head. "That was a dirty trick, Sakura."

Sakura grinned back at him while Naruto watched the two, confused. "What trick? I don't get it."

"Don't worry about it Naruto," Sakura said with a small laugh. "You don't have to buy me anything. I just wanted to see your reaction."

"Huh?"

"She was playing you," Kakashi said at last. "I'm guessing Anko didn't just stick to strictly mission scenario situations?"

"Hardly," Sakura huffed. "Hell, she even had Jiraiya come in and lector us for a bit, which was beyond disturbing, let me tell you. He actually read out passages from his new book to us. Seriously, I don't know how you can read that stuff in public."

"New book?" Kakashi perked up. "Jiraiya has a new book?"

"Oh, right. I forgot to tell you. He gave me a copy to give to you. He would've done so him self but had to run off for some reason."

Both Naruto and Sakura eyed at each other knowingly when Kakashi looked as what could only be described as a kid in a candy store.

"You seriously need a new hobby, sensei," Naruto said.

Kakashi ignored him and instead turned expectantly to Sakura. "Well?"

Sakura gave him a look of mock confusion.

"The book, Sakura. Where is the book?" Kakashi looked at the girl, taking in her wide eyes and innocent smile. A sudden feeling of dread overcame him.

"Oh, silly me. It seems as though I've misplaced it." She smiled much too brightly and was looking far too pleased with herself. Kakashi momentarily wanted to punch her in the face.

"You're lying," was all he said in a voice so cold, she actually took a half step back before catching herself.

"Now sensei, why would I do a thing like that?"

Because you're a cold hearted bitch. But he chose to keep his mouth shut.

Kakashi clenched his fists and took a calming breath. He could tie her up and threaten to leave her there, but then he'd have to subdue Naruto as well. Remembering what happened last time he took them both on, he decided there was no win to this situation. After all, Sakura had spoilers.

"What do you want?" he asked in defeat.

Sakura smiled. Her victory was near complete. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe you could start by apologizing for completely chickening out last time we met, promise not to read that smut when your supposed to be training us, and oh, next time we train you have to take us all out for ramen afterwards."

Naruto grinned at her. "Sakura, you really are amazing."

She smiled back at him, waiting for Kakashi's reply. The man was rubbing the back of his neck, clearly undergoing some sort of internal struggle.

"Alright," he said at length. "Sakura, I apologies for taking off on you and not fully explaining your classes. If you give me the book, I also promise not to read it during training and afterwards I'll take you all out for ramen." Didn't say anything about the other books though, he thought cleverly.

"Well, ok. Though don't think I didn't catch what you did there, but I suppose it would be too much to expect of you," Sakura said after a moment.

Kakashi smirked.

"But the truth is, I really don't have it with me right now," she continued.

The smile fell.

"But I know where it is. Just come by the hospital tomorrow and I'll give it to you then," the girl finished, not at all missing the instant relief that came over her sensei. "Well I suppose there are worse hobbies," she muttered darkly. "Anyways, I've really got to be going. I'll see you all later."

And with that, Sakura started to make her way over to Tenten's apartment. A new sense of confidence filled her from her victory and she fully intended to make the most of it.