Hey guys, I haven't forgotten about you! I am getting over a really bad sinus cold and I couldn't type to save my life. Here you go, the third chapter! Hope you all enjoy!
(I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. I only accept credit for the plot of this story.)
~Flashbacks~
~Thoughts~
{Previously}
The two walked down to the lockers. Looking around Ino was able to spot her locker. She began to unlock it, the minute it opened; a firm hand slammed it closed. Ino jumped back as Sakura pushed off the lockers, standing in front of Ino.
"What are you doing here…Sai?"
Chapter 3
A tall young man, sleek black hair, and steely onyx eyes to match eyed the two with an innocent look. "Come now Sakura. Is that anyway to treat your friends? Especially one who took it upon himself to bring you a rather interesting piece of information." He smirked as Sakura rolled her eyes in annoyance. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed in defeat. "Knowing you, there's gotta be some sort of catch. So what is it?"
Shrugging nonchalantly, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. Extending his hand to Sakura, he waited patiently for her to take it. "What is it?" She eyed it warily. "How about you take it and find out?" He remarked smartly, earning him a sharp glare as she snatched it from him. Opening the envelope slowly, she pulled out a small piece of paper. Reading it to herself, it read:
I can't give you the exact details right now but it is sure to cause a scene. There is going to be a slight change within the organization, specifically dealing with you. You'll find out tonight during the meeting at HQ. That is all I can give you, for now.
Glancing at Sai, she furrowed her brow in confusion. "What is this?" Folding his arms, he shook his head. "You read the note Sakura, you're a smart girl. I was given the letter by Tsunade-sama. I was instructed to give it to you, nothing more." Sakura snorted as she shoved the note carelessly in the back pocket of her jeans.
"If I'm as smart as you give me credit for, then I know you already know what's going on." With a small smirk, he pushed off the lockers. "Then you'd be correct as always, Sakura-san." Immediately, his gaze drifted over to Ino, who had remained silent during the entire ordeal. "Well, I'll be taking my leave then. See you around, Sakura. Oh and you too…Ino-san." He chuckled as he brushed past them and disappeared down the hallway.
Sakura scowled before turning to Ino who was hurriedly shoving things in her locker. "Am I missing something here?" Ino tensed before swinging her bag back on her shoulder. "What do you mean?" Sakura raised a pink brown in mild amusement. "I mean…Ino. How do you know Sai?" Rubbing her arm, she began a light pace down the hallway, Sakura close behind.
"Oh that. Well…when I was here for the summer, getting enrolled and stuff, I ran into him." Ino muttered softly as they took the steps to the fifth floor. "Really…that's it?" Ino nodded and Sakura sighed, knowing she wouldn't get much else from her. The two girls stopped outside their English class as Sakura spotted Tenten inside.
"Hey Ino, you go on in and sit with Tenten." Ino gave her a worried look. "Where are you going? Is something wrong?" Sakura shook her head and shifted her bag on her shoulders. "I just need to go speak with the principal about a class." Ino fiddled with the buttons on her sweater as she looked down.
Sakura sighed as she looked down the hall.
"I'll be back, it won't take long." Ino's eyes brightened as she nodded with a smile. "Alright, I'll save your seat!" She piped and before Sakura could register, she was alone in the hallway. "What's her deal?" She mumbled before making her way to the first floor. Reaching the center of the hallway, she pushed open the large mahogany door.
The secretary, Shizune, greeted her as she entered. "Good morning Sakura-chan! Here to see, Tsunade-sama?" Sakura nodded as she immediately headed to the back of the office as she let herself in to the other door to the principal's office.
There in the chair, a large busted, blonde-haired woman had her head buried in her arms. Light snoring could be heard as Sakura dropped her bag in the chair. "Oi, Tsunade. Wake up." To her dismay, Sakura was met with more snores. Groaning irritably, she walked around to the large bookshelf. Grabbing an extremely heavy book, she walked over to the front of the desk.
With a smirk, she dropped the book down mercilessly on the desk. Hazel eyes snapped open as the woman stood quickly looking around. Sakura folded her arms as she tapped her foot impatiently. Finally meeting the gaze of the pink haired girl, Tsunade scowled. "What do you want?"
With a frown, Sakura sat down on the edge of her desk. "I want answers." Sitting back in her chair, she sighed. "About what Sakura? You're going to have to be a bit more specific than that." Reaching in her pocket, she flung the folded piece of paper in front of her. "Explain." Sakura's tone dropped seriously.
Tsunade interlaced her fingers as she leaned forward, closing her eyes. "Oh that." Tsunade pursed her lips as she stared sternly at Sakura. "Listen…I'd like to inform you of what is going on. However, you will have to wait." Sakura growled as she stood and slammed her hands on the desk. "Listen, you swore you wouldn't keep things from me! What the hell is going on!?" She seethed, her fingers gripping the wooden desk painfully.
Tsunade rose from her seat and walked around attempting to place her hand on Sakura's shoulder before it was knocked off. "Sakura, as your mother, it is my duty to—" "Bullshit!" Sakura glared at her. "You don't get to pull that crap on me! You and I both know you're not my real mother! Adopted or not, it doesn't fucking matter!" Tsunade winced as Sakura breathed heavily, tears threatening to spill.
Tsunade pulled Sakura into a tight embrace to which she desperately tried to resist. "Sakura…listen to me." Sakura slowly ceased her struggling and remained silent. "You're right; I promised that I wouldn't keep things from you. It's just that telling you right now might cause some complications. Just wait until the meeting tonight. Afterwards, if there is anything else you want to know. I'll tell you, okay?"
Sakura refused to speak, but nodded her understanding nonetheless. Kissing her forehead, Tsunade helped her to her feet. Handing her her bag, Tsunade hugged her once more and followed her outside the office. "Alright, get to class. We'll talk later." Sakura nodded as she gently shut the office door behind her.
Shizune watched the ordeal before turning to Tsunade. "Will she be okay?" Tsunade sighed and scratched the back of her head. "I hope so. When she finds out the news tonight, chances are she's not going to respond well."
Sakura begrudgingly made her way back to her class, wanting nothing more than for the day to be over. She slid the door open and dragged herself to her seat. The class had begun only fifteen minutes ago; however, the professor had made not attempts to teach anything. An orange book shielded his face as his spiky silver hair peaked over the top.
Tenten and Ino both shot Sakura worried looks, both of which she ignored. Leaning forward, she rested her head in her arms and drifted off in a light daze. The class dragged on for what felt like forever, the bell ringing to dismiss the student. Sakura was able to make out the groans of students as Kakashi mentioned something about reading for homework.
Rising from her seat, she paused feeling Tenten's hand grip her shoulder. "Where've you been? It's not like you to be late for anything." Sakura shook her head as she exited the classroom. Ino and Tenten gave each other curious looks before following her closely.
"Seriously Sakura…what's up?" Tenten asked sternly, not liking the silence she was receiving. "It's nothing. Just a little argument with the principal. I didn't get much sleep either, guess I'm just tired. Honest. Don't worry." Sakura shrugged as the three of them headed to the cafeteria. "I'll feel better after I eat." She reassured her.
Tenten nodded with a sigh as Ino gave her a strange look. Sakura met her gaze before looking away hurriedly. As they entered the cafeteria, Sakura could make out a large table where all of their friends were seated. Tenten smirked as she wrapped her arms around Ino and Sakura. "Well then, how about we introduce Ino to our friends, ne?"
Ino blushed and Sakura snorted as they headed to the large table. "Oi, guys listen up! Got someone we want you all to meet!" Tenten grinned as Sakura sat down impatiently. Shoving Ino to the head of the table, she began to speak. "This here is Ino, she's a part of our gang now, so you guys need to make her feel welcome got it?" Ino smiled timidly and waved at everyone.
"Alright Ino, this is the gang. The quiet guy at the end with the glasses is Shino, the one next to him with the brown hair and red face tattoos is Kiba. The quiet girl there is Hinata and across from her is her cousin Neji. The one to Neji's right is Shikamaru and next to him is Choji. The guy with the huge eyebrows and funny hair is Lee and you've met Sasuke and Naruto already.
"Nice to meet all of you." Ino smiled as everyone greeted her. Ino took a seat between Sakura and Sasuke. Tenten sat in between Neji and Lee as she smacked Neji on the back painfully. Glaring at her, he rubbed his back. "Miss me Neji?" Neji rolled his eyes and continued to eat his food. "Yeah, like a rash." Naruto and Kiba broke out into laughter as Tenten scowled. "Jerk." She muttered, causing Neji to smirk.
"Say Hinata, why don't you come switch with Lee? That way you can talk with the girls." "A-Alright, sure." Hinata nodded as she got up from her seat. "Wait! I do to part ways with my beloved Sakura-chan!" Sakura groaned as Naruto laughed through bits of his ramen, causing Sasuke to knock him over the head. Tenten shoved Lee away as Hinata sat down. "Yeah yeah, save it for another time lover boy."
Everyone made light conversation. Openly allowing Ino into the conversations, which she was grateful for. Sakura still couldn't get her mind off of that note and her meeting with Tsunade. She knew she shouldn't have said what she said, her emotions had been out of whack and they only seemed to be getting worse. Tsunade in a sense was her mother; therefore, she knew that if she withheld information, it was probably for a good reason.
Sakura made to stand before Tenten shot her a disapproving look causing her to slip back in her seat. "Leaving so soon Sakura?" Tenten mumbled, jabbing her food with her fork. "Tenten please give it a rest. I'm tired, I didn't pack a lunch and I'm irritated. Let it go." Ino looked between the two of them and spoke up. "I-I have an extra lunch. If you want, you can have it Sakura."
Tenten smirked, as Sakura looked slightly dumbfounded. "I can't take that." Ino shook her head and slid the bento over to her with a smile. "I always pack extra in case I'm out too long or a friend needs one." Tenten grinned as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. Sakura glared at her before sighing and taking the food. "Thanks Ino, I'll pay you back." Ino shook her head once more. "It's alright Sakura; it's no trouble at all."
Sakura nodded her thanks as she slowly opened the bento box. Inside was a bit of steamed rice, grilled fish, soba and some pickled vegetables. "I know it's kind of boring but it's traditional and I like to eat it sometimes." Sakura broke the chopsticks inside and took a small bite. Her taste buds seemed to erupt with the sensation of the food. Ino rubbed her arm nervously. "Do you like it?"
Sakura glanced at her and nodded slowly. "Ah. It's really good Ino. You must be an amazing cook." This caused Ino to blush and smile. "Thanks, I taught myself a few years ago." Tenten whistled smoothly as everyone looked at her. "Geez Sakura, that's some charm ya got there." Sakura gave her a confused look as she chuckled. "What are you talking about Tenten?"
Tenten shrugged as she folded her arms. "Ino hasn't even been here a full day and you've already got one of the prettiest girls here making you lunch." Tenten gave her a smug look as Sakura choked slightly and Ino blushed furiously. Naruto and Kiba fell out of their seats and howled with laughter as the others smirked knowingly. "It would appear I have competition for Sakura-chan's affections!" Lee exclaimed.
Tenten smirked and shook her head. "No way Lee. You know Sakura doesn't swing that way. Don't know why you keep trying. Unless you're a chick there's no way she'd go for you." Tenten teased. Ino shyly looked over to Sakura who had her teeth clenched tightly. Tenten looked over at her before grinning. "Don't be shy Sakura. You know we don't mind. Better make your move before someone else does.
That was it. Sakura reached across the table grabbing Tenten by the collar of her jacket. "Enough." Tenten winced as the others remained silent. "It's not funny Tenten. Whatever you're playing at, you better fucking cut it out right now." Tenten scowled and shoved Sakura off of her. "Lighten up Sakura, it was a joke. Don't be a bitch about it."
Growling Sakura grabbed her bag and stood up from the table. "Where the hell are you going?" Tenten demanded. "I'm going home. I don't have time for this shit." She spat as she stormed out of the cafeteria. Pushing open the door, she swung open her car door as she slammed the door. Shuffling through her bag, she found her keys and started the engine.
She wasted no time, whipping out of the parking lot and back down the road. Her teeth grinded together slowly as her nails dug into the steering wheel. Driving into the parking garage, she pulled into her spot and exited her car. Locking it, she made her way to the elevator. Pressing the correct buttons, it brought her to the main floor of HQ.
She passed through the kitchen and made her way to the other elevator. Pressing the number for her floor, she waited before storming out of it. Making her way to the end of the hall, she pressed her hand against the scanner. There was a soft buzz as it signaled it was unlocked. She walked into the corridor and turned to the other door that was her room. Unlocking it, she tossed her bag into the chair and fell onto her bed.
Kenji climbed up beside her as he rested next to her. She idly reached her hand up to rub behind his ear before closing her eyes. She curled up beside him as she drifted to sleep. Hours passed and before she knew it, a rough pounding could be heard outside her door. Kenji barked loudly, waking her as she groaned. Sliding off her bed, she opened her door to see Sai.
"If you want your answers, I suggest you come downstairs now." She scowled and followed him, Kenji at her heels as they entered the elevator. Arriving on the first floor, they turned opposite of the kitchen and headed for a large door. They both scanned their hands as the door opened, allowing them inside. Making their way down the hall, they noticed everyone already seated in the large room. Sai took to lean against the wall as Kenji jumped up onto the couch beside Akamaru.
Everyone's eyes were on Sakura, all with a tint of seriousness. Sitting down in the middle of the couch Sakura stared ahead. She noticed Tsunade along with most of her teachers/ trainers standing there. It wasn't a shock to her to see them there. Like her, they went to school or worked during the day and at night, they all reported here. Sakura shifted her gaze to Tsunade's as she cleared her throat.
"Glad to see everyone here and well. This meeting is brief but it is very important. As you all know, a few months ago we suffered a great loss." Tsunade turned to watch Sakura carefully, the girl clenching her fists tightly. Tsunade continued, "Reika Kazahara was killed in action during the last major raid. Unfortunately, I have some bad news to bring on top of that. This most directly affects you Sakura." Tsunade sighed as Sakura and the others gave her a serious look.
"Sakura you know with the severity of this situation, it is against our protocol to allow anyone to act on missions without at least one partner. Even though you have Kenji, he cannot count as an actual partner. I know you don't want to be taken off of missions, therefore, a new partner has been provided for you."
Sakura's eyes narrowed as she shot up. "Whoa, hold on! I don't want a new partner. No one is allowed to replace her!" She shouted, Sasuke and Tenten were on either side of her, holding onto her wrists tightly. Tsunade sighed and continued. "I'm sorry Sakura but it has to be done. Reika's things have been removed and are being taken care of. Your new partner is already here and moved in."
Everyone muttered silently as Sakura tugged out of Sasuke and Tenten's grip. Stepping towards Tsunade, Sakura glared furiously as she balled her fists. "Who the hell is it?" The others looked at Tsunade curiously, all eager to know the same thing. Tsunade clapped her hands as the door opened slowly. The person walked in and silence rushed over the room. Everyone looked from the person who had just entered to Sakura.
Aqua blue eyes clashed with deep green ones. Sakura literally felt herself slipping. Her mouth was dry as she blinked slowly. Taking a step back, Tenten rushed to her side as she held onto her. "Tsunade-sama…you mean?" Tsunade nodded at Tenten as she watched Sakura's reaction carefully. Ino stepped further into the room as she looked up at Sakura. "Sakura…Ino is your new partner." Tsunade said softly.
That moment, everyone's eyes, including Ino's, fell to Sakura. "You can't be fucking serious."
{All right, there is Chapter 3. I hope you all enjoyed! Tell me what you think. Hope it wasn't too obvious lol. Thanks again!}
