SHIROGITSUNE KITSUNETSUKI SHIROGANE

Chapter 3



At least I know I won't miss the 'hn' and the silent treatment for three years

Oh! I said THANK YOU, you arrogant jerk

Oh you mean me not missing the way you are for three years.

That's right!

Her words keep ringing in his ears; he couldn't dismiss it no matter how hard he tried. It's annoying, he's not supposed to care for someone else business, but here he is, busying himself about Haruno, Sakura's mission.

He didn't care if she's going to away for three years; at least that's what he's been saying to himself.

"Neji abunai," Tenten cried. Neji was too late to react as Lee came charging in and knocking him to the ground, a couple of kunai slashing in his arm.

"Neji, daijoubu?" Tenten rushed to his side making sure he was alright.

"Ah," he retorted dusting his clothes.

"You should have someone have a look at that Neji," Tenten stared at his wound.

"It's just a scratch, nothing to worry about."

"I'm afraid not, Neji-kun, you must at least have Sakura-san treat your wound for you," Lee beamed eyes looking at his teammate.

"Very well," Neji complied with his comrades too tired to argue about it any further.

"Is it me, or did Neji, didn't take training seriously today?" Tenten wondered out loud, baffled for the sudden performance of her teammate.

"It's a youthful experience that we're all going through, Tenten, Neji-kun is just walking the path of youth," he declared eyes gazing up the skies, standing tall in his green outfit.

Tenten laughed hard and couldn't contain her giggles any longer, "That's a first I've seen him so out of it, and I hardly think it's a youthful problem he's having."

"Why, Tenten, a man always face concentration problems when thinking about a love one." Tenten laughed.

"Neji having concentration issues because of a love one; is when Jiraiya-sama claims he's a saint and not a perv Lee."

"Believe what you want, my dear friend."


"Sakura-chan," Sakura felt a pat on her back, and out of instincts turned her head to find out who.

"Kitsunetsuki-sensei," she addressed looking at the man with shoulder length silver stresses, clad in a male kimono with a haori without any sleeves.

"You can drop the formalities, Sakura-chan," he said, eyes hidden from the word in crescents.

"If that's what you want, Kitsunetsuki-san."

"Shirogane," he said his name, urging the young woman in front of him to call him.

She sighed, "hai, Shirogane-san."

"Make sure to pack light," advice Shirogane, "we don't want to hinder our shoulders in a fast pace travel, now do we."

"Hai," Sakura answered.

"Good."

"Sakura-san," Lee yelled.

"Lee."

"Here you are beautiful flower of youth," Shirogane mentally cringed listening to the new arrival of a konoha jounin ninja.

"Do you need help? Does your knee bother you again?" Sakura asked, dismissing the 'beautiful flower of youth talk.

"Yes I require help, and no, it doesn't bother me," Lee answered immediately.

"Okay, good, so what you need then," question Sakura.

"My eternal rival, Neji, got injured during our training…" Lee continued telling the tale.

Shirogane couldn't believe his ears, but he suppose it is possible, especially if a certain mind is in denial. Though what he found unbelievable was how he got injuries on his person. He smiled at the thought that the Hyuuga stoic successor had moments of slips just like a normal person does.

"I find it hard to believe that Neji would get himself wounded so easy Lee," uncertain of how Neji got knock to the ground by Lee, it was nearly impossible for Lee before, Sakura could almost not believe what she's hearing. Had the mighty Neji had a moment of clumsiness? Her thoughts make her laughed.

"Shush you!" Tenten ushered. "It didn't happen that way right away."

Just as Sakura expected it was a two against one.

'Guess we can't go across town and declare to the whole Konoha, that anbu squad leader is a klutz.'

'That's really not such a good idea, Neji would skin us alive.'

'…'

'Much more better.'

"…Not if Sasuke defends us!"

'…Makes me wonder already if he will…'

Shirogane watch the exchange between the young ninja's, though he wasn't really a person that could call them young, he's only twenty two years old, and from Sakura's scroll, she's 17. The two other ninja should be near her age.

He didn't like what he saw in Sakura's eyes, first it was mischief then despair. He would have to fix that too, after all, he has a point to make with Hyuuga, Neji.

"I think it's about time that Neji-san gets some treatment, don't you think so?" Shirogane, pokerfaced, mention to the arguing teammate and from what he could see Sakura lurking in her thoughts.

"You are absolutely right, sir…er…"

"It's Kitsunetsuki, Shirogane, but please Shirogane is fine Lee," he retorted bowing courtly.

"Well, then Shirogane-san, if you'll excuse us," Tenten bowed.

"I'm afraid not, my business with Sakura-chan is not over yet, I shall accompany you."

"Suit yourself, Shirogane-san."


Took them a few minutes to get to a clearing and was astonished by the site of Neji working his body like a possess demon, his arm bleeding, though it didn't look fatal.

Shirogane cleared his voice, hoping to get the attention of the man beating the tree to the bark; the poor tree already had a hole in the middle.

Neji stopped momentarily, he saw them coming with his byakugan but paid them no attention.

"Neji-san, beating the crap out of the poor tree to release some anger, may be sating, but try to remember that your injury can get worse," Shirogane scolded, smiling like no tomorrow.

"I thank you for the concern, but it is not needed, Kitsunetsuki-san," Neji snorted. He didn't really want to meet the man that released him from his misery only to put him in another one.

"At lease let Sakura-chan take care of it for you," his eyes looking at Sakura who stood there silent, already processing Neji's wounds.

Neji glanced at Sakura who was busy looking at his chess, he mentally cringe when Shirogane called her –chan, but her looking at only him seem to have appease his anger already. Though he can't really explain why he was angry to begin with.

Sakura didn't even wait to be told, she walked towards him and start to emit emerald chakra in her palms pushing it gently in his arm, closing the wound for him.

"There, all done." Sakura released a sigh, normally she would have added the 'try to be careful next time' speech that she gives to all of her patients, but he wasn't just her standard patient. He is Hyuuga, Neji after all.

"Arigatou," he thanked her, giving a slight nod.

"Well then, guess our business is done here Sakura-chan, shall we get going then?" Sakura nodded and they left the clearing.

Neji watched their backs as they walk away.

"Neji, you know that man?" Tenten asked.

"Hn," Tenten took that as a yes.

"So where did you meet him, Neji?" Tenten asked. "He sure looks hot," Tenten mumbled.

"He was introduced to me by my uncle, apparently he is a member of the council," Neji informed. Lee, who was listening to the conversation intently, couldn't believe his ears. Tenten look like she had hearts floating out of her orbs in admiration.

"But isn't he too young to be in the council?" Lee asked, trying to rationalize the situation.

"I don't know why he's in the council, but it's probably due to there's no one else in his family that can represent them," Neji explained.

"Is that how it works," Tenten asked, since she was a woman in the clan, she wasn't really well informed how things work in the high council of konoha.

"The konoha council, which the Hokage-sama confides in and must also share critical points of decision making in, is consisted of people representing each clan."

"But what of the people that are not ninja?"

"They also have a representative of their own."

"Neji since when did you know so much about politics, my eternal rival."

"Since I'm about to be involve in one in five years time."

"WHAT!" Lee and Tenten yelled in disbelief.

"You've heard right, Hyuuga clan will be govern by me."

"That's amazing Neji," Tenten cheered.

"That's quite an accomplishment, my eternal rival. I congratulate you and your success." Lee did the nice guy pose his eyes glinting and beaming at his teammate.


"Shirogane-san," Sakura called, "what exactly is your business with me?"

"Supplies, Sakura-chan. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you after today, so we have to take care of everything we'll bring right now."

"Why?" Sakura asked.

"The council overworks their members too much, and I need to take care of the necessary paper works that will give hokage-sama my clans vote in whatever she decides, also above the many things I need to get done." He smiled at her curiosity.

"You're a council member?" Sakura asked in disbelief.

"Why, yes. Had been for three years straight. Though it is tiring at times. I barely have time for myself."

"Um…Shirogane…exactly how old are you?" Sakura asked, dropping the formalities.

"twenty two years old, Sakura," Shirogane couldn't help but smile since Sakura was beginning to get comfortable with him.

"Isn't that a little too young to be a council member?" Sakura pondered out loud, more to herself than to Shirogane.

"I believe so, Sakura. However, there's really no one else capable of succeeding in my father's footsteps but myself." He looked at the sky, his azure orbs gazing at the soaring skies, remembering his father's heritage.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Sakura apologize.

"It's nothing to be worried about Sakura-chan, besides he died a long time ago."

"Kitsunetsuki-sama," anbu beckon. "you're needed in the meeting urgently," he informed and disappeared.

"Guess, that's my alarm," he sheepishly chuckled. Sakura just watch him intently, now how are they suppose to plan what to bring and what not.

"Tell you what, Sakura, I'll just send someone with the whole pack ready for you to just grab; since time is essentially against us. I'll see you in five days then," he bowed and vanished away.

Sakura looked baffled. Trying to absorb what he just said. Though that will saved her a lot of time, planning what to take, she felt disappointed that the man couldn't accompany her to get it.

She supposed she's late on schedule as well; Ino could be tearing her hair apart already, since she's late. She did ask for her assistance in one of the medical jutsu scroll that she desperately needed help with.

Letting out a sigh she walked towards the hokage tower where she and Ino learn to heal.


"You're late, forehead girl," Ino glared at Sakura.

"I was busy Ino-pig," Sakura retorted.

"Well, are you helping me or not," Ino bellowed.

"Fine."

Sakura helped Ino with the scroll, helping her master it.

"Say, Ino."

"Hmm…"

"Would you miss me, if I'm gone for a three year mission?" Sakura worked diligently not showing her face to Ino.

"Of course I will, you're my best friend remember?" Ino said, looking at Sakura, and was a tad bit surprise when Sakura embraced her.

"Sakura…"

"I'm leaving for a three year mission, Ino-chan." Sakura confessed.

"For what?" Ino asked, returning the embraced.

"Training apparently."

"Training for what?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Why the heck didn't you ask Tsunade-sama?" Ino fumed.

"I…I…guess I was overwhelm and forgot to." She stuttered.

"That's so smart of you," Ino commented and headed to the door giving her the looks. "Well, are you coming or not?"

"Huh?"

"We're going to ask Tsunade-sama what's this mission all about, and see if you can drag me along."

"Oh," Sakura looked at her baffled.

"Don't 'oh' me, com' on let's go…" Ino drag Sakura to the top of the tower where Tsunade's office is located.

"Tsunade-sama," Ino entered with Sakura shortly following in tow.

"Can I help you ladies?" Tsunade smiled through her teeth hiding a bottle of sake away from their view.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama, I'm asking permission if you could allow me to go with Sakura with her long term mission." Ino asked with confidence.

"I'm afraid, I can't let you do that Ino, you're needed here in the hospital, plus your training is still not complete. There's still a lot you need to work on." Tsunade pointed out.

"Then what is the purpose of Sakura training then, a long term at that." Ino exclaimed.

"I'm afraid that's up to Shiro-kun to decide," Tsunade answered.

'Shi-ro kun?'

'Shannaro, what do you think their relationship is…?'

'How should I know?'

'…'

'…'

"Who the heck is Shiro-kun?" Ino asked angrily.

"Kitsunetsuki, Shirogane, my new sensei, Ino-chan," Sakura answered.

"What the! How could you do this to Sakura, Tsunade-sama? She's been working under your wing excellently and now you trade her to another to learn." Ino blew insults after insults asking Tsunade accusingly.

"I'm doing Sakura a favor. She'll learn a lot of things from him. He is an excellent ninja that's extremely skilled. Sakura learning his techniques should be treated as an honor, not accusing me of throwing Sakura to another teacher. Besides, Shirogane offered to teach Sakura, not the other way around."

Sakura had her eyes as large as kitten paws.

'Shirogane, wanted to teach me?'

'He wants to teach us…?'

Sakura felt extremely happy for some reason. The thought of him wanting to teach her, increase her self-esteem almost instantly.

"And why the heck does this old man want to teach her," steaming Ino continue to argue.

Sakura let a giggle out that soon turn to a laugh, Tsunade felt incline to join her, and join her she did.

"What are you two laughing about?" She raised her voice glaring at the two.

"Ino-chan…Shirogane isn't an old man…"Sakura said between breaths continue laughing.

"Huh?" Ino looked baffled.

"If Shirogane hears this he'll have kittens," Tsunade added laughing just as hard as her second apprentice after Shizune.

"What will I have?" Shirogane who stood there at the door asked the ladies. Ino, sakura, and Tsunade immediately shut up, like a cat had stolen their tongues.

"Oh, I meant you'll have a wonderful young lady like Sakura accompanying you," Tsunade laughed trying to cover for their conversation.

"Is that so?" Shirogane asked playfully looking at Sakura. Sakura just blushed under his gaze, he smiled at her.

Ino had left her mouths for the flies, her eyes felt like they were fooling her when the hot man walked in casually.

"And who might you be, young lady?" he asked Ino, who was blushing madly.

"Yamanaka, Ino." Ino introduced herself bowing slightly.

"Kitsunetsuki, Shirogane, a pleasure to meet you, Yamanaka-san," he bowed back, introducing himself. And once again putting his attention to Tsunade.

Ino couldn't turn her eyes away from the man, the way his silky shoulder silvery hair was kept in a fashion that a young woman would hers, was unnerving her. But she couldn't deny that he looked gorgeously hot. Ino couldn't help but feel jealous of Sakura.

"Tsunade-sama, I'm here to inform you that just as we agreed. For three years Kitsunetsuki clan would support your decisions even in my absences."

"Good, but that's not why you're here are you?" Tsunade interrogated the young man.

"Apparently not, though I'd like to speak of the matter in private," Shirogane looked at Tsunade's two apprentices mentioning for privacy.

"Excuse us, Tsunade-sama," Sakura bowed and drag Ino who was way out of it out of the door. Making sure to shut it tight and head back down to their study room.

"My god, Sakura, do you know how lucky you are?"

"Err…not really. Though I'd appreciate if you stop drooling when my sensei is around Ino-pig." Ino didn't give a sign that she was listening to Sakura's request.

"Sakura, if your going to rate the hottest single men in Konoha. Who do you think should be in list number one?" Ino asked giddy like, lost is the world of ninja, only the world of girls and their fantasy ruled at the moment. Sakura sighed.

Sakura knowing who Ino would recommend as number one, now that she had seen Shirogane, answered to her calls. "Shirogane, of course." Though she resist the urge to say it's still Sasuke. Since in her heart, it will always be Sasuke.

"Sakura, that man is even hotter than Sasuke…you're so lucky. I'll make you a bet that, that guy can make you forget that Sasuke exist." Ino gambled.

"Ino, do you want to test your luck if it's just as good as Tsunade-shishou's?" Sakura asked, sighing, and giving up in persuading Ino otherwise.

"Of course not, just merely stating that, that man could be your match, Sakura." Ino smiled through her teeth. The smile that Sakura always knew that she up to something. Though the victory was still Sakura's. Ino cannot do anything to play matchmaker, the man is way to busy to approached, plus their not going to be around anyways.

"Whatever you say, Ino-chan."


The following day, wasn't Sakura's best. She woke up later than usual and rushed to the hospital to take her shift. She spent all night thinking about Sasuke and her new sensei Shirogane. Thinking about their differences and Sasuke's current position in Sound at the moment.

Sakura let out a sigh checking her charts for the next patient she gets to heal. The last name she would want to see, flash through her eyes.

Hyuuga, Neji

What the heck is he doing in the hospital? Was the though that run to Sakura's thought. Neji usually wasn't careless during missions; once in a while he gets wounds but not too often.

'Oh well! Might as well check what mister mighty's case is.'

Walking to his room, she saw him laying with his bear chess wrap in bandages. Letting a sigh to release from her lips she knocks and entered the room completely, shutting it close behind her, to give the healing Hyuuga some privacy.

"Hyuuga-san, what happen?" She asked.

He snorted, turning looking anywhere but her.

"I suppose Tsunade-sama isn't station in the hospital today," he stated, in a flat tone.

"Your assumption is correct Hyuuga-san, if you want her to heal you, I can spare some time to grab her from her busy meeting schedules, if it pleases you," Sakura resisted the urged to role her eyes. Normally Neji would have his wounds completely healed by now, with her caring palms. Though he seemed convince not to have her take care of them.

"…"

"Are you going to answer my questions? Or should I get another medic nin take a look instead?"

"A mission," came his short replied answers.

"How did you get the wound on your chest?"

"A sword cut through it, I was trying to save one of my squad members, but got hurt in the process."

Sakura started to take the bandages off, taking a look herself. It was a clean cut and first aid was applied swiftly that no infection is sighted.

"You'll probably have to stay here for about three days, and I would have to advice you not to do any training while you're here." Sakura emitted emerald light from her palms, healing the wound in seconds. Neji poked her work, impress that the wound was gone and no longer bothering him.

"Though it's heal in the outside, it'll take more than that to heal it completely Hyuuga-san, so I suggest you take it easy for now. I'll be back later to do some more healing to it, so you can just spend three days in the hospital being bored." Sakura smiled at him, before standing to leave him alone.

"Thank you, Haruno" Neji thanked her, something he'd never done before no matter how many times she healed him already.

"Douitashimashite," Sakura smiled and continue to the door.

"Sakura," Neji called to her.

"Hm…"Sakura tilted her head from the door.

Neji studied her, beating himself why he said her name, or why he's looking at her and noticing how her lean figure and clothes match her perfectly. Magenta one piece clothes with a clip in white skirt clinging to her figure and black boots hugging her legs just below her knees, made her look extremely pleasing.

"I'm sorry, Haruno-san, forget I said something," he apologize and urge her to go through her business.

"You know what, Neji, I like it better when it's just Sakura," She smiled one last time before making her exit, leaving a slightly blushing Neji behind completely baffled.

Neji didn't know what exactly he's feeling but he knew he must recognize it and deal with it soon. He didn't like the idea of Sakura traveling in the wilderness with a young man older than herself. He didn't know why he's being protective of her, but he concluded that it's due to some sort of bond that rookie nine have.


Cliffy again…hm…again with the not really speech. I feel like I'm rushing things a bit. Anyways feel free to comment about anything. If you have ideas, feel free to share them too. I accept any kind of reviews as long as it's reasonable, feel free to drop a flaming note too…just as long it's not about the pairings I have no qualms.

Don't forget to review. I love reviews. I'll probably update by Friday or Saturday again. I'm thinking of scrolling the NejiSaku pairing page and just read for a while, since I've been dying to read one, after seeing a youtube video. So if you can recommend a NejiSaku fanfic, I would be grateful.

Japanese Vocab section

Abunai-watch out (literally means dangerous)

Daijoubu-ok, alight, safe (generally if you used this word in a questioning way, it could mean "are you okay")

Arigatou-thank you

Douitashimashite-you're welcome