Behind the Mask
Rated: T for language and violence
Disclaimer: Naruto characters (c) Masashi Kishimoto
Summary: We all wear masks. But that only makes it harder to tell the difference between truth and lies.

Note: Thanks to Joele for reviewing. It is always appreciated.

Please review.


002: 北京
(Peking)

Sakura and Naruto stood in front of the gates to Peking with the rest of Tenten's convoy behind them. The guard that stood inspecting their passports nodded his head as he closed the book and handed the last back to Sakura. Although security wasn't the tightest the shinobi had encountered, everyone was required to present a valid passport. Rumor had it that Peking passports were notoriously hard to forge properly, something the black market didn't find amusing.

"Pass." The guard said, nodding his head and moving to the side.

Sakura covered her left fist with her hand and gave a short bow to say thanks. "Xie le."

"Ok! Let's move into the city!" Said Naruto waving his hand overhead as they proceeded to move through the gates.

It was perfectly sunny by the time they reached Peking. The sun was high in the sky and it warmed up the chilly air. Naruto put his hands behind his head and allowed a small timid man who had identified himself as the convoy's receiver led the convoy procession through the city. Sakura was standing some feet away, talking with the man's companion.

"Thank you for bringing this delivery so quickly. Everything is here safely." The short man bowed to Sakura. With a start, Sakura recognized him as head of security at Tsunade's estate.

Sakura's eyebrows creased under her mask. If the convoy was for Governor Feng, what was Tsunade's head of security doing there?

"It was really no big deal." Sakura stated modestly.

"Jiang Security has been the best ever since Tenten-xiaojie took over. She does justice to her father's vision." The man replied.

Sakura nodded her head. "I'll be sure to pass the message on."

The man was about to leave to follow the rest of the convoy when Sakura touched his shoulder. "Excuse me." She bowed her head. "But you work for Magistrate Tsunade do you not?" She questioned.

The man stared at her blankly before warming up. "Ah yes! Wu He, I thought that was you. Yes, Governor Feng and his family will be staying with Tsunade-furen until his own estate at the Kurama complex has finished its renovations. Tsunade-furen was concerned about security measures at the estate so she had hired some extra security." The man explained. "Will you be joining us? I'm sure Tsunade-furen will be most surprised at your unexpected visit."

"Yes..." Said Sakura hesitantly, thinking to the sword strapped to the back of her horse. "I'm sure she will."

Tsunade, the Tian Tang Jian, Governor Feng and Orochimaru. Sakura suddenly wasn't sure if this trip was going to go as smoothly as she had planned.

Glossary:
Xie le- Thank you
Xiaojie – Chinese honorific, the equivalent of Miss
Furen – Chinese honorific, used for women of high rank


Naruto and Sakura rode their horses through the crowded city streets listening to the chatter of people as they made their way to Tsunade's estate. Naruto looked over, amused at the small children doing acrobats on wooden crates. They had attracted many viewers as they lifted their feet over their heads. Naruto breathed in the air of the city and let it wash over him. The populated city always made Naruto excited, especially when he was just a kid. Something new and unexpected was always popping up.

And there wasn't a more thriving city other than the great capital of Peking. Peking was the capital of the Land of Fire, formally constructed of the Zhili and Shantung provinces. It seemed that travelers from every corner of the country always ended up in Peking. It was home to many things, including the Peking Opera and the fabled Gugong – Forbidden City where the emperor himself resided. The city itself was equally massive and was home to several prominent clans. There was really no questioning why Tsunade had picked Peking to reside in permanently. Along with its close ties to Konoha, Peking also happened to have well known gambling ring...

"Izumo will probably want a visit, especially if he hears we're in town." Commented Naruto casually as they continued down the street.

"I feel bad for him." Sighed Sakura. "Being stuck here without anyone to talk to. He'll probably want to hear about Kotetsu."

Kamizuki Izumo was the current Konoha shinobi stationed in Peking. While there, it was his job to report missions via messenger hawk back to Konoha. Although a shinobi's job was primarily to do recon and assassinations at the request of the government, they were also open to do jobs for high paying individuals. Civilians from all over the Land of Fire journeyed to Peking to request the services of Konoha shinobi. And while Peking was certainly an entertaining city, Izumo was a major gossip and he couldn't flourish unless he had something to gossip about.

"What are you talking about? Living in the city is awesome! It probably beats daily life in Konoha…" Muttered Naruto.

Sakura smiled. Naruto still was a prankster at heart. Naruto was notorious for having defaced the Hokage Monument in Konoha when he was only eight years old. He was always on the go and city life would probably keep him more entertained than life in Konoha did.

Naruto and Sakura followed the convoy Tsunade's large estate where they helped set up the guards in their positions and unload before Tsunade caught wind of their arrival and had her servants whisk them away inside.

They were led into an ornate study room and were offered seats before the servants bowed to them. "Tsunade-furen will be in in a moment." A servant explained.

A blond, busty woman that was Tsunade soon emerged into the room, a smile on her face at seeing a former disciple of hers and her friend. Normally Naruto would have ogled a woman with a chest that well-endowed, but by now he was used to seeing Tsunade, not to mention the fact that she was significantly older than him. Sometimes Naruto wondered if she used some sort of obtuse medical practice to make her chest that large. Other times, he didn't want to think about it at all because it made him want to gag.

"Sakura! Naruto! Ni hao ma?" Tsuande greeted as she waved away the servant.

"Sifu Tsunade, we're fine, thank you." Sakura greeted her former teacher with a bow of her head as she removed the mask from her face. Tsunade was one of the few outside the village who was allowed to see Sakura's real face. Although she was no longer a Konoha shinobi, Tsunade had once been part of the legendary trio of shinobi that had been taught directly under the Third Hokage himself. Tsunade was famed as one of the greatest medic shinobi of all time, although Tsunade herself would tell you that Sakura was rapidly exceeding her in terms of talent. Tsunade's medic skills along with her inhuman strength were passed along to Sakura by Tsunade after Sakura had been promoted to Chunin.

Super strength and medic skills weren't the only things Tsunade was famous for, however. Tsunade was a notorious drunk in Konoha and this unfortunately became a trait that stuck with her in her move to Peking. Tsunade had originally traveled the country after defecting from Konoha and her love for alcohol propelled her to gamble often...and subsequently lose. Tsunade inherited a new nickname as the Legendary Sucker, but calling her by this nickname promptly got the person beat up and put into the hospital. It was sort of fate that Tsunade got the role as Magistrate through gambling. She had been too drunk to know what she was getting herself into and was too far into her losing streak to back out.

"Tsunade-nainai," Naruto acknowledged with a sly grin on his face as he pulled away his mask, "You're looking young today." He joked.

While Tsunade was actually in her fifties, it was a well-known fact that she used her medical experience to make her appearance more youthful. And it worked very well. Tsunade's blond hair looked like silk threads that she pulled into two long pigtails. Her skin was a beautiful and smooth crème color and her golden eyes held a certain sparkle at seeing the two teenagers. Her pink lips pulled into a scowl at hearing Naruto's remark.

Tsunade narrowed her honey colored eyes at Naruto as she took a seat across from the two. "I guess I'll take it as a compliment instead of bashing your face in here and now. How's that pervert Jiraiya?" She asked, as she brushed down the lustrous jade green brocade jacket she was wearing.

Naruto sat up a little straighter at the mention of his former teacher. "That old pervert?" Naruto asked, using his old nickname for his teacher. He shrugged his shoulders. "Normally I might say he's off somewhere doing 'research' and completing another of his perverted books, but I think he's actually doing something important. Government stuff." It was well-known, especially in Konoha that Jiraiya was the author of the Icha Icha Paradise series. Some preferred to call Jiraiya perverted for writing such smut, but Kakashi liked to call him 'God'.

In truth, Naruto hadn't seen Jiraiya in the two years since he was promoted to Jounin. He used to send letters, but not as of late.

Tsunade nodded her head surprised. Jiraiya had been her teammate when they were both shinobi of Konoha. She may have acted like she hated him then, but in truth they were very close. She didn't know the white haired pervert had it in him to do anything important and worthwhile. It almost made her proud of him...

"So..." Said Tsunade changing the subject. "What brings you to Peking besides helping to deliver Governor Feng's convoy? Or did you just want to visit your old teacher?" Tsunade smiled.

Naruto opened his mouth to issue a smart remark when Sakura shot him a warning glance. Naruto instantly backed down, not wanting to face the wrath of either Sakura or Tsuande. Without a word, Sakura placed the black lacquer box on the table.

Tsunade frowned as she instantly recognized the box. "The Tian Tang Jian?" Her finger rose and she hesitantly brushed her finger along the edge of the box. "Why are you giving this to me?"

Naruto looked at Sakura before turning back to Tsunade. "Kakashi wants you to have it." He said softly.

"But…this is a great hero's weapon! Only he is worthy of carrying it." Tsunade replied heatedly, staring at the box. It was, after all, The Fourth's sword... Tsunade quickly swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat. Thinking of that poor blond boy and his untimely end would do her no good here...

There was a knock at the door and Tsunade tore her eyes away from the box and got up to open it. A servant had returned with a tray of tea and Tsunade received it, placing it softly on the table before closing the door shut once again. A silence hung over the room as Tsunade poured three cups full and traced her finger around the rim of her cup. Her forehead was furrowed with wrinkles as she thought about the sword.

"I cannot accept it." Tsunade said finally, her lips in a hard frown. "I know what the sword means to Kakashi."

Both Sakura and Naruto sighed. "Please Sifu Tsunade, Kakashi told us that this sword has brought him as much pain as it has brought glory." Pleaded Sakura.

Naruto's voice was sordid when he spoke, his blue eyes unusually dull. "I've already tried to convince Kakashi otherwise...but, you know how he gets once he makes a decision..." Naruto sighed.

"I just…don't understand why he would want to give me the sword anyway." Said Tsunade.

Sakura glanced at Naruto. "We don't understand either." Said Naruto, shrugging.

Tsunade frowned. She wondered what it was that would make Kakashi want to give up the Tian Tang Jian. She knew that Kakashi had always been adamant about keeping the sword, so whatever it is that was bothering him now must be truly serious. Tsunade contemplated going down to Konoha to speak with him.

Tsunade finally sighed, considering what Sakura said to her. "Fine, I will act as temporary keeper of the sword for him. I fully expect to get his ass back down here when he's over this...stint of his." Tsunade would definitely be having a little chat with Kakashi.

Sakura and Naruto eagerly smiled as Tsunade flipped opened the gold locks on the box to look at the sword. There was a knock at the door and a servant called out to Tsunade. "Governor Feng is here. We require assistance preparing their rooms."

"Hao ba." Tsunade called out.

Naruto stood up. "I'll help."

He placed is right hand over his left fist and gave a short bow before putting on his mask. "Hey Tsunade," Naruto called out as he walked backwards to the door. "Just a suggestion, but maybe you should make them a little bigger the next time you decide to give yourself a makeover." Chuckled Naruto, gesturing to his chest before slipping out the door.

"Hey!" Shouted Tsunade. "Why don't you come back here you little bastard so I can give you a beating!" They only heard laughter in response.

"No respect these days." Muttered Tsunade angrily.

"Naruto is…Naruto…" Sighed Sakura.

Sakura turned back to Tsunade, suddenly remembering the convoy they had delivered and the body Tenten showed them. "Why is Governor Feng staying here, of all places?" Sakura questioned.

"Ah yes," Said Tsunade giving Sakura a small smile, "I've invited him to be my guest until his own estate is set up."

Sakura shook her head. "But isn't that bringing danger into your own household? Are you aware that he has bought a security convoy from Tenten?"

Tsunade got up and put her hand on Sakura's shoulder. "I am the one who ordered the convoy for him." Sakura opened her mouth in surprise.

"Governor Feng has made some enemies through his travels and while I can ensure he would be the safest here, it's always good to be ready. I'll be damned if someone tries to pick him off here." Growled Tsunade.

Sakura put on an awkward smile. Of course Tsunade would be ok, even if Orochimaru was lurking around. Sakura had almost forgotten this was her teacher they were talking about, a former shinobi of Konoha. If anyone tried to hurt her, she would put them through a brick wall. Besides, Tsunade knew Orochimaru better than she probably did. Sakura debated whether or not to mention her former teammate.

Tsunade smiled at Sakura. "But I appreciate your concern about having him here."

Sakura nodded her head, a bit disgruntled. "You have been an excellent teacher to me and always treat all of us with respect." She finally said as she stood up. "Please except our thanks."

"Nonsense." Said Tsunade widening her eyes. "You and Naruto will stay the night."

Sakura opened her mouth to object, but Tsunade shot her a look that Sakura was quite familiar with and left the words dead in her mouth. Tsunade started walking towards the outside terrace as Sakura followed her.

"Sakura," Tsunade said suddenly, a playful yet devious smile playing on her lips, "Let me ask you something. And let me remind you I almost think of you as my own daughter."

Sakura immediately grew wary. Tsunade wouldn't bring that one out if she were asking an ordinary question. It was either a risky favor or she was prying. "What is it, Sifu?"

Tsunade leaned forward a little. "You and Naruto, what's going on?" She raised an eyebrow.

Sakura ducked her head. "Nothing, Sifu." She replied vaguely.

Tsunade put her hands on her hips. "Do not be so coy with me Haruno Sakura! I've always known about your growing feelings for each other." Tsunade turned away and sighed. "All these years…such a shame. Neither of you is brave enough…"

"Look here, were not cowards." Said Sakura walking toward Tsunade so she could look at her face to face.

Sakura could not explain to Tsunade the confusion that she felt in her heart. Tsunade was like a mother to her, even more so than her real mother was. Tsunade was the one who spent long grueling hours with Sakura teaching her everything she knew. She accepted Sakura's quirks where her own mother tried to correct them. But how could she explain this? Naruto was her friend...her best friend for twelve years straight. It was not something that was easily disrupted. And even if she did feel something other than friendship for him, how could she go through with it? She risked breaking the special bond they had between each other.

Tsunade walked farther out into the terrace. Sakura followed her out and leaned over the balcony that led down to the courtyard. A cool breeze rustled through the trees and glided through Sakura's hair. Down below, she could see Naruto carrying a particularly large and delicate vase across the courtyard to one of the spare rooms.

"You are both wasting precious time." Tsunade said again. "Take my word for it. If Dan and I..." She trailed off, as she usually did even speaking about her love that she lost in the war. "I just don't want you to regret all this time that has been lost to you."

Sakura tapped her fingers against the balcony and tried not to be overwhelmed about by everything that Tsunade said to her.

"Just tell Naruto to be open with you." Said Tsunade finally. "Gods only knows he'll take his time about the whole thing. He's learned from the best." She sighed, thinking Kakashi. "And if he isn't open with you, just send him over here. I'll straighten him out." She said, holding her fist up.

Sakura shuddered before laughing. Sakura didn't learn her brute strength by herself. As Sakura swiftly changed the subject and chatted with her old teacher about trivial things, the thought of mentioning Orochimaru died away.


Glossary:
Hao ba- Ok
Ni hao ma- How are you
Sifu - Master
Furen – Chinese honorific, used for a high ranking woman
Nainai - Grandma

Zhili - An ancient Chinese province comprised of the current Hebei province along with parts of Henan and Liaoning
Shantung - An old name for Shandong province