-- Disclaimer: I only own my imagination and the tools to show them to others via internet…

-- Warning: Unnecessary use of bad words and slight violence... Something amazing will happen… I'm obligated to say this, btw.

-- Note: I'm back!! I hope you all enjoy this really long chapter, and there may be a few more errors than usual, so, feel free to say something, I guess… Anyways, my vacation was great and I think I'll just leave up the other note, since I'm too lazy to do anything about it now. I wrote this as soon as I got back which was like… yesterday, so… I'm really dedicated to this story and I want to thank all the reviewers out there whom make me enjoy writing it! Remember to review and enjoy!

Naruto

Finally Clear To Me

By: Plushie-Sensei

Chapter 4: Not Quite There Yet

Thunder grumbled in the distance as the sun shone through the parting in the clouds. The rain still fell in small droplets, but at least it allowed for daily activity to continue in the village. For some it was just another hour passing, since they'd been up all night, either cleaning up the mess in the middle of the city, or sifting through mounds of information for more useful information…

Sakura however had better things to do. She was told to only come to work at the hospital when she was feeling one hundred percent ready to work again. She took that as a "Take as long a break as you need, but when you come back to work be prepared to catch up on a lot of missed assignments." She inwardly grimaced, knowing she'd have a lot of work to do, but in the meantime, she was just fine snuggling up to her very comfortable pillow…

She sighed contently as it wrapped a muscular arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. Her palm smoothed over its powerful chest and she breathed in its masculine scent. Mmm, yeah, it was the most wonderful pillow she'd ever had…

…?

Sakura opened her eyes carefully and pulled away to stare into Naruto's groggy face. He was smiling when he looked at her and a yawn escaped his throat as he bid her "Good morning." She pulled an odd expression and turned white when he pulled her into a hug again, apparently not ready to wake up yet.

Then she smacked him…

"Well, that was uncalled for…" Naruto grumbled as he held an icepack to his temple a while later. Sakura offered him an apologetic smile and placed his breakfast before him, hoping he'd forgive her if she fed him. She was right, it seemed, from the way he tore into it. Either that or he was just really hungry…

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not used to waking up… like that…" She blushed, wishing she'd never said anything. It was utterly embarrassing.

"S'alright," he slurred through his food, not even glancing at her. She didn't know whether to be satisfied or completely disturbed at how fast the food was disappearing. In either case, she quickly took up her bowl to eat whatever he didn't get his hands on…

Sakura ate quietly and a little slowly. She realized she'd just spoiled the perfect opportunity to cuddle with the man she'd just come to terms with her feelings about… She wrinkled her nose, going over that sentence again… Oh well. The point was because of her impulsive nature she ruined a great moment. One that may not come around again…

That was unless she told him how she felt…

She shook her head quickly, not ready to admit that out loud. It was hard enough to admit to herself. And the last thing she needed to worry about was how he'd react to her feelings. What if he wondered about Sasuke? Then what was she supposed to say? She was over him, right? She bowed her head in defeat. Way too many questions that she didn't have the answer to… If only there was a jutsu that took care of these problems for her…

Naruto had actually paused mid chew to watch Sakura as her expressions changed successively. It was funny at first and kept him amused, but when she began to look down and then just plain unsure he began to worry a bit. He finished the last of his meal and placed his bowl down. His eyes narrowed as she suddenly shook her head again.

"Sakura-chan." She looked up with wide eyes and regained her composure, nibbling at her rice.

"Yeah?"

"Is something bothering you?" he asked, pushing his bowl to the side so he could rest his arms on the table. Sakura looked down, eating a little more of her rice.

"…No…" she said slowly. She glanced up and sure enough, Naruto looked unimpressed. She really needed to stop trying to lie to him. Either that or she needed to get better at lying all together…

"What's bothering you?" It was like he'd completely ignored her brilliant lie. And after all the seconds she'd spent trying to come up with…

Oh yeah… It sucked…

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said defiantly, finishing her bowl quickly before getting up to put it in the sink. She came back to take his as well, but he grabbed her wrist, stopping her. He didn't hurt her, but she ended up having to lean a little to avoid any extreme discomfort. She looked up and inwardly cursed as his closeness. She could never trust herself in these sorts of situations.

"Don't lie to me." It was an order. There was absolutely no room for argument as he stared at her. She stared back, keeping quiet, but he ended up pulling her arm a little more and her nose touched his. She gasped softly, her eyes never leaving his, though she couldn't seem to keep focus. Her mind was getting foggy and she didn't know if it was just her imagination, the look in his eyes. His eyes traveled down for a moment before looking back to her own. She gulped, feeling his warm breath wash over her trembling lips.

It was going to happen again. A chance to…

To have her first kiss… with Naruto…

Her eyes lidded as his closed and she could almost feel his lips, so close to her own…

A knock rattled the front door and Sakura breathed, pulling away a few inches. Naruto's eyes opened and he glanced at the door looking about ready to murder it. He released her wrist and she stood slowly as he turned away, blushing, bangs covering his amazing blue—

"Sakura, open up!" Sakura groaned at Ino's voice beyond the door and moved away, glancing at Naruto once, before opening it. Ino popped in with a large grin and a lollypop in her mouth, reaching out to hug the irritated kunoichi. "Hey, I came to check in and see how you're doing, billboard brow!"

"I'm fine…" she growled. Ino ignored her stick-up-the-ass attitude and peered over her shoulder with a raised brow to see Naruto exit into the living area with an equally frustrated scowl. This certainly raised some interesting questions… Pulling away, she motioned toward the jointed room with a playful grin.

"So… What's Mr. Never Going to Be Sakura's Boyfriend doing in your house so early in the morning…?" Sakura glared her right out the door.

Literally…

"You're right it is early, isn't? So why don't you come back later when I wake up properly!" With that, she slammed the door so hard the entire building shook. Ino had no choice but to leave, flipping the door off on her way out in good humor. Or at least, in partial good humor…

Sakura sighed and frowned, her cheeks heating up in both anger and infatuation. It most definitely was not just her imagination when he was that close. If Ino had waited just a moment longer she would've for sure had her first kiss… That damn Ino pig always got everything first, and now she wasn't even letting Sakura have hers at all! If she ever got her hands on her…

"Thanks for breakfast." Sakura turned anxiously as Naruto appeared, zipping up his jacket, fully clothed.

"Wait, where're you going?" He smiled at her and reached past her to open the door.

"I've got a lot of work to do today. I'll busy for a while, so I probably won't be back until tonight." He smiled again, in that weird dreamy fashion, and stepped into the doorway.

"Wait a minute!" she said quickly, grabbing his jacket. Naruto turned and gave her a worried look. She bit her lip, releasing him. "I mean…" She was at a loss for words, so she stayed quiet. Naruto relaxed a bit before placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. Sakura looked up in surprise as he smiled at her yet again.

"I'll be around town if you need me for anything. In the meantime, you should relax a bit! I'll see you later," he said quickly, and walked down the hall with a wave over his shoulder.

Sakura raised a shaky hand to her cheek and gulped. Her entire face felt about ready to melt right off and her cheek tingled terribly. She smiled, albeit wearily. There was a sad look in her eyes as she closed the door.

"He probably has no idea what he's doing to me…"

It wasn't the nicest day to go outside, but Sakura was in need of groceries and few other items, so she really had little choice. After a quick shower she dressed in more casual clothes than normal and quickly grabbed her umbrella before heading out the door.

The fresh air was nice and cool against her skin. She felt a little warm, but hoped it was just her taking longer than usual to adjust to the atmosphere. She traveled away from the damage site and headed toward the small shopping district on the farther side of town. With the money she had on her she mused over the idea of buying something cool… She didn't want to waste any money, but she had been meaning to purchase a particularly dangerous looking sword… Just for looksies though.

She giggled upon entering the marketplace and quickly found the fruits and vegetables. She held an evil grin as the shopkeeper bagged the items she picked, knowing full well Naruto would complain about having to eat such things. She failed to notice the shopkeeper's frightened expression.

"Well, if he's going to be staying with me he's going to have to deal with some raw foliage every now and then." She thanked and paid the man and moved on to buy more appetizing foods; meats. She'd just begun to compare a couple of cods when she overheard a small disturbance a few feet away.

"I don't think I can…" She knew that voice.

"Sure you can! You just have to have some confidence!" She knew that voice too. She looked up and sure enough, just around the corner she saw Hinata and Kiba, along with Shino and Akamaru. Hinata was blushing immensely as she played with her fingers, while Kiba prodded her shoulder.

"No… What if he's too busy…?"

"Oh, come on! You won't know unless you try!" Sakura smiled and turned back to her selection.

"How cute… The shy Hinata's in love…"

"I believe Naruto's doing some work for the Hokage at this moment," Shino said, "Maybe we'll find him around there."

Sakura nearly dropped her newly purchased fish. She looked around the corner just as Hinata and the others turned to leave and felt her heart throb painfully.

"Miss?" She turned her attention back to the young shopkeeper and bowed apologetically before handing him his payment and stepping away. She kept her head bowed as she walked toward another shop, trying not to think over what she'd heard so much. It was rather troubling, however, and not even the sword in the nearby window could get her mind off of it.

"Hinata likes Naruto…" She could've sworn she'd known that already, but it came as such a surprise, and all of a sudden. "And now she's going to confess how she feels…"

She stopped in the middle of the street, ignoring the odd, and few worried looks she received. The more she dwelled on the topic the more her heart would throb.

"What if…? What if she tells him…? And he says… Yes…?" Her arm limped and her umbrella dropped to her side, still in hand. Almost instantly her head became cold from the sprinkle of rain and she looked back down the road. If she hurried, she'd be able to catch up to them…

She raced forward, needing to get her groceries home first. It took a little longer than she'd anticipated, and she'd forgotten her umbrella, but she managed to scale the rooftops for only a few minutes before finding the group she'd been looking for. She remained on the roof, ignoring her trembling shoulders as she listened in on their conversation…

"How do you feel, Hinata?" Kiba asked, smiling. Was that a good or bad sign…? Hinata sighed, blushing.

"I feel a lot better now that I've gotten it off my chest…" Sakura flinched, her hair standing on end.

"I think he took it rather sound, as well," Shino added, patting Hinata's back. She nodded and sighed, smiling happily.

"I'm glad everything worked out so well…" A brick hit the ground across the small street and Hinata gasped, looking up.

"What the hell was that?" Kiba asked. Akamaru looked up, his keen nose leading his eyes to the roof. Hinata and Shino exchanged glances and she shrugged.

"Oh well, I'd better get home," she said. Kiba offered her an apologetic smile.

"Yeah, you've earned a rest. I mean, after he said no and all—OW!!" Kiba growled as Shino's fist slowly retreated, though he was still glaring warningly. "Oh…"

"Don't worry about it… It's to be expected…" The boys looked up as Hinata turned to them, her dark locks already dampening in the light downpour. "After all, he could never love me as much as he loves Sakura-san…"

Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow as he finished piling the boxes in the corner of the room. He turned just as Tsunade plopped into her comfy chair and sighed.

"Well done, Naruto. You can leave now, if you want." Naruto paused, his eyes searching the floor in a guilty manner. Of course, the elder woman caught his shuffling. "What's wrong?" Naruto frowned, looking as though he'd just killed someone.

"I…" he glanced up at her for a second before turning away. "Have you ever had anyone tell you they liked you…?" Tsunade smirked, growing smug.

"Well—"

"But you really didn't like them like that so you had to let them down easy, but you just couldn't find out how, and of course it had to be one of those shy girls that you don't really know, so it's difficult to know if she'll take it the wrong way or not—?"

"Naruto, shut up." Naruto whined as he took a seat near the window on one of the boxes.

"Sorry…"

"…So what did you say…?" Naruto glared.

"Who said this was about me…?"

"Well then, what did your friend say?" He glared again and blushed.

"…I said…" he glanced at her, letting her know he was willing to admit it, "I couldn't return her feelings… I'm already in love with someone… else…" Tsunade rested her chin on her folded hands with a smiled.

"How cute…"

"It's not funny… I've never had anybody like me before… It felt kind of mean to let her down like that…" Tsunade leaned back in her chair and sighed.

"Well, if you don't love her, you don't love her. It's as simple as that. You've already got someone else, so it shouldn't bother you so much." Naruto smiled satirically, his eyelids growing heavy.

"I don't even know if the girl I love loves me… Maybe I should've said sure… Why the hell not…?"

"You're an idiot." Naruto didn't bother starting a fight as he remained quiet. "Give Sakura a chance to come to terms with her feelings. She'll soon realize what she should've from the very beginning." He looked up then, with curious blue orbs.

"Realize what…?" Tsunade looked him straight in the eyes, serious as ever.

"That she needs you as much as you need her. You complete each other," she said, clasping her hands in emphasis. "She needs someone to laugh with and to have a shoulder to cry on. You've always been there for her and there will come a moment where she will begin to wonder just who she needed to give attention to all these years."

Naruto listened intently, feeling his inner ear reverberate with his heart beats.

"There will come a time where Sakura will realize that you are the only man capable of completing her… You just have to be patient… She's a genius when it comes to Justus and battle strategies, but when it comes to her feelings she's a little slower than most…"

He nodded and looked down, pulling himself to his feet.

"Please tell me you mean that…" Tsunade smiled softly and looked out to the rain.

"I do… I know my apprentice well… Just don't give up on her yet…"

"I'd never give up on her…" he said slowly. "I'd just start to worry a little…" Tsunade chuckled and stood.

"Well, speaking of which, why don't you go see how she's doing. From what I hear she's been a little under the weather lately." Naruto nodded and with a smile he departed. He did feel like seeing her at the moment…

Sakura wandered the streets with her head bowed. She was completely soaked, but she made no haste to get dry. Soon, she found herself in front of the infamous Ichiraku Ramen Shop and sighed, stepping under the outcrop. It was nearing lunchtime and the noodles smelled particularly delicious.

"What can I get you? Oh, Sakura-san, long time no see!" Sakura glanced up and offered a quiet smile as Ayame beamed at her. "What are you in the mood for?" she asked cheerily. Sakura snorted bitterly.

"Just a glass of water…" Ayame made a face, but didn't dare pry, no matter how much she wanted to. Sakura ended up ignoring the welcoming glass of water as it arrived. She had enough dripping from her hair anyways…

He couldn't have said yes, she hoped, recalling her earlier encounter with team eight, or more like, overhearing of team eight. She'd heard as far as a happy ending and mentally kicked herself for not staying any longer, but after she'd nearly slipped upon hearing such things, she had to get away to avoid being found out. That Akamaru would've surely sniffed her out if Kiba didn't do so first… She sighed, taking an unnecessary sip of the water, just to be polite. It was free anyways… It made her wonder if they sold anything alcoholic…

"Hey, Ayame, have you seen Sakura-chan anywhere…?" Sakura closed her eyes tightly, feeling a headache hit her out of no where when she heard his voice.

"Um, Naruto-kun… She's right there…" She swore. Why couldn't she be alone for one Goddamn second…? It did surprise her however when Naruto chose to silently sit beside her, not uttering a peep, save for an order of ramen while he was there. She could feel his eyes on her and she didn't know what she'd prefer; him saying something, or remaining deathly silent. Her suspicions were beginning to scare her…

"Why are you so soaked?" he asked quietly, uncertainly. She glanced at him through her bangs and looked away quickly. He had that worried look again. She thought about answering, but every excuse she thought of sounded so stupid. Especially when directed toward him. It was bad enough he couldn't be lied to.

He has to be psychic…

"Anything new happen lately?" she asked suddenly. Her eyes sharpened at the surprisingly guilty expression on his face. She suddenly felt bad for prying, but she couldn't stop herself. "What happened…?" Naruto turned to the ramen suddenly placed in front of him and sighed heavily. Her eyes narrowed a bit as he smiled sadly and reached for a pair of chopsticks.

"Well… You know Hinata, right?" Sakura had to quickly grip the glass of water she'd begun to sip in order to stop it from falling. She placed it down with a loud clatter and quickly apologized.

"Yeah, keep going…" She tried her best not to let her worries speak themselves, but she couldn't help but sound a little down.

"Yeah… Well… She came to me today and really surprised me." He chuckled as he began eating his noodles and Sakura leaned back a little, her bangs revealing her eyes.

"…Really…?" she asked. She had to give herself a pat on the back. She was starting to sound like she wasn't worried about what he was going to say, but more curious than anything. Naruto glanced at her for a moment before nodding and returning to his meal.

"Yeah… Actually, I never really knew it before, but she, apparently, had a crush on me and… Well, it wasn't easy letting her down, though she seemed to take it surprisingly well." He didn't bother adding she fainted after hearing what he had to say… He said nothing further as Sakura suddenly hiccupped, almost violently, her knee hitting the underside of the counter.

"Sakura-san, are you alright?" Ayame asked, leaning over the counter with a worried expression. Naruto placed a hand on her back, wondering the same thing. Sakura nodded and waved them off, taking a sip of her drink.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, just… Give me a second…" She hiccupped again and coughed a little, trying to clear her throat.

"Are you sure?" Naruto asked, keeping his hand on her back. She nodded, smiling at him.

"I'm really sorry…" she said hoarsely, breathing carefully now. Sometimes life was so cruel to her emotions… "So that's what she wanted…"

"What?" Sakura grinned nervously, not realizing she was trembling.

"Oh, nothing…" She suddenly felt that headache return full force. It really wasn't a good idea to go out in the rain without an umbrella and worry herself sick. She really was a fool…

She felt so selfish. Here she was getting all worked up and over what? Hinata liking Naruto? He didn't even say yes and her heart was still beating painfully. This was Naruto's life she was talking about. The only one who had any say was Naruto. She had no right to be acting so childishly.

She really was the ridiculous one…

It was soon time to leave and Sakura and Naruto headed home—after about twenty bowls of ramen, of course. She didn't bother thinking about what to make for dinner. It was very likely he wouldn't eat anyways, and she just didn't have an appetite. Then again, it wasn't dinner time yet, so he might be hungry later… Or within the next five minutes… Her thoughts clouded her mind so much she actually gasped when Naruto suddenly grabbed her shoulder.

She spun around angrily, threatening to kill him, but her anger faded when he motioned toward the door. Her nose faintly touched the wood when she turned again and she felt more embarrassed than before…

She'd almost run into her own door…

"Oh… Damn…"

"Maybe I should stay here…" he mused aloud, worrying if she'd run into anything else.

"No, no," she said quickly, turning with a sheepish grin. "I'm okay, just a little… foggy in the… head…" She mentally socked herself. "I mean, I just need to take a nap or something. I don't want to keep you from your studying or anything." Naruto nodded, knowing he still had a long way to go. There was so much to be done, he really didn't have time to laze about or preoccupy himself with other worries…

"You're right. But if you need anything—"

"I'll tell someone." She didn't bother getting all upset. It seemed so pointless now. She smiled as Naruto huffed and pointed his thumb at himself.

"You tell me!" he corrected, puffing out his chest. In all honesty, he looked silly, but it really was a mood lifter. Sakura nodded and saluted so he had a cue to start breathing again. Naruto deemed his job finished and raised one hand to wave goodbye, but he paused when he suddenly felt Sakura kiss his cheek, much like he'd done earlier.

Sakura landed back on her heels—since he was so much taller tan her—and gave him a bright smile. And just before he had a chance to say anything she slammed the door in face right after saying, "See you later and hope you find something!" She turned and leaned against the door and waited for a few moments until he actually walked away.

Her bangs hid her eyes as she slid to the floor and the room became so silent she could hear her ears ringing. Her Inner Sakura went on a rampage, swearing at missing the chance to kiss him again or tell him how she felt, but Sakura was deaf to everything around her. She didn't bother being afraid of her feelings. They were difficult to grasp, but she was so sure now, it didn't matter.

"I think I finally know what real love feels like, mom."

And the heavens seemed a little less dreary…

"Are you absolutely sure about this?" Tsunade held an expression of pure daring. If the Ero-sennin was lying to her at all she would not hesitate to guillotine his favorite appendage… Jiraiya remained cool, nevertheless, completely serious.

"My information does not lie. The Akatsuki has set up a stationary base near the village hidden in the rain."

"That's preposterous! Why would the Akatsuki set up a base and remain in a single area? They'd have to know they would be found sooner or later."

"That may be so," Jiraiya sighed, leaning against the wall, "But it could also be an invitation of sorts…" Tsunade sat back, looking concerned.

"Invitation…?"

"It could be a trap. They could've gained some sort of power that gave them enough confidence to remain in a single location. They could actually be daring anyone to try and face them… Either that or they're just stupid…" The Hokage frowned causing unsightly wrinkles. She ran her fingers through her blond locks in frustration before settling her eyes on her former teammate.

"What do you propose we do…?" Jiraiya was silent for a few moments, debating whether or not to give her more information. When it became obvious he was hiding something from the anxious look on her face, he sighed and stood up.

"I've also heard that Sasuke is also in that locale…" A single eyebrow arched in recognition and both sannin turned to see Sakura in the open doorway. Her hand had crushed the doorknob and she was trembling.

"Sakura, what are you doing here?" Tsunade barked, but stepped back when Jiraiya raised his hand, stopping her.

"Sasuke-kun… Near the village h-hidden…?" Her voice trembled, but she didn't exactly look ecstatic. In fact, it was a little troubling, but she looked more apprehensive than animated. Jiraiya narrowed his eyes on her before turning to the Hokage.

"Now's their chance…" Tsunade gaped at him.

"What? What's gotten into you?! That boy is near the Akatsuki and nobody is strong enough to face them now. Not even Sakura and Naruto. As much as their training as progressed I can not allow them to be so near such a huge threat. We don't even know what they're planning."

"Tsunade, it isn't as though Uchiha would bother interacting with them at this point. He's doing his own training now and it'd be foolish even for him to do anything so reckless."

"I said no!" She slammed her hand on the desk in blind fury and winced as it split in two. The room went silent as papers rained upon them, littering the floor. Tsunade breathed and turned away. Jiraiya turned back to the younger woman and frowned. Sakura had released the doorknob and it clanked uselessly on the floor as she backed up.

"So… then what?" Once again, the sannin had given their attention to Sakura. "After all this and it still isn't enough…" She looked up, catching both their gazes. "We have to wait some more… even when he's right there in front of us?"

"Sakura, you don't understand—"

"Why does everyone keep saying that to me?" Tsunade frowned, looking away again. "I'm not an idiot. I can see it right in front of me. We've been given a chance to bring Sasuke-kun home and you don't want us to go because those psychotic bastards are a few feet away!"

"Watch your mouth," Tsunade threatened, turning around again.

"Why don't you trust me?! Naruto and I can do it! We can bring him home and everything will be back to normal! Everything will be better if you'd just let us bring him back!"

"No, it will not and I don't trust you because you don't have the emotional stability to do anything right now!" Even Jiraiya had stepped back at her tone. Tsunade looked absolutely furious, but Sakura on the other hand looked hurt. Really hurt…

"How can you say that…?" she whispered heartbreakingly. She gripped her shirt, forcing her tears back in order to at least appear strong. "After all that's happened and you still don't think I can handle it…?" Tsunade sighed, stepping over the broken wood to sit on her chair.

"Sakura…" Sakura bit her lip, staring hard at her shishou. It was hard to keep still under those accusing brown eyes. "I know that you've overcome something very difficult and I'm proud of you for that, but you're just not ready."

"But, I—"

"Sakura, nobody heals that quickly. Nobody…" She could believe what she was hearing. How could she say that? She was so sure she was better… "In any case, we still don't know if Sasuke will actually stay away from the organization, so—"

"Sasuke isn't the type to jump into something without thinking about the consequences. It shouldn't be too much trouble to find him without having to deal with the Akatsuki."

Sakura's eyes narrowed and she turned, her heart skipping a beat as Naruto strode past her and into the room. His eyes focused determinedly on the Hokage and on the Ero-sennin, while both looked weary in his presence. Tsunade's eyes softened and Sakura felt her heart throb. It hurt to get that kind of treatment from her own shishou…

"What are you saying, brat? You don't know that," The Hokage frowned as Naruto stepped closer, looking unfazed.

"I know Sasuke better than most. He's not an idiot. He wouldn't risk his life until he was sure he'd accomplished his goal." Tsunade snorted distastefully.

"Stop trying to sound so smug. Sasuke's business is with the Akatsuki, is it not?" Naruto smirked.

"Of course, but it's not time yet. Trust me…" Sakura wavered, her attention on the sannins' answers. She only waited, not relying on her own predictions. She wanted to know what they would say. Tsunade was the first to visibly relax, but instead of making her feel calm, it made her panic.

Surely she wouldn't…

"I do…" Sakura's eyes went wide and she ignored to satisfied smile on Naruto's face. She glanced at Jiraiya, since he was the only one looking at her, and then turned to Naruto feeling bitter… The logical part of her felt he deserved the trust, but her Inner Sakura had gotten in the way again and, even though her feelings were strong, she couldn't help but feel caustic. She clenched her fists and shut her mouth, looking away in resentment.

"I will go and get Sasuke."

And that was the final straw…

"…Why…?" Naruto didn't turn and she could no longer see his face. She glared at him, hoping he at least felt it.

"It'd be safer for everyone if I went alone."

"And I stayed behind?" She drew in a breath to scream at them, but she knew it wouldn't help her case, and neither would crying like a baby. Even if she felt like one… "Why do you continue to drag me in the dirt? Why can't you see that I'm capable of helping you bring him back? I'm not twelve anymore. I can handle myself." The room was silent for what seemed like decades, until Naruto turned to walk out.

"I'll leave tomorrow morning… Alone…" Sakura hissed and spun to catch up to him.

"No, you—!"

"Don't… interfere again," he whispered, glancing over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. Sakura froze in her tracks and he continued to leave, exiting down the hallway.

Tsunade sighed heavily and simply observed her mess and Jiraiya could only feel discomfited, making an excuse to exit discreetly out the window.

Sakura clenched her fists again and before she left she directed her speech to her shishou, trying to keep her emotions at bay. They would only hinder her from this point on.

"Sasuke is my teammate too. You can not harbor me forever." Her eyes were wavered slightly as she walked down the hallway ignoring her master's tired frown. There was no room for argument. This was what she'd been training for…

Her parents' death, the loss of her home, and being suddenly thrust into a cold, dim future… When Sasuke had left the first time, the death of Haku and Zabuza, her first mission, and everything in between… Everything was preparing her for this moment. She had overcome her pain and she'd healed well. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but that didn't mean she was incapable of being there. She learned from her mistakes and grew from her losses.

She was just as strong as Naruto or Sasuke, if not stronger, and she would prove it. She had every right to be there. Team Seven just wouldn't be the same without her…

Right…?

"Why don't you trust me?"

Naruto paused in his steps on the narrow street and released a slow breath. He turned to face her obviously not willing to argue, but from the way she stood there, and the way she was looking at him. He was certainly in for it…

"It's not that I don't trust you, Sakura." She winced, feeling even weirder when he spoke to her without the affectionate honorific. He faced her again and there was something in his eyes. Something that unnerved her…

"Then what is it? Why can't I help you? I thought you said—" Naruto shook his head and turned away.

"I'm going alone."

"No, I'm going with you!" she retorted, approaching him.

"Sakura, stop it."

"I'm not a kid anymore, I can handle this!"

"Sakura," he warned again. She ignored him and grabbed his arm as he began to leave.

"No, listen to me! Sasuke-kun is—"

"Knock it off!"

"No! I care about him just as much as—"

"SHUT UP!!"

A sickening smack echoed through the air followed by a soft whimper. Naruto had barely managed to regain his vision when he realized what he'd done. He pulled his arm back and watched with revulsion as Sakura sat on the ground, holding her face with widened eyes. Through her tussled bangs he could see a small smear of blood on her knuckles.

That was exactly what he was trying to avoid…

He couldn't even grasp the situation. It all seemed so surreal to him. After years and years of vowing to protect her and now… this happens…

Sakura pulled herself up on shaky legs, but remained in control enough not to fall. She winced as she focused some chakra to heal herself, but she was shaking so bad she just couldn't hold it long enough. She pulled her hand away revealing a sharp bruise on her cheek bone, just below her eye. There were still traces of blood on her fingers, but she lowered her hand and wiped it on her blouse, not caring if it left a stain.

"S-Sakura… I'm…" Naruto's heart twisted as guilt filled his belly. She sniffled and again his heart ripped in two.

"I said… I'm going with you… We'll do it together… Like you said…" She looked him in the eyes, ignoring the tears that blurred her vision. "Like you promised…" Naruto turned away, unable to look at her.

"But… So many things could happen…" He shut his eyes and fisted his hands. "Sakura, I… I just can't risk losing you! I just…" Naruto paused, his words and thoughts trailing when he felt her hands on his back as she leaned against him, her forehead resting between his shoulder blades.

"Nothing will happen to me…"

"…How can you be so sure…?" She smiled.

"Because… I know you won't let anything happen to me…"

Naruto opened his eyes and stared ahead. It was painfully obvious that he couldn't keep her from doing what she wished. He never could. He turned around as she pulled away and he gazed at her. Even with so much at stake, even when both his mind and his heart were telling him otherwise, he knew it really wasn't up to him. This was Sakura's life. Not his…

"Sakura…"

"It's Sakura-chan to you…" she retorted, flicking his nose. Naruto could only frown. And after he'd just struck her… "We'll leave in the morning," she said, stepping around him. She wobbled slightly and he began to worry just how hard he'd hit her. He was sure it wasn't that hard. After all, she was still conscious…

"Sakura-chan?" She paused and turned to him, trying to ignore the stinging in her face. "I'm… sorry… for hurting you…" he said miserably, but Sakura reacted much differently than he'd expected…

"Don't worry about it," she said smiling softly. "Besides…" Naruto eyed her wearily. "You hit like a girl…"

Okay… He wasn't sure how to react to that so he merely nodded, accepting the insult. Or it might have been a compliment. After all, Sakura and Tsunade were fine examples of women who didn't fit the stereotypical "can't punch like a male" persona, so… He shrugged it off and decided to leave it alone. From Sakura's tone it was meant to be an insult anyways…

"I'll leave the door open since you'll probably be back late, and if you're hungry just make yourself ramen or something…" She left soon after, though Naruto had trouble letting it go. He still felt as though it was left unfinished and it bothered him. He did realize, however, that he needed to have a clear mind for his… or their mission in the morning and he would have to simply ignore his problems for the time being. It went against everything he stood for but he had little choice in the matter.

Just like everything else in his life…

TBC...