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BH01: Hey, what up people?! Sorry for the late update, 'been too busy lately (-_-)'

Duchess: Yeah, me too. Pardon me. My family is currently going through a crisis, I'm still hoping everything would turn out well. But I miss being here! *.* It really amazes me how you guys find our story even though we didn't update that much, thank you for making me 'YEY!' whenever I check our emails. :3 (hooray! 940+ views for this story! *confetti*)

Sakura : These two mortals doesn't own Naruto. If they did, it will be an another deluge.

Duchess : Why are you so mean Sakura-chan? *innocent eyes*

Sakura : Well duh, you made me to be. *rolls eyes*

BH01 : But we're girls. I thought we made you cold to guys? Anyways, here's the additional chapter. *whispering to Duchess as to why Sakura suddenly appeared in this chap*

Sakura : Whatever! anyways, read this so-called story of theirs. Tch. *to herself* And don't be afraid to comment how they suck. *sinister laugh*

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Chapter 4

-o-o-Peitharchia: Spirit of Obedience-o-o-

Recap:

Sakura's hand automatically reached for the boy's collar to him towards her."Consider yourself a dead man Uchiha." she darkly answered, which -to her frustration- only widened up his smirk. She was about to launch her deadly punch on him,which could make big men cower in fear and run away from her, when a calm, stern voice got their attention.

"That's enough, Hunter..."

...

Sasuke saw Sakura's eyes widen unconsciously before she could look down to hide her reaction from him. When he turned to his side he saw Naruto's expression as well. To say that Naruto was surprised was an understatement. His eyes almost bulged out of its sockets and his jaw hanging enough to catch flies as he stared at the person who just arrived. Sasuke was about to ask a sensible question as to why they were acting weirdly all of a sudden, but the words that came out from his mouth came out differently.

"Shouldn't it be Huntress?"

Sakura's eye twitch involuntarily in annoyance. "Shut up, Uchiha." she hissed under her breath, her eyes narrowing almost into slits.

Naruto chose that moment to interrupt. He gulped slowly and chuckled nervously before talking. "H-Hi there C-Captain! How was your trip? Did you bring something for the team? I hope you have ramen-" he babbled on but he was cut-off by the look of the said guy.

Out of curiosity, Sasuke turned his head enough to see the newcomer. The guy looked a bit older than the three of them, probably a year or two. He had long brown hair that reaches his back and was tied at the bottom part. He has a straight nose and thin lips that seem to be set in a stern line for ages. But what made his looks unique was his pair of lavender eyes that was almost pale enough to be considered white. Sasuke's first thought was that the young man was blind, but he dismissed that thought as quickly as it entered his mind when the said guy looked at him. There were only few people that could intimidate Sasuke and he was thinking that this guy may be part of that very short list. Of course, he didn't let it show on his face despite the fact that the guy's stare was creeping him out. It's like what he heard Naruto said earlier. It's hard to lie when those eyes are on you. It was like it could see through people's real intentions or whatever. Although, he seemed somewhat familiar to him, like he's seen him from somewhere before.

With a sigh, the guy spoke in that calm voice again. "I'm fine Naruto, stop giving me that look," the guy was pertaining to the hurt, sad puppy eyes, Naruto was casting on his Captain's glare, "I did bring something for the team but I'll give it to you guys tomorrow. And no, it's not ramen." the guy clarified, making Naruto's grin turn into a pout.

"How could it not be ramen? It's delicious and awesome and nutritious..." Naruto mumbled under his breath forgetting the tension surrounding them until their Captain spoke again.

"Sakura, I think it's better if you let go of Uchiha-san now." he said, in what Sasuke could describe as an order. He didn't even notice that the guy knew his name.

The onyx-eyed boy would not have believe it himself if he didn't witness it. The first encounter that he had with Sakura was enough to give him a clue that she was a man-hater. But surprisingly, the girl obliged the guy's instruction and let go of him. Even if she did it rather unceremoniously, the pinkette actually followed someone's order from a male of all people.

Sakura on the other hand, noticed that her Captain knows the Uchiha. "You know this low-life senpai?" she pointed casually at the guy.

"What did I tell you about giving out names to people?"

"I'm not naming him. I'm describing him." she answered nonchalantly.

"Well that low-life you're pertaining to, happens to be in a prominent clan known not only in Japan but also in some parts of the world." her senpai explained.

She gave her Captain a so-what-if-he-is look. For his despicable manner, I believe. She snapped mentally, looking undemonstrative on the Uchiha- who on the other hand is currently wearing the same look of indifference. Probably for calling him the 'low-level' again... or he just normally have that face. "Whatever." she mumbled.

"Right..." Naruto decided to butt in again. "Now that we know that, how did you meet him again Captain?" he asked while pointing his thumb at the raven-haired boy.

The Captain decided not to answer the question then turned to the Sasuke. "Sorry for being rude, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Hyuuga Neji, the Headhunter."

Sasuke simply frowned at this. "And so?" His voice sounded uncaring and almost finding it weird that the guy is telling him this information. It's not like he knows the guy or something. Or does he?

"Hey! Show some respect teme! He's older than you and he's our senpai!" Naruto hollered in his loud voice.

Neji seemed to be unaffected at Sasuke's question, his lips slightly curving up into a smirk. "I didn't know an Uchiha could be so forgetful. Especially to their future business partner."

Business partner?, Sasuke thought inwardly, trying with all his might to remember where he'd seen this Hyuuga guy. Wait, did he say Hyuuga? "You're Neji Hyuuga, nephew of Hiashi Hyuuga of Hyuuga Enterpise."

"Yes. I am." Neji replied in confirmation. "'Didn't know it would take too long for you to recognize me."

"I actually don't recognize you that much." Sasuke muttered, honestly. "I only remembered your last name. But you look familiar. Have we actually met before?"

Neji made a noise that almost sounded like a chuckle, surprising both Sakura and Naruto. Their captain rarely chuckle or laugh for that matter. "I've seen you a lot of times during social gatherings. But I only caught glimpses since your always... surrounded." Neji said the last word meaningfully, which Sasuke easily caught on. He'd barely see anyone when he's in a party with all those annoying girls- obviously the daughters of those social climbing and unimportant businessmen who practically dreamed of becoming a part of the Uchiha clan- blocking his sight. He always ended up, sitting by the table waiting for something to happen to distract those females before making his escape. After that, he'll surprise his parents and his brother that he was already at home.

Sasuke's scowl deepened at the memory. "Don't remind me."

"Oh, but it's hard to forget watching you take off. I've never known anyone who could sneak or run that fast, without others noticing you." Neji smirked again, amused. "You should teach me sometime" he joked, which was another surprise for his team members. Neji was always serious and barely even jokes since he always takes things seriously. Most of all, they were not aware that their Captain had actually known the existence of his own fan girls, since he blatantly ignores them the whole time.

Sasuke decided that even though this guy was too perceptive, he knew somehow they would get along. He gave out a smirk of his own. "Gladly. Nice meeting you, Hyuuga-senpai." he held out his hand towards the brunette.

"Same to you, Uchiha Sasuke-san." Neji took Sasuke's hand and shook it. "Welcome to Konoha High. I hope you enjoy it here."

"I'm kind of partial on that matter." the raven-haired boy said eyeing the pinkette who was still boring holes on his head.

"I do apologize for Sakura's behavior, you'll get use to it in time since I'm guessing you two are on the same class. Am I right?" he asked no one in particular but both Naruto and Sasuke nodded their heads simultaneously.

"Don't apologize senpai. I don't intend to do that myself, he's not worthy of it." Sakura scowled, her hands still itching to strangle the guy who was giving her an amused look. Why is he even amused when he should be running for his life and crying pathetically like all the other weaklings, some people liked calling men, after she threatened to send him to Hades?

"Sakura." Neji said warningly.

Sakura merely raised an eyebrow, "School's over senpai. According to the deal, you're no longer entitled to give me an order that I would undoubtedly follow. Although, apologizing to a non-member of the group is not included on the deal. Plus, this matter does not concern the Hunters."

"She's technically right Captain." Naruto concluded, scratching the back of his head.

Neji simply sighed in defeat. "I rest my case."

Sakura smirked smugly. "Good. I'll be going home then. See you tomorrow, Captain." she waved once and walked away.

"Wait for me Sakura-chan!" Naruto, who lives near her house and usually accompanies the girl home, ran after the pinkette, who didn't bother to wait for the blonde, or even glance back at them.

The next day...

"Why here?" Sakura demanded raising an eyebrow, while quickly scanning the whole area which looks like a summer vacation cabin where they have their meetings. But it was just one of the places in their training grounds where they stay for group meetings. On the outside it would look like a simple cabin that were made of logs and other sort of lumber, yet when you get inside, it was designed a bit differently. It was cozy-looking with a fireplace by the end of the room from across the door, there was a large round mahogany table in the middle with about twelve chairs made of cherry wood surrounding it. On the side there was a huge red sofa bed near the fireplace with a side-table on its left side, made for those who simply wants to take a break. By the left side of the wall, there was a dart board and an announcement board next to it- with notes and some reminders pinned to it- and by the right side, there was a drawing table and on top of it, a few sketches of bows and arrows pinned to a large cork board.

As usual, they don't enter this room without the whole members - well at least, the 5 elite members : Silver Aimers. But this time could be different.

"We go here every time we talk about something, have you forgotten that?" Naruto stated.

"Yeah, right." she wheezed loudly and rolled her eyes. "I'm completely aware of that Naruto. That's not what I'm asking. This place is assigned only to the club members, and I don't remember that bozo ▬ " pointing to Sasuke. "...being in our team or this club for that matter."

"Don't think that I like it too, Weirdo." he retorted and earned dagger looks from her, still wondering why he even went here after receiving an invitation from Neji to come over to their club room, when he could simply refuse it in the first place.

"Instead of minding that, why don't we go ahead and discuss what you have done? " asked the Team Captain, and all turned quiet, their gazes shifting from Sakura and Neji.

"Are you going to ask the same question as the Principal's?" she said bitterly, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Hey Captain, we're still not completed!" Naruto interrupted. "Sai's not here..." his voice trailed off as he saw their reaction from his statement. "...yet."

Shikamaru sighed. "You didn't inform him, did you?"

"Of course I did!" Naruto said defensively.

"As if you didn't know him. He has his reason for his acts." Sakura warding off.

"Yeah, but I really did told him to come!"

"Drop it, already." Neji calmly stated, shutting everyone up. "Sai had to run some errands, he already informed me this morning."

"Oh, okay." Naruto grinned, sweatdropping "You can continue."

Sakura wore a grim expression as she started. "Fine. First, he lost his bag. Second, he found it sticking up on the school building's clock. When I got back to class, he confronted me and started accusing me for doing it. Lastly, the teacher found us and sent us to the principal's office."

"Wait, why did he blame you for that bag thing?" Kiba asked raising a hand in question.

"It was my fault." Naruto nervously chuckled. "I was the one who checked the arrow, and I mistook it for Sakura-chan's."

"Someone was trying to blackmail her." Shikamaru explained nonchalantly, a bored expression plastered on his face as usual.

"By whom?"

"If I know, I wouldn't have this problem." Sakura remarked and made an abrupt look at Sasuke. "What if..." she said, holding the attention of everyone including Neji's piercing eyes. It can't be... she thought, dismissing the idea that suddenly came on her mind. That's silly. "Nevermind."

"We had an agreement that she'll find the culprit." Sasuke stated out of the blue, and others look at him skeptically. Sakura is one of the people hard to talk with especially when it concerns helping or cooperating with a guy. Even though it's her problem too, Sakura liked to do things on her own.

Before they could say something, Sakura immediately explained, "It was for myself, okay? I can't stand being accused for something I didn't do." her hands rolled into a fist after her head dropped down, strands of hair beclouding her face. "I felt I'm being used and I hate it." Lightning appeared at the sky and thunder rolled, gone as quickly as it came.

The room suddenly became gloomy, instead of being scary because of her anger. For some reason, they felt pain or hurt on what she said. Find it weird and odd but they were tongue-tied as they felt the weight of her words or is there? Respect kept them from digging on what she could have been meant and leave it at just that.

"A-Anyways... Know what? The arrow really looked like Sakura-chan's. It was her idea to check if it has a mark on it." Naruto said matter-of-factly, breaking the silence.

"You sure you locked your workshop?" It was Shino, the one wearing turtleneck that's covering half of his face asked, sitting on one end of the table. He is referring to the place where they make and store their equipment: Quivers, bows, arrows, etc. for their training and practice.

"You're seriously thinking that someone might snatch it from there and bothered copying Sakura's arrows just for this kind of prank?" He said and Sasuke just raised an eyebrow at the sight of his unwavering face, confident smile and crossed arms. Like it was the surest thing to say.

"I'm just stating a possibility." commented Shino plainly.

"I don't think so." Kiba backing up Naruto, while caressing his pet dog, Akamaru, resting on his lap. "No one except us can go through there, and he changes his passwords to his 'place' every once in a while." others nodded in agreement.

"He's right." The Captain settled. "I think its planned way ahead of time, and its just a coincidence that Sasuke here was involved... or are you suggesting that someone from the team helped Sakura?" and all their faces say 'NO!'. It will mean an unimaginable punishment if ever they did something like that. Which, they can't afford. Sakura, on the other hand is still - unexpectedly- silent.

"Hey guys, what did I miss?" As if on cue, a random guy wearing their school's uniform asked as he entered the room with a sweet smile. He's just about tall, like most of the guys in the room; but his skin was so pale that you would have thought he's anemic. Maybe he is. The guy was actually good-looking. He had charcoal black eyes, paired with a short dark hair, straight nose and lips that seemed to be set to always smile. Sasuke strangely felt that he somewhat resembles the guy, save for the complexion and the expression plastered on his face.

He approached the only girl in the room and ruffled her hair, which made her look up. It looks like her mind is absent, and didn't notice his arrival. "Hi, Lil' Artemis..." then he sat to an empty chair next to her after he received a weak smile from her, which earned a quirk of a single eyebrow from the newcomer.

"Oi, Sai! Where have you been?" It was Naruto who queried, and the attention was shifted to him.

Sai? Hmmm...Didn't I hear that name before? Sasuke asked mentally, who just got intrigued with the newcomer and that Sakura isn't bothered that the guy touched her. A guy, can you believe it? He knows she's friends with Naruto and the other team members but he never see them make 'physical' contact to her unless it was necessary. This guy must have gain her trust for whatever reason. His memory came to light as he noticed that Sai is carrying a relatively large sketch pad. The one designing equipments. He thought.

"Tsunade-sama wanted to discuss the upcoming event for the next month and she was just asking for some ideas about the theme of the program." Sai explained casually, glancing at his side, and finally noticing Sakura's grim expression. He blinked, tilting his head to the side, and turned to the others. "Hey, did someone insulted the 12 Olympian Gods again or is it that time of the month?" he asked the rest of his co-members, who even though used to Sai's vulgar comments, feared for the artist's life since it seemed that the girl in mention wasn't in the mood.

To their utter surprise, the pinkette giggled at the off-handed question of her seatmate. She playfully punched the guy's arm and he didn't even flinch. With a short, "Shut up, Apollo." Sakura stood up, a determined look on her face set, before speaking.

"Alright, if anyone did this prank, raise your hand. I'll give him my forgiveness if he admitted his fault and confess to the principal, if not then I'll make sure that the rest of your year would be spent in Tartarus together with Kronos." she said in a fierce tone that made every guy save for Sasuke, Shikamaru and Neji, to cringed and gulped nervously at her unnerving announcement. By that time, every member knew what she meant but only one occupant, seemed clueless.

"What the hell is up with you? Are you threatening them or are you giving them a Literature lesson?" a totally puzzled Uchiha, couldn't help asking. Sakura did her best to leave his question unanswered as she stared at her teammates one by one, unfazed. After a minute of tense silence and no hand being raised, Sakura let out a breath of relief before grinning.

"Okay, good. At least we know that I won't kill anyone today!" she cheerfully said.

"I think you mean that, it's a good thing that no one is a traitor in our group." Shikamaru tried to correct her.

"Oh, yeah, that too." Sakura nodded, as if she just remembered.

"Sakura-chan, why do you always have to be so violent?" Naruto sweat dropped at her reply, so did some of the members.

"Alright then, I guess we can cross off team members on the suspect list. Who guys do you think will be-"

Sasuke spoke cutting-off Sakura's words. "Wait a second."

"What now?" Sakura unwillingly grumbled, displeased that he so rudely interrupted on her litany.

"You're just simply letting them off without an investigation just because no one raised their hand after that so-called threat?" Sasuke asked almost sounding incredibly perplexed. Just what in the world is wrong with this girl?

"I trust them. And every one of them knows how serious I am when I give my word." Sakura said, every word stated heavy with emotion.

"Yeah. All of us knows Sakura-chan! And we won't do anything that would get her in trouble..." Naruto said with conviction. "Well, unless it's an accident and we really didn't mean it." he added, grinning sheepishly when Sakura raised an eyebrow at him as if stating that they already did.

"Anyway, moving forward, that's not the only reason why we're having this meeting." Neji stated, which caught everyone's interest as they all gazed upon their Captain, including the young Uchiha. "It's about one of our rules." he said plaintive, and their interest was suddenly replaced with seriousness and exchanging meaningful looks among the members. And for the second time, Sasuke was astounded. He didn't risk asking a question as to what the hell is happening, but instead he examined the Hunters' reactions before Neji continued. "Being sent to detention or merely causing trouble - "

"I'm sorry senpai, but I don't think we should be jumping into conclusions yet - until Sakura is proven guilty." Kiba gambled interrupting the Headhunter, supporting the girl in the room.

"She still committed an act of violence. I'm afraid this matter should not be overlooked." asserted Shikamaru.

And before something start out of this, Neji raised a dismissive hand which is enough for them to fall silent. "I propose that we make a vote as to what kind of punishment we should set on our violator." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, except Sakura and Sasuke. "Sakura, could you please leave the room for a moment and wait outside with Uchiha-san?"

"Of course senpai." Sakura nodded stiffly, beckoning the Uchiha to come with her, with a quiet "Come on, Uchiha."

Sasuke frowned lightly, but followed the pinkette nonetheless.

...

"What are they doing inside?" Sasuke broke the silence, after five minutes of waiting outside by the porch. Both him and the girl were leaning by the railings waiting for the meeting to be over.

"How should I know?" she asked back lazily.

Sasuke sighed, glancing at the girl, almost seven feet away from him. She was staring into space, her eyes half-lidded, pink strands of hair caught up with the gentle breeze and chest heaving slowly as if savoring the air around them. He contemplated on how she looked pretty when she's relaxed and not pissed. But of course, he would never voice out a compliment to a girl, specially to someone who practically would love to punch the living daylights out of him.

"Take a picture. It would last." her nonchalant voice brought him back to reality.

He looked away, slightly embarrassed at being caught ogling at the pinkette. "Hn."

"I wonder why Captain invited you over. He never did this before." Sakura mumbled almost to herself. She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "Are you an archer?"

"No." was his automatic reply. He did make a small exhibition during a business event, but only because it was requested by his mother. He and his brother used to play archery when he was little. He did enjoy the sport but he didn't take it seriously so he doesn't consider himself an archer. His brother did join an archery club back in high school but Sasuke wasn't inclined on asking about this.

"Okay, just making sure." she muttered, unintentionally looking back at the door behind them only to witness its opening; revealing the Captain himself. She cleared her throat before saying, "Senpai..." which made Sasuke turn around too to face him.

"We have made our decision." Neji started saying, not removing his intense look at Sakura's own eyes. His next statement set her face to crumple, frown in confusion and threw a wary look at the Uchiha. Which, was half-ignored.

"What do you mean that the three of us need to talk, Captain? What's he got to do with this?" trying her best to keep the volume of her voice as low as possible, as she still needs to respect him. She just don't understand why he have to hear her verdict, when its his fault anyway why she's being adjudicated for something... Ugh, there's must be a good reason for this. she growled inwardly.

Still not saying a word, despite of Sakura's clear protests towards him; Sasuke just held himself back with his usual icy composure. At least, until he heard the Captain's explanation. He wants him to stay, so let it be.

"Listen, the principal wanted you to leave the club. So I asked her if we can lighten your punishment. She decided to suspend you, that you're banned to our training grounds."

"What?!" It was all she could say. "Why are we doing votes then, if this has all been settled?"

"Wait," Sasuke decided to interrupt. "You're talking as if you knew this would happen."

"Kind of. I knew her teammates would not agree so I disapproved beforehand with Tsunade-sama yesterday." He explained but they both know there's still something. Its just by the way he looks, like he is just waiting if they are ready to hear his next announcement. "The principal wanted a 4-month suspension," he made a look when Sakura gasp and was about to say something but controlled herself after the said look was casted on her. "But she agreed to my recommendation."

"And what is it?" She has to know. If this is the only way to lessen that days or months of suspension, she has to know.

"And more importantly, why am I involved in this?" Sasuke asked his own question, quite annoyed that no one had bothered to explain why he was there in the first place.

Neji was silent for a minute, which built a choking tension between them. What he said next, made it worse.

"You Haruno Sakura will be training Uchiha Sasuke as a substitute member of the Silver Hunters."

BH01: Oh my, my, my...I wonder why they'd consider that a punishment for Sakura-chan? Hmm... and what would be their reactions? =3

Duchess : The kind that you don't wanna miss, right? heehee.. Anyways, til the next chap, guys! ^_^ Thanks for your support ! =p

Sakura : You're punishing me, right? *glares at the two*

BH01: O-Oh yeah, and by the way, Let's greet Duchie a Happy Birthday on the 30th ^_^

Love you, girl! Otanjoubi Omedetou! ;P

*extra notes*

We used a spirit for the Chapter title instead of a god or goddess here. So, hope that doesn't bother anyone (at least not in a major way). Next Chapter, we could give out clues as to which character or what event to look out for that will be in here, depends on you. Just let us know. :))