I'm ashamed that it took me so long to update this.
I can't even blame writer's block. This chapter has been nearly completed for quite some time.
I just never had time to fine-tune it.
I'm very sorry.
But enough of my excuses, on to the reviews!
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les-liaisons-dangereuses: I hope the reunion is up to par. I'm a little displeased with it myself, but I think it is fairly passable. Sakura's reaction in the next chapter, I think, will make up for her docility in this one.
crazyevilgirl: I love your enthusiasm! Thanks, I always wanted a servant to call my own.
Corruption Inc.: Yup, can't keep a good blonde down. Ino rocks.
Corrupt Blossom: Oh, you'll find you in the next chapter how they'll react to Neji and Shika. Team seven will not be pleased.
redbloodgoddess: Sorry the update was so late in coming, sincerely hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
Orihime Girl: With so many supporters, I think I will include Shika and Neji in the pairing. Those two just seem to belong to the cherry blossom.
BlueMi715: I'm glad you think so! I try my best to turn out decent chapters so it's nice to see my efforts are not in vain.
G A B S Lubs H I M: I hate real life too, it's so freaking complicated. Never fear, Sakura will sock it to them…in the next chapter.
furryhatlover2543: Hah, I'm glad someone caught that. I thought it would make a funny transition. Sorry the reunion doesn't get much coverage in this chapter, it will be more in-depth in the next one.
LittleFoxDemon: At first, our poor cherry blossom will be much too surprised to think. However, once the shock is over, the boys will never know what hit them.
cherryblossom279: Sorry for the really late update. In my defense, life is a cruel mistress.
pinky101: Deliriously happy you think so! As for the quick update…well…umm…I'll try harder next time.
lullabycharmer: Heads are definitely going to roll…in the next chapter. This chapter was mainly dedicated to just getting them there.
iSakuraHaruno: Here is the next chapter! The team seven males will be surprised, and extremely mad, when they see her again.
Azianhikari: I'm glad you find my fic interesting! I have several plots and twists in the works, so keep reading!
Coeur Casse: The boys finally arrive! The drama though, won't really start until the next chapter.
Goatis: Sakura's new wardrobe will rock. The boys, however, won't think too highly of it.
DarkAngelRakell: They will meet in this chapter, but nothing will really happen until the next one.
gemmaa: The reunion is a little cut and dry in this update, but it will get more interesting later on.
Gothic Saku-chan: Yup, everyone's favorite fox demon has returned. Ino will live, Sakura will be very forgiving once she sees her new wardrobe.
sakurastears: They will meet in this chapter, but their interaction will be pretty short. All the anger, betrayal, and regret will appear in the next update.
harunosakua: Kenji is an oc of mine, he's the daimyo's son who appeared in one this fic's earlier chapters -I'm not sure which one-. Heck yeah! Sakura can be downright terrifying when she puts her mind to it.
Shintenshin no Jutsu: Vote duly noted. The normally cheery blonde can be just as -if not more- possessive as the rest of them.
yukibozu: The boys will witness the blossom with her two new boys in the next chapter. It will not be pretty.
FakeCompassion: Gaara, who I rather neglected in the last chapter, starts off this one. So rest assured that the adorable sand shinobi is a strong contender for Sakura's heart. I great to have another ShikaSaku convert! The grumpy, pineapple-head deserves to be loved!
FujinAsuka: Thanks for the compliment! As for the quick update…it's a little late.
sarcastic melody: Muwahaha! Yes, I am evil. While the team does meet up again in this chapter, I don't consider it the real reunion. That will not happen until the next chapter.
Addi-Cheeze and Bobby-Toast: Here, at long last, is the next update! Hope you enjoy it.
quivering quill: Your suggestion was taken to heart. I included the thoughts of all the team seven males in this chapter. I liked the idea so much, that I think I'll try to include the thoughts of all Sakura's admirers in future chapters -as long as it fit's the situation of course-.
moons requim: Thanks! I did read your story, pretty interesting. I'm pretty sure I left a review, but if I didn't please tell me and I'll quickly rectify my mistake.
Vesper chan: If you liked Naruto's little scene, you'll love the scenes of team seven in this chapter. Not much in the way of drama from Sakura towards the boys in this update, but there will be in the next one.
BlackBelt: Too true! Maybe they wouldn't have been so quick to leave her behind if they knew how many hot males were dying to take their place. No, Neji and Shika -as well as a few others- will not be pleased at the reappearance of team seven. I too love those kinds of stories and men; something about a jealous male is just so irresistible. Here's the update!
iFo0l: Don't worry about me turning Sakura into a mary sue, I have too big a grudge against perfect people to do so. I'm glad you like the civilian war part of my fic, it -as well as Lord Kenji- will play a large role in the future. Extremely happy that you think my plot original and interesting, I struggled very hard to come up with it.
Icecream Skittles Addict: Pairings are still not set in stone, but I can tell you that it will be a multiSakura pairing.
otakualways: I heard your cries for an update, so here it is! Hope you'll continue reading.
Miss Artemis: After reading your review, I realized that I was kind of neglecting Kakashi and the other boys. So, wanting to set things right, I included his possessive thoughts in this chapter. The reunion is this update is a little bland, but consider it more like a preview of things to come; the real drama will take place in the coming chapter. Just between you and me -drops voice to a stage whisper- the reappearance of at least one Akatsuki member, I'm not telling who, is in the works; that, however, won't be happening until quite some time in the future.
dumbducky16186: Glad you find my fic awesome!
B'Atrix: Why thank you! -voice muffled due to the towering mound of teddy bears in my arms- I hope you find this update enjoyable.
kiene: Never fear, NejiSaku moments will increase in the future. Glad you liked the boys' reaction! It is all their fault, the insensitive jerks.
sakura5558: Thanks for the review! Don't worry, I will continue this fic.
Staring.Into.My.Empty.Eyes.: Thrilled you think so!
RavenStrike: Ecstatic that you enjoy my story! Sorry the update is so late in coming.
Moeru13: Overjoyed that you like my fic! I love your "troublesome" quip, very Shika.
Cerma-chan: Love your review! It's truly the mark of a good author when you can drive readers to respiratory arrest. LOL
mak0-ch1: I'm always extremely content when I can satisfy my readers. A good review just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside -cheesy and sad, I know-. I'm glad you enjoy the quotes, I dedicate quite some time to finding them.
QuicksilverWitch: Thanks! You're right, there's just something so magnetic about fics with a Sakura-obsessed team seven. So possessive… -clears throat self-consciously- Well anyhoo, there's no need to dream any longer, the next update is finally here!
Akiyuki-no-ai: Glad you love it!
-ShadowBabe-: Well -drops voice to a sinister whisper- I'm not human. LOL Just kidding, thanks for the awesome compliment.
divine lies x3: The love is much appreciated! Yup, possessive males are just so irresistible. Gotta love them.
VeRnAgUaY: Thrilled you think so! Sorry for the late update.
Loragi: I heard your pleas, so here's the next update!
Karin Ochibi-chan: Ecstatic that I could convince you to add my fic to your favorites! Don't expect much of a reaction from Sakura in this chapter; she'll be much too shocked. This next one, however, will show her in all her fury. Thanks for the cupcake; I'll have to get the recipe from you.
-Kairi no Yuki-: Extremely happy you love it!
sailorcherryblossom: Sorry I took so long updating. Here, at long last, is the next chapter!
FuriousDeragonmaji: Heh, they are a little possessive aren't they? Just wait until the other males enter the future, jealousy will abound.
silverymoonfire: The silliness will probably decrease a little in future chapters since my next couple of updates will be gearing towards more serious themes, but funny moments will pop up sporadically to lighten the mood. Glad you like my fic! Since you asked so nicely, here's the next chapter!
Uchiha-hime: That's right! Konoha males had better beware! Team seven will get their due…just not in this chapter. The next update will have Sakura unleash her unholy rage against them; it's going to be awesome.
Hell's Worst Nightmare: Well I think you're awesome for reviewing! Don't worry, this story refuses to be abandoned.
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I realized that I had yet to write a disclaimer for this story.
So, to prevent anyone from suing penniless me, here it is:
Disclaimer: Naruto is not in any form or fashion the property of numberoneklutz. Even though she asks for ownership of this awesome masterpiece every Christmas, birthday, Valentine's Day, Arbor Day, etc…
There, I think that should do it.
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"Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it."
Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) English Clergyman, Author
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Kankuro cautiously peeked out his shop door. There wasn't a soul to be seen. So far so good.
He was not taking any chances. After successfully dodging Gaara's odd, and completely unsettling, affections all day he was not about to ruin his perfectly good track record through carelessness.
No way in hell.
He had survived so far, and he planed to continue to do so. His fear, surprisingly enough, wasn't due to threats of a grisly death. Gaara wasn't trying to kill him this time. No, not this time. The evil bastard had something much more terrifying in his arsenal…affection.
He loved his brother, sure, but they were freaking guys damnit! They weren't suppose to hug sporadically or reassure each other of their feelings! Especially not them.
The Great Gaara was known to the world as an emotionless, ridiculously powerful, and clearly not effeminate warrior. He, Kankuro, was widely acknowledged to be harsh, manipulative, and downright manly. So why were they, two clearly manly men, trading hugs like silly, love-struck schoolgirls?
He had no freaking clue.
And it was seriously freaking him out.
He briefly wondered if it was some new tactic of Gaara's to get him back for this morning. Nahh, even he's not that cruel.
There was no clear reason for his little brother's enthusiasm for PDA. None whatsoever. The only feasible cause the poor nerve-wracked puppet master could come up with was insanity. Maybe all that paperwork finally pushed him over the edge…reports have increased lately…hmmm.
No, that couldn't be. An insane Gaara was more prone to violence than affection; something else was to blame. Besides, the redheaded menace seem lucid…just…very, very happy.
Yes, ever since the morning's fiasco was resolved, the normally emotionally constipated male had been in a disturbingly good mood. The man was practically breaking out in show tunes every five minutes for goodness sakes! Well…maybe he hadn't quite reached that extreme, but he wasn't far from it.
Needless to say, it had him scared shitless.
For his little brother to be so overwhelmingly happy someone, namely him, had -or was going to- experience extreme pain, insurmountable paperwork, or -his personal favorite- soul scarring humiliation.
That's why he was slinking around the hallways like an actor in a bad spy movie. There was too much at stake, he couldn't afford to be caught. Fervently hoping against hope that the old saying 'out of sight out of mind' would apply to him, he trudged on.
Just a few more feet. Only a bit longer and he would be safely outdoors. Safely in the arms of Mother Nature, who so kindly offered many escape routes.
Maybe its time I took a vacation he mused. This would be the perfect opportunity. So what if he was retreating like a coward? This was Gaara! Any sane person would retreat!
The dark, heavy, double front doors finally met his frantically seeking orbs. He was sooo close. Just a little more and he would be able to push open the doors of this madhouse. Sweet freedom here I come!
Finally! Kankuro eagerly reached out a trembling arm. I can't believe I made it! An ear-splitting grin appeared on his face. My luck is never this good! Maybe fortune hadn't completely turned its back on him. Maybe he wasn't cursed to always, always have bad things happen to him. Maybe…
Any future thoughts were cut short as a wall of sand suddenly shot up front of him, roughly knocking him away from the door…away from his portal to safety.
He remained slumped where he landed on the cool floor, unwilling to face his demented warden. I wonder if he'll go away if I ignore him. It was worth a try…it wasn't as if he was teeming in options…
Three minutes passed and the plan, if the intense glare currently boring through his back was any indication, was proving to be a complete failure. Well that didn't work.
Thickly swallowing the heavy lump that had mysteriously appeared in his throat -coincidently around Gaara's appearance- he warily raised his head towards his brother. His jovially smiling brother. Dear sweet kami, what did I do to deserve this?
"Hello big brother," he sang -yes ladies and gentlemen you heard right, sang-. Meeting the redhead's eyes fearfully, Kankuro replied hesitantly with an awkward, "Hello?"
Not seeming to notice, or care about, his older brother's terror, Gaara casually continued. "I've been looking for you all afternoon," his lips twisted into a teasing smirk. "Have you been hiding from me?"
Kankuro couldn't help the nervous twitch, product of his paranoia, at the disturbingly accurate guess. He can't read minds…can he? For his sake, he fervently hoped not. His thoughts of the redhead were just a tad bit unfriendly at times. It's okay, he firmly reassured himself, he doesn't suspect the truth. I just have to play it cool. This task was much easier said than done. Here goes nothing…
The terrified sand nin inhaled a deep breath, in a valiant effort to steady his wavering voice, and rushed to deny the -absolutely true- accusation. "No!" he inwardly smacked himself at the blatant desperation lacing his words. So much for playing it cool. After slightly calming his frantically racing mind, he continued in a calmer -more believable- tone."No, of course not! Where would you get a crazy idea like that?" There, that was much better.
"From the staff. They heard you muttering something about psychotic, homicidal brothers; I assumed you were speaking of me."
Stupid, gossiping, miserable little…"I would never speak of you like that!" he cried in a completely shocked and offended tone. "I hold you in the highest regard, you know that." Kankuro couldn't believe the bull spilling from his lips. "It was Temari I was talking about; you know how freakishly strong and manly she is." Sorry sis, but this is a life and death situation.
Looking completely unconvinced by the pathetic explanation, the Kazekage gave a noncommittal grunt and continued. "I just wanted to inform you that I will be leaving Suna for a few days."
Kankuro promptly threw an inner fiesta. Whooooooohooooooooooo! No Gaara! No Gaara! It's my birthday! It's my birthday! The continued rumbling of the redhead's voice, however, soon alerted him to the fact that the Kazekage wasn't through yet.
"You are in charge while I'm gone." I could throw a house party to celebrate! Well…no one ever said he was paying attention. To him, planning a party was infinitely more interesting than listening to Gaara outline boring official duties.
"Oh and Kankuro, before you start celebrating," Crap, maybe he is a mind reader, "I want you to know that I expect all this months paperwork to be finished by the time I return." Flashing his brother a soul-chilling, sinister smirk, he drawled, "You won't like the consequences if you fail me."
With that, the redhead disappeared in a cyclone of sand…leaving behind a petrified puppet master.
That.
Was.
Fucking terrifying.
If Kankuro had been coherent enough to notice his surroundings, he would have realized that his pants had become a little damp.
Yes ladies and gentlemen, the almighty Gaara is that scary. He can effortlessly make even the most seasoned of warriors lose their ironclad bladder control.
Pretty freaking awesome.
The unfortunate Kankuro, however, did not share in the general populace's amazement.
After his terror had reached a tolerable level, the puppet master wasted no time plotting his revenge. I'll get you back for this Gaara. Just you wait. Question was, how exactly do you exact vengeance on a ridiculously powerful, relatively unemotional, absolutely terrifying demon container?
He -still on the floor- sat stumped for quite a while, unable to think up a suitable retaliation. The perfect plan, however, soon hit him like a herd of stampeding buffalo. Of course! Why hadn't he thought of it sooner? I got it! Gaara wouldn't know what hit him. He would soon learn never to mess with the awesome Kankuro.
He would be merciless.
His payback would be swift and absolute.
The absolute deviousness of his plan almost left him feeling a little sorry for his younger brother…almost.
His diabolical scheme filled him with such joy that he couldn't help but gleefully rub his two hands together. I can't wait! He thought while a sly grin spread across his face. Gaara's a goner once I tell Sakura!
Yup, Kankuro was a tattletale, a very crafty tattletale who happened to be under a certain medic nin's direct protection.
Poor Gaara.
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"So let me get this straight," Sakura growled through clenched teeth. "You," she pointed an accusing finger towards an abnormally meek Ino, "stole my wardrobe and then somehow convinced those two," the damning finger moved to the cowering forms of Hinata and Tenten, "to help you replace my 'fashion accidents'?"
The blonde kunoichi winced. Maybe I shouldn't have been so truthful…my explanation seems so much worse when said out loud.
"Not 'accidents'," she soothing assured the fuming blossom, "just 'oversights'. It's perfectly understandable, given your hectic work schedule, that you would lack the time necessary to put together a proper wardrobe. That's why we so kindly did it for you. You can't get angry at us for doing something so thoughtful, now can you?"
Seeing that teamwork was their only chance at survival, the dark haired Byakuugan user decided to add her support.
"S-S-She's right Sakura-chan," she hesitantly agreed. "W-We didn't mean to upset you. We were just trying to make your life a little easier." She purposely left out the part about being forced to give said aid, no need for the pink-haired kunoichi to become even angrier with Ino. The blonde had already paid for her transgression.
Seeing that anger was still radiating off the irate female, the quavering Hyuuga leveled her best apologetic gaze towards the blossom. "P-Please don't be mad."
Sakura inwardly fumed. How dare she be so cute and innocent looking! I have a right to stay angry damnit, and she's ruining it for me! Too bad the damage had already been done. Unconsciously, she had already started unclenching her fists. Her fury was rapidly dwindling, despite her best efforts to maintain it. Hinata was simply too adorable to stay mad at. Damn her.
Sensing the medic's weakening resolve, Tenten moved in for the kill.
Adopting her most timid, sickeningly sincere voice, the brunette further argued their case. "We even paid for everything ourselves." Actually, Tsunade and Shizune -once informed of Ino's plan- had covered all the expenses. Sakura, however, didn't need to know that. "We wanted to give you this as a gift for being such a good friend all these years. We can never repay you for everything you've done for us, but we thought this would be a nice start." Please buy it.
Sakura turned reluctant viridian orbs towards the towering mounds of shopping bags littering her living room floor. Well…I guess looking at them won't hurt.
"Fine," she replied brusquely," but I'll only forgive you if these outfits are at least halfway decent."
The frightened, disheveled, trio of shoppers flashed each other triumphant grins.
Raising self-assured sapphire eyes to the medic, Ino confidently responded. "Don't worry Sakura. I promise the clothes are more than acceptable."
In fact, the blonde thought while inwardly snickering they're sooo acceptable that you'll probably end up giving all the virile males in Konoha nosebleeds. She, however, would keep that little tidbit of information to herself. Sakura's expression when she discovered the effect her new wardrobe had on males was too precious to compromise. Even Shikamaru's anger was inconsequential in the face of the excellent entertainment this would provide in the future. In fact, Shika's jealousy would play a large role in the future drama she had every intention of having front row seats to.
While Ino was busy congratulating herself on solving her boredom problem, Hinata and Tenten were preoccupied berating themselves. Neji would not be happy when he saw the outfits. Well…he would be happy at first…until he realized that other males would also be seeing her. And, of course, the Hyuuga prodigy would blame them.
In two different minds, all traces of former teamwork vanished. As far as Tenten and Hinata were concerned, it was now every man -or woman in this case- for himself.
In both their minds, one thought echoed.
I'm blaming it all on Ino!
Funny how fear can make even the most steadfast of friends stab each other in the back.
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Sakura felt good.
She felt damn good.
The outfits had more than lived up to Ino's words. In fact, they were so amazing that Sakura even felt a little remorse for giving the blonde such a hard time.
If she'd known this would be the result…well, she would have been more understanding.
With a radiant smile, the roseate female lovingly examined the absolutely drop-dead gorgeous little ensemble she was wearing.
Yes she thought I would have been a lot more understanding.
Hell, who was she kidding? She would have thrown Ino a mother-flippin parade, complete with a marching band and giant floats. The clothes were that awesome.
HELL YEAH! I'm freaking sexy!
So what if she was gloating? The outfit rocked, and she rocked because she was wearing it. Maybe she was being a little vain, but right now she couldn't care less.
The medic had reason to be proud of her clothes…they were the most devout fashion slave's fantasy brought to life.
The deep emerald skirt that encircled her waist was tastefully cut at an oblique angle, causing the hem to ripple gracefully just shy of her knees. The shimmering sliver threads laced throughout it only enhanced the richness of the skirt's color.
A silky, sleeveless, silver top complimented the skirt; a breathtaking top that enhanced her already generous cleavage by cinching at her tiny waist and subtly pushing her breasts up. It exposed a decent amount of her well-endowed chest, enough to tantalize, but not enough to label her a tramp. From her waist, the top ruffled down halfway the skirt in a cascade of delicate lace, swishing playfully at her slightest movement; movement that drew attention to her shapely legs.
Adorning said legs was an elegant pair of black, high heeled, ribbon shinobi sandals.1 The laces gracefully wrapped up her calves, stopping just four inches short of her skirt's hem. Her favorite jade bracelet and necklace combo and a dangling pair of obsidian earrings topped of the entire thing, subtly tying together the whole outfit.
Heh.
Men didn't stand a chance.
The poor, unfortunate carriers of the y gene turned into mindless piles of mush upon viewing such a powerful display of feminine beauty. No matter their previous actions -be it eating, talking, walking, or training- they immediately turned their entire attention upon the breathtaking female as soon as she came into viewing range.
Forgotten food fell onto shirtfronts, amiable conversations instantly morphed into awestruck silence, formally attentive pedestrians found themselves walking into stationary objects -like lampposts-, and kunai slipped from the boneless grasp of mesmerized shinobi.
Among these shinobi were a couple of familiar faces. Familiar faces that were completely stunned at the blossom's appearance.
Sakura was very attractive, yes. Even on her worst days, she still managed to catch the eye of several, if not all, members of the male population. Hell, she even had her own fan club for crying out loud.
So yes, she was a very attractive woman who captured the attention of men on a day-to-day basis. Her former problem, however, did not lie in her looks; it lay in her dowdy daily wear.
Due to the fact that she spent about ninety percent of her time on duty at the hospital, and eight more doing paperwork for her shishou, she saw no point in fashionable clothes. She couldn't wear them in the operating room, so of what use were they?
This nonchalant take on dressing up gradually caused her once respectable wardrobe to become little more than an impressive collection of lounge clothes. No, lounge clothes was too generous a term, clothing even a hobo would reject was much more fitting.
Well…maybe it hadn't gotten quite that bad.
But it wasn't far from it.
Therefore, it's understandable that the males closest to her would be struck speechless from her transformation from a clueless, tomboyish fashion disaster, to a stylish, very put together woman. With the mind numbing revelation that, yes, Sakura was quite possibly the hottest woman they had ever seen, the male shinobi hurriedly left to cool their raging hormones with some training. They didn't trust themselves around the cherry blossom -who would kill them for any lecherous comment or action- in their current condition.
The civilian spectators, however, had no such reservations. Sakura -duty bound to protect the village's non-shinobi residents- wouldn't hurt them for being lecherouswell…she wouldn't do any permanent damage at least. So, with this comforting thought in mind, they swarmed the stunning cherry blossom.
It was in this circle of male adoration that her former team found her.
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Sasuke was furious.
No, furious was too light a term. He was fucking enraged.
How dare they fury raged through his veins in a scorching river. How dare they stare at her.
He felt his control slipping more and more every minute. His breathing deteriorated into a series of quick, ragged pants. An all-encompassing veil of red crept over his vision. Those fucking bastards.
Those males had no right, absolutely no fucking right to be looking at his blossom.
He dimly felt traces of blood trickling through his tightly clenched fists but, at the moment, he couldn't care less.
There she was, the owner of his heart, the object of his undivided affection, the one person he would do anything for, being ogled by a horny group of undeserving males.
That, in his opinion, was reason enough to kill them; or, at the very least, permanently maim them.
No one had the right to stare at his kunoichi except him -and, grudgingly, the rest of team seven-.
No one.
Those foolish men were going to regret ever laying eyes on team seven's treasured flower. That is…if they lived.
He had so few precious people left. He was not going to share a single one of them with anyone else, especially not Sakura. She was the sole ray of sunshine in his life, without her…he didn't even want to imagine his life without her.
With waves of killing intent intensely radiating off him, he shot towards the soon-to-be-dead males. Despite the urgency of the situation, however, he couldn't help the malicious smirk that tugged the corners of his lips at the thought of those assholes in pain.
They deserved nothing else.
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Who the hell did they think they were?
Sai's eyes narrowed dangerously at the sight.
Only we're allowed to leer at her.
So what if it was a ridiculous statement? It didn't make it any less true. Sakura belonged to them, and anyone who even slightly challenged their possession of their beloved blossom was in for a world of excruciating pain.
All would-be competition would receive nothing but a gruesome end, courtesy of them. Yes, all fools who even attempted to court or take away their kunoichi would be promptly dealt with, in the most agonizing way possible.
Those males would rue the day they ever set eyes on his flower. They would soon learn to never again gaze upon their angel with such a blatant lack of respect.
If he decided to be merciful and not gouge their eyes out. Though he mused that would make any repeat of this impossible…
A murderous glint shone in his obsidian eyes as he contemplated the numerous way of dispatching the lecherous idiots. Much to his annoyance, however, he couldn't settle on a method agonizingly painful enough.
Oh well a sinister shadow cast over his features improvising is just as satisfying
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Kakashi's teeth clenched so tightly that his jaw was violently trembling.
He, with a subconsciously activated sharingan, glared murderously at the testosterone driven males. They he thought viciously will be lucky to survive
He would make them pay. His cherished blossom was not some common tramp openly displaying her wares, so they had no business staring at her so intently.
In fact, they had no business even breathing within ten miles of her.
They should know that cherry blossom was taken, that she had been taken for several years now. It seems he thought darkly that Konoha has forgotten just who owns her.
This would not do, Sakura was the sole property of team seven…and it was high time they asserted their claim.
He had waited too long, fought too hard, yearned for her too much to just stand by and allow another male access to her.
She was his damnit! And any fucking bastard who challenged that deserved to die.
A fierce growl abruptly ripped from his throat.
That fucking-!
Unadulterated fury swept through his body in a brutal torrent, rendering further coherent thought impossible. In a flash, the infamous Copy-nin was racing furiously toward his beloved female, malice depicted on every feature.
That male would be the first to die.
Die a slow, agonizing death.
A fitting end for an asshole whose gaze had lingered on his kunoichi's chest.
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I.
His lips pulled back in an inhuman snarl.
Will.
Eyes, normally a cheery shade of blue, blazed an unholy crimson.
Tear.
Elongated canines gnashed violently against the afternoon air.
Them.
Towering flames of powerful red chakra danced around the snarling demon within.
APART.
An ear-shattering roar erupted from the enraged kitsune.
No one can have my cherry blossom.
Those bastards would die.
How dare they ruin this moment for him. How dare those fucking jackasses interfere in a team seven moment.
Here he was, at long last, finally home. Finally able to see his precious Sakura-chan.
This should be a happy occasion. He should be engulfing his blossom in a tight embrace right now, tenderly whispering his love and affection for her.
However, apparently, that was too much to ask for. They, instead of happily reuniting with their blossom upon their arrival, were subjected to this.
No way in hell was he going to stand for it.
I'm coming Sakura-chan. And when I get there, a feral light appeared in his eyes I'll make sure those assholes pay
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An extremely content Sakura was currently basking in the admiration of her male peers.
She wasn't vain, and she didn't possess an overwhelmingly large ego either, but she couldn't help feeling that such praise was her due. She worked hard didn't she? So where was the harm in enjoying a few compliments?
There was none as far as she could see.
With a warm smile, the flattered medic graciously accepted the many items eagerly offered by several blushing males. At the sight of the rose tinted cheeks, Sakura couldn't help the surge of feminine pride. So this is the treatment Ino was talking about.
For years, the blonde kunoichi had regaled the girls with tales of devoted hoards of love struck men. Though she had always tried her hardest to remain indifferent, Sakura could never stop the envy that always filled her at these times. As if Ino was not bad enough, the other girls would chime in, adding their own experiences with admirers.
The stories of the girls' suitors would always cause self-doubt in her. She'd frequently question why she didn't at least have one romantic moment to share with them. Was she truly that unlovable?
Her fragile self-esteem, still healing from the severe blows her former team had given it, would deteriorate just a little more after every such conversation. The girls didn't know. She, thanks to insensitive teammates, was much too good at hiding her feelings.
She loathed her weakness at those times. Why she'd always question am I so fucking sensitive.
When it came to her prowess as a kunoichi, there wasn't a shadow of doubt in her mind towards her competence. In that one aspect, she was proud to say, her old teams' remarks had failed to permanently scar her. She knew her worth as a shinobi. Her strength and chakra control had few equals, her medical skills were second only to her mentor, and her intelligence was highly acclaimed. So no, with her ability as a ninja she had no insecurities.
It was her ability as a woman that depressed her.
Never, never, had her old teammates sincerely complimented her. Of all of them, Naruto had been the closest; she, however, couldn't trust his flattery. After all, she was the first female the kitsune had really had constant contact with, so he had no basis to compare her to; that and their familiarity, she'd constantly told herself, was the only reason the blonde had thought her pretty.
The others, however, hadn't even attempted. To them, she was just a burden, the unwanted weight slowing team seven down. Their comments to her frequently carried traces of their overwhelming disdain -well…at least she thought so- and they -it seemed to her- never lost an opportunity to make her feel worth less than trash. This was just what she had deduced from their actions, but she was pretty sure she was correct.
They hadn't seen her as a female; hell, they hadn't even seen her as a person. To them she was simply Sakura, a two-dimensional, ambiguous figure designed for the sole purpose of impeding their training. She was nothing more than an annoying it.
Due to this perception of their feelings, she had developed a practically insurmountable inferiority complex. So while her confidence lacked nothing when regarding her as a shinobi, it was all but nonexistent when it came to her as a person.
That's why she was so deliriously happy right now. It was finally her time to flaunt her womanly charms! Flaunt them to men who actually thought she had them.
Inwardly, Sakura happily squealed, this was just so freaking awesome! She would probably never date any of these guys, but it was nice to know that they were interested. Nice to have them treat her like a queen.
This courtesy was different from anything she had experienced. It wasn't the mob adoration of fan boys. It wasn't the warm regard of her fellow medics. And it certainly wasn't like the friendly respect of her shinobi peers.
Nothing was expected of her, nothing but attention asked for. This was love on the most superficial of levels. Love where sacrifice, or anything else, wasn't required. She did not have to prove herself to them…didn't have to push herself past her limits to ensure their affection…didn't have endure their condescending gazes every time she failed to catch up to them…didn't-
Her thoughts came to a screeching halt.
Why does everything lead back to them? While she continued smiling amiably at the males encircling her, Sakura was inwardly berating herself.
She had resolved to banish them from her thoughts damnit! She had firmly decided to let go of the anger, abandonment, and betrayal she felt towards them. To try her hardest to rid her heart of all the dark emotions she had thought disappeared years ago.
Taking a deep breath to compose her inner conflict, she forced herself to concentrate on the present. The much more pleasant present.
Just as was regaining her poise, just she was reaching for the phone number of a handsome brunette, however, a body flew right past her, colliding with a painful thud against a concrete wall.
What the hell…
Shinobi instincts immediately kicked in. Flirting now the last thing on her mind, Sakura sprang to her feet. What direction did that guy come from?
Despite the potential danger, Sakura chanced a quick glance at her companion to assess his condition. Any delusions she had harbored about him promptly vanished. The frightened look of the formerly cocky male who had previously been so self-assured when pursuing her, caused disappointment in her. And to think, a minute ago I thought him prime dating material. So much for trusting her woman's intuition.
After roughly shaking her head to clear it of such distracting thoughts, she quickly began scanning her surroundings for their attackers. She shouldn't have bothered; milliseconds after the first attack, their assailants descended upon them with a fury.
Bodies sailed through the air in every direction, her admirers, who had previously boasted so adamantly of their bravery, were desperately scrambling to escape the onslaught. She couldn't be too judgmental though, the sheer power radiating off their attackers made her hair stand on end.
Who are these guys?
She, however, didn't have the luxury of pondering their identity, or giving in to her fear. She had civilians to save.
The determined medic charged into battle -well…one-sided massacre- with chakra infused limbs, ready to prove her nettle as a kunoichi. However, despite her best efforts, the attackers, much to her frustration, proved too fast for her to get a lock on. The enemy was little more than streaks of color flashing rapidly around the plaza; the ridiculously short moments they were visible, and the fact that their auras flooded the area, made it impossible for her to get a lock on them.
She was fighting blind.
Not good. She flung another hapless male suitor out of harms way…or at least she hoped that's what she was doing. It was difficult to tell when she couldn't see or sense they people attacking them.
I she thought morbidly am so screwed.
Some benevolent kami, however, chose that opportune moment to repay some of her good karma. One of the flashes slowed down just a fraction of a second longer to deliver a particularly vicious attack to one of the males. That sliver of time was all she needed. Pushing a huge chunk of chakra into her legs, she lunged at the indistinct assailant. The attacker never saw her coming.
Smashing into the enemy with an audible thud, Sakura quickly moved to pin them. Using her massive strength, she flipped the figure onto it's stomach and planted a knee on the small of their back. Stationing one of her kunais just millimeters from the attacker's throat, she made her demand.
"Tell the others to stop," she growled, adding more pressure to his- because his physic clearly screamed male- back and neck to emphasize her point.
He, much to her surprise, merely chuckled.
Just as she was going to maul the man for his clear disrespect, he -with amusement still lacing his words- spoke again. "Still as bossy as ever you ugly hag."
Anger momentarily clouding her judgment, the leaf kunoichi forcibly turned the man again and slammed him onto his back. "Listen here bastard. Only oneperson is allowed to call me that without fear of death, and he's been gone for yearsSo," she pushed the kunai closer to his throat, "unless you want to make it even harder on yourself, I strongly suggest you refrain from making such demeaning comments."
Tirade done with, she finally took her first real look at her captive.
Shock hit her like a freight train. This can't be real she furiously blinked disbelieving eyes. Why now? Why would they return now?
Sai -for it was him that she had pinned- took advantage of her bewilderment. He swept the stunned cherry blossom into his arms and whispered in her ear, "I really missed you hag."
Further interaction between the two was delayed they the appearance of the others.
"Quit hogging her you stupid bastard!" The fuming kitsune glared petulantly at the smirking artist, he had wanted to be the first to hug Sakura-chan.
The shocked kunoichi looked up. Naruto's here too? Sure enough, the blonde stood there in all his glory not even a foot away from her. In fact, all her team stood mere inches from her and Sai.
However, before she could start questioning them -before she even thought of questioning them- her shishou appeared.
The fair Hokage took one look at the battered forms of the civilian males littering the plaza, the dazed form of her apprentice in the embrace of a shinobi who had been missing for years, and the protective stances of the rest of team seven and silently wondered if she was unknowingly drunk.
Coming out of her momentary stupor, she demanded an explanation in her booming voice. "What the hell happened here?!"
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This is the longest chapter I've ever written, ever.
Sorry for the rather bland reunion, I'll make up for it in the next update.
If I'd tried to fit all I wanted to in this chapter, this thing would have ended up over ten thousand words long!
My next update will have our favorite cherry blossom unleashing her fearsome temper on the jerks.
That will be the 'true' reunion chapter.
So, till then.
Later.