Chapter Eight: Meet Your Comrades
"You know, this place isn't that bad…Not as great as Ichiraku's Ramen but still good!"
"Only you would still bring up Ramen, on a date, when we're not even eating it…"
Jade eyes rolled in slight exasperation but mild amusement as she watched Naruto, who was sitting across from her, begin to inhale and devour his food as if he were starved. The odd noises he was making were attracting attention but Sakura was used to it and hardly minded, Naruto always attracted attention, whether it would be loudly declaring something – like being future Hokage – or trying to pick a fight – which was usually with either Sasuke or Sai…or any of the males of Rookie Nine and Team Gai for that matter.
"Slow down Naruto…" Sakura warned as the blonde shinobi quickly went from the rice to the chicken in seconds, "We need to make this date look a little more romantic…"
"Oh," Naruto realized, mouth full much to Sakura's dismay, before he swallowed, "Right."
"Though," Sakura grinned, looking her best friend over, "I got to say Naruto, you clean up very well."
The 17-year old blushed deeply as he looked himself over. After training with Kakashi-sensei, Sakura and Naruto had taken an hour to get ready for their 'date'. Surprisingly – or unsurprisingly – Sasuke hadn't been home when Naruto returned to the apartment. But, the boy only shrugged his shoulders, assuming his best friend was still out training, and took a shower, throwing on the last of his clean clothes. It was the same attire as usual, with baggier orange pants and a black tee-shirt with the Uzumaki swirl on the back, no jacket because it was a hot summer night. He chose not to wear his Leaf hitae-ate and he actually combed through his blonde locks.
"Thanks Sakura-chan!"
Naruto grinned broadly as his cobalt orbs shined through bright, expectant, viridian. The Medical Jounin continued to smile, her index finger tapping anxiously against the tabletop, her head shaking as she tried to drop the hint to Naruto. A little confused with the continued staring, Naruto frowned and tilted his head to the side.
"Uh…Something the matter?"
Sakura breathed out an exasperated sigh, "Naruto! If you're going to be asking Hinata out, you need to make sure you're a gentleman!"
"I said 'Thank You'!" Naruto protested, to which Sakura rolled her eyes, "Hey, I'm nervous here, this is my first date you know…"
Taking pity on the boy and his downcast and defeated expression, Sakura reached over the table and took up his hand, her thumb stroking soothing circles onto his skin. Naruto looked up and offered a weak half-smile.
"You are a gentleman," Sakura praised, "Not the best but a lot better than others."
His smile widened a fraction and Sakura reached her other hand over to clasp his gently. It was the truth. Although Neji was more a gentleman than Naruto, Naruto was probably a lot more proper and kind than men like Sai or Sasuke. Like she would know or anything, however.
"You've done it countless times without even knowing it," Sakura continued, "So I know you've got it in there…All you need to do is get comfortable. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Don't worry at all, because this is me you're having dinner with, a best friend."
Naruto nodded, following the kunoichi's instructions as he closed his eyes, taking several deep breaths and letting it sink into his mind that Sakura was there to help him, not to make fun of him. This was his time to practice for the right time with Hinata. Besides, he'd always been comfortable with Sakura so he had nothing to be worried about.
Her light voice drifted over his thoughts, "Now…We're going to start all over when you open your eyes…Whenever you're ready, okay?"
He nodded his head, hands unconsciously tightening on hers.
After several seconds, Naruto gave one last deep breath before he opened his eyes, the sensitive blue orbs adjusting to the dim lighting of the restaurant before they landed on the smiling face of his best friend, Haruno Sakura. His gaze trailed over her, polite and slow, as he noticed that she was dressed in a stunning, form-fitting, no-sleeve kimono. It wasn't the style that restricted leg-movement, because there were slits down both sides, which revealed her long legs, but they were covered for modesty sake by fishnets on her thighs and ankles, much like how Ino did. Her Leaf hitae-ate was also missing but her waist-long pink tresses were curled and framed prettily around her heart-shaped face, little makeup on her, which was good, because her jade eyes were enough to catch any attention.
With a deep breath, Naruto smiled and squeezed her hands in gratitude, "You look…beautiful, Sakura-chan."
Sakura beamed, her eyes brightening a little more, "Thank you Naruto…Now you've got it."
"So remember Naruto…Don't be nervous, be confident like tonight. And don't ask Hinata on a date to Ichiraku's."
The best friends laughed as they exited the restaurant, a Mission Success on Sakura's part for having trained Naruto to become more comfortable and self-assured in asking out Hyuuga Hinata. They had gone over eating habits, compliments, good-mannerisms, and even paying the entire bill for the dinner – although, for accomplishing the mission, Sakura proudly slipped the amount Naruto paid into his pocket without him knowing, feeling he deserved it for a job well done. Besides, some Shinobi Missions didn't even pay that much in the first place so she didn't want Naruto blowing off all his savings for one Practice Dinner.
"So, you think I'm ready Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as the two began to walk down the darkened streets, Naruto practicing his 'Walk your Date Home' Objective.
"More than ready," Sakura affirmed proudly as she hugged his arm to hers, before she pouted, "I'm just so mad that we have to wait until we get back from Lightning Country before you put this information to use! Though I'm sure Hinata will be so happy!"
"Really?" The blonde still looking skeptical.
Sakura smiled a heart-warming grin, "Trust me Naruto…She will be."
Naruto chuckled, "I'm really surprised you don't have a boyfriend yet, Sakura-chan. I mean, you make an awesome girlfriend…"
Sakura's smile dimmed a little and Naruto mentally smacked himself in the head, "…I've had offers……It's just…"
"It's not the right person offering," Naruto finished softly.
Sakura only answered with a soft nod of her head, a weak smile forming on her lips.
"Why him Sakura-chan…?"
She bites her bottom lip, jade eyes a little unclear, "…I'm not sure Naruto……Maybe at first I was an obsessive fan girl……But now that I've gotten to know him, I just know there's more that I want to find out, more that I want to share with him…"
"…You really love him don't you…?" Naruto sighed, a little tired of Sasuke never really giving back to the woman beside him, despite how much she'd sacrificed for him.
She matched his deep exhalation as she leaned her head against his shoulder, "…Yeah…I guess I do…"
Naruto manages a grin as he frees his arm from her hold and slings it over her shoulders, pulling her closer as they walk, "You'll win him over…I'm sure of it."
A content, contemplative silence overtakes them as they continue to walk down the less populated streets of Konoha. The moon was out, shining bright and guiding their path, just as they entered into the Park area, the shortcut they usually took when going to Sakura's. They walked near towards the perimeter of the Training Grounds and crossed over the familiar, red Bridge, both comfortable, until Naruto suddenly felt Sakura stiffen under his arm. He immediately looked down on her with concern, wondering what was wrong, finding that her jade eyes are wide and that she had started to shiver.
"Sakura-chan?"
The boy followed her gaze, immediately stiff and alert as he sees a dark figure approach them. He hears Sakura whimper and Naruto's hold on her tightens as he watched the shadow continue to move closer, two red orbs glaring right at them.
"I-It-Itac…" Sakura whispers but is unable to finish, so Naruto moves slightly in front of her, protective.
But deep crimson return to obsidian black as the shadowed figure steps into the moonlight, cold eyes watching the pair impassively, as he stops in his tracks and takes a moment to observe them. Immediately, Naruto and Sakura relax and Naruto feels the Medic Ninja sag in relief against him.
In the shadows, the dark, tall silhouette and the red eyes had instantly fooled the friends into thinking the person was an enemy. And an enemy they had no pleasant memories of.
Sighing, and forcing a laugh, Naruto stepped forward again, "What are you doing out here so late, Sasuke-teme?"
The boy is ragged and worn, various cuts, burns, and bruises all over his body, but he ignores it while examining the couple before them and how well-dressed they are, especially his female comrade, who actually looked subdued and anxious, "…Training…"
Sakura briefly looked up to examine Sasuke, her medical instincts kicking in but being severely suppressed. As much as she wanted to help Sasuke and his injuries, she wanted to go home a lot more.
"Pretty late for training, eh?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke ignored him, his eyes still glued to the quiet kunoichi, "Where are you going?"
Naruto grinned as he looked back at Sakura, scratching the back of his head, "Oh, I'm walking Sakura-chan home…Then I'll be heading back myself…"
"…Hn."
The Medic tugged lightly on Naruto's sleeve, effectively grabbing his attention, "Let's go Naruto…I'm a little tired."
"Okay," The blonde turns to Sasuke with a small wave before leading Sakura past his form, "See you later, Teme!"
"Good-night Sasuke."
The corner of the Uchiha's lips twitch downward as he watches them walk away from him. And then, without a second glance, he turns to leave for home.
"Are you okay Sakura-chan?"
Naruto holds her hand in a consoling manner as they reach the front door of her apartment complex, his blue eyes filling with worry with the almost-encounter they just had with a memory they long since wanted to forget.
"I-I'm fine Naruto…Really," Sakura answered quietly as she removed her keys from a hidden pocket in her kimono.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk–"
"Naruto," She interrupted softly as she looked up at him, her hand slightly shaking but she makes a strained effort to stop, "It's just…I'd rather not…That was…three years ago…I just need to forget about it…"
"…But the nightmares," Naruto protested.
Sakura shook her head, closing her eyes tightly, which signaled to Naruto that she was trying to hold back tears, "I'm sure they won't come back…I've seen Sasuke's Sharingan at night millions of times…This shouldn't be new…"
Naruto frowned. Although that was true, Naruto knew that it wasn't just Sasuke's Sharingan eyes that had spooked them unintentionally. It had been the intensity of his gaze; Naruto could even describe it as…cold. And a gaze like that reminded the two Ninja all too well of another Uchiha they had encountered before.
"B-But, Sakura-chan–"
Sakura's deep-green stare stopped him from continuing his barrage of worries, "Naruto…It's okay…And if those nightmares come back…Which I doubt…Then I'll tell you. Okay?"
"You promise?"
She nods her head as she manages a small, reassuring smirk, "I promise."
Naruto still looked doubtful but he wouldn't press any further, his hand moving up to place a strand of stray, pink hair behind her ear, before he uses his thumb to gently wipe away her tears. She offers a small, grateful smile before she steps forward and places a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"Thanks Naruto," She whispers as she pulls back, and her smile is a little brighter than before, "And good job tonight…"
The blonde grinned, "I've learned from the best!"
With a final, teary smile, Sakura turned, unlocked her apartment door, and entered into the complex, offering one last wave and grin before she closed the door completely.
When he's sure that Sakura's absolutely safe in her home, Naruto releases a sigh and reaches up to place a hand on his cheek, feeling the smudge of lip gloss she had left behind. Looking up at what he knew was Sakura's bedroom window, he grinned, because he knows Sakura's a strong woman and couldd make it through anything, no matter the obstacle. As for himself, well, he still had a job to do…
"…Stupid dobe…"
The tiny utterance is followed by a swift movement inside the messy apartment, drapes being pulled back quickly to allow dark eyes to observe the still empty street, before he shoves the curtains to their original place and begins to pace the cramped living room. He curses as he trips over a pile of familiar, orange clothes and darts toward the window again, only to obtain the same results he had gotten just seconds earlier.
The dobe was supposed to be back an hour ago! It was only a ten minute walk to Sakura's place anyways.
'Where is he?!'
The Uchiha Avenger stops in his pacing and closes his eyes, taking a deep breath before he makes his way towards the kitchen, ripping the refrigerator door open so he could grab one of his precious tomatoes. He slams the white door closed, ramen-shaped magnets flying everywhere and clattering to the ground.
Sasuke bites into his tomato as he takes a seat on one of the two stools beside the kitchen counter. His eyes glare angrily at a pile of empty Instant Ramen Cups not far from where he sits and he takes another angry bite into his fruit.
It's on his fifth bite that Sasuke freezes, his eyes darting towards the door as his keen ears pick up the sound of the lock clicking. Placing his tomato down, the Avenger puts his actions into glaring heatedly at the blonde boy that's trying to quietly sneak back into the building without making too much noise.
"Where have you been?"
The smooth, commanding voice startles Naruto as he jumps up and quickly turns around to face his roommate. His habit of scratching the back of his neck timidly is demonstrated and he shuts the door with his foot while letting out an awkward chuckle.
"Uh…You still awake Teme?"
"Where have you been?" Sasuke inquired again, with even narrower eyes and a harder edge to his voice.
"Um…" Naruto began again, "…Sakura-chan's house…"
"For an hour?"
Naruto nodded his head slowly, "Yeah…So? She offered milk, I like milk…And then…"
It was then that Sasuke looked over Naruto's form, his eyes flickering red as he notices the rumpled and creased clothing, his mussed up hair, the fact that Naruto's shirt was on backwards…And was that lip gloss on his cheek?!
"What the hell did you do?"
Naruto offered a mischievous grin, "We had milk……And then–"
Sasuke abruptly stood up from his stool, glaring at his best friend, "Sakura would never have sex with you!"
Naruto's eyes widened before he laughed, "Who said we had sex?"
The Uchiha didn't answer, but continued to stare his best friend down, disgusted with his rumpled attire. Never in a million years did he think, Sakura and Naruto!
"You're not jealous, are you Teme?" Naruto smiled as he moved away from the door and wiped the gloss from his cheek.
The ex-traitor scoffed, "Why would I be jealous?"
"Because I have Sakura-chan and you don't," Naruto responded as a matter of fact, "You should have gone after her when you had the chance."
Sasuke glowered, Naruto smiled, and then, after a few more tense seconds of staring, Sasuke angrily stomped passed the blonde and then slammed the door to his room behind him.
Naruto however, grinned as he straightened out his self-wrinkled clothes.
'Who said I wasn't a good actor? Sakura-chan, this is dedicated to you!'
"…N-No……Stop………Sasuke-kun……Leave them alone! Stop it! No………Naruto!!"
Sakura jerks abruptly from her sleep, sweat trickles down the sides of her face as her wide, jade eyes stare at the far wall of her room, breath leaving her body in heavy gasps as her hands clutch onto her blankets until her knuckles turn white. Her hair clings to her face and she is resting on her elbows, trying to find a grasp on reality and that she indeed was not in that horrible nightmare any longer.
"…Kami…" The Medic breathes.
Tap Tap.
Sakura jumps with startle as she looks at her window, confused and concerned to see a messenger hawk perched on her sill. Glancing at her clock, she finds that it's seven in the morning and she sighs before getting up and letting the messenger hop in, holding out its leg where a scroll is attached. She gently removes it and unravels it, green eyes flickering through the message before she looks down and nods her head at the bird with understanding.
Just as the hawk takes flight out her window, the scroll in Sakura's hands blazes to flames and she easily releases it, the parchment turning into smoke and ash before it hits the ground.
"It's too early for a Meeting!"
The whiny complaint echoed in the quiet halls of the Administrations Building as two figures steadily made their way towards the Hokage's Office. A loud yawn followed and Naruto gave a pouted frown as he rubbed his hands through disheveled blonde locks. His companion remained quiet, but emerald eyes did slide towards him, the frown that had been adorning pale lips had quirked upward in slight amusement as Naruto sluggishly dragged his fatigued self up the stairs. Sakura couldn't fathom why the boy was tired, they had gotten home from their date pretty early, but she could recall that the orange-clad male wasn't exactly a morning person.
"Tsunade-shishou is probably too busy to see us than the morning, Naruto," Sakura informed as they reached the top of the stairs and turned the corner, "Once it's done, I'm sure you can go back home and sleep again."
Naruto sighed with a slight shrug, turning deep sapphire eyes towards her, "Nah…Maybe I'll go hunt Kakashi-sensei down and get some training done…Want to come?"
Sakura briefly closed her eyes, shaking her head and turning back to face her best friend more fully, "I'm not sure I can…I may I have to make some rounds at the Hospital. Maybe later?"
Naruto frowned, tilting his head to the side and critically examining the woman before him. The Medic's smile wasn't as bright as usual, her green eyes seemed duller and he could vaguely see dark spots right under them. Even her usually bright, pink hair had lost its normal luster. Naruto sure wasn't a Medic, but symptoms like that worried him, his furrowed brows and frown displaying his obvious concern.
"Are you alright Sakura-chan?" He asked, "…You look tired. Maybe you should go home and get some rest…"
The blonde-headed shinobi didn't fail to see the stiffening of her shoulders and how she had turned her gaze away from him to look forward, the smile she was wearing, strained, "…It's nothing Naruto…Don't worry about it."
"B-But–"
The forced smile became a frown and her fists had tightened to knuckle-white, eyes narrowed on the Hokage Doors they were approaching, "It's nothing."
Slightly hurt but more worried, Naruto could only watch with a deep frown as Sakura picked up her speed in the last few steps and knocked lightly against the wood of their destination, her fists having yet to relax, and her stance screaming 'Defense'.
'…Sakura-chan…'
"Enter!" Tsunade barked from within.
Sakura wasted no time in opening the large wooden doors, Naruto sulkily following after her as he sent an obviously annoyed glare at the Hokage for having to wake up so early. Tsunade was sitting behind her desk, surrounded by piles of paperwork and a few glass bottles filled with liquor. She didn't fail to see the scowl on Naruto's whiskered-features and only raised one elegant brow in challenge knowing full-well she could outmatch him in an argument. Upon seeing her smirk, Naruto's frown only deepened and he followed after Sakura further into the room, defeated even before anything had begun.
"You needed to see us again Shishou?" Sakura asked, either oblivious or ignoring the silent battle between her Teammate and Master.
Hazel eyes turned away from sapphire to meet viridian, the blonde-haired kunoichi nodding her head in response, "I did. Both of you know full well what had happened between Raito-san and I in the Conference Room…
Naruto and Sakura nodded, though a slight downward curve of the lips showed they also remembered the insults they received from the Diplomat concerning their skills and the Training they had acquired from their respective Masters.
"…So, you both know that Raito-san had managed to negotiate that we allow Four more Shinobi to help you accomplish the Mission in escorting and protecting him and his two children back to Lightning Country," Tsunade continued as she tented her fingers together.
Again, Naruto and Sakura nodded, lips tight because they felt having six Shinobi escorts was too much and not the level of discretion they desired. Also, both knew that the two of them alone was enough Protection as is…They hadn't trained under famed Legendary Sannin and emerged weak after all.
"Although I completely trust in your skills," Tsunade started as she closed her eyes, "Maybe this new arrangement will be best…"
Naruto frowned, taking a step forward, "But Baa-chan!"
Toffee eyes had snapped open to stare intently at the two Ninja before her, frown in place, "I don't say this because I don't think you can handle it…I just feel that after all these Attacks concerning our Alliances and with the Akatsuki on the move looking for you, Naruto, then extra protection should be enacted…Not only for the Diplomat and his family but because of what the Akatsuki seeks out in you Naruto," Tsunade then directed her gaze to Sakura, who was also frowning, "And because of the numerous encounters the both of you have had with the Organization…"
Sakura calmly stepped up beside Naruto, green eyes unclear but fists clenched, "…If you could…Would you have relieved us from this Mission, Shishou…?"
Naruto snapped his gaze towards Sakura before turning to the Hokage, disbelief of the question asked on his expression. Of course Baa-chan wouldn't have removed them from such an important task!
Tsunade sighed, "…Yes. I would have."
"WHAT?!"
Tsunade glared at the blonde-shinobi heatedly at his outburst while Sakura placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, still calm and quiet.
"Why?!" Naruto demanded, never once wanting to back down from any kind of Mission, no matter what the cost, no matter how intimidating. Despite one side saying he would have loved to escape a Mission concerning Kiyoshi and Kimiko, he'd never run away from the Akatsuki!
"Had not Kiyoshi-san and Kimiko-san asked for the two of you to be personal bodyguards and Masaru-san somewhat trustful towards you because of your past with him," Tsunade explained, "I would have left this Mission to someone else, if only to leave the two of you protected, especially with Akatsuki's growing numbers and on the verge of War with the Five Great Nations…Despite your abilities, I'm not sure if you both are quite strong enough to face them…At least not yet…"
"So what do you expect us to do?" Naruto asked angrily, "Run and hide whenever we see black cloaks and red clouds?! I don't think so!"
"Well, you must!" Tsunade retorted, "As Hokage, I order you to evade Akatsuki at all costs…And I'll make sure that your comrades ensure that you follow those commands! Do I make myself clear Naruto?"
Her voice was steady but frigid and Naruto was shaking in suppressed fury as he glared ocean-blue orbs at his superior, teeth clenched and fists tightened as Sakura stood by him, quiet, but squeezing his shoulder, silently asking him to calm down.
With a strained growl, Naruto bowed his head, golden locks covering his expression, "…Crystal…"
Tsunade frowned, leaning back into her chair as she continued to observe the two before her, "…Good."
"…Shishou?"
The Godaime looked up, meeting the determined emerald gaze of her Apprentice, the pastel-haired kunoichi looking almost as angered as Naruto had been, "Yes, Sakura?"
The Medical Jounin released her hold from Naruto's shoulder, letting the limb fall limply at her side, "…Is there any way for us to become strong enough…If we are going to be protecting the Diplomat and his family I find it inevitable that we face Akatsuki…At least give us something that we can hold off with…Something that can help us or lead us to the strength that we need to at least fight them off and do our job well…"
At the Medic's continuing speech, Naruto had looked up to stare at her, deep-blue eyes watching her with growing pride and equal determination before he switched his gaze back to the Hokage. Tsunade herself watched her Apprentice with equal pride especially towards her logic and couldn't help but smirk slightly before leaning forward in her chair, elbows resting on the tabletop.
"…I believe I may be able to help you there," Tsunade answered, earning triumphant grins from the couple before her, "…It won't be easy given the short amount of time you have…So, I'll give a few scrolls to take on your journey…You must study them and when you have the time, practice with each other…I only authorize permission to you two seeing as you've been under the tutelage of Sannin and are probably the only ones capable of learning from it…" Naruto nodded his head eagerly but the Godaime pointed one slender index finger at the both of them, "…Make sure not to lose them…But for precaution, I will cast a Jutsu where only the ones who know how to unlock it can read it…Understood?"
Sakura smiled, tired but still genuine, "Yes, Shishou."
Naruto pumped a fist into the air, "You got it Baa-chan!"
A quick knock had sounded at the door and after several seconds, the wooden entryway had opened to reveal Shizune, the dark-haired woman smiling apologetically for interrupting before switching her gaze to The Fifth.
"Hokage-sama," She announced, "The Shinobi you called for have arrived."
Tsunade nodded, "Good. Send them in please."
"Of course."
Naruto and Sakura exchanged a brief glance before moving further towards Tsunade's desk, feeling that since they hadn't been dismissed, the new arrivals must have concerned their Mission. After Shizune had disappeared, the door had opened further and several figures emerged.
Nara Shikamaru walked in with his hands in his pockets, a bored frown on his features before he tilted his head in acknowledgment to Sakura and Naruto upon seeing them. Yamanaka Ino followed soon after, a large grin on her face as she practically skipped to catch up with her boyfriend, her grey-blue eyes brightening when she spotted the 'Newest Couple of Konoha', happily waving at them before sending them a playful wink.
Sakura and Naruto couldn't help but blush.
Next came Hyuuga Hinata, the raven-haired woman following Ino with a small smile at the Yamanaka's playful demeanor before she froze once catching Naruto's and Sakura's attention, a nervous smile spreading her lips before she was dragged further in by the Mind-User, a weak wave directed at the blonde and pastel-haired Shinobi.
Sakura couldn't help but inwardly grin as she watched Naruto wave back enthusiastically and offer a wide grin…Before he was reminded by a glare from Ino that he already had a girlfriend. Apologetically, Naruto looked down at Sakura, only to find her wink at him knowingly which caused his cheeks to burn.
And finally…One Uchiha Sasuke ended the line, the dark-haired Avenger casually walking in, briefly passing a look at his Team Seven Comrades before directing his attention to the Hokage, the door closing shut behind him.
"Alright," Tsunade started, clasping her hands together as she eyed all the Ninja before her critically, "I've called the four of you here today because of a request by Masaru-san…Apparently, the Diplomat wishes Six Bodyguards for he and his family in his return journey to Lightning Country and I've felt that you four, with your abilities and passed experiences with Sakura and Naruto, will work well under their command…"
"Yeah, my command!" Naruto laughed as he pointed his thumb at his chest, earning glares from Sasuke, Ino, and Tsunade, and a harsh elbow at his ribs, courtesy of Sakura.
Shaking her head, the Hokage continued, "Team Leader is," She gave a pointed look at a grinning Naruto, "Sakura," He pouted and she turned away with a satisfied smirk, "She has been given Strategy in approaching Travel Situations and knows your charges far better than any of you…Second in command," Naruto grinned proudly, "Is Shikamaru."
"What?!" Naruto shrieked as Sasuke smirked, Hinata giggled, and Sakura and Ino glared. Shikamaru only shrugged his shoulders.
"For the reason that he has been working on the previous Attacks," Tsunade explained, although there was an underlying smirk as she spoke. Naruto frowned again but Tsunade continued, waving her hand dismissively, "I suppose Naruto is also Second in Command…Happy?"
The male grinned, crossing his arms over his chest, "Very."
"Moving on," The Godaime stated, turning hazel eyes on Hinata, "I thank you Hinata-sama for coming in for Neji-san…I had forgotten that I had sent him and his Team on a Mission to investigate Rain…Nevertheless, your help is greatly appreciated…A Byakugan will be very useful when spotting approaching enemies…"
Hinata bowed and smiled politely, "H-Happy to h-help, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade then turned serious eyes on the Uchiha Survivor, a frown on her lips as she studied his aloof behavior, dark eyes closed, and hands in his pockets, "And Uchiha."
Obsidian eyes slowly appeared behind lowered lids, silently regarding the woman indifferently. Both Naruto and Sakura rolled their own eyes in exasperation.
"I send you because you're useful," Tsunade stated bluntly, "I send you because you're strong and you work extremely well with Sakura and Naruto," The two grinned, "However," Hazel eyes flashed, "If you run into any Akatsuki…I give you the same order as I did Naruto…You will not pursue them…Especially the one you seek to engage with…"
The Godaime was wise to not mention Uchiha Itachi's name, for Sasuke's eyes were opened, sharp as steel, flickering from black to red then black again. After two years of getting back into the good graces of Konoha and his fellow peers, Sakura and Naruto deeply hoped it wouldn't all be thrown away by one Mission.
"The top priority is to return the Diplomat and his Family home," Tsunade continued, then she intentionally eyed Sakura and Naruto, "On your return to Konoha, however…That may be a different story…"
The two immediately understood the hidden message. There was a chance that they could possibly fight with the Akatsuki after all. Just a chance, but still, it was better than nothing.
The Fifth returned her gaze to pan over everyone else in the room, "You have your objectives…You Six leave in five days…But be prepared if you must depart sooner. Understood?"
"Yes Hokage-sama."
"Of course Shishou."
"No problem, Baa-chan!"
"Alright," She sighed before rubbing her temples, "Dismissed."
Everyone began to shuffle out of the room, Hinata and Ino discussing what they were going to bring for the Mission as Shikamaru was the first out the door. Sasuke had slightly faltered, his eyes landing on his Team Seven Comrades to wait, by force of habit, as they had always done from when they went to other Meetings with the Hokage concerning their Missions. Naruto had noticed and was about to speak when Tsunade's voice interrupted.
"Sakura…Could you stay a moment? I need to speak with you."
Frowning, Sakura nodded her head and offered an apologetic smile to both Sasuke and Naruto, "Sorry boys…I'll see you after a quick check around the Hospital then?"
Naruto gave a pout before his expression melted into that of mischief, causing Sakura to eye him warily, "Alright Sakura-chan…See you later then," And he swiftly leaned down and planted a loud smack on her cheek, causing the girl to involuntarily giggle as she pushed him away.
"Kami…Just go Naruto," She laughed.
Naruto smirked, offering a salute at a bewildered Hokage, "See ya! Bye Baa-chan!"
And when the blonde-shinobi turned around to loudly proclaim a spar with his best friend/rival, his eyes widened with surprise to find the spot Sasuke had occupied, empty.
"Teme…"
A smirk crossed his features as he left the room to catch up.
He hoped his little affectionate display with Sakura hadn't scared him off.
"Is there anything else you needed me for, Shishou?"
Tsunade shook her head, the show of affection between Naruto and Sakura having temporarily paralyzed her. Sure, she had heard the rumors of the two being a couple and even confronted them about it. But, to see the actual intimacy between them was…odd.
Honestly…Between Sakura and Sasuke, that prospect was actually quite tolerable, if destined in a sense. Tsunade knew of the affection of Sakura towards Sasuke and the Uchiha Avenger obviously held a soft-spot for his female comrade…But Sakura and Naruto?
'I suppose you really have to see it to believe it…'
"Shishou?"
Snapped out of her thoughts and vision focusing on the concerned expression of her Apprentice, Tsunade gave her head one last shake to clear her mind before giving Sakura an apologetic frown, "I'm sorry Sakura…But it seems I'm going to have to give you another Mission…"
Viridian eyes widened with slight surprise, "…What kind of a Mission?"
"Nothing big," Tsunade affirmed as she rifled through a few papers on her desk, "Nor does it have to do with the Raito Family," She removed a scroll from the bottom of one of her paper-piles, causing the tower of parchment to teeter dangerously, "In two days I would like you to travel to a Border Village of Fire Country…It seems their Medical Services are low and they are in need of Supplies and help…I would like you to deliver and lend some aid…"
Sakura nodded, "Of course Shishou."
The Slug Sannin's expression hardened into that of complete seriousness, "I want you to use the utmost caution, Sakura. This Village is dangerously close to the borders of Fire and Rain and after all these recent attacks I don't want to take any chances…Even if this Village has been untouched by Rain in any threat, I advise you to stay alert…"
Sakura nodded again, although her shoulders had tensed a fraction.
"I'm sending you and only you because not only will it be faster and that you're excellent in stealth," Tsunade explained, "But if you were to be engaged I'm positive you'll put your training to use…Not many Medics can both heal well and fight strong."
"I understand," Sakura responded.
"It's less than a day's travel and I implore you to make haste," She stated as she handed the Medical Jounin the Mission Scroll, "All your information is in there…Like I said, you leave in two days, I expect you to be back the following evening at the latest…"
"You have my word Shishou," Sakura bowed as she pocketed the Scroll in her belt.
"Good. Dismissed."
"…I think I should buy Sakura-chan flowers today…"
"Che. Why?"
It was obviously a rhetorical question, spoken out of cruel spite with little interest in the tone.
"Because she's Sakura-chan," Naruto exclaimed with a wide grin as he continued to eye the assortment at the Yamanaka Flower Shop, "She's my girlfriend," Naruto was unfazed by the Uchiha's glare, "And because she deserves to be treated nice…"
'And because it might cheer her up from whatever's making her upset…'
"Hn. Annoying."
"I know you are but what am I?" Naruto countered without malice but a friendly grin…If anything, it actually might have hurt more. Naruto wasn't taking Sasuke seriously and was caught up in his Love Paradise.
Sasuke had the urge to gag…But settled for scowling.
"What can I do for you boys?"
Ino emerged from her Family's Shop, tying her apron, customary uniform, onto her waist, having just returned from the Meeting with the Hokage minutes before Sasuke and Naruto had arrived. Her grey-blue eyes sparkled with amusement as she witnessed Naruto roaming through the rows of flowers displayed outside the Shop while Sasuke impatiently waited feet away.
"I want to get Sakura-chan some flowers!" Naruto exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Well," Ino grinned, "What kind of message are you trying to send to your girlfriend Naruto?"
Naruto returned the grin, briefly glancing in Sasuke's direction to find the Avenger glowering, "The Message I want to send Sakura-chan is……'I Love You!'"
Naruto couldn't help but snicker when he saw Sasuke falter from his aloof stance, his glare intensifying on his blonde head, and Ino too also had widened her eyes. Naruto knew it was to be expected though. It wasn't like Ino was aware of his own 'Make Sasuke Jealous' Plan.
And Ino was a little shocked. Perhaps she had expected Naruto to choose 'Best Friends Forever' Flowers or even a 'Thank You' Bundle…But an actual 'I Love You'. Wasn't that taking the whole Fake Relationship Plan a little too far?
"'I-I Love You'?" She asked again for clarification's sake.
Naruto nodded, "Yeah."
"B-But…" And then she saw it. The ever-observant Yamanaka Ino had seen Naruto glance a certain Uchiha Sasuke's way and what she saw had her grinning widely as well, realization finally dawning. The Uchiha Sasuke looked red with fury, dark eyes narrowed on Uzumaki Naruto as his hand clenched over his Kusunagi Sword.
Of course, one who didn't know Uchiha Sasuke would only see a boy looking coldly over at the two of them, as if despising the action in buying flowers in general. But this was a Former Fan Girl and Current Best Friend who was examining the display, and Ino couldn't help but wink at Naruto, catching on with his Plan.
'The boy can be quite the genius himself…'
"I know the perfect bouquet Naruto," Ino announced loudly.
"Great!"
But before the Yamanaka Girl could snatch up the perfect bundle, Naruto was being forcibly dragged away via the collar by Sasuke, a grin still on his lips, sapphire eyes bright, though he was keeping up the act of trying to get away from the ex-Traitor's tight hold.
"Teme!"
"Your Flowers!" Ino called out, grey-blue eyes shining with mirth – never would she have thought to see the day, "You Forgot Your Flowers!"
"He doesn't need them!" Sasuke growled lowly.
"I'll come back for them later Ino!" Naruto shouted happily, "Hold on to them for me!"
"You got it!"
Naruto couldn't help the millionth smirk that crossed his lips, his final words having caused the grip on his jacket's collar to tighten.
"I'm sure Sakura-chan will love them!"
A/N: Hey everyone!! I'm back and I am super sorry for the Long Wait…again. But I hope you liked the 13 Pages of Chapter 8. So, now you meet the other four Shinobi Comrades and it seems Hinata and Sasuke are part of it, so how will Sakura and Naruto keep up with their act with their love interests just feet away from them? Hopefully the ever helpful couple of ShikaIno will help. So, I really hoped you liked the chapter and I tried to get seriousness, jealousy, and humor in this story…Please tell me what you think…And how's Sasuke Character? I'm really trying to keep him parallel with Canon. So, any questions? Email or Review, I really appreciate it!!
Disclaimer: No…
Next Chapter: Sakura is confronted with an undesired encounter leading to a series of unfortunate events…And Sasuke gets the surprise of his life!
And what about this Mission Sakura has to go on? Hmmm?
Kiyoshi and Kimiko Action coming up!!
Next Update: Not sure…This is the first time I was able to reach a working computer in ages!!
So, Seriously, how is my Characterization of the Naruto Cast…Are they In Character? Please tell me!
LiveJournal: Len83
Special Thanks to Reviewers: CrazyGirlofManyNames; empty-spaces; kyo12591; Inu-ru831; twinzees; 10000 Dead Roses; Mystic Mage-chan; kt.1z.awesome; pink-strawberries; MPXD; les-liaisons-dangereuses; XxXInuyasha's Little AngelxXx; Ceridwen Inari; shkh4ever; Pandastacia; ChristinaAngel; and SakuraUchiha14
THIS IS DEDICATED TO YOU ALL!!
PLEASE REVIEW!! I LOVE YOU!!
Luvinukag83
(Soon To Be Known As Len83…Maybe…Possibly…)
And those fans of The Lord And The Leader (Inuyasha)…Update may take a little longer…Hopefully this Thursday!!
