Chapter 9

"Its been six months since Sakura left this town, do you think she is alive?" Ino asked solemnly. "Who knows Ino, we've looked everywhere for her and haven't heard anything." Tenten replied. They sat in her apartment looking at her pictures, it wasn't the same anymore without her around. None of them wanted to do anything fun any more, it felt like someone had taken out a piece of their hearts out and crushed them. Hinata was out with Naruto looking for Sakura everywhere, and still no sign of her. "Naruto kun, do you think we will ever find Sakura chan?" "Who knows Hinata, who knows."

"Who knows what this flower is?" Sakura asked the children. Hanabi raised his hand. "Is it a moon rose Kyōshi? (teacher)" Sakura smiled at her student. "Well done Hanabi, looks like you've been doing your home work." He grinned at her. "Gakusei (Students), I want you to write down the following things in your note books." Sakura turned to the black board and started to write notes on the board. Sakura was to busy to notice him come in. "Kon'nichiwa chīfu (Good Afternoon Chief)" Sakura turned around to see Itachi in the room, all the students greeted him politely. "Kon'nichiwa mina" Itachi greeted back. "Kon'nichiwa Rin Chan." Sakura smiled at him. "Everyone, show the Chief what you have learnt today." Sakura told the class. Hanabi stood up. "chīfu Sama, we have been learning all about the different types of flowers that grow in our forests. Today we learnt about the Tsuki wa bara (moon rose). It can be used in cooking to make food taste tastier and also it is used as an essential oil to make the house smell nice." Itachi smiled at Hanabi. "Hanabi Kun that is very interesting, I am very pleased to see that you all are taking such a liking to our flowers."

Once the bell rang all the students got up and left, Sakura was cleaning the board and sorting out her papers. Itachi stood next to the board and smiled at her. "How have you been Sakura?" He asked her politely. Sakura smiled at him, "I've been good thanks Itachi Sama. How about yourself?" "I've been good thank you. What are you doing now?" "well, I was going to mark the students homework then I'm free." "Would you mind if I wait for you while you do so?" "Not at all Itachi sama." It had been three months since Itachi and Sakura spoke to each other, their friendship had gotten stronger. The two of them would do everything together. He would wait for her everyday after school finished, some days he would help her mark the students work. Sakura would help him with his work, making sure that everyone in his village were safe and well looked after. Some days both of them would visit the elderly and serve them and make sure they are well and fine.

45 minutes later Sakura was done with the marking and put away all the sheets of paper. Itachi smiled at her and gave her a hand with the other things. They walked out of the room together silently, not knowing what to say to the other. Everyone in the streets greeted them with respect. They walked towards Sakura's hut. "I'll go and put my things away and I'll join you shortly." Itachi nodded and let her go. Sakura kept her things away and quickly got changed into a clean dress and walked back to Itachi. "Pretty dress Rin Chan." "Arigato gozimosu"

They walked throughout the village and greeted everybody, making sure everyone was okay. They watched little kids running around playing games, mothers calling out to their children to be careful, men working hard in building new huts and collecting wood. The elderly enjoying the warm summer afternoon.

They walked into the forest and sat near the river, they started into the nature and were lost for hours. Itachi leaned his back into the tree bark and looked at Sakura. She was such a beautiful lady and so kind hearted. Sakura looked at him and smiled shyly, hiding her blush on her cheeks. "He is so cute and kind. I wish I could say more to him" she thought to herself. Together they watched the sun set and awed in its beauty. "Would you like to eat something Sakura?" Itachi asked her. "yes please." Sakura replied politely. They got up together and went to Irani's noodle bar. "Konbanwa Irani San" "Konbanwa Naga Sama, Rin Chan. Anata wa nani o taberu no o go kibōdesu ka? (What would you like to eat?)" "Could we have the usual Ramen please." "Hai." Itachi tucked away hair behind Sakura's ear and stroked her face gently. "Did I ever tell you that you are beautiful?" Itachi mentioned. Sakura blushed at the remark and smiled. "Arigato Itachi sama, you too are very beautiful." "Thank you Rin chan" Irani interrupted their talk with the food. "Do o horu (dig in)" They ate in silence, enjoying the ramen.

Itachi paid for the food and got up, helping Sakura to her feet. "Would you mind if I walked you home Sakura?" Itachi whispered. "That would be very nice of you Itachi sama." They walked in silent side by side. Sakura's attention went onto the flowers that shined beautifully in the moon light. There was one particular one. "Itachi come see this." Sakura said and walked towards the flower. They both kneeled down next to the flower. "What is it called Sakura?" "its called Murasakiiro no yuugao (Purple moonflower). It only opens at night and glows bright." "Its so beautiful." Itachi stood up, helping Sakura up. "Its amazing you know so much about flowers Sakura." Sakura smiled. "I learnt all about them when I was doing a herbal medicine course."

They reached her hut and Itachi stood next to her. "thank you for the dinner and for walking me home." "That's okay Sakura chan." They stood outside for a while not saying anything to each other. "Well I better be going now." Itachi turned to leave "Itachi…" He turned around to see Sakura. "Yes Sakura" He whispered, she moved closer to him and hugged him. Planting a small kiss on his cheek. With that she walked into her hut and bid good night.

Itachi walked home happy. He couldn't believe that Sakura just kissed him. It felt amazing.