Thank you for following the story, hope you're enjoying it so far. Well of course you are, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this lol. So the last 2 chapters were released within a few days of each other but this time you've had to wait a bit longer. I thought since there was a time skip it would give it more effect. Enjoy…
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS.
Chapter 9 – 6 Years Later
Knock, Knock
"Miss Haruno? Your next patient's about to come in, he's 7 years old with a possible broken arm from falling out of a tree. His mother's with him too"
"Ok, they can come in now".
Sakura straightened her white coat just before her next patient knocked on the door.
This was a normal day for Sakura, now at the age of 26, she was working in a clinic in Kyoto. After spending 5 years studying medicine in England and exploring the country, the dreaded day finally came that she would have to return back to Japan, but she wouldn't return to live in Tokyo. Luckily she had saved enough money to find a new place in Kyoto and managed to get a job there. Some days she would work at the hospital if they were busy or understaffed and some days she would work in a small clinic for locals and even foreigners. Knowing English became very useful in her job.
The pain from 6 years ago had been buried, she had spent all her time burying her head in her books and working hard, not having to depend on anyone. As for her family and friends, only Ino and most likely Hinata and Tenten knew the real situation. Although her meeting with Shisui had never been mentioned.
The day Sakura arrived back in Japan she promised herself, everything will not go back to normal. Everything will be different. A new place, a new job, a new Sakura Haruno. She was not the weak, pathetic, foolish little girl she was 6 years ago, she was now a strong, independent, woman who didn't need any man by her side. There were times while she was away that guys were interested in her, but she always turned them down. She didn't seem to have any trust in men anymore. She had convinced herself that being with someone was too much of a hassle and that she was better off alone.
True, there were times when she thought about the future and if she'll ever have a husband, but she always told herself off for thinking of such things. What's important is now! She told herself. The present was now and she had to focus on it and not of the past or future, no matter how painful they may be.
"They we go, all done" She finished bandaging the boys arm and turned to the mother "It doesn't look like it's broken, but it is very badly sprained. He'll need to not use it for a week or two."
The mother sighed in relief and then looked at the boy in anger. She pinched his eyes, making the boy yell. "See what happens when you don't listen to your me!"
The boy was sniffling; crying from the pain. Sakura was used to this sight, she picked up a jar full of lollypops, opened it and held it out for the boy.
"You may only have one if you promise to listen to your mother from now on. You wouldn't want your mother worried again would you?"
The boy blushed and then nodded. He reached into the jar and picked up a lollypop. The mother and son bowed to Sakura and left, the boy turned and waved bye. Sakura waved back and smiled.
Sakura's appearance had of course changed during the last 6 years. Now she was taller, her pink hair was shorter; the ends curled in. Her curves and breasts had filled out more. If she didn't have the body of a woman then, she certainly did now.
"Miss Haruno? Your next patient is a male in his early thirties with a possible broken nose, looks like he was in a fight."
"sigh ok, tell him he can come in, as long as he doesn't start anything"
"Ok… oh! And umm, I don't mean to sound non-professional but YUM!"
Sakura looked at her assistant and laughed. She got everything ready for the next patient.
Knock, Knock
"Come in"
The door opened as she quickly scanned through the notes about her next patient. When she read the name she quickly looked up to see the man before him.
"Hidan"
Hidan instantly recognised Sakura as soon as he walked in. He was holding his bloody nose and his shirt had blood stains all over.
"Hey! Long-time no see!"
He seemed very cheerful for a guy with a bloody nose. Sakura sat him down and checked his nose. She pressed it gently, making him rinse.
"Ah! Fuck!"
"Ok, looks like it's broken. Do you mind if I asked what happened?"
Hidan flinched as Sakura started dabbing the blood off his face. "Ah, well, the usual… in a bar, some prick fucking pisses me off, we start fighting, and well… you get the idea."
"You went to a bar at lunch time?"
"Nah I went last night; I only woke up an hour ago hahahaha"
Of course… silly me for not guessing
Sakura remembered the crazy stories of Hidan and his 'adventures' to a bar. It either ended with him waking up alone and beaten up or waking up in bed with a girl… and that one time when he woke up alone handcuffed to a bed that wasn't his.
Sakura finished wiping the blood off Hidan's face and placed a bandage across the bridge of his nose. She then started checking the bruises on his face, including one on his left eye.
"So…ow, how have you been?"
"Not bad, as you can see"
Hidan couldn't help but check her out in her uniform. Yeah, not bad at all… bet she looks dead sexy in a fucking nurse outfit hehehe…
"Yeah I heard you disappeared after you and Uchiha broke up"
Sakura stopped and looked at Hidan as if to say "really?". The room was filled with an awkward silence to which a few seconds later Hidan broke.
"Come on, one of us had to bring it up sometime heh" Hidan chuckled awkwardly; instantly regretting his words and mentally beating himself. He watched Sakura lower her eyes and turn around to take off her gloves. "Ok you're done" He stood up and scratched the back of his head.
"Hey, I'm sorry, I'm a fucking idiot. I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine…"
Sakura turned around smiling. "No harm done… don't worry. You're good to go."
Despite her smile, Hidan still felt bad. "Look um… this is probably gonna sound fucking weird but umm… what time do you finish? I mean when you're done, maybe you wanna go out for a drink or dinner?"
Sakura's eyes widened. Oh my god is he asking me out? To which Hidan instantly waved his hands. "I mean I'm not you asking you out on a date or anything! I know better than to do that with errr… fuck!"
She could see he was struggling with his words and she couldn't help but laugh. It had been a long time since she went out to eat, not to mention go out with a friend.
"Ok"
"Huh?" Hidan looked at Sakura; not expecting a yes or even an ok, he was half expecting a slap in the face.
"I finish at 6, but I think I'll choose where we go to eat…"
Hidan chuckled and nodded, but suddenly stopped as she pointed her finger at him. "BUT! If you get into any fights, I will make sure you go home with not just a broken nose, ok?"
He gulped "Yes ma'am".
Fuck! She's changed! She's a lot more confident and… dominant Hidan smiled to himself.
Later in the evening, in a small bar in central Kyoto…
Sakura and Hidan were sat at the Japanese style bar; The seats were on the floor with a trench underneath for people's feet. It was Friday night so of course the place was busy with customers drinking and eating a lot after a long, hard week. Sakura and Hidan had finished their meal and were now drinking sake and laughing. Hidan was telling her about the time he, Kisame, Sasori and Deidara had a flat tire and a cop who happened to be passing by helped them out to replace the tire with the spare and how during that time Kisame started saying inappropriate things.
"Hahahahaha that can't be true!"
"Yeah! Really! He was whispering loudly like 'What do we do about the drugs in the car?' and 'the body's still moving', Sasori was panicking; telling the cop it wasn't true and Deidara and I were on the floor pissing ourselves"
The corner of the bar was filled with hysteric laughter; tears were running down Sakura's cheeks, she was waving her hand to stop them.
"Hahahaha, stop! Please! Oh god! Hahahaha! My makeup! Hahahahaha!"
After a while, both finally calmed down and continued drinking. Sakura found it strange at how much fun she was having just hanging out with Hidan of all people, but she thought it was also nice, as if she was having a well-deserved break. Hidan poured himself some more sake as he spoke, Sakura traced the outline of her sake cup with her middle finger.
"You know… things weren't the same after you left…"
Sakura turned to see Hidan looking melancholy. "…When we heard what happened, we were all fucking shocked… I mean you guys were so happy together, and you just came back from a week of hot, wild sex in France…"
She spat her drink out blushing. WHAT?! HOW DID HE KNOW!? OH GOD DON'T TELL ME HE AND THE OTHERS HEARD?! WERE WE REALLY THAT LOUD?!
"…but then… suddenly he ended it… just like that… without warning…"
She looked down and sighed; the memory of that night still haunting her, no matter how much she tried to forget.Suddenly Hidan slammed his fist against the table, making Sakura and other people jolt by surprise.
SLAM!
"Damn that fucking asswipe! What fucking reason did he fucking have! Dumping an amazing hot piece of ass like you! He never told us a fucking thing! Ever since then he's been fucking avoiding us and focusing on his fucking work! As soon as I found out that he was getting fucking hitched I went to give him a piece of my fucking mind! Those fucking Uchiha! They're…. ARGHHHHH! IF I EVER SEE THAT FUCKING ASSHOLE AGAIN I'M GONNA RING HIS FUCKING NECK!"
Sakura didn't how to feel or react. All these years she thought Itachi's friends were pretending to be friends with her and just went along with his charade; but not only were they not, but it sounded like they had been cut out of Itachi's life along with her. Something seemed really odd about that.
"Wait, so you don't know why he ended…it?"
Hidan looked at her. "…. No… why? Don't you?"
"I'm bored now"
Sakura shook her head. "…No… nothing…"
Both stayed quiet for the rest of their time in the bar. It was now almost midnight, Hidan and Sakura walked out of the bar and stayed stood in the street. On the left of them was the main street with cars driving by and on the right the street continued with small groups of people around, chatting, walking away and some bickering.
"Well… thanks for the dinner and drinks… it was a lot of fun".
Hidan smiled "Yeah it was hehe…"
Just as Sakura bowed and started walking away Hidan called out to her. "Hey Sakura!". She turned back to face him.
"You should hang out with us some time. We…" He blushed and scratched the back of his head again. "We all miss you…"
Sakura was startled at first but then a warm feeling filled her heart, she smiled "I miss you all too". She watched him stretch his arms out for a hug, she walked back to him and hugged him. "Thank you Hidan"
He smiled and hugged her tighter. Suddenly they heard someone yell.
"STOP!"
Just as they were about to turn around to see what was going on, someone bumped into Hidan from behind and pushed him to the side, they grabbed onto Sakura by her wrist, turned around; moving her held wrist behind her back and she then felt a blade against her neck and panting by her ear. It happened within seconds. Hidan stood up and saw Sakura being held hostage by the man who was panicking and holding her, his hand which was holding the knife was shaking. Hidan stepped towards them, as did the policemen near him, who had their tasers out.
"DON'T FUCKING MOVE!" He held the knife closer to Sakura's neck. She gasped and went on tiptoes; trying to keep her neck off the blade. Everyone stopped moving, Hidan looked angry.
"DON'T FUCKING MOVE! I SWEAR! I SWEAR FUCKING GOD I'LL KILL HER!"
"Let go of the girl and drop the knife! Don't make things more difficult than it already- "
"SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!" The man was in a panic, he obviously hadn't planned taking someone hostage. He turned towards Hidan to see him with his arms up, looking calm.
"Come on buddy! Whatever you've done the girl's got nothing to do with it…"
The man breath heavily looking at Sakura and then back at him. He could then see one of the officers talking on his walkie talkie; requesting backup. He suddenly changed his hands; he moved his moved his left arm up to Sakura's neck and tightened it around her neck, and he pointed the knife at the policemen. Sakura held onto his arms as he walked back; dragging her with him.
"GET OFF THE PHONE! NO BACKUP! NO BACKUP! IF I SEE ANYMORE COPS I'LL FUCKING KILL HER!"
"CALM DOWN!"
The man pointed the knife to Sakura's head; shaking in anger more than before. Hidan turned back to the police; expecting them to be in a panic, but they were all calm, as if they already knew the outcome. They stood their ground and kept their tasers out. Sakura tried to stay as calm as possible, waiting for the right moment to kick him in the shin with her heel and make her escape, she took a deep breath and started counting down in her head.
Ok, just stay calm… you've got one shot at this… one shot… just do it… ok… 3… 2… 1…
BANG!
Sakura felt the man straighten up and stiffen as she heard the gun shot. She could then feel herself fall with the man, luckily she had enough strength to keep herself standing and ran toward Hidan. Hidan held onto Sakura tightly. Both relieved.
"You ok kiddo?"
Sakura panted. "Yeah… I'm fine"
They watched the police run to the man and surround him. He had been shot in the back but he wasn't dead. Men across the street ran across the road with guns. People from inside the bar came out too. One man walked out holding a phone.
"Target has been captured"
"Good. Make sure no one leaves the scene"
Sakura turned around to see the person he was talking to was close by. Her eyes widened, her breathing stopped, her heart sank. Not even aware that Hidan's grip on her shoulder tightened as he saw who it was.
The man before them took out his police badge for everyone to see.
"I am chief inspector Uchiha! If everyone will please stay where you are, we need you all to corporate with us to deal with what has happened".
Itachi…
"Son of a bitch" Hidan muttered. Sakura still frozen in shock, she moved her eyes on the ground, not daring to look at him again.
"Miss?" She looked up to see one of the officers before them. "We need you to come with us please?"
2 hours later at the police station…
Sakura stayed sat down at the table after giving her report on what happened, looking at her hands that had finally stopped shaking. The shaking wasn't from the man who took her hostage and had a knife at her neck, it was the chief inspector. She opened her hands and placed her head into them
Why? Why of all people? Why did it have to be him? Why? Why is he even in Kyoto? Was he transferred here? Oh god and he saw me with Hidan! What if he thinks something's going on? Wait, why should he care? Why should I care that he cares? Oh god this is so fucking messed up! ARGH! I just wanna crawl into a hole and die!
The door opened, she looked up to see it was the officer who had been interrogating her about the incident, feeling relief that it wasn't Itachi. "You're free to go miss".
Sakura looked down for a moment, now feeling saddened for some reason and then stood up. "Thank you". Just as she was about to walk past the man, "Oh and chief inspector Uchiha would like to see you before you go".
Fuck!
She followed the officer down the hall towards Itachi's office, however they didn't have far to go as they saw the man himself in the corridor with other officers, looking through a file and then giving it to them. She couldn't help but look up to see him. It had been 6 years so Itachi would now be in his 30s, he didn't look like he had aged much at all, apart from the lines on his face had gotten longer, so had his hair; still tied up in a ponytail though. He looked very sophisticated and extremely handsome in his uniform. Sakura punched herself mentally for admiring his looks and thinking such things. She knew exactly what to tell herself to stop thinking about him.
His wife must be very proud.
She woke up from her thoughts as she saw Itachi approach her and the officer beside her saluted to him.
"Sir, I told her that she is free to go".
Itachi kept his eyes on the officer, not once looking at Sakura. He kept an emotionless expression. "Any injuries?"
"No injuries sir, she has been checked".
"Mental condition?"
Sakura looked at him in shock. Mental condition? What the hell?
"Errr… she appears to be just in shock sir. Nothing long term."
Well obviously!
"Report?"
The man handed him the file with Sakura's report on the incident. He scanned through it and then closed it and placed it under his arm.
"Very good, continue with the other witnesses".
"Yes, sir". The officer bowed and walked away, leaving Sakura alone with Itachi. At first she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to see him again but at the same time she wanted to face him, as if she was facing her fears. She knew she would regret it later if she didn't. She took a deep, quiet breath and looked up, seeing that Itachi was already looking at her.
"Are you able to get home alright?"
Sakura blinked, half expecting him to mention Hidan. "Ummm, yeah I'll just get a taxi"
"No need, I'll call for one myself, and we'll pay the fare as well".
"Oh, er… thank you? but umm… what… what about Hidan?"
"He already left. After he gave his report he took off".
Sakura frowned; hoping that Hidan would stay back and wait for her. Just when she thought he had grown up a bit, Hidan was still Hidan.
"I see… ummm Ita- "
Itachi started walking passed her. "I best get back to work. You may go home now and rest. If anything else happens or see anything or anyone suspicious let us know".
She watched his back. "…ok". And walked away until…
"S- Miss Haruno"
She turned around. Itachi was facing her, silent for a moment until he spoke. "Look after yourself". And with that, he turned back and continued walking down the hall.
Sakura got into the taxi and gave the driver her address. She sat back and looked out the window frowning.
Strange… I thought for a second there he was about to say my first name…
Itachi stood by his desk on the phone.
"Yes, we've apprehended him… yes… yes, I'll be returning to Tokyo in 3 days… yes I will… yes sir… bye."
He pressed the red button on the phone screen and then placed his phone in his pocket. He looked out the window at the night lights of Kyoto.
Flashback (10 mins before Sakura left the police station) …
Itachi stepped outside for fresh air and saw Hidan standing outside the building. Hidan had his hand in his pockets looking pissed.
"You've handed in your report Hidan. You can go home now".
"Hmm, you know I don't live fucking here, I'm on vacation".
"Then go back to your hotel, if the staff give you any grief tell them to call chief inspe-"
Hidan shook his head and smiled. "I ain't fucking leaving 'til she's out".
There was silence for a few seconds. "I didn't know you two were an item".
Hidan's smile disappeared. "We're not, not that it's any of your fucking business… what you jealous?"
Itachi said nothing and turned to walk back in. "Go home Hidan, I'll make sure she gets home safely".
"She's still hurt ya know". Itachi stopped but kept his back to him. "She may be strong but even I can fucking tell she's still in pain after all these years…. I was surprised to find out that even she doesn't fucking know the reasons for what you did…"
Itachi continued staying quiet. Hidan was getting more pissed. "Hmmm! Look Uchiha! You may have an amazing fucking job and an amazing fucking mansion with your fucking wife and kids, but you still care about cherry blossom! Otherwise why go to such lengths to make sure she's ok, instead of having one of your fucking cronies do it".
Itachi turned around to face Hidan and spoke.
…
Hidan's eyes widened by what he heard. He stayed quiet as he watched the Uchiha walk back into the station. Itachi was expecting to keep hearing Hidan yelling nonsense, but he didn't. What he said had clearly shut him up.
End of flashback…
Meanwhile, Hidan was walking slowly back to his hotel, mumbling to himself; gritting his teeth. "No fucking way".
Phew! Another chapter done! So I know there was some Hidan x Sakura moments in this but don't worry, they'll just be friends, even if Hidan does like Sakura. If you like the pairing though the next chapter of Akatsuki x Sakura (chapter 5) will be Hidan! So look forward to that. I will try and add more ItaSaku moments. I've got some ideas on what will happen next and hopefully things won't get too complicated lol. I'll be honest, I wrote this chapter a few weeks ago but because there was a time skip I wanted to give it some effect, like I said. I wanted to write a chapter soon while the ideas were around (I knew I'd forget or lose the motivation), but I promised myself to publish the new chapter on my birthday for you guys! Hope the wait was worth it and look forward to the next chapter. See you soon!
