Hey guys well I'll be cutting down the humour a lot since the story is getting more serious and this is now a gaaxsaku and naruxhina…please don't complain I have made up my mind and I have too much going on to actually focus on my stories okay? Don't worry though the humour will come back…at some point.
(-. - ) Enjoy
Chapter 10: Festival part 1!
"This is not happening…"
Oh but it was.
Haruno Sakura was currently standing backstage, dressed in a formal crimson polo and black baggy jeans, while her best friend 'Hiroki' sleeked her rosette tresses back with gel and tied it into a neat ponytail. The rosette watched with horrified eyes as other students ran around preparing for their classes' main event for the festival. Yes the ominous bachelor auctions will be starting in ten freaking minutes!
"Ne Seiji-kun, don't you just love how the whole school is outside and how the school grounds are littered with awesome stands made by each class?! I can't wait to try some okonomiyaki, or some takoyaki!!! Oh and of course you can't ignore that lovely festival feeling," With every dreamy sigh that escaped Hinata's mouth, another vein popped on Sakura's forehead.
"Hiroki…just because you got out of this whole traumatic event it doesn't give you the right to rub your freedom in my face!!!!" Sakura had hissed at the start and ended with a menacing growl that could rival an angry tiger. Hinata just shook her head and gave her almost-hysteric best friend a good pat on the back…before bursting out into a fit of laughter.
"Aw c'mon Seiji-kun! Just because you slept in and didn't get asked by Kakashi to back out and help out with food stalls is no reason to be so down! At least you'll find out how much you're worth to the ladies-" Hinata was interrupted by one of the students who were currently carrying a box full of takoyaki plastic containers.
"Hiroki, Jin is looking for you…he needs you to help out with the first shift," With a big smile and the suppressed urge to drool at the thought of delicious food, Hinata waved to Sakura before speeding out of the 'backstage' area which was actually just a big tent behind the make-shift stage, currently located in the middle of the whole festival.
"No-damnit Hiroki…Ima kill you later!" With a defeated sigh Sakura walked up to the mirror and scrunched her nose a little at how tidy and neat she looked so with a small smirk she took a few strands of hair and let them fall around her face. Once she was satisfied with her getup she looked around and noticed that there were only ten bachelors, including herself, and only five of them were recognisable. The rosette was about sit down when a cloud of smoke suddenly appeared in front of her, effectively scaring the living daylights out her poor soul.
"Yo! You look very handsome…oh I am so proud to be your teacher!" Sakura rolled her eyes at Kakashi and used her hands to wave off the offending smoke that was threatening to give her a coughing fit. Kakashi chuckled at his pink haired student before turning to a new page in his favourite little orange book.
"Geez Kakashi-sensei…can't you appear like a normal person? How did you do that anyway…?" Sakura narrowed her eyes at the silver haired man before dusting off her clothes while Kakashi took out a few small black balls from his breast pocket and shoving them in front of Sakura's face, causing the poor girl to back up a little.
"Oh, well one of the classes is doing a magic theme and they gave these to me for free but I'll give them to you…in case you need them today," The rosette gaped as Kakashi's face darkened and lightening flashed behind him as he ominously spoke the last few words. Before she could question him, he turned around and clapped his hands before telling everyone that the auctions are going to begin. Sakura placed the smoke bombs in her pocket before being ushered towards the stage…where hoards of crazed females were waiting…for their victims. A cold shiver of fear ran up and down her spine and was about to make a run for it but it was too late…she was thrust onto the stage along with the other bachelors. They all broke out into a cold sweat when they were met with loud shrieks of excitement.
"I would like to announce the start of our Bachelor Auction!! Now ladies-"
"HEY!"
"…and gentleman…We have ten strapping young lads you are excited to be chosen as your dates for the day!! Now, our first bachelor is none other than…Sasuke Uchiha!!! Bidding starts at ten dollars!" Kakashi gave the crowd an unseen grin as the crowd burst into a fit of giggles as the stoic Uchiha made his way to the front, looking like he'd rather drown than be where he was now.
"Ten dollars!!"
"Twenty!"
"Thirty five!"
"Forty eight!"
"One hundred!! Your ass is mine!!" Sasuke winced…
"One hundred and fifty!!! He's mine you slut!"
"Three hundred!!!!! Take that Bitches!!!" Sasuke was getting a little worried…
The crowd grew silent as no one else had the money to out bid the female or they just didn't want the Uchiha and Kakashi took the silence as the end so he began to clap and motioned for the lady to step up on stage. The crowd grew envious as the red head with glasses arrogantly latched herself onto the young Uchiha's arm and quickly wrote Kakashi's check.
"Oh and miss there are a few rules! No.1: No Sexual harassment and yes that includes rape…No.2: No stalking the bachelor after today-This all pretty much lands under sexual harassment so…yeah good luck Sasuke!" Kakashi smiled to himself when Sasuke's face loosened up a bit after hearing the rules…but he wasn't so sure the rules would keep him safe from that Karin chick…oh well!
The Auction continued until Sakura and Gaara were the last ones standing on stage. Kakashi was practically swimming in money already but they all knew it would go to the school and he would only get a small percentage…but hey! That's how Tsunade works. Both Sakura and Gaara walked up to the front of the stage with their hands in their pockets and eyes looking anywhere but the crowd of drooling fan girls.
"Alright girls these two are the last to go so be sure to get one of them as your date today! Okay Haruno Seiji! Please step up!" Sakura sighed and stared blankly at the cloudless sky as the girls began to scream at how calm and cool he looked…but no one knew that the rosette was actually trying not to run in fear at the sight of these rabid girls.
"One thousand dollars…for both of them," The crowd was shocked into silence while Kakashi and Sakura's eyes both popped out from their sockets…Gaara just glanced at the female who began to make her way up to the stage. Her hips swayed with every step and it seems that she was just too beautiful for the girls to snarl at since they all sighed and walked away in defeat…not one uttered anything insulting towards her. Sakura snapped back to reality and gulped loudly before backing away from the smiling angel, who had already grasped Gaara's right arm.
"N-No…Kakashi-sensei p-please d-d-d-don't make me do this!" Kakashi's gaze became serious and he could sense that Seiji's fear was real. Kakashi walked up to the girl and blocked the rosette from her grasp. He wasn't going to let this kid be traumatised just for the sake of money.
"I'm sorry miss but I'm sure you'll be fine with Mr. Sabaku there so I wish you two the best-"
"Here's your money…in cash. Oh and an extra hundred is tucked in there for yah,"
"I agree two is better than one! Here take him…Have a nice day you three!!!" Sakura gaped at her sensei's betrayal and proceeded to shout curses at the happily waving man. Kakashi just sighed and plucked out a one hundred dollar bill before placing the rest of the money in the tin box…oh how low he has sunk…
"Damnit…I feel really bad…this is dirty money! I will not spend thee!!!" Kakashi pointed and hissed at the bill as if it had just cracked a very offensive 'Yo momma' joke towards him. Kakashi was about to rip the bill in half when he received a text message.
'New issue is out'
-Jiraiya
"Well…there goes my honour out the window…I'm coming Jiraiya-sama!!!"
-
"Ah…isn't this nice? I have two very handsome men here to keep me safe and happy!" Sakura was pale and sweating. She looked over to her fellow victim and noticed that the only sign of Gaara's distress was the slight twitches in his right eye…oh how she envied his ability to hide his emotions. Though the bombshell babe squeezed in the middle of the two didn't seem to notice their moods at all…yes exactly what you'd expect from such a spoiled female.
"Ino…you mind letting go of my arm? You're cutting off my blood circulation," Sakura gave the blonde a charming smile and thanked the gods when the girl sighed dreamily and dropped her arm. Sakura suppressed the urge to laugh when Gaara had rudely yanked his arm out of her grasp as well…which looked to upset Ino. The beautiful female flipped her glossy locks and held her head up high before spotting the food section, dragging her scowling bachelors towards the delicious smell of freshly cooked food.
"Hope you two boys are hungry because I'm in the mood for some takoyaki!" Ino pulled both her irritated dates right up to the stall before clapping her hands joyously and eyeing the different types of sauce toppings. Gaara on the other hand crossed his arms and leaned against the stall's sign before closing his eyes while Sakura sighed and rolled her bored green orbs.
"Ano…Ino I'm not really that hungry-"
"It's Ino-chan to you mister," Sakura's right eye twitched before forcing a smile on her face.
"Ino…chan…can we leave already-"
"I'll take three takoyaki orders with dashi flakes and mayonnaise, thanks," Sakura sighed in annoyance and crossed her arms before lazily shifting her half lidded eyes onto Ino's purse…slowly taking note of just how rich the girl really is. If three thick rolls of hundred dollar notes didn't spell 'rich' out for you, then Sakura didn't know what did. The rosette watched as Ino handed the stall cashier a hundred dollar bill, eyes widening horrifically when she said 'Keep the change'. .Fu-
"Aw what do we have here?! You must be one lucky lady…snagging two very handsome boys huh?" Emerald eyes darted to the arrogant, yet familiar, voice that spoke up. Once she spotted, dark violet hair, pearly eyes and a -shame-on-you- smirk on the person…all she saw was red. Hinata was standing right in front of her complete with an apron, bandana, greasy pair of tongs and painful looking black eye and an arrogant grin. Wait. Black eye!?
"Oh well at least I'm not sporting a swelling black eye," Sakura threw her best friend an evil smirk before crossing her arms smugly across her chest, causing Hinata to pout and glare.
"Oh yeah? Well at least I'm not going to be sexually harassed at all today!" A gasp escaped the rosette's lips as she slammed her palms onto the table between Hinata and herself. Hinata smirked in satisfaction as her friend glared at her with an offended look.
"Pfft! I bet that black eye was self-inflicted!" Oh that was it! Hinata gasped and pointed at her friend while her eyes watered with false tears.
"It is not my fault that the baby octopuses were fresh…really fresh!!!! I picked one up and then it moved…I'm afraid after that…it was all a blur…" Sakura sighed at her friend's lame attempt at being dramatic.
"Oh don't tell me you got freaked out and ran straight into the nearest wooden pole!" Sakura sighed…again when Hinata shifted her eyes from side to side…
"Pfft…No,"
"Hiroki-"
"Fine, yes that's what happened!!!! Geheeze Seiji…you're so mean to me!" Sakura rolled her eyes and narrowed her them at her best friend's scowling face before giving in and apologising.
"Fine…I'm sorry…my food better not be poisoned homo," The rosette rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly before smirking up at her best friend as Hinata scoffed at the last comment. Sakura took her takoyaki from Hinata, and was about to grab one but in an instant all she could feel was Ino's chest pressed against her side and her delicate fingers gently rubbing the bottom of her lip. Sakura stiffened in her position and…well fuck, she was trapped.
"Hey Seiji-kun…would you like me to feed you?" Ino moved even closer to press herself against the rosette's side while she whispered seductively into Seiji's ear, clearly not aware of the huge discomfort she was causing the poor teenager.
"Oh…my," Hinata's eyes grew ten times their size as she watched Ino's shameless display of seduction. The pearly eyed teenager brought her hand up to her mouth in an attempt hide her gaping expression. She actually felt sorry for her best friend. Hinata pushed aside her surprise and took in a deep breath before clearing her throat loudly, affectively gaining Ino's attention and temporarily halting her actions. Yes…she was going to save her friend!
"Excuse me…Ino-san but I believe my friend Seiji-kun is a little uncomfortable-"
"Did I ask for your opinion?" Ino cut off Hinata's words with a very calm and threatening tone, a tone so threatening that the poor girl began to sweat like a pig.
"I meant… Pfft he loves attention! Goodbye and have fun with him!" Hinata forced a grin onto her face and began waving as she slowly moved backwards and deeper into the food stall. Sakura's eyes widened at her friend's lousy attempt at rescuing her and she was beginning to hyperventilate…not a good sign.
"Now…let's go have some fun you two," Ino gave Sakura a quick slap on the butt…and the world froze.
"AH!! Help me Hiroki!" The rosette leaped away from the surprised blonde and ran towards the takoyaki counter before getting ready to jump over it. But as Sakura was in midair she felt a tug on her collar before falling backwards and onto the ground, causing the girl to groan in pain.
"Aw I'm sorry Seiji-kun…but there'll be no running away today," Ino tightened her grip on Sakura's collar before grabbing Gaara's arm and began walking away from the stall. The rosette struggled but she couldn't get away….and the Ino spoke so evilly sent chills up and down her. This was all Hinata's fault!!
"Gomen Seiji-kun!!! I'll make it up to yah later!" Hinata gulped when Seiji let out a feral growl form afar.
"HIROKI!! You fail!"
Hinata sighed at her friend's response and was about to finish up her shift before she saw a flash of yellow. Hinata's pearly orbs brightened up at the sound of Naruto's voice but her happiness didn't last long…because she saw the vivacious brunette hanging onto HER man's arm. A small gasp escaped from her full lips before she cast her eyes downwards.
"Oh Naruto-kun you're so funny!" The girl had a melodious laugh and Hinata's heart sunk even further.
"Yeah babe, you want to hear another joke?!" Naruto was enjoying her company…Hinata couldn't take it anymore so she turned away from the scene and took in a shaky breath…she could never get what she wants.
For all of Sakura and Hinata's lives they never got what they wanted and had to watch as everyone else fulfilled their dreams and needs…looks like this was going to be the same. She brought a hand up to her bandana and lowered one side of it to hide the bruised eye she had given herself, kind of making her look a little like Kakashi-sensei.
"Hiroki-kun you can go have a break, Koji can take the next round," Hinata smiled at her leader before taking off her apron and dusting off her baggy jeans and grey shirt.
"Oh Naruto-kun! That was even funnier than before!" That laugh again…Hinata closed her eyes and bit her lip before walking away from the stall and that disgusting sight.
A miserable sigh escaped Hinata's lips while she kept walking. The violet haired girl clenched her fists and fought the urge to weep.
"Sakura-chan is way stronger than me…what would she do in this situation," Before Hinata could take in another shaky breath…two cold hand grabbed her face and before she knew it she was seeing stars.
BAM!!
Yes…she had just been painfully head butted.
"What…pant…the hell…pant…do you think you're doing! Fight for…pant…him Damnit! Hinata…pant…you're stronger than you think…pant!" Hinata shook the dizziness away before giving the panting rosette in front of her the –what-the-fuck-are-you-doing-here-? look.
"That's…pant…not the point…pant…GO!" Hinata grinned up at Sakura before quickly rubbing away the small tears that gathered up. They're best friends…and best friends always have each other's back.
"That panting thing was annoying you know? It hindered your speech a lot,"
"Yeah….pant…I'm…pant...aware,"
"Oh and loved the head butt…I see you've decided to improve since I almost surpassed yours huh?"
"Why thank you…pant…I've actually been working on it for a while now, oh and take note of how much strength I used-OOF!" Ino had just tackled Sakura to the ground…hard. Hinata backed away from the giggling female sitting on her fallen friend.
"Silly Seiji-kun! Gaara's waiting for us…I said no more running didn't I? Now…c'mon the three of us have a lot to do today!" Ino gave a smile to Hinata before standing up and dragging Sakura along with her…again.
"Go Hiroki!! But you still fail in search and rescue!!" Hinata stood there a little…dumbfounded at how random that was…anyway…she may be horrible at search and rescue but…
"Sakura and I are the masters of…search and destroy,"
And so she began the hunt….
"Oh! Deidara look there's some fried squid! Oh and over there is some Okonomiyaki stalls!!" Itachi and Sasori could only stare at their moronic friends as the bought something from almost every food stall there was in this bloody festival. Itachi took a quick glance at the redhead beside him and took notice of how distant he looked…but he wasn't going to stick his nose into where it doesn't belong. Another squeal of joy rang through the Uchiha's ears and his scowl deepened even further…
"Kisame, Deidara…you both have enough food to feed a group of fifty homeless starving people. Maybe you should stop and buy something else for a change…" Itachi's voice was deep and void of emotion as he spoke…but the reaction he got from the two caused a fine brow to raise almost…horrifically.
"Excuse me?" Kisame shifted his bulging paper bag full of festival food onto his left arm while he used the right one to put on his hip…a very scary resemblance to what a frustrated female would do.
"What are you trying to imply Itachi-san?" Deidara narrowed his electric blue orbs towards the older Uchiha and swiftly flipped his luscious natural long blonde hair.
Both Itachi and Sasori stopped in their walk and stared at the two idiots who were currently acting like a couple of females who had just been called an obese guinea pig. Sasori sighed in irritation before steeping forward with his hands up in an attempt to cover up for Itachi's mistake…which would have saved the poor guy but Kisame began to speak while waving around a fried squid on a stick in his bout of anger.
"You know Itachi…I have spent YEARS developing this magnificent body of mine! I'm lithe yet muscled! This body type accompanied by my towering height is undoubtedly…smexy!! You are just jealous mister!" With that last comment Kisame waved his squid one last time…and it went flying…
SPLAATT!
"…"
"Oh…snap…"
"Kisame…"
"…I…uh…Sasori-sama…I-it was an a-a-a-accident?"
"Ooooooh Kisame…YOU'RE GOING DOWN BRO!"
"Deidara shut up! Anyway…I'm really sorry man I…hey look puppets!"
"Hm? Where?"
"…Pfft he fell for it…"
"I'm sorry what was that? Did you just lie to me?"
"Pfft Me? Lie? No…Deidara…RUN MAN RUN!"
Sasori grimaced as he watched the two imbeciles run as far as they could…before stopping and checking a few more food stalls…then running once again. The redhead sighed before taking out a handkerchief and wiping away the grease from the fried squid. After a minute or two the older Uchiha came up to the redhead and gave him a small pat on the shoulder…
"You know if you ask me…I honestly believe that their brain cells are rapidly deteriorating, no?" Itachi squinted his eyes a little, trying to make out their friends' running figures. Sasori looked out into the distance as well but his thoughts were currently to preoccupied with other things, which is probably why he wasn't very angry at the moment.
"I'd have to agree with you on that one Itachi…" Sasori smirked and carried on walking.
"Hm…since we're here why not try out some of the stalls that don't have anything to do with food," Sasori opened his mouth to reply to his friend but a flash of pink caught his eye and he couldn't help but swiftly turn around and search for it…but unfortunately it was gone. Itachi glanced at the redhead from the corner of his eye and narrowed his eyes before letting out a small sigh.
"Sasori…she's not here," Itachi's voice was quiet yet Sasori could still hear the certainty it held. Sasori closed his eyes and clenched his fists in a quiet anger, making sure to calm himself down before he did anything he would regret. Itachi was only telling him the truth after all…he just didn't want to hear it.
"But that boy…the one with pink hair…he's almost identical to her. I would know because she's my-"
"Sasori…get a hold of yourself," Itachi had cut off his friend because as soon as he spoke those words…he would be forced to remember everything…every painful detail he had gone through in the past. The redhead straightened up and closed his eyes before taking in a deep breath…
"I'm sorry…but how did you know Itachi?" Sasori had calmed himself down once again and inwardly scolded himself for loosing control of his emotions. The older Uchiha only smirked in response before guiding his friend towards an interesting booth that seemed to be farther from the rest.
"There's only one thing in this world that can get you this distracted…" Itachi's words rang true in Sasori's ears but he didn't feel like discussing it any further so instead he slowly took in the makeshift tent they were currently walking towards. It seems to be a 'fortune teller' themed stall and that not many people were taking any notice to it. The reason behind the lack of interest was probably due to the dark colours used to decorate the thing.
"Hm? A fortune teller?" Sasori raised a fine brow and looked over to the smirking Uchiha standing to his left. Itachi waved off the redhead's questioning gaze and walked into the tent instead, motioning for his friend to follow.
"Who knows it may be interesting…" Sasori couldn't help but snort at Itachi's words but followed after anyway.
Once the two had entered they were automatically greeted with a puff of smoke and soft foreign music began to play in the background. The two young men coughed a little and had to wave away the offending smoke before it cleared enough to reveal a figure dressed in a typical fortune teller looking outfit. The whole outfit consisted of different shades of dark purples and blues and was obviously a made for a woman with a beautiful body…
"Welcome young masters…" That oh so seductive voice…
"Kakashi…?" Sasori jumped at the horrific sight of his ex-teacher dressed up as a female gypsy fortune teller…Itachi was too shocked and probably blind to say anything. Kakashi's shoulders slumped at the sight of his two ex-students and walked over to the circular table before plopping himself down…
"Oh…it's just you two…" Kakashi let out a tired sigh before sitting up and moving both his hands to hover over the crystal ball sitting in the middle of the table. When the two boys showed no intention of moving any closer, the silver haired man let out another sigh.
"Well let's get this over with…" Kakashi stared at his former student and motioned for them to take a seat but to his amusement they seemed to be having an inner battle of whether they should run or stay. After ten minutes of horrified expressions, Sasori had pushed Itachi forward which had caused the Uchiha to stumble a little before glaring at his friend.
"Fine…I will have my 'fortune' told by…Hatake-san," Sasori smirked at Itachi's brave façade…he could tell his friend wanted nothing more than to run out of this tent. Though the redhead couldn't blame him because if you think about…seeing your teacher in that get up could possible scar you for life, yeah?
"Oh don't be so distant Itachi-kun! You've known me for years!" Kakashi chuckled and gave Itachi's hand a small pat….much to the boy's horror.
"Yes well…if anyone asks…I have never met you before. Now that that's all clear you may begin your little act," Kakashi pouted at Itachi's lack of…belief in his 'magic'. With a huff of indignation, Kakashi sat up straighter and tilted his head downwards...giving the Uchiha an ominous look which highlighted certain features and shadowed many parts resulting in a very scary look-
"Kakashi-san I know it is dark in here though there is no need for a flashlight…and I believe placing it under your chin doesn't help you see much…though it does emphasis the nose hairs you need to pluck…" Kakashi dropped the flashlight and gasped at Sasori's hurtful words. The boy just stood there looking innocent! As if he did not just ruin Kakashi's act…Itachi's snickering wasn't helping the situation either!
"Anyway…I think you shouldn't just think of this as fake Itachi-kun…underestimating fortune tellers can be a big mistake," Kakashi spoke so seriously that Itachi had to analyse the man's actions to see whether he was bluffing or not. Though whatever the deranged man said Itachi wasn't going to begin believing in all this nonsense.
"Hm,"
"Okay! Let's start…Hmmmm," Itachi and Sasori narrowed their eyes as Kakashi began to let his hand hover over the crystal ball while closing his eyes.
"…"
"…"
"I see!" Both Itachi and Sasori jumped at Kakashi's exclamation and leaned in a little closer, wanting to find out what the man had to say.
"Uchiha Itachi…you and you're friend will be brought down by many obstacles today…especially your red-haired friend. He will sacrifice a whole lot more than he expects and beware…for not everyone will see things your way…" Sasori's lips thinned and his eyes narrowed…what did this old fool think he was talking about? Itachi sighed and stood up from his chair…the fortune was obviously a fake one.
"Alright! Thanks for coming! Tell your friends alright you two!!!" Kakashi's head snapped up and began looking around as if he was in a trance just now. After gaining his mind back he smiled up at the two and waved them a lively farewell.
"Remember Itachi-kun and Sasori-kun…don't underestimate the power of the crystal ball…"
"Che. Whatever…let's get out of here Sasori,"
"Hm…"
"HEY TOU TWO!!! MOVE!" Both boys' heads snapped to the right and their eyes widened as they knew it was too late to move…
CRASH!
"We've been to most of all the stalls and I'm getting bored! Oh! I know…why don't we go to town, hm?" Ino twirled around to face the two bachelors that were currently holding numerous small bags that held Ino's purchases. Both boys also looked ready to murder the blonde.
"I'm getting sick and tired of this," Gaara's voice was rough and harsh as he spoke and it made the happy blonde stop in mid-twirl before her large baby blue eyes began to water at the corners. Sakura, being the kinder one out of the two, transferred the bags onto one hand before using the free one to pat Ino on the shoulder.
"Ano…Ino-chan what Gaara meant was that maybe we could…rest a little. We've been at this for a couple of hours now…" Ino quickly rubbed the corners of her eyes before giving Sakura a soft smile that conveyed her gratitude.
"Oh okay…I'm sorry for being a burden to you two," As soon as that small whisper escaped from Ino's lips the rosette's eyes narrowed and her heart stung with a forgotten pain. She absolutely loathed those words…because ever since she could remember she had been a burden to at least someone.
"No it's alright Ino-chan…we'll have a quick rest then we'll see if we can get permission to go to town alright?" Ino brightened at the suggestion and gave Sakura a big hug before turning to Gaara, quietly asking if he was okay with it. The emotionless redhead closed his eyes in irritation before sighing and nodding his approval.
"I knew panda-chan had a soft side to him-"
"Open your mouth again pinky and I will shove my foot up your-"
"Ah!!!"
Sakura and Gaara dropped everything they were holding and whipped around to see Ino on the ground with scrapped knees and a hooded figure running off in the opposite direction with her hand bag.
"Ino what happened?!" Sakura dropped down next to Ino and quickly analysed her injuries. After deciding that with a little antiseptic and alcohol it would be fine, she let out a growl before sprinting after the thief. Gaara stood there glaring at the thief as well.
"Gaara! Take care of Ino! I'll get that bastard!" Gaara growled at not being able to participate in the action but helped Ino up on her feet anyway. Though as soon as Gaara began leading her into the direction of the health clinic she began to struggle and it pissed him off.
"You need to be treated," Gaara's voice was calm but intimidating, causing Ino's struggles to cease…though tears began to rapidly stream down her face…much to Gaara's annoyance.
"I want to go after Seiji-kun! What happens if he gets hurt…or worst…oh god!" Ino buried her face in her palms and began to sob heavily. Gaara, not knowing what to do in these situations, decided to go with the proper choice…
"Alright we'll go after him but you have to stay close to me," Ino's smile brightened at Gaara's words and they both began to run in the direction their friend went off to.
-
"You bastard! Give the fucking purse back!" Sakura weaved through the panicking crowd, jumping over stalls and chairs while trying to keep her eyes focused on her target. The festival are was still in the school grounds and it was an absurd amount of space but Sakura could still see that the thief was heading straight for one of the exits.
"Shit," The mystery thief had shoved the purse between his teeth in order to use both arms to throw back two metal chairs. Sakura narrowed her eyes, putting more power into her legs so she could increase her speed and just as the two chairs were about to collide with her, she leapt up and dodged the chairs…breaking into a faster sprint once her feet had touched the ground.
"You won't get away! I swear I'll kill you if you don't give the damned thing back!" All Sakura got was a grunt and she was beginning to get furious. They were nearing the exit and the stalls were beginning to lessen as she got further.
"Give up you asshole!" Sakura glared at the thief's gruff voice and it was oddly familiar to her ears but before she could think anymore of it her orbs widened as the thief pushed a large cart in her way. Sakura knew she was too close to jump over the thing and since it was coming straight at her she had to think fast if she wanted to avoid it. After stealing herself Sakura kept running and right before the cart rammed into her she dived to the right, rolling harshly against the cement before using her hands and feet to stop.
"That hurt…" Sakura closed her eyes for a second before snapping her head up to see how far the thief had gone…he was still in the school ground so there was still time to catch up to him. The rosette narrowed her emerald orbs in determination and pushed her body up before running after the guy once again. Though once Sakura made it farther she noticed an oddly decorated stall and swore under her breath when two guys had just walked out…but she was running too fast and she couldn't stop now.
"HEY TOU TWO!!! MOVE!" Sakura cursed loudly when they had no time to move and she quickly braced herself before she went bowling straight into the two boys.
The two boys groaned in pain before they both stood up while clutching their heads. Sakura had rolled farther and rammed straight into the thick wooden support pole of the tent, leaving her in a struggle to cope with the pain shooting through her body and gasping for air.
"Ugh…I swear if this is my 'fortune' then I'm going to massacre Kakashi," Itachi's scowl darkened greatly when he identified the culprit. Sasori on the other hand was still seeing stars in his eyes.
"What the hell was that for?" Sasori's intimidating voice had reached Sakura's ears and she screwed her eyes shut to push away the pain and dizziness before bringing her head up to look at her two unfortunate victims. Once emerald met hazel something stung in her heart and she immediately turned her head back to where the thief had been.
"Shit he's jumping over the fence! Hey you bastard get back here!" Sakura took in a deep breath as she closed her eyes before she hurriedly pushed her aching body back up and broke into a sprint once again. Sasori's eyes widened considerably and he watched as the pink haired boy in front of him sped off towards a shady character that had just jumped over Konoha Boys' fence. After deciding to break away from the rules a little do what he wants, Sasori gave Itachi a piercing look.
"Fine we'll go…but don't blame me if you get disappointed," Sasori's lips twitched upwards a little before he and Itachi followed the rosette's path.
"Seiji-kun!" Sakura had just landed outside the fence and her head whipped around to the person calling out her name. Her eyes widened when she spotted Ino and Gaara running towards her…and of course expect Gaara to go the easy way and throw Ino over the fence…
"Ino!" Sakura quickly caught Ino and placed her down onto her feet just as Gaara landed smoothly to her left.
"How'd you guys get here so fast?" Sakura took this time to catch her breath and rub the cuts littering her arms. Gaara looked around before giving the rosette a smirk.
"You practically cleared the way for us…anyway which way did he go?" Sakura looked around and she was met with numerous cars zooming past her…then it hit her. No wonder Ino had wanted to go to town…their school was basically only a couple of feet away from it. She cursed at how hard this was going to be.
"I knew I shouldn't have brought daddy's hand held…oh no…" Sakura and Gaara's eyes narrowed at the girl between them and before Gaara could let out a scathing remark the rosette spoke before him.
"Alright…don't worry we'll get it back…we just need to know which way he went," Sakura cursed their luck and tried to see if anything had fallen out of the purse that could indicate the direction the thief went.
"I think I have an idea," Gaara's piercing jade eyes narrowed before he shifted his gaze towards Sakura.
"I have a feeling the guy went towards the left boarder of the town,"
"Alright but what made you think that?" Sakura didn't like the way Gaara's lips dipped down to form a dark scowl.
"That part of town is practically the home of all North Konoha's delinquents…" Sakura's eyes widened but as soon as she saw Ino tear up she sighed and looked straight into the redhead's eyes.
"Lead the way Gaara," With a small nod Gaara began running closer towards the lively town of north Konoha.
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"Okay we're here…don't let your guard down," Sakura nodded firmly at Gaara's words and she began to rethink her decision of coming here when all she could see were run down buildings and dark alleyways that were occupied with suspicious looking men. From the corner of her eyes she could see Ino wringing her wrists in fear so she sighed and grabbed the girl by the elbow just in case anything happened.
"Seiji-kun there he is!" Sakura and Gaara whipped their heads to the front and their orbs narrowed instantly when the Ino's words rang true. The thief had obviously seen them coming and made a run for it but Sakura wasn't going to let him get away. Sakura and Gaara sped towards the hooded figure but a shrill cry for help had them both skidding to a halt. They were met with the sight of Ino being carried away by two delinquents.
"Fuck…what is this!? Were they targeting her from the start?" Sakura cursed loudly before throwing off her crimson polo, leaving her in a white tank top and her black baggy jeans. Gaara followed in her lead and took off his formal coat, leaving him in a plain forest green tee.
"I'll go after Ino…Gaara you get the wallet…okay?" After nodding to each other they both ran in opposite directions and weaving through the alleyways in search of their targets.
"Damnit…why can't my life just be simple?" Sakura muttered under breath as she ran after the two assholes that kidnapped her friend.
Sakura searched for almost 20 minutes and she was beginning to get worried. There were so many alleyways, twists and turns that she wouldn't be surprised if she got lost sooner or later…no actually she was lost. A thin layer of sweat and dirt covered her body due to the day's events but she paid no heed because she was more worried for what would happen to Ino if they didn't find her in time. After running into another dark alleyway her head whipped to the right the instant she heard a distant cry for help.
"Ino…" With the thought of her blonde friend her heart began to beat faster in fear as she mustered what was left of her energy to sprint towards the shrill cries for help. Sakura knew a lot of people would immediately write Yamanaka Ino off as a dumb rich blonde who cared for nothing but herself…and yes some of it was true but she knew there was something more to the heiress. Sakura's emerald orbs narrowed in fiery determination…she would protect her friends no matter what the cost. She wasn't a burden anymore.
The rosette could see an opening at the end of the alleyway and it looked to be like a small courtyard where a bunch of delinquents would hang out. She could hear faint voices and they seemed to be talking about Ino…her anger boiled when she caught a few unnecessary words that told her of part of their intentions towards the blonde. Once Sakura was a few feet away from the courtyard she slowed down her pace and immediately hid behind the large dumpster near the opening. Sakura took this time to catch her breath and calm her herself for what she was about to do. She knew that even if there were only a few of them…they were still guys…and if she made one wrong move they could over power her.
"Ah Damnit…what the hell have I gotten myself into…maybe I could just get help…"
'Don't be a friggin wuss!' Sakura's eyes widened and she looked around and tried to see where such an annoying voice came from.
'I'm not annoying! And I'm your inner self! So you just basically called yourself annoying…'
"Wow I have an inner self? Haha cool…no wait doesn't this make me mentally unstable?"
"Shut up! Geez how can you have time to joke around in this situation!'
"Geez am I really that annoying?"
'Forget the annoying bit! GO RESCUE INO!'
"I-I…can't I'm not strong enough! ...I'll go get help!"
'No! There isn't anymore time! JUST GO BITCH'
"Gasp! You did not just call me a bitch you piece of- WHY AM I EVEN HAVING AN ARGUMENT WITH MYSELF?!" After shaking her head a couple of times to get her thoughts straight, Sakura straitened up and tightened her small ponytail before fixing her backwards baseball cap.
"I'm…my inner…you know what let's just say my conscience is right and I need to rescue Ino…no time to get help," After taking in a deep breath Sakura opened her eyes and the need to help a friend burned in those orbs, adding a golden tint to emerald.
Sakura clenched both fists at her sides and walked out of her hiding place and walked right into the courtyard, noticing that it was an abandoned basketball court and that it was occupied by at least twelve delinquents. Sakura narrowed her eyes and held her head up high when they all stopped what they were doing and stood up, an obvious intimidation tactic…but it wasn't working on Sakura…that much.
"Oh what do we have here? The knight in shining armour?!" The guy who spoke seemed to radiate authority and Sakura quickly marked him as the possible leader. She didn't reply as their laughter died down.
"Give me my friend back," Sakura was inwardly surprised at how unwavering and strong her voice came out. She fought down the waver of fear when they all began to scowl and crack their knuckles.
"I'm sorry but we need her for ransom so…fuck off before we kill you," Sakura clenched her fists tighter to keep herself strong.
"First tell me this…was the wallet just a way to get Ino out of the school?" Sakura was beginning to see red at how all of them snickered at her as if she was the dumbest one there.
"Obviously…and I'm done talking to you…you see Ino is quite the beauty…I want some alone time with her because the guy paying us just told us to keep her alive," That was it. Sakura snapped and all she could see was red. The rosette let out a feral growl before she sped towards the leader, cocking her fist backwards as she let loose one of her famed punches. Though unfortunately for her the leader dodged her attack effortlessly before motioning for his group to attack as he sat down next to an unconscious Ino.
"Shit!" Sakura ducked as one swung a kick above her head. As soon as she dropped down into a crouch she swept her leg across, causing two of the guys to flat on their backs. Sakura took this opening and jumped in between their groaning bodies before clenching her fists and bringing them down on each boy. Once the two were knocked out her eyes widened as a kick was sent to her chest, effectively causing her to fly backwards and hit the metal fence. Sakura coughed and didn't even notice her hat falling off because she had only a few second to dive to the right before a fist could smash into her face.
"Two down…ten to go…Damnit I can't do this…but I have to try!" Sakura pushed her very abused body up and charged towards the first guy heading for her. Once he was close enough Sakura cocked her fist back and smirked when she felt it connect with his face, hearing a few cracks here and there. Sakura had no time to think about it though; as soon as the first guy fell she was already in a fist fight with the next two who came up behind him. Sakura raised her forearms in order to block a kick from the guy in front of her and as soon as it connected she immediately grabbed onto his leg and used all her strength to swing him towards the opposite wall. She saw the one behind her getting ready to throw a punch so she dropped into a low crouch and kicked her leg out backwards, successfully hitting him in the groin. As the guy stumbled backwards she turned in her crouch and sent him a harsh uppercut.
"Five down…seven left…shit I'm already reaching my limit here," Sakura's vision was beginning to blur but she shook her head and narrowed her eyes, she couldn't give up now…
"Give me Ino back and I won't cause you anymore trouble," Sakura straightened up from her slumped position and winced a little from the pain that exploded all over her body.
"Ha! You're joking right? Do you think I'm so blind that I can't see you're exhaustion? I doubt you can still take on the rest of these guys," The leader laughed at Sakura's state and brushed away a few strands of hair that fell around his face.
"I'll admit you're not ugly but Ino will kill me if I let someone like you touch her. She's too good for you," Sakura grinned when the leader scowled and shouted for the rest to get her.
"I won't give up Damnit!" Sakura sprinted towards the closet delinquent and just before she reached him she dropped down and due to her speed she successfully skidded right under the guy. Just before she skidded right passed him she grabbed onto his legs and smirked in satisfaction as soon as his head connected with the concrete…instant knock out.
As soon as Sakura got up she felt a rough pull on her hair and bit her lip in order to suppress the scream of pain that almost escaped her lips. Sakura felt her hair tie snap and her heart stopped…she knew that with her hair down like this she looked way too feminine. Though before Sakura could panic she saw the leader stroke Ino's cheek…a new wave of determination rushed through her blood and she clenched her fists before harshly elbowing the bastard who ripped her tie off. When she turned she could see that he was struggling to stay on his feet so she decided to help him stay down. The rosette sent the guy a powerful roundhouse kick but as soon as she landed on her feet she was tackled against the fence by two more of the delinquents.
'Shit…there's still five of them left…I'm completely drained…' Sakura's thoughts were cut short though when a hard fist had driven itself right into her gut, causing her to double over in their hold and cough out a bit of blood.
"Ah!" Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that she was too exhausted to keep up her 'boyish' image and her voice was beginning to take on its normal tone…but she couldn't care right now because she was too tired to fight back.
"Hold it guys…" Sakura's blurred vision worsened and she could barely hear what was going on because she was in too much pain and all she could hear were her own pained gasps and dry sobs. Though she was completely aware that she had lost all control of her voice and that she was being grabbed by the hair.
"I see now…you're a girl aren'tcha?" Sakura narrowed tired eyes at the guy who was holding her head up. She frowned at his mocking smile and she began to panic when he instructed the two teenagers who were holding her against the metal fence to tighten their grips. Her eyes widened when he came so close that their chests almost touched.
"Get the fuck away from me," Sakura whispered venomously before trying to break out of the tight grips holding her back. Much to her dislike the leader let go of her hair and grabbed her chin before bringing his face close enough so that their noses were touching.
"You're one hell of a spitfire y'know? I like that in my girls…how'd yah like to be mine, ne?" Sakura gave the teenager an icy glare before she pulled her head back and drove it straight into his…having a pretty mean head butt could come in handy you know?
"So that's how you wana play huh?!" Sakura's eyes widened once again when he motioned for the other two to let go and stay back. Once they let go she tried to make a run for it but the leader had grabbed her by the shoulders and slammed her back against the fence, holding both her arms up above her head.
'SHIT SHIT SHIT I'M GONNA GET RAPED!!!!! SUPERMAN! BATMAN! ANYONE!!! HELP ME!!!' Sakura's inner self had successfully heightened the fear clawing at her spine.
'Shut up! We aren't gonna get raped…before that happens I'll stab us in the throat okay?' Sakura actually couldn't believe she was talking to her inner self at a time like this…
'…HELP! MY OUTER SELF IS CRAZY!'
'Shut up-' Sakura's inner squabble was interrupted a harsh slap across the face that had the left side of her face burning with pain.
"I'm gonna have you even you don't want it…" Sakura snarled but she couldn't do anything more since her head was pounding and the whole day's worth of pain was beginning to rush right back at her. She smiled bitterly…this wasn't how she imagined her day…
The last thing she remembered was another harsh slap to her right cheek before she blacked out…
"Hey…"
"…"
"Hey."
"…"
"Hey wake up!"
"Hey I said wake up! Are you alright?"
"…Did I make into heaven…?" The mystery person let out a sigh before sitting down in relief.
"No…you're not dead,"
"Thank god…I'm sure angels aren't that ugly…and I'm pretty sure they don't smell like burnt squid,"
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing…help me sit up," Sakura could barely register the person pulling her up to a sitting position and she had to hold on to her head to stop it from spinning in pain.
After a few minutes everything that happened came back to her and her eyes widened in fear and she immediately checked her body and much to her relief her clothes were all still on and there no signs of…yeah you get it. Sakura let out a big sigh and put on a wide grin before turning to the person who she assumed saved her from a whole lot of trauma.
"Thanks for helping me out-shit…Sasori-san…it's you," Sakura's immediate reaction was to jump up and back away from the concerned redhead. She watched him with cautious orbs as he slowly stood to his feet and tried to approach her…but with every step he took she took one back.
"You're her aren't you…?" Sasori narrowed his hazel orbs at her form and she could already tell that he was analysing her features to back his assumption up.
"I'm sorry but I'm a guy and you know it's quite offensive to call me a girl…you're basically calling me gay,"
"Stop babbling…and don't act dumb with me…Sakura," The rosette bit her lip and she glared at the ground, there was no way of trying to lie her way out of this…
"Look…I have no intention of speaking to you whatsoever…I'm very grateful to you for saving me but I…I can't stand looking at you," Sakura raised her head and glared at the shocked redhead in front of her…she could see the pain and anger swimming through his eyes and she did her best to stay strong.
"Sakura let me explain! And what are you doing in an ALL BOYS SCHOOL!?" Sakura was taken aback by his overprotective tone and when she came back to her senses she scoffed at his attitude.
"I don't need your lies and you've lost the right to care about me long ago!" Sasori clenched his fists tightly at the tone of the rosette's voice and he knew she was going to react like this but…he didn't know it would hurt him this badly.
"Just please let me explain…I've missed you," Sakura felt the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes but her anger was greater than any of her other feelings. She shut her eyes and let out a frustrated growl.
"You pretty much explained it years ago when you left!" Sakura couldn't take it anymore…she stood up straighter and walked over to the unconscious Ino before slinging her over her shoulder. She gave Sasori one last look before she got ready to leave the courtyard, that was currently littered with unconscious bodies.
"I left because I had no choice! She threatened me Sakura…she said that if I didn't leave with her she would take you instead…" Sakura froze in place and now the tears that she's held back for most of her life came flooding down…
"Liar!"
"That woman gave me a choice…it was either I go with her or she would take you away for good! Don't you understand? I couldn't tell you guys the truth because it you would have come after me…" Sasori had lost control over his emotions for the third time this day and right now…he couldn't care. First it was at the festival, and then it was the sight of Sakura being beaten down…and now this.
"Please…stop lying to me! I don't want to hear it!" Sakura's sobs were coming out fast and she gently placed Ino against the wall before using the same wall to help her stay standing.
"Sakura…I couldn't bear the thought of mom loosing you," Those words had done it…Sakura turned around and facing Sasori with her tear stained face.
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"Why are you telling me now…niisan,"
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Oh my gosh….such a long ass chapter huh?! And yes I'm still alive ( - .-)
Okay I'm sorry for the grammatical and or spelling errors… I was too lazy to proof read so I am sorry! xD
Okay guys I'm really sorry for not updating sooner Haha been busy and lazy…anyway yes I really couldn't resist writing up that fight scene and I'm sorry lol! Yeah so the story is just getting serious so the humour might be absent for…hm maybe a couple of chapters more? No worries though it'll come back...
Okay this took me ages to write…so if you read, fav or alert this…please be kind enough to at least review? Thanks :D