Chapter Ten: "Complications"

"…Cripes…What did that scroll Ino lent to me say again? Two cups? No…Maybe it was four…"

Sakura groaned lightly as she shifted her prone position on the couch, digging her head deeper into the many pillows and the large blanket around her so she could escape from the sun's morning rays. The sounds of movement somewhere in her apartment caused her brows to furrow with confusion but coupled with Naruto's deep voice her body relaxed, familiar with the occasions when Naruto would stay the night and she would be woken by his rummaging through her cupboards, looking for Ramen.

"…Why does this have to be so hard!? Wait…Where'd the spoon go?!"

Again, pink brows drew together with deeper confusion as she faintly heard Naruto's whispered complaints – probably still trying to keep quiet so as not to wake her – which was followed by the sounds of 'clinking' silverware, pots or pans even.

"…Is it supposed to be that color? Uh-Oh…"

Had Uzumaki Naruto lost his touch in making Instant Ramen? Moving slightly from under her mound of fluffiness, Sakura's viridian orbs lazily opened in time to find Naruto in her Kitchen, beginning to flail his arms around in alarm while he watched the stove, before promptly slipping and disappearing behind the bar counter, crashes echoing throughout her apartment.

"OW!"

The crash and subsequent yell immediately woke the Jounin Medic, pillows flying off her head as she sat up, gazing wide-eyed at the spot Naruto had once been standing in.

"Oh no! Oh no!" Naruto shouted as he stood and came back into view, his gaze still on the stove which Sakura noticed had begun to smoke.

It was then that the burning smell hit her nostrils, rapidly causing Sakura to stand up from the couch and watch with rapt horror as Naruto began to flail again, shouting in fear before he ran to the sink, took up the nozzle, and twisted the knob, consequently shooting the water at the burning pan on the stove and causing the mini-fire to immediately go out with a sizzle.

Once he deemed it safe, Naruto turned the water off, looked painfully at his mess, and groaned.

Sakura, who had gone completely speechless throughout the whole ordeal, finally took a deep breath, jade eyes still wide, "…What are you doing Naruto?"

The blonde-Shinobi had jumped in surprise at the sound of her voice instantly bearing a guilty expression as he looked from her disheveled form back to his chaos. Scratching the back of his neck he gave a nervous chuckle before putting the nozzle back where he found it.

"…Uh…Sorry Sakura-chan…Did I wake you?"

Her response was a single raised brow, still a little shocked and confused but now curious as to what Naruto had been doing that could have burned her entire apartment complex to the ground.

"…Were you trying to make Ramen?" The Medic asked, her still waking mind not processing that she would usually be a little more temperamental about this. The last time he almost caused her Kitchen to explode Sakura had given him a bloody nose.

Naruto laughed again, still nervous because he still remembered that bloody nose too, "No…"

Sakura then noticed the white smudges covering his face, hair, and torso…The amount of pots and pans littering her counter…The ingredients not normally used for Instant Ramen.

He smiled, nose scrunched up with apology, "…I was trying to make you pancakes…"

And because of the comical situation, the expression on his face, the mess he had made in her Kitchen to do something nice for her, Sakura smiled. Naruto was being Naruto; a great friend that was still trying to make her feel better. So, shaking her head, smile still on her lips, Sakura walked towards the counter that separated them and leaned her elbows against the top, resting her chin on her hands, viridian orbs shining with amusement.

"Naruto?"

Warily looking at her smile, Naruto nervously smiled back, "Uh…Yeah?"

"Have I ever told you that you're an awesome friend?"

Naruto's features pulled into a wide grin and he wiped the flour off his face with the sleeve of his shirt, teasingly responding "It wouldn't hurt to hear it more often…It's nice to hear people point out my obvious greatness."

Sakura rolled her eyes, landing her gaze on the stove where the mysterious concoction continued to sit, oddly bubbling, "Have I ever told you that you're a terrible cook?"

Naruto's grin vanished into that of a pout, "Many times," He turned his face away with a mumbled, "And Sasuke-teme never lets me make dinner at home…"

"I can see why," The Kunoichi giggled softly, catching his mutter, causing the boy's pout to deepen.

However, his sulk immediately vanished into another smile before he ran to the cupboards, rummaging through its contents and turning back to her with his prize in hand, "Well, if I can't make you pancakes Sakura-chan," He held the object higher, "I'll make you the best Instant Ramen you've ever had! Believe it!"

And with a laugh, Sakura nodded her head, pulling up a chair to sit on so she could watch him work, "Yum! I can't wait!"

"…So I've been thinking…"

"Yeah?"

"…About this whole Kiyoshi business…"

The arm Sakura had laced with her own instantly stiffened and she bit her bottom lip with concern as she looked up at Naruto, his cobalt eyes narrowed as he looked straight ahead, the corners of his lips curved downward with strained anger. They were walking leisurely towards the Training Grounds where they would be meeting Team Seven for some training, apparently planned by Naruto the previous day since Sakura had missed out. It was early afternoon so the Village was by now bustling and busy but the two Shinobi paid no mind, other things bothering their already cluttered thoughts.

"What about it?" Naruto asked, his tone strangely cold but somewhat expected.

Sakura sighed, turning her gaze forward towards a Park where children were innocently playing, "…I find it inevitable that I'm going to have to speak with him…Alone…"

"I don't want you alone with him," Naruto answered, his voice having gone an octave lower – probably with suppressed fury – slightly surprising Sakura but equally irritating her, "None of us want you alone with him."

The Medic frowned, "I know what he did upsets you Naruto but I need to do this…I have to let him know that what he did was wrong. We have to get things cleared up so our Mission can go smoothly…"

Naruto sighed, automatically leading Sakura through paths in the Park and forests towards the Training Grounds, "…Maybe you shouldn't go on this Mission Sakura-chan…"

Viridian eyes narrowed and her grip tightened dangerously on his arm, "What?"

Sensing the danger, Naruto hurriedly pressed further in explanation, "I know you're strong and you won't back down but I'm only thinking of your safety…I mean, when Sasuke-teme finds out he'll be more susceptible to killing the bastard than I am, so with you off the team we won't have to worry about committing murder when Kiyoshi continues his advances."

Sakura tugged his arm with a frown, causing the blonde to stop walking and look back at his teammate with confusion, "Whoa, we're not telling Sasuke-kun what happened," Her frowned deepened, "And by letting me speak with Kiyoshi alone I'm sure his advances will stop."

Quirking a brow, Naruto matched her frown, "Why can't we tell Sasuke?"

"Because I don't want anyone else to know!" Sakura answered desperately, "Not Sai, not Kakashi-sensei, not even Shishou! Especially those involved with the Diplomat and the Mission. So promise me Naruto…You'll let me speak to Kiyoshi."

Naruto opened his mouth but Sakura immediately cut in, "Alone."

Watching as Sakura's piercing green eyes bore into his own ocean-blue, Naruto knew he couldn't deny her. The Medic understood what was going on and how to handle it and he recognized that she was also doing it for her own sake.

"…Fine. You can speak with him alone."

"You promise?" She asked skeptically.

He sighed, "…I promise."

Sakura grinned, a triumphant look on her face as she began to walk again, dragging Naruto along with her by the arm, "Good."

However, Uzumaki Naruto had already warned her the night before that when he saw Raito Kiyoshi, he was going to give him a piece of his mind, maybe even a broken jaw. And he didn't promise that he was going to keep it a secret from Team Seven.

Haruno Sakura was their only female teammate so it was their responsibility to watch out for her.

"…Good-morning Sasuke-kun."

Uchiha Sasuke lazily panned his gaze from the ground towards the tall figure that had appeared beside him, dark eyes connecting with an equally dark stare before they disappeared behind eyelids, accompanied by the familiarly annoying smile.

"Sai," The Avenger acknowledged, his bored glance catching as the pale Shinobi beside him began to look around curiously, searchingly, before sending him an inquisitive look.

"Is Naruto-kun here with you?"

Sasuke stiffened slightly, almost unnoticeably as he changed the direction of his eyes to the floor, the frown slowly forming on his features as he thought about the day prior. The last time he had seen Naruto was when he had rushed off with Shikamaru to Sakura's apartment due to a problem, one he had no knowledge about. And if that didn't make him any more annoyed, then the fact that Naruto never came back, and probably stayed the night at Sakura's, did. Immensely.

For some unfathomable reason…

"…Sasuke-kun?"

Looking back up, Sasuke locked his obsidian eyes with Sai's, "No."

The ROOT Shinobi furrowed his brows with obvious puzzlement, "Does not Naruto-kun live with you? Wouldn't he have accompanied you here?"

However, before Sasuke could demonstrate his irritation of Sai's questioning with a retort, a loud, familiar shout echoed around the clearing, catching both Shinobis' attention.

"Sai!! Teme!!"

And Sasuke's gaze tightened as he watched Naruto and Sakura emerge from the foliage, arms linked and the blonde-idiot waving wildly with excitement. From where he was sitting he could see Sakura's strained smile and tense shoulders causing his thoughts to drift back to the day before and what problem she may have encountered.

"I see…" Sai stated, Sasuke looking back at him to watch as that annoyingly fake smile appeared again, "Naruto-kun stayed the night with Sakura-chan…Hmmm."

The way Sai had voiced his observations left an uneasy feeling with Sasuke, watching as Sai walked towards the couple and met them at the center of the clearing.

"I'm curious," Sai started as Sasuke stood from his seat, Naruto and Sakura raising their brows in expectancy, "Ugly," He turned to a frowning Sakura with his ever-present smile, "How was Dickless last night? Couples who practice sexual intercourse should experience pleasure, but with his ineffectiveness without a penis, I find that hard to believe with him…"

Sasuke had immediately snapped his gaze towards the trio, and Naruto and Sakura had gone completely pale, beyond shocked. And Sai stood there, smiling and oblivious to the growing tension and anger around him.

"And how long did it last?" Sai continued, Sasuke switching his penetrating glower from the silent couple to the boy's dark head, "I've heard that intercourse has a range from mere minutes to a few hours…And from what stamina I have seen from the two of you in battle I suppose you fall under the latter category, correct?"

Sakura's jaw dropped. Naruto flushed a deep crimson. And Sasuke had unconsciously activated his Sharingan, right hand twitching.

Sakura was the first to recover – especially after hearing a familiar cackle of lightning and seeing the murderous intent growing in both Naruto's and Sasuke's eyes – releasing her hold on Naruto's arm and standing up to the naive Shinobi, "Sai!"

Eyes that had been closed opened to connect with angry viridian, confusion returned to his naturally pale features, and Sai's smile disappeared when Sakura poked bruises into his chest, "That isn't any of your business!! And that topic should never be discussed out in public again!"

Sai frowned, "Why?"

"It's personal!" Sakura shrieked in hysteric anger, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

Sasuke, who had stopped in his tracks when Sakura took action, allowed his chakra to settle, although he did glare suspiciously at Naruto and Sakura, who weren't denying Sai's stupid assumptions.

"But Ugly–"

"If you know what's good for you Sai, you'll drop the subject," Sakura interrupted lowly, eyes still narrowed dangerously, "As your friend I'm giving you a warning," Then she sighed and rubbed her temples, "Perhaps at another time we'll broach this topic again…But at a more educational level…"

Sai tilted his head to the side, watching as Sakura continued to rub her temples before turning his attention to a very flushed and completely embarrassed Naruto, "…So did you–"

"Enough!"

The deep yet sharp command had startled everyone but Sai, who turned to Sasuke with his same curious expression, dark eyes silently scrutinizing the Avenger. His back was to them, the Uchiha Clan symbol prominent on his shirt, shoulders tensed, yet his hands moving fluidly as he readied kunai and shuriken for their planned training. Sakura and Naruto shared a concerned glance before moving forward, intent on discovering what was wrong with their friend when Sai's observational tone broke through the air.

"I have read about the symptoms of you emotions Sasuke-kun. Raised voice, tension of the body, spiked chakra. You are showing displeasure and irritation with my comments, to whom they are directed," Sai smiled, clearly proud of his analysis, "You are feeling Jeal–"

"I said," Sasuke interrupted darkly, his head slightly turning to face Sai, red eyes locking with his black ones causing Sai to stop, picking up on the anger and what dangerous territory he was straying into, "Enough."

Sakura and Naruto were quite stunned by their teammate's odd behavior. The Medic was feeling a little worried for the Uchiha's outburst because Sai's conduct was harmless – the boy was clueless after all – and it wasn't his fault due to his ROOT Member upbringing. Maybe Sasuke was having a bad day or was just really uncomfortable about the topic Sai kept bringing up.

Naruto, however, knew better. He could see it. It was slowly but surely getting to his best friend. Sasuke thought Naruto and Sakura were having sex.

The Uzumaki grinned; his own embarrassment gone as Sasuke's suppressed annoyance thoroughly entertained him.

Kami, it was priceless.

Now to act on it! Bring on the torture for Uchiha Sasuke! Time to make the stubborn Avenger realize what he had to fight for!!

And just as Naruto opened his mouth to yell out 'By the way Sai, it was a few hours last night and I'm far from ineffective!' – It probably would have earned him a Chakra-filled punch from Sakura or a Chidori up his ass from Sasuke – a puff of smoke appeared in front of him, successfully cutting off his declaration and causing him to cough from its unexpected proximity.

"What the–" Naruto started in alarm, Sasuke, Sakura, and Sai also switching their attention towards him with curiosity.

And the Kyuubi-Vessel looked up, waving his hands to clear the smoke…

…Only to be met by two wide, glaring eyes.

"AHH!"

A rigid figure was revealed as the smoke cleared away, his tall form bearing down on a cowering, trembling, Uzumaki Naruto.

Sakura's jade eyes widened with recognition, "Yamato-taicho!"

Surprisingly, the brown-haired man did not greet nor acknowledge her, but continued to stare down at Naruto critically. Another 'puff' of smoke appeared closer to Sasuke revealing Hatake Kakashi, head immersed in his infamous orange Icha Icha Book.

"Yo."

"You're Late!" Sakura and Naruto yelled simultaneously, before Naruto recoiled again in fright from Yamato's intense glare.

"Would you believe me if I said that I had to save a child from a tree…"

"Liar," Sakura declared yet Naruto's voice had failed to echo, the Medic watching as he busily waved his arms about, clearly afraid of Yamato's expression.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Yamato-taicho?!" The blonde yelled, a pout on his face, "What did I do?!"

Yamato's stare narrowed a fraction, scrutinizing Naruto with his arms crossed over his chest, frown deepened. Naruto took a tentative step back, ready to flee if any of the man's Mokuton Wood Jutsus came flying out of his body to attack him.

Sakura took a step forward, a little perplexed herself, "Are you okay Yamato-taicho?" She cast a glance between the older male to her blonde teammate, "What did Naruto do wrong this time?"

"Sakura-chan!" He cried out, appalled that she assumed he was already at fault.

Yamato closed his eyes – offering a little relief for Naruto, free from that scary glower – and took a deep breath, "…I heard the rumors," Eyes snapped opened again and darkened, Naruto shrank back in terror, "You impregnated Sakura."

Sapphire and emerald eyes widened with surprise – most likely the tenth time that day – and instantly flushed red, Naruto continuing his wild gesticulations as Yamato advanced on him, and Sakura opening and closing her mouth, too stunned to allow words to escape her. Kakashi briefly looked up from his novel to watch with mild amusement the expressions on his students' faces only to pan his gaze to the Uchiha Prodigy who had yet to cease in his irked glaring at the situation before him. Sai, on the other hand, looked between Sakura and Naruto with an expression that showed that understanding had finally dawned on him.

"Ah! So Ugly and Dickless have done this multiple times," The pale boy smiled, eyes closed and unaware of the fierce stares that had snapped his way, "I suppose Naruto is better than I assumed…"

"Damn right Sai! Hear that Teme?!" Naruto grinned, ego bursting now that Sai's comments were a little more tolerable while simultaneously throwing it in the Uchiha's face, only to shrink back again when Sasuke's, Sakura's, and Yamato's murderous gazes switched to him, "I-I mean…"

Sasuke scowled, moving away from the group and unsheathing his Kusanagi, knuckles white from his tightened grip on the weapon's hilt, "Tch. Annoying."

Sakura – who was not only overwhelmed with Sasuke's cold demeanor but also with Yamato's murderous glare at Naruto, and Sai's comments of sex – had finally had enough; the panic of her situation, the weight of that one little lie that had started everything, the stress of all the events the day before; she snapped, the Medic took a deep breath and screamed, "Stop It! All of you!"

Emerald eyes burned with absolute frustration. Yamato had stopped his predatory proceed towards Naruto and turned his vision to face the Medic for the first time, wary of her infamous temper. Sai was continuing to smile, although he did take a few steps back, away from her punching-arm's reach. Kakashi continued to watch from over his smut, dark eyes narrowed, features cautious and calculating. Sasuke, who had turned his head to glance at the Kunoichi, raised a brow at her outburst, watching as her hands trembled in clenched fists, lips pressed into a thin line, and brows furrowed with anger.

Naruto – who probably knew most about why everyone was behaving the way they were – understood Sakura's fury, blue eyes worriedly taking in her stiff posture.

"I've been having a really bad week," Sakura started through grit teeth, viridian eyes opening as she panned her scowl at everyone in the clearing, "I really don't need this to be happening right now," Curiosity spiked, everyone watched as Sakura's chakra pulsed with anger, heard her voice become gravely low, tightened expression focusing on individuals as she spoke, "Yamato-taicho…What you heard are Rumors."

The brunette blinked, "Rumors?"

"Do I look pregnant to you?" Sakura snapped as she gestured to herself, frown deepening, "Would I be training if I was pregnant? No. So please stop harassing my boyfriend."

Yamato blinked again, stunned, before nodding his head and then shooting a glare in Kakashi's direction. The Copy-Cat Ninja couldn't help but smile. However, the curve of his covered lips disappeared when Sakura turned her attention to him.

"Kaka-sensei," She growled, almost making him gulp with apprehension, "I know you had something to do with this. Whatever you told, or didn't tell, Yamato-taicho…Please don't make the same mistake again."

Concealing his fear with a closed-eyed smile, Kakashi waved his free hand, "Yes Sakura, of course."

The Medic turned to Sai, a little irritated that his smile was still plastered on his pale features, "And Sai?"

"Yes Ugly?"

"Stop talking," She ordered bluntly watching as he tilted his head to the side in curiosity once more, "No more sex comments either, understood?"

After a moment of silence, the man shrugged, smile gone, "Alright."

The pink-haired Kunoichi turned to the Uchiha Avenger, green orbs silently scrutinizing him much to his displeasure, so he turned his head away to avoid her narrowed stare, "Sasuke…I really don't know what your problem is, and I won't press…However please don't let your grumpy attitude affect the rest of us."

His response was a scoffed, "Hn."

"And you," Sakura finished as she turned to Naruto, who was looking at her with a mix of fear and surprise – what did he do? – "We need to talk later. Alone."

The blonde Shinobi didn't waste time in nodding his head, "O-Okay Sakura-chan."

With a deep inhale and swift exhale Sakura removed her gloves from her pack and began to slip them on, "Now I want to train…I need to blow off some steam. And the only one I'm not mad at right now, am more tolerable to fight with, without killing him, is Sasuke," She turned her deep-green gaze to the Sharingan-User who had raised a curious brow, "Do you mind?"

Sasuke looked from Sakura to Naruto, a little surprised that the couple wasn't training together but secretly pleased that he was the only one she wasn't mad with, before grunting his assent and turning to walk towards a different part of the clearing, his keen ears catching the sounds of the Medic following. Perhaps alone they would have a chance to speak with one another. Ever since she and Naruto had gotten together Sasuke did acknowledge that their friendship had drifted apart somewhat. And despite what others might have thought, he did value her as a teammate and friend, an 'important person' in his life.

Sasuke couldn't imagine that being taken away from him…

"Stupid, stupid rumors…" He heard her muttering behind him, "Damn Lightning Country…Stupid Mission…Kiyoshi…Stupid!"

…Even if Sakura was a little on the strange side.

"But Sakura-chan!" Naruto called, pouting, "I thought we were going to train…"

"Your first Lovers' Spat," Kakashi stated as he walked over to the blonde and ruffled his spiky head with a smile, "Better keep your distance Naruto."

Although Naruto's pout outwardly deepened, he was inwardly gleeful that his girlfriend and best friend were getting their alone time.

Kami, how wrong that actually sounded.

"As you can tell Sasuke, I'm in a really bad mood."

Sakura continued her stretches, lifting her arms high into the air for a few seconds before bending down and tapping her fingers against her toes, long strands of pastel-pink sliding over her shoulders. Sasuke, who was only standing a few meters away from her, glanced at her from the corner of his vision, watching as she continued her semi-relaxed movements, her shoulders still tensed from her outburst just minutes earlier, before he returned his calm gaze back to his Kusanagi, inwardly debating if he should use the weapon or not.

"Hn."

A steady rhythm of breathing exercises commenced and Sasuke couldn't help but follow its source, watching blankly as Sakura rotated her shoulders before jumping around while simultaneously tightening the fit of her gloves. Her viridian stare locked with his and she frowned, Sasuke raising a single brow at the expression.

"I'd appreciate it if you don't make my mood any worse than it is," A smirk tugged at her lips and she effortlessly removed a kunai from her pouch with a twirled flourish, "Specifically, by not going easy on my, agreed?"

Sasuke allowed a small smirk to form on his own pale lips, grunting his acquiescence before crouching into a firm stance of his own, Kusanagi brandished and shining with intimidation under the sunlight. He had never planned to go easy on her and he hadn't ever since his first fight with her after he had returned to Konoha. He learned to never underestimate Sakura again because she had improved, and was still improving.

Uchiha Sasuke respected Haruno Sakura, that much was undeniably certain.

And with the sounds of multiple battles echoing around them, due to the other Team Seven Members' need for practice, Sasuke's narrowed stare assessed Sakura, watching as her fingers clenched, emerald eyes critically analyzing him as well.

And then she moved.

Her speed had drastically improved over the years, training with the combined forces of Rock Lee and Hatake Kakashi, so Sasuke had some trouble reading the hand signs she was using to call up her chakra. But didn't she have a kunai…?

A sizzling sound was heard above him and risking taking his gaze off Sakura, Sasuke looked up in time to see the same kunai arching back down towards him, an exploding tag at its tail. With quick reflexes of his own, Sasuke jumped out of the way just before the explosion erupted where his feet had been.

"Shousen!"

Midair, Sasuke had trouble twisting out of the way as a green, chakra-covered hand made for his chest, his eyes narrowing as he effortlessly avoided another strike, before jumping a good few meters away and charged, taking the offensive. His moves were calculated as he swung his sword, half of him wary about hurting her while the other half was cautious about her chakra-enhanced hand, because the green surrounding it told him it was a Medical Ninjutsu and completely dangerous if it at all touched his body.

Although, if he saw a blue, chakra-covered hand, it was just as hazardous, because it meant he would be dealing with an enhanced amount of strength.

Perhaps long-ranged fighting was better.

Jumping away once more, just in time to avoid her attack, Sasuke swiftly sheathed his weapon and flew his hands through multiple Seal movements.

"Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!!"

Taking in a deep inhalation of breath, obsidian eyes watched as emerald widened before they narrowed with quick-thinking strategy, the Medical Jounin jumping away as a great ball of white-hot fire burst forth from the Uchiha's mouth, covering their portion of the clearing in a blazing inferno that almost stopped the others' fights from proceeding.

As the flames began to die down minutes later, Sasuke was already darting his gaze from left to right, searching for any flashes of pink or irregular spikes in chakra. In the distance, Naruto and Kakashi were beginning their battle once more as Yamato and Sai continued to spar with weapons-only, but there was still no sign of the Kunoichi, which meant that she was hiding in the trees.

As the smoke cleared, a single glove lay on the floor and Sasuke recognized it as Sakura's, probably discarded so she could use her Shousen Technique. Taking a step towards it, Sasuke wasn't surprised to see a glare of strings, a trap that the Kunoichi wanted him to set off. With a scoff, he removed a shuriken and tossed the weapon, effectively cutting the strings and awaiting its trap.

Nothing happened.

Frowning, he took a step forward, only to see a glimpse of pink briefly at his right, causing him to turn just in time to see a barrage of kunai heading his way, the Avenger removing his katana and blocking off the weapons. Immediately, he heard another whiz of kunai to his right again, Sasuke blocking them also with ease before he realized her intentions too late.

Sizzle.

Another explosion echoed in the large clearing and Sasuke had managed to jump away in time with minor burns, at the cost of losing his weapon, the Kusanagi lying harmlessly on the ground yards away from him. Without any time to recover, Sakura appeared expression taut with concentration as she put her Taijutsu skills to use, Sasuke's speed, however, to his advantage. And although Sasuke himself was also well in his Taijutsu skills, trained under Tsunade, Sakura was an expert at dodging attacks too.

In reprieve, the two jumped back, gathering themselves for their next move. Sakura was slightly panting while Sasuke remained cool and collected, though the sheen of sweat on his brow betrayed his 'unaffected' composure. As he studied her, Sasuke was surprised that while her left hand was covered in green chakra her right hand was covered in blue. Controlling chakra – and perfectly – was an amazing feat, but to do two different things simultaneously, that required a lot of concentration – medical and enhanced strength – was else something altogether.

His respect for her grew. But the dangers of the battle did also.

He had to catch her off guard.

Sakura crouched lower, her mind assessing the fact that she was low on weapons, was out of explosive tags, and was becoming increasingly frustrated with Sasuke's speed. None of her attacks were landing! On the other hand, Sasuke was also at a disadvantage with her abilities, wasn't landing any of his hits, and was relieved of his Kusanagi sword. To her immense pleasure, his Sharingan had also not been activated – yet. But she could still use that to her advantage.

Dark eyes locked with her bright green and Sakura stiffened, ready for an attack, however, she wasn't ready to hear his deep, inquiring voice, "So why are you in a bad mood?"

Pink brows furrowed together in confusion, "What?"

Sasuke shrugged in response, taking a step forward which only caused Sakura to tense and watch him with wary suspicion, "You say you're in a bad mood…It helps to talk about it."

Sakura snorted and Sasuke quirked a brow, "Coming from you, Sasuke…In the middle of a spar?" She put her hands together in a Seal, "Kai!"

The Avenger rolled his eyes at her, pointing an incredulous gaze at her hands, which only made her shrug, before he sighed and took another step, "I was only offering my assistance Sakura. I am your teammate and friend therefore you are entitled to share or take out your problems with me…Sometimes shouting and screaming is helpful when fighting."

Sakura laughed dryly, "Have you been spending more time with Sai?"

The Uchiha scowled, taking another step which Sakura noticed and guardedly narrowed her green gaze, "I heard you had a problem yesterday. Does your bad mood have something to do with it?"

She noticed that his tone was almost cold, mocking, maybe even bitter, but her eyes had narrowed a fraction more as she realized the Uchiha's intentions as well as the question that had been asked, "I don't want to talk about it Sasuke."

He took another step, although his dark stare had darkened further, "You don't trust me." The tone was hardly a question, almost accusing, "You only trust Naruto."

"Enough talk," Sakura growled as she rushed forward, her eyes flashing as Sasuke took the last few steps towards his Kusanagi, "It doesn't concern you!"

Sasuke didn't reply, picking up his sword and dodging low just as Sakura's fist flew, her punch missing but her momentum not stopping as she aimed for the ground, the impact causing the terrain to crack and shift violently. The dark-haired Shinobi cursed as his footing became unbalanced, eyes widening as a hand shot out and grabbed his left arm, the green chakra easily seeping into his system causing his arm to slowly numb. Viridian clashed with obsidian, Sakura smirking before she was roughly pushed away by his right hand and swiftly impaled by an electrified Kusanagi.

Her frail body staggered as the blade sank deeper into her shoulder, eyes wide with surprise as Sasuke blankly watched, his mouth twitching downward slightly. Sakura was an expert at dodging, she wasn't that easy to hit.

Removing his weapon, Sasuke stared as Sakura stumbled back a few more steps before she offered a knowing smirk, her body slowly fading away into cherry blossom petals until there was nothing left.

He smirked himself. Genjutsu.

Black eyes bled to deep crimson and the false world rapidly faded away as well as the numbness in his left arm. Her Genjutsu had been cast when she had made physical contact with him and had the connection of their eyes. Everything then moved in slow motion for him as Sasuke realized the real Sakura aiming to strike him, the shoulder he had impaled in her illusion was bleeding only slightly, probably from having hit her before he had gone under. Thinking quickly, Sasuke dropped his sword and braced himself.

Her left hand punch was dodged but the right hand, with its enhanced strength, was too close, so with grit teeth, Sasuke caught her hand with his left hand, putting as much chakra as he could into it to cushion the blow, but still feeling bones crack from the force. Red eyes meeting green, Sasuke smirked.

"Chidori Nagashi."

Currents of electricity escaped Sasuke's body, causing Sakura to wince from both the sudden light and stray bolts hitting her arms and body. Sasuke was sure to only put a paralyzing amount yet he was surprised to find her still standing strong – even with his hand enclosing hers for maximum damage – and smirking.

"Sorry Sasuke," She whispered, flinching slightly when another stray bolt hit her leg; her free hand appeared, aiming for his chest, "Rubber gloves."

Sasuke's eyes darted to the hand he held to see it still covered in the black, rubber material, the glove protecting her from his attack. Switching his gaze to her other hand he watched, wary of her punching force, only to have her lay it – almost gently – palm flat on his chest, a whimper escaping her mouth as her flesh hand made contact with his body. At first, the Uchiha thought her stupid for such a move because she was still getting shocked even after her 'rubber glove' trump card. But then the numbness began to settle and Sasuke realized her purpose, feeling her chakra seep into his system and his electric current begin to simmer into nothing.

"Damn it."

With his own move turned against him – completely, numbingly, paralyzed – Sasuke fell backwards, his back connecting hard with the ground making him grunt in pain. Unexpectedly, Sakura fell with him, her smaller body landing right on his chest and her right hand falling limply in his left. With his head, the only body part he could move, Sasuke warily looked down at the mop of pink hair resting on his chest, unable to shift and see if she was alright and unable to move to push her off.

"Sakura."

She was breathing but she didn't move either, didn't even look at him, "…Yeah?"

"Get off."

"Can't," She answered.

Dark brows furrowed, "Why?"

"You paralyzed me you idiot," Sakura sighed, "Remember?"

Sasuke frowned, "But you had to have done something…"

If Sakura could have shaken her head, she would have, however she only replied, "I numbed you, I know Sasuke…But to do that I still had to touch you, therefore your Chidori still worked."

Sasuke sighed, lying his head back down on the ground and gazing at the sky, hoping to Kami that the rest of Team Seven didn't see their position, or come to bad conclusions, "…You could have just punched me across the clearing."

Sakura snorted, "And risk knocking you out…I don't think so, you have a lot of explaining to do."

The Avenger frowned again, looking back down at her pink head and absently seeing their almost-entwined hands in his peripherals, "Like what?"

"Like all that talking before about my bad mood," Sakura scowled, however unseen he could hear it in her voice, "I mean, what's your problem these days? I know there have been…changes but–"

"I have no problem with your changes, Sakura," Sasuke grit out, his right hand starting to get a tingling feeling at the tips of his fingers, "Are you going to get off me any time soon or are we going to have to wait for the dobe or something?"

"There you go again!" Sakura complained, "And I'm healing as fast as I can! It's kind of hard to do when I have no control of my limbs!"

"Hn."

Sakura allowed an exasperated sigh to escape her lips, her eyes closed in concentration as she tried to regulate her chakra and get it flowing through her system so she could both heal and get movement back. However, unfortunately for her, it was made a lot harder because she was feeling quite comfortable in her current position. She couldn't – wouldn't – deny her feelings for Uchiha Sasuke and she couldn't deny the fact that lying with him was making her flush darker than she ever wanted. If only it were under circumstances where they wanted this, where they both wanted it.

Unbeknownst to the Medic, Sasuke was feeling uncomfortable with his and his teammate's current position also, not because he didn't want it, but because he actually liked it, more than he should have. Already his left hand could feel hers resting against it, small and soft in comparison. Her body, he realized, was of that of a grown woman and it made his thoughts all the more muddled, irritated even. He had said he was happy for Naruto, happy for them. Something else was telling him otherwise.

Finally, after a few more minutes, Sakura's head slowly lifted and she turned to face her teammate, hoping that her blush had lessened into nothing by then. At her movement, Sasuke opened his eyes, calmly watching as she avoided his gaze to look over his body at the wounds he had gotten, mostly cracked bones, burns, and numbness. Silently, she got to work with healing him, her body still lying uncomfortably – or was it comfortably? – against his.

"Sorry," She whispered, not meeting his questioning gaze, "My legs are still paralyzed…Just give it a few minutes."

He nodded but continued to watch as she returned to healing the burns on his arms that she could reach and the probable bruise he would get from when she touched his chest. He noticed her brows were drawn together in deep thought, lips pursed, and Sasuke found himself wanting to know what was on her mind, wanting to know what was bothering her.

Maybe he wanted to fix it. Just to see her smile again.

Immediately, he inwardly shook those thoughts away and watched as the Jounin Medic turned to his final wound, the left hand, used to stop her punch. Carefully she cradled it in her right palm, allowing her fingers to probe the breaks before she set to work in mending the bones together.

"I do trust you Sasuke," She whispered, his eyes flickering from their hands to her face, she, also looking away from her healing to stare at him with a weak smile, "…With my life," She looked away and shifted her body to roll off his, her back hitting the grass, eyes looking heavenward beside him, "I just want you to know that…If you didn't before."

She sighed as she began to bend her joints, Sasuke unmoving as he allowed her words to sink in, absently missing her warm touch, "I'm in a bad mood because I'm stressed…To sum it all up I suppose. Don't worry about it," She turned her head to look at him, observing his perfect side profile and smiled again, "If there are any problems that I really need help with…I'll know who to come to now, ne Sasuke?"

The Avenger glanced at her without moving his head, "…Aa."

Sakura beamed, wriggling her toes and fingers. Giving one last glance at the sky, Sasuke closed his eyes.

"…I trust you too, Sakura."

The Kunoichi smiled and unconsciously grasped his healed hand, squeezing it briefly, "Thank you Sasuke."

Her heart fluttered when he tentatively squeezed her hand back.

For several minutes it was a content and comfortable silence, before Sakura's back started to ache and she removed her hand – albeit reluctantly – from his, sitting up and testing her movements, Sasuke following her example just seconds later. From where he sat, the Uchiha subtly watched the pink-haired Kunoichi, something in his chest constricting painfully before he smothered it harshly, opting to just watch as she stood and began to collect her things from around their battlefield. Standing himself, he made his way to his Kusanagi, inwardly glad that he was able to have that brief time with Sakura to himself. There was an understanding between them, their bond was still strong.

All he had to do now was figure out what it was that intrigued him about Haruno Sakura. Why his bond with her was different from his with Naruto's.

"Hey Sakura-chan!!" A familiar voice called out, "Sasuke-teme!! Enough Training, let's get some lunch at Ichiraku's!!"

On the other side of the clearing Sasuke watched as Naruto waved at them, Kakashi feet away with his precious Icha Icha novel. Yamato and Sai were ready to go, waiting for his and Sakura's arrival.

The Medic chuckled, catching his attention, "Naruto and his Ramen…We had it this morning too…"

And thus Sasuke's time alone with Sakura had ended. Reality had returned. Sakura and Naruto were together.

And Sasuke didn't like it one bit.

"So Sakura-chan, how was your training with Sasuke-teme?"

The Kunoichi took a deep inhalation of breath, exhaled, and smiled, "Quite refreshing actually."

Naruto waggled his brows, a goofy grin on his face, "That's it?"

Naruto and Sakura were lagging behind – a first since Naruto always raced to Ichiraku's as fast as he could – following Yamato and Sai who were trading combat strategies, who followed Sasuke and Kakashi who were content with remaining silent. Again they were walking at a leisurely pace through the Training Grounds but it was to be expected after a good, long, and hard workout. Naruto, however, did notice Sasuke trying to subtlety look back at the two of them, as if suspicious, eyeing their linked arms. Sakura was oblivious, mind obviously elsewhere, but Naruto and Sai noticed, and the Artist had completely turned back, curious as to what the Avenger was trying to look at. The blonde-Shinobi tried very hard not to laugh out loud, though he couldn't help his wide smile.

Naruto was pulled out of his inner musings when Sakura pinched him, bright cobalt meeting with fierce viridian, her lips turned down in a disapproving frown, "Are you implying that I would cheat on you, Naruto?"

Blue eyes widened with complete surprise, "N-No! Of course not S-Sakura-chan!"

Sakura nodded her head, turning her stare forward once more, "Good."

The Kyuubi-Vessel breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the mischievous grin returned, Naruto slowing his pace as he poked Sakura lightly at her side, causing the woman to yelp and earn curious glances from the others, "…So why were you on top of him?" His voice was a low, indicative whisper making sure the others couldn't hear, his mouth close to the Kunoichi's ear, earning raised brows and the desired glare he was aiming for from a certain Avenger, "And you were holding hands. Care to share Sakura-chan?"

Sakura blushed; green irises wide, before she frowned with embarrassment and promptly pinched Naruto again, earning a loud chuckle from the hyper blonde, "Naruto! Stop it!"

"Sorry Sakura-chan," Naruto coughed, controlling himself and his laughter as much as he could, wide smile still present, "I couldn't resist. You two looked quite cozy."

"We were sparring," The Medic hissed, defending herself, "That position hadn't been my intention!"

"Okay, okay," Naruto placated with a final laugh as he rubbed his hands through his blonde locks, "I'll stop teasing. Though I have to admit, he does look to be in a better mood than before your spar," Sapphire eyes sparkled as he tweaked her chin, jade eyes gazing up at him skeptically, "You both seem to be in better moods."

A tinge of pink colored Sakura's cheeks, her mind agreeing with Naruto's observations. Her spar with Sasuke had not only been invigorating but also – a moment. A moment between the two of them and the two of them alone. Grounds of trust had been established and realized and perhaps it made them feel better and more secure about their connection, as both teammates and friends.

Sakura also didn't mind the feel of holding his hand in hers, and not be rejected by the action but welcomed.

Sakura smiled, her free hand moving up to place stray strands of hair behind one ear, "…I guess you're right Naruto…"

The blonde-Shinobi laughed, "Of course I am," And then he pouted teasingly, "But I'm jealous too. What can the Teme do to make you feel better that I can't? I mean, I'm supposed to be your boyfriend!"

Sakura chuckled, her hand gently taking a hold of his and beginning to heal the minor scratches he received from his fight with Kakashi, "Naruto, you always make me feel better, boyfriend or not…I mean, I did have the greatest Instant Ramen ever this morning, didn't I?"

"You did, didn't you?" Naruto grinned before leaning down conspiratorially to whisper, "Just don't tell Jii-chan at Ichiraku's okay? We wouldn't want to hurt his feelings."

"Of course," The Medic laughed, finishing up the last of his wounds before nudging him in the ribs, her expression expectant, "And although you're making me laugh right now Naruto, I'm not going to forget that we're having a talk later."

Naruto pouted, "Is it serious?"

"Quite," Sakura affirmed with a nod.

"…Am I in trouble?"

"Maybe…"

"Sakura-chan!"

"I just have a few questions," Sakura stated lightly, eyes closed; then after a few moments, they opened again to glance at her boyfriend with a resigned appearance, "…We also have important matters to discuss about us."

"Us?" Naruto asked, confused.

Another firm nod, "Us."

Naruto bit his bottom lip before inquiring in a desperate whisper, "…Are you breaking up with me Sakura-chan?"

Sakura looked at him, a little surprised with his tone and his question before she let out a soft, reassuring smile, and a gentle pat on his arm, "No Naruto…We'll talk later, I promise…"

However, just as Naruto opened his mouth to press further he watched as Sakura stiffened, jade eyes widening, her grip on his arm tightening, and from his peripherals, the rest of Team Seven had stopped in their walking also. Training Ground Three was one of the farthest from the Konoha Village, or specifically, farthest from the borders of the Konoha Parks and Civilization, so they were all still surrounded by trees, trees, and more trees. Team Seven was probably less than a half of a mile away from their destination when something prevented them from going further.

Or more explicitly, someone. Two of them.

When Uzumaki Naruto saw them, his form went absolutely rigid, teeth baring with malice, blue eyes darkening with red flecks, fingers clenching and unclenching, and chakra spiking with untamed energy. This did not go unnoticed by the other Members of Team Seven, who looked behind at the blonde-Shinobi, curious of the less-than-friendly reaction to the newcomers' appearance. Sakura's grip on his arm tightened even more, more afraid of Naruto's response, recalling the threats he made the previous night with fear, hoping he wouldn't follow through with them.

"Naruto…"

The Kunoichi was silenced by a low growl which caused Yamato and Kakashi to raise interested yet suspicious brows, Sai to look on with curiosity, and Sasuke to study the couple's behavior skeptically. Wrenching free non-too-lightly from Sakura's grasp, Naruto stomped forward, pushing passed his other comrades, eyes intent on the duo before him. Sakura followed worriedly, everyone else walking after her with restrained bewilderment.

"You!" Naruto growled.

Sakura jumped slightly at the low rumble of her best friend's voice. Kakashi pocketed his Icha Icha Paradise Book. Yamato stood ready to retain the Kyuubi if he had to. Sai followed after, still curious of Naruto's behavior. And Sasuke watched Sakura, noticing her worried frown, hands trembling as she came up beside the furious blonde.

Raito Kimiko and Raito Kiyoshi stood motionless as the Team Seven Squad approached them. The younger of the two stood beside her brother, dressed nobly, although her arms were crossed and her deep blue eyes were darting from Naruto and Kiyoshi, her expression clearly showing that she was angry about something, judging by her deep frown. Kiyoshi on the other hand remained emotionless, unaffected by Naruto's furious features even when he stopped just two feet away from him. He too was dressed smartly, wearing garbs that represented the Warrior he was, a sword even strapped to his hip. Briefly, his dark blue eyes watched Sakura, who looked away quickly back at her boyfriend, hoping for a way to calm him, before his gaze slid back to the angered stare of Naruto.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Naruto snarled, fists tightened, his attitude surprising Team Seven again, "I want you to stay away from her!"

Kiyoshi didn't answer, his eyes looking back at Sakura to see her clutching at Naruto's arm, her emerald eyes darting in different directions to avoid locking with his stare, "Naruto, forget about it, let's go…"

The Medic was ignored and Kiyoshi looked back at Naruto to see him glaring daggers at his face, muscles tensed for action. Beside him, Kimiko began to tap her foot against the ground impatiently.

"Well, Nii-san," The red-head urged with irritation, her eyes darting between Naruto and her older brother, "Do it. Apologize."

Sakura looked up with surprise, glancing between the two siblings, jade irises suspicious yet hopeful. If things went smoothly, if amends could be made; their future together on the Mission would be that much easier. Also realizing this, Naruto's teeth disappeared from view, lips pursing together into a deep yet expectant frown.

Taking a deep breath, Kiyoshi took a step forward and bowed, although with reluctance, "…I would like to apologize for my behavior…"

Naruto smirked, crossing his arms, "Good."

Kiyoshi looked up, staring straight into Naruto's eyes with detestation, "I apologize, Uzumaki Naruto, for calling you a 'lowly, loud-mouthed idiot' yesterday…I ask that you forgive me."

Beside him, Kimiko began to smile with happiness and relief, her eyes gazing at Naruto adoringly, waiting for his reply. Sakura's mouth dropped open, Team Seven remained confused, and Naruto's killer-intent returned with a vengeance.

Why the hell was he apologizing to him?!

"I'm sorry Naruto-kun," Kimiko began, her bright eyes apologetic, "When I heard about what Kiyoshi-nii-san did yesterday and what an awful name he called you, I just had to make him apologize. It's only right!"

Sakura had to admit that Raito Kimiko must have really liked Naruto if name-calling of the one she loved, from her own brother, upset her.

Naruto however was not moved. His fury was increasing and he had half a mind to punch Kiyoshi across Konoha then and there. Instead, he took a step forward, startling Sakura and Kimiko, his eyes burning as he met Kiyoshi's blank expression.

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to, you Bastard," The whiskers were growing darker; Yamato, Kakashi, Sai, and Sasuke all took a step forward, "I should kill you for even touching her."

"Naruto!" Sakura pleaded, tugging his arm and managing to get him to take a few steps back, "Stop it!"

"I regret my unorthodox actions, yes," Kiyoshi began his eyes connecting with Sakura's when she turned to face him, her features guarded, before he turned to gaze back at Naruto, "But when I know what I want…I'll fight anyone for it. Even you."

"Like hell you will!" Naruto yelled, taking a step forward, yet stopped by his girlfriend's hold, "Stay away from her!"

"Stop it Naruto," Sakura tried again, "Please don't cause any trouble."

"She speaks wisely; listen to her," Kiyoshi smirked, "No trouble, ne?"

Sakura glared at him, "Why don't you just leave?"

"We don't have to listen to you," Kimiko retorted.

"Besides Naruto, you can't kill me," Kiyoshi continued, eyes sharp, "I'm the Diplomat's son…I can do whatever I want."

"Not if I rip off your hands you can't!" Naruto shouted, crouching to lunge only to be stopped by not only Sakura's hand but another on his opposite shoulder.

Apparently, the rest of Team Seven had stepped closer to the couple, suspicions rising, not at all liking the comments that had been tossed back and forth. Although they didn't know what was going on, they were going to support their teammates when needed. Sasuke had taken a stand on Sakura's free side, surprising the Kunoichi, and Yamato and Kakashi were directly behind Naruto. Sai, who had grabbed Naruto's right shoulder, offered a small smile while glancing at the siblings.

"Excuse my friend Naruto-kun," He began, "He has a violent temper."

Kiyoshi stared at Sai blankly, arms crossed over his chest as Kimiko took a small step forward, her eyes glaring at Sakura's and Naruto's still linked arms.

"Naruto-kun isn't violent!" She defended, tossing a fierce look at the unaffected Sai before panning it back to Sakura, "And he doesn't deserve you!"

Sakura stiffened, Sasuke frowned, Naruto glowered, Sai smiled.

"I beg to differ," Sai stated casually, "From what I've seen, Sakura-chan seems to be a far suited partner for Naruto-kun than you…Brat."

Sakura's eyes widened and Kimiko shrieked with indignantly. Kiyoshi threw at glare at the still-smiling Sai while Naruto silently amended his teammate for a very appropriate choice of nickname – quite possibly the most accurate compared to the others he had given in the past.

Taking a step forward, Sakura released Naruto's arm and squared her shoulders, looking directly into Kiyoshi's piecing blue orbs, "Kiyoshi-san…As you have stated before, you are the Diplomat's son…You are the Lightning Daimyo's nephew," Eyes widened all around in surprise, but the Medic continued, "And I am a Kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf just as Naruto is a loyal Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf…We are flattered by your affections but strictly, as professionals, we are only your Protection…Nothing more. Please understand this."

Kiyoshi offered a half smile, condescending, arrogant, "And as I also stated before Sakura-chan…I fight for what I want. And what I want is you," All the males of Team Seven immediately bristled, those who didn't know what had been going on before were now fitting the puzzle pieces together; Sasuke reached for his Kusanagi distrustfully, Kiyoshi smirked again, "And I will have you."

Sakura was speechless. Was Raito Kiyoshi really that fearless or was he just plain stupid? There were five, very capable men around her that protected her like family and he was spouting out nonsense without an ounce of fear! Was he relying on his diplomatic immunity so much? Or was he really that confident – that strong – to think that he could have her?

"I don't see the point, Nii-san," Kimiko muttered, "She's not worth it."

Naruto took another step forward, stopped again by Sakura and Sai, though they had to use a lot more force than before, "You stay away from my girlfriend! Sakura-chan obviously doesn't want to be with you so if I hear you touched her or forced yourself on her again, I won't hesitate to beat you bloody!!"

"Again?" Sai reiterated with surprise, glancing at Sakura, whose features were obscured by her long hair.

"He forced himself on you?!" Sasuke hissed, unsheathing his katana, obsidian depths bleeding to crimson again, the Sharingan spinning rapidly.

Naruto wouldn't stop shouting, his eyes hardened, "You're lucky I haven't kicked your ass already!! You can't hold Alliance over my head forever!!"

"Stop it Naruto, please!" Sakura whispered brokenly one arm holding his jacket while the other had shot out to stop Sasuke from advancing, her grip tight as the Uchiha Prodigy glared at her, wondering why she was stopping them from hurting the one that hurt her.

"What did he do to you Sakura?" Sasuke asked sharply, "Tell me."

Sakura shook her head but Naruto had heard and took another step forward, "He cornered her in her Office!"

"Naruto, stop!"

"Forced her with his strength!"

"Naruto!"

The sounds of birds chirping echoed in the air and Sakura frantically turned her gaze from Naruto to Sasuke, tightening her grip on his shirt as she eyed the electric current forming in his hand, "Sasuke, no!"

"He kissed her!"

"Stop it!"

"He made her cry!"

"NARUTO!"

And suddenly, everything went silent. Kakashi and Yamato had appeared too fast, almost out of nowhere, standing between Team Seven and the Raito Siblings. Yamato stood in front of Naruto, eyes staring down at him disapprovingly, Kakashi stood between Sasuke and Sakura, hands firm yet comforting on each of their shoulders. Turning his head over his own shoulder, the Copy-Cat Ninja's dark eyes stared coolly at Kiyoshi.

"I suggest you leave. Now."

For a few moments, no one said anything or made a move. Kiyoshi's gaze drifted from Kakashi to Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto both glaring and moving to strike but stopped by their elder comrades. Sakura didn't return his gaze and Kakashi helpfully stood in front of her to block the Raito's view.

With a final glare at Kakashi's back, Kiyoshi sighed and motioned for his sister to follow, "Come Kimiko."

And without moving, Team Seven listened as the footfalls of the Raito Siblings steadily drifted away until silence prevailed again.

Sasuke immediately shrugged off Kakashi's hold, Sakura's hand releasing his shirt also, to fall limply at her side, face obscured by her long, pink hair. The Avenger looked at her uncertainly before shifting his gaze to Naruto, the blonde visibly torn from comforting Sakura or distancing himself from her because of the guilt of his outburst. He had just been so angry after seeing Kiyoshi and hearing what he said that he had lost control.

Yet who could blame him? This was for Sakura. Sasuke had almost lost it himself too. Kakashi and Yamato could feel the tension of the situation, appalled with what they heard had transpired; and Sai, although new with emotions, wasn't feeling at all happy with what had happened either.

Sighing, Kakashi placed both his hands on Sakura's delicate shoulders and leaned forward, hoping to get a view of her face, her expression, her feelings, but to no avail, "…Sakura. Are you okay?"

No answer came from the pastel-haired Kunoichi and the Jounin began to get concerned, when Sakura finally lifted her head up and offered a small, weak smile, jade eyes clouded with a mixture of emotions Kakashi had trouble identifying, "…I'm fine Kaka-sensei…No worries."

Her slender hands came up and politely removed his from her shoulders, taking a step away from him and offering another smile that even Sai could tell was fake.

Naruto stepped towards her, "Sakura-chan…I'm so sorry, I just– Seeing him– What he said– I…"

Sakura shook her head quickly, breathing in and swiftly exhaling, "…It's okay Naruto…I know, you were looking out for me, right? It's to be expected from my boyfriend," She made to walk passed Sasuke and Kakashi, glancing back to address them, "I'm not feeling hungry right now…Maybe some other time? I-I have to get stuff done," She gazed at Naruto directly, "We still need to talk, remember? Just meet me at Ichiraku's in a couple hours okay?"

Confused but compliant, Naruto nodded his head, "Okay."

She turned to everyone else and smiled again, "I'll see you all later. Bye."

And without another word, Sakura turned and left, five pairs of eyes following after her.

When she had completely disappeared, chakra signature and all, everyone turned to look at Naruto, the blonde still staring at where Sakura was last seen.

Rubbing his hand through untamed, silver hair, Kakashi sighed, "All I knew was that there was a problem between Sakura and you, Naruto, and the Diplomat's children…" Naruto turned to look at him, "Care to fill us in?"

At first, Naruto stared blankly at the expectant expressions on his comrades' faces before he rubbed his stomach, "I'm hungry," He turned and began walking back towards the Village.

Sasuke frowned, "Dobe!"

Naruto didn't stop in his strides, nor did he look back, his voice carrying on the wind, "Are you coming or not?"

BRING! BRING!

"Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop! How may I help– Forehead?"

Sakura stood stiffly in front of the store, her features – usually bright – paling in comparison to the numerous amounts of flowers surrounding her. Viridian orbs were blank, staring at Ino with an almost lost expression before she stumbled towards her, grabbing for the counter to help steady herself, lips faintly moving but no sound coming out.

"Forehead?" Ino asked worriedly as she moved around the counter to help steady her, grey-blue eyes looking over her form for any wounds, but finding none, "Sakura, what's wrong?"

"…It's…It's all going so wrong…"

Ino frowned, gently leading the woman to a nearby chair before leaving her briefly to put the 'Closed' Sign on the Shop's door, "What is? Tell me what's going on."

"…Everything!" Sakura gasped, startling the blonde slightly who only became apprehensive as the Medic began to choke on her words, tears threatening to spill from her jade eyes, "I-I can't take it anymore…It was a mistake, it made things worse!"

"What did?" Ino pressed as she kneeled to Sakura's eye level, her expression filled with absolute concern – never had she seen Sakura so vulnerable, tired – "Tell me."

"Our lie!" Sakura shrieked, tears finally spilling over in semi-hysteria, Ino's eyes widening as she steadied the distressed woman, "I-It's backfiring right before our eyes…We can't stop it…I-I can't stop it. Kami, Ino, what have I done? What have I done?"

The Kunoichi broke down into sobs, Ino instantly wrapping her arms around her best friend in comfort, knowing that the stress and emotions of the passed week had finally caught up to her. And a person could only take so much.

"We'll fix this Forehead," Ino soothed as she ran her hand through pastel tresses, "I'm here and you have Naruto too…You're strong. You can do this."

"Can I?" Sakura asked, though it was mostly directed at herself, "The point of this charade was to get them off our backs, to prevent them from pursuing…But they've only become more aggressive…They're only trying harder. What would have happened if we hadn't lied? Would Naruto and I have been better off?"

Ino shook her head, "…We can't know that Forehead……But what I do know is that you're still protected. If Naruto wasn't around I think Kiyoshi would have taken more initiative…But because Naruto is around, especially on the upcoming Mission, Kiyoshi can't do anything with his Father's watchful eyes…Like you said, it would be dishonorable to pursue an already involved woman…"

Sakura shrugged, grunting noncommittally.

"You can't forget that Kimiko hasn't been bothering Naruto either! Wasn't that the intention! You're protecting your best friend like you promised!" Sakura relaxed a fraction and Ino continued, "And besides, me, Hinata-chan, and Shika-kun will be there…And don't forget Sasuke-kun too!"

Sakura groaned and Ino raised an elegant brow, "What's the matter?"

"He knows," Sakura replied with a sigh, "Sasuke knows about what Kiyoshi did in my Office."

"And that's a bad thing?" Ino questioned, confused with her logic.

The Medic looked up, "Of course it's a bad thing! A really bad thing! More tension! More lying! More chances of our charges getting killed, by their own protection! It's bad enough with Naruto, but Sasuke too!?"

Ino allowed a thoughtful expression before nodding her head, "Yeah…That's true."

"See!" Sakura affirmed before dropping her head in her hands, clearly miserable, "And to top it all off, Kiyoshi practically declared to my whole Team that he was going to fight for me, would do anything to have me! Is he looking for a Death Wish?!"

"…A girl would think a declaration like that would be romantic…" Ino murmured, earning a glare from the pink-haired Kunoichi.

"Romantic or not I don't want to be fought over," Sakura growled, "I'm already Naruto's anyways so he shouldn't have to fight for me!"

"Are you really Naruto's?" Ino mumbled with a knowing grin.

"What?" Sakura snapped, not hearing her and annoyed by it.

"Nothing!" Ino sang with a smile, earning a suspicious glower from her friend before she sighed, "Forehead…Even if Naruto did have to fight for you…Do you really think he'd lose?"

For a few moments Sakura contemplated her words before offering a small smile, "No, Naruto wouldn't lose…"

"Besides, I'm sure Sasuke-kun will be there to fight for you too Billboard Brow," The Mind-User exclaimed, "You're his Teammate and he obviously cares for you!"

"I suppose…" Sakura muttered.

'You didn't see what I saw here at the Flower Shop yesterday!' Ino's mind crowed, 'Sasuke was acting pretty J-E-A-L-O-U-S of you and Naruto being together!'

"Nevertheless," Ino started with a raised finger, posture firm, "Kiyoshi is the enemy – personally speaking since we need his Country's Alliance – so we must be in tip-top shape to deal with him and his family for all of next week. I suppose not only are we keeping an eye on Mister-I-Lust-After-Forehead but also Misters-Pretend-Boyfriend-And-Scary-Avenger…"

"Kami, this is going to be horrible," Sakura groaned, putting her head back in her hands, "Horrible."

"Chin up Sakura," Ino laughed, "Just one more week and you'll be back on the Singles Market, looking back on this event and Laughing. I promise you!"

Sakura turned her head slightly to give the blonde a one-eyed glare, "I'm holding you to that Ino-Pig."

"Of course, Billboard Brow," She responded with a grin.

Sakura smiled. While Uzumaki Naruto was a great friend, Yamanaka Ino didn't make one heck of a bad friend either.

BRING! BRING!

"OI!" Ino shouted, turning in her seat towards the door, "We're Closed– Oh, hi Shika-kun!"

The Nara Genius was silent as he observed the two women before him, noticing Sakura's hunched-over figure and Ino's comforting hand on one shoulder. It didn't take him long to realize what was going on, and what could have led to it…

He sighed, "Troublesome."

"So, what's up?" Ino asked, checking her watch, "You're a few hours early to be picking me up," She grinned, "Taking me to lunch?"

Shikamaru grunted, "No."

Ino rolled her eyes, "Lazy-ass."

Sakura watched the interaction with an amused smile.

"Troublesome," Shikamaru repeated before glancing at both women seriously, "We're being called to a Meeting…Hokage-sama wants us to meet the entire Raito Family…Become familiar with them so our Mission will be executed with less difficulty…I'm sure Raito-san also wants to inspect the Shinobi who will be assigned in protecting them…" Another sigh, "What a drag."

Sakura stiffened. Ino cast her another concerned look. The Medic didn't want to see them. Not so soon after their last encounter. And with Naruto and Sasuke there, knowing what happened…She didn't want to imagine it.

"…Maybe we can say you're not feeling well…" Ino offered but Sakura firmly shook her head as she stood.

"No Ino…Like I said before, I'm not running away," Her shoulders squared as Shikamaru offered a skeptical look but sighed again, "He won't get to me," Her green eyes darkened, "He won't have me…I'm a professional – powerful, skilled - Kunoichi…"

Ino smirked as she followed Shikamaru and Sakura out the door, immediately agreeing with her best friend's last words, dark with challenge.

"Like hell I'll let him have his way."

"Why the hell didn't you two tell us?"

Sasuke was livid. For something to have happened to Sakura, as bad as being forced upon, and not be told? And then to find out in the manner that they did at the Training Grounds?

Naruto shrugged, continuing to slurp up his Ramen, yet calmly, as opposed to his usual inhaling, "It only happened yesterday…And Sakura-chan didn't want any more complications for the Mission…"

"Complications?" Sasuke retorted, incredulously staring at the blonde at his left.

"Think about it," Naruto sighed, "I'm already pissed off…You're her teammate too and now that you know do you think you'll be able to protect our clients without wanting to kill him at the same time?"

Sasuke remained silent, staring into his cooling broth of Beef Ramen, hands clenching into fists and mouth forming a grim line.

Naruto sighed again, "I thought so."

"If this is your problem," Sai began on the other side of Sasuke, "Then why not Sakura-chan and yourself decline the Mission."

Naruto snorted, "Believe me, we would have loved to…Tsunade-baa-chan would have loved to with the dangers of the Mission and the high chances of Akatsuki encounters…But the Diplomat's a paranoid bastard…Wants the best and wants to keep an eye on us. He approves of me and Sakura-chan because we met him before, five years ago, on a Mission to save his daughter…Remember Kaka-sensei?"

The Copy-Cat Ninja, who had already finished his bowl of Ramen and returned to his Icha Icha Paradise Book, sat at Naruto's left and smiled in reminisce, "Ah yes…The daughter is older now…And it appears she still retains her childhood crush with Naruto…"

"Crush?" Yamato asked from Kakashi's left, interest sparked.

"More like Obsession," Naruto muttered absently as he stirred his Ramen contents idly – much to the others' surprise, since usually five Bowls would be finished and stacked by now, he was still on his First.

"Infatuation now, I suppose," Kakashi continued, "She had been quite smitten with Naruto in her youth…" He snuck a glance at the downcast blonde sympathetically, "It seems over the years it has grown into something more…"

"And Kiyoshi-san?" Yamato pressed, "Was it the same for Sakura and him?"

Kakashi shook his head, "We were more in the company of Kimiko-san…We briefly met with her older brother and his actions toward Sakura seemed harmless enough, at least for a 14-year old boy…Perhaps I misjudged…"

"Well, now he's lusting after my girlfriend," Naruto growled; a pair of chopsticks snapped directly at his right, but he ignored it, "And if I have to fight him to get him to back off, so be it."

"Now, now Naruto," Kakashi started, "Don't be hasty. Remember what Sakura said…He's the Diplomat's son and the Daimyo's nephew…And a Warrior. Don't go causing trouble at the risk of losing Konoha's Alliance…"

Naruto frowned, "For Sakura-chan, I'd risk all of Konoha's Alliances! Come on Teme! Sai! Back me up here!"

"Hn."

"Of course."

"But would Sakura be happy with that?" Kakashi countered, a knowing smile creeping over his lips as Naruto faltered, "Of course I care about Sakura," The Copy-Ninja continued, "We all do," Yamato nodded his head, Sai smiled, Sasuke looked at him blankly, "But from what you remembered this afternoon, she stood up to Kiyoshi-san professionally, as a Kunoichi……I think you will do well to follow her example…"

"But what if on the Mission Kiyoshi tries something on her!" Naruto complained.

"Then you and Sasuke are there to watch out for her," Kakashi answered simply, "Protect her if you must, but don't jeopardize the Mission. Think of this as a test of your patience and self-control even…Learn from your experiences," He smiled, his mask shifting slightly from the movement as his lone-eye crinkled, "You might even obtain something valuable out of it."

Naruto frowned, "…Like what?"

Yet before Kakashi could answer, a figure had appeared from Ichiraku's entrance, pearly gaze landing on their male group before timidly walking over to join them. When Naruto caught sight of her he automatically beamed.

"Hinata-chan!!"

She blushed lightly and acknowledged everyone with her lavender gaze, "H-Hello Naruto-kun. E-Everyone."

"Where's there something you needed?" Naruto asked, eyes bright, a little excited to see her.

The Hyuuga Heiress flushed as she shook her head, "N-No…I, um, came to inform y-you and Sasuke-san that w-we are to meet Hokage-sama r-right now."

"Why?" Sasuke asked blandly.

Hinata met his gaze, "U-Um…As the Shinobi who are p-protecting Raito-san and his children, w-we are to meet them in her O-Office with S-Sakura-chan, Ino-chan, and Shikamaru-san…T-That way the M-Mission will be accomplished w-without much t-trouble…"

Naruto and Sasuke frowned, the Hyuuga startled by the expressions, before the Uchiha turned to her fully, "We're all meeting in the Hokage's Office now?"

"With the Diplomat's kids?" Naruto added.

Hinata nodded.

Before she knew what was happening, she was being dragged away via the hand by Naruto, her pearly gaze watching as Yamato, Kakashi, and Sai waved a short farewell before they were out of her view and she, Sasuke, and Naruto were out of Ichiraku's entirely. Turning her head, she found Sasuke and Naruto quickly walking towards the Hokage's Office, eyes hard and expressions grim. She frowned in concern, righting herself into a more comfortable position for walking, and blushing at the continued contact between her and the blonde.

"We can't leave Sakura-chan alone with him," Naruto began, frown deepening, "We may not be able to hurt him but we can sure protect her from whatever he may have planned."

"Hn."

Whatever they were talking about, Hinata sure didn't like it already. She was going to have to ask Sakura or Ino about it later.

A/N: So, yay, I'm back and in about a week, just like I promised!!! I hope you guys liked your 25 Page Chapter, Ironically, every five chapters, it turned up as 25 Pages long and it was a Kimiko/Kiyoshi Encounter. So, with new drama, the plot thickens, what do you think will happen next?! Share your thoughts please I really like to hear from you readers!!! And sorry that I didn't get to the Sasuke's Morning Surprise part of the story, I've been saying it in the ANs for the past three chapters but to no avail it has yet to show up!! Well, I promise you that it will be in the next chapter, I'm sure this time, lol. So, I hope you liked the chapter, please share your feedback!!

So Tell Me:
- Who Liked Sai and his 'Brat' Nickname?
- Who Liked the battle between Sasuke and Sakura? And her falling on him?
- What would you like to happen to Kimiko and Kiyoshi?
- What you think might happen?
- What you might want to see happen
- Any other comments?

I'm curious for your answers... :)

Disclaimer: …Nope…

Next Update: Well, hopefully in 7-8 days again, I want to be steady on my chapter updates and not leave you guys hanging again…

Next Chapter: Sasuke finally gets his Morning Surprise and Sakura leaves for her Mission!

So Please Review!!! And let me know what you think might happen!!!

And let me know if anyone is OOC, I want to stay as In Character as Possible!!!!

LiveJournal: Len83

Special Thanks to Reviewers: CrazyGirlofManyNames; CherryLocs; Fonrin; .1995; Reality's the worst nightmare; pink-strawberries; utoi; kt.; empty-spaces; Inu-ru831; shkh4ever; ssraja10; AND lulu halulu

THIS IS DEDICATED TO YOU ALL!!!

PLEASE REVIEW!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Luvinukag83
aka
Len83