Wow, thanks for all the reviews! You guys/gals are AWESOME!
I'm trying to come up with a costume party-themed oneshot. It's taking fooorever. Any ideas? Send 'em my way. If anyone wants to see something specific for another story, I'll take ideas on that, too.
Still have some more chapters to go, though, don't worry! Please review! Let me know how I'm doing!
**NOTE: major apology goes out to HeWhoWalksTheEarth--it's been a long week (moving every month, etc). Aaaand I got a lovely PM from someone criticizing my work. Hardcore. You can officially call me the ass. I deserve it for being so quick to think you were being super critical. I think I adequately fixed the mistake in CH 9 :) It was a pitiful mistake, I must admit. I will allow only you to point out mistakes so verbosely from here on ;)
Apologies to everyone else, too :D
"Sakura, please calm down. Explain yourself," Tsunade crossed her arms over her chest, quietly monitoring the baby's heartbeat within Sakura's belly. She would unobtrusively keep a close eye on the neonate, as this was no time for a full exam. Out of the corner of her eye, she could tell Shizune was doing the same.
"Naruto, h-he left for a mission about a w-week ago. He was escorting a f-family to some small village near the border of Otogakure. It was supposed to be a G-ranked mission, but it was paying a lot," she sobbed.
Shikamaru looked to the Hokage. Of course the family had known about the trouble brewing at the border. It had been going on for some time. That's why they were willing to pay so much to be escorted through the area. Tsunade understood Shikamaru's change in body posture. She softly nodded her agreement.
"It seems," Tsunade began, "that this family had an idea of what was going on. If they were paying that much for a simple escort, that is."
"I should have seen it," Sakura murmured, as Shizune quietly guided her to the nearby armchair. Shikamaru began to pick up the spilled fruit. His stomach growled as he thought about his meager breakfast. The pink haired woman closed her eyes, breathing deeply. "I have to go. I have to find him!" She opened her green eyes, determination showing from their depths.
"Don't be ridiculous," Tsunade scoffed.
"I'm going." Sakura countered, finality in her voice.
"Sakura, you have to worry about the baby," Shikamaru offered.
"But this is all my fault!" she wailed. "He only took this mission because he thinks we need to get married. He wanted the money for it, I know it!"
Tsunade's stood, in wide-eyed amazement at her former student's sudden outburst. She realized what Sakura was insinuating. "He doesn't need money. He has enough."
Sakura rubbed her eyes, "What? How? He's always lived so meagerly in his tiny apartment, eating ramen. Half the time, I'm convinced he only eats it because it's cheap."
"Doesn't he know?" Tsunade whispered. Had Jiraiya not told him? She immediately wanted to punch her lover for his mindlessness.
"Know what?" Sakura sobbed.
"His parents left him a small fortune upon their deaths. He was supposed to get it when he turned twenty one. At least, Jiraiya was supposed to inform him of this," she muttered, rubbing her temples. He should have been given his fortune by now. She would definitely have to speak with the Toad Sage about this later. All of those funds better be accounted for, Buddy! she thought.
"This is becoming more troublesome by the minute," Shikamaru grumbled. Sakura's green eyes flashed her annoyance at his interruption. He quickly averted his gaze. She could easily decimate him in one punch, he was sure of it. And right now, he didn't want to test her.
"He has money?" she echoed. That information would have been nice before he agreed to the mission. "He doesn't have to sacrifice himself for the baby's well-being," she was relieved. She didn't want to burden him anymore than she already had. She gripped the arms of the chair, pushing herself up. She met Tsunade's concerned gaze, "I'm going. You can't stop me."
"Sakura—" Tsunade started, "I'm Hokage, and I can very well stop you."
"But you won't," Sakura challenged. "If Special Ops has no idea what type of poison this group is using, I'd be of the most benefit to send. "
"But you're pregnant," Shikamaru scoffed. Sakura's glare made him retreat with a yelp. Like I can help that, she silently chided him.
"I'm not ready to live with knowing Naruto was injured—or worse—because he thinks he needs to support me," she spoke quickly. "And I'm much more proficient at antidotes than anyone in this country or the next. Even you." The last remark was directed at the Hokage. Both women were well aware that Sakura had surpassed the Fifth's abilities long ago. "You know that," Sakura carefully reminded her.
Tsunade did know that. She also knew the dangers that Sakura was risking by going on this mission. But, she knew that no matter what they said or did, the young medic would somehow find a way to be by Naruto's side, regardless. "Fine," she said, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
"What?" the two Anbu members said in unison. Shizune merely smirked, she knew it would come to this. She had also predicted her Master's decision. "This is a mission for Anbu," one of the two argued. A female.
"I'm very well aware of that, thank you," Tsunade cautioned, "but arguing with her is going to do no good. "
"You've got to be kidding me," Shikamaru growled, "this is too risky for her."
"Then you try telling her that, Shikamaru," Tsunade sighed.
Shikamaru looked from Tsunade to Sakura. Sakura's stance was both threatening and challenging. He knew he couldn't win. "Fine," he sighed, "But I'm not responsible for anything that happens to Naruto's child. For the record."
"It will be noted," Tsunade said, carefully watching Sakura from the corner of her eye. The pink haired woman was…glowing.
"Hokage," Sakura began, formally, "why not send Tenten with me?" Sakura heard the female Anbu gasp. "That way it will still be a 'mission for Anbu'."
Tsunade looked at the masked female, "Is that acceptable?" The woman nodded. "I shall do as the Hokage requests."
"Good, then it's set. I would also like to send both Ino and Shino with the two of you. That should be sufficient enough for gathering information." From the way she emphasized the last few words, it was apparent that Tsunade was suspecting that Sakura would barge head-first into the village, looking for Naruto. Sakura was glad to hear that Ino would be there. The blonde woman, at least, would be on her side. She knew Shino was highly skilled at both espionage and long-distance intel.
"I want you to analyze the poison, and send the instructions for an antidote. Also, once you have gathered enough information, you will wait for back-up. Special Ops will come to assist you." The Fifth instructed, taking a seat in her large armchair. She kicked her feet up on the desk. "Shikamaru, will you instruct them for their travels?"
"Very well, Hokage," he mumbled. "I would prefer that the rest of the group were here, so I only had to do this once."
"Indeed," she said, nodding toward the male Anbu member. The ninja quickly disappeared in a flash of black. Shikamaru and Tenten were quietly discussing the events that just occurred, as Shizune had silently slipped from the room. She was most likely going to prepare a drink for Tsunade—as the Hokage would definitely need it. The Fifth studied the pregnant jonin carefully.
"Thank you, Tsunade," Sakura whispered, bowing her head in respect.
"Don't make me regret this, Sakura. You know it's dangerous for you to go out there. What if you go into premature labor?"
"Ino will be with me, so I am not worried. Besides," she gestured to her abdomen, "I still have about ten weeks to go, I can feel it."
Tsunade nodded. Sakura would know better than anyone. "I am taking a real risk here; I want you to know that." Sakura bowed her head in understanding. "And, Sakura?"
The pregnant woman's green eyes met Tsuande's steely gaze,"Don't do anything rash."
They had been traveling for almost a day. The group consisted of Shino, Ino, Sakura, and Tenten—who was now without her Anbu mask. The three shinobi were surprised that Sakura was just as agile as ever. Tenten was most impressed with Sakura's determination, despite her indifferent exterior. It did justice to all kunochis everywhere.
They stopped every hour or so, for Sakura's sake. The latter, however, was impatient—insisting she did not need a break. Soon, the breaks stopped altogether. They travelled for another half day before reaching the outpost Shikamaru had indicated on the map. "This is it," Sakura breathed heavily. They had been running since early that morning. She pushed back the hood on her traveling cloak, revealing her disheveled pink locks.
"It appears so. How do I know? Because I've already sent one of my kikkai ahead to scout," Shino answered calmly.
Tenten looked amazed at how much he had accomplished without her knowing. "How far off is the village?" the brunette asked, her hair back up in her normal style—two buns secured high on the back of her head.
"Approximately one-half of a kilometer," Shino answered.
"Can we get closer?" Sakura was becoming more anxious.
"Closer? I'm afraid not. Why? Because we need to ensure they can't feel our presence. It would put the captives at risk," Shino cautioned.
"Oh." Sakura answered. She hadn't thought about that. Naruto is somewhere out there, she told herself. She would have to be more careful. For his sake.
"So, what do we do now?" Ino asked, removing her traveling cloak. The hood has mussed her hair, and she was combing it back into place.
"We wait." Shino answered matter-of-factly.
"Boring," Ino breathed. Sakura, to her surprise, had to agree with her blonde friend.
It had been six hours since they arrived at the outpost. Tenten was arranging her inventory and responding to Tsunade's questions via scroll. Sakura was staring out into the distance. She didn't hear Ino behind her. "Sakurazilla--" she began.
"I thought I told you not to call me that," she growled.
"Eh," Ino shrugged her delicate shoulders. She studied her childhood friend's face. "You're worried?" Sakura said nothing, so Ino continued, "You really care about him, don't you?" She had spoken quietly, but Sakura knew that both Tenten and Shino had heard her question.
She felt her face grow hot. "Yes, Ino, I do," she sighed
"I thought so," she whispered. "You know, we all could see it since we were kids."
Sakura looked at Ino in amazement, how had she not known this? "What?" she gasped.
"You and Naruto. It was obvious that he loved you," she said thoughtfully, twirling a lock of blonde hair. "But, it wasn't until after Pein invaded that I knew you loved him back. I wondered when you two would make it official," she smiled, hoping to cheer up her pregnant friend.
"Well, nothing is official yet," Sakura sighed. How was it that every had known her feelings but her? She regretted her lack of introspect. What if Naruto didn't make it? What if she never truly told him her feelings?
Ino's voice interrupted her thoughts, "I think it's official. That little bun in the oven pretty much confirms it."
"That bun, Ino, may just be your godchild," she said, a slight smile playing on her lips. She anticipated the reaction she would elicit. She hadn't asked Ino if she wanted to be the child's godmother, but it was something she had thought about for some time.
"Me?" Ino squealed. "Really? Me? Oh, Sakura, I'd be honored!" Sakura smiled at her friend's excitement--as Shino and Tenten watched them quizzically. Sorry, she mouthed to them. Tenten smiled her understanding. Shino furrowed his brow over his dark glasses. She could never tell what he was thinking with those glasses!
Ino hugged Sakura, knocking her backwards onto the grass. "Oof—you pig, get off of me!" Sakura laughed. Ino relentlessly squeezed Sakura's shoulders, "Thankyouthankyouthankyou. I'm going to be the best godmother, ever!" Were those tears in Ino's eyes? Sakura was touched at her sudden display of emotion. She hugged the slim woman back.
"Silence," Shino growled, looking over his right shoulder. "Why? I hear someone," he signaled. Ino and Sakura remained where they were, Sakura rolling onto her side. Tenten nimbly launched herself into a tree, while Shino sent a few more kikkai toward the source of the noise.
Soon, Sakura's own ears picked up the sound of someone coming through the brush. She crawled toward the nearby foliage, peering through the branches. She could see a tall ninja, dressed in unfamiliar clothing, carrying a rather large package. His forehead protector held the symbol of the Sound Village—she silently wondered if he was one of the troublemakers. They watched in deadly silence as he hummed, dropping his bundle onto the ground. It landed with a loud thud. A flash of blonde hair was enough for Sakura to act instinctively. She quickly pulled free the senbon she has carefully hidden in her belt as she scrambled to her feet.
"Sakura!" Ino hissed, as Shino made a move to stop her. She wasn't going to let this chance pass her by, not when the enemy's back was to her. With a grunt, she swiftly threw the senbon at the ninja. Neither Shino nor Ino had seen what was in her hand—but her accuracy and precision was apparent in the way the shinobi limply fell to the forest floor. She had easily hit her mark, paralyzing the victim by simply hitting him at a few critical points at the base of his skull. Sakura reached the man first, grabbing the front of his shirt, pulling him upward.
"Who are you?" she spat. "What are you doing here?"
The man just chuckled at her, "Do you think I'm going to give in that easily?" It was apparent that the muscles above the senbon penetration points were still functional. Ino had never seen the medical tools used for such a purpose.
"Considering I have the advantage? Yes. You will be incapacitated as long as I desire," she growled, her chakra-infused grip growing tighter. She effortlessly lifted him to her eye level.
"I wouldn't sell out my comrades, not even in the face of death," he sneered. His breath smelled of something rotten, and she had to keep from gagging.
"Have it your way," Sakura drew back her fist, "You may not be able to move your muscles, but you will still feel pain." She saw a flicker of fear in the man's eyes as her fist collided with his stomach, sending him backwards as she released him from her grip. His back landed against a tree, his body sliding to the ground. Tenten stealthily landed on the ground next to him. "Sakura! What are you doing?" she looked incredulously at the angry pink-haired ninja.
"Interrogating," she furiously replied.
"We want him alive!" Tenten said, crouching down to check the man's vitals. He was alive, but unconscious. She was well aware that Sakura's punches had that effect on people. She hadn't had the pleasure of meeting one--and right now, she preferred that never happen.
Ino had reached the captured ninja, looking at him in awe. "Wow, he really pissed you off, Sakurazilla."
"I would say that wasn't all he did," Shino said, nudging the discarded bundle with his toe. "Why? Take a look." Sakura turned to see what Shino meant. The cryptic jonin leaned down and pulled the cover away from what was hidden underneath. Lying on the ground before Sakura was a young man with a bloodied face and blonde, spiky hair that was matted to his head with caked blood. No! Oh no! Sakura silently screamed. She weakly walked toward the body, like a puppet in action. It couldn't be! It's not him…not Naruto! Her mind was racing, looking for any reason why this couldn't be him.
"What is it, Sakura?" Ino asked, unsure of what was happening. She peeked around Sakura's legs, but could only see the spiky, blonde hair. Tenten and Shino exchanged worried glances.
Sakura knelt down to check the unidentified man's vitals, only to find he had none. She looked up at Ino, panic in her eyes. "There's no heartbeat," she whispered.