CHAPTER TEN
Disclaimer: Naruto ish not mine
Note: Humor is kinda dropping. I know. :P Well, I've been reading too much drama fics *sigh* But still, it fuckin' fits. :3
( RD-CHAN HOKAGE )
"There's one common thing about them all."
"What is it, Senpai?"
"They're all wearing silver materials."
"Maybe it's their trademark."
The head of the medic team became silent. It was a possibility but then she remembered Pein. He used chakra receivers to hide himself and let some corpse finish off his plans while he hides somewhere in a tall mountain to control them. But the metals look plain and simple. They fit as accessories but something tells Shizune, the head medic, to make her suspicious about it. She stared at the dead men lying stiffly. They're just ordinary ninjas. She thought examining them, the only thing that makes her suspicious were their accessories.
"I'll take these," Shizune picked up the objects, "you can dispose them. We have nothing more to do." She added, preparing to leave the room. The other occupants only nodded as they moved the dead bodies to another room.
Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.
Groan.
"Ugh. Damn birds." The young teen muttered shutting his eyes tightly, trying to eliminate the chirps coming from the birds. They were too happy for his own good. Ignoring the gleeful singing birds, he sat up and noticed something.
There was no lump in his bed.
Or rather, Sakura is not with him.
He quickly got up, wearing a shirt and searched for the girl. Don't tell me they got her again? He thought, checking every room in the mansion. And to make matters worse, there were like twenty rooms. He cursed and thought. There was no way Sakura will enter one of the rooms since she's afraid of the dark and being alone in a room that was like, abandoned for ten years.
Reaching downstairs he quickly searched for her, wondering where the hell she slept or went. If he remembered correctly, she was still beside him before he fell asleep. Ugh. That girl. He headed towards the living room and was shocked.
"Sakura?"
Lying on the couch was the girl he'd been seeking, sleeping quietly like a cat. She was wearing his huge shirt and boxers of course but that didn't shock him, it was the question "Why was she sleeping there?". Wasn't she the one who always coaxed him to let her sleep with him? It confused him. Shrugging off the thought, he woke her up, gently poking her.
Poke. Twitch. Poke. Twitch.
"Sakura." He called, kneeling beside her. She stirred, cat ears twitching.
"Wake up." She slowly opened her eyes and saw Sasuke miraculously wearing shirt. She mentally sighed in relief and sat up rubbing her eyes.
"What are you doing here?"
"Uh… sleeping?" She heard him scoff. Wrong answer Sakura, it meant. Avoiding his intense gaze, she continued to look at the floor, thinking of various excuses since she have to stay away from him. Or else the wind bitch, as Naruto calls her, is going to punish her.
"I know that." Sasuke muttered annoyed, "Why are you sleeping on the couch?" He saw her bit her lip, like trying to hide something from him. He narrowed his eyes.
"I…" I was sleep walking and ended up here? She thought but it was so hard to lie especially when his gaze is extremely intense; he was like lie detector machine, worse one though.
"And why can't you look at me? You're acting weird Sakura."
When she remained silent, he didn't bother her further thinking it was only an effect of yesterday's event. He told her they'd eat with Naruto today and left her sitting on the couch. As he strode off towards his room to change, he can't get off Sakura's new behavior. Unlike the once noisy childish Sakura before, this one's too quiet and nervous all the time. And to his surprise, it seemed like she was avoiding him which he hoped not.
You'll wish you never met Sasuke…
That tone of voice, it made her heart drop. Recalling it already made her shake in fear, she thought of her as the daughter of Lucifer taking human form. And being the devil's offspring, Kazehime has a wicked mind. Sakura never thought she would go that far. Touching her shoulder, she winced remembering that the black devil gripped it tightly. She had hurt her, and she'd do more if she won't oblige to her orders. The girl sighed, hoping she'd survive the day without annoying Sasuke which she missed. I can do this.
"Stop." A hand was raised causing the rushing ninjas to halt on their tracks.
"Stay here. I'll check the area." Said a feminine voice, vanishing. She reappeared behind a huge tree that was near a small box shaped wall leading to darkness. Her crimson eyes scanned the area, searching for any unwanted presence. Making sure there was no one else and it was safe to move forward, she raised her hand, urging the masked shinobi to enter. Only blurs of white and black were seen entering; leaves rustling in the air at the swift movement.
Xhaina stood before the hideout she suspected Yoshio may be hiding. She was hoping they'd get a clue. The whole time she was with Sakura, she was already trying to reveal Yoshio's real identity while protecting the princess. And it was a complete surprise he'd find their whereabouts and that Sakura is alive. Being a professional spy and ninja in the past, her skills led her to come this far to find Yoshio.
"Xhaina-san, this chamber is empty. I think it's abandoned."
"But we found these." A silver chain was held in front of Xhaina which she took. She examined it and thought it was familiar.
"Xhaina-san! I know where Yoshio is!" cried one ANBU immediately dashing towards the purple haired girl. He whispered it to her ear; her eyes widening in shock.
"How did-"
"The chain, it's like a tracker. Remember when you told us that all of the enemies are wearing silver accessories? They're actually tracking devices. Their form makes them a disguise to what they really are." The ANBU said, as he analyzed the metal.
"It's like Pein's chakra receivers, but this only works as trackers. It lets the person manipulating the technique locate the wearer's whereabouts. He can also tell if he's engaged in the fight, he can feel the decrease of chakra." He explained confidently.
"Why do you know this?" Xhaina asked doubtfully, staring at the masked ninja.
"I've read it from a book. It caught my attention when you told us that they're all wearing silver objects. And it also says that few people can have such. It's pretty rare."
"So how that does leads you to discover Yoshio's whereabouts?"
The ANBU sighed and said, "I tried to insert some chakra and I felt a strong current leading to some place where there is a bigger amount of energy."
Xhaina nodded as she listened to every word, feeling relief. Finally, she now knows where he is and it's time to end up everything. Looking at the other members, she yelled, "Okay everyone. Target's located, keep your guards up." She pointed at the ANBU ordering him to lead them the way.
Sakura thought it was easy to avoid Uchiha Sasuke. And hell it wasn't. With his eyes that are like spy cameras that seem to watch her every single movement, it's really hard to snub him. He was like a pesky little fly buzzing around, wanting to get attention. But she wondered; why is there a feeling of hurt? Well it did hurt but shouldn't it be only little? Because right now, she wants to cry her heart out and stay in a corner forever so Kazehime will just leave her alone. One more thing, she's already wishing she hadn't followed him that night. Sigh.
As they walked towards the Ichiraku Ramen stand, she made sure she was a meter away from the Uchiha walking ahead of him. She was silent along the way, preventing herself from even speaking the dreaded word, Sasuke-kun.
"Oi! Sakura-chan! Sasuke-teme!" greeted Naruto as soon as his ever gleeful azure eyes landed on the two. His smile turned into a frown when he saw that Sakura was like a second Hinata and Sasuke, who seemed like he was dumped by all the girls in the village. His face tells him, fuck my life.
"Hey Naruto-kun." A small smile formed her lips but Naruto didn't notice it. It was her eyes he noted, he can see sadness in them.
"Dobe."
"Oi Teme, what the heck did you do to Sakura-chan? And what's up with the face? It's like the whole world rejected your existence."
"Fuck off. I'm hungry." He replied coldly, not in the mood to discuss the new Sakura. As they entered the ramen stand, Sakura surprised them when she sat beside Naruto who is beside Sasuke. The Uchiha didn't miss what she did, making his suspicions of her avoiding him, correct.
"Err… is there something you two want to talk about?" the Kyuubi vessel asked, switching gazes between Sasuke and Sakura.
"I-it's nothing Naruto-kun… S-sorry." The girl mumbled forcing a smile. Her eyes didn't spare a glance on the raven-haired teen who watched her in irritation, clenching his fists. Why can't she just tell it? Sasuke thought. He lost his appetite and suddenly stood up from the stool, dragged Sakura outside wanting to settle things since this new behavior of hers is getting on his nerves. He tried to recall everything, completely clueless about the reason why she suddenly changed. And there was no single thing he can think of.
"Hey teme! What the hell?"
"Leave us alone Naruto. We need to talk." He told the blond in an annoyed voice.
"Sasuke-kun!" She tried to pull her arm but failed; his grip too tight. He looked at her with furious eyes, causing her to keep her mouth shut and just follow him. When they were in a secluded place which was an alleyway, he freed her.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Sasuke hissed at her, onyx eyes intensely staring at her.
"I-it's n-nothing…" she said softly, eyes looking at the wall. Her heart raced feeling nervous at her current situation.
"Then why are you suddenly staying away from me?" he almost yelled at her; he has to calm down or else he'd up shouting at her that will only worsen the problem.
When he received no response, he felt his anger rise and growled lowly. He doesn't understand why feels pain and anger, but nonetheless he stepped forward, making her back hit against the wall as she took a step back, trapping her petite form with his. Why am I even doing this? Sasuke thought. He shouldn't be worrying about this, it was not like him. Could it be…
"Why won't you answer me Sakura?"
"I… i-" she was cut off by his angry voice.
"Stop stuttering! It's not like you Sakura. Did I do something wrong?" She shook her head, and felt a tint of joy when he heard his voice on the last statement. She was sure; it became a soft gentle voice full of worry. You did nothing, Sasuke-kun. Blame your genes that made you handsome. She thought. If only she could hug him at this very moment and tell him the reason, she'd do it. She can only seal her lips and make excuses.
"Then stop avoiding me. It's… annoying." Hurting me.
She finally looked at him, her eyes full of crystal tears threatening to fall any second.
"G-gomenasai…" she whispered in pain, If it's annoying to you, it's killing me Sasuke-kun, it's slowly tearing me apart!
His bangs covered his eyes, tempting Sakura to push them away and touch his face. But she stopped herself, knowing Kazehime is just anywhere watching her. Sasuke-kun… She made a dash, unable to handle her emotions anymore, leaving Sasuke standing alone.
"Sakura-chan? Are you okay?" She heard Naruto, but avoided him, looking for a secluded place.
Her feet led her to a pathway that had a bench. She sat, panting heavily. The wind brushed her damp face as her tears continued to flow on her cheeks. This is… too much. Wiping away her tears, she was shocked when she heard a clap.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Kazehime.
"Well, well Sakura-chan! That was some quite a show isn't it?" Her voice taunted her, wishing someone will kidnap her again right now and kill her rather than seeing this witch torturing her.
Kazehime felt a surge of victory, how she pitied not Sakura's situation. She had always enjoyed seeing people drowning in their tears while she swims in pure bliss. Serves you right, disgusting bitch. Making her way towards Sakura with a bitter smile on her face, she sat beside her to 'comfort' the sobbing girl.
"Don't worry, Sakura-chan. Your pain will vanish once me and Sasuke-kun starts dating." Patting her shoulder while she laughs mockingly, staring at her with eyes glinting cruelly. "Once you disappear in Sasuke's life, all is well." She added.
"Anyway," she leaned towards her ear and whispered, "don't you even dare telling this, Sakura. Or I'll make your situation worst."
"Sasuke-teme! What happened there? Is everything fine?"
"Do you think I'm fine?"
He ran a hand in his raven locks, exhaling a long angry sigh. She wouldn't talk, won't even tell a single thing why she's like that. He felt Naruto's hand on his shoulder, but quickly shrugged it off. He doesn't need sympathy, he needs answers.
"Calm down, Teme. I'm sure Sakura-chan has a good explanation. Maybe you scared the shit out of her, dragging her in a freaking alleyway." The blond said, trying to comfort his best friend. He can see how frustrated the Uchiha was, and it was a big deal. He had never been so frustrated about a girl.
"Where'd she go?" asked the Uchiha in a firm voice, making up his mind.
"I don't know. Oh shi-"
"Go find her, then take her to Ino's house." He ordered monotonously; Naruto only nodded in obedience afraid his friend will take him to his underworld.
Inside the Yamanaka residence, Sakura sat nervously inside Ino's bedroom. Many questions flooded her mind starting from the reason why Naruto brought her here, how Sasuke was doing and if he's angry with her. The way his voice rose when she refused to respond and ran off without a word; she erased the thought believing he'd understand.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sakura." Came Ino's voice, she was carrying a tray that had food which is for her.
The girl nodded in reply, smiling lightly. "Uhm ano, Ino-san, w-why did Naruto-kun bring me here?"
It took a while before Ino answered, reminding herself not to mention Sasuke. "Well, the idiot told me you and Sasuke are having some" she made quotation marks in the air, "lover's quarrel so I'm here to rescue!" She handed Sakura a plate of rice balls, placing the tray on her bed side table and sat beside the pink haired girl.
"Arigatou Ino-chan." She nibbled on the rice ball feeling a bit of relief.
Ino watched Sakura ate and thought deeply. The girl indeed changed, unlike a cheerful Sakura before, she's facing a miserable Sakura. And what shocked her most that it was Sasuke who asked for her help, desperately yearning for what had caused this new annoying, according to the man, behavior of hers. Grateful of her family's ninjutsu, she silently asked for an apology to Kami-sama for she'll invade Sakura's memories to discover the problem.
"Sakura-chan, can you please close your eyes for a moment?"
"H-hai." She obeyed her, finishing the last rice ball and quickly closing her eyes.
Here it goes. She thought, gently touching Sakura's forehead.
The smell of blood and open flesh stank the whole area; still bodies of men were scattered on the corner of every room. The whole chamber was clouded with utter silence, not even a single sign of life is inferred. But a laugh echoed outside, his frame lighted by the full moon. He stood on a huge branch of a tree eyeing the horizon with vicious eyes.
"Just you wait Sakura. I'll be dropping by to finally see you." He said with smug smirk, slowly fading into the thin air leaving a trail of his dark laugh in the forest.
"Kazehime."
Said girl turned around and gasped in shock when she saw who called her.
"S-sasuke-kun!" her friends quickly scampered away to give them privacy, not forgetting to leave a wink or flirtatious smiles at the young Uchiha.
"What brings you here Sasuke-kun?" Kazehime asked, inching towards Sasuke who only eyed her with cold empty eyes. She wondered if Sasuke came to be comforted; her heart leapt in joy about the idea, smirking triumphantly in her mind. As she was about to touch his shoulder, Sasuke caught her wrist swiftly, growling lowly that gave shivers down her spine.
"Don't touch me, disgusting witch." Her dark eyes widened in shock, heart dropping.
"W-what's wrong Sasuke-"
"Don't even call me Sasuke-kun." He told her, his eyes now glaring daggers at the girl. After hearing the truth from Ino, he almost activated his curse seal, as he felt his anger rise to the highest peak. He was only stopped if it weren't for Sakura's sleeping form; it made him calm down. He quickly sprinted towards his fan girls' lair to give them a taste of his wrath.
"I know… what you did." His voice was too low and was dripped with poison. Kazehime could only watch with fearful eyes, her courage slowly vanishing.
"I-I don't know-" he gripped her wrist tightly, close enough to be broken. He heard her yelp in pain, pulling her hand away, "you're hurting me!"
"That isn't even enough of what you did to Sakura."
"I-"
"Look bitch," she winced at the word, "if you decide to pull off another pathetic scheme of yours, make sure it doesn't involved people who are important to me." With that, he harshly pushed her, making Kazehime fall on the ground, caressing her aching hand.
"But-"
"Don't even talk to me." He showed her a glimpse of his Sharingan; she nodded in fear. Sasuke left without sparing her another glance and went back to Ino's house to bring back Sakura to his mansion.
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