I apologize for the late update. I would have uploaded this chapter sooner except that my internet usage had gone over, and I had to wait for it to refresh before I could do anything. As soon as it refreshes, I'll be updating the story with this new chapter. Sorry for keeping you waiting!
As always, the response to this story has been phenomenal. I love getting notifications of new reviews, follows and favourites (especially when someone has done all three!). You are the real reason this story is still going strong. It's refreshing to find others who love it as much as I do.
I'm sure you guys are probably sick of my author's notes, going on and on about how grateful I am to the readers and how happy it makes me. Once again, I apologize. But I feel I can't thank you guys enough. And I want to have some kind of interaction with you. If you ever have a question or want to chat, feel free to PM me or leave it in the review. Don't be afraid, I'm a very nice person, I assure you. Us Aussies are known for our charms. :P
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CHAPTER TEN
"I'm so full!"
Sakura leaned back in her chair, rubbing a hand gently over her slightly expanded belly as she nodded in agreement with Rin's statement. The brunette was mirroring her gesture, looking over at the two empty bowls that sat before them. Having finished their shifts at the hospital earlier that evening, the girls had decided to treat themselves to a very satisfying meal at the local ? restaurant. It had also provided the perfect opportunity for the two of them to hang out, which was becoming much more difficult due to their varying schedules.
"I can't remember the last time I ate so much." Sakura exclaimed, taking her small cup of sake and taking a sip, relishing in the burning sensation that ran down her throat.
"Me neither. But it was well worth it." Rin replied, leaning forward so that she could fold her arms on the table, observing the pinkette with curious chocolate eyes.
"I was meant to ask you earlier, how are things going with Kakashi?"
Sakura nearly choked on her drink, but managed to cover it up. Setting the cup back on the table where it could do her no further harm, she avoided Rin's gaze. Had she actually heard those words fall from Rin's lips? Was she honestly asking that question? Sakura didn't know what to tell her.
She'd seen Kakashi here and there, usually bumping into him on the street, most of the time literally. He seemed to have this peculiar knack of showing up just when she had been thinking about him, although it was always unintentional thoughts. Unfortunately, her imagination liked to run rampant, often in what seemed to be an attempt at sabotaging her rationality.
Not much was ever said between them, mostly just polite greetings and small talk before she made some kind of excuse to leave. She could have sworn that every time she turned her back to the silver-haired Jōnin and walked away, his sole eye lingered on her retreating form. And yet when she spun around to confirm her suspicions, there was never any indication of him ever being there in the first place.
Sakura had unwillingly become aware that she was developing unwanted and forbidden feelings for Kakashi. She'd tried to deny it for so long, but eventually she had to acknowledge that they were there and were not dissipating anytime soon.
However, it did not mean that she would give in to these feelings and pursue anything with him. That was absolutely prohibited. She couldn't begin to fathom the implications that would result from any kind of romantic relationship between them.
Recently, she'd been attempting at pushing he and Rin together. Not simply because selfishly she believed that if the two become a couple it would help diminish her own feelings as he would officially be off limits, but because she knew just how strongly Rin felt for him. She had yearned for Kakashi for what appeared to be years.
Besides, just who was Sakura to come in and break Rin's heart?
She knew hardly anything about Kakashi compared to Rin, who was well educated about the silver-haired shinobi. They shared history with one another, had witnessed and lamented in the deaths of their sensei and team-mate together. Sakura knew she could never contend with such things, and would never dare try to.
"What do you mean?" she questioned Rin's inquiry, not understanding just what the brunette meant.
"Well, is he treating you a bit nicer? Not so threatening?" Rin raised a brunette eyebrow with what Sakura recognised as suspicion.
Relief flooded through Sakura's system. She'd been so worked up that Rin had meant something else, asking about the often strange and confusing interactions she shared with Kakashi.
"Oh, yeah. I hardly see him as it is, but he is much more friendly when I do."
Rin's face broke into a genuine smile. "Well that's good. I know he has a lot of faults and can be rather blunt and abrasive at times, but he isn't a bad person."
"I know." Sakura answered truthfully.
"His biggest problem is his insatiable curiosity. You're new in town, he doesn't know just who you are, where you come from, and he wants to know these things, to the point where he becomes unrelentingly obnoxious." Rin added thoughtfully.
Sakura waved a hand in dismissal of the brunette's statement. "It's almost like new toy syndrome that you get with young children. Eventually he'll get bored of trying to figure me out and then move on. As long as he doesn't take it too far and breaks into my place and invades my privacy, then everything will be fine."
She gave a small chuckle to aid her jesting words, which was met with a somewhat forced smile from Rin. Sakura knew that she would never speak ill of Kakashi, and detested when anyone else did so. The pinkette had been so accustomed to making teasing comments about her sensei that it had become almost like a second nature.
Rin was fiercely loyal, a trait that Sakura greatly admired. She liked to think that it was a quality that she also contained, as she would fight tooth and nail for her friends, and would not sit there and allow anyone to slander them. The amount of times she had stood up for Naruto in the past were unaccountable. However, if it was a harmless joking manner, then that was fine, and she would usually join in.
She wondered how Rin would fit in with the rest of her friends. Ino would love her immediately, not just for being a fellow medic-nin but also for her passion and talents in fashion. Hinata would get along with her easily, Rin's kindness would ease the Hyuuga heiress' shyness instantly. Naruto would somehow coax her out of her shell and bring out her uninhibited side. Sai would most likely observe from the background and then paint her as a way of getting to know her.
Sakura enjoyed her friendship with the brunette, they had become fast friends and she was already aware at how tough it would be to leave Rin behind when she returned to her own time. Their interaction was effortless, the conversation always flowed freely and never needed many prompts to keep it going.
And yet, Sakura harboured a secret.
And good friends didn't keep secrets from one another.
The Hokage had forbidden Sakura to tell anyone of her predicament, but it was becoming more and more difficult to keep it to herself and deal with alone. Rin was by far the best friend she had in this time, and Sakura was not even aware of her existence in the future. She didn't see Rin knowing as dangerous in any way, except for if the girl freaked out. But the pinkette knew that Rin would never tell another soul, and that was important.
"Rin?" Sakura begun, deciding that it was time to tell the brunette the truth.
"Yeah?" Rin responded, looking up from the table with raised eyebrows.
"I need to tell you something. Something important." Sakura admitted, causing a slight frown of confusion to appear on Rin's lips. "You see, I'm-"
"Rin-san! Sakura-san!"
Sakura's words were cut off by a voice calling out their names rather loudly, both girls turning to see the familiar sight of an ANBU with a bird mask rushing through the restaurant towards them, the same shinobi who had appeared at Sakura's door when the Hokage had asked to see her about the curtains.
He approached their table, and Sakura could see from his rapidly moving chest that he was breathing quite heavily, and had most likely run at top speeds to find them.
"I am sorry for interrupting your evening, but the Hokage had summoned you both to his office. You are to head there immediately."
Rin and Sakura looked from the ANBU to one another, wearing mirrored expressions that were a mixture of bewilderment and surprise. Without another word they stood up from their chairs simultaneously, and having already paid for their meals, quickly dashed out of the restaurant following the bird-masked shinobi.
They stuck to the streets, running at a fast pace, but Sakura was aware that both Rin and the unknown ANBU were restraining themselves so that she could keep up with them. In their eyes, Sakura was a simple civilian with medical talents. But the sad fact was that they could easily jump up over the roofs of the buildings, and so could she. It was by far a much quicker route to the Hokage Mansion and Sakura was almost painfully aware that the other two were much swifter and quicker than they appeared to be at that moment.
Eventually they made their way to the large red and white building, heading up the many stairs until the reached the Hokage's office. Sakura and Rin took a moment to catch their breaths, although it was mostly for Sakura's sake, she couldn't remember the last time she had run so quickly. Her daily runs were always much more leisurely paced.
After a swift knock on the door, they were ushered inside, where Sakura was surprised to find two more ANBU standing before the Hokage's desk, both appearing to be male. One had light blue hair that stuck out from his scalp in all different directions, the other sandy blonde locks that were slicked back and reached his shoulders. The blue-haired one wore a mask that appeared to be a wolf, the other a cat.
And then in the shadowy corner of the room was another ANBU, this one free of his animal mask and leaning against the wall, arms folded. Sakura was surprised to see Kakashi there, and could tell that Rin shared that feeling. Her attention then turned to the Hokage, in hope that they would discover why they had been summoned so urgently.
The elderly man cleared his throat before speaking.
"Now that you are all present, I will inform you of why I have gathered you all here tonight at such short notice. There have been two reports of children having gone missing in two separate villages late last night. Not much else has been discovered, but I have a suspicion that one of those incidents could have been at the hands of Orochimaru."
Sakura's eyes widened, a reaction that did not go unnoticed by The Third. Luckily for her, no-one else appeared to have witnessed it.
"For those of you who are unaware, Orochimaru is a former student of mine, who defected from the village when it was discovered that he was taking children and experimenting on them in an attempt to make himself more powerful. I want him brought back here so he can face the consequences for the terrible things he has done. I will be splitting you into two squads, and sending you to these villages to see what you can find out, and discover if Orochimaru is indeed behind these kidnappings."
Sakura was in shock. She was being sent on a mission? On an actual, proper mission? She wanted to rejoice, and found it challenging to wipe the beaming smile of her face. Finally, she was actually able to do something ninja-esque. Her limbs would be able to regain the muscle she was positive had deteriorated due to not being able to train. She was looking forward to leaving the village and experiencing a little bit of her old life, her true life.
"It seems you have forgotten, Hokage-sama, that Sakura is not a shinobi?"
The smile faltered.
Kakashi pushed himself off the wall and approached the Hokage's desk, his obsidian eye somewhat darkened. "Sending a civilian on this kind of mission is usually prohibited, and I don't understand why it is necessary. She is also a newcomer to this village, how are we to expect that she will put her life on the line for us?"
Sakura's grin had completely disappeared. The joy she had felt at the prospect of being sent on a mission had diminished. She wanted to smack Kakashi, tell him that missions like this were a piece of cake for her, and that she was a kunoichi that needed to be watched out for. But she kept quiet, opting to glare at him instead.
The Third sighed before answering Kakashi. "I have no other options. If these children are found and have indeed been taken by Orochimaru, they will need urgent medical attention. We don't have many medics who are also shinobi, and those who are, besides Rin, are out of the village on other missions and would not make it back here in time. Sakura has already proven herself to be an exceptional medic, I am sure she will be able to handle herself."
He looked over to Sakura, and Kakashi did the same. She nodded her head, agreeing with the older man's statement. "I may not look it, but I can be pretty tough."
Her jade eyes moved over to Rin, who grinned, before turning back to The Hokage. "Alright. Now that's settled, the squads. Squad one will be Kakashi and Rin, you'll be heading to Takumi Village in the Land of Rivers. Squad two will be Hideki, Masato and Sakura, you three will be going to Nadeshiko Village in the Land of Water."
Sakura turned to Rin once more, who couldn't keep the jubilant smile off her pretty face. Finally, she and Kakashi would be on a mission together and get to spend time with one another. The brunette was obviously joyous with the arrangement, and as much as Sakura tried to feel happy for her, she couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that coursed through her body.
"I think Sakura should be with me."
The pinkette felt her cheeks instantly flush with the words, so calmly spoken and unaware of the impact they had. Rin's smile had frozen in place, The Third raising an eyebrow at Kakashi once more, who seemed to have many issuess with the mission, or so it seemed.
"Wait, maybe that's not such a good idea? I mean, Kakashi and Rin were formerly on a squad together, surely they would be better off with one another?" Sakura protested, horrified at the prospect of being alone on a mission with Kakashi. It was already difficult for her to keep her growing affections for him at bay, and that was with them rarely seeing one another.
How on earth was she going to cope with being alone with him for a number of days?
Kakashi ignored Sakura's objection and continued on with his explanation.
"Sakura is a civilian and therefore unable to fight back if we come across any enemy shinobi. I feel that I'm more capable of protecting her than Hideki and Masato." he looked over to the two masked ANBU before returning his sole gaze to the elderly man that sat before him.
"And what makes you so sure that you are more proficient in this respect?" The Third challenged, leaning back in his chair.
"I wouldn't be so famous otherwise."
The Hokage chuckled at Kakashi's audacious statement. "I see you have a point. Perhaps it would be better for Sakura to go with you instead. Rin, you don't mind, do you?"
All eyes turned to Rin, who kept a smile on her lips. "Not at all, Hokage-sama. If this is the best chance Sakura has at remaining safe during this mission, then I agree with Kakashi."
There was something strange about the expression on Rin's face, the smile on her lips was not forced but there was something off about it, it didn't quite reach her eyes. Sakura knew that she was disappointment at not being teamed up with Kakashi, but there would be no resentment on the brunette's end and she would never voice these feelings. As long as the switch was for the safety of a friend, she understood.
Sakura wanted to be like Rin. In any way she could. Rin was kind, generous, friendly, sweet. There was no-one she came across who didn't adore her, except for her family. The pinkette admired her, and aspired to one day be just like her. She didn't have a mean bone in her body. Sakura liked to punch people when they annoyed her.
It would take time, but one day, she wanted to be like Rin.
The Hokage stood up from his chair, handing Kakashi a scroll, and another to the blue-haired ANBU. "You are to leave first thing in the morning. Once you reach the villages, you are to find clues, talk to villagers, find out anything you can. If you discover a lead, follow it, but cautiously. If you come across Orochimaru's base, do not engage in battle. Send for back-up, then survey until they arrive. If you find nothing, return to the village at once."
Everyone in the room nodded in compliance.
"You are dismissed. Go and rest up, you will all have a long journey tomorrow."
They turned to leave, Rin opening the door before the Hokage spoke again.
"Sakura, may I have a word?"
The others looked back to gaze at Sakura suspiciously, her eyes widened in surprise as she was singled out. Wordlessly she spun back around to face the Hokage, moving towards the desk as she heard the door click shut behind her, signalling that the others had left.
The Third sat back down in his chair, looking up at Sakura curiously.
"I know you must be surprised that I'm sending you on a mission. What I said to Kakashi was true, as well as the fact that I know you are truthfully a kunoichi. I had no other options, you were my last hope, so to speak." he admitted, frowning slightly.
"I promise you, I'm a talented kunoichi. I am very skilled with what I do. Most compare me to my master, Tsunade-shishou, others say that I am on my way to surpassing her."
The Hokage's lips formed a small smile. "While it pleases me to hear that one of my cherished students has done so well in the future, there is a catch with this mission. You are not to engage in any kind of fighting whatsoever, unless it means the difference between life and death. Listen to Kakashi, let him protect you. If he falls, you run as fast as you can back here. If the enemy prevents you from escaping and attempt to kill you, then you may battle them."
Sakura nodded. "I understand."
"Although I am curious to know why you did not wish to be placed in a team with Kakashi. He is by far one of the best shinobi in the world."
"I know, I know." the pinkette sighed.
Of course she knew. He was her sensei. Everyone had told her just how lucky she was to have such a man as her teacher, that he was a living legend and just how amazing his talents were. She'd seen him in action, been absolutely astounded at the speed in which he formed seals. His skills were incredible.
"Are you aware of Kakashi in your time?"
Sakura's eyes widened in horror as she realized her slip-up.
"Yes." she admitted, before adding, "Everyone knows of the famous Copy-Cat ninja."
The true extent of her relationship with Kakashi in the future would never be revealed to anyone in the past. It would stir up too much trouble that she didn't want to have to deal with. And it would mean she would have to keep away from him. Which was something else she didn't desire.
"I see." The Hokage stroked his beard.
He seemed to accept her answer, and didn't ask her anything more on the subject.
"One more thing," he spoke up again, "when I mentioned Orochimaru's name, you reacted. I assume you have also heard of him."
Sakura's features darkened. "I've met him."
This surprised the Hokage, who's eyebrows narrowed in annoyance. It meant that Orochimaru would not be caught on this mission if he and Sakura had come into contact with one another.
She wore her own look of resentment, thinking back to the Forest of Death, where she had first come across Orochimaru. He'd gone ahead and given Sasuke the curse seal, kick-starting his descent into darkness. Shortly after that, he'd engaged The Third in battle, which ended in the elderly man's death. She'd never forgiven the snake-like man for those deeds, plus all the other dreadful activities he had partook in.
The Third sighed once more. "If you have met him, I'm assuming that means this mission to capture him will be a failure. Still, if we can find the children, then not all is lost." he lamented, entwining his fingers together.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I know I have to be careful about what I say." Sakura replied, looking sheepish. She'd become more relaxed now, simply because she'd been in the past for just over three months without any major incidents. At first she'd been so cautious, over time she'd become more relaxed about everything.
"It's alright Sakura. It's tough on my end too. If I knew everything that were to happen, both good and bad…" he trailed off, his gaze turning to the nearby window that overlooked the village. "No, it's better not knowing. Knowledge of the future is dangerous, especially in the wrong hands. This is why you cannot tell anyone anything."
Sakura winced. She'd been planning on explaining her true situation to Rin earlier.
"Do you know how long it will take for the counter jutsu to be found?"
She originally hadn't expected to be stuck in the past for such a long amount of time. She'd naively thought it would have been two weeks at most. The longer time went on, the more attached and accustomed she became to her life in this time. It was becoming more and more difficult for her to accept what she was building up in this time would become void when she left.
"Still no luck. Without knowing the original jutsu, it's much more challenging to find one that counteracts it. Chances are there will have to be one created, and we all know that takes time. All I ask is that you be patient. I know at times it can be tough, and I have no doubt that you miss your true home, but we are trying."
Sakura nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"You are free to go, Sakura. Just remember what I said earlier, about keeping your true talents to yourself." The Third added, rubbing his tired eyes wearily.
The pinkette nodded again, before leaving the office wordlessly. She was finally going on a mission, but wouldn't be able to actually enjoy it as she usually would. She loved travelling through the trees, showing off her effortless chakra control. She knew that they would have to travel via the road, as Kakashi knew her as a 'civilian'.
This meant their mission would take much longer, and it would be much harder for Sakura to keep her skills to herself, especially if they came across any enemies. Kakashi was already wary of her, and seemed to have his visible eye observing her carefully whenever she was in the same vicinity as himself.
As she scuttled down the stairs and back into the village, she couldn't help but wonder how different this mission would be to the countless others she had been on with the older Kakashi. Would he be the same kind of leader? Would his fighting techniques differ in anyway?
All she could deduce was because this version was younger, he wouldn't know as many techniques as her sensei, nor would he be able to use the Sharingan for as long.
"Nervous?"
The voice came behind her, and upwards. Sakura turned around and tilted her head to look up as Kakashi jumped down from the roof, landing perfectly on his feet beside her, his hands in his pockets. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Once again with the sneaking up on me." she reprimanded him, crossing her arms in annoyance.
"Not my fault it's so easy to do so." he rebutted with a slight shrug of his shoulders.
Huffing, Sakura walked past him, quickening her pace in an attempt to get away from him and home sooner. Unfortunately, he strode up alongside her, and even in the darkness of the night she could still see the amusement that shone in his sole eye.
"I thought we could meet up at five in the morning outside the west gates. We will go through our mission and have a quick breakfast before leaving."
Sakura rolled her eyes at his statement.
"Knowing you, I'll get there at five and you won't show up until at least nine."
Kakashi stopped in his steps, causing Sakura to do the same. She turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What?"
"Your comment. I don't understand what you mean. I have never been late to anything in my entire life. I am always prompt and on time." he retorted, much to Sakura's surprise.
"Well, uh, forget I said anything then." she spoke, flustered as she realized she was standing outside the inn. "I'll see you in the morning. Five am, by the west gates."
Without waiting to hear a farewell from Kakashi, Sakura rushed inside and up to her room, quickly shutting the door behind her.
Her comment had been idiotic, and clearly aimed towards the older Kakashi. She'd never known him to be on time, although it seemed apparent that there was a time when he was always prompt and never late. It made it even clearer to Sakura that this was not the Kakashi she'd known all her teenage life. This incarnation was incredibly different, almost painfully so.
Her heart rejoiced at that fact, her mind deducing that it made her feelings for him much more acceptable now. But still, she would fight them as long as she could, and when she could battle them no more, she would have to lock herself in her room until she could be returned home. It was why she avoided him as much as possible.
But now, they would be forced to spend days alongside one another. She wouldn't be able to avoid him or even have some separation time. In order for Kakashi to protect her, he would have to keep his eye on her at all times.
Sakura pouted. Somehow the mission didn't seem as exciting as it had only an hour earlier.
Here's three things you should know;
1. This was originally going to be a completely different chapter, of just Rin and Sakura catching up and talking, and being summoned to the Hokage's office at the end. So glad I changed it. I had trouble writing it, was growing bored of the scenario, then BAM chapters got merged and here we are.
2. Things are getting interesting, and a mission! I couldn't help myself. It gives Sakura more time with Kakashi and more opportunities for her to 'slip-up'. I'm evil like that. :)
3. There's going to be some hot moments in the next few chapters, so keep an eye out for those!
Please let me know what you think, feedback is incredibly helpful and very much appreciated! :)