Chapter 10: An arousing nightmare

"How's your back?" Sakura questioned through the rowdy crowd of students heading towards the cafeteria.

"Been better..." he grumbled, easily dodging a rushing student. He looked really worn out Sakura noted, he had purple bags under his eyes, onyx colored irises not as beautiful as they seemed any more. He must be lacking sleep, I mean with a wound like that on his back he would probably have trouble sleeping on his stomach the whole night through. The pinkette herself was of course still guilty, if only she was paying attention... then Sasuke wouldn't have to suffer with a third-degree burn that will surely cause him great burden. Or meybe she was the burden...

"You should've rested at ho-" she caught herself before finishing her sentance. She almost said 'Home'... That place, the forest, Sasuke's house... her home? It had been weeks since she started staying at Sasuke's place, a whole month even. Summer had greeted them just recently and the whole student body was clad in the school's Summer uniform from boys to girls respectively. It had been that long huh? Even Summer was here already...she had gotten too comfortable.

Sasuke stopped in his tracks to glance at her in question as she had stopped mid-sentance. She glanced back at him and gave a sheepish smile before shaking her head and telling him it was nothing as they continued walking towards the cafeteria.

"You're bringing that book again?" He inquired, eyes on the novel in her arms.

"What? 'Forest Stray'? It's a good book. I haven't had the time to read it since you kidnapped me, so I thought recess would be a good time to continue reading. Well, after I've eaten of course," she replied as she held up the book for him to have a better look.

"Hn. It's called desperate times calls for desperate measures," the raven head said with amusement twinkling in his eyes.

"Yeah right. I was totally the victim," she said with a roll to the eyes.

"Tch. You were being stubborn."

"Well what did you expect me to do? Let you kidnap me?" The pinkette grumbled with an added pout.

"Hn," he grunted, "By the way, the last you read the book was last week. You know, when I just enrolled here?

"Ah yes, psycho Sasuke. Yeah, I remember."

"...hn."

"Hey, don't worry about it, I don't hold it against you. You weren't you that time," she said quietly and watched his reaction from the corner of her eye. "Don't know about Tenten and Temari thou-" she was cut off as someone bumped into her shoulder, causing the novel to fall out of her hands.

Sasuke frowned and glared at the guy. "Hey, watch where you're go-"

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Here's your book," the guy who bumped into her said as he handed her the book with a smile.

"-ing..." the raven head finished as a kept a steady gaze on the guy.

"Oh, uh...thanks?" Sakura said hasitantly and slowly took the book back.

The guy kept his smile on as he brushed his dark bangs out of his face, revealing ink black irises before apologizing once again as he then left out of sight. Strange. That was guy quite pale, not too bad looking though. But something was off about him... She glanced at the book in her hand, was it just her or did his smile seemed weird? Like it was forced. Like it was fake even... She then shrugged it off. Probably just her imagination.

"Come on Sasuke, I'm starving," she said and walked on ahead of him.

Sasuke stood in place as he stared at the spot the pale dark haired teen once stood before walking after Sakura. He then glaced behind to sight said dark haired teen by the end of the hallway, smiling at as he waved at the raven head.


"Tenten, Temari! You guys are all right!" Sakura beamed as she sighted her two friends seated with Ino and the rest.

The two of them grinned at her as they allowed her to hug them. And upon laying their eyes on Sasuke, both teens immediatly tensed and glared at him while blocking his view of Sakura. He simply ignored their childish actions and took a seat between Gaara and Naruto. Kankuro flinched as he finally took notice of the raven heads presence as the rest of the table glanced at him.

Sasuke resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the annoying group of people who stared at him like and art display. Seriously, do these people have nothing better to do? Must they try to piss him off every freaking time he was in their line of sight? There was a sudden pain from where the wound was located on his back as he clenched his fist to keep from cursing out loud. The wound must have opened up...no wonder they were all staring at him. Blood was spreading throughout his once white uniform shirt as he tried to remember what caused the wound to open up in the first place.

Wait, Tsunade told him not to move around so much and forbid him from doing any extrem sports. They had gym this morning...Guy-sensei had instructed the whole class to run ten laps around the field, and like any other school in Konoha, gym class was divided between genders, meaning Sakura wasn't there to nag him or stop him from running those ten laps. But he didn't think running was an extrem sport, was it?

"Uh Sasuke? Ya' got a lil' something on your back," Naruto said as he eyed the raven head in concern.

I've noticed," he hissed as he noted that the whole cafeteria had gone dead silent. Damn it! Now things are going to get worse, he was the center of attention as all eyes were on him...or to put it more accurately, his blood soaked back.

"Someone go get a teacher!" Sakura angrily yelled as she glared daggers at him.

He inwardly mused at her stern expression. A student, Rock Lee infact, immeadiatly dashed out the doors of the cafeteria to seek the help of a teacher as the whole place then irrupted into loud whispers while his annoying fangirls (he didn't even know he had any until Naruto and Sakura pointed it out) rushed to his side, asking if he was in pain or not. A few had also questioned how he got the wound in the first place. That was when Sakura appeared beside him and 'shooed' the crowd away.

She faced him with a huff and hissed lowly, "How the hell did you open the fucking wound you idiot! I'd think you would have stayed put till school ends! What. Did. You. Do?!"

He contemplated on wheather or not he should tell her or keep silent. Because A)she looks so freaking pissed off that her head might blow up B)her flushed and angry face was kind of a turn on and C)she could really hurt him if she really wanted to. But if he did tell her then she would be furious, and if he didn't tell her then she would be furious. Either way, both were not a win-win option, and those were the only available options he has got, so he'll just stick to being the honest man he always was and tell her the truth.

"Gym this morning."

She glared as he watched her nose twitch, "What were you told not to do, huh?!"

"Hey, for you information, running laps is not an extrem sport!" He said in a low growl.

"It is if you run a lot of it! So pry tell Sasuke-kun how many laps did you run?" She said in a sickly sweet voice that made him mentally cringe.

He gave a defeated sigh and glared back at her, "all ten laps."

"Idiot," was the last thing she said before Rock Lee rushed in, panting heavily and all with a Guy-sensei at his heels.

Really?! Of all the fucking-

"Sasuke?! You were doing gym with a wound like that? Why didn't you tell me?" Guy said, surprised, "though I must admit it was quite youthful... Anyway, we must call an ambulance right away."


Naruto yawned as he watched Kakashi-sensei's car drive out of the school gates, probably thought it was best to look for Tsunade-baa-chan instead of going to some run down hospital. He muffled another yawn as Yamato-sensei continued with the lesson. Bored, he decided to doodle on his note book, in the end the doodle ended up looking like something that could be found in a cat's litter box, so he gave up on doodling. Drawing was never really his strong point, neither was studying, he would rather do sports really.

A tap on his shoulder snapped him out off his dazed state as he glanced behind him. He then narrowed his eyes suspiciously, it was the new kid, Sai. And oh did that smile pissed him off. Seriously, it was a creepy mixture of a Sasuke and Orochimaru smile (not that Sasuke smiles much anyway). Naruto had to hold back a sneer as he rose a questioning brow at the dark haired teen and mouthed a 'What?!'

"Do you mind telling me what had happened during lunch period, you know, at the cafeteria?" He questioned in a low whisper so that he wouldn't draw attention from the teacher. "With Uchiha-san I mean..."

"Well, I don't really mean to be rude but, it's none of your fucking business!" The blonde whispered/screamed and shot him a pointed look.

"Oh, I don't really mind the rudeness at all. So I apologize for my rudeness in asking about your boyfriend," he said with an innocent smile.

"Eh...it's all right. Ya don't have to aplogize for asking," Naruto said with a shrug as he faced back to the front... Until it finally sinked in on what the new kid had deliberately called him and Sasuke, gay. The fucker called them gay. It wasn't as if he had a problem with gay people, I mean it wasn't their fault that they were born that way. But it was the way that that fucker had said it that made him boil with rage. If he wants to make fun of Naruto then fine, but to make fun of Sasuke, his best friend slash brother? Oh, that little piece of shit was going to regret it.

"Hey, what did you say you lil shit?!" The blonde yelled as he shot up from his seat, chair clattering behind him from the sudden movement while he glared down at Sai.

The whole class glanced at them.

"Naruto-" the teacher tried to interrupt.

"Was it something I said?" Sai inquired innocently.

"Who do you think you are, going around and calling people gay ya bastard?!" A finger was shoved in Sai's face as he kept his composure, never moving. "And not only did you intantionally called me that, but Sasuke? You're just begging for some pounding aren't ya?"

"Naruto, please sit down-"

"He called Sasuke-kun a what?!" One of Sasuke's fangirls yelled angrily as she stood up.

"No one asked you Ami!" Naruto sneered as the girl glared at him and sat back down. "Now where was I?"

"You stopped at 'you're just begging for some pounding aren't ya?'" Sai answer cheerfully.

"Oh yeah! Thanks. Anyway, if you want to insult me then fine, but don't you dare drag any of my friends into it!" He huffed and crossed his arms, feeling accomplished.

"Does 'friends' include that stupid excuse of what you call a penis in between your legs?"

"Wha-?!"

"I mean I know you have one, but it was so small that I could hardly identify it as a dick."

"How did you-"

"Urinal, school toilet," was his simple reply as he stared at the fuming blonde teen, face neutral. "Also, yours is by far the smallest. It's even smaller than the average male's "

The class room was quiet, like the calm before the storm. It then got interrupted by Kiba as he gasped for air for holding in his laughter too long. The whole class erupted into a mismatched chorus of laughter as Naruto reddened in both anger and embarrassment.

"Why you lil fucker-"

"NARUTO! Sit down this instant, and I would watch that mouth of yours!" Yamato yelled sternly as the blonde scrambled to sit on his chair, giving one last glare at Sai for good measures. Has he mentioned how much he pisses him off?


Naruto loved joint art class, partly because the class that would be joining them is the class his beloved Hinata was in. Oh and Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji with what's her face in four pigtails, Temari was it? Gaara's stepsister, and a paranoid Sakura...

As the class settled down, Kurenai-sensei, their arts teacher divided the class into groups of three. Having Naruto pair up with Shikamaru and Temari. Great, just great. This was fan-fucking-tastic! Of course he would have bad luck sided with him today and get paired up with the lazy-ass genius and one of the two crazy people who really want to kill Sasuke. Just fucking wonderful! It would be even better if psycho girl here decided to kill off Sasuke's friends first before getting to him. By the way, that was totally sarcasm it you didn't know. This could not possibly get anymore worse!

"All right class, today we'll be attempting to draw body postures-

It got worse!

"-so you either choose one out of two of your group members to draw or you could do both, it's up to you," Kurenai finished as she sent a look towards Naruto who had slammed his face on the table and let out a groan of disinterest .

With a sigh, the raven haired teacher shook her head and ignored him, fully knowing where his artistic skills stand. "You have until the end of this period. Pencils up, and begin."

As Kurenai said that, Shikamaru took this as a sign to throw his sketch book along with his pencil and eraser to one side before allowing his head to rest in his awaiting crossed arms. Temari rolled her eyes before starting to sketch his face on her sketch book secreatly. Naruto held back a snort, her feelings for the lazy pineapple head were as clear as day, might as well already confess to him. With a slight shake to the head, Naruto stared blankly at the white sheet of paper presented in front of him. Inwardly cringing, he knew he was going to fail anyway, so he drew a circle with a smiley face on it accompanied by a spikey pony-tail.

Viola! Is it not the most fantastically drawn picture of Shikamaru yet?!

The blonde stared at the drawing with shining sapphire eyes as he then shrugged and put the sketch book and pencil aside. His eyes then traveled around the silent classroom as the only sound audible was the scrapping of pencil against paper. Naruto's gaze locked-on to Sakura's form as she was visably tense while she sribbled on her sketch book, Ino was glancing at her from time to time, concerned.

Wow, she was really worried about Sasuke-teme wasn't she? It was strange really, how those two cared for each other unknowingly when they have only just met a month or so. But of couse, Sakura wasn't the only one worried for Sasuke, he was too (even if he hates admitting it). Sasuke was the closest to what having a brother would feel like, and he would hate it if something were to happen to him, Teme or not.

"Hey," Naruto snapped out of his thoughts as he turned to see Temari glancing at the pinkette in concern too.

"Yeah?" He said as she turned to face him.

A look of contemplation crossed her features as she sighed and whispered an "aw, fuck it," and glanced at him in the eyes, determined.

"How did that guy get such an injury?" Was her question as she stared at him with conflicted sea green eyes.

"Who?" He asked, eyebrow raised in confussion .

"Wha-?! You-augh!" She sighed as her sea green eyes flickered back to her unfinished drawing of the snoring Shikamaru while she breathed a "Nevermind..."

'How did that guy get such an injury', huh? Did she meant 'that guy' as in a certain good looking Uchiha with the ass of a duck serving as his hair with one hell of a shitty personality and is all 'I'm holier than thou' to practically everybody? If she did then why? Naruto thought that she hated him, or did the sight of that much blood soaking the Uchiha's once white shirt shaken her up? Or maybe she was questioning to find out if it had anything to do with Sakura feeling so paranoid? Yup, definitely.

"You mean Sasuke-teme, right?" The sapphire eyed blonde questioned, gaining the attention of Temari as she cease her drawing.

She nodded as he continued.

"Well..." he started as his voice dropped to a low whisper. "Let's just say that someone was trying to gain our attention by attempting to kill Sakura-chan with an explosion tag-"

Her eyes went wide at the mention of 'kill' and 'Sakura'.

"-but before that happened, Sasuke pushed Sakura-chan out of the way and protected her from the impact of the explosion," he finished as he eyed her carefully.

"Huh...so he isn't a self rightious jerk after all..." she muttered.

"Yeah, he may look and act like one, but at least he has a heart," he said, remembering the burnt mark on Sasuke's bare back, it was definitely going to leave a badass scare once it's healed.

"I won't agree with you on him looking like one, I mean, hello? Sex god much?" She said with a smirk as Shikamaru slightly stirred in his sleep.

"Agh, don't- don't go there please, I beg of you," Naruto pleaded as he threw her a disgusted look. "Wait, I thought you had the hots for Shika-"

She stomped on his feet as he immeadiatly sealed his lips.

"Anyway..." she began with an awkward cough, "...are you done with your drawing already?"

"Ow...huh? Oh yeah! I'm already done, but...I'm not sure about accually getting a passing grade with this..." he said and trailed off.

"Huh...let me see," the dirty blonde said and snatched his unguarded sketch book away without so much as waiting for his reply.

"Aww, I think it's kinda cute!"

"Re-really?! Eh hehe, thanks! Hey, can I see your's too?"

"Oh um...sure..." she hesitantly said and slid her sketch book over to him.

Picking it up, Naruto was staring at an animated like Shikamaru greeting him. She drew him in the pose he was in now, arms crossed with his head resting on them, but a bit more anime flare added to it.

"Wow, it's so anime-ish..."

"Really? Huh, I think I'm spending too much time with Tenten," Temari said with a far away look in her eyes.

Both went back to their own business, unknowing that someone was eavesdropping on they're conversation.

Sai smirked triumphantly at the condition he successfully place the Uchiha in. Messing with those bunch of fools was quite fun, maybe he should satisfy his bored self by messing with them some more before reporting back to Danzo...


Ino was bored, she glanced at Sakura who was absent-mindedly shading the picture she drew of her, scratch that, Ino was bored and concerned. The poor girl had been blaming Sasuke's injury on herself the whole time, and to be frank, it was kind of starting to get annoying. She sighed as she added more details in the drawing of Sakura , mostly at the hair. She stopped as she glanced over to their third member of the group who's face was shield by his long bangs. Neither she nor Sakura had really paid him much attention when they were asked to be paired with him, they didn't even ask for his name. The platinum blonde heard him huff a breath as he erased some part of the drawing and redrew it as his hair swayed with his movement.

Okay, now Ino was curious. She leaned over a few more inches to get a better look on his drawing, and it took her breath away, she was highly impressed really. First of, she was honoured that he chose her to draw. Second, his pencil strokes were fine and neat, not messy like her's. Third, he was nailing it like a pro as he sketched and shade continuosly without missing a beat.

When he paused to look up, Ino had adapted the expression of a deer caught in headlights as warmth raised to her cheeks in embarassment. And as she stuttered for words to say, he gave her an amused smirk that sent her heart sky-rocketing. "I-I um... I was just cu-curious t-to see who you were drawing is all. Eh he he."

Face red accompainied by a sheepish grin was all Ino could muster in such an awkward moment, and she wanted to hit herself for that. Usually our baby-blue eyed blonde would be seen confidently talking or flirting with boys, why should this boy be any different? Or maybe it was because she was caught in the act of watching him draw that had shooken her up. Yup, definitely not because of the way his ink-black eyes were staring right through her, definitely not the way his bangs were covering parts of his eyes as she felt like sweeping them away, definitely not the way his milky white skin mad her want to touch him and definitely not the way he looked so cute as his head was tilted to one side with an eyebrow raised and adouring a confused expression, yup, definitely.

Well...it was not wrong of her to find guys attractive right? Because this guy was attractive, next to Sasuke of course.

The guy blinked and offered her a smile. "Would you like to have a better look at it?" He said, indicating the drawn picture of her.

"Oh...would you mind?" She inquired, eyes fixed on his sketch book.

"I wouldn't," he said as he handed her the book.

She stared at the picture in astonishment as her fingers lightly brushed the canvas, feeling the smoothness of the pencil lead on paper. He had accually manage to capture her deep in concentration as she worked on her drawing of Sakura-which seemed dead next to his work-with her eyebrows slightly furrowed and back slightly hunched. She could hardly belive that it was her in the drawing, it was absoulutely stunning! It was as if the picture could jump out alive any moment now.

"Wow," she breathed. "C-can I show this to my friend?"

She didn't wait for his hesitant nod before tapping Sakura on the shoulder to gain her attention.

"Look forehead, isn't this beautiful?!" She gushed as Sakura leaned in to have a better view of the drawing.

"Oh wow," was all Ino manage to get out of her as her emerald irises were glued to the paper.

"This is amazing! Did you draw this?" The pinkette questioned, eyes directed towards the pale dark haired teen.

He nodded as Ino returned him his book.

"What's your name anyway?" Ino asked with interest.

"Sai," was his simple answer.

"Well nice to meet you Sai-kun. My name is Yamanaka Ino, and this is Haruno Sakura," she said with a plesant smile. Before he could say anything, Ino cut him off, "no need for formallities by the way!"

"Right. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance Ino-san," he said, still smiles.

Facing Sakura's direction, Ino felt her friend stifften as Sai said, "Sakura-san."


Art class ended with a disappointed Kurenai-sensei staring face-to-face at Naruto's work with an unamused expression decorating her fetures as the blonde teen could only grin sheepishly at the teacher before leaving the art room with the rest of the class. Honestly, Sakura did not know weather to be amused or disappointed herself. With a heavy sigh, the pinkette continued her trek down the hall and back to the classroom to prepare for the next lesson as she waved goodbye to Naruto, Kiba Shino...and Sai...

A frown as Sakura thought back to what happened in art class. Everytime she sees that smile of his she couldn't help but release a shiver down her spine. He didn't seem like a bad person, so why? Why does she feel so uncomfortable with someone she has only just meet? It happened on her way to the cafeteria too, it was the same guy. Strange, so very strange.

The emerald eyed teen stopped walking as she reached the classroom, eyes landing on the window seat where Sasuke was suppose to be seated. She felt like slaming her head against the wall for some apparent reason... She tried telling herself that he was all right and in no way was he in any sort of life theartening condition, after all, The Senju Tsunade was aidding to his wounds. But of course, she couldn't help but feel responsible for that wound. I mean if only she was paying attention... That wound wasn't deep, but it was a large wound, the explosion had blown away some of his skin and flesh, enough to cause bleeding, not to mention that the surrouding skin was burnt. So of course she was worried, it was Sasuke after all.

She mentally groaned and prayed that school would quickly end. Then she noticed Ino, Temari and Hinata headed her way.

"You all right there short stuff?" Temari asked once they were in ear shot.

The pinkette responded by slaming her head against the desk and groaning.

"No, I'm not all right. I'm tired for some reason..."

"Do you want to rest in the nurse's office?" Hinata asked carefully.

"Ugh, don't spoil her Hinata," Ino said with a dismissive wave, "suck it up forehead, we're all tired and would very much like school to end as soon as possible too."

"Yes, mom."

A gasp, "I am not that old for you to be calling me your mom!"

"You sure? Cause you look like a mom, and you even act like one too!" Temari beamed.

"Hina-chan~ they're bullying me!" Ino cried and hook her arms around Hinata's.

"Eh? Stop bullying her guys," Hinata muttered quietly.

Sakura smiled at her friends, there Ino went with being overly dramatic again, Temari being her sarcastic self and sweet little Hinata still being the angle she was. Well if she was going to sulk throughout the whole day she was glad her friends were here to keep her distracted from overly worrying about a certain someone.

"Hey Sakura, you want grab a bite before we head home? I know this new sweets shop that just opened up last month," Temari questioned as she stared at Sakura expectantly.

"Are you two coming?" She asked both Ino and Hinata.

"Yes we are, I need a break from home once in awhile," Ino said as she stared at her nails, Hinata nodding her head beside her.

"...why not, I guess."

"Whoop! We got a Sakura to join us!" Both Temari and Ino cheered and highfived each other.

"By the way, who's period is it? The teacher is sure taking his time..." Sakura inquired, staring at the front of the classroom.

"...It's Kakashi's..." the pearl eyed teen replied in a low voice as Sakura stifftened.

"Sakura, don't-" Ino tried to comfort her but got silenced as Iruka-sensei anounced his arrival and told the whole class he was replacing Kakashi just for today. A student had tried questioning Kakashi's whereabouts but Iruka simply said Kakashi was busy. The students started mumuring as they went to their respective seats, including Temari, Hinata and Ino, but as the baby-blue eyed teen went off she gave Sakura's hand a light squeeze before walking off. It was then that the pinkette heard a few students whispering that Kakashi was probably skipping work just to 'bang' some girl or was probably locked up in his own closet reading porn.

Sakura held her breath before she snapped at them, she didn't want to make a scen. But for them to spout out nonsense when they know of nothing? How dare those idiots. Her fist clenched tightly under the desk as she glared at the tiled floor. Her mood changing from concerned to rage all at once. She only knew the reason of Kakashi's absents thanks to Naruto mentioning it before they went their separate ways during joined art class.

And during the whole lesson Sakura couldn't help but silently fume at those students who had dared to say such things.


"Cake, cake, cake and cake! Oh what a wonderland for me!" Her overly excited twin bun friend exclaimed as she dashed into the shop.

Ino started shaking her head in disappointment, saying that Tenten better cut down on her sugar or she will definitely gain an extra few pounds. Temari rolled her eyes as Sakura and Hinata giggled at their actions. The three then entered the store after their blissed brunette friend to find that she was already in line and waving to them to hurry over. Once in line, Tenten had started asking for their orders.

"So, what are you guys planning to to get? I'm going with chocolate cake, chocolate sprinkled donut and chocolate mille crepe!" She exclaimed with a toothy grin.

"That's a lot of chocolate,"Temari pointed out.

"Yes, and I'm going to enjoy myself while indulging in chocolate heaven!"

"Uh-huh...I'll just have pancakes with syrup," said Temari as she glanced at the other three, "we'll order for you guys, so go ahead and look for a place to sit."

"Okay, I'll have the cheesecake," Ino said.

"Uh...ice cream sundea," Hinata said with a small smile.

Temari nodded and glanced at Sakura. "And what would lilttle miss shortcake like? Strawberry shortcake?"

"Yes, actually," Sakura said with crossed arms and pouted at her.

"Heh, all right , I'll take it from here. Shoo," the dirty blonde said with a shooing gesture.

As the three turned to leave, Ino stopped to remind them to order water as well as some napkins before heading away.


"Man, that was some good cheesecake! I wouldn't mind eating that for the rest of my life!" Ino exclaimed as she patted her stomach.

"The sundea was quite well made too," Hinata beamed.

"I wouldn't mind going back to eat there either," the pinkette said with glee.

The three were currently on their way back from the sweets shop, stomachs full and cheery as they neared the forest, Sakura stopping at her house to check if everything was in place as Ino and Hinata waited for her. Once she was done, the pinkette questioned if they could stop by Tsunade's palace to see how Sasuke was doing. This of course lead to some extrem teasing from Ino as Sakura denied everything she had said.

Once at Tsunade's palace, Sakura, Hinata and Ino was met with a mess of black ink staining the walls, floors and even the ceiling. The three teens quickly dashed to Tsunade's throne room with Ino taking the lead. As they neared the room, Sakura noted that the door was wide open. The pinkette then heard a gasp as her gaze landed on Hinata who was covering her mouth with both her hands, shocked. Sakura followed her gaze as they landed on a blonde man and a red haired women discussing something with Kakashi, also stained by black ink. Who were those two she wondered. Her emerald irises then wonder around the room to find Tsunade cursing inappropriate words as Shizune helped her stand, they were also covered in back ink. She soon found Sasuke propped up against the wall by the door, glaring at the ground, he was also covered in black ink she noted.

Ino dashed towards Tsunade and Shizune as Hinata dashed towards Kakashi and the two unknown people, leaving Sakura by the door. She calmly walked towards Sasuke who has yet to acknowledge her presence and knelt beside him. She then realized that he wasn't wincing in pain as his back was against the wall, had the wound healed so fast? That would be strange... Either that or he was just not showing any signs of being in pain.

"What happened?" She questioned softly.

"Rats," was his simple answer as he looked at her in the eye.

XYXYXYXYXYXY

"You all right there Sasuke," Kakashi questioned once he was buckled up in the driver's seat.

"Hardly," the raven head scoffed as he leaned away from the passanger's seat.

"Good to know," he said as he smiled behind his mask. Sasuke didn't even know why he was wearing a mask in the first place.

Both were strapped in Kakashi's car, ready to take off as Sasuke watched Kakashi insert the key and started up the car. He then drove out the school gates as the raven head's gaze drifted out the window of the car. He watched as the scenery constantly shifted, trying his hardest to ignore the throbbing pain on his back. His gaze traveled back to his former mentor, the white haired man had his right arm propped against the door as his left hand navigated the steering wheel.

"I'm going to turn down the air conditioner, it's fucking freezing," Sasuke mumbled as he did so.

"You know, I'm quite surprised that you haven't passed out yet. You know, with all the blood you've lost?"

"Hn... Hey, this isn't the way back to the village, is it?" he questioned.

"Oh? It' another way I found that leads back to the village," the silver haired man said as he turned a corner.

"This better not be like one of you're 'shortcuts', Kakashi," the raven head said, quoting 'shortcuts' with his fingers.

The masked man simply laughed and assured him that it wasn't. The raven head just rolled his onyx eyes and galanced back out the window to watch to shifting scenery. Honestly, he wasn't really reassured about leaving that pink haired annoyance, I mean what if something bad happens to her? Damn this wound...

"Hey Sasuke, let's play a game."

"No tha-"

"Think of a number, any number."

A sigh, "fine..."

"Have you thought of one?"

The raven head nodded.

"Add a six to that number."

"Do I really have to?"

"I'm bored, and I can't read while driving," Kakashi said as he gestured to 'Icha Icha Paradise'.

"..."

"Right, now add a fifty."

"..."

"Now minus a five."

"..."

"Now minus the number I asked you to think of."

Sasuke rolled his eyes and told him he was done.

"Ah, the number you've receive is fifty-one, am I right?"

"Yes, yes you are. But I already know how the game is played, so trying to amaze me is pointless."

"Eh? You've already figured it out?" The man said with a pout, at least, Sasuke thinks it's a pout... he couldn't tell, you know with the mask on?

"Yeah, I've had it figured out a long time ago..."

"Oh? Who had the plesure of witnessing your reaction?"

"...Itachi," he whispered, just barely audible.


"I don't understand why you couldn't just use magic to heal me on the day I've been injured," Sasuke scowled and glared at Tsunade.

It had tooken more than half an hour for Kakashi to finally make it back to the village as they were quite lost. Sasuke had been grumbling incoherent words throughout the whole ride as Kakashi only laughed sheepishly at their misfortune. Thank Indra-sama that he didn't die from blood lost and from freezing to death. When they had finally reached the village Sasuke had launched into a mountain of 'I told you so's and 'I should've disagreed with you's. And Shizune had then found both of them by Tsunade's palace doors, Sasuke just barely conscious and Kakashi still laughing sheepishly.

"What's there not to understand? I obviously did it for amusement matters," the busty blonde said as she just finished healing the opened wound.

"Hn, stupid old hag..."

"Don't test me Uchiha, you and I know how easily I can break you, heck, even the whole village knows! And no matter how much you beg for me to heal you I won't," Tsunade said as a vein popped. "Unless you agree on wearing a maid's outfit and serving me for a whole month..." she added as an after thought.

"You know that if I'm here then there's one less person gaurding Sakura right?" The onyx eyed teen said as his glare hardened, completely ignoring the last sentance,.

"Oh...haven't thought that through..."

"You're hopeless..."


Sasuke stretched his sore muscles as a yawn came to.

"Stupid cat, stop interrupting me. I'm trying to work here!" Tsunade growled, hazel green eyes never leaving her work. "Why are you still here anyway?!"

"Hey, Kakashi told me stay put till he comes back, so technically it's his fault. Put the blame on him not poor old me," he said as another yawn surfaced.

"GOD DAMMIT KAKASHI!"


"Tsunade-sama? Kakashi has returned," Shizune announced as she walked into the room with Kakashi trailing behind.

"Finally! I couldn't take it anymore with how his tail is always swinging side to side. Oh and the yawning! Oh gawd the yawning!" Tsunade wailed as she shook her assistant roughly by the shoulders.

"It wasn't that bad," Sasuke said with a growing smirk.

Kakashi stared at him as his tail swayed left to right, showing how much fun he was having. The silver haired man mentally sighed and wondered if the youngest Uchiha was a devil in disguise or he was simply a genius at irritating people if he wants too, and he says Sakura was the annoying one, hah! Sakura was like the most perfect student he could ever ask for. She was smart, listens to his lessons, never talks in class and always hands in her homework on time. Well, Sasuke was kind of the same except for his personality while Sakura was more friendlier, yup, much much more friendlier. Sakura was definitely his favourite student, honest.

"Oh Sasuke, you haven't eaten yet right?" Kakashi questioned and watched as he shook his head in reply.

"Here, I got you some bread and milk," he said as he tossed the plastic bag of things to the raven head, noticing how his ears perked up at the mention of milk. Well, he was half cat...

"Thanks," he replied and rummage through the bag.

At least he knew how to show gratitude once in awhile.

"Tsu-Tsunade-sama," the dark haired assistant said once the blonde sage was done with her wailing. "The Hokage said he would like to speak with you as soon as he was done with his work."

Tsunade froze,"well that was unexpected..."

"Minato-sensei is coming?" He inquired and watched as Tsunade scratched the back of her head and let out a heavy sigh.

"Both of you stay, I would like you to hear what we're about to discuss.


Kushina grinned as Sasuke averted his gaze. The red head loved teasing the Uchiha ever since he could start talking, it was her hobby you could say. Teasing Sasuke was so much more entertaining than teasing Naruto, ,maybe it was because Sasuke would get all flustered when she teased him while Naruto would just deny everything with that loud voice of his. Although it was so much more fun teasing him with her old best friend Mikoto...now it was just her, with the occasional help of Tsunade and Naruto of course.

"Good afternoon Tsunade-san, Shizune-chan, Kakashi and Sasuke-kun!" She greeted as Minato smiled sheepishly and greeted everyone too.

"I didn't know Sasuke would be present," Minato said as his eyes landed on said teen.

His ears twitched. "Well she-" he pointed at Tsunade, "-wanted me too."

"Well 'she' would like some respect from grumpy old you," the blonde said as she crossed her arms and glared at him.

"She's right you know, it wouldn't hurt to show some respect towards your elders, Sasuke," Kakashi said as he side glanced to his former pupil.

"It will hurt, it will hurt my pride," he said, never meeting anyones gaze.

Collective sighs resounded throughout the room as Sasuke grunted and glared at the ground. Honestly, boys and their prides, especially Sasuke and his pride, Kushina didn't get it at all, not even the slightest.

"Anyway, you wanted to discuss something Hokage-sama?" Tsunade inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Ah, yes," he replied, face growing serious. "It's regarding Haruno Sakura."

Kushina watched as Tsunade frowned. "Sakura huh..."

Sasuke was swaying his tail impatiently with a scowl decorating his fetures, arms crossed and all as he waited for the two to continue. It was honestly the most hilarious yet most adorable sight ever, he was like a kid waiting for candy to be given to him. But this candy he was waiting for was information about a girl, a girl who was the same age as him and who he has been stuck with for a month. Could it be that Sasuke was curious about a girl? Shocking!

"I think it's high time we return her original memories to her," Minato said as Sasuke stopped swaying his tail and glanced at him.

Tsunade with a troubled look clenched he fist untill her knuckles turned white, "maybe," she whispered.

"What do you mean 'return her memories'?" The raven head questioned as he uncrossed his arms.

"We mean that the current memories Sakura has of her past is all fake, we even erased her memories of her parents deaths," Minato said with a grave look.

"Why?"

"Because someone is after her, because we had no choice, they had no choice..."

"Who?"

"...I'm sure you've heard of Haruno Kizashi?"

A nod.

"His wife, Haruno Mebuki and he himself had to flea to the human relm to avoid harm to Sakura."

"What I don't understand is who their fleaing from," Sasuke said, trying not to scowl at the Hokage.

"Well-" Tsunade cut him off.

"First you should know that Sakura has been gifted with strong resistances against Genjutsu and has flawless magic control," the busty blonde said as she held up a finger in counting.

"But the time with the explosion tag-"

"Second, her powers are being obscured by her father's, which is sealed in the necklace."

"...that thing is dangerous."

"I know," she agreed with a nod as Shizune facepalmed, Kushina tilted her head, Minato and Kakashi sighed. "Third and lastly, she was also my former student before her family had to flea."

"...no wonder she packs a punch..."

"And I'm proud of that. But as for the necklace, she can't take it off, no matter how troublesome it may be," Tsunade said with a huff as she rubbed her temples.

"Why? What purpose does it serve?"

"It protects her."

"Yes, but from who?!" The raven head said, he was getting impatient, everyone could tell.

"Before we tell you, you should also know that we plan on transfering his powers to Sakura," the blonde Hokage said, voice steady as he spoke. Sasuke's eyes had widened a fraction when he heard the news as his fist clenched tightly.

"As you know, Haruno Kizashi was a very skilled sorcerer," Kakashi spoke.

"I would say he was a little too skilled," Tsunade huffed with crossed arms.

"He even managed to create a forbidden spell," Kushina added as her eyes darted from her husband to the raven head.

Sasuke rose an eyebrow as he eyed each of them. It was as if he were asking them to spill it out already. Honestly, this was the first time Kushina has seen him so agitated over someone. If the mood wasn't so heavy she would have already started teasing him.

Minato sighed, "He only managed to create it, never was he able to master it."

"And what spell might that be?" Sasuke inquired, feet tapping on the ground impatiently.

It was then that Shizune had excused herself, saying that she has to feed Ton Ton, the pet pig.

The room was silent as the closing sound of the door echoed throughout the room. Kushina decided to break the silence as she whispered, "time travel," while looking at the ground.

Minato nodded, "time travel requires delicate control of magic, if something goes wrong then who knows what might happen to the caster of the spell."

Sasuke's eyes widen slightly, "Wait, so Sakura-"

"Yes, we are trying to protect Sakura from Uchiha Madara or as of late, Uchiha Obito," Tsunade said as Kakashi stiftened and Minato held on to Kushina's hand.

"Uchiha Madara is dead," Sasuke deadpanned.

"He is, but Obito wishes to revive him," the silver head man clearified.

The red head gave both Minato and Kakashi sympathetic looks. Uchiha Obito was once Minato's former student and Kakashi's good friend, he was a very good person too as he has helped the elderly countless of times. That was long before a tragedy occured that caused his supposed death. Minato, Kakashi and their other squad member, Nohara Rin had been severely depressed before another misfortune had befallen on them that caused the life of Rin's.

They had only learned that Obito was alive as Naruto had encountered him during one of his missions with Kakashi. They then learned that he was to revive Uchiha Madara for a better world, and for that he needed the Time Travel spell which success rate is highest when cast by Sakura. Kakashi had took the blame on himself when he found out that Obito was doing all this just for Rin.

With a sigh Kushina glaced at ground to find something black scurrying past her feet. She took a deep breath a let out an ear piercing scream.


It had all happen so fast, and Sasuke wasn't even over his shock on the discussion earlier. A pack of rats had rushed in, climbing the walls and scurrying up the ceiling, they were everywhere. Kushina's scream had resounded once more as Sasuke sighted Minato carrying her in his arms as he sliced some rats with a kunai, causing blood? No, ink to splash on the ground. The rats were mad of ink, huh...so this was a spell that causes drawings to become animated, interesting, he thought as he summoned his lightning blade. He begun slicing, no use in using his Sharingan since these were practically harmless. He glanced at Kakashi who was rapidly slicing them with his summoned lightning blade too as Tsunade was crushing some with her fists and feet...messy.

The raven head scaned the room, trying to find where the rodents were coming from, but no such luck as he was already busy trying not to let them climb over him. One of them bit him, one of those fucking rodents fucking bit him! He growled as he stabed every rat that came in his line of view and decided to summon Aoda, the snake he had signed a contract with.

"You needed me Sasuke-sama?" It hissed, eyeing the rats with a predatory look.

"Yeah, these rats, do not eat them, they're made of ink and I don't want you swallowing up some and getting a stomach ache later on," he said as stabed a few more, lightning crackling non stop.

"So am I to asist in killing them then?"

"Yes, that would be very much appreciated, Aoda."

"As you wish Sasuke-sama," it hissed and slithered off. And just as Sasuke expected, killing these things became ten times more easier as Aoba killed them of easily. Tsunade cursed and said of all the times Orochimaru decided to show up now might actually be a good time. The raven head had thought to summon his hawk but that might wear him out faster...

"Holy Hagoromo, where the fuck are these things coming from anyway?! They just keep pilling up!" Tsunade yelled as a rat squeaked when she stomped on it.

"Sasuke, use your Sharingan to find the source!" Kakashi yelled from the other side of the room.

Sasuke did as he was told and scaned the room once more, but this time with his Sharingan. Red eyes scaned every corner of the room until he spotted a shadow figure knelt outside the window. He threw a Shuriken as the enemy dodged and chuckled before retreating further into the forest.


"Tsu-Tsunade-sama!" Shizune cried as she burst through the double doors, leaving it open as she rushed to Tsunade's side. She was covered in black ink too, panting for breath as she stood by Tsunade.

"Shizune? There were more of those lil fuckers outside?!" The blonde Sage exclaimed once she saw the condition her assistant was in.

"Those rats? There was a whole pack! They were everywhere!" She said, raising her hands in emphasis.

Sasuke watched in amusement as Tsunade started cursing fairly loud, loud enough for the whole room to hear as she stomped her feet on the ground before slipping on some ink and landing on her bottom. He hid a snicker as he turned to his gaze to Kakashi, Minato and Kushina who were discussing on the rat matter, Kushina's eyes darting around the room every so often for any left over traces of the rats as she tried combing ink out of her hair.

Sasuke was propped up against the wall as he was catching his breath, he had just let Aoba return home and was greatful for his help in cleaning up the left over ink rats, though he came close to eating one Sasuke was glad he didn't. But who would do such a thing and why? For plesure? For fun? For amusement? The raven head glared at the ground, they looked like fools just now, killing rats that were only made of ink, making them run around and getting themselves stained in black, like fools I tell ya fools! If only they had sensed the caster sooner, but they were busy discussing about Sakura...

He heaved a sigh, still glaring at the ground, so Sakura played a really important role in that Obito guy's plans. But Time Travel though...

That was when Ino, Sakura and Hinata came rushing in, Ino rushing towards Tsunade and Shizune, Hinata rushing towards Kakashi, Minato and Kushina as Sakura stood by the door. He didn't bother showing that he notice her or not as he leaned against the wall with one leg up and an arm propped on top of it. Sakura slowly walked towards him, making him slightly stiften as she knelt beside him.

"What happened?" She questioned softly.

"Rats," was his simple reply as he let himself drown in her emerald irises.


"Rats?"

"Rats," Tsunade replyed as she glared at both Jiraya and Orochimaru who were sending her amuse looks.

"So rats," Jiraya said as he stroke his chin.

"I WILL SMASH YOUR BALLS IF YOU DON'T QUIT IT!" She roared with a heated glared.

"Yes ma'am," he said in a surrendering pose as he raised both his hands, Orochimaru rolled his eyes at them.

Sakura stared at the three in curiousity as Sasuke yawned in both bordem and sleepiness. Minato and Kushina had introduce themselves to Sakura as Naruto's parents and Minato as the Hokage while Sasuke kept himself from falling asleep.

"So you must be Sakura, huh,"Kushina exclaimed as she examined the pinkette from head to toe, trying to act as if she doesn't know her from the past.

"She's grown up so beautiful," Sasuke heard her whisper to Tsunade as the blonde's eyes soften.

"Um, nice to meet you both," Sakura said as she tried averting her gaze.

"No need to be scared Sakura, we won't bite," the blonde Hokage said with a warm smile as Kushina gave her a teasing wink.

"O-okay," she said as Hinata placed her hand on her shoulder for support.

"So, before this we were discussing about your memories," Minato slowly said as he watched for her reaction.

"My memories?"

"Yes, they're all fake," Kakashi said, quickly getting to the point, not wanting to beat around the bush.

"Eh? Wh-what do you mean?" The pinkette questioned. Sasuke noticed her hand trembling, even with her friend's support she was still scared, huh...deciding not to regret it later, he took her hand into his and squeezed it lightly to get her attention. It did as she gave him a look of shock before giving him a small smile.

"Well, what Kakashi means is that your memories of the past are all fake, and we would like to return the original ones to you," Minato calmly said.

"Why? Why did you take them away in the first place?" She was squeezing his hand now.

"That's a little harder to explain," he sighed and glanced to Tsunade who rolled her eyes and stepped forward.

"Well, I'm covered in ink and would like to explain this quickly and take a bath after, if you don't mind."

"I don't. As long as I get answers this time," Sakura firmly said.

"Right, your parents, do you know where they are?" Tsunade inquired, eyes steady.

The pinkette furrowed her brow, "they're at home aren't they?"

Ino shifted and glanced at Tsunade urgently who in turn frowned and nodded her head.

Sasuke creased his thumb over her knuckles soothingly to prepare her for the up coming news.

"Your parents have passed away, " Tsunade said quietly as Ino released the spell casted on the pinkette with a "Kai!"

The pinkette stood still, never wavering as tears descended down her face. "I remember now...the cold nights I stood at their graves, asking them why they left me alone, it was so cold...and the flowers..." she paused and glanced at Ino.

"Was it you?" She questioned as Ino nodded her head. Her hand went limp in Sasuke's as he watched her carefully.

"We have returned your memories to you, although it will take some time for you to recall the rest of it," Tsunade said gently.

"I-I have to go," she said as she snatched her hand from Sasuke's.

"Sakura-" Ino tried.

"I have to go, you guys can tell me the rest of the story some other time, but right now I have to go," she said firmly and dashed off.

"...I'm going after her and none of you can stop me,"Sasuke said and started walking.

"Do you know where she's headed to?" Orochimaru questioned.

Sasuke stopped and looked back, "I think I have a pretty good idea."


Sakura shoved her way out of the train as she ran, and ran, and ran, never once stopping to greet people who knew her from her daily visits...or what used to be her daily visits. She ran past everything and everyone in her way, yelling a 'sorry' when she accidently bumped into someone's shoulder as she never once stopped running, never stopping to catch her breath, never stopping when she nearly tripped on a rock. All she could think of was reaching her destination as she ran through the familiar route she was accustomed to, everything passing by in a blur.

The wheather was getting bad as gray clouds gathered around the neighbourhood, little droplets of rain water already drizzling down on to the sidewalks, streets, near by trees and rooftops of houses. Summer rain, huh...the pinkette thought. She used to love rain in Summer, party was because it wasn't so hot, and partly because it was always peaceful with how the bugs always resound their tune to the rain, but right now she didn't feel like enjoying the rain as thunder roared in the distance and she shivered from the cold. She regreted not bringing her jacket with her, but it was Summer and she didn't think she would be in this kind of predicament.

By the time she reached her desired destination she was soaked to the bone as her clothes clung to her like second skin. She panted while slowly walking past each grave stone as her eyes scaned for the familiar names of her parents. She halted as she stood by her parents graves, they looked the same as always, the only difference was that there was no flowers, not that she was expecting any at a time like this. She knelt eye level with the grave stones, not caring that she will dirty herself, not caring that she was freezing half to death, not caring that her white uniform was practically transparent as she brushed some water away from her father's name, then her mother's. Her dried up tears resurfacing as she let them spill, curling her legs against her chest as she cried silently with the rain.

That was the position Sasuke had found her in as he slowly walked up to her and stood by her side, his left hand stuffed in his pocket, a black umbrella in his other hand as it covered the both of them.

"This was the place we first met wasn't it?" She said softly, not even lifting her head to look at him.

"Hn," he replied as his hold on the umbrella tightened.

"You know, I just recalled the memory of my dad giving me this necklace, his face looked so serious that I could hardly take him serious," she said in a small voice and laughed humourlessly.

"Aa," he replied as his grip tightened around the umbrella's handle, the other hand in his pocket clenching tightly into a fist.

"And you know on the day you went berserk while I was still unconscious?" She asked, voice cracking. "I think I also recalled a memory...two in fact. It was about Ino giving me a red ribbon for my forehead, and the other one was me meeting Naruto and the others at a ramen stall..." she trailed of as she finally lifted her head.

Her eyes were puffy and red, shining emerald green eyes not as lively as before as her bubblegum pink hair was in tangles. Her light green bra was visible through her uniform shirt as her shoes and legs were covered in mud and grass. In all honesty she looked pathetic, pathetically week. Why do girls have to be so good at looking so pathetic? And this one was already annoying!

"Hey, Sasuke? Do you sometimes feel alone and that the whole world is against you? Even when you know that it's not true-"

Stop.

"-you just can't help but feel like you're trapped in a box made by yourself, and-"

Stop!

"-no one can open that box for you as you wait and wait and wait. You then realize that no one will come for you and-"

STOP!

He cut her off as he threw the umbrella to one side and hugged her small form. She felt so fragile in his arms that he didn't dare hug her anymore tighter or she might break. How was such a fragile person so strong at the same time? She had to go through her parents deathes by herself while he had Naruto to comfort him, living alone in that house for a year with no company around, it must have been so hard for her, she even has to work part-time for Susano'o's sake!

"Sasuke-"

"I'll protect you, I promise," he said firmly as the rain soaked through his shirt.

More tears weld up by the corners of her eyes as she sobbed and said, "but who will protect you?"


Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: I did it! 10, 231 words! Oh my god, it was hell! But I enjoyed none the less. If you guys like the length of this chapter I can keep this up in the next one, so review if you have the time!