Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Breathe into me

Chapter fourteen: Pressure

"I take back what I said. The banquette was horrible!"

"Yes, imagine the effect that this will have on our alliances."

The harsh words coming from behind the door were pissing Sakura off. The elders were holding Kakashi responsible for the attack at the banquette.

Hypocrites.

It wasn't only his responsibility. It was their fault as well.

Currently, Sakura was sitting outside the Hokage's office and waiting for the meeting to be over so she could see Kakashi.

It wasn't a friendly visit, though. He had summoned her and it seems that she wasn't the only guest, as squad fifteen was also wasting their time in the same dull hall in which she was.

The events that followed the banquette were quite…boring. The ninja that targeted the Tsuchikage was pretty weak and easily caught. It seems that he's just part of a weak rebellion toward the Tsuchikage. It was just pure luck that he managed to get past the security.

Anyway, Konoha wasn't the one behind the attack so their alliance shouldn't suffer too much.

Actually, the Tsuchikage was impressed with Sakura's instincs and quick thinking.

"Miss Haruno, I remember you. You were always by Tsunade-hime's side. A great apprentice. I must say that I miss her terribly." He said as his eyes roamed over her form.

"We all miss her. She will be back, though. She just needs some time off."

"I'm glad to hear that. So, what are you up to nowadays?"

"Not much, actually. I'm actually taking some time off."

"I see. It's a shame that a ninja of your caliber is off duty. When are you planning on getting back to work?"

"I haven't decided yet, sir."

She didn't want to say that probably never. She was sick of death and blood and she stopped feeling like she was doing the good thing a long time ago.

"I think I know what's bothering you."

"You do?"

"Yes. You don't want to take part in the violence and fighting anymore."

Sakura was surprise how the old leader seemed to understand her so well. Most ninja had the angst and violence in their blood and would never dream of leaving the field as long as they could still throw a kunai.

The old man seemed kind and friendly. He put his large palm on her knee and looked her in the eye. At this point, Sakura wasn't sure if he was being understanding or if he was just hitting on her.

"The thing is, darling that you don't have to fight anymore. I saw you with Tsunade and you have great potential."

Sakura didn't know what to say so she just kept quiet.

"Apart from your fighting abilities and from your incredible healing skills, you also have potential to be a good diplomat. I would be very pleased to have you on my team and I'm sure it would further strengthen our countries truce."

He seemed to lean closer and closer toward her and Sakura was speechless.

"I will be sincere and say that I have a soft spot for you."

She felt her heart rise to her throat. She felt awful.

"I'm sure we could get along very well."

That was when Sakura jumped from the sofa that they were currently sitting on and looked at him with wide eyes.

"I must refuse."

She said in a harsh tone, though she wanted and needed to be more polite. For her own sake.

"And why?"

"I am deeply sorry, sir. Your offer is more than appealing and I would be honored to work under someone like you, but I must stay in Konoha. It is my birthplace and I don't believe I could be happy anywhere else."

Liar. That was what she was, but what was she supposed to say? That she was not interested in him and could never be? She had to come up with some lie.

"Pity."

And that was how her meeting with the Tsuchikage went. Sakura was flustered by the memory.

She didn't want to be the kind of girl that got in high positions for her looks. Oh, how she missed Tsunade. In a world full of men, it was hard to be a woman and be independent.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the elders coming out of the office. They didn't spare her a second glance, as usual, but they did acknowledge Sasuke and Naruto. Niko was also there but they just brushed her off like she didn't exist.

It was annoying to see how women were treated. And Niko seemed to take to heart their attitude. Sakura just hoped that the brunette understood that she shouldn't strive for their respect because they weren't worth it.

Sakura understood that long ago, when she was still working under Tsunade.

She fought hard for power and knowledge and she never regretted it. Not one bit.

Because of who she was, they had nothing on her. She could hand them their asses in a second and they knew it.

Everyone knew it.

It was just that they didn't admit it and that stopped bothering the pinkette a long time ago.

Soon, a genin came and told them that Kakashi was waiting for them in his office. Niko and Sakura entered and the boys followed close behind.

Kakashi looked like he was ten years older. Sakura could empathize with him. He was a new Hokage and his first banquette was a disaster. Yes, they had stopped the attacker and caught him quickly, but the damage was done.

"First and foremost, I want to thank you all for your help. Sakura, your presence there was truly a blessing as you managed to stop a tragedy from happening even though you weren't on duty." The Hokage said sincerely.

"I couldn't have just stood by and watched, Kakashi." The pinkette answered.

"I know, which is why I must discuss something with you. Before that, though, I want to thank squad fifteen for their help in catching the criminal. As expected of you, you were professional and efficient."

Sakura expected them to accept his thanks and for Naruto to start bragging and stealing the show. That didn't happen and they waited in silence for him to continue. This puzzled Sakura and made her wonder what had happened to change their dynamics. Before she could ponder that further, though, Kakashi spoke again.

"That being said, I believe congratulations are in order for you, Niko."

This made Sakura raise a curious brow. What had the brunette done to get congratulated? And did Sakura find herself there.

"The Tsuchikage informed me of your new position as his assistant and I must say that I am glad he has chosen a Konoha kunoichi for the job, showing us how much he values our alliance and that the incident did not alter his trust in us."

Sakura felt like gasping, but refrained herself from such actions as she did not want it to seem like Ino was rubbing off on her.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Niko replied politely and without meeting anyone's eyes, which was understandable.

Niko, for Sakura was just Sasuke's girlfriend. She was the girl who took Sakura's place in team seven and won the boys' hearts. Despite this, Sakura knew that she had left on her own account and that the spot was empty when Niko came around, so there was no way she could hold a grudge against the girl for that.

The fact that she probably accepted the deal Sakura had refused with the Tsichikage made Sakura think of a lot of things. Just how insecure was the brunette in order to do that? It was no secret that kunoichi were not as appreciated as shinobi, but still…to give up on your pride like that…

She looked at the men in the room. Kakashi seemed to have accepted the situation for what it was and seemed o try and make the best of it. His face was tired and frankly, he seemed like he didn't give a damn anymore.

Naruto was angry, of course and he kept clenching his fists by his side. It seemed like he too understood the implications of Niko's new job and didn't like it one bit. He kept glancing at Sasuke to make sure the Uchiha wouldn't lose his temper. Or maybe he was hoping he did lose his temper and did something about the whole ordeal?

Sasuke's reaction would have disappointed someone who was looking for scandal. His face was as stoic as ever. There was no anger and no hurt. The ones who knew Sasuke inside out like Sakura did, though, could see something in his eyes. It wasn't pain and it wasn't rage. It was just a distinct flash that showed that he felt betrayed.

Sakura knew that the Tsuchikage had bee like a father to Sasuke, something that most people didn't know about. He had been friends with Sasuke's dad, Fugaku Uchiha and the leader of the Uchiha clan. The Tsuchikage had always stood up for Sasuke just as much as Naruto had. To think that the old man whom Sasuke respected and looked up to stole his girlfriend was preposterous.

She understood why he felt the way he felt and Sakura was feeling more and more uncomfortable. This was a soap opera in which she didn't know what part to play. Actually, she preferred not to have any part in it

"If that is all, I will take my leave." Niko said and when Kakashi nodded at her, she quickly left the room like she was suffocating in there.

"Now, you probably wonder why you three are here." Kakashi said deciding it was time to stop beating around the bush once the brunette had left. "Squad fifteen is officially extinct. With me being Hokage and Niko gone, there is no reason to keep a squad of two."

Sakura was surprised that Kakashi was moving so fast with this. She wondered if Naruto would throw a fit because she knew how much he cherished his squad, but the blonde seemed more composed than ever.

"That being said, I want to reinstate team seven, with you three as its members." Kakashi said as serious as ever and Sakura couldn't believe her ears.

"You're joking, right Kakashi?" Sakura asked irritated.

"I assure you that I am very serious."

"You don't understand what off duty means, do you?"

"Sakura, you proved that you are more than capable of being a kunoichi. Moreover, your role would be mostly as a medic so I don't see the problem."

"Of course you don't see the problem." Sakura snorted.

"This is not a request. When you went to the academy, you used Konoha's resources to become a kunoichi. You cannot retire until you're forty as stated in the law."

"That's bullshit."

"It's just the way things are around here."

"Sakura-chan, please think about it. It'll be like old times, the three of us handing the bad guys their asses. Pretty please…" Naruto said with his puppy eyes.

There was a thick silence that followed Naruto's plea. Sakura felt like exploding with rage and Sasuke seemed to notice this.

"I apologize for my outburst, Sakura." Kakashi said after calming down a bit. "I wish you would think about it a little before refusing. Take all the time you need."

Sakura left the room without another word. It seemed that things like these would never stop happening to her. What was she supposed to do? As she jumped from rooftop to rooftop, adrenaline pumping through her veins and chakra through her feet, she felt like something was changing inside of her. She was angry, but at the same time, she had never felt more alive.

There was a god thing that came out of this situation, though, at least the Tsuchkage set his eyes on another girl and wouldn't be bothering her anymore.

Ooo000ooO

When Sakura woke up the next day, the sun still hadn't risen and he wind was still chilly. She took a shower and went about her morning routine.

Next she chose to dress in a black pair of tight pants and a pink hoodie. It had been a while since she went for such a girly color. She matched the outfit with a pair of simple, black sport shoes.

Next she started making some coffee and pancakes for breakfast. She remembered that they were Ino's favorite and decided to make some for her as well while she was at it. Sooner than later, she was done and on her way.

When Ino opened the door she was still half asleep but the sight of Sakura standing in front of her dressed in a pink hoodie made her wake up instantly.

"What are you doing here, forehead?" Surprise was written all over Ino's face.

That made Sakura feel pretty bad, although she knew she shouldn't have come unannounced. It showed lack of good manners and she herself wouldn't have liked it if she were in Ino's shoes.

"Hello to you too, pig. I just brought some pancakes since your house was in my way."

"Thanks. Come in."

"Thanks but no thanks. I gotta go. Talk to you later, though."

"Oh, come on, Sakura. Get inside." Ino said sternly.

"Ino, I can't, I have some errands to run, but why don't you come over tonight, after my shift at the flower shop."

"Ok, I guess I could do that." Ino said taking the pancakes.

"Great. See you then."

"Bye!" Ino waved after Sakura who was already out of sight.

Now Sakura was just strolling down the dusty road with nothing to do until her shift started. The air was chilly and she was walking aimlessly down the road that took you out of Konoha.

Just when she thought she was all alone there, she ran into the lonely avenger from her past. He was dressed in civil attire, with black pants and a black shirt. He wore his poker face proudly and his hands were deep in his pockets.

"Sasuke. Hey." She greeted, stopping in front of him.

"Sakura." He nodded, stopping as well.

"What are you doing here?"

"Niko left Konoha this morning." He said implying that he had seen her off.

"I see." She said uncomfortable.

"So I take it we're going to be teammates." He said looking her in the eye.

"You're taking it wrong, Sasuke. I think I made myself clear yesterday."

"Why?"

"Excuse me?" She said irritated but then tried to remind herself that he was suffering and she should go easy on him.

"Why don't you want to be on team seven? We worked as a team before."

"You and Naruto and Kakashi worked as a team. I was always somewhere on the sidelines, like I wasn't strong enough, like I wasn't good enough. I'm no trying to sound like a victim but it's the truth."

"It'll be different this time. It'll be just the three of us and you can tell Naruto what you told me. Things will change."

"Why are you so intent on having me on your team? It's not like you ever liked me."

"Hn. That's not true."

"Isn't it? I'm not accusing you of anything, Sasuke, but when I needed a friend the most, everyone bailed on me. You bailed on me."

"I know. I want to make up for it."

"You don't have to. I don't have any resentment towards you."

"Then why won't you accept the job?" He said raising his voice and grabbing her shoulders.

"What? Now that Niko left, suddenly I'm good enough for you?" She asked getting in his face.

"Hn." Sasuke let go of her and composed himself. "This has nothing to do with Niko."

"Could've fooled me."

"Dammit, Sakura. Why won't you get it through your head? You're a good ninja and Konoha needs you." He said exasperated.

"Really? Konoha needs me? Because Konoha seems to be doing just fine without me. You don't know what you're talking about."

"Hell I don't. There are things that only you can solve. You're more important o Konoha than the Sharingan or the Kyuubi. Kakashi may not know it yet, but I do."

"Once upon a time, these words would have made me cry of happiness, but now, Sasuke, now they mean nothing. And do you know why? Because I'm not the same person. I lost something many years ago and I'll never get it back."

Sakura shouted and by the time she was finished, she was out of breath. She looked at him with glassy eyes and then realized that she was making a fool of herself. Uchiha Sasuke was a soldier. He had lost his whole family at the age of seven and survived, getting out of the tragedy stronger than ever.

She was just a weak girl who couldn't stand the fact that the boy she loved was enamored by another and was making a big show out of it.

Realizing what she said and did, she took a step back, not handling their proximity too well. She breathed in silence for a while, looking deep into his black eyes, but not trying to read them. She was done with caring about what he thought and felt about her. Or maybe she just didn't want to see the disgust that she had seen so many times long ago.

The memory made her feel worse and she shook her head to chase the bad thoughts away, she then took two steps back, unsure of what his next move was. But she didn't wait for his reaction and instead turned around and dashed for the flower shop.

She never looked back, for if she had, she would have seen Sasuke extend his hand trying to grab her hand only to find air.

And if she would have tried to look into his eyes and actually see his feelings, she would have seen regret and concern and not disgust and rejection.

Sasuke Uchiha realized that he had been unfair toward Sakura, but more than that he realized that he had been stupid.

Was it really just his revenge that prevented him from returning her feelings? Or was there something else?

Maybe it was his pride and the fact that Sakura was considered weak. Maybe that was it.

So how could he make it up to her now, after she'd suffered a whole lot because of him and as a result closed her heart? He wanted to show her that he could be a good friend and teammate, but that he didn't want to. He wanted so much more. He wanted her to be his completely, body, mind and soul.

When Niko told him that she was taking the job, he didn't feel sadness. He felt oddly at peace. Yes, the betrayal was there, but it was good that they would end their relationship on that term and he wouldn't be the bad guy in Sakura's eyes.

The avenger had a nagging feeling that the pink haired medic had captured his heart for quite a while now, but the banquette made it a certainty.

Now all he had to do was win hers.

Ooo000ooO

A/N: Hello everyone! I want to thank you all for your wonderful reviews. They help me write and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Things are starting to change for Sakura, aren't they?

This is the last appearance of the Tsuchikage in this story. He has Niko and will forget all about Sakura. Maybe it was Sakura's fault too for being friendly with him, but what was she supposed to do? Disrespect her superior?

Please review and tell me what you think.

Marie Blubert