A/N: Sorry for having taking like forever to update. I know my last updated was on the summer but I started collage (university) and honestly, I barely had any time for myself. What little time I had I didn't want to use it on writting. I bascially lost motivation to write at all since I"ve been stressed or just extremly exhausted. But I could only imagine how much you all wanted to read the new chap so I found the motivation to write chap 21. Honestly, I'm not too all excited about this one. I don't feel like I gave it my all but in all sincerity, I just had to write something for you guys.

Please excuse the typos, the shortness and if it dissapointed you in any way. I promise next chap will be better!

Chapter 21: Death's Smirk

Once upon a time, there was a man who cherished one of his students, a young girl. The girl began to grow in the man's mind and heart. All he wanted for was to make her happy to keep her smile on her face. He enjoyed watching her strive to be her best; he wanted to help her be her best and for her to become a great shinobi as he knew she had potential. But more importantly, she was able to fill the empty space in his heart. Little did the man know that he was soon going to fall in love with that girl.

There once was a girl, who studied the art of the ninjas but her main reason was to be near the boy she liked. Lucky for her, she was in the same team as him and her love for him grew. However, after many hardships, pain, suffering, and disappointments, she noticed that there had always been a man by her side, supporting her, watching her and protecting her. Though it took her a while she realized: her heart had always longed for that man.

Gently looking at her in the eyes, Kakashi stroked Sakura's rosette hair as he planted soft kisses over her face; on her forehead, on both her cheeks, on her nose, until his lips finally reached her tasteful mouth. Sakura threw her arms around him and gave in to the man's claim over her lips.

Strongly but gently, his tongue made entrance in Sakura's mouth. Both muscles began to play around as each savored the other's crevices; making sure to explore each and every corner.

His hand slowly trailed her body, moving upward; slowly removing her pieces of clothing. Though the night was cold, as she lost another piece of her clothing, she felt no chill. Her bare skin didn't react to the cold; instead all she felt inside was an immense heat.

Kakashi was no stranger to this either as he too felt the heat consuming his body. He removed his top and shirtless, hovered over Sakura. His eyes fixed over the celestial beauty in front of him, trailing her petite, defined and smooth body.

He studied how Sakura's emerald eyes shined with such intensity as they were locked in his; her short rosette hair spread over the pillow like the pink petals of a Sakura tree.

Closing his eyes, Kakashi became entranced by the sweet scent that Sakura's body emitted. Her hair smelled of sweet strawberry, her skin had fresh scent all over it. He rested his head between Sakura's breasts, feeling the smoothness they provided.

He kissed them gently.

Letting out a soft moan, Sakura gave in to the blissful sensation and tightened her embrace.

"Sakura..." He whispered softly, as he nuzzled his face in Sakura's pink mane.

She hugged him tightly; pressing him against her heated body.

"I love you Kakashi-sensei...I'll always love you..."

Dawn shined on the horizon, as the darkness slowly disappeared. Straining her eyes, open Sakura awoke. She turned her head around and looked at the sleeping Kakashi next to her.

Smiling, she gave him a tender look.

I've never seen Kakashi-sensei asleep before. He looks so peaceful. So...tender and gentle...just like he is with me...

Who would've thought that this man, my teacher, would be the person I would give my self to? The person that I would love?

She caressed the silver bangs that covered his handsome face and softly, planted a kiss on his lips.

"I love you Kakashi-sensei." She whispered.

She got up from bed, and quietly got dressed; making sure to not wake Kakashi up.

Tip-toeing to the door, she turned and took a last look at the man.

"Thank you for everything."

And with that said, she closed the door and left the household. It was still early in the morning. She had agreed to meet Tsunade at the hospital before noon.

Good. Looks like I'll make it in time. I was worried I'd lost track of time and overslept.

Arriving at the hospital, Sakura entered from the back. She had to avoid any kind of questioning from those who knew her.

Tsunade was waiting for her.

"You're on time." she greeted the kunoichi.

Sakura nodded, "As always."

Tsunade grinned. "Let's not waste any more time"

Trying to evade loss of time, both women hurriedly walked across the hallway.

"The room is already prepared for you. A medic will is preparing the anesthesia as we speak." Tsuande commented.

"Thank you Tsunade-sama."

It didn't take them long to arrive to the room. The room chosen was very far from the rest of the other normal rooms. The machines were already on; some nurses were verifying if they functioned properly. The anesthesia was already brought in placed in the tray that was beside the bed.

Sakura lay down and positioned herself.

"Sakura, I know you have to do this which is why I haven't hindered your cause but I'm not comfortable with this. You better come back alive or else, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself." The Godaime said.

"I wish I could promise it Tsunade-sama but even I don't know what the outcome will be." She grinned. "That's why I've made sure to not have any regrets in my heart in case I don't come back but I can promise you that I will give it my all."

Tsunade placed her hand in Sakura's and looked at her with melancholic eyes. She could clearly see Sakura's determination and she admitted that this was something Sakura needed to do. Nevertheless, she still feared that she might lose Sakura; she feared that if she let go of her hand, it will be the last time she'll ever see her.

It frightened her; the uncertain odds.

If any, the odds that Sakura would come back are 50 out of 50. However, this was a situation were not even the most obvious odds were certain.

And Sakura knew that as well.

Despite that, she still decided to face it head-on. She has a strength I've never seen before.

Reluctantly, Tsunade turned to leave the room. But she stopped before going through the door.

"You must come back Sakura. Or else you know the sad faces I will have to keep seeing." She looked at her with a melancholic grin.

Sakura grinned in return and nodded.

After that, the Godaime closed the door behind her.

The nurse took the anesthesia and injected it in Sakura's arms. Slowly, her eyelids started to become heavy. Her blinking became slower and slower until they opened no more.

Sinking deeper into her unconsciousness, she was no longer able to hear anything from the outside; not the nurses talking, nor the beeping sound of the machines functioning.

Engulfed in the abyss of her mind, she stood still awaiting the arrival of her inner self.

This is it. There's no turning back now.

She closed her eyes and tightened her fist.

I have to do this. I have to defeat her or else, I'll never be at peace. I've made sure to have no regrets in case I die.

Then, out of the black oblivion came out Inner Sakura. She walked towards Sakura with her malicious smirk and hardened jade eyes.

"So you came." she said.

"Of course. I keep my promises." Sakura replied.

Inner Sakura chuckled, "Isn't that nice? Well, it doesn't matter after all I've always been in a win-win situation."

Sakura sensed something odd from that comment.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, you'll probably find out soon enough."

Sakura glared at her inner self. She obviously was aware of something. From the moment Inner Sakura appeared she was able to sense an aura of over-confidence. The worst mistake a shinobi can make is to go into a battlefield without any knowledge of the enemy.

She realized that she had just made that mistake.

I don't know what she has up her sleeve but there's obviously something I missed. I probably just walked right into my own death.

"What's the matter Sakura? You look worried." Inner Sakura patronized.

Inner Sakura probably has the odds in her favor, but I'll find a way to turn things around.

"I suggest you worry about yourself because if you believe you will take possession of my body so easily, you're sadly mistaking. Let's start this already. I want to get done with it."

She positioned herself in her fighting stance.

"I agree. I'm just dying to get a hold of your body permanently."

Inner Sakura also braced herself.

Emerald and jade; locked in each other. Thoughts flooding each other's minds; desires engulfing their hearts; one smirked, while the other frowned.

Finally ending the battle of glares, Inner Sakura charged with all her might towards Sakura.

She's fast. Sakura admitted.

Inner Sakura threw a powerful fist towards her, but Sakura managed to block it with her opposite arm. Not wasting a second, Inner Sakura switched to her other hand as offense and directed her punch to Sakura's stomach.

Able to quickly see the movement, Sakura jumped backwards and avoided the blow.

"Not bad Sakura. You're obviously good at detecting your enemy's movements. I just hope for your sake that you can keep up." Inner Sakura complimented with a patronizing tone.

Bracing herself, Sakura stood in her fighting stance and began to concentrate her chakra on her fists and legs.

If she's me, I need to be as cunning as ever.

She charged towards her enemy and smashed her first right on the floor. However, instead of a rumbling sound of the ground leveling what was heard was the shattering sound of glass breaking.

What? Sakura questioned bewildered.

"Did you honestly expect this place be made out of solid ground? This is your mind Sakura and the glass under you represents it." Inner Sakura pointed at her. "Your mind is like glass; that's something you can never change."

With wide opened eyes and gape, Sakura looked at her feet.

Glass? I'm standing…on…on glass…?

"No…my mind isn't glass. I've worked hard to become a stronger woman; a stronger shinobi. My mind used to be made of glass but not anymore and I won't let you confuse me!"

Inner Sakura smirked, "Confuse you? Why would I? It's pretty clear. If things were as you claimed them to be, then explain why the ground below us is pure glass."

That comeback caught Sakura off-guard. "I…I…."

"Well?"

"I….I don't need to explain anything to you. I know what you're trying to do. You're taking a psychological approach on me but I won't let you. I don't care what this ground is made of, I will kill you!"

"Do as you wish but let me at least warm you that you don't want to break any more of the glass under you. Each time you do it, it causes strain to your body outside. I'm sure that know the nurses are frantic monitoring you."

"What happens if I shatter it all?" Sakura inquired.

"Who knows, but it won't be pleasant. You could easily fall into a coma and then, what good will you body be to me? So please, try and be gentle." Inner Sakura grinned maliciously.

There it was again; that smirk, that grin. A grin that once more said that she there is something she hasn't been made privy off. It annoyed Sakura but more than annoying her, it gave her a sense of frustration.

But she wasn't going to let those feelings overwhelm her.

I swear I'll kill her.

And with a deadly glare she gave the official declaration of war.

Putting on his usual navy-blue shirt and his ninja pants, Kakashi got dressed as quickly as possible.

Sakura wasn't here when I woke up. She must've probably left or something, but why would she leave without letting me now? Not a letter or anything…something is definitely up.

He grabbed a piece of toast and slurped a glass of milk for breakfast before leaving his apartment. The first place he went to look for Sakura was her apartment.

He stepped into her balcony and looked inside. Her bedroom was dark but he was able to notice that it was untouched. All her things were in place and it didn't look like she was there. Deciding to take a different approach, he knocked on her door.

No one answered. There wasn't even a sound, nothing to give him the certainty that there was someone inside.

She definitely isn't here. So where to now?

Thinking of all possible places Sakura could be during the tome of day, Kakashi concluded she'd probably be either in Tsunade's office or in the hospital. Choosing the former to go to first, he hurried.

Looking at a report, Tsunade strained her eyes and let out a groan of frustration.

"I can't concentrate!" Not while knowing that at this moment Sakura is fighting that inner self of hers. Did she finish? Did she win? Or…did she…

Just then, Kakashi rashly entered.

"Hokage-sama!"

She turned her attention towards him. "Coming in without knocking? That means something is worrying you Kakashi. What is it?"

"What's Sakura doing at the hospital?" He asked in a demanding but most of all alarming tone.

"What do you think? She's busy tending an operation right now." Tsunade lied but in a casual manner. Anyone else would've been fooled.

"Don't lie to me Tsunade-sama. Ino just told me that she's off doing something on her own. Obviously not an operation as Ino said herself that it had something to do with her personally." The Copy-nin replied.

That Ino… The Godaime groaned. "Well, I might as well tell you since you already have a vague idea. Sakura is fighting her Inner self as we speak."

"What…? But that can't…"

"It's possible." Tsunade interrupted the startled Kakashi. "According to Sakura, last time she talked with her they were able to see each other meaning that they actually had a physical conversation face to face."

"But…how is that possible?" Asked a bewildered Kakashi.

"Sakura says that because last time she was unconscious, they were both able to meet." Intertwining her fingers together, Tsunade let out a loud sigh. "During their conversation, Inner Sakura proposed a duel between them. Sakura agreed to it and she came to me for help. We prepared a room a special anesthesia for her since she needs to be in total unconsciousness in order to meet with her inner self."

"She's fighting her?"

"As we speak." I don't think I should tell him the conditions the loser will have to face.

Kakashi semblance turned to a worried one as he tightened his fist.

"Take me to her please."

"I'm sorry Kakashi I can't. Sakura needs concentration right now." Tsunade objected.

"I need to be by her side right now. Please try to understand Tsunade-sama." Kakashi pleaded.

"Kakashi, I understand you're worried but you try to understand Sakura's position. She's right now in a fight where her life basically depends on her victory. If she were to sense your presence it could distract her."

She sighed and said with a reluctant tone, "Before coming to me today, Sakura made sure that she was ready both in mind and heart. She told me that she made sure to not have any regrets. Apparently she already reconciled with both Ino and Sasuke. But…I wonder if something happened between the two of you?"

Tsunade's bronze eyes studied Kakashi's open-wide onyx eye. She had hit the bull's-eye.

"Something did happened, right?"

The man's silence was a sufficient answer. She could see the inner turmoil within him. His face was puzzled; his eyes were disorientated; his fists were as tight as can be showing his frustration.

Is that why she was with me last night? Did she do it to not have regretted it if…if she were to…

"Tsunade-sama…" Kakashi finally spoke. "If Sakura loses…will she really die?"

The blonde woman closed her eyes.

"In a sense yes. If Sakura were to lose against her inner self, she will no longer exist for Inner Sakura will take permanent possession of her body." She spoke out bluntly.

Kakashi lowered his gaze. Sakura…why…why didn't you say anything? Why can't you still trust me enough?

Tsunade noticed Kakashi's expression. This time it wasn't a worried expression. It was an expression of pain, sadness.

The Hokage let out a loud sigh of defeat. She definitely couldn't compete with Kakashi on this one. Kakashi was a person to not openly show his feelings of pain and sadness. Seeing him express those very feelings in front of her really pained her.

He really does love her. "Very well Kakashi, I'll take you to Sakura."

Sakura groaned.

Inner Sakura snared.

Both kunoichis clashed in the heated battle

Sakura performed a taijutsu combination. She did a series of different punches and jabs all which Inner Sakura managed to block. While her inner self defended her upper body, Sakura quickly changed her offense to her legs. With her chakra concentrated on her leg, she turned, and did a spin kick hitting Inner Sakura on her chest.

Inner Sakura glared as she blocked some of the impact which sent her flying to the opposite side. She quickly recovered from the impact but Sakura was already in front of her.

With Sakura's fists concentred with chakra, she began to perform a different series of attacks; combining hand offense with leg offense.

As Sakura did a high kick, Inner Sakura dodged by jumping sideways but Sakura took advantage of her enemies opening and threw a kunai.

Reacting immediately, Inner Sakura concentrated her chakra on her legs and did a back flip, kicking the kunai out of its course.

Charging at her inner self, Sakura cries a warrior-like yell and prepared to punch Inner Sakura but she saw it a mile away and simply clutched her hand right before impact on her face.

"You're losing your composure Sakura. This was a rather reckless attack, don't you think?" Inner Sakura commented.

Sakura strained as she tried to break free.

"I suggest you try and don't let your emotions get the best of you. That has after all been one of your biggest flaws." The jade-eyed girl added, fueling Sakura's anger.

Sakura growled and in one last attempt to free herself she decided to use her free hand to land a punch on her abdomen. Inner Sakura prepared to block it.

I got you. Sakura recoil her punch and switched to her knee.

But before she even had a chance to get close to her objective, Sakura's whole body was twisted, thrown over Inner Sakura and laid down flat on the ground.

Sakura felt her inner persona's shadow hovering over her as she strained her body from the impact.

"See what I mean? That's what happens when you get driven by emotions. That's your biggest flaw Sakura." Inner Sakura added.

Standing up, Sakura snared at the other, "That's what you believe. Because you think that everyone should be like you; a cold-hearted person who only lives to kill."

"No not everyone; just you." Inner Sakura bluntly replied.

Shooting a death glare at her inner self, Sakura tightened her fists as she gritted her teeth. She felt her blood boil as she listened to Inner Sakura's words.

She hated her.

She loathed her.

And that loath only increased her desire to kill her; to wipe her away from existence.

"I'm sensing a killing aura from you. Aren't you the one who doesn't like to kill? What happened to that pure heart of yours?" Inner Sakura said with a mocking smile.

"There are times when a shinobi must make decision and choose whether to follow their duty as a Konoha shinobi or their duty to themselves. I've made my decision to kill you because that is my duty as a Konoha shinobi! To protect Konoha, especially the people I love from the likes of you!" Sakura replied.

Inner Sakura scoffed, annoyed. She didn't like the determination that shined from Sakura's emerald eyes. Most of all, she hated that there wasn't even the slightest hint of wavering from Sakura's part. It showed her inner strength.

Annoying bitch. She smirked. No matter. I still have the upper hand in this. "That's quite a speech Sakura. Let's just see if you can carry it out."

Right in front of the door where Sakura was, Tsunade stopped and looked at Kakashi for a moment.

"Kakashi, as you know Sakura is going through a tough ordeal. She must need absolute concentration. Promise me you won't do anything that would disturb her. That will include talking, whispering, or even touching her."

The silver-haired man looked straight into the Godaime's firm bronze eyes.

"I promise."

Tsunade opened the door and both she and Kakashi entered.

The room was rather big for just one bed. Sakura's body was covered in a blanket. She had the oxygen mask on and on her right hand she had the serum.

Machines beeped around her; one measures her heart rate and heart pressure, another one monitored her blood pressure, among other ones.

"How is she?" Tsunade asked the nurse.

"She's stable now." She replied.

"Now?" Tsunade inquired with an alarmed tone.

"Yes. A while ago, she had a series of high blood pressure, and her heart rate and pressure was at exorbitant levels. Luckily, she became stable shortly." The nurse answered. "We've been keeping a closer eye on her just in case."

The Hokage nodded but said nothing about the matter. Instead, she closely watched as Kakashi slowly walked towards Sakura's side.

He silently watched the sleeping beauty in front of him; struggling with his urge to hold her hand; to have her in his arms.

Why didn't you tell me anything Sakura? Even if I couldn't do anything, at least I could've given you the comfort of being here by your side, waiting for you to wake up.

"We must have faith in Sakura, Kakashi." Tsunade commented as she stood beside him. "This was Sakura's decision and we must have faith that she will prevail. This is about the only thing we can do for her right now."

He nodded. A faint smile slowly painted on his face. "I've always had faith in her."

Meanwhile, in Sakura's sub consciousness, Sakura and Inner Sakura were faced in a heated battle to the death. Metals clang; the sound of blows being inflicted thundered; grunts and snares joined in along with the war cries.

Repelled by each others attack, Sakura and Inner Sakura jumped backwards as the blow made them slide through the ground.

I don't understand. Sakura panted. If we're supposed to be the same, then why am I the only one panting and she hasn't even broken a sweat?

A smirk appeared on Inner Sakura's face. "So you finally noticed?"

Sakura gave her a puzzled look in return. "What are you talking about?"

"That despite we're one and the same, I have the upper hand."

Narrowing her emerald eyes, Sakura said, "You're not making sense. How can you have the upper hand if like you say, we're the same?"

"Because I'm your inner self."

Sakura scoffed annoyed. Though she knew Inner Sakura was straight-forward, she hated how she always answered in that manner just to annoy her.

"Alright, alright." Inner Sakura chuckled. "I'll answer you fully. It's quite simple really. Ever heard how people with dark souls are usually the ones that get stronger? Well, I'm one of those people."

"I don't understand."

"Basically, I'm your dark side Sakura; I grow by feeing off your negative feelings; the deepest and darkest sentiments from your heart. In other words, the darkness in me is what gives me my strength. Unlike you where your strength comes from your pathetic feelings of love, kindness and friendship…my strength comes from hate and revenge."

"That doesn't make any sense…hate can't make you stronger. If any, it'll make you weaker. If you're power comes from the feeling of hate and revenge then you only live for yourself. I became strong because of the people around me." Sakura differed.

"So what? If that were true you wouldn't have snapped the way you did when Lilly, Ino and Sasuke betrayed you."

Sakura flinched at her inner self's sudden remark.

"If that were true, your mind wouldn't be symbolized by glass."

"Shut up…"

"If that were true, you would've defeated me long ago by now."

"Enough…shut up…" She sobbed.

"If that were true…"

"I said shut up!" Sakura screamed along with a cry.

Inner Sakura watched with a grin, "…then…why did you cry just now?"

Sakura's eyes looked into Inner Sakura's jade ones. She saw how the coldness in them matched the evil grin of her inner self. Slowly, the image became blurry as tears began to well in her eyes.

"See what I mean? How can you possibly have strength when your heart is bound by those kinds of feelings? They will only keep you from your maximum potential whereas, I am bound by nothing."

Inner Sakura walked towards her other self.

"I can't belief though that you haven't realized this. After all…you experienced the truth of my words a long time ago."

Sakura's expression became bewildered.

Moving towards her ear, Inner Sakura whispered, "Sasuke."

At that instant, Sakura eyes widened.

"Sasuke's life was fueled by hatred and revenge. He went to Orochimaru to find the power he needed and you know how it ended. Sasuke killed Orochimary by himself. If he had stayed here, do you honestly belief he would've gotten that strong? His heart was bounded by nothing other than his feeling of hatred and that is what allowed him to prevail."

She grabbed Sakura by the cheeks and forced her to look at her straight in the face. Teary emerald met hardened jade.

"So you see Sakura…I am twice as strong as you. Or even more. When you accepted my challenge to a duel, you walked into your own death. There is absolutely no way for you to kill me."

Lifting her off the ground, Inner Sakura threw Sakura towards her left. With a loud grunt, Sakura hit the glassy ground.

What the-? How could she had lift me and thrown me like that? It's…it's not possible…

Shocked, gaped and disorientated, Sakura looked at her inner self. She stood firm, strong. She had just thrown her with one hand; effortlessly.

But what gave her a sense of fear was how her eyes sparkled with morbid enjoyment at the assured victory she had over her and how they spelled the word 'death'.

Now she understood what that feeling before was; the feeling that she had missed something.

She knows now what it was and recalled what Inner Sakura had said before beginning.

"I've always been in a win-win situation."

"I won't hold back anymore." Inner Sakura's tone changed. "You'll experience first hand what darkness can give you. The same power you rejected and that could've been yours and believe me, I will take great pleasure in killing you."

Before Sakura could even come to her senses, the figure of Inner Sakura suddenly vanished in the midst of the darkness that dwelled within her mind.

A/N: I'm sorry the fighting scenes were done so poorly. But I do hope it was at least rather interesting. I tried hard to make Inner Sakura a tough and evil foe. I also hope the KakaSaku scene was done nicely. I tried my best in doing so. And all in all...I just hope you guys like it. I don't know when next one will be up so please, just be patience and look foward to it. Only around 2-3 chaps more before Redemption is over.

Please Read & Review!