Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Hey guys! Sorry it took me a while to update; school has been kicking my ass again. I'll try to update sooner, rather than later. I'm already working on Chapter 22, so hopefully it will be up quicker than this past one was.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

A Chance Encounter: Chapter 21

Edited: 9/2/18

She had been listening to him pace outside her room for nearly an hour now, and she wasn't sure if he was waiting for her to come out or was trying to find the courage to come inside.

To say she had been devastated last night when Hayate had spoken to her the way he did was an understatement; the brunette headed male had always been supportive of her. That was probably why Hayate saying she wasn't ready for the exam felt like a chakra infused punch to the gut.

Last night after he had left the restaurant Sakura had nearly been in tears; Kami it was just so unexpected. Hayate had never, never said something so hurtful or acted so cold to her. After Kankuro had walked her home, Sakura snuck into the apartment through her window to avoid any type of confrontation; she just needed some time to think and think she did. She had spent the whole night thinking about it, and now she had decided she was more angry than devastated.

Hayate had no right to tell her what she could and could not do. Yes, he was her superior officer, and her sensei, but that didn't mean he knew what was best for her. If he didn't think she could make jounin then he really didn't know her as well as she had thought he did. Because now, Sakura was sure she was going to try out for the jounin exams, with or without Hayate's permission, and she knew she was going to pass. She already had Kakashi and Kankuro, two jounin who said they would sponsor her, and those would be her second options if Genma and Tsunade-sama herself turned her down.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura finished packing her bag. The three of them were scheduled to be leaving within the hour, and Sakura didn't want to be the one to slow the group down; as soon as they were back in Konoha, Sakura would talk to Tsunade-sama.

XxxX

He had been such a fool the night before. For reasons completely unknown to himself, Hayate had been overly rude, unsupportive, and just plain mean to Sakura. Well maybe his reasons weren't completely unknown…

Sighing slightly, Hayate still felt the twinge of something in his gut as he thought back to the night before. Sakura had been telling Kankuro she was thinking about taking the jounin exams, and if Hayate was completely honest with himself, he knew she would be able to pass them. The reason he had been so quick to protest the night before was because he hadn't even known she had wanted to take the exams. He was her sensei for crying out loud, wasn't she supposed to confide in him, and ask his advice? It sounded so petty when he thought about it, but the feelings were just the same.

And, if she was a jounin the missions would be a lot harder, and she would be put in more danger. He was already kicking himself ten times over when he practically left her alone with a member of the Akatsuki.

The twinge in his stomach lurched forward again as Hayate thought about the scene he had walked in on at the cave. Sakura had been mortally wounded; she was laying on the ground while Chiyo was healing her… the cave around her looked so tattered and demolished that he had been unable to contain his emotions.

She had been injured, and even though he was not there directly, he was still at fault for putting her life in danger. The twinge he felt was definitely guilt, but it was mixed with something else he couldn't explain… something he wouldn't let himself dive deeper into.

Taking another deep breath, Hayate put his hand on the door knob and tried to collect himself. He was supposed to be apologizing; he had been trying to apologize for the past hour, but he couldn't find the courage to do so.

He knew he was a chicken, and called himself thus, but even as he called himself that, he still couldn't open the door that lead to her room. Sighing, he took a step back and looked to the only clock in the apartment.

The three were going to be leaving soon, and he knew he couldn't travel with her if they were fighting; he had to do something.

Finding the courage, Hayate knocked once on the door before entering. Hayate's eyes scanned the room and found Sakura only a few feet away with a bag slung over her shoulder.

Looking in her emerald eyes, Hayate felt the twinge again in his stomach, but chose to ignore it as he looked away.

"Sakura…" Hayate started. "I can't begin to apologize enough for what I said last night… As juvenile as this is going to sound, I think I was a little hurt and jealous that you told Kankuro your decision about the jounin exam before you even talked to Genma or me. I know that shouldn't be an excuse, but I don't think I was really thinking at the time.

"Genma and I talked it out last night, and even though I'm apologizing right now for what I said, I still think we should train a little harder before you try for jounin. I could try to teach you some new water jutsu, and you and Genma can finish mastering that earth jutsu you've been working on."

Sakura was silent as she watched her sensei look away from her while he spoke. She still didn't agree with what he said, and she was still mad at him, but that didn't mean her anger hadn't lessened from his apology; because it really had.

Her heart swelled as she watched the man she was becoming more and more attached to every day tell her all the things he would do to help make her stronger. This was why, all those years ago, she had asked for Hayate's help. She knew the male before her would help her.

"I'm not going to pretend like what you said to me last night didn't hurt me, because it really did," Sakura said. Kami, this was starting to sound like a talk someone would have with someone else when they were in a relationship; she had to turn it back around before she went too far. "But, I realize now that I hurt you too, though it was unintentional… You should know that I would never try to hurt you, Hayate. I think you're an amazing sensei, and I always take your advice to heart.

"So, when we get back to Konoha I'd like to work on those jutsu with the two of you," Sakura found her voice as she watched the brown eyes of Hayate lift up and sparkle. Kami, how hadn't she realized how much she liked this man before? He was so damn attractive, and he really wanted the best for her.

"Awesome," Hayate said while taking a step back; the smile she loved was shining brightly on his face. "When we get back to Konoha we'll start right away. I'll just grab my bag, the frilly apron from the kitchen and Genma and then we can leave."

Trying not to smile, Sakura watched as her sensei walked out of her room. Even though she had agreed to work with him and Genma, she still was going to apply for the jounin exams when she returned to Konoha. She knew it was going against the wishes of her sensei, but at the moment, she just didn't care. She respected him, yes, but she knew she was ready. Hell, if Kakashi was noticing her then she was damn well ready.

After everything she had been through in the past few years, Sakura believed it was her right to at least try to become a jounin.

Following Hayate out the way he came, Sakura watched his back enter the room he and Genma shared. It would be easier if she lied to him a little longer… about the jounin exams and about her feelings for him. She doubted she would ever tell him the latter.

XxxX

Genma did nothing to stop the smile on his face while the three of them flew through the forest. It was obvious his other two teammates had made up, and watching the noticeable blush rise on Sakura's face whenever Hayate got too close was incredibly satisfying.

He knew he had to do something when they all returned to Konoha… Hayate needed to realize his feelings for Sakura, and Genma, being the awesomest best friend in the whole world, decided he would be the one to help him.

Slowing his pace a little, Genma watched the smile appear on Hayate's face as the two talked about something that was probably not important… oh yes, he would do whatever he could to make his best friend realize his feelings for the girl beside him.

Sighing, Genma noticed how close to Konoha they were; they'd be arriving within the hour. Ideas were already flying through his head.

"Do you think he's paying attention to us at all?" Sakura asked as she raced a few feet in front of the brunette headed male; Genma was lost in his own little world.

"Nah," Hayate said with a shake of his head and a smile. "I bet he's thinking about Shizune; do you see the dreamy look he has on his face?"

Sakura took a casual glance back at Genma and laughed. "That or he's plotting something."

Hayate grinned and turned toward his best friend. "He better not be plotting anything. His plans always get him in trouble and leave me with headaches."

Laughing, Sakura turned back towards the trees in front of her and sighed. They were almost back to Konoha, and outwardly everything seemed as normal as it could be. The group of three had been traveling for a few days, and the group dynamics had been back to normal, at least somewhat. Ever since Sakura had realized her attraction for her sensei she had begun to blush whenever he got too close, even if it was unintentional. It really wasn't her fault though; Hayate was incredibly nice to look at.

And he was kind too. Hayate always tried to do anything in his power to help her; be it bringing her soup when she was stuck in bed sick or try to train her to make her stronger. He was a great man, and Kami, Sakura had it bad for him.

Giving Hayate a grin before doing a few hand signs, Sakura said, "Water release: Water Gunshot," before a stream of clear blue water flew from her mouth. The target, who was still off in his own little world, didn't see the stream coming until it was too late.

"Damn it Sakura!" Genma yelled as he was knocked off the branch he had been standing on. His only response from the pinkette was a bout of laughter. Looking to his best friend, Hayate was giving him the same response.

"You should pay more attention," Sakura chided as she waved a finger in the air. "I could have been an enemy nin."

"Not with how close we are to Konoha," Genma complained while taking off his soaking wet bandana. Flinging the bandana at Sakura, Sakura laughed even harder when it landed on Hayate. Hayate frowned before removing the piece of cloth from his body.

"I'll report to Hokage-sama once I get back," Hayate said to the two of his teammates. "You guys can go train right away if you have this much energy."

Seeing the village gates in the distance, Sakura turned toward Genma. "Genma," Sakura said, watching as Genma tried to ring out the water from his hair. "Would you mind working on the jutsu you showed me when we get back? That, and I have to talk to you about something."

"Huh?" Genma grunted as he sent Sakura a glare. "I don't know if I want to work on any jutsu with you."

"I'll report to Hokage-sama," Hayate said without looking back at the two; he was fighting a grin at seeing Genma soaked. Throwing the wet bandana at Sakura, he continued, "When I'm finished I'll meet you two at the training area."

"Sure thing," Genma said with a glare and a salute. Sakura mimicked his salute before watching Hayate's speed increase slightly as the three entered the village gates.

Stopping when she reached Konoha soil, Sakura turned towards Genma and sighed. "This actually isn't about training," Sakura said while turning back to Genma. Leaning against the village gate Sakura nodded to the guards on duty. Turning back to her teammate, Sakura noticed Genma's eyebrow rise, but he didn't say anything. "And I wasn't trying to make you mad with the water bullet; you were really lost in your thoughts… Usually when that happens it's not good for either Hayate or myself."

"In this case it will be good for you both," Genma whispered with a grin as he nodded for Sakura to continue.

"I'm going to apply for the Jounin exams, and I need another sponsor. I know Hayate-sensei already said I wasn't ready, but I really think I am. Kakashi was the one to suggest it to me back in Suna, but I've been thinking about it for a while.

"I want you to be my second sponsor."

Sakura watched as Genma nodded his head slightly; a small grin forming on his face. "Hayate is not going to like this," Genma said as he twirled the senbon needle in his mouth. "But I think it's something you need to do."

"Thank you Genma," Sakura said as she flung her arms around him; she didn't even care that he was still soaking wet. Taking a step back after a few seconds Sakura looked the brunette in the eyes. "Promise me you won't tell him."

"Hayate?" Genma said with a knowing grin. "I promise I won't tell him, but you know that your sponsors will have to travel to the exams with you right? Hayate is going to find out…"

"Yes, I know that," Sakura said as she took in a deep breath of air. "I was just hoping we'd be gone by that point. How mad can he be if I end up returning as a jounin?"

"Pretty mad," Genma said lightly. "But I think this'll be a good opportunity for you, and in all reality I just like pissing Hayate off. Anddddd, we'll have at least a week off missions; that is something I can't pass up."

XxxX

"Hokage-sama," Hayate bowed as he entered the Hokage's office. The blonde sighed as she nodded at him before looking to all the paper work that was scattered around her desk.

"If I'd known being the Hokage was going to be this boring, I probably wouldn't have become one," Tsunade complained as she took a sip of sake that had been on the table.

"Sorry to hear that Hokage-sama," Hayate said with a shrug. "I just came to report Team Hayate's latest mission. Hopefully it'll give you something more interesting to think about than just paperwork."

Tsunade frowned slightly as she poured a second cup of sake and nodded towards the chair in front of her desk. "Pull up a chair and have a drink; Gaara sent me a letter explaining some of what happened on your mission, though not everything. You guys encountered the Akatsuki?"

"We did," Hayate nodded while he sat. Bringing up the sake to his mouth, Hayate downed the drink in one sip before resting the cup on the table. "Both teams experienced a few Akatsuki members actually."

"Start at the beginning."

"We arrived in Suna and immediately went to the hospital to help Kankuro-san," Hayate said as he reached up and ran a hand through is hair. "Sakura was able to detect and treat the poison right away and sucked it out of Kankuro's body. She obtained a sample and after a few hours created an antidote for the poison in case we needed it later; in the end we did.

"Sakura met up with one of the village elders, Chiyo-baasama, and she found out more information on one of the Akatsuki members: Sasori of the Red Sand. Sakura agreed to allow Chiyo-sama to accompany us on the mission the following day."

"I remember that old hag," Tsunade said with a sigh as she raised her glass of sake in the air. "Kami rest her soul. What happened the next day?"

"We meet up with Team Seven," Hayate said while sending a look at Tsunade, "And meet up with two Akatsuki members: Kisame and Itachi. Our team battled Kisame, and beat him, though later on we found out it was actually a jutsu they used on a person to project Kisame into the person; it wasn't really him.

"Then we met up with team Kakashi again and were outside of this big cave that had a barrier surrounding it, and a rock in front of the entrance. Sakura was sure she could break the entrance, but we needed to find the other seals that kept the barrier in place. In the end Sai, Genma, and I were the ones to peel off the seals to the barrier; Sakura was able to break down the entrance and the group of four raced inside to meet up with the two Akatsuki."

"What happened with you, Sai, and Genma?"

"We were detained in a strong jutsu that created exact copies of ourselves; once we removed the seals the jutsu was created."

"What happened with Sakura, Chiyo and Sasori in the cave then?" Tsunade asked; she was currently writing down a few notes of what he was saying on a piece of paper.

"I'm not a hundred percent sure; the battle was already over by the time we arrived at the cave. I'd ask Sakura for a complete explanation."

"But Sasori was still alive? Gaara said something that was of interest to me; something about Orochimaru," Tsunade said while pouring herself another glass of sake.

"Yes, Sasori said to go Tenchi bridge in Grass in ten days," Hayate said as he leaned back in his chair. "I believe that is where he was supposed to meet a spy of some sort."

"Hm," Tsunade said as she stroked her cup of sake. "I'm going to have to send a team there to investigate. You said ten days? It's probably been three days since you heard him say that; so approximately seven days left? I'll be able to find a team in the meantime. Now, what of Sakura's battle with the Akatsuki member?"

"Chiyo-sama told me Sakura was his main opponent, and barely even needed the Sand nin's help," Hayate said with a small smile. His smile went away as he continued. "But she did receive a fatal wound from Sasori; if Chiyo-sama had not been there Sakura would have died."

"But she was still able to defeat an Akatsuki member mostly by herself?" Tsunade asked as a smile worked its way on her face. "Sakura would do well in the upcoming jounin exams."

Hayate froze for a moment before shaking his head. "Sakura and I both agree she's not ready yet for the exams," Hayate said as he stood from his seat. "Is there anything else before I leave, Hokage-sama?"

Hayate watched Tsunade's face frown slightly, before shaking her head. "Your team will have a few days off," Tsunade said before grabbing a stack of paper. "I may need you for the mission to Grass, however, so stay ready."

"Understood," Hayate said with a nod as he left the Hokage's office.