CHAPTER: HISASHI'S TALE

After what seemed like hours of arguments Sakura was finally able to go about her business – that is to seek the Ashitaba plants known for its healing abilities. The process of being able to do so was a pain in the neck and so early in the morning. In order to help heal Hisashi's wounds medicine was needed, but unfortunately Natsumi ran out of her stocks as she was not able to gather these herbs due to the fact that it wasn't safe for her to be going all alone. And even if she did bring someone with her, she would just be putting them in danger and would be unable to protect them ability wise. So now that Naruto's team is here, today was the best time.

Sasuke for some reason almost had a fit knowing Sakura would do such thing though she couldn't understand why. She was a medic; of course she should be going. She knew what the plants looked like, Aside from Natsumi, and how to use it, it's only right that she herself should go.

"This is ridiculous. How could you agree to doing this?" The Uchiha started but kept his cool.

"Hey be quiet teme! What if Natsumi-san hears you? I don't want her to get the wrong idea that we don't want to help" the blonde stated, taking a peek at the door from their room to make sure no one's overheard the stupid Uchiha's complains.

"I don't care. This is not even part of the mission anymore"

"Natsumi-san didn't actually tell me to do it. I just offered to" Sakura explained. She didn't want her looking bad. If anything, she told Sakura she could do it herself.

"See" Naruto said smugly.

"Why would you do that?" Sasuke frowned, "Do you realize you leaving means less protection for them"

Her face contorted to a smile one that she hoped he'd read as 'what are you talking about?'. "It's not like I'm going to be gone for long Sasuke. I'll just be gathering the plants and then come back. And besides if Natsumi will be the one to gather the herbs either way we will be divided. Better she stay here with you guys than go out with only one of us"

Tch. She did make sense, he just doesn't like the idea…

"Hisashi said he'll be coming along. He'll show me where to find them so I'd still have an extra hand if anything happens"

"Oh good" Naruto grinned while eyes of onyx frowned.

"That's why you're so adamant to go" he replied icily.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Sakura asked confused about Sasuke's statement but decided to just drop the subject, they were already wasting time as it is. "I don't know where the herbs are. He'll just be coming along to lead the way"

"Whatever"

The noise of bustling crowds and street vendors snapped her back from her thoughts. No need to bother why Sasuke was so annoyed, he always is anyway. Walking in the town's center made her miss home. That was also one of the reasons why she decided to go look for the Ashitaba plants herself. If she could help Hisashi regain his strength back using those, the easier it will be for them to leave and go back once his condition is stable and when his team returns. If she could use herbal medicine than medical ninjustu, the better. That way she can save up her chakra for whatever events that could happen. And healing Hisashi also meant additional help. Overall, she though it was a good idea to be searching for this plants while everything is still calm and quiet.

"Are you okay?" the voice of the person beside her made her remember she was not alone.

"Yes. I was just thinking of something" came her reply as she smiled to meet his cerulean spheres. "So is it far? The plants I mean"

"Hmm I guess you could say that" He answered as they hiked, "but wait till you get there, the walk is worth it"

As they walked, people who knew Hisashi greeted him with welcome. Others, such as the younger women in the village just waved and batted their eyelashes she had to contain herself from shaking her head. And some, to her discomfort, felt like they were shooting daggers at her for being in his company. Of course her companion was nowhere near aware of these little details.

"Okay. The way you said it I'll then assume that it is a far walk"

He chuckled, "Just let me know if you need to rest"

In her mind she'd rather rest when they get there and not waste time. She did tell Sasuke they'd come back as soon as they're done. She didn't want to leave the village too long either. But now as they walked she couldn't help but feel a sense of awkwardness. Now that she thought about it, why did she agree to go with just Hisashi anyway? They weren't even close, what would they talk about? If anything comes up like, heaven forbid, danger, she didn't know what this guy was capable of. Not knowing the potential of your comrade and not having that sense of mutual understanding could be really disadvantageous.

But on second thought, he did mention he has a team too so she could probably assume he's experienced. Add to the fact that he was one of those assigned to protect the village, he should be dependable. Probably even more so than her. She'll just hope they wouldn't have to come across enemies while they travel.

The longer they walked and talked about random things the denser the trees and greenery became. The sound of nature grew louder as the busy streets got quiet until it was completely silenced. Just being there brought a sense of peacefulness. The soft breeze, the singing of birds, the rustle of leaves and the warmth of the sun that managed to break its way from the tree bushes was such a delight as it caressed her cheek. Mm hmm Sakura could get used to this.

"Are we beyond the village boundaries?" she asked all of a sudden as she made another realization from the brought about silence.

"Not really. Where the Ashitaba plants are located is an extension of the village"

"Oh I get it. It's like a safe. Whenever the village gets in a pinch, at least there's a place where you still have herbal plants as back-up"

"Exactly" he smiled, "You catch on pretty quick".

Turning a quick right he motioned for Sakura to follow. "Watch your step, the bushes can be really stubborn". The path was heavily covered with greenery that together they had to use both their hands to shove the bushes for them to get through. The plants so thick and tangled that no one would think there was actually a trail behind it if you keep on pushing forward. And after what seemed like forever with getting through the shrubs, the vegetation began to thin until only curtain-like vines appeared hanging from tall old trees. Hisashi pushed aside the vines and held it for Sakura to pass only to reveal a breathtaking view. Beyond the disarray of greens was a like a little private meadow filled with all the colorful flowers you could think of. It reminded Sakura of Ino, how she would freak out knowing such place existed. Ino loved flowers and Sakura got to learn a thing or two about them from her.

Sakura was in awe as viridian orbs clashed with a field of green. "This is…" her voice almost failed her, "Hisashi-kun this is beautiful!"

"Yeah. It is" he replied although his eyes were not fixed on the field but to the person next to him.

Sakura looked at him excitedly, "Let's go!"

Hisashi followed Sakura with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes as she hopped from one flower to another trying to guess their names and picking some of her favorites. The male shinobi knew she was so focused on getting the plants and that she didn't seem to want to be side-tracked from what they were suppose to do but seeing her so excited and happy just being where she was at the moment, he decided to let her be. They still have plenty of time anyway. She looked like a child who just got her birthday present it amused him to no end. To see a cherry blossom among all the other flowers, it was quite a sight for him and he was inwardly thankful it was only him that got to see this mesmerizing picture.

And as if time was up, Sakura signaled the end of his viewing, "Oh crap! I got so distracted with the place I'm sorry!" She ran back towards him flushed but smiling repentantly, "Where did you guys place the ashitaba?"

He smirked as he plucked a rogue leaf from her pink hair, "It's right here".

Sakura followed him as he led her to a slightly elevated part of the meadow and where below it a thin flow of water snaked its way across the field; the sun's rays making its surface glisten. Hisashi crossed the other side of the mini stream and held out his hand for her. "We kind of arranged the plants and separated the medicinal ones. It's on this side", he explained.

The water wasn't really that wide and she could've safely crossed by herself but she figured Hisashi was just being a gentleman and so she basked in it as she took his hand. Hey, how often do you come by guys like him nowadays, right? Once on the other side, she could make out the herbal plants much greener leaves just a few meters away from where the fissure of flowing liquid was. And right away, she was able to distinguish which one was the herb she needed from the number of plants that propagated, separated by hand-made fences.

Taking enough, she clipped the plants gingerly and placed them in the container she brought from her bag. And another handful batch she brought near the stream.

"What are you doing?" Hisashi asked curiously.

"I'm cleaning them" she answered back.

"You don't really have to right? I mean we can always do it when we get back" he didn't mean to sound in a hurry, in fact he wanted no such thing. Although simple, he enjoyed spending his time with her and if he could, he rather they stay for a few more minutes…or hours. He wanted to get to know her better.

"Yes but I'm treating your wounds right now. It will work better since it's recently picked and with the time we use to travel, the medicine can slowly take effect. They have remarkable regenerative abilities especially when picked fresh" She motioned for him to sit next to her by the little watercourse and he complied.

"Not that I don't appreciate what you're doing for me but I don't mind if you do this some other time. I know you want to go back early"

Only half paying attention she cleansed the leaves and mixed it with other medicine she brought with her. "I'd rather you're patched up too. I know you've been dealing with the discomfort for days. You haven't had pain killers afterall" With a trace of annoyance, she added "You kept refusing them. " Still busying herself with her materials she added with authority, "Take off your shirt, I'll apply the medicine"

She busied herself preparing her equipment, took out a couple of bottles with ointments and some first aid materials. When she was done with her preparations she turned to her patient only to stop, stunned by her shirtless companion sitting innocently next to her, the image slowly sinking in to her dehydrated brain.

"W-why?" she asked.

"Huh? You told me to take it off" Hisashi replied confusion written all over his boyish face.

Shaking her head back to composure she corrected herself, "No. I mean why have you been refusing the analgesics?". She stood up and positioned herself slightly behind him by his left arm. Although she knew Hisashi was hit with the arrow from the front, she decided it was best she position herself where she is not face to face with him directly just like before.

"I guess I just don't want my body to become dependent with the drugs. I wanted it to be familiar with any level of pain that way it will grow accustomed to it. And maybe when I get injured, it wouldn't hurt so much anymore because I'm used to the feeling. I know it sounds ridiculous" he grimaced as Sakura started cleansing the wound with the sterile water she brought.

"No, I understand. But it would also be good for you and your body not to feel the pain when given the option" He glanced and caught her making a soft smile. "Actually, it's amazing how much our body can endure pain and suffering. But I just thought that because it handles so much, it deserves to be taken care of". Taking a clean cloth, she tried judiciously to wipe away the blood clots to see underneath it. "But yeah you're right. It's either find some ways to avoid the pain or get used to it"

It took some time for him to respond, but when he did, Hisashi asked, "Do you still want me to take the analgesics?"

She nodded. "If you're worried about dependency or drug addiction, you won't have that. I just don't want to see you in pain. I know it still hurts. That arrow almost made a graze to your heart"

Defeated, he smirked, "okay. You win this time".

"I'll give them to you when we get back" Sakura smiled victorious.

A moment of silence passed, and although it wasn't uncomfortable, Sakura thought the conversation should just go on. The stillness might turn to awkwardness. With the first question that popped into her head, she blurted out, "So what does your tattoo mean?". She asked while she started mixing the ashitaba plants with some oils and mint in a bowl of stone. "I'm sorry I'm just being nosy"

Taking a sideway glance at her he smiled "You always say you're sorry even if you did nothing wrong". Returning his gaze to the flowing water he began to tell her his story.

"It's kanji for 'protect'. I had this inked on me years back. I never even thought about getting this before but that incident got me decided"

"What incident?"

"When Natsumi's father and mine died"

"We're almost there" a man in his early fifties spoke.

Small hands patted the caramel colored stallion by its shoulder, just high enough for him to reach. "You hanging in there Seishin?". The horse neighed as if to say he was alright. They continued to trod, the beast dragging a cart filled with thinly chopped wood. "Good boy"

"You fed him well last night didn't you Hisashi-kun?" another man spoke, mirth coating his words, as the three ventured out into the forest through the darkness.

"Hai Kazuki-san! I gave him sugar cubes too!" Hisashi pouted, "I wanted to give him more but father told me no"

"My, my Hiroshi…" Kazuki tsk-ed in faked disappointment deliberately taking the young boys side to irritate his father.

"be quiet Zuki. Our horse will get fat with too much of those and ruin his teeth. He needs a healthier diet"

Seishin made a complaining noise and swished his black mane back and forth. No way is he going on a diet and give up his treats. "Don't worry" Hisashi whispered to him, "I'll still give it to you when father is not looking"

"Hisashi…" his father's voice stern and final; prolonged his name. He could feel his midnight orbs drilling at his skull.

Smiling apologetically he replied, "I mean right, let's cut back on those". The boy looked at Kazuki for some kind of back up but he only got a shrug and an amused smile reflected his chocolate brown eyes. He's got no help this time.

Trying to change the subject, he then asked, curiosity flowing in his blue green eyes. "How come we're travelling early dawn?" he yawned, "Won't it be better if we waited till the sun rises so we have some light? We didn't even bring a lamp with us"

He noticed the two adults looked at each other before an answer was given. "It'll be safer this way. Dawn will give us concealment and if anyone will wonder why we're up so early we could say it's business. We are delivering wood"

"Safe from what?"

This time Kazuki was the one to answer. "I'll explain to you when we get there" he smiled patiently.

"Where are we going anyway?" Sleep began to creep up on him again as he dragged his feet to continue walking. And just when his eyelids have started to droop his father's hushed tone told him they're already at their destination.

He wanted to question the area. There was nothing but the path before them and surrounding bushes. This couldn't be their destination right? They woke up so early in the morning just for this? They were just lucky he wasn't a cranky kid.

Leaves rustled while both adults tried to squeeze themselves into a wall of bushes after checking the coast was clear. Hisashi rubbed the sleep off his eyes and realized they were pushing forward despite the thickened shrubs. Without question, he did what little help his hands were able and pushed the leaves. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to do much. He then felt strong arms position by his side and his feet lifted off the ground.

"Don't want you getting lost now do we?" His father smiled at him as he placed him unto Seishin's back.

"Don't treat me like a little kid!" he pouted.

Again they fought through with the gate of greens until they were on the other side. He made out a moderate size of field within the darkness that blanketed the area, the late stars sharing what slight means of light they gave off.

Moving forward and off to the side, Kazuki and Hiroshi started unloading the wood from the crate into the ground. Deciding to help, Hisashi got off their horse and landed on all fours into the soft grass.

"be careful with those, they're heavy"

He nodded taking one little wood at a time. As they unloaded their cargo his father and Kazuki began to explain to him what they were doing.

"They told me about their plans on keeping the plants in here and culturing them. Back then I didn't understand their purpose" he smirked, "I thought 'why can't they just grow it somewhere near the village. It was too far'. But anyway, we travelled early so nobody will know what we were doing. It's not because we wanted to keep it from the other villagers, we won't deny them of the herbal plants. It's just that it's easier to keep the place safe with only a few people knowing of its existence. It's easier to keep track. If we told everybody then sooner or later the secret will spread until it will no longer be kept. It's basically just me, a few others that we trust, and Natsumi who knows about this place. And now you"

"I promise I won't tell" Sakura assured.

"I know. I trust you" And then Hisashi continued, "So we didn't take long. Before the sun could even rise we already left. The woods we brought were markers, to start putting up fences to divide the land as to where certain herbs are to be placed and where they will grow best. We planned to do the routine every dawn until everything was finished. So when we left the field that morning, we never thought trouble would come too soon…"

"Kazuki…"

"I know"

Hisashi didn't understand but all of a sudden, Kazuki threw a kunai behind him towards a tree branch and then a puff of smoke.

"kage bunshin huh…"

"Come out! We know you're there" determination now etched on Kazuki's once calm features.

"It happened so suddenly. Four ninjas started attacking, demanding we tell them how they can have access to our village. Of course father and Kazuki-san fought back. They were pretty skilled shinobi, our village had none other like them. But our attackers weren't normal" Hisashi's features contorted with confusion, "At first their fighting skills were mediocre. I even though we had the upper hand but then some kind of weird markings began to appear on their skin until their appearance completely changed and their fighting skills got better. Only two of them had it. Their killing intent was enormous; even at a young age I was even able to feel it"

"The cursed seal…" Sakura whispered to herself. That bastard, Orochimaru! Wherever he goes he leaves nothing but blood and suffering! She was never the type to wish for one's death but their serpent fiend was an exception. He was too dangerous and not a trickle of love or compassion ran in his veins. How Sasuke managed to defeat him, she didn't know, all that mattered was that he did the world a great favor. Without that snake, it was safer.

"father! Kazuki-san!" he panicked, tears pouring from his frightened eyes "Can you stand? We have to go back, I don't know how to heal y-"

"It's alright my son" his father smiled weakly, blood dripping from the side of his lips as he lay on the ground.

"No!" he yelled, "No it's not alright! Even Seishin got hurt because he tried to help but I couldn't do anything! And now you're…you're…" young Hisashi bawled as fear started to choke him. There was no denying it, his father and his friend are dying. The jutsu that they used was their last resort, they were able to defeat their enemy but at the cost of their own lives.

"Things happen for a reason Hisashi. You have to be brave" he touched his head reassuringly to calm him, "Protecting the plants means protecting our village. That is why we are doing this. I'm sorry for leaving you with such a heavy task. But now I'm counting on you"

Hearing those words, Hisashi knew his father passed his will to him. But this is not how he had wanted things to happen. He was too young and inexperienced. Who will mentor him now? How can he protect the village with his amateur skills – that is if he even had one. As if hearing his thoughts, his father handed him a piece of paper.

"Look for this man. He will teach you everything you need to know. And under the table beside my bed, there's a notebook inside a box. Take it. It's yours. I prepared it in case things like this happens, I just never thought it would transpire so soon"

Hisashi willed his tears to stop and nodded. He had to be strong – for his father, Kazuki and for their people.

"Hisashi-kun, will you also do a favor for me?" Kazuki spoke, his breathing now uneven; blood still continuing to drench his clothes and increasing in size.

He nodded again. "Please take care of my family too. My Natsumi is kind and gentle, you might have to teach her to be a bit rough. And Satoru, he can be hyper but you have my permission to knock him on the head when necessary. And to my wife tell her I'll haunt her if she finds another man" Kazuki winced as he managed to chuckle, "No I'm kidding. I just want her to be happy. Tell them I love them"

"I will Kazuki-san" he smiled. Despite the difficulties, he admired Natsumi's father for still finding reason to smile and make others do the same.

"Thank you"

"I guess it's time to say goodbye" Hiroshi said, his midnight spheres beginning to fade in color.

The tears the young boy has tried so hard to hold back broke lose like a dam, smashed and broken. He hugged them both clinging to each second he could share with them, Kazuki on his right and his father on his left. "I'm sorry I was not able to fight with you both. But I promise you, with these arms I will protect the village"

He could feel both their embrace around him and warmth spread to his entire being. "This will be our parting gift for you" the Hara said. And Hisashi realized they have transferred whatever is left of their will and power into him - Three beings in one body.

"I love you Hisashi. You are my pride and joy my son. I will always be with you"

Sakura could hardly believe Hisashi went through such hardship at such an early age. He was probably like Sasuke, only that he wasn't soaked with the curse of vengeance. Hearing his tale pained her, but she continued to listen.

"So I did what my father told me. I looked for his mentor, and I read the notes he wrote for me. In it was his knowledge about culturing the plants, his plans for the 'extension', the story of the village and why it's hidden, basically he wrote everything I needed to know. But still it wasn't easy for me. It was so different without him. No matter how much I trained, I still end up losing people" Sakura could see guilt and sorrow, plain as day, revealed in his eyes, "I wasn't even able to keep my promise about keeping Kazuki's family safe. Oburo-san taught me a lot about special herbs, treated me like her own son and cared for me. Yet I wasn't even able to save her"

With the image right beside her, Sakura didn't dare ask what happened to Natsumi's mother anymore. Not wanting to reopen wounds. This kind of pain, she knew, won't quickly go away. Not even if he tried.

"I wanted to give up so bad. There was a point that I sought to leave the village, abandon its people along with the responsibilities I shouldered" He shook his head, "I was pathetic. But when I was about to do just that, my father spoke to me in a dream, reminding me that I don't have to do this alone; that I don't have to lose more people important to me. I realized that my father was able to make things happen because he was never alone. He had Kazuki-san with him" Smiling, he looked at Sakura and she smiled back, understanding an important key to Hiroshi's message. "He had somebody he could trust. Kazuki-san shared with his burden and both of them shared the same dream. And together they made it happen"

"So I finally understood that I needed friends I could trust to continue their dream. Their dreams have become mine now. I had to make it reality. Through the years I was able to build bonds and they are the same people who are in my team. We fight for each other and we carry each other's pain and suffering. The more people I wanted to protect, the stronger I felt. So I had this marked on me" Referring to the character in his left arm. "I never want to forget the promise I made to those two and I never want to think about abandoning my people again"

Sakura was at loss for words. She didn't know what to say to help comfort him knowing he went through a lot. But she admired him for it. Hisashi does have a good heart. It seemed that everything about him has drawn her to him. And for some reason, she wanted to protect him too. Unconsciously she draped one arm around him, careful not to hurt his wounds, and slowly leaned her head to his shoulder, "I wish I could take some of the pain away for you…"

He glanced at her, unperturbed of the gesture, and smiled "Believe me, you already did"

Just when Sakura was about to lift her head off, he leaned his to her; Feeling the softness of her hair against his cheek. "It's been a while since I had somebody comfort me like this. I almost forgot how nice it feels"

All she could do was smile. Suddenly the thought of awkwardness left her. Now it felt like she'd known him for years, just like how she would've known and treated Naruto. Today, time has managed to intermingle their lives together and they relaxed in each other's company seeming to enjoy a moment only the two of them can share.

A/N: Thank you for those who subscribed, reviewed, added the story (and the author, yey!) to their favorites and etc. You guys make me soooo happy! But you know what else makes me happier? Recommendations and REVIEWS! *hint hint*

Reignashii: Yes Sakura was being an idiot with all the tomato thing rather than Natsumi's feelings but I'll be able to explain that in another chapter….If I don't forget O_O

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you think =D