Chapter TWENTY FOUR

Sakura begins to see why Neji complains about D-ranks. She understands that it is important and that someone has to do these jobs, but she believes that their team is more than capable of moving past jobs anyone could do.

Still, she is a shinobi, and she does not complain when they are once again sent out to catch Tora the cat.

At least her eyes help them track the cat faster than those without, though she has a feeling that is also the reason this particular mission seems to be their job more often than not.

She clenches her fists and digs her nails into her palm, a habit she had picked up to someone release her frustrations when there is nothing for her to beat into the ground then forces herself to relax; Neji does not like it when she hurts herself and she knows that her teammates are beginning to notice.

At the thought of teammates, Sakura turns to look at Naruto and Sasuke, who are shoving each other as they walk side by side a few steps ahead of her.

Ever since their spar, they had somewhat managed to melt into a acceptable daily routine. The two boys never delve into her personal life and while she knows they are curious, they never ask. They respect her and her skills enough that they take her opinion into account when she has something to offer and are willing to yield over leadership on the occasion she has a better idea.

All in all, she is slowly getting used to having them around.

Now that they are both Genin, she and Neji see each other a little less than they had used to. Neji's team is outside the village more and more for their missions while Sakura is caught up in team training. They spend as much time as they can during what little breaks they have as well as the night, though Sakura finds herself eating dinner by herself more often than not.

As if reading her mind, Sasuke suddenly turns to look at her. "Sakura."

Sakura pauses and blinks. "Yes?"

Sasuke mumbles something under his breath and Naruto nudges him. "Oka-sama wants to hold a team dinner." He says. "Will you be available tonight?"

Sakura narrows her eyes just a little.

These days, the Hyuuga and the Uchiha are known more for their rivalry than their dojutsu.

Sasuke seems to catch her though. "Otou-sama will be unable to join us." He says. "Oka-sama does not particularly mind."

Naruto jumps in to try and help convince her. "I'm going too, and so's Kaa-chan and Tou-chan." He grins. "You should join us."

Sakura fills something fill her heart and quickly pushes it away. "Is parent watch necessary?" She asks.

Sasuke seems to sense something and for that, Sakura applauds him. Then again, they have never seen her parents nor has he ever brought them up. Apart from when they are busy, she is always seen with Neji.

Sasuke shakes his head. "Of course not." He says, but Sakura can sense something underneath his tone.

If this is a formal dinner, she should be accompanied. Still, she nods. "Very well."

Sasuke relaxes a little. "Come over at seven. I'll meet you at the compound gates."

Sakura dips her head and the boys begin walking again, as though nothing had happened.

Once she is sure the boys are out of earshot, she lets out a soft sigh.

While a part of her is curious of how Hiashi would react if she asks the man to accompany her to a dinner at the Uchiha compound, she is not willing to risk anything when she has missions to accomplish, D-ranks or not.

She is sure Neji is available.

Her brother is not pleased when she brings up the dinner invitation the moment he steps through the door to their house but he gives in sooner or later.

She can tell that he is nervous about accompanying her when everyone else will surely have their parents there, but it is not like they have a choice.

Sasuke had been polite with the casualness of the invite but Sakura knows better than to mellow herself own with his words.

Even if what he says is true and the Uchiha patriarch is not present, the rest of the Uchiha clan will be judging her every steps.

This is not a team invite, but more of a political battle between two clans.

An hour before their meeting time, Sakura and Neji separate into their rooms to get changed. She dresses in a pure white kimono with cherry blossom pattern scattered across the surface. Neji enters her room to help her with the obi and like any true Hyuuga, they are dressed and ready to go with lots of time to spare.

Sakura slips a few weapons carefully into the folds of her clothes. Neji does the same before he passes her a jacket.

Hyuuga need weapons less than most shinobi, but a blade is always useful to have on.

The guards at the compound gates notice their attire and while they might not know the exact details, they can recognize it when one dresses to represent the clan.

Sakura knows that their pure white will stand out sharply against the Uchiha's chosen black.

"Hiashi-sama does not know?" Neji states, though it sounds more like a question.

Sakura nods. "He was busy." She says. This is partially true, though it was more of Sakura not wanting the Hyuuga head ot know that she is going to eat dinner at the Uchiha compound.

He had been upset enough with her placement on a team with a Uchiha on it.

That, and she is sure he wouldn't care either way.

Neji nods as though he had heard Sakura's mental reasoning and the two of them make their way over to the Uchiha compound.

Hanakotoba:

Sweet pea

Forbidden/Support/Gentle Memory

Darque: Okay, uh, I am so tired =.=

Raven: Why?

Darque: I'm actualy doing school work; can you believe it?

Raven: Uh...no.

Darque: Exactly.

Raven: I guess doing things you're not used to doing tires you out, huh?

Darque: Maybe. This sucks.

Raven: You always say that.

Darque: Because its the truth.

Raven: Well, good luck.

Darque; Meh, thanks. Imma need it.