TH: Words cannot express how much I want this semester to be over.
Going Sideways
Chapter Twenty-nine
Theme:: Creep
To Sakura's regret and anger, she missed Naruto's first birthday. She and Kakashi were out in Kusa, tromping through forests of bamboo and giant mushrooms. Apparently, during the Third Shinobi War, when it had become apparent that Iwa was going to lose, a number of Iwa ninja deserted, becoming missing-nin and going on the run in Kusa. Now, Konoha was receiving reports of these nukenin stirring up trouble in some of the smaller villages in the country, trying to foment dissidence between Konoha and Kusa, who'd become allies after the war. Since Kusa was still trying to regain their feet and rebuild, they requested assistance from their ally: Along with a team of Kusa Chuunin, Sakura and Kakashi were to hunt down the missing-nin and put an end to their mischief.
Missing Naruto's birthday put Sakura in a foul mood. Fully prepared to rip the nukenin to shreds with her teeth for pulling her away from Konoha at such a time, she skulked around the forest with her comrades and stewed silently in her anger whenever they made camp. Finally, while the Kusa Chuunin were burning that night's dinner, Kakashi took her aside and demanded to know why she was grumbling and growling at everything.
"These stupid nukenin creeping around like damned vermin are keeping us away from Naruto on his birthday!" she snapped. Kakashi's eyebrow lifted.
"That's what you're all worked up about? You barely know the kid."
Sakura snarled at him, flashing fangs. "I know that, if I had been just a little later in arriving in Konoha, he would have been an orphan. I know that one of the first things I saw when I woke up in this body was how much Minato loves his son. I know that, even if they only think of me as a curious acquaintance, I care a great deal about them!"
"I'm sure Sensei would be touched to know how much you care, but you're kidding yourself if you think you'd be able to be anywhere visible on Naruto's birthday. Have you forgotten what also happened that day?" Kakashi asked dryly. Sakura's ears went back and she hissed softly under her breath.
"No. I know. There's probably a matsuri celebrating the Kyuubi's defeat, and a memorial service to remember those who died in the attack. Nobody'll want to see a fox walking around the Village that day."
"So you should forget about it and concentrate on the job," Kakashi said.
"Yeah, yeah," she muttered. But her ears lowered despondently. It was Naruto's first birthday, and Minato was sure to have something special planned. It hurt that she was going to miss that.
Next to her, Kakashi sighed. "If we finish this mission early, we can stop by one of the villages and get Naruto a present. Most of the little villages around here make traditional toys out of the bamboo from the forests."
"Really?" Sakura perked up. "Thanks, Kakashi!"
"It's fine," he muttered, and Sakura thought he was discomfited by her obvious gratitude. "Just stop looking like a kicked puppy."
Being in a much happier place now that she wasn't going to completely miss celebrating Naruto's birthday, Sakura laughed at him.
