I have no rights to Naruto.
Enjoy.
O0o0
In the end they didn't even have a week - contacts, name dropping, revelations and fear getting them the information they needed.
Five days after Sakura had thrown them Chakra inhibitor bracelets, the group were in the ANBU training grounds wiping the sweat off their foreheads or from under their masks as they recovered from a strenuous bout of circuit training. Sakura stretched out her muscles inwardly relieved that she was back in top condition, healing and careful exercising during her pregnancy allowing to return to her previous condition. Her face darkened visibly as her hand pulled down her ANBU uniform over her stomach, there was still a slight bulge her hand hovering over it, a feeling of emptiness overtaking her.
Suddenly a swirl of wind threw leaves into the air and into their faces.
"We got the bastard." The low growl from Ibiki announced his arrival, the group stopping in their tracks to watch him prowl to his pink haired wife and gather her in his arms. Sakura clung to him her body trembling and her breaths coming out in short gasps, anticipation lacing her voice.
"Where?"
"Ko's contacts got him buying a black market passage from Lightning to Water." Ibiki said, his voice thrumming with need, his whole body screaming for him to go.
Closing her eyes Sakura opened them, renewed with determination and intent she met her husband's obsidian orbs and saw the same determination in them. "When?"
He smirked, his eyes narrowing as darkness laced his voice. "One hour."
She nodded in agreement, enough time to change clothes, pack, gather the needed weapons and come up with a quick plan. Team Kakashi and the ANBU had gathered around them and at Ibiki's gesture had swiftly gone to gather their own things; the designated meeting place of course the gates.
Ibiki's arms wrapping around Sakura transported them straight to their bedroom where they quickly stripped and using the wash specially created for ANBU to eliminate scents showered, Sakura saturating her short hair with it. Their teams had been given it a few days ago, it didn't matter that the bastard wasn't a fully trained shinobi but they would be travelling through other ninja countries – best not to announce their route. They worked in sync, Ibiki carefully gathering their weapons and dividing them between the packs, Sakura stowing medical kits in the pockets and mixable changes of clothes that would double for ANBU and civilian.
Checking the drawers Sakura stopped and pulled out the kunai necklace's that they had exchanged that night in Tea, the smaller onyx one was nestled against hers, the emerald within it shining brightly. Her fingers caressed the dulled blade, her decision quick. Her and Ibiki's marriage was no longer a secret, the marriage tattoos they both held told that - although not to whom, but with their declaration a few days ago and Ibiki's letter all secrecy was gone. Putting the chain around her neck she settled the kunai necklace's blade between her breasts, careful even though it was dulled the point was still sharp, the 'no personal effects' rule didn't mean much right now to her. Grabbing a form fitting black ANBU jacket she zipped it up all the way and then proceeded to strap on her black armour, mask in hand she turned and watched Ibiki put on the last items of his uniform.
She reached out to grab the strap of her bag when Ibiki's large gloved hand encircled her wrist, stopping she looked at him calmly, bringing her free hand to stroke his scarred cheek she raised up on her toes and kissed him. She sighed as he groaned and releasing her wrist threaded his hands through her hair, their kiss was sweet, hot but promising, pulling away Ibiki rested his bandana clad forehead against hers, his eyes serious.
"Are you ready?"
"He has to pay."
Ibiki nodded; biting his lip, she could nearly see the cogs in his head turning, the spark in his eye. "Don't let it . . . ." consume you/overtake you/ drive you insane. Let me take it/ let me protect you/ let me do it.
She smiled knowing what he wanted to say, the message similar to when he found out she was The Shadow of Konoha; he loved her, he would not stand in the way knowing how important her duty was, how important protecting those she loved was – but he feared for her at the same time, it was why he offered to do the dirty work, to take the brunt of it, was always by her side if she needed him.
"We're a team, we'll see how it plays." She said reassuring him but not backing down. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes, handing her pack to her, the spark growing as he smirked. "I really do like the idea of pulling his intestines out though."
Walking out the door of their home and to the gates to meet the others she responded. "Me too."
-x
-x
They had run through Lightning, pushing hard, the knowledge that the only and quickest way to get to Water was to take a ship from Lightning to Water, the ship would offer them at least three hours to rest and regain their Chakra, more than enough time for trained shinobi like themselves, and as Naruto so happily exclaimed he had enough ramen for everyone to regain their energy. As genin shinobi were told that only rest would help them regain their chakra giving the young teenagers a chance to rest and prevent strain or injury, as they grew up and depending on their ability they learned that food – carbohydrates and all energy rich foods worked just as well coupled with some rest.
So as the ship docked at the port city of Water, ten shinobi walked down the gangway refreshed and eager to get on with their mission. Ibiki's letter had been clear, he had no intention of hiding his hunt, but having Konoha ANBU suddenly infiltrate Water would not be a good idea. Team Kakashi had simply kept their usual gear as did Ibiki – exchanging the black cloak/robe for his favoured leather trench coat, Wren, Newt, Ox and Squirrel had removed their armour and masks, either adding a skirt, jacket or fishnet to their outfits. Sakura had removed her armour, added her medic skirt over the black pants she wore, and exchanged her black zip up jacket for a skin tight red top with loose sleeves – she wasn't too concerned about weapons, her pouch, pants and boots easily hiding an array.
Walking on to the dock they were stopped by a group of jounin questioning those seeking entry to the city. As usual with most assignments there was a slightly older more experienced shinobi placed with a younger teammate, Sakura easily spotted the other two patrolling up and down the dock, ready to catch any one who tried to run, a nod confirming everyone else had too. Naruto pasting on his I'm harmless smile as he greeted the shinobi, which they ignored recognising the group for what they were, Konoha shinobi – not that they had hid their hitai-ate, Ibiki was deadly serious when he said he wanted Maharani to know he was being hunted.
The older Water shinobi had straightened, the younger brown haired shinobi easing his hand back, ready to grab a kunai if needed. "What's your purpose Konoha?"
Naruot was stopped, actually shoved back as Ibiki strode to the front of the group to answer the question. "To hunt."
The dark skinned man scowled. "Hunter-nins are not allowed on Water soil, especially Leaf . . ."
"The Mizukage knows." Ibiki interrupted the man as stepped closer and looked down on him with a sneer.
The water shinobi laughed and shared a brief look of amusement with his team – mates who had circled the group. "What are your names Leaf nin . . . so I can double check with the Mizukage." He said in a condescending tone.
"You only need ours." Sakura said walking up to stand with Ibiki, ignoring the quirk of the man's lips as his eyes landed on her pink hair.
"Okay then pinkie" he drawled missing the collective wince form the group behind the pinkette. "What are your names?"
Sakura placed a dainty hand on his shoulder, effectively turning his protest into a groan as she squeezed tightly, Ibiki having fun propped his elbow on her shoulder and looked down on his face – that was lowering as the pain from Sakura's grip was driving him to his knees - with a sneer saying.
"Morino Sakura and Morino Ibiki."
It was beautiful how quickly the water shinobi's face paled and lost any interest in trying to stand, falling straight to his knees. There was a reason the name Morino Ibiki was feared throughout the Five Great Shinobi Nations and all others, Ibiki's chuckles elicited a whimper as he explained.
"I'm sure you know my wife as well, she was the Hokage's apprentice . . . "He trailed off as Sakura released her grip, the man falling over on his ass, his younger team mate pulling him to his feet. He too was pale, they didn't bother turning around to look at the other Water shinobi, but Ibiki knew what they were thinking, hell he had leaked the information himself over a year ago. The apprentice of the Hokage had a temper as bad as her Shishou, her strength was worse and she loved to play with poisons . . . forgetting to make the antidotes unfortunately. It had helped that the truth about her killing the Akatsuki puppet master had made its way around the gossip mill on its own. Ibiki smiled which seemed to scare them even more, which made him smile more – a vicious circle; Sakura smacked him on the shoulder which made them whimper, defeating her purpose as she said. "I am sure the Mizukage would not be happy to know we gave her shinobi's mental break downs."
Ibiki only smirked and raised an eyebrow in response.
"Morino-sama . . . Morino-sama." The arrival of a Water ANBU interrupted them as she greeted both of them gaining their attention.
"Mizukage-sama offers her greetings and agreement that our shinobi will not interfere knowingly . . . "
"Fine." His gruff, short answer stopped the ANBU. He didn't care and didn't want to hear any invitations or offers, they had work to do.
The ANBU nodded knowing the man's reputation and short patience, quickly adding on before she happily left as quickly as she came. "Aid is negotiable."
"Of course it fucking is." Ibiki growled to Sakura's chuckle as they walked past the shinobi who quickly scrambled got out of their way, shaking his head at their reaction Kakashi, trusty orange book in hand voiced lazily.
"Was that really necessary?"
"It was fun."
-x
-x
Booking into a hotel had been hassle free the Leaf shinobi going two to a room, quickly setting traps and securing their gear they met in Ibiki's and Sakura's room. They had barely sat down when Ibiki had started giving orders, his ANBU to scout the local shinobi bars, Team Kakashi to gather as much local gossip as they could while he and Sakura would find Ko's contacts and see what information they had.
Snapping closed his book, which had been deprived of its usual attention Kakashi interrupted Ibiki.
"We have our own contact in Water." He looked at Naruto pointedly who suddenly exclaimed. "Inari!"
"Exactly."
Seeing Ibiki waiting for a further explanation Sakura answered. "Before our chunin exams we were given a C rank mission that inactuallity was an A-class mission. We escorted the Bridge-maker to Water and protected him against a local business man's attempt to destroy him and the bridge - Momochi Zabuza and Haku were the shinobi he hired."
Ibiki nodded remembering the mission and the reports that had crossed the Hokage's desk, Iruka had been very upset when he had seen what had happened.
"The Bridge-maker is Inari's grandfather – loves a drink, his mother knew some first aid - so knows many people in the village, Inari would be around 18 or so now I guess." Kakashi said.
Ibiki agreed, pub gossip, mothers/women's gossip and young men talking and looking for work were bound to unknowingly know something. "Agreed, pay them a visit. I'll check out Ko's people myself."
Nods were exchanged and Sakura walking past Ibiki half hugged him before following her team out the door.
-x
Walking down the streets, they finally reached their destination after a good hour, Yamato and Sai deciding to travel around the area on look out while the original Team 7 knocked on the door of a house that hadn't changed in ten years.
"Can I help you?" the old man that answered the door had hardly changed a bit.
"Hello Tazuna- san." Naruto greeted, his manners showing unexpectantly, the missions atmosphere affecting him as well.
The bridge builder peered at him, looking him up and down, his eyes roaming over the team before settling back on Naruto, leaning against the doorway he smiled. "Not such a runt anymore are you Naruto."
Tazuna welcomed them all into his home, shaking hands with Kakashi and hugging Sakura. He stopped and looked at Sasuke. "Heard some stories about you."
Everyone stilled. It was the first time anyone had actually confronted Sasuke about his defection in a long time, a simple statement holding a lot of weight.
"Most likely true." Sasuke added.
"What brought you back?" Tazuna quizzed.
Sasuke gave no answer, his head hung low in thought before he raised it and his eyes rested one by one on his team. Tazuna nearly had him on the ground with his unexpected back clap that had even Kakashi wince at the force of it. "Good. Come on."
He brought them through the house giving a shout. "Tsunami, Inari, we have guests!"
As they entered the kitchen Tazuna's daughter came out to greet them, her face lighting up in a smile as she recognized the guests. Greeting them with hugs, she stopped when she reached Sakura. "Oh my have you grown Sakura." The gentle smile and comforting hug that Tsunami gave her caused tears to flow down her cheeks. Pulling back Tsunami was horrified at the young woman's tearful face and the pain screaming from her eyes. "Sakura?"
"I'm sorry . . . I don't . . . I'm sorry." Sakura dissolved into sobs, clutching the older woman whose motherly nature quickly surfaced and she enveloped the pink haired woman in a hug. "We're going to my room." She coaxed the sobbing woman to follow her, the door closing behind them as Tazuna asked. "What happened?"
Just as Kakashi was about to answer the door opened a young, strong, black haired man walked in.
"Grandfather I . . .Naruto?" Inari broke into smiles as he greeted the team, quickly answering their questions informing them that he was now a carpenter. Smiling he looked around and asked.
"Where's Sakura?"
Inari's question quietened them enough that the soft sobs could be heard coming from Tsunami's room.
"That's why we're here."Kakashi answered nodding his head in the direction of the soft sobs. Tazuna scratched his head understandingly."Let's head outside."
It didn't take long to get Inari and his grandfather up to speed about what had been happening in Konoha the last few years and just as they were explaining about the loss of Sakura's baby to the stricken family members, the door opened and a splotchy red faced Sakura walked out. With a weak smile and gulp she excused herself whispering that she was going for a walk, leaving her team, Inari and his grandfather behind her. Shaking his head Tazuna sympathized with the young woman and turned to her teammates. "Give us the rest of it."
Sakura walked until she reached the very reason for Team 7's first true mission. She leaned against the railing and watched the water flow past, the wind blew her short pink hair around her head, cooling her body as the seagulls above her cried. Closing her eyes she listened and tried to ignore the tears that fell from her eyes. She felt the shift around her and was comforted by the arms that wrapped around her.
"Hellcat?"
"I told Inari's mother everything." She leaned back against his chest, listening to his heart beat.
"Did it help?" His hand ran through pink strands and smoothed her hair.
"I think it did."
"Good."
"So this is The Great Naruto Bridge?" Ibiki looked up and down the bridge, the mission report from Kakashi going through his head. His hellcat nodded in confirmation and hugged his arms to her, happy to stay in silence for the moment.
They stood there watching the water pass under the bridge, Sakura's tears dried and she wiped the tear tracks from her eyes, content to stand and feel the wind and sun against her face. After several minutes she sighed.
"Anything?"
"Ko's contacts are on a trip for two days." Ibiki said just as a loud cry got their attention. Turning around they were greeted with the wildly waving form of Naruto running towards them.
"Wren and the others are back, they got something, and Inari had some very interesting news." Naruto smiled happily as he told them.
00o0o0o
x
Dia Duit,
Sorry for ending it there but I am really tired – sorry for any mistakes, the next chapter should be up in two days so it won't be too much of a wait.
Please review and let me know what you think.
Lots of love,
The Rose and the Dagger x xx
p.s. I wrote a funny little one-shot about Kisame and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it's on my profile if you want to check it out.