Chapter 53: Kunoichi Sleepover
"I'm sorry if this sounds callous, but what does this mean for me?" Temari asked, after hearing the whole story.
"In the long run, little," Tsunade informed her, "Your other tasks will be as we discussed. And once we have our new agent in the Akatsuki ranks, you will take over for Jiraiya as primary contact. Then you be able to relay any information to both the Kazekage and myself. You'll just have a little more free time until the infiltrator is in place."
The leader of the Hidden Leaf paused, and looked away.
"Are you thinking that you should have sent me this time?" the Sand Jonin's voice betrayed she had been considering the same.
"Maybe, a little," the Hokage conceded, "Orochimaru beat Jiraiya and Itachi fairly easily, but part of that was his distraction. If you had been there, you wouldn't have been weighed down by the emotional pressure, and you might have kept them focused."
"Or you might have been killed alongside Itachi," the medical Sannin sighed, "It's easy to second guess, but difficult to know what would have happened."
"If there is nothing else," Temari started again after a moment of reflection, "I have an appointment."
"Another date with our cynical genius?" Tsunade tried to take comfort in knowing that life went on, despite the latest tragedy.
"No, something else," the younger blonde answered evasively, "Good night, Lady Hokage."
The Sand 'hostage' bowed slightly, and then vanished from the room.
It had been six days since the Jonin Council had been informed of Sasuke's 'death' and Orochimaru's resurrection, and by now, most of the village knew. However, Itachi's role had only been revealed only to Team Kakashi, the clan leaders, and finally Temari; and they had been sworn to secrecy. Though she wished she could reveal the last Uchiha for the hero he had been, Tsunade understood the tactical advantage in keeping what they knew hidden. By the dawn of the third day, the irrepressible Naruto Uzumaki was back to his normal spirits, more or less. And the day after, Kakashi Hatake finally snuck out of Yugao Uzuki's apartment, also on the road to emotional recovery.
But Sakura Haruno seemed to be hit harder than her male teammates. Ino had visited her friend each day, and grew ever more concerned. She heard from Sakura's mother that Naruto had been over twice, Kakashi once, and one day Hinata, Tenten, and Moegi had popped in together. And none of them had been able to dislodge the young woman from her room. Sakura had even refused to see Naruto both times he had dropped by. Ino had wracked her brains for a way to help break the pink-haired medic out of her funk, and finally had come up with a plan
When the shinobi mentalist entered her friend's room, Sakura was sitting on her bed, with her knees pulled up to her chest. Sakura's hair was unkempt, and her flannel nightgown had fallen off her left shoulder. Ino found the effect oddly enticing, and briefly considered another way to try to help Sakura's mood. But she dismissed the idea, even if Sakura might have been interested; she could not do that to Choji.
"Get up," she ordered. Sakura raised her eyes to meet Ino's with a look of exhausted confusion.
"What?"
"Get up," Yamanaka barked again, trying her best to imitate her new sensei, "We have to get you showered and dressed, now."
She grabbed Sakura's hand, and tugged her up. Even though Sakura had the superior strength, she did nothing to resist, and Ino dragged her to her feet. The blonde gently pushed the pink-haired girl into her bathroom.
"I trust I don't have to help you shower?" Ino said mockingly, and for the first time, a glimmer of emotion passed through Sakura's eyes, annoyance.
"Ino, what is all this about?" Haruno demanded through the closed door as she disrobed. The part time flower seller had moved to her friend's dresser, and was picking out clothing.
"Comfortable, but not too frumpy," she started to toss the bra and panty set onto the bed. Then she thought better of it, and set them on top of the dresser
"Oh, this is cute," she added a long sleeved shirt, and then a pair of jeans. Finally she took out a clean, springtime nightgown.
"Ino," Sakura said again, "Tell me what you are doing, or I'm going back to bed."
"You're coming over to my place," the mind jutsu expert finally answered, "We're having a slumber party."
"What?" the despondent medic opened the door and stuck her head out, and Inner Sakura groused, 'What are we, ten?'
"You need to get out of this room, and you really need to have some girl time," Ino lectured, "We'll do each other's hair and make-up, gossip, watch some sappy romance or girl power flick, and binge on pop and junk food."
"No way. We're adults now. That's kid's stuff."
"Perfect, since you're acting like baby right now," the would be hostess countered, "Now get in that shower now, or I'll Mind Transfer in there and do it myself."
With a sigh of defeat, Sakura closed the door.
Although the target showed no further signs of resistance, Ino wrapped Sakura's arm tightly in hers, to make sure the downcast Chunin could not escape. After they crossed the village, Yamanaka prodded her former rival into her family's home. Her parents having been convinced to go out for the night, the house was empty.
"Mom just got a new TV," she indicated the sixty inch widescreen console in the living room, with an exaggerated sigh.
"Minako is such a technophile," Ino told her guest, "It's a good thing the shop is doing well. But I guess there are some advantages."
Sakura was starting to wonder if Ino dragged her over just to show off, but before she could voice the opinion, there was a loud knock at the door.
"I'll get it," Ino said in a sing-song voice, "Have seat."
Sakura dropped her overnight bag by the wall, and settled into one of the recliners.
'Why did I let her drag me over here?' Inner Sakura pondered in annoyance. The medical expert considered sneaking out the back. But she didn't want to hurt Ino's feelings.
"Besides, she'd probably just track me down, and march me back with her little mind control trick," Haruno grumbled out loud.
"What was that, Sakura-senpai?" a new voice asked from the doorway. Sakura looked up, and saw Moegi in the entrance to the entertainment room. Behind the younger Kunoichi she saw Sasame Fuma and Tenten. As they moved into the living room, Temari appeared from the curve in the hall. Lastly was Hinata, being pushed forward by Ino. All of the other girls were also in relaxed, civilian clothes, and each wore her hair loose, instead of the usual buns, braids, bunches, and pigtails.
"It looks like everyone arrived at the same time," Ino laughed, "It's a good thing we got back when we did."
"But Ino-senpai…" Moegi started with a confused expression. The hostess quickly darted over and pinched the thirteen-year old's cheek.
"Now, now Moegi," she said forcefully, "We're all girls getting together for some fun. No need to use honorifics tonight."
Tenten and Temari both nodded, and Moegi got the real message.
"So what does everyone want on pizza?" Ino continued quickly.
"So, Temari," Ino paused in the middle of the seventh braid she was weaving into Tenten's long hair. Freed from the normal odango she wore, the oldest of the Leaf Ninja present also had the longest hair. Yamanaka fixed a canny eye on the Sand Kunoichi, and her lips peeked in a mischievous grin.
"What's it like being with Shikamaru?" the younger blonde asked, "After Choji turned me down the second time, I briefly considered trying Shika out. You know, keeping it in the team. But I decided it would be too 'troublesome'. But now, I'm really curious about what I might have missed."
Tenten showed amazement at Ino's brazenness and Sasame looked away. Hinata and Moegi both blushed furiously, while Temari turned slightly red. But the Sand Jonin also smirked. She opened her mouth to speak.
"Ino, come on," Sakura protested, "There's a child here. Oh, and Moegi too."
She looked pointedly at Hinata as she said it. The Hyuga heiress did not miss the barb, her eyes narrowed angrily. Then she forced herself to remember what had happened, and why they were there.
"Spoilsport," Ino pouted, then grinned again, "Well, then can I at least ask what kind of kisser he is? Moegi's kissed Konohamaru before, right?"
The youngest shinobi turned a deeper shade of crimson, but did not deny the charge. Out of arguments, and more than a little curious, the medical expert waved her hand in acquiescence.
"Well," Temari tilted her head in consideration, accidentally pulling her locks out of Sasame's hands, "I guess the best way to describe him is 'technically skilled'. I mean, its fun and he definitely covers all the angles, but there is something missing. It's like he's always totally in control. He concentrates too much on the 'how', and not enough on the 'why'."
"Now, Choji's the exact opposite," Ino announced, "He's really passionate, and kinda messy. He tries really hard, but clearly he hasn't had a lot of practice."
Both blondes began staring at the other girls.
"Come on, you three," their host demanded of Hinata, Tenten, and Moegi.
"Yeah, dish," Sasame joined them; curious and believing she was safe.
"If Neji ever found out…" Tenten protested.
"No one is going to tell him," Ino shook her head.
"Fine," the slender brunette sighed, "I guess you could say Neji is like both Shikamaru and Choji. He starts very focused and controlled. But once he gets into it, he can be very energetic, and even a little… forceful."
She blushed at her memories, and Temari chuckled.
"Konohamaru and I haven't been going out that long," Moegi said quickly, to avoid any more pressuring, "So mostly it has been quick, short kisses. He's still anxious that we'll get caught be Ebisu-sensei or his mom."
"You just have to wear him down," Ino counseled, to Sakura and Hinata's shared dismay, "Keep at it until he figures out kissing you is better than caring who finds out."
Even as she finished advising the Genin, her head turned slightly to Hinata. The white-eyed woman stopped brushing Moegi's hair, and began to tap her fingers nervously.
"I don't have anything to compare to," Hinata began apologetically, "But I think Naruto is a great kisser."
"You have to give us more than that," Temari's voice made it hard to tell if she was asking or ordering.
"Well… Umm… his lips are rough," she continued quietly, closing her eyes to remember, "But not unpleasantly so. It would be weird if his lips were too soft, right? He is very tender, but somehow firm at the same time. And when we kiss, I feel tingles up and down my spine."
Sasame and Ino both looked envious, while Tenten grinned in satisfaction. Sakura, however, snorted and gestured dismissively.
"That's just the knucklehead's overflowing chakra reacting to your shared lightning affinity," she scoffed.
"So we really are connected when we kiss," Hinata said pointedly, opening one eye to glare at her teammate.
"What about you, Sasame?" Ino diverted everyone's attention again. The redhead's eyes went wide in surprise.
"Well, I'm not seeing anyone now," the newest Leaf Chunin said.
"But you must have gone on dates before you came here," Ino prodded, "Maybe a boyfriend or two?"
The thread user only shook her head, "I didn't have much time for dating. I had a few first kisses, but nothing spectacular."
"What?" Ino seemed shocked, and almost offended, "I can't believe it. You're almost as hot as I am, plus you've got that whole petite thing some guys go for."
"I have had my share of offers," Sasame admitted, "But… there was this one guy I was interested in, and next to him the others just didn't stack up."
"What's he like?" Tenten probed gently.
"Well, he is direct, and ill mannered," she answered carefully, "But he's also kind and generous. And he never gives up, once he has set his mind to something."
Sakura stared at Sasame, suspiciously.
"That sounds like the boss," Moegi stated without even a hint of accusation. But Sasame jumped in surprise at the declaration. She stepped out from behind Temari, and prostrated herself before Hinata.
"I'm sorry, Hinata," she said pleadingly, "I didn't know Naruto had someone, and I'm not going to try to break you two up, I promise."
Hinata was taken aback by Sasame's sudden and vehement apology.
"That's OK, Sasame," she extended her hand to the other woman, "I can certainly understand how you could feel that way about Naruto."
"So that's the real reason you came to the Hidden Leaf Village?" Sakura alleged, "To try to get together with Naruto?"
"No," Sasame denied, not upset by the inference, "I mean, it he is part of why I pledged myself to the Konohagakure, just like you are Sakura. But he wasn't even in my top three reasons."
"Why did you become a Leaf Ninja?" Temari asked firmly, then softened, adding, "If you don't mind me asking."
The Chunin shook her head, her loose orange hair fluttering around her.
"The first two reasons are linked," she explained herself, "When Shin Busata asked the Fuma Clan to join the reformed Hidden Sound Village, Hanzaki was happy to accept. But I just couldn't bring myself to trust the Sound, not after everything I went through. At the same time, I owed Naruto, Sakura, and Master Jiraiya for everything they did for me, Arashi, and the rest of the clan. And I didn't want to be alone. I told Hanzaki all of that and he agreed to let me come to the Leaf Village."
"The third reason, the one I didn't tell my clan," she continued, conspiratorially, "was because I wanted to study under Shizune-sensei."
"So you want to be a medical ninja?" Tenten asked, "Then why not aim for Lady Tsunade? She is the best, and hasn't been stingy about taking apprentices."
"While I'll be happy to learn any medical jutsu Shizune-sensei teaches me," Sasame shook her head in denial, "The reason I wanted to study with her is for her mastery of needles techniques and poisons. You see, the Fuma clan measures our skill by what we use to anchor our threads. We start with kunai, then move up to darts, and finally use needles. Though I am a needle-type thread user, I was trying to find a way to become stronger. And that was when I thought about other ninja techniques that use needles. And I thought if I could learn Shizune-sensei's needle and poison skills, I would have a broader base of skills, and I could find new ways to combine them with the Fuma thread techniques."
"Wanting to see Naruto and Sakura again were my fourth and fifth reasons," she finished.
"But if you want to be with the boss…" Moegi started, but Sasame interrupted her, shaking her head again.
"I still like Naruto, but he is just a crush," she offered, "And I would never want to be the woman who steals her friend's guy. Besides, there are plenty of other cute guys here, now that I know Naruto's off the market. Like Kiba… or maybe Genma…"
"No way," Ino and Moegi complained in unison, and the younger girl added, "He's too old!"
"I prefer to think of him as mature, and experienced…"
"I'm going to get another soda. Does anyone else want anything?" Sakura said oddly, and quickly exited the room before anyone could answer. As she left, Hinata also stood, and headed towards the bathroom, though not so intently.
"Are you sure this was a good idea?" Tenten leaned in closer to Ino and whispered. Moegi, Temari, and Sasame continued to debate the merits of older men.
"I mean, Sakura and Hinata haven't been getting along well lately," the weapons expert added, "And this doesn't appear to be helping matters."
"Right now, Sakura is my main concern," Ino answered, "If sniping at Hinata is the best way to get her back to normal, then so be it. I'll just have to apologize to Hinata later."
Tenten and Moegi let out appreciative sighs as the credits started to roll. And Temari surreptitiously dabbed the corner of her eyes with the short sleeve of her nightgown.
After the girls finished styling one another's hair, Moegi, Sasame, and Hinata submitted to having their faces made up. Of course, the other four had indulged in a little fun, and the trio had been forced to scrub their faces when they changed into their sleepwear. Once all seven were dressed for bed, they had spread out their sleeping bags across the living room floor. And then they had popped a romantic comedy into Minako's new DVD player; one heavy on the romance, light on the comedy.
"You know, I love Neji to death," Tenten said as Ino removed the disc, "But sometimes I wish he could be more sensitive, like that."
"I know," Temari smirked, "I practically have to club Shika over the head to get him to tell me what he's thinking or feeling."
"You can't expect romance from any guy under the age of twenty-two," Sasame advised.
"Maybe we should have invited Anko-sensei over," Moegi suggested, "Iruka-sensei seems to be pretty open and romantic."
"Yeah, but Iruka and Anko aren't a good example," Ino dismissed the idea, "I mean, we all know who wears the pants in that relationship. Figuratively speaking, of course."
They all giggled, even Sakura, picturing Iruka Umino in skirt.
"You could talk to Yugao-sensei…" Hinata started to recommend, but she trailed off when the others looked at her in confusion.
"I thought she was…" Hinata mumbled under the scrutiny, "Is... is it supposed to be a secret? Or did I just imagine it…"
She stopped speaking, looking worried.
"Spill, Hinata," Ino commanded, eager for some gossip.
"Yeah, tell us," Sasame wanted to know more about her teacher.
"Well, it's just… When we were on the bus, going to the Land of Waves, and Naruto asked Yugao about Kakashi, she got flushed and stuttered."
"You'd know all about that," Sakura added, sotto voce.
"And when Naruto, Hanabi and I went to speak to Kakashi to talk to him about training for the Chunin exams, there was a woman hiding from us in his apartment. I didn't see her face, but she was Yugao's height and build, and she had long, purple hair."
"And…" she finished, blushing, "I'm pretty sure she was naked."
"Oooo," Ino squealed, "Yugao and Kakashi."
"But I'm not sure," Hinata quickly interjected.
"No, it doesn't surprise me," Sasame added, "Since we haven't had a mission yet, Yugao-sensei has had us training together. And last week, after you guys got back, we 'just happened to run into' Kakashi-sensei. He secretly gave Yugao-sensei a note. I hoped it was a mission from the Hokage, but nothing ever came of it, and she never mentioned it."
"They did work together in the ANBU," Tenten considered.
"And they both lost lovers," Temari noted, tensing slightly as she said it. But the others did not ask her about how she knew about that, and she relaxed again.
As they digested the knowledge of the secretly trysting Jonin pair, Ino remembered something, and her sly grin returned.
"Hey, Hinata, you said 'You could talk to Yugao-Sensei.' not 'We could talk to Yugao-sensei.'," the blonde Chunin recalled for the others, going back to the original topic, "Does that mean you think Naruto is romantic enough?"
The Hyuga scion pulled her covers over her head, pretending to ignore them.
"It's probably just a case of low expectations," Temari teased.
"No," Hinata fiercely popped back out at the slight to her beloved, "Naruto is sweet, and kind, and expressive."
"That doesn't sound much like the boss," Moegi joined the act, wanting to hear what Hinata had to say about Konohamaru's hero.
"We're going to need more than just assertions," Tenten said more gently than the others. And Sasame propped her head up on her elbow to better listen. Realizing she was surrounded, the pale beauty surrendered.
"My bracelet," she held out her arm, the expensive ornament clinking melodically.
"Old news," Ino waved it off, "you weren't even dating then."
"But on my birthday he got me matching earrings, and a longer chain, so I can wear it as a necklace when I'm using Ginmaki," Hinata countered, "Plus a bouquet of Day Lilies and White Roses, and a signed first edition of The Kunoichi and the Priest. Not Yukihana's copy either, he found me another one."
By now all of the others were suitably impressed, and Sakura was starting to look annoyed. But Hinata didn't notice, she was on a roll.
"And the night before my birthday, he took me to the Golden Shoe," she continued breathily, "Which I know we do fairly often, but this time he paid them to close the dance floor an hour early, so we would have it all to ourselves. He requested all of my favorite songs, and for that hour it was just the two of us, dancing. And he baked me a cake. From scratch."
"Darn," Moegi sighed, "Why couldn't Konohamaru learn that from Naruto?"
"Enough about Naruto," Sakura suddenly hissed, sitting up in bed to glare at them, "He's just an oblivious idiot. The only reason he's so nice to Hinata is because she's threw herself at him, and he's lonely and horny."
Everyone looked at her with amazement and dismay, and Hinata looked genuinely hurt.
"I mean, what's so special about you," the pink-haired woman kept going, growling, "He never liked big breasts before. And it can't be those creepy eyes. Is it just pity? Pity for a second rate ninja with no personality or backbone? Or is it kinship for a fellow misfit? The orphan and the girl who was cast out of her family…"
"Sakura, shut your mouth," Tenten said tersely, "We know you're having a hard time, but you can't take it out on Hinata like that."
"I don't know why you'd want him anyway," Tsunade's apprentice ignored Gai's student, and continued her rant, "He's just a stupid, clumsy, loud-mouth braggart. And he has no loyalty; he'll just abandon you when it suits him. Just like he did to Sasuke, and just like he did to me."
"Is that was this is about?" Hinata finally spoke, but quietly, forcing them all to listen carefully to her words, "Because Naruto came to me, after Master Jiraiya told the three of you about Sasuke? He said you wouldn't want to see him, that you would hate him. I knew he was wrong, but he insisted. Because he promised twice to bring back Sasuke, and in the end, he failed. And even if you were only a little angry and disappointed, he was in no shape to comfort you. He said he would have only stacked his pain on top of your own. That's why he went to me instead."
"And I have to live with that," Hinata said more firmly, "Even though we are together now, even though he loves me, and I him, I have to live with the fact that you were his first. And no matter what changes, or how much time passes, in some ways, in certain circumstances, you will always come before me. But I try to accept that, because that compassion, that loyalty, that is part of why I love him."
"So say what you will about me, Sakura Haruno," Hinata finally raised her voice, if only a little, "But don't you ever question Naruto's loyalty to his friends, especially you!"
Sakura sat back, struck by Hinata's words. Naruto was trying to protect her, while expecting her to think the worst of him? That definitely sounded like him. And when he had come to visit her, she had summarily turned him away…
"Hinata, I…" Sakura started speak, but trailed off, not knowing what to say. But before she could apologize, resume her tirade, or reveal her mother's secret stir-fry recipe, Ino's pillow struck her full in the face. The mentalist shinobi then snatched Sasame's pillow, and threw it at Hinata. Both of her victims shared a look, and a nod. Then, as one, the estranged teammates swung the headrests, sandwiching their host's face. Temari did not pause, but grabbed her own 'weapon', and walloped Tenten, the only one in her reach.
Before long, the pillows, and even the couch cushions were flying with reckless abandon.
"Hinata," Ino said quietly, after the others had fallen asleep. Hinata rolled over to meet her friend's gaze.
"I'm sorry about earlier," the blonde girl told her, "I knew Sakura was going through a hard time, and I thought some verbal sparring with you might help. But I never expected her to be so cruel. And I want you to know that none of us feel the same."
"I know," Hinata whispered, tearing up a little, "That's why I didn't care what Sakura said about me. Besides, I've heard it all before…"
Then she paused, letting a tiny chuckle interrupt her sadness, "Except my chest. I've never heard anyone make fun of it before."
Then she turned somber again, "I have already accepted that Sakura does not consider me a friend anymore. But I can't let her talk about Naruto like that, especially when he's trying to do what he thinks is best for her."
"I don't think Sakura hates you," Ino took Hinata's hand, and squeezed it comfortingly, "She's just lonely and jealous."
On the other side of the pile of young women, Sakura Haruno subtly rolled away from them, and pulled her covers up a little higher.
